35 Vðlµmê 3, þår† 4: Èßßïñg - Odd Infatuation and First Kiss.
~10,012 words
RUDEUS GREYRAT
"Rudeus! It's the ocean!" Eris spoke the words in fluent Demon God Language, a proof of her daily practice in using it.
Ruijerd and I had been communicating as much as possible in the Demon God Language to help her learn, and our efforts seemed to have paid off.
Eris had made impressive progress in a short time, proving that immersion in a language-rich environment was the most effective way to learn.
Nonetheless, she confessed that reading and writing in the Demon God Language remained a challenge.
I nodded understandingly, acknowledging that language skills could take time to fully develop.
"Wait Eris, where are you going before we even decide on an inn!?"
Eris stopped in her tracks, and this was the third time we found ourselves in this situation.
Getting lost and facing minor skirmishes had taught us the importance of planning ahead.
"That's right! If we don't decide on the inn first, we'll get lost right?" Her cheerfulness returned as she gazed at the vast ocean.
It dawned on me that this was probably her first time seeing the ocean.
In the Fittoa region, there had been a river where she used to play with Sauros on holidays, but I never joined them due to my busy schedule.
"Can you swim?"
"Eh? You can swim in the harbor?"
"I want to swim!"
HEHEHEHE. Its time... for the BEACH EPISODE!!!!!
"No, it's probably better if you don't try to swim in this ocean." Ruijerd shattered my dreams by saying that.
"Eh?! Why?!"
"There's a lot of monsters." He replied, probably sensing some with his "third eye."
Ruijerd's response deflated her enthusiasm faster than a balloon losing air.
"We'll go without swimming this time. After we decide on the inn, we'll head for the Adventurers Guild."
"Yeah..."
Eris seemed a little down, and I tried to lighten the mood.
"But hey, who knows, maybe the Adventurers Guild has a 'Swim with Monsters' quest! We can fulfill your dream of swimming with sea creatures!" I teased, trying to make her smile.
"Eh, really? A quest like that exists?" Her eyes widened with excitement, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her gullibility.
"Nah, I made that up. But who knows, maybe we'll stumble upon some friendly sea monsters during our travels!"
THAT IS RIGHT!
An octopus' tentacles all over Eris' growing body.
UMAI!
Ruijerd shook his head with a small sigh, knowing well that my imagination was at play again.
As we continued on our journey, I couldn't resist one last quip.
IN the end we decided not to swim in the sea.
I hate my luck.
"Even if we can't swim, we can still play on the shore." Eris quipped with a sullen look.
"Shore?"
"The ocean has a sandy beach sort of thing. The sand pit continues on all the way along the beach."
"What's fun about that?"
Even if you ask me what.
"Ummm... you can get some water from the beach and pour on it?"
"Rudeus, you're making a strange face again."
"Uh?"
"Though it sounds interesting! Let's go later!" Eris said that happily and kicked off the ground, jumping back onto the lizard stead. It was a wonderful jumping ability. It was a jump purely with the power from her ankles. In terms of sound effects, it would be a "guon" feeling.
Even with her robe up, you could see the subtle jiggle in her growing rack. OOf.....
Eris's legs have been trained rather well.
I wonder how'd they feel on my shoul--
Though this matter is fine as it is.
I wonder if in the future she will end up looking like Ghyslaine with bulging muscles.
I'm a bit worried.
(*************)
For starters, we decided on an inn, left the lizards in a stable, and then started walking to the Adventurers Guild.
The meeting will be held before we sleep. Windport's Adventurers Guild.
There were a large number and variety of adventurers crowding around and making noise. It was a familiar scene, but it felt like there were quite a few human races. If we cross over into the Milis Continent, then it will probably increase even more. First off, let's go with our usual routine. I moved in front of the notice board.
"Are we not planning to quickly cross the ocean?" Ruijerd asked.
"I'm just taking a look. It seems like earning money in the Milis Continent would be better after all."
Earning money is easier in the Milis Continent.
That's because the currency is different.
The currency in the Milis Continent can be divided into six types: Royal Notes, General Notes, Gold Coins, Silver Coins, Large Copper Coins, and Copper Coins.
If we use the fact that one stone coin is equal to a single yen as the basis and look at it then:
Royal Notes - 50,000 ($500 USD)
General Notes - 10,000 ($100 USD)
Milis Gold Coins - 5,000 ($50 USD)
Milis Silver Coins - 1,000 Yen ($10 USD)
Milis Large Copper Coins - 100 Yen ($1 USD)
Milis Copper Coins - 10 Yen (10 Cents)
That sort of reasoning.
(**********)
Long story short, Eris got into a fight and smacked 3 adventurer's faces in. And also crushed the 3rd guy's family jewels. Then after a certain amount of damage has been done Ruijerd steps in to stop it.
"Stop."
"Why, did you stop me?!"
"The fight is already decided, let him go with this much."
This time as well, Ruijerd stops her by carrying her like a cat. The man ran away while holding a certain part of his body.
"Damn it, you're insane!" It's the usual spectacle. I can't really stop it. If I grab her from behind to stop it, I can't stop my hands from moving on their own. When I start moving, my hands will grab weird places, then it's my turn to be beaten half to death.
"A baldy and a red haired violent little girl?! Could it be you bastards are [Dead End]?"
The moment someone yelled that, the guild hall became quiet.
"[Dead End] you mean the Superd race?"
"Idiot! It's the party name. It's been rumored to be fake recently!"
"I've heard rumors that they're the real thing as well."
Oh?
"They're violent, but they really aren't bad guys at all?"
"Violent but good guys, isn't that contradictory?"
"No, it means they're not all violent?"
Murmurs started to spread around inside the guild. This is the first time we've been in this situation. It seems, we've become quite a bit famous. I wonder if it's fine if we don't sell Ruijerd's name in this town?
"Just a three-person party made it to A rank after all?"
