—Dum…
—Badum…
—Dum…
In the crimson-lit chamber hidden away in a void, a large blooded crystal pulsed steadily on top of a throne. Statues knelt, their armor cracked and broken, yet they hailed their lord.
Kneeling as its sleeping comrades, the Dark Armor gripped its blade with resentment—a red glow pierced through its armor from within, as it had failed to protect its eternal lord.
Not only did a filthy mage dare to bring the filth of a grail, but the mongrel machine dared to set foot here. Nevertheless, I have failed you, my liege.
—CRRrrrr…
As the cracks in the crystal grew larger, it shattered under the immense tension. Red shards scattered, piercing pillars, statues, floors, and walls. Each piece slid open a space itself—a red liquid began to pour out of the void, flowing to the throne, feeding the black flower that now bloomed. Its bladelike petals open up, revealing a magnificent scarlet inside.
At the core was a slim double-edged longsword. The blade was that of a dark, starry sky, where its edges were virtually impossible to perceive.
But then, something inkish seized the hilt, a smoky dark cloud in the shape of man—its eyes pulsed the same crimson as the mana as in the laylines feeding the ruin—its master, now reborn as a death spirit.
It stared The Dark Armor in the soul.
"For what reason have you released ME from MY imprisonment?" it chillingly spoke, its voice so thick it could be cut by a dull blade.
—I apologize, My Liege, it seemed like the mage who brought the wretch's grail…
But before Dark Armor explained the situation, a loud thud echoed throughout the chamber—Dark Armor's arm had been cleanly cut. A crimson line of torn space stretched from the Death Spirit's blade to the other end of the chamber, sending a very clear signal.
—I meant to say Lady Hycin's grail...
"Go on," the Death Spirit said. Each step echoed loudly as it walked down the stairs to form the throne.
—Understood… Her residual Authority seemed to have triggered My Liege's awakening…
"And where is that grail?"
Dark Armor paused—The Machina took it, it plainly replied.
Death Spirit clasped the Armor's head— "Tsk…" it clicked its tongue upon seeing the memory—Alester… he thought.
Without hesitating, the death spirit tore a void in the chamber and escaped outside—it was met with a vibrant, beautiful world, nothing resembling that of a once dark world where morphed, mirrored creatures roamed the miasmic lands.
"…"
Falling from the sky, the mist slowly faded, revealing a lean man with black hair reaching his hips, his now clear crimson eyes gazed at the surroundings as he fell—underneath him was a ruin—clearly a place of worship before its current sorry state.
But the feeling of peace didn't last long—the ground and everything in the surroundings began to pulse a blue light—a powerful barrier? He thought, then… the answer revealed itself as the heavens parted instantly and static electricity sparkled—Oh? When did you care about collateral damage? He wondered, looking at the vast lands beneath.
In that moment, Hilos spread his arms, his eyes widened as joy filled his chest—he couldn't help but smile, and couldn't stop laughing like a madman.
"Hahahahaha—HAHAHAHAH!"
In that moment, he was struck by a bright light—his soul scorched as immense suffering was inflicted upon his divine vessel. His head became much clearer as he was being disintegrated, and yet…
"Oh… right. I've still got something to do," he recalled calmly as he swung Cosmic Tear—cleaving the light's source, splitting it in half.
But as he did, another barrier covered the ground, pulsing a blue light again—this time, he sensed an attack not from above, but from north, south, east, and west.
"Tsk…"
Annoyed, he cleaved a void and returned to the lord's chamber. Dark Armor was speechless at the sight—his master didn't omit any deathly mana anymore and seemed to be clear in thought.
"Ignol, order your legion to gather as much information about the current era as possible—make sure not to sully the lands, UNDERSTOOD?"
Having not heard that name since his death, Ignol reattached his arm and lowered his head.
—As you wish, My Liege!
…
..
—Present day: Ilifelen calendar, year 5212, Enoh, 13th.
It was only this morning that Alum received Depth Cutter, and he has yet to try using it, yet he found himself at the guild with Rigeld. And it didn't take them long, as they were guided to the guildmaster's office. With a few knocks on the heavy wooden door, a gruff voice leaked from the other side of the door.
"You may enter."
Not hesitating, Rigeld entered, and Alum tagged along.
"It's been a while, Ateles," Rigeld casually said as he entered.
"Oh? You're here too, Sir Rigeld?" Ateles said, raising a curious eyebrow, then glanced toward Alum.
"What, don'tcha miss me?" Rigeld flashed him a smug smile.
Ateles couldn't find the right words of retort as he sighed inwardly. But as Alum closed the door behind him, Rigeld formally introduced the quiet youth.
"This is Alum Miller, my temporary secretary," he said as he casually wrapped his arm around Alum's shoulder.
Alum, deadpan, following the momentum, said, "Nice to meet you," as he politely greeted Ateles.
