The next day rolled by, Svetislav woke up more late than usual, but that wasn't bad - he was well rested. With ease he sat up and moved out of the comfy fortress, realizing that all his friends weren't there.
He shrugged it off and got ready for the day, before leaving the mansion and heading for town, he thought to himself, "it's time to start planning monopoly of charity."
And how would he do that? He would find a crop seller and make them his middleman. If they are a farmer of that certain crop, they would be forced to back away, because Svetislav was more than sure that his crop was better.
Then came the thoughts of world domination. He smiled to himself, knowing this was the proper way to say "I am selling everything for cheap and everyone works for me."
"It's only logical - I am the most abundant, with these little farms i produce far more than i need. So... Why not give back to people, by giving them the security they need... This entire kingdom will slowly get sucked into my abundance, making everyone my civilians."
He shook himself out of the trance as he went in town, people look at him, most with admiration, others with indifferent.
He walked in the guild, where he found his friends sitting at one of the tables and discussing something, Megumin was whining about something. Walking up to them, he said. "Morning guys! In what mood are we today."
Kazuma looked at him and gestured for him to get closer before saying. "We are planning to go on a dungeon raid."
"Cool. I'm free, if your next question is 'do you want to come with us.'" Svetislav said.
"I was kind of planning to ask you, cuz you can shine like a light bulb."
"Yep."
"Great then you will be our light, Darkness will be the one to go first, and me and Aqua are behind you two."
"What about me?!" Megumin said with a pleading voice.
"Didn't we already talk about it? You can't come in the dungeon. This is our best shot at making big money and i don't want anyone ruining it."
"Understandable. So, what's the dungeon like?"
"Mostly empty, but Luna told me that they found a secret door to an unexplored part. She said we can go in and explore it while it's still unannounced."
Svetislav nodded along. "Very nice. So... There be treasure?" He said the last part with the shittiest pirate accent.
"Yeah..." Kazuma gave him a weird look.
And so with that they set out to Keele's dungeon. The walk wasn't that long, but it was long enough for the sun to advance up in the sky quite a lot. The snow seemed more absent the further away they made it from town.
In the end they stood before a stone entrance - a long staircase awaited them there.
"When yall are ready." Svetislav said, sitting on the ground and pulling out a few chunks of straight metal. He assembled them quickly into a nail clipper, before converting a bit of the metal at the edges to make it sharp, after this he enchanted it with unbreaking and everlasting.
He pulled his foot out from his boot, then out of the sock and began to cut his nails, because the staircase was long and he didn't want to beat his nails in.
"Svet, we are ready." Kazuma said, waving with his hand for him to join the line. He then looked at Megumin. "No explosions."
Svetislav finished clipping his nails, transforming what's no longer part of him into information. He laughed to himself quietly, thinking: "I collect the most random stuff, but all of them have the potential to be more."
He already knew that he could not use Perfect Conversion on part of living beings, whose soul is infinite(everything with a will of it's own).
Socks on, boots on, he got up and went with them, feeling really unmotivated. He felt hungry, maybe that was the cause.
They began to slowly make their way down the long dark staircase, which was less dark, because Svetislav shined like a bulb. He realized it's not good for his friends to be looking at him, so he focused so the beam only shines forward, just like a flashlight. "Why do we need nearly the whole party for this? If there were something down there it must have already died. Like ain't this thing ancient?"
"Because there are always undead in dungeons. That's why you need me here." Aqua explained.
"Mhhm-" Crunch They stopped and looked at Svetislav who just bit into a biscuit that he just summoned. "What? I'm hungry. Scared of ants?"
"No, you are making unnecessary noise. What if something comes?"
"Praise be my ability to multitask." As he said that none of them heard him, because he made a barrier around himself that transformed the vibration in the air produced by his voice.
The biscuit was depressing, tasteless... "Maybe honey could fix it, if i had some...There is so much for me to do."
Svetislav continued eating despite that; he even pulled out a carrot from his astral storage, cleaned it with Create Water, the water not even touching the ground, before being transformed back into mana, in term infinite battery... He thought about it for a second - he could make an infinite water wheel.
As they continued making their way into the dungeon Kazuma took the lead, holding the map and guiding them onward.