"Ah, that is amazing, but regardless of whether it's a fake or the real thing, I can believe it if it's those two."
"[Mad Dog Eris] and [Watch Dog Ruijerd] right?"
Eris and Ruijerd have nicknames!
Nevertheless [Mad Dog] and [Watch Dog], huh?
I wonder why they're both dogs? I wonder what kind of dog I am? I guess I'll listen for a bit and see.
[Fight Dog] is unlikely.
It's most likely not something cool like that. I can't imagine it giving a brave feeling either. If I had to pick for myself, it would be [Butter Dog] but...
This past year I feel that I've been working as a sort of operations tower though. After all it should be some kind of intellectual name.
[Patient Dog] maybe?
"Then, that midget in the back would be [Kennel Master, The Owner, Ruijerd]!"
"I heard that the [The Owner] was the one with the worst personality among them."
"Yeah, everything I heard about him was bad."
And there it is... My name... name... hasn't been remembered.
No, certainly I often name myself as Ruijerd, though...
Every time something good happened on our travels I would say "We name ourselves Ruijerd of the Dead End, please take care of us." as such.
And then, whenever something bad happened I would announce with a loud laugh "I am Rudeus, guahahahaha" and such while laughing.
Since that's the case, why did they end up mixing them?
Hnnn.
Even though we've been quite active for this past year, I'm a bit shocked by the fact that only my name hasn't been remembered.
Well, I guess it doesn't matter.
It was selling my name with a bad meaning anyways, it's not too bad since it's not my real name.
Also, The Owner isn't too bad as well.
I'd certainly like to put a collar on Eris and lead her around.
"In any case, he's small."
"I'm certain he's small down there as well. He's a child after all!"
"Hey hey, if you say it's small, you'll incite the dog!"
"Gyahahahaha!"
Just as I realized it, they're laughing at something totally unrelated.
However, I'm sorry to disappoint you. Recently, I've been growing favorably. Oh, I can't. If I let them continue to laugh like this Eris will snap again. Just as I was thinking about that, she was sneaking looks in my direction with a red face. Oh, that seems cute.
"Eris, what's the matter?"
"No... nothing!"
If you're interested feel free to come peek at me while bathing tonight. What? I'll give Ruijerd detailed instructions to allow it to pass. Since that's the case how about we bathe together. If that becomes the case, I might just slip a little bit, something like with my hand, or my foot, or my body, or my tongue.
Putting jokes aside.
For the time being we should move to the checking station. Just like The Owner, I headed out of this place full of dignity.
"Eris-san! Ruijerd-san! Let's go!"
"Why do you sometimes get my name wrong..."
"Hmph!"
The surrounding stares were gathered on us as we left the Adventurers Guild.
(*************)
That night I had a vision. Hitogami said.
"Buy some food from a stall and then search alone in the back alleyways."
And. Since I have no other means, I'll give it a try.
"Is it a matter of having no other means?"
"No, well, buying food, and going into a back alleyway, I already understood it was that sort of event."
"You understand it?"
"It's that right, there will be some lost child that is hungry and wandering around, right? Then they will somehow or other get involved with a strange man, right?"
"That's exactly right, amazing!"
"Then, after I save that child, it will become the case that it's actually the grandchild of the shipbuilding guild head or something along those lines, right?"
"Fufufu, that is something to look forward to for to...mor...row."
"Wait, last time you said you do not know about my brother, Julian."
"Hm? I am not aware of anyone named Julian. I can't even see him. Even now."
"That is strange. Don't tell me, is he...."
"Possible. But that doesn't justify why I can't see him."
"He's special, I guess."
"That shouldn't be the case." He said and twirled the other side and with that, the dream ended.
JULIAN GREYRAT
I stood in the closed room.
Other than my time with Nanahoshi, this was how I always was, detached from the world around me, lost in the labyrinth of my own thoughts.
It was as if a veil of ice had surrounded me, shielding me from the warmth of other human connections.
I didn't want to go back to the way everything was, yet the loss of my family weighed heavily on me.
Opposite me stood Nanahoshi, her demeanor camouflaged by a veneer of coldness and aloofness.
Her eyes, often downcast, seemed to contain an ocean of unshed tears, and a well filled with piling despair ---- in a constant state of saudade.
As we delved into our teleportation experiment once more, I tried to ease the lingering tension. "They say patience is a virtue."
Nanahoshi grunted angrily, tossing her head sideways, her ponytail matching her vigorous gesture.
"I don't know about you but until now, my patience has already been tested more than enough to make me crazy," she remarked, scowling.
"You're already crazy. It can't get any worse than this." I replied as I sat on the floor beside her.
"Oh, let me reassure you. I can get even worse." She replied with a grin on her face.
I shuddered visibly. Surely, this is extent of her crankiness.... right!?
Nanahoshi's lips twitched ever so slightly, almost as if she were about to smile. However, her demeanor quickly reverted to its usual reserved state, leaving me with an intriguing sense of curiosity.
It was like glimpsing a shooting star—fleeting and beautiful, but hard to catch.
Appearance wise, she could be considered well above average. By Japanese standards, she was rather beautiful. In this world, while there were a lot more beautiful ones, she had her own touch.
My evaluation could be based on the reason that I actually was a Japanese myself in previous life, but that is my personal opinion in the end.
She was interesting.
In our quiet moments, I often found myself studying her.
There was a complexity to her that intrigued me.
She had layers beneath her surface, emotions swirling like hidden currents in the vast ocean. I couldn't help but wonder what thoughts and dreams lay beneath that exterior.
This much was sure that she was crumbling, internally.
Even that intrigued me.
What did despair feel like? Did I feel it when I was on the verge of dying and remembered my family?
I had no way to tell.
I noticed the subtle changes in her expressions, the way her eyes shimmered with emotion when she thought no one was looking, only to return to their guarded state in the blink of an eye.
That wasn't all.
There was something else that was interesting about her as well.