"Likewise. My name is Ateles Tohlen. Please, ho ahead, take a seat," Ateles said and gestured for them to take a seat.
"Aww, don't be so stiff, you can talk casually, y'know?"
"Hmm." Ateles pondered, but as he saw Alum affirm with a light nod, he dropped the formality. "Sigh… Fine, just take a seat."
Moments passed as the two old friends chattered about mundane stuff until Rigeld brought up the topic of a discovered ruin.
"Oh? That one discovered two weeks ago at the entrance of the Great Forest of Lidande? What about it?" Ateles queried.
"I was thinking… you're about to send out parties to explore, right?"
"That is the plan. The preparations aren't finished yet, but we did send scouts, but… they haven't reported back."
"Hm… that's concerning. Do you need my co-operation?"
"No, it's fine, just be on standby—we never know what's inside."
Rigeld shrugged. "I suppose," he said.
"Alright. Enough chitchat," Ateles said as he clasped his hands.
Finally, turning his attention toward Alum, and handed him a piece of paper.
"Since you're the saint's lover, I require you to disguise yourself."
"Got it," Alum nodded as he briefly glanced over the paper.
"And as for your disguise…"
"Oh? I've already prepared that. Al, what'cha say? You'd look good in silver-gray hair—matching her. Or… dress as a woman again?" Rigeld teased.
"…"
Alum ignored the last remark as he contemplated for a moment before glaring at Rigeld with half-lidded eyes, then heaved a sigh. And although Rigeld apologized for the prank this morning, it still seemed like he wasn't done messing around.
"I see. Understood."
"That's good. Anyhow, the party you'll tag along with is called Night Ouen, a C-ranked party with the party leader being Turen, a B-rank. And if Rigeld suggests you're as good as you are, this job won't pose any issues."
"Understood," Alum replied.
As he'd read, he was supposed to go hunting crystal drakes with them near a small city called Yuflan, east of Ilifel. And since it's not such a long journey, they'll have to travel by carriage. The estimated travel time was about a day and a half if they leave by morning.
"It's quite safe around the area overall, and the crystal drakes aren't difficult to hunt with a coordinated party," Rigeld remarked. He picked up his coffee cup and stared at it. "Of course, you'll still have to be careful—don't overdo it like you did in the stress test."
Alum looked up in mild surprise and averted his eyes; his ears were a tinge red, but Rigeld decided not to tease him.
"Sure, I wouldn't want Amethely to worry."
"In that case… I'll inform Turen's party that you'll take the job. Oh, and just a reminder, youngster," Ateles said while looking out the window—the lighting was dramatic as he clasped his hands behind his back, then looked over his shoulder. "Be sure to listen to them. Despite your skills, they are far more experienced, got it?"
"…"
For a moment there, Alum thought he'd say something cool or whatever the other young people his age called it, but he now understood why Ateles and Rigeld were such good friends…
"Affirmative."
"…" Ateles glanced at Rigeld.
"…" Rigeld shrugged and feigned a whistle, but no sound came out of his lips.
"Why's he so rigid, Rigeld? You trained him, right?" Ateles questioned.
"What? Rigid, can't you see how expressive he is? Look at that… "I don't really want to be here anymore, face." Just look!" Rigeld retorted, gesturing with his hands for Ateles to take a closer look at Alum.
"…" Alum expressionlessly tilted his head.
"Nope, I don't see what you're seeing. He looks confused to me."
"What…? Hey Alum, smile!"
"…"
"…"
"Pffts…" Rigeld tried not to cackle, his cheeks puffed as he tried to contain the laughter. "Okay, I said smile, not force your facial muscle to contract into whatever hideous frog face that is! Pffts—Oyy!What's with that face of disgust!?"
..
On the way back to the base, Rigeld and Alum casually walked the streets in disguise, eating some food on the way.
"So? Have you gotten used to the city?" Rigeld asked as he chewed a skewered squid.
"Yeah. It's different around here, but I've gotten somewhat used to it. It's quite fun just walking around, seeing familiar or new things each time," Alum replied, smiling a little as he snacked on the sweet meat skewer.
"'Fun,' huh?" Rigeld mused. "Either way, I hope you'll think of it as home someday," he added while chuckling.
"…" Alum looked surprised for a moment before stating… "It already is. My home is where the people I care about are."
"I mean… I knew you weren't attached to your home world, but… I doubt the others share your sentiment."
"That might be the case. But they're adjusting well to the culture. I pity them, of course, and from the archives and libraries out there, there isn't any information except that other people from our world or similar have been here and died here." With a solemn expression, Alum gazed at the sky. "Desperately looking for a way back is meaningless—but I can't fault anyone for trying."
"…"
Rigeld quietly walked beside him—he didn't want to add unnecessary comments. After all, how could a boy who valued nothing from his own world fully understand others who did?
"Oh, those squids. Are they good?"
"Yeah,"
"I see, they're good."
