[Black Demon Sword]Hogni Ragnar, a Level 6 adventurer of the Freya Familia, and an extremely socially awkward man.
His pupils trembled as he nervously spouted cringeworthy lines, trying to mask his fear. Like Hedin, he'd been ordered to scout promising students from the school district and extend invitations. But for someone with such severe social anxiety that a magic spell was created just to treat it, this task was a disaster!
But to the black cat...
Oh? One of us!
She grew interested, though his half-hearted threats were clearly not worth her time. So she declared:
"A mere fallen elf calling himself a dark elf? No need for us to act, my apostle will handle this!"
"Go! Yotsuya Miko! Claim victory in our name!"
Yotsuya Miko blinked, pointing at herself: "Eh? Me?"
"Hmm." Both the black cat and Mamenosuke wore expectant expressions, as if waiting for a show.
Mame-no-suke: [Fodder like this isn't worth my time! Hurry up, Human #2!]
Miko shrank back, then shakily stepped forward, striking an extremely chuunibyou pose with crossed arms.
"Ha, ha ha... I..I am the wielder of the [Demon Eye]! Demons and monsters...reveal your true forms before me! Haa..ah...ah..."
The echo rang across the square.
Surrounding adventurers turned to stare, countless eyes fixed on Miko...
One second.
Two seconds.
Three seconds.
Silence.
The bustling square went completely quiet.
A bead of cold sweat rolled down Miko's forehead, her pupils trembling wildly.
Don't look at me, don't look at me, don't look at me!
Clenching her teeth, she used the same method she'd used against evil spirits if I treat these gazes as evil spirits, everything will be fine, right?
Miko froze in her five-fingered spread pose, unable to move.
Before long...
"Ah, don't look at me, don't look at me, don't look at me!" x2
"The stares are terrifying..." x2
I can't take it anymore, I just want to die...
Both Miko and Hogni blushed bright red, squatting down to cover their heads and tremble. One shouted aloud, the other from the depths of his heart.
The black cat loosened her grip, and Mamenosuke fell to the ground, meowing in displeasure as it tilted its head back. She'd never expected Miko to be evenly matched with this "weakling"...
But at least she'd intimidated him her training hadn't been for nothing.
Picking up Mamenosuke again, she activated her magic, spun around, and tossed her sideburns ignoring the stares around her as she declared proudly:
"Cool, cool, cool! You've all submitted to the Night Demon Queen's immense demonic aura, haven't you? Mortal I grant you permission to offer tribute!"
"My loyalty belongs only to the goddess…" Hogni managed a weak rebuttal while clutching his head.
Finally unable to bear the stares, he grabbed his arm and screamed: "Ughhhhh my right hand, my right hand..."
He was using this to hide his fear.
Just then, Blank and Dekomori arrived, carrying bags large and small.
Looking at Hogni's distinctive attire...
"Nani,an enemy of the Bureau!"
"No."
Sora narrowed his eyes. Unlike the chuunibyou students, twenty days of intensive training in the school district had taught him to recognize advanced adventurers' gear. The black sword at the man's waist was no ordinary weapon.
A smile crossed his lips: "Oh dear, looks like we need to adjust our plans. This guest doesn't seem well."
Shiro nodded: "I understand. It was the same for me in Akihabara."
Sora laughed awkwardly: "What an unbearable memory, Shiro."
"Yes, brother."
With no more spectacle to watch, surrounding adventurers went back to their business. Sora prepared to move out with the black cat and their uninvited guest when a petite figure carrying a huge bundle rushed out of the crowd.
"Um, that..."
She removed her hat, revealing dog-people ears: "Excuse me my name is Lilyluka. Do you need help?"
Sora blinked, his expression subtle. He remembered this girl just yesterday, Dekomori had been detained for saving her.
In his view, her deliberate display of her racial traits seemed rather contrived. Activating his magic, a crimson light flashed in his eyes...
Lilyluka Erd
- Born into the Soma Familia, as her parents were members. They died during an adventure while addicted to Soma Divine Wine. Too weak to be an adventurer, she became a supporter.
- Under the Soma Familia's harshinfluence, her personality grew twisted and degenerate. She often uses magic to steal and sell adventurers' equipment.
- Attempted to leave once but failed. Now determined to save enough money to break free completely.
After piecing together the information, Sora smirked.
Oh all the problem children have gathered here at once.
"Why did you choose us?" he asked with a smile, silently recalling: Thank you for saving me yesterday...
Lily took a breath and looked up at Dekomori: "I'm so sorry for intruding like this. And thank you so much for saving me yesterday."
Bingo!
Sora's smile grew more amused.
Dekomori dragged two small hammers over: "Narurudo Death it's you! [Magical Girl Lily] want to join our Death?"
Lily lowered her head, blushing and fidgeting:
"Lily's just a useless supporter. I can't think of how to repay you, so I'll do my best! Please hire me I'll work for free."
Sora knew full well that free things were often the most costly. He and Shiro had fine magical items, and Dekomori's warhammer was top-notch she even got free hammers from blacksmiths now and then, making her quite wealthy.
Dekomori would never turn down a volunteer. She patted her chest:
"Of course! The hero's party is gathering companions for death!"
Lily nodded happily, then glanced past Dekomori. Her eyes fixed on a figure in the corner, and her pupils trembled her mind went blank.
What? That's the Black Demon Sword! How can that be? Isn't he a Level 6 Freya Familia adventurer? Why's he with this group of newbies?
"You, are you newcomers to the Freya Familia?" she stammered.
"Freya? Who's that?" Dekomori asked blankly. "Is she like the [Saint Healer], a Bureau leader?"
"No, nothing." Cold sweat drenched Lily's body.
The Freya Familia! That's the Freya Familia!
She suppressed her hidden motives getting tangled up with those fanatics would end horribly...
Sora observed everything.
Everyone was ready to depart.
Just as the black cat was about to enter the dungeon, Hogni secretly followed, then stammered:
"Um.. Night Demon Queen, no, Master! Please teach me how to be more imposing!"