She wasn't aging.
Her nails are the same length the first day I met her.
Her hair is the same as well.
Every time her experiments neared some sort of development, she would squeal, and the next moment she'd cry and throw objects around when she realised it has failed.
"Don't worry. I don't bite, usually." Nanahoshi commented with a smile, not looking up as she continued tinkering with the magic circle as she imitated the first thing that I said to her after gaining consciousness.
"That's a let-down." I tried to joke but it seemed to make her grumpy again.
"I knew you too were like that. Pervert." She mumbled under her breath.
I should refrain from joking around.
As I got on my knees, I walked on them to the other side of the circle and started to fix a few bits she had omitted.
There were moments when I sensed Nanahoshi's gaze upon me. My eyes met hers briefly, but my attention was quickly drawn back to the task at hand. After all, she looked away as quickly as possible as well.
She was just looking whether I was doing my work correctly or not.
I talked to Orsted about the task we were currently doing.
He said that doing what we were currently doing would prove beneficial to Nanahoshi in future. If she could speed it up, it would be better. Hence, I was told to help her.
According to Orsted, [Summoning magic] is used to call forth powerful beings to carry out the summoners' bidding.
It has two types of summons:
(1) Fiends: A class of beast that have intellect.
(2) Spirits: An intelligent being called forth to reside in an artificial body, much akin to Mana Programming.
What we were about to do was classified as [Fiend Summoning]. Although, I was more interested in [Spirits Summoning], I should focus on task at hand.
After a while of sitting idly, we stood up.
We currently stood in the center of the room, surrounded by an intricate arrangement of mana implements, my expression calm and focused.
It was finally time we embark on a complex endeavor, setting up a teleportation circle to summon objects from Earth.
"Nanahoshi," I spoke out loud as she turned her head in my direction, "if you want to achieve successful teleportation, we must ensure precise alignment of the mana flow within the circle," I began, my words measured, not letting too much information slip out of me.
Honestly, there was a very high chance that it will fail. I know about the flaws, but I have no idea how to correct them.
Maybe it is the lack of aptitude towards this field, just like how Rudy was with [Healing Magic], I did not have a talent for it. I could not begin to understand it. Still, Nanahoshi insisted that every little ounce of help would be necessary.
Nanahoshi nodded, her brown eyes attentive and inquisitive. "Yeah, I know. I heard you the first time to do that, we'll need to accurately calculate the Earth's spatial coordinates and consider its rotational position in relation to the celestial bodies." She replied in a tired tone.
"Yes," I replied, impressed by her grasp of the theoretical aspects. "We can then use this information to align the mana flow along the correct vector, creating the necessary dimensional convergence for teleportation to occur."
"Are you sure you can manage a [Convergence], of that scale?" She asked, partly worried.
"We'll never know until we try." I replied as a matter-of-factly.
She furrowed her brow, deep in thought. "But how do we maintain the stability of the mana flow? Any deviation could lead to disastrous consequences."
She was right. [The Metastasis] or more commonly known as [The Displacement Incident] was the prime example of this.
Although, to most, it is just a natural disaster.
"A valid concern," I continued, "We can establish a feedback mechanism using stabilizing runes to regulate the flow of mana. Additionally, we can employ resonance manipulators to dampen any fluctuations, ensuring the stability of the teleportation process."
The words that came out of my mouth felt alien to me. I was not certain. I had told Nanahoshi beforehand, but she seemed hell-bent on experimenting again and again.
Nanahoshi nodded, absorbing the information. "And what about establishing a seamless connection between the mana circle and the object we want to teleport from Earth?"
"That's crucial," I affirmed, "We need to establish a dimensional tether between the circle and the target object. By precisely attuning the vibrational frequencies of the object with the circle's resonance pattern, we can achieve a "hypothetically seamless" connection that allows teleportation without compromising the object's integrity. Although we need every last detail about the object."
"Hey Julian, what about potential energy fluctuations during the teleportation process?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
"Hmmmm, good point" I acknowledged, complimenting her attentiveness. "As the object is transferred across dimensions, there's a risk of energy dissipation. To counteract this, we can introduce conduits that redirect excess energy back into the mana circle, mitigating any potential damage."
"So, endless supply of energy?"
"It's not endless so to say. It is the same amount of energy without letting it get wasted. Although, it is quite hard."
"But you can do it, right? Even Orsted said that you barely expend any mana while fighting."
"For spells, yes. But if I used any of the three main weapons stemming from [Gravity Magic], my mana depletes in no time. Not to mention, I still haven't recovered 100% of my mana over these 2 years."
"Hm? You didn't? Why?"
"It's not like I don't. My body brims at 95%. I can't see to intake more than it. It almost seems lik it somehow decreased."
"Strange......" She murmured, her finger tapping against her other nail.
"Now, let's focus on the synchronization process," I diverted her attention back to the task at hand. "Make sure that the mana implements act in perfect harmony to establish the teleportation channel."
"Sure," she concurred.
"Using the entanglement principle, we can connect the mana implements at a quantum level, allowing instantaneous communication between them. This should probably result in precise alignment of the mana flow and promotes a successful teleportation. In theory of course." I emphasised on the last part.
"I know. I know. Even if it fails, I won't mind. We can do it again, together, right?" She asked as she turned her eyes to me.
I looked at her and then at the circle in silence.
It was going to fail. I am certain of it. Still, why am I giving her hope?
"Yeah. I'll try." I replied.
Well, I don't have anything else to do so I will just help her in the meantime.
"Julian, what about the "temporal synchronization" you mentioned?" she inquired; her gaze fixed on the stabilizer I was incorporating.
Adjusting the regulator, I spoke. "Well, just have to ensure that the teleportation occurs within the same time frame on both ends to prevent time dilation. That would need careful calibration of the temporal stabilizer, then it can achieve this synchronization, maintaining the object's temporal continuity throughout the process."