"…"
"…"
"Want one?" Rigeld chuckled as he unwrapped one and handed it to Alum.
"Thanks," the fed animal said and took a bite. "It's a little bitter. You really like this stuff?" he added.
"Oyy… your diet is just romance and sugar!"
"I eat normal food. Ame and Noel cook for me sometimes."
"You have a wife and a husband. O, how many would be envious of that!" Rigeld's grin widened.
"Mm… wife… that has a nice ring to it," Alum smiled somewhat bashfully, but then added, "Though, Noel is more of a Mother? Mother Three?" with a deadpan expression.
"Lucky bastard," Rigeld grinned and nudged Alum's arm, but then… "Wait, you call Noel Mother Three?" he asked, his eyes widening in astonishment as he almost dropped the skewer.
"Pfft… hahaha," Alum softly chucked. "Back then, he'd barge in and make food, clean or drag me outside," he added.
"…I see."
—So, you do have good memories… Rigeld thought as a genuine soft smile surfaced on his face.
…
..
In the evening, after finishing all the work for the day, Alum headed towards the dorm. It was getting dark, and the sun was slowly setting. The blades of grass danced in the breeze as leaves swayed and birds chirped.
In the courtyard, he saw some soldiers hanging out after a long day. Even though the base was quite massive and is considered an isolated city within Ilifel, the number of people living here didn't quite match the size.
But considering 80% of the militia is posted outside of Lesich's border, about 10% were in the Ilifelen HQ. The rest are board patrol, and every six months, 5% of the staff is exchanged with HQ's staff. During the exchange, they scan the lands for abnormalities on a large scale. Though the regular patrols are often conducted by adventurers who roam the lands regularly.
As he entered the dorms, he saw Amethely, Miu, Luna, and Chely, along with the other girls from the dorm, having a picnic in the garden. They all chatted and seemed to get along, though Luna was mostly quiet. But despite that, she seemed to enjoy her time.
Good for you, Alum thought as his eyes then darted towards Amethely, whom he locked eyes with.
She smiled and excused herself from the group, running adorably towards him. Alum melted into a warm smile and spread his arms, welcoming her with an embrace. Luna gave him a thumbs up while Chely looked like jelly from the tenderness—but that was to be expected of a doting sister.
Miu gently smiled as she waved, and the other girls waved too—at this point, everyone had gotten used to the sight, and there were no squeals from the girls this time around.
"Those two are cute and innocent like usual," Lova commented as she bit into a sandwich.
"I get a little embarrassed looking at them, hehe…" Miu followed, scratching her cheek with a silly, cute smile.
The other girls agreed while nodding. Though one said, "I'm kinda envious though," and many of the single ones shared the sentiment. They returned to having a good time, chatting as usual.
Back the the couple embracing one another, Amethely nuzzled in his chest, whiffing in a sniff or two, thinking he didn't notice.
"I'll be heading out. Have fun," Alum said.
As he released her, he instantly felt the warmth fade. Though he wished to linger a little longer, they couldn't exactly just stand there.
"Nnn… okay," Amethely smiled brightly as she then planted a kiss on his cheek.
—Chu…
"See you later, Al," she added as she giggled sweetly.
Alum returned the kiss, gently pressing his lips on her smooth, soft cheek—then another one beside her lips.
"…You tease," Amethely said, her cheeks slowly inflated as she narrowed her brows.
"Sorry, you're too cute—" he cut off his own words as he gently kissed her on the lips.
"!!?" Amethely's eyes widened, her cheeks still puffed as the air had nowhere to escape.
"You looked a little silly for a moment there," he chuckled.
"And who was the cause of that?" Amethely queried, clasping his shirt as she looked up at his face with a mock-annoyed expression.
"It was adorable. Therefore, worth the sight," Alum grinned.
"H-hmm…" Amethely averted her gaze as she sulked. "If you say so, then all's forgiven," she added, sheepishly smiling.
"…"
Meanwhile, Alum felt his chest tighten as he watched this adorable creature that is his girlfriend blush. He glanced towards the others, and as nobody paid attention to them, Alum placed a hand on her cheek, instantly feeling her warmth in his palm. Amethely, sensing his intention, placed her hand on top of his. She closed her eyes, waiting for their lips to meet—this time, it wasn't just a simple peck. Albeit a brief, intimate kiss, Amethely covered her face in embarrassment, peeking through her fingers.
"Al… you're a lewdie… but… it was…" she paused, getting redder as she spoke. "It was thrilling…" she confessed, steepling to barely cover her flushed face as her voice grew quieter.
—Crit… Crit… Crit…
"…"
Although not as expressive as Amethely, Alum's face was beet red as well.
"It… was—Ahem…" he cleared his throat. "I'll be going now."
"Nn," Amethely nodded. "See you," she said, giving him a tiny wave.
"Mm. See you," Alum responded with a smile.