They reached the secret door and Kazuma pushed a brick, which triggered it's mechanism, making it open. Another set of stairs was waiting for them. "Oh, the climb is going to be agonizing..." - Svetislav complained for what felt like the first time.
And so they walked down, Darkness in charge once more. After a little while of walking Kazuma stopped. "Wait, something is coming." He said quietly.
Darkness drew her blade, and Svetislav increased the intensity of the light he caused. The creature that was running up the stairs screeched as it got hit with this intense light.
Aqua looked over his shoulder and spot what it was. She got next to him and cast turn undead, killing it instantly. "All dealt with."
And so they continued, Aqua was actually the one in charge, purifying every undead she came across. This was easier than expected.
Svetislav decided to relax, staying with Darkness because it seemed that she struggled to see without him, unlike Aqua and Kazuma. He thought to himself, why does he eat this hardtack, when he could be eating real bread. Yeast was some mushroom, spores are everywhere...
His eyes widened at his own stupidity as he connected the dots, he could make his farm capable of making bread, feeding the yeast energy so the microorganisms can do their thing. He just solved this disgusting bread. The biscuits are now a lost media in his book, because he was going to make the mechanisms... Actually, why not just have the flour be split to the three conveyors?
Then they reached a new room, which they carefully looted, sadly there was nothing but dust.
Aqua spotted something in the corner though - a treasure chest. Kazuma immediately stopped her. "Hey, why would there be a random chest laying around." He then closed his eyes for a moment before adding: "My enemy detection is going off." He then crouched and grabbed a pebble of loose rock from the ground and threw it at the chest. The wall behind it turned into a bunch of sharp teeth before biting forward.
This seemed to take Svetislav out of his thought process. He didn't even want to look at Darkness, expecting her reaction. "We didn't find anything, let's keep going." He said.
They got to a particular hall, where they were met by many undead coming from both sides, Aqua had to go extra. Kazuma screamed like a lady, because he was caught without protection. "Lady Aqua!" She immediately turned and said: "Turn undead."
Darkness didn't get any action and looked a bit disappointment.
After a bit more of this there were no more enemies approaching.
Yet Aqua still investigated, "I could smell it, the reek of the undead still lingers." She sniffed out the walls, without being able to say where it's coming from. She leaned against the wall, just as it opened. No secret mechanism, just pure magic.
Within the room that was revealed, a low voice was heard. "Is one of you a priest by chance? My name is Keele. I built this dungeon and kidnapped a nobleman's daughter. I am an evil archwizard" Then he proceeded to tell his entire story. How the king was going to grant him a wish for his accomplishments, how he asked for his beloved's happiness, who has suffered under oppression, and how he grabbed her hand and ran off with her, they eloped and the king sent his armies on them.
"Protecting those you care about... This is manliness."
Svetislav found it easy to respect Keele, because he is a great example. Keele has given his humanity to protect his beloved.
"Those days on the run were glorious. Oh my, i completely forgot to introduce you." He gestured to the skeleton, which was laying on the bed. Aqua went to her, "She is not undead; she has passed away in peace."
"Anyway, i have a small request. Would you be so kind as to purify me?" Keele said, with a smile. "If i'm not mistaken, the young lady is a priest with the power to."
And so it was done, Keele was kneeling beside the bed, while Aqua drew the magic circle with chalk. The other three stood passively to the side.
Aqua got off her knees as she finished the magic circle. "Alright, everything is ready."
"Sorry for the trouble. I tried suicide, but apparently that's too surreal for the undead, so i hung just hung around waiting to decay till i sensed your holy power. Normally i don't like being jolted awake, but not today." Keele said, his voice was kind.
And so they got in position for the purification, Keele kneeling down, and Aqua before him with her hand reaching towards his forehead. "Archwizard Keele, you abandoned your humanity and became a lich. In the name of Aqua, goddess of water, your sin is forgiven. When you awaken you will meet Eris, another goddess, but without the naturally large breasts. If you don't mind the difference in age, or have a preference in gender, or for the form you might take - ask for her help and she will reincarnate you. Then you will be with your beloved again. Sacred turn undead."
Svetislav snorted, thinking: "Didn't think this world supports gay stuff."
Kazuma looked at him. "What?"