"You make it sound so easy." Nanahoshi said as she stood up and looked at me with a hopeful glint in her eyes.
"I am just blabbering what I was taught in ANHS. Honestly. I don't even know what I am talking about." I shrugged my shoulders.
"They teach you such complex things in ANHS?" She asked, totally forgetting about the experiment.
"Hm? Yeah. They do."
"Hoooh? So, you realy are smart. I thought little Julian was a dumbo." She snickered.
"I am older than you." I retorted with a sigh.
"You're almost 12 right now. And I am 17 right now. That makes me the older one."
"It doesn't work that way."
"It does."
"No, it doesn't."
"Then how does it work?" She asked and crossed her arms in defiance.
"Since you're taking physical appearances into account, your time seems to have stopped in this world. You haven't grown one bit in 2 years. Even your hair. Hence, you're 15 forever. As long as you're here." I stated.
"Ugh.... Arguing with you is a headache."
"I've been told that a lot." I lied. I didn't talk to anyone enough for them to say this. It was the first time I was holding such long, childish arguments with someone.
"Although, its impressive you noted my hair. I didn't take you for the creepy type."
"I just observed you since there was no one else to observe. Orsted isn't very pleasing to look at."
"I see." Orsted spoke from behind us.
Looking from the corner of my eye, I saw him standing with a frown over his face. It had already been 2 years. It was time, I left here.
"Wait a while. I will come outside in an hour." I told Orsted and he left.
"What was that about?"
"Don't worry about it."
"Hmmm. Ok, if you say so."
With the final adjustments made, the teleportation circle glowed with an otherworldly brilliance, its intricate runes and shimmering mana crystals pulsating in harmonious unity. The air seemed charged with anticipation, and I could feel the intensity of our endeavor.
"Now, Julian, it's time to enact the summoning ritual," she said, her voice steady with determination.
It was my cue.
The conduit that we talked about before.
It was me.
My magic technique [Convergence] and [Divergence], when combined with the circle's properties had the ability to brute force the time-space curve. Although, it might need a lot of mana.
If Rudy was able to perform all aspects of [Infinity] with his mana pool, it might've had a chance. But that wasn't the case here. I had a meagre pool of mana.
Like I said before, it won't work. But I put my will into it regardless. I reached out for my technique and suddenly felt like a hole was formed in the small pot of my mana, draining at a rapid rate.
Like sand in an hourglass, it trickled out, slowly, yet at a rapid rate.
My vision doubled as I channeled [Convergence] and [Divergence] into the circle while using [Neutral] to defend myself.
The teleportation circle came to life, and a shimmering portal connected the room to Earth, or so we thought.
For a brief moment, within it, the object we sought to summon materialised, flickering with iridescence as it traversed the boundaries of time and space.
For a moment, I was entranced, witnessing the culmination of 3 aspects of [Infinity] working in harmony.
But as quickly as the object appeared, it began to flicker and waver within the portal. A surge of energy disrupted the stability of the mana flow, causing the teleportation circle to falter.
"Julian.......something's not right," She said, concern seeping into her voice.
I focused my mana manipulation, attempting to stabilise the circle once more. But it was too late—the disruption had caused the portal to collapse, and the object vanished, leaving behind a heavy veil of disappointment.
I knew it. However, the feeling of failure felt good. It was humbling.
As the dust settled, Nanahoshi and I exchanged glances, a mix of frustration and determination in her eyes.
"We were close. Surely, we will get it next time."
"Mhmm." I replied and turned around.
"Where are you going?"
"To meet Orsted."
"You just used that technique. You can....uh, rest, you know. I can m-make tea as well."
"Hm? No. Thanks. I have to meet him."
As I was about to leave, she called out to me again, "Wait."
"What?"
"You're going to help me, right?"
"Hmm. Yeah. If I am around."
"What do you me--"
Leaving her there, I departed.
I will help her, but not when I am not even here. I laid the groundwork for her. She might be able to do the rest herself.
Maybe...
(***************)
As I stepped into the dimly lit room, I felt the palpable aura of tension hanging in the air.
Orsted, the current [Dragon God] and arguably the strongest individual in this planet was sitting on a couch, his expression marred by a deep frown.
Despite the thick layer of tension, I walked calmly and sat.
Orsted's steely gaze met mine as I took a seat across from him.
His falcon like piercing golden eyes seemed to search for something in me, perhaps a flicker of fear or hesitation. But I met his gaze with a rather casual look, confirming his still lingering doubts of me being scared of him.
He had a curse that made everyone be scared of him. Except people from earth.
In all honesty, I wanted to feel it. Fear stems from the prospective loss attached with material or emotional attachments. Without a deeper level of connection, one can't feel it. One also can't feel it for the departed.
Without a word, Nanahoshi placed cups of steaming tea before us. She exchanged a few nervous glances between us but we both stayed calm.
"Why are you doing this?" Orsted asked, genuinely intrigued.
"Huh? Oh, he was helping me, and you've introduced me to someone who had contracted with me as well. So, I was just doing it out of a little goodwill. Don't take any wrong ideas." She huffed in her usual way and left the room.
The silence between us was heavy, but I chose to let it linger.
As I took a sip of the fragrant tea, I savored the warmth that originated from my tongue and spread through my throat, a comforting contrast to the tension in the room that felt like a frigid knife against the skin.
I studied Orsted, observing the lines etched on his weathered face. Despite his imposing presence, there was a weariness in his eyes that betrayed the weight of his responsibilities.
"We meet again, Julian," Orsted finally spoke, his voice deep and gravelly, like the rumble of distant thunder. "How long has it been?"
"Hm. 5 months." I replied.
There was a brief pause as we continued to sip our tea, the sound of the clock ticking filling the silence. I sensed a reluctance in Orsted's demeanor, as if he was grappling with an internal conflict.
"I must admit, I'm not in the best of moods today," Orsted admitted, a rare moment of change in the way he talked.
