Chapter 13: The only path left
Entering a rich guy's mansion and waiting alone at his desk is quite uncomfortable when you think about it. I wonder if it's an intimidation tactic or something.
"Do I eat now or wait?" Rambles young Jonathan, looking at his plate which is still waiting to be served.
Jonathan looks at the hall that has been left by one of the guards. Father Noscrim hasn't measured expenses for his mansion, probably because greed shouldn't be a sin in the order's view, as long as it's for nobles. The room is decorated in an exaggerated manner, with pieces of art and statuettes of figures important to the family, the expensive wood that makes up this part of the mansion shines with the polish it has received, and the color is a pleasant natural brown, perfumed with expensive ingredients. A golden ring chandelier surrounding an angel statue hangs above the table.
Door opening
Jonathan turns to look at the host who finally introduces himself, and holds his ground so as not to let disgust creep into his face. The man in front of him could well be described as the Danzou of this world.
Regler Noscrim, or Father Noscrim to most of the town. A priest of the central religion of this world, and a nobleman with great political power within the city of Lescatie, who doesn't even hesitate to use his family to complete his agendas. A controlling elitist who would do anything for power, hiding behind the discourse of wanting to keep the city pure.
Being invited to lunch with him in one of his mansions was unexpected and made him panic a little. A man like that doesn't take rejections lightly, but accepting the invitation would also bring a whole host of problems.
In the end, the decision was made to entertain the corrupt man. Knowing about your enemies' plans, even before they are enemies, is the smart thing to do.
- Welcome, young Jonathan, I hope the food is to your liking - In a calm, pleasant voice he begins to sit down while raising his arm and pointing to the banquet in front of him. - The best chefs in Lescatie have prepared -
"Yeah, yeah, you're pretty rich and you're trying to curry favor with me" Bearing in mind a lot of anime with manipulative characters, a tactic like this is one of the most generic possible. - I was expecting it, eating alone in other people's houses is kind of rude - now that he has unspoken permission to eat, he fills his plate.
What surprises Jonathan is how quiet the whole lunch is, he thought the priest would start making speeches or giving arguments in order to manipulate him, but he's content to just eat his food, in a much more dignified way than Jonathan.
He's not afraid of being poisoned, it would be a very obvious trap and Jonathan has told other people that he's going to the Noscrim mansion. What's more, he has a way of dealing with poison whatever happens.
- That's quite an appetite you have. It reminds me a bit of my daughter, the year she became a hero her hunger became famous in this house, kuku - Seeing that Jonathan is paying attention, he continues - I've developed a good eye for this sort of thing by observing so many blessed by the goddess, her power is incredible, a human body needs continuous sustenance to bear such a burden. And I see that you also carry a heavy burden, right? - Looking inquisitively at the boy, I saw him widen his eyes.
- ?? - Not understanding what he was getting at, Jonathan was confused by the nobleman's remarks.
- Kuku, young Jonathan, I've heard a lot about you, about your battles and especially your powers. I must say, even in decades of helping the heroes of my beloved Lescatie, you're the most unique I've ever seen. What confuses me is that I don't sense any kind of blessing or divine energy in you.
- Oh! You're talking about this - Raising his little finger and taking a bite, he lets some blood escape, and creates a little toothpick figure dancing on the tip of it - I don't really know where this came from, but I'm sure I didn't have it when I was born - Picking up on a hidden meaning in the man's words, Jonathan seeks to dispel any notion that he isn't human or associated with the mamono (even if technically he is).
- You needn't fear anything young Jonathan, I believe that your powers are clearly the work of the goddess, even if indirectly, you appeared just when the city needed you most - He gets up and walks over to his window, it's a large pane giving a panoramic view of the city of Lescatie since his mansion is on an elevation, the city seems extremely alive looking at it this way, something that Regler feels proud to be the reason it remains that way. - I'd like to know something, my family has been protecting this city for generations, whether from invasions by enemy nations or monsters, always a Noscrim was on the front lines. For a long time, there has always been a member of the family who has received the blessing of the goddess. In my generation it was my eldest brother, may his soul be with the goddess, who died gloriously in battle. And in the next generation, my dear daughter Wilmarina took on this role, while I continue behind the scenes giving her my utmost support to become Lescatie's strongest and most fearless heroine. I unfortunately wasn't born with the physical aptitude or had the blessing of the goddess bestowed upon me, but as she chose my daughter to be her champion, she chose me to be her voice among the people of the city. - Looking at Jonathan as he stands in front of the window that shows the whole city, he begins a long speech.
- Young Jonathan, I believe that you are a gift that the goddess has given this city for my devotion to her. I believe -
Knock Knock
- Ah! Just in time - Hearing the expensive, well-made wooden door slam, the priest walked over to open it, apparently expecting the interruption. - From what I hear, you've already met. My dear daughter, Wilmarina - Moving his arm to show his invitation, he makes way for her to enter.