"This bitch gay." Svetislav pointed at Aqua with his thumb. Kazuma looked at him indifferently.
"What?"
Kazuma didn't said anything and just looked forward.
Keele was disappearing with a happy smile, one of relief.
And with that, they took the treasure Keele gave them and off they were towards the surface. Kazuma made a deduction that the undead attacked only Aqua, before walking away. "I still have you guys, right?" She asked, looking for reassurance in the face of Svetislav and Darkness.
"I mean, if you actually try to defend yourself."
"What does that mean?" She cried, not feeling safe at all. In that moment more undead and demons came from the far corner of the hallway.
Svetislav looked at the monsters for a second, before turning on his hills and running. "Stop whining and get moving, dumbass! Run as fast as you can."
"I will not yield." Darkness said drawing her blade and turning towards the enemies that were quickly closing in.
Svetislav was already running quickly with Kazuma. He was definitely faster than Kazuma, because Svetislav was taller, had more strength and also made the oxygen he breathes extra rich, so he doesn't breath like a fish out of water once they get out of there.
This one sprint was singlehandedly the most enjoyable part of his day today.
Kazuma and Svetislav were the first to leave, naturally.
"Where is Aqua and Darkness?!" Megumin asked.
"Running for their life." Svetislav said.
"WHAT?! YOU JUST LEFT THEM THERE?!"
"No, they were too slow."
Megumin had nothing to say to that.
"HEY ARE YOU GUYS ALIVE?"
Svetislav yelled into the dungeon entrance.
"Yes." Darkness' voice was heard echoing in the distance.
"Yeah, they are alright." Svetislav confirmed to Megumin.
And so after they came back to the surface, Aqua crying, Darkness disappointed. They left off to the guild.
The sun slowly sunk below the horizon as they made their way to town, where they took a shower, before going to the guild to eat dinner. Svetislav was bored, so he fidgeted with a coin, shifting it between his fingers.
Everyone got a drink tonight, even Megumin, who was drooling over the metal tankard that she was going to drink from, but before she could, Kazuma grabbed it, the same age excuse, and drank it all.
Svetislav, of course, treated himself to some wine, Aqua didn't even bother asking for a sip. What she did though was annoying, she got on the table and did party tricks.
Svetislav gave a sigh, "The food..." He murmured.
Kazuma then went to Luna with a drink and tried romancing her.
Svetislav flipped a coin to consider if he should leave. It landed on tails, which meant no.
In that moment he heard Dust yell: "Hey everyone! Drinks are on Kazuma tonight!"
Kazuma doubled down. "Drink up, cuz there's more where that came from."
"Kazuma, let's see your specialty." One adventure said, the other held a napkin out for Kazuma to use his steal.
"My what... Oh, i don't- HELL YEAH!" - he moved in the center and prepared, making that weird hand gesture, like beckoning.
"I feel molested by just being here." Svetislav snorted, looking at this weird show. He pitched his the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. "Why am i here..."
"STEAL!"
In that moment Chris walked. "Hey, i heard Kazuma is buying drinks for ev- Wha" A gust of wind hit her and she moved her hands to protect her face.
In that moment Svetislav flicked the coin right through the crowds and into Kazuma's hand.
People cheered nonetheless
Chris opened her eyes and saw what happened, she then looked at Svetislav, who waved at her.
"You did that?" She said, approaching him.
"Of course," Svetislav replied. "I wouldn't let anything bad befall my woman. Not on my watch."
Her cheeks flushed slightly. "...Your woman?" She asked, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Yes. You heard me. You might not know it yet, but i don't tolerate accidents when it comes to you."
She shook her head, trying to hide her smile. "You are rediculous."
"And effective." He added onto the praise with a confident smile.
Kazuma looked at him, as the adventurers cheered him, and carried him on their shoulders.
Suddenly a girl with red eyes and a hair with the same color as Megumin's came in. "Why, Megumin - It's some coincidence running into you here. Wanna have a drinking duel?"
Megumin began drooling reaching her little grabby hands towards the tankards that the girl placed.
"Here she goes, throwing all my lessons away..." Svetislav gave a sigh.
"Why? What have you been teaching her?" Chris asked, while sitting on his left.
"Responsibilities..."