"Hm? Why?" I replied calmly.
"You have a mission, Julian," Orsted spoke, ignoring my question, his tone regaining its authoritative edge. "I need you to go to the Strife Zone."
The Strife Zone, as the name suggested, was a region where many countries fought and was constantly in a state of "Strife", hence its name.
What do you want me to do there?" I inquired.
Orsted's response was cryptic yet loaded with significance. "You can do anything you see fit to make things better for the future."
His words hung in the air like a riddle, their meaning open to interpretation. But I understood the essence of his message. At least, I think I did.
"I will do whatever lies in my power." I replied.
He just nodded and then we sat in silence again.
As the teacups were emptied, signaling the conclusion of our meeting, I rose from my seat, ready to embark on the mission. Orsted's eyes followed me as I prepared to leave, still looking at me with scrutiny.
(*********)
"So, you're going, huh? Breaking promises already. I knew you'd be like this." Nanahoshi commented while leaning against the wall, her right heel touching the wall behind.
"I said I'd help if I am here. Besides, you know how to do it now. You don't need me." I replied. It wasn't wrong. Although, she'd need to work hard on replacing the [Convergence] and [Divergence], I am sure she'll figure something out.
"When will you return?" She asked, this time, her voice mellowing out.
"Not sure. I will be travelling a lot. So, no guesses---accurate or estimate."
"I see." She hung her head.
"There are a few ingredients still left in my room. Feel free to use them." I spoke up and felt her ears twitch.
"Really?"
"Hm, yeah. I won't be needing them."
"Are you sure?"
"Affirmative."
"Thanks." She replied and pursed her lips. Then she turned around and started to walk off. However, she stopped walking and came back to me, patting my arm, "Come back in one piece. The sight of a human donut isn't very appealing."
"I'll try to stay alive." I replied and she nodded. The corner of her lips curled into a brief smile as she patted me on my shoulder, tunred on her heel and hopped away. This time she disappeared after taking a turn around the corner.
"She seems to be getting infatuated with you. She isn't supposed to have any attachment to this world." Orsted suddenly appeared behind me.
"Its strictly platonic." I replied as a matter-of-factly.
"I'll take you on that. Come here, i will give you access to some teleportation circles. You'll be able to reach there in a few days."
"Where are you going?" I asked.
"Me and Nanahoshi need to be somewhere."
"Hm?"
"The lower jaw of the Red Wyrm Mountain." He spoke with a sinister grin.
It was creepy and was enough to send a shiver down my spine.
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Author's Note --- So, A little head's up. Up until this volume, there are no changes in Rudy's life. Although, it won't stay the same. Little by little, like butterfly effect, it would slowly change his life due to Julian being there.
The reason for mentioning it in the middle of the chapter is because since not much changed in this volume, I am skipping straight to the Paul Reunion. Rudy got the [Eye of Foresight], got imprisoned by beast folks, met Geese---the monkey face demon and now have reached the Holy Kingdom.
I am trying to write it in my own words, so.... yk, what. Also, in case some people forgot, the promise between Rudy and Eris never happened since Philip never persuaded his wife to throw his daughter in his bed.
Back to the chapter.
Ya'all better not skip a single line. I will find you and will steal all of your rice (for asians), all of your extra sugary sweets (for americans) and all of your tea (for the brits).
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RUDEUS POV
As I reunited with Paul Greyrat after a long absence, I couldn't help but notice the profound changes that had taken hold of him.
His once plump cheeks now bore a haunting gauntness, while heavy bags cast shadows beneath his tired eyes.
His disheveled hair and unkempt appearance suggested a period of neglect, and the faint scent of alcohol lingered on his breath, betraying inner turmoil.
His once charismatic and lively aura seemed diminished, leaving behind a hollow shell of his former self.
We met at the 『Dawn of the Door Inn』, a quaint establishment where Paul was temporarily staying.
Adjoining it was a slightly larger inn, and within its walls lay a circular wooden table adorned with ten seperate seats, one of which I occupied.
Facing me, Paul sat, an embodiment of weariness and melancholy.
Although daylight still bathed the surroundings --- early morning, the inn was filled to capacity, every seat occupied by Paul's loyal companions.
I couldn't overlook the piercing glares they cast my way, clearly wary of my presence.
It became evident that everyone gathered here was firmly aligned with Paul, and their alliance only served to heighten the tension in the room.
The people I had beaten up were already healed by a healer --- also Paul's acquaintance.
Amidst the gathering of Paul's companions, my attention was immediately drawn to a mama-mia, curvaceous figure seated behind him – a female warrior named Vera.
With her short, chestnut-colored hair gently curling outward and a pair of pouty lips, she exuded a charming allure that was hard to ignore --- both by me and my little warrior.
Her physique, however, was what truly stood out - generous curves adorned her frame, boasting large breasts, a slim waist, and a shapely derriere, all concealed modestly by the wonderous bikini armor.
Despite her youthful appearance in her late teens, her aura held a mature allure that seemed to resonate with Paul's preferences.
In this world where even the smallest wounds could be swiftly mended, it was not uncommon for warriors to favor lightweight armors like the bikini-style she donned.
After all, cumbersome chainmail would only impede their swift movements in battle, making such scant armor a pragmatic choice.
Nevertheless, her attire appeared surprisingly revealing for the norms even in a place like the Demon Continent.
Typically, warriors would don some form of protective layers on their vital joints, like shoulders and elbows, even if they opted for lighter outfits.
Yet, Vera seemed unabashedly comfortable in her revealing attire, a stark contrast to the more traditionally attired young women I had encountered thus far.
Not that I am complaining. Not even in the slightest, keke.
In this realm, Milis, renowned for its stable climate due to the presence of seven towers, perhaps the agreeable weather allowed Vera to feel at ease in her scant attire.
Lost in my inner monologues and musings of one day groping and feeling them in the palm of my hands while subtly observing her, our gazes unexpectedly locked.