Unlike how she appeared to Jonathan the first time, she is now without her armor and sword. She adorns a beautiful blue dress emphasizing Lescatie's royal colors of blue and gold, while also showing part of her breasts. She doesn't seem to be comfortable in the outfit, but walking in a practiced manner she takes up position next to her father.
- "Good morning, father, Mr. Jonathan." Giving a greeting, she lifts the ends of her dress and puts her left foot forward, in classic maiden fashion.
"Hum, she doesn't seem at all willing to be here. I wonder what he wants by bringing her." Jonathan tries to understand why he would involve the heroine in this conversation.
Showing a more calculated smile, he stands in front of Wilmarina - Now for the reason I brought you here, young Jonathan. I want you to be part of the Noscrim family. I want you to marry and have a child with my Wilmarina." Speaking clearly and seriously, he makes a tempting proposal to the boy, or so he thinks.
- What? - Jonathan doesn't react and it takes him a while to understand why he would want something like that. Because he wants someone with no nobility to marry his family's golden daughter. Perhaps if he had a title, he would understand. But what does Jonathan have to add .... to the family... to them??!.
- I see you've come to the same conclusion as me, young Jonathan. Yes, attaching you to the Noscrim family will not only give you a title of nobility, we will receive a much greater gift - Seeing how the boy opens his eyes and looks at the two of them, Regler feels encouraged to continue - Your blood, your power, your mysterious ability. The noble blood of the Noscrim family, favored by the chief goddess, combined with the skills you have demonstrated, think of what kind of hero could be born from the union of the two of you! It wouldn't be arrogant at all to say that your child would become the greatest hero of all. She might even solve the war we have against the monsters! Doesn't that sound wonderful? It's as if the goddess herself had brought you to us. - Reaching the climax of his speech, he gives Jonathan his turn to respond.
- Huh, me. Huh? - Jonathan can't respond to this offer. A lot of emotions are running through his mind, and he's doing everything he can to keep most of them out of the open. Showing uncertainty and confusion is much better than showing the anger and indignation he's feeling. "And apparently, it's not just me," he thinks as he sees Wilmarina clenching her fists. Knowing about his feelings for Elt from the novels, it's easy to understand why he dislikes the idea of being used as a breeding mare.
But the person who is most outraged by all this, or at least thinks he is, is Father Noscrim himself. Even though he is the one who brought up the idea, giving his daughter to a dirty peasant is an affront to the nobility of the Noscrim. Even so, he's willing to sacrifice if it's for the goddess. Besides, he only needs his blood in the family, so he might be able to get him to breed with Wilmarina and let her marry a Lescatie noble, as is her duty.
- Of course, I don't expect such a decision to be made without due consideration. - Giving Jonathan an opportunity to be more inclined to consider his proposal.
He lets his daughter leave the room with a nod. Regler only asked her to be here to entice the boy with her feminine charm, in case he doesn't care about riches or titles. "It's not as if other heirs to the Lescatie nobility keep their desires hidden, most men her age have at least once contacted me asking for her hand in marriage, it was a good decision to postpone any arrangements until a better time, kuku"
- I hope you have a good day, young Jonathan - Giving the young man room to leave, he opens the door and gestures with his hand.
Seeing that this is his cue to leave, Jonathan leaves the room in a somewhat detached manner, understanding very well what the whole conversation was about.
After leaving the door, he walks with his thoughts still in the clouds. He knew that the nobility of Lescatie were elitist and corrupt. Any medieval society will have this kind of people who only think about power. But he didn't expect to be put in the middle of this mess like this.
Finally arriving at the gate of the mansion, reaching the limit of his control, his fist clenched in anger. Passing the guards at the gate, none of them notice the aggression emanating from Jonathan.
- Haaaa~~~~~ - Sighing now, this time free from the eyes of others, Jonathan stands still for about four seconds, just breathing.
- Crack!!!! -
A strong fist hits a wall with the force of a hammer, a small crater is made, small drops of blood stain the concrete that has been destroyed.
- Crazy bastard! Thinking he can use your daughter and me as cattle - Enraged by the inhuman way Regler Noscrim had treated him and even his own daughter, he couldn't hold back any longer. Perhaps he wouldn't be so angry if he didn't have the context of how manipulative he is and how Wilmarina is clearly not in favor of it, but he has no choice.
He underestimated how far these people from Lescatie can go with their schemes and plans. It's basically the opposite of what the royalty of his world used to do, only bonding with family blood to make them pure.
- Haaaa~~~ - Taking a deep breath to calm himself down, he realizes that he's taken longer than he thought at lunch, and needs to hurry back to training with the squadron.
Hurrying to avoid being beaten up by Merse, he fails to notice Regler Noscrim staring at him from his office window, a sinister smile on his face, knowing that the young man has reacted in a predictable manner. A more convincing argument should make him understand the seriousness of the matter.
