After following the fallen angel for a few minutes, Kazuya entered a reserved hall.
The strong smell of alcohol, loud laughter, and feminine voices echoed through the room.
An elderly man with long gray hair and a matching beard was seated. He wore a golden and white monocle over his left eye, without the chain, and was dressed in a short blue robe with golden lining at the top and bottom of the collar, on the sleeves, and down the front to the hem. The rest of the robe was white, paired with matching shoes. He also wore a golden and black hat, divided into five small sections, each colored either black or gold. The top, middle, and bottom sections were golden, while the black sections were above and below the middle one. The black section featured blue orbs at the cardinal points: north, east, west, south, and so on, with red dots between the blue orbs.
Although it was the first time he had seen him in person, Kazuya recognized him as Odin, the Chief God of the Norse.
The impression he got wasn't exactly the best…
The ancient deity was surrounded by several beautiful women, leaning back in a relaxed manner, holding a frothing mug of beer. Azazel, sitting nearby, also had a glass in hand, with his usual smile of someone who reveled in chaos, but it wasn't surprising that he, too, was surrounded by women…
Odin was the first to notice Kazuya.
"Ohhh! So this is the famous Ryougi Kazuya? Hahaha! Finally! Come, boy, sit with me! I need to see if you're as impressive as they say."
Kazuya looked at Odin, who seemed somewhat… drunk?
What kind of drink were these two having? Weren't deities supposed to have abnormal resistance and be incapable of getting drunk? Well, I guess that's why Azazel is friends with so many gods—he must have invented something to let them get drunk. Although, gods of wine like Dionysus are capable of that too… Anyway, shaking his head, he approached calmly and sat down.
"Took him long enough, but he's here. Don't worry, Odin, he won't run off just because you're… you," Azazel said with a slight smile as he drank and glanced at Odin.
"Bah, don't pretend you weren't curious too. This kid defeated someone even the underworld couldn't handle," Odin said, amused. He looked at the boy in question and said, "…It's a pleasure to meet you, Ryougi Kazuya…"
"Likewise…" Kazuya said calmly. "…From what I can see, your reputation for liking drinks and women wasn't an exaggeration."
Odin laughed loudly. "Hahaha! Of course it wasn't! A man without drink and without women isn't a real man!"
Azazel rolled his eyes and added, "And a man who says that nonstop ends up dead early… but Odin never dies, so there's your proof."
"You talk too much, Azazel. But… kid, I want to know something. Would you drink with me until one of us drops? That's the only way I'll know if I like you or not."
"I don't usually drink like that, but… I think I can make an exception today."
"Look at that, bold. I want to see this too."
"Hahaha! Then it's settled! Bring more barrels! This night doesn't end until one of us falls!"
Kazuya merely sighed lightly at Odin's enthusiasm, while Azazel settled further into his armchair, clearly excited to see how the contest would play out.
It didn't take long for the waiter to return, pushing a wooden cart loaded with barrels of mead. The metallic clink of mugs being placed on the table echoed through the muffled hall, while the sweet, strong smell of the drink filled the air. Odin rubbed his foam-soaked beard, laughing loudly, clearly thrilled.
"This mead isn't ordinary, kid. It was made for gods and true warriors. Even giants have fallen after a few mugs."
"Then let's see if it's really that strong."
"Hahaha! That's what I like! Courage before the first drop already shows who you are. Now, let's toast."
"Toast to what?"
"To life, to the battles that make us greater, and to the women who warm us on cold nights."
"…And to the choices we still have to make."
"Hahaha! Nice addition, kid. Now drink, and don't make me lose my patience."
The mugs clashed hard, splashing foam across the table, and the two drank their first gulp as if it were just the start of a long, silent war.
The mugs kept filling and emptying in an almost ritualistic rhythm. The hall, filled with the sweet smell of mead, was in a festive mood. With each gulp, Odin laughed louder, his voice booming like thunder, while his face gradually reddened. Time passed, but Kazuya remained still, serene, his mug always raised and emptied at the same calm pace.
The noise from the women around grew, cheering Odin as if he were a champion in an arena. Some leaned on his shoulders, others clapped between laughs. Odin, already unsteady, seemed to savor their devotion even more.
"You… hic… you're no ordinary human… hahaha! I'd have sent anyone else under the table after the fifth mug…"
Kazuya maintained his lazy calm.
"I've been through this before. Back in school, my classmates always insisted on these kinds of contests. Most of them fell in no time. Compared to that, this isn't so different."
He set his empty mug on the table with a dull thud. Meanwhile, Odin tried to aim for his mouth, but much of the mead was already dripping down his soaked beard. The god laughed, even louder, as if being so drunk was a victory in itself.
"Hahaha! So that's it! You're not just a warrior… you're a bottomless pit! Hahhh… this… this is fun…"
The women began to sing in chorus, swaying Odin's body, who was now practically sinking into his armchair, his eyes heavy, his breathing labored.