And.........she winked at me.
Oh my~
I winked back.
"Rudy... Rudy," Paul's tired voice broke through the momentary connection between the female warrior, Vera, and me.
As his words reached my ears, our gaze broke, and I refocused my attention on him.
The sight before me was jarring.
Paul had transformed significantly since the last time we met – his once well-groomed appearance was now disheveled, his beard unkempt, and a strong aroma of alcohol surrounded him, evoking a peevish aura that diverged drastically from my cherished memories of him.
My mind struggled to comprehend the reason for his presence in Milishion, a place as distant from Asura as Africa was from Mongolia.
Was he here to find me? But how could he have known about my teleportation to the Magic Continent? Pondering these questions, I mustered the courage to inquire about his purpose for being here.
To my surprise, Paul seemed taken aback by my query, as if I should already be aware of the reason. He mentioned a message, something that left me utterly puzzled as I had no recollection of receiving any such communication.
What message?
As we continued our conversation, I couldn't help but share my experiences and journey thus far.
From my unexpected arrival in the Magic Continent to being saved by a Superd and becoming an adventurer.
I recounted the exhilarating events of the past year, including the time spent with Eris.
My recollections were filled with excitement, humor, and even a touch of dramatization, which I assumed would captivate Paul's interest.
With every word, my gestures grew more animated, and my enthusiasm spilled over as I narrated the thrilling encounters, battles, and quests I had embarked upon.
However, I carefully omitted any mention of the Hitogami, not wanting to burden Paul with that dark chapter of my life.
As my tale reached the point where I and my companions arrived at Wind Port, I noticed a subtle change in Paul's demeanor.
His expression grew sullen, his irritation evident as he impatiently tapped his finger on the table.
Sensing his disapproval, I hesitated but was on the verge of continuing my story, only to be cut off abruptly.
That's enough," Paul's irritated voice pierced through my words. "I understand quite well now that you've spent the last year gallivanting about."
His reaction bewildered me, leaving me questioning what had triggered such a response and whether I had inadvertently upset him with my enthusiastic account.
As Paul's words stung me with a hint of irritation, I felt compelled to defend myself. "I had quite a tough time as well, you know," I retorted, hoping he'd understand the challenges I faced during my journey.
"Just what was tough about it?" he shot back.
Surprised by his response, I let out a strange sound, struggling to find the right words. He seemed to doubt my sincerity, likely because I narrated my experiences with a touch of exaggeration, leaving out the true depths of my hardships.
"From your tone, I didn't feel like you had even an ounce of hardship," he remarked, and I couldn't help but feel guilty for the embellishments in my storytelling.
Unfazed by my discomfort, Paul proceeded to question my actions on the Magic Continent. "Why didn't you gather information about the other people who had been teleported while you were there?" he inquired.
Caught off guard, I remained silent, unable to find a suitable response. There was only one truth I could offer - I had forgotten.
The struggle for survival and adaptation had consumed my attention, leaving no room to consider the possibility of others being transported alongside us.
Paul's disapproval grew as he continued, pointing out my misplaced priorities.
He mentioned how I had helped a demon I hardly knew while seemingly neglecting any thought of seeking out fellow travelers. The accusation struck a chord, and I felt a pang of remorse for not extending the same care to others.
I couldn't deny his observations about my seemingly carefree adventurer life, especially with the protection of a formidable guard, Ruijerd.
The memory of the kidnapping incident in Milishion, where I donned panties as a makeshift disguise, now felt rather childish and foolish.
"Without searching for others, without writing a single letter, together with that cute, cute ojou-san like you were on a picnic, living as an adventurer. Not only that, you had a strong guard to escort you. And then, hah, when you first came to Milishion you saw a kidnapping, and put panties on your head and played hero?"
"This is what you were doing all this time? All this time and not caring for anyone? Not even when your own brother died?"
Paul's sudden outburst left me shattered, as if the ground had been pulled from beneath my feet.
Tears streamed down his face, audibly plopping onto the table before us, and his eyes bore an unsettling mix of sorrow and derision.
His words pierced my heart like a dagger, each one causing a jolt of pain.
A deafening ring echoed in my ears, drowning out everything else.
The world around me blurred as my vision turned hazy, and an overwhelming wave of disbelief crashed over me.
No.....
This couldn't be true.
It had to be a cruel joke.
Yeah, definitely.
I am dreaming.
Its a nightmare.....
Yes, just a nightmare from which I would soon awaken.
My mind struggled to grasp the reality of his words, unable to process the weight of his accusation.
Julian of all people, my own brother, was gone?
It seemed inconceivable.
My chest tightened, and I felt as if slimy slugs were writhing within my skull.
An indescribable mix of emotions consumed me - grief, denial, and regret all swirled together, overwhelming my senses.
This isn't the time to joke, Paul!
Paul's voice continued to reach my ears, but it seemed distant and muffled, as if I were submerged underwater.
I tried to respond, to find the right words, but my tongue felt heavy and unresponsive. My thoughts were a jumble of memories - Julian's stoic face, his guidance during our sparring sessions, and his unwavering support.
The realization that I might never hear his voice again sent shivers down my spine, and my body was covered in goosebumps.
Him? Of all people?
In that moment, the world spun around me, and I felt myself spiraling into a deep abyss of despair.
Everything seemed surreal, and I struggled to anchor myself to reality.
I wanted to deny the truth, to believe that Julian was still alive somewhere, but the weight of Paul's words and the raw grief in his eyes shattered any illusions.
My emotions overwhelmed me, and I found myself drowning in a sea of sorrow and guilt, unable to comprehend the enormity of the loss that had befallen me. The pain was too great, and I felt as though a part of me had been torn away forever.
"Was that Eris you mentioned, Phillip's daughter?" I heard Paul this time, my mind still a mess, like a hurricane had devastated everything.