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- So, how was dinner with the wealthy? - Clinton asks, expressing the interest that everyone has in one way or another to know what happened to Jonathan after the random and sudden invitation he received. Most assumed that Father Noscrim only wished to congratulate him on confronting the manticore before Wilmarina arrived.
Although the way Jonathan arrived back didn't show that the meeting was a good one, it would still be polite to ask him directly before speculating.
- It was.... Unprecedented? I don't know if that's the word I'm looking for - Seeing that his companions are worried about him, it's hard not to get the look on his face that he's come back, but still knowing that he shouldn't reveal too much. Both for his own safety and so as not to give Elt despair.
- Hmm, unheard of you say, I bet he offered a good reward for your service against the manticore. What did he give you, money, a title offer, women? - Mureau, being a bit jealous of Jonathan's foolishness, starts blinking at him for information. He hardly notices the slight tremor that passes through him. But he doesn't pay much attention. - Just because you're ahead for now, don't expect me to let you down, now I have to beat you to see that I'm the better hero - Maintaining his healthy rivalry, he shakes Jonathan a little with a one-armed hug.
- "You know, I'd totally give my seat to you if you want to go to these guys' mansion so badly." Jokingly, he rolls his eyes, seeing his colleague's envy. - I was just in the right place, it doesn't prove anything to me - It's likely that Mureau would put on the same performance against the manticore. But he just wasn't in the right place. If Jonathan were to be honest, perhaps Mureau would have had a better fight with that monster.
- Man, you guys are crazy wanting to fight these things. - Tyler said, looking and pointing at the two of them. As someone who's in the army just for the money, he wouldn't have the courage to risk his life against that creature - Elt, you're crazier than them, those two are superhumans, you're just a normal guy, how could you not shit yourself - Showing his disbelief, he points his finger like that meme with the bearded guy pointing at Elt.
- Hehe - Scratching the back of his head for now being the center of attention, he laughs a little - Someone had to do it, right, we're Lescatie's defense, hero or not -
"Heh, if anyone deserved the goddess's blessing, it would be you Elt... Come to think of it, why doesn't Elt get it, he seems like the ideal guy to be the protagonist in this world?" That's one thing that doesn't make sense in Jonathan's mind, the way she decides who gets to be a hero or not.
The conversation flies by the training ground that the squad uses. The heroine Merse just watches her soldiers train while they make jokes with each other. Everyone seems to be in good rhythm. The two who stand out the most are obviously Mureau and Jonathan but everyone is performing well.
"Great, they'll soon be ready to go into the field." She remained uncertain as to whether her team would be able to start their operations yet, but with the progress she's seeing, they're all ready for combat.
Rambling on about how they can start going up against real monsters, she sees a soldier from the city run up and enter the training ground with something that looks like a note.
- Miss Merse and your squad, I bring a message from the captain of the Lescatie guard - The training stops seeing that the announcement will be for everyone. The messenger catches his breath and holds out what Jonathan sees is a parchment, and reads - Heroine Merse's squadron, together with the other divisions of the Lescatie center, are to conduct a search of all the houses in Lescatie, for signs of activity or connections with monsters or enemy nations -
Upon receiving this order, they are stunned. Not only are all the squads being called in, but they are being given the freedom to search the entire city. Merse begins to wonder how anyone could approve of this, how they expect the citizens not to revolt at such a hasty operation.
Those from humbler backgrounds are very worried about this, knowing the chaos it could cause in the poorer parts of the city. The population is clearly not going to sit still when the officers invade their homes, no matter what the excuse.
Mureau, who came from a noble background, understands that there is no way that the upper class of Lescatie will accept this. Knowing their surroundings all too well, they will surely bribe the guards not to have their property raided and anything incriminating discovered.
- What do you mean? Who does the old man think he is to give an order like that - Merse questions the messenger, even the captain of the Lescatie guard can't mobilize the entire force of the city with an order like that.
- It was approved by the king of Lescatie, Miss Merse! - A little startled by Merse's tone, he responds by wrapping his arms around his body. - The search will begin at the stroke of midnight tonight, all squads are to be in their designated areas. That would be all, thank you for your attention." Finishing his message, he leaves a parchment with the positioning of the formations in Merse's hand.
A silence settles over the training ground. She opens the parchment and sees the royal signature with a seal, showing that it was an order accepted and authorized by the king of Lescatie.
- Aarrrff! All right everyone, you heard the man, get ready to meet here at the beginning of the night - Still irritated by the strategy uttered to them, she still has to carry out the order since it was sanctioned by the king. But the next time she sees that old man who calls himself her boss, she'll have a few words with him.
The rest of the staff, seeing that this is how it's going to be, start to get ready. Except Jonathan.