Kazuya watched in silence. His mind briefly wandered back to his school days, when he was challenged at bars or school parties and, invariably, was the last one standing. The difference was that back then, victory meant nothing more than jealous glances or drunken laughter. Now, he had outdrunk a god…
Nearby, Azazel propped his head on his hand, a tired smile on his face. His half-closed eyes betrayed that the drink had hit him too, though more subtly.
"I knew… hic… this would happen… you really are full of surprises, Kazuya…"
Kazuya crossed his arms, watching the Norse god sink further into drunkenness, while the women sang around him.
"When it comes to drinking, I'm the most honorable… On the other hand, Odin, dead drunk, surrounded by women. I don't think there could be a scene more… fitting for him."
Azazel chuckled softly, before taking his last sip and setting the mug on the table.
"Exactly. Too fitting."
Odin, still laughing quietly, gestured for the women to step back. One by one, they left, leaving the hall quieter, except for the sound of mead being poured and the faint clink of mugs. He leaned back, resting his elbows on the table, and began talking about Chaldea, its goals, and Kazuya's role as a leader…
The conversation flowed naturally, Odin alternating between moments of clarity and small slurs due to the drink, but the tone remained serious. Kazuya listened, weighing each point, as they outlined the contours of a possible formal alliance.
When the details were settled, they refilled their mugs and drank in silence, an Asgardian ritual that sealed the new partnership. Azazel, satisfied, stood up with one of the women, waving casually as he left, while Odin, staggering but smiling, also withdrew, leaving Kazuya alone.
He stood up, stretching his arms and yawning lightly, feeling his body relax after the tension of the night. With a sigh, he crossed the empty hall, pushed open the door of the Black Dog Bar, and stepped out into the cool street air.
In no hurry to return to Chaldea, he began walking lazily.
A few meters away, a small convenience store still had its light on, and a colorful sign announced, "Ice Cream – Open 24h." The neon reflected softly in the puddles on the sidewalk, creating small patches of color on the wet ground.
Kazuya approached, observing the display with a certain lazy curiosity.
"Good evening… you're still open, right?"
"Good evening! Of course, sir, we're open all night. Want to try a special flavor?" The girl pointed to the variety of ice cream tubs. Some were common flavors like vanilla and chocolate, but others stood out: green tea with mochi pieces, sakura with cherry jam, citrus yuzu.
Kazuya smiled faintly, grabbing a small spoon and choosing the green tea tub. He paid calmly, without haste, and left the store again, opening the lid.
The first cold, slightly bitter spoonful of green tea made the night feel even quieter and more peaceful.
He began walking through the narrow streets of the neighborhood, with no set destination, just absorbing the silence occasionally broken by a passing car or the distant sound of a train. The yellowish streetlights reflected off the power lines above, creating a soft web that seemed to follow his steps.
Kazuya felt, in a way, somewhat lost.
He was close to completing his goal of protecting humans from other supernatural beings. In fact, with Odin formally joining his alliance with other factions, following the future he had seen through his [Omniscience], it wouldn't be more than a few days before he'd have to deal with the rest of the Khaos Brigade. When that happened, the world would be at peace for a few months before being attacked by the Outer Gods already moving in the shadows…
Since he didn't want any surprises regarding this, he had created a proper plan for all events until then to ensure they'd benefit him.
Regarding that…
In a way, he felt like Shadow with his Shadow Garden, someone who had abandoned everything to become the Eminence in the Shadows. He saw himself reflected in that sacrifice: he, too, had left everything behind, taking on the role of a hero of humanity, even knowing that such a burden didn't belong to him and that, in truth, he didn't need to carry it. Still, he chose to do so. Deep down, it had always been his most intimate desire, an almost childish dream born from his life as a Master in Chaldea.
And now, he was about to fulfill that purpose… But what would come next?
For a moment, he considered the simple answer: he would do whatever he felt like, freely exploring different worlds. As for *how* to make that possible, he already had some ideas in mind…
He would set aside the burden of being a sort of Hero of Humanity and, for the first time, seek to live a life truly worth living. He would try delicious foods, travel to the most beautiful places, and make a list of wishes to fulfill. He would, at last… let go a little.
Thinking up to that point, a faint smile appeared on his lips…
Kazuya took the last spoonful of ice cream and let out a sigh. He tossed the empty tub into a nearby trash can and stood still for a few seconds, watching the blue reflection of the store's sign dance in the puddles. His eyes gleamed for a moment, his irises turning a deep blue. Soon after, his body was enveloped in glowing particles, like crystal fragments dissolving in the wind. In the silence of the deserted street, he vanished completely in a soft blue glow.
When he reappeared, he was no longer under Japan's night sky.
He was in his room within Chaldea's facilities. However, it wasn't the standard room Masters received.
The clinical, minimalist white had been replaced by a spacious, almost palatial area.
The walls had been expanded through magic, covered in dark wood panels with golden details that reflected the light of enchanted lamps. A large oriental rug lay on the polished stone floor, absorbing the echo of footsteps. In the center stood a monumental bed, as wide as the space allowed, with navy blue silk curtains embroidered with shimmering runes that provided the utmost comfort, enhancing softness, ensuring better sleep without nightmares, and many other benefits…
Kazuya removed his shoes and draped his coat over an ornate chair nearby. Then, he let himself fall lazily onto the bed, allowing the vastness of the sheets to envelop him like gentle waves. Through his mental connection, he informed his Servants that he had returned to Chaldea and that, after a bath, he would personally prepare dinner for everyone.