Chris nodded her head, understanding what he is implying.
The night was quite loud, people cheered, drunk and all, throughout it all, Svetislav stayed near Chris as they talked. Darkness saw what was happening and rushed to stop Megumin, who was now on her third tankard. "Stop! What are you doing?"
Megumin was drunk...
"Svetislav, why didn't you stop her?"
"She needs to learn it the hard way. If you keep indulging you will eventually be disgusted by yourself. If she gets drunk and half-dead, she wouldn't want to drink anymore."
Darkness didn't approve this answer and just took the rest of the tankards, giving them to someone else.
"Nooo! Bring them back." Megumin called to her.
"I am a mentor, not a parent." Svetislav would say to himself.
Chris is two drinks in, not enough to be drunk, but enough to lower one's defenses, but with him, it was fine.
She leaned slightly against him, it brought him feeling of accomplishment, leaning onto one another is a sign of trust. He looked down at her, her expression slightly dazed.
"If you don't do that while sober... Does it even matter?"
"Do you want me to take the toxins out of you?" He asked her gently.
She blinked and looked up at him. "How?"
"Like this."
He reached for her forehead, his hand hovering for a moment as he activates his skill. An unseen current went through her, transforming toxins into information for his astral storage. in an instant, her dazed expression cleared, her cheeks retained a healthy flush, the effects of the alcohol vanished.
She blinked again, now fully aware and sober, she looked up at him with soft, grateful smile. "... Thank you."
She then proceeded to lean against him again.
Darkness returned, Megumin cried out to her. "No fair! I wasn't done!"
Megumin's friend gave a frustrated huff. "I-I couldn't even finish mine properly..."
Darkness frowned and placed a protective hand on Megumin's shoulder. "You need to understand limits. Svetislav was right - lessons must be learned the hard way sometimes."
Svetislav watched as he leaned slightly back, transforming the kinetic energy in the fats of his upper body to stay leaning back. Chris leaned a bit further, which brought him great comfort. "So this is what it feels like..." His heart warmed and a small invisible smile formed in his face.
"You didn't have to... but i feel... safe." She whispered softly.
"That's how it must be... You are mine - not as in property... As a responsibility... That is love, to take care of someone."
Chris' smile deepened, her eyes half-lidded in mixture of trust and subtle affection. "I know... I like that."
Megumin grumbled. "I hate learning the hard way..."
The girl tried to console her friend. "At least you didn't end up like her."
Chris looked at them. "Like me?"
"Yeah!" The friend pointed at Chris. "Leaning against him like that, being pampered."
Chris chuckled softly and rested closer against him, making sure he felt her conscious choice. "Maybe i like being pampered a little," she admitted, her voice low enough just for him to hear.
Darkness just gave him a weird glare, before turning around and walking to another group.
"Wanna go outside for some fresh air?" Svetislav asked.
"Sure." She said with her usual tone, but he could feel that she was aware.
They walked out of the guild, the snow crunching under their steps.
He asked curiously. "So... Why did you lean on me back there?"
"Why am i questioning her like this... Don't i trust her?"
"I don't know. I felt safe... It felt right to do..."
"Will we... Will it continue in the future?"
"I don't know... Maybe just for tonight... I am just... Not sure."
"Then can you promise me something?" He asked his tone hinted with vulnerabilities.
"Do it"
"Am i going to be your one and only?"
She blinked, her expression caught between surprise and something tender she wasn't used to showing. Her gaze drooped, tracing the worn cobblestone of the street.
"I... I can't promise that i was your first," she said quietly, voice barely above a whisper. "But... I can promise you this - you will be my only from now on. From tonight onward, it's you..."
Doubt melted as she spilled her heart into this confession. He could feel the gravity of her promise - fragile, yet sincere... Pure. It wasn't just the words; it was the trust, the willingness to share a piece of herself she usually keeps hidden.
He reached out gently, and brushed a strand of her hair out of her face. "That's enough." He said softly. "That's all i need."
She let a sigh of relief, leaning slightly against him, but this time i was more face to face. She rested her head against his chest and he put his arms around her.
The world felt distant as they made this connection, the sound of yelling inside the guild - distant.
"Even if the future is uncertain... As long as this is real, as long as she chooses me, it will be enough."