"Eh? Ah, of course she is." I stammered. I couldn't take the thought of my mind. His face was dull, he always mocked me. He knocked me unconscious so many times. Then why?
Why does it hurt so much?
My heart was aching. It almost felt as if it would jump out of its confines.
Bile rose up to the back of my throat.
"I've never seen her, but she's definitely quite the cute ojou-san huh? Was not sending letters because you thought the number of guards around her would increase, and it'd get in the way of your flirting? Huh? She's definitely more important than your dead brother, RIGHT!?"
Overwhelmed by a surge of emotions, I could no longer bear the weight of my pent-up frustration.
Without hesitation, I swung my arm with force, striking Paul's face. His reflexes were dulled by the effects of alcohol, leaving him defenseless as he staggered back from the impact.
Seizing the moment, I positioned myself atop his chest, my fists now becoming the vessels for my grief.
"I didn't know!" Each punch carried the weight of my ignorance and helplessness.
"I didn't have any way to know!" The desperation in my voice echoed with every blow.
"I never knew or saw a message!" My relentless barrage spoke of the pain of my lost sibling.
"Do you know how many times I almost died!?" Each punch channeled my grief, an outpouring of my near-death encounters.
Paul's face bore the brunt of my unleashed turmoil, and a trickle of blood oozed from his nose. He did not retaliate, instead enduring my assault as I poured out my heartache in tears.
I cried endlessly as my fists seemed to have a will of their own, perpetually striking him.
This was not something I wanted to do, but my heart felt like it had been stabbed with a searing knife, and my anguish could not be contained.
Through his bloodied visage, Paul glared at me with a look of hatred.
FUCK!
Why? Why are you looking at me that way?
FUCK EVERYTHING!
"Stop itttttttt!" In that moment, something flew at me from the side, colliding with my body and causing me to stagger.
The impact had barely settled when Paul seized the opportunity to push me away, rising to his feet.
My body tensed, readying myself for an impending attack. But to my surprise, Paul remained motionless.
In the space between us stood a small figure - a single little girl with a nose strikingly similar to Paul's and golden hair reminiscent of Zenith and Julian's. It took only a glance for me to realize who she was - Norn, my....our younger sister.
She had grown quite a bit since we last met. Was she five now, or perhaps already six? Her arms were spread wide as she faced me with a mix of fear and other negative feelings.
"Don't bully father! I-I will tell big brother. H-He w-will come soon and beat you up...." her words came out of her throat were confident, yet shaky because she had just witnessed me beat up Paul.
The words puzzled me. I am her bi--
No.
Julian.
He had been there all along during the three years I spent in Roa. Perhaps Norn didn't know about me. Confusion washed over me as I looked around and noticed the gazes of others in the room - looks of disapproval and judgment aimed at me.
"...What's with this?" My heart sank as I felt a familiar chill run down my spine, reminiscent of a long-ago incident from my past. It was a time when I was bullied, and a misspoken word had earned me the critical gaze of everyone in the room.
A sudden realization hit me - I had misspoken again.
In that moment, I surrendered to defeat. My heart felt shattered, and I no longer had the energy to fight or explain myself. It didn't matter anymore.
I am going home.
I didn't see anything.
I don't know anything.
I'll head back to the inn and wait for Eris and Ruijerd. Then I'll depart immediately. Tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow. Even if it's not the capital, we can still make money, so who cares. There should be an adventurer's guild in Westport as well.
"Rudy. It wasn't just you that was teleported. Everyone in Buena village was wrapped up in the teleportation disaster too." Paul said something and I dimly heard it.
I don't care anymore.
I can't hear.
But does that change the fact that I lost my brother?
If I was vigilant and was around him by the time, would he have lived?
I've failed.
Ahh, that's right.
That's right, isn't it?
While I was being aroused by Eris' panties. While I was being aroused by the bodies of the young women at the adventurer's guild. While I was licking the thighs of the Demon Realm's Great Empress. While I was groping the bodies of the beast-eared girls...
Paul had been risking his life to find our family.
Of course, he's angry.
I failed as a son and as a brother. I am sorry, Julian, my dearest brother.
If I could.....I'd have taken your place.
(************)
3rd person.
For two long and agonizing days, Rudeus remained sequestered within the confines of his room, shrouded in the impenetrable darkness of grief.
The devastating news of Julian's untimely demise had cast a somber pall over his once effervescent spirit.
The burden of loss weighed heavily upon him, dragging him down into the depths of his despair.
Like a wounded creature seeking solitude, he retreated into the sanctuary of his room in the inn, shutting out the outside world and immersing himself in the suffocating embrace of sorrow.
Eris Greyrat --- his travel partner, his student and an integral part of Rudeus's life, couldn't bear to see him suffer so intensely.
The sight of his pain gnawed at her heart, compelling her to reach out to him, to provide solace during his darkest hours.
Summoning every ounce of courage, she resolved to breach the walls of his self-imposed exile, her resolve firm and unwavering.
With trepidation etched upon her chubby face, Eris walked into Rudeus's secluded sanctuary, her heart heavy with empathy and compassion.
As she approached him, a poignant tableau greeted her.
Hunched over on his bed, Rudeus appeared as a specter of his former self.
His eyes, once vibrant with life, were now red and swollen from the deluge of tears that had been shed.
The flickering embers of his soul seemed to have dimmed, the light that had once illuminated his being now veiled by the shadows of grief.
"Rudeus..." Eris's voice quivered with emotion as she spoke his name, her heart aching with the desire to offer him some semblance of comfort. However, for Rudeus' sake she put on a front. Crossing her arms and huffing loudly, she spoke. "I'm here for you, w-wh-whatever you need."
But Rudeus remained unresponsive, trapped in the clutches of his sorrow.
Eris felt a lump forming in her throat, her hands trembling. She couldn't relate but if Rudeus were to die, she knew she couldn't handle the pain.