Jonathan is still standing there thinking about what he's heard and its implications. He's been out of his mind ever since the messenger talked about how they're going to search the whole of Lescatie for signs of monsters. That includes his home and Melanie, the kobold he brought to Lescatie. He doesn't want to imagine what might happen if they find his beloved, but his mind betrays him and conjures up images of her being arrested, dragged away and executed simply for being a mamono.
"No, no, no, no, I can't let this happen" His body goes cold and his breathing quickens, his pulse gets louder. With great willpower, he manages to control it all and not show any signs of the turbulence that is passing. Calming his mind, forcing it to slow down and think of a plan.
This is close to the worst possible situation, but he still has options. He doesn't like most of them, but if he wants to guarantee Melanie's safety, he needs to decide quickly.
He looks at his squad mates, all getting ready to go home and prepare for the operation tonight. Tyler laces up his boots as he comments that he'll have to take something to apologize to his brothers and sisters for not being able to spend the night with them and having to leave the older ones to look after the younger ones. He laughs, thinking that they're the ones who will demand a present the most. The money he'll get from it should be good at least.
Clinton is excited to learn that such an operation is unprecedented in the city's history. Although he is apprehensive about the conditions under which it will take place, this kind of service is exactly what his family expects of him. To protect the city and its citizens, even with such an invasive and authoritarian order, he must do his duty to ensure that there is no danger and that the city's population is as comfortable as possible while they do this. Ensuring that the inevitable turmoil subsides as much as possible is exactly what his grandfather would like him to do.
Elt has a more anxious face. Living a good part of his life in the orphanage in the poorest part of town gives him a unique insight into the situation. The poorer class in the city already don't look kindly on their officers, and having the soldiers of the order breaking into houses and searching them for any sign of danger will make that view even worse. He doesn't delude himself into thinking that everything will be taken calmly and peacefully, there's a good chance that a big commotion could break out at the foot of dawn in the suburbs of the city. Still, it's his duty to be there, and it's his duty to make sure that Sasha and the children at the orphanage are safe during all this.
Mureau is very excited, although he doesn't want another monster attack to happen, maybe this is his chance to jump in front of Jonathan. Looking at his rival expecting the same level of enthusiasm, he is perplexed to see a troubled look on the young man's face. Perhaps he's nervous about the situation, or is still preoccupied with the dinner he had at the Noscrim mansion. But Mureau thinks that Jonathan should still be fine until it's time for them to go, he's very strong (but nobody's going to take that away from him, not by a long shot).
Jonathan sees how his companions are ready for the operation, each of them with a resolute and determined face, in contrast to his own who is doubtful. He has spent months with these guys, and without even noticing they have become precious people to him, he has listened to their dreams and desires, drunk and eaten with them, done stupid things and been helped by them. Still, he can't let Melanie get hurt, and with weight on his back and guilt in his fists, he takes a few steps forward to get everyone's attention.
- I know it's going to sound a bit out of the blue, but...- Heaving a sigh, ready to open up his emotions to his friends, he says - But the time I've spent with you, Tyler, Clinton, Elt? Mureau - Turning slightly as he spoke each of their names - was really precious to me. I have to thank you all for helping me. AH! You too Merse, I almost forgot hehe - Wanting to make light of the situation, he jokes with his captain.
This lightness is more for Jonathan himself than for them. Memories of the events in Lescatie flash through his head. He doesn't want them to think that everything they've been through was a lie, he really wants to show them how much he cares about them.
The guys don't understand why Jonathan is saying these things, but they are still grateful and thrilled to receive such a confession. Everyone already considers Jonathan part of their group and mini-family, but an admission from him only solidifies that notion. So why is he saying this now?
- Elt - Turning to someone who really needs some good advice.
- Hmm! - Seeing that Jonathan's attention is on you, and that he has approached you to talk to you.
- As your friend, I need to give you some advice - It's something Jonathan has been thinking about for a long time, but never saw the time to talk to Elt about, the young man sincerely thinks that the generic boy needs to hear these words - Whether you're a nobleman, a pauper, a merchant, a soldier or anything else, only those who are strong can have the luxury of precious things. If you're not strong, anything you have can be taken from you, and there's nothing anyone without power can do to change that. You either stay strong so that no one can take anything from you, or you don't deserve to have anything in this world - With a serious expression and emphasizing the importance of what he's saying, he puts his hand on Elt's shoulder - Stay strong, even if the world dictates that you're weak, only you can choose whether that's right or not -
Elt doesn't react to these words. They resonate strongly with him, and just as they are absorbed like a sponge, a part of him wants to reject their meaning. Years and years of beliefs reinforced by the world's noble population tell him that he was born with a set path, but if he listens to Jonathan, if he refuses that destiny, maybe....
- Good! That's all I wanted to say, I'll catch up with you guys later - Turning so that they can't see his face, he just waves at