That was the plan, but two minutes later, someone entered his room. The door opened unceremoniously, revealing Medb, whom he had sensed long before she arrived.
The Queen of Connacht was so beautiful that images of her didn't do justice to her real beauty. Her pink hair, smooth as silk and with a soft glow reminiscent of the dawn, cascaded to her waist like a mesmerizing mantle. A tiara-like crown rested on her head. Her yellowish eyes sparkled with a cruel charm, contrasting with the mischievous smiles that both confused and captivated anyone who dared to look at her for more than a few seconds.
Her appearance was surprisingly youthful: short, slender, with subtle curves and medium-sized breasts, but possessing a magnetic presence capable of eclipsing any room she entered. Her flawless white skin gave the impression of being molded from porcelain. She wore a white dress that glided over her body like freshly fallen snow, conveying a deceptive, almost cruelly ironic purity. Delicate ruffles adorned the collar and shoulders, while the short skirt revealed her thighs. Her white gloves and stockings enhanced this image.
The cheeky glint in her lilac eyes contrasted with the evident pout on her lips.
Kazuya looked in her direction. "…"
"Master…" She dragged out the word, almost singing, but with a note of childish irritation. "You didn't take me out to have fun today like you promised…"
She closed the door behind her with a snap and walked to the bed.
"It's not fair, you know? I was ready since early… all pretty, waiting for you to call me to come along, but you took that prudish little girl…"
She placed her hands on her hips, tilting her head like a jealous wife who had waited too long. Without waiting for an immediate response, Medb climbed onto the bed on her knees, brazenly invading his space. She leaned in until her sweet perfume mingled with the room's faint scent.
"And now you come back, tired, lie here like nothing happened, and I'm supposed to just deal with it? No, darling. If you think you can just brush me aside, you're mistaken." She slid her fingers across his chest, her touch light but intentional, while her lips curved into a smug smile. "You know very well that I'm the queen… and a queen needs to be adored, pampered, desired all the time. I don't want excuses. I want compensation."
Medb leaned in even closer, her pink hair spilling over her shoulders, falling like a curtain around his face. Her gaze sparkled with that mix of desire and challenge.
"So… are you going to give me attention now, or will I have to throw a tantrum like a neglected wife?"
Kazuya raised an eyebrow at her performance, resting his head on the pillow as if he had all the time in the world. The lazy smile at the corner of his lips betrayed that he didn't take her "complaint" as seriously as she wanted.
"Compensation, huh?" he murmured, looking at her face. "You talk as if I committed some heinous crime. Aren't you exaggerating just a little… my spoiled queen?"
Medb pouted even more visibly, lightly tapping his chest with her fingertips, like a sulky child.
"Exaggerating? Hmph! You're lucky I'm in a good mood, Master. Anyone else would already be on their knees begging for my forgiveness."
He chuckled softly, closing his eyes for a moment, and responded with his characteristic ironic tone:
"On their knees, huh? Funny… I could swear it's you who's on my bed right now. Seems like the power dynamic shifted a bit, don't you think?"
Medb's lilac eyes gleamed, torn between irritation and amusement, as she leaned in further, her hair brushing against his face.
"You love teasing me… but in the end, you always give in."
"Maybe," he said, opening his eyes and looking at her closely. "Or maybe I just enjoy seeing how far my needy queen's tantrum will go. It's almost… therapeutic."
Medb huffed, but the faint blush on her cheeks showed he had hit the mark. She bit her lower lip, torn between maintaining her offended queen persona or giving in to his game.
"You really don't know when to stop, do you?"
Kazuya sighed theatrically, bringing his hand to his chin as if reflecting.
"Actually, I do. I just don't see a reason to stop when you're this cute."
For a second, Medb lost her composure, her face visibly flushing. Then, she raised her chin again, trying to regain her air of superiority.
"Hmph! Cute is the least I am. I'm irresistible."
"I won't argue with that," Kazuya replied in the same calm tone, sliding his hand through her hair. "But if you're so set on being compensated… you'll have to convince me you really deserve it."
The cheeky smile returned to Medb's face immediately, as if he had just ignited the "spark" she wanted…
____________________
(A/N: Guys, I want to hear your opinion!
Kazuya will soon be putting together a new wish list, and I'd like to know: what kind of item would you like to see included in it?
It could be something useful for battles, legendary treasures, relics from other worlds, or even unusual items that would match his personality and his summons.
Share your ideas in the comments! Who knows—maybe the wish you suggest will show up in the story in the near future?
Also, if you want to read up to 20 advanced chapters of the story and support the project, check out my Patreon:
My Patreon: patreon.com/Adam_Kadmon
📚 For $5.99, you get full access to ALL content, no holding back.
Thank you so much for your support, and see you in the next chapter!)