She longed to reach out to him, to enfold him in her arms and shield him from the anguish that threatened to engulf him completely.
To become his shield. To be beside him. To be his sole solace. She was ready to take the brunt of everything that threatened to harm him, weaken him.
After all, she was in love with him.
In an attempt to infuse some light into the desolate room, she lit up a torch inside his room.
Sitting beside him, she tried to lighten his mood.
Eris shared stories from her recent goblin-slaying missions. Tales of daring heroics, narrow escapes, and even comical mishaps spilled forth from her lips in an earnest endeavor to coax a smile from his grief-stricken visage.
Yet, despite her earnest efforts, Rudeus remained enshrouded in an oppressive silence.
"Come on, Rudeus, you must've heard something funny," she implored, her voice tinged with desperation. "J-Just smile again already! Why are you like this!?" Her voice quivered as she bit her lip and continued looking at Rudeus who was looking at the ground with empty eyes.
The room, as well, offered only silence in response, broken only by the intermittent sound of Rudeus's stifled sobs.
Eris's heart constricted with a pang of helplessness, her longing to ease his pain almost unbearable.
She yearned to breach the walls of his grief, to reach the core of his heart.
But Eris was bad in these situations. She didn't know how to help him. At all. She couldn't offer words, or a sermon that would make him come back to his former joyous self.
But she was tenacious.
Undeterred by the silent void that enveloped them, Eris remained resolute in her dedication to him.
She forced fed him with sustenance and water, shoving the loaf of bread down his throat. She threw water at his face, trying to clean the dirt, sweat and trails of tears from his visage.
As day turned to night and night turned to day, Rudeus's sorrow seemed unyielding, anchored in the depths of his soul.
Eris found herself immersed in an emotional storm, her own heart echoing the cadence of his pain.
Despite the lack of response, she refused to leave his side, an unwavering pillar of support, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness.
At least her presence was enough to make him eat.
He still wasn't talking.
On the third night, as the pale moon cast a soft luminescence into the room, Eris couldn't bear his suffering no longer.
The ache to hold him close, to cradle him in her arms and offer a haven from his torment, grew insistent.
Hence, she dressed in a black suit, her shoulders and arms bare. It was medium length skirt, extending just above her knees.
"Rudeus!" She spoke in her usual loud tone as he looked up at her. His gaze went to her dress, looking down at her knees and bare feet that touched the ground. Her toes were pressing against the wooden floor, an indication of how tense she was.
He then looked up, at her chest.
She was growing well for her age and normally he would've admired it, but he stayed silent, even mentally. Although he got a response from his nether regions, he still stayed silent, his face impassive.
She took a slight step forward and sat beside him. After a while of silence, she got behind him and hugged him.
It was enough to break him.
"I'm so sorry, Eris," his voice was hoarse, cracking with raw emotion, after days of stifling his grief. "I don't know how to cope with this pain."
"You don't have to know," Eris whispered in response, her arms encircling him with a gentle strength. "I'm here for you, and I'll help you through this, every step of the way."
The words that came out of her mouth were a surprise to herself. But she continued. She couldn't see the one she loved to suffer like this anymore.
She entangled her arms and let her weight press against his back.
"Eris...." Rudues spoke, still looking at his intertwined fingers. "They're touching me."
"I know." She replied, as gently as possible. Her breath was warm, and her voice was like a sweet coo of a morning bird. It sent a shiver down his spine and his other places as well.
"I might do some bad things." He continued talking, taking no initiative.
"It's ok. I want to do it too." She replied again, surprising Rudy.
She craned her neck to the side of his neck, and he turned in her direction as well. Their face was just an inch away. Rudeus' nose touched with her's and he looked in her fiery crimson eyes. She returned his gaze, looking at him with a still gaze.
There was no hesitation in her eyes. Neither in her body language.
Rudeus' eyes were swollen.
Pulling her by the waist, he made her sit in his lap.
She was stil taller than him. Sitting in his lap, she seemed like a whole head taller, looking down at him.
The fabric seemed to slip from her smooth shoulders, glistening in the moonlight.
She cupped his cheeks into her palms and nodded firmly. Rudeus wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her in.
His breath was ragged. He could barely breath.
His heart was pounding.
Eris tilted her head and closed her eyes. Rudeus straightened his back and rose up, touching his lips with her's. It was soft..... and warm. Extremely tender.
He held her even tightly, scared this was a fleeting dream as well. Her chest pressed against Rudy's, but in contrast to his usual self, he didn't attempt to fondle them. He kept his arms around her, kissing her gently.
As they parted, a bridge of saliva formed that glistened under the moon rays and the torch's light.
Eris was huffing and Rudy seemed almost out of breath.
"Thank you, Eris." He said, smiling gently.
She smiled, a bright one. Without replying, she kissed him again. She pressed the back of his head with her hands, deepening the kiss further. Rudy's hands went back to her butt and clenched them both.
She moaned in his mouth and pushed her tongue inside. Rudeus tried to stop the foreign invasion, but he was physically inferior to her. Eris' tongue brushed his' away and licked the insides of his mouth, ravishing and reaching out to the farthest corners of his mouth.
Even though it seemed like one-sided assault full of domination from Eris' side, Rudeus being the born pervert he was, found joy in it, his previous worries melting away.
As they parted, Rudeus looked up to her. She seemed like a hungry animal, craving for more.
"Eris, I think we should take it slow....." He spoke. It surprised Eris and somewhat disappointed as well but she understood what he meant. Right now, it was a matter of his feelings.
Not what Eris desired.
"O-Of course. That is what I totally p-planned." She spoke and started getting off his lap.
However, he pulled her in and hugged her closely.
"W-What now!?"
"Please stay like this... just for a little while..." He spoke, his voice stammering.
She looked down at his face buried in her chest and huffed. "You better be grateful for this."
"I am... Eris."
They spent the night together, without indulging in the "too far" stuff, wrapped in each other's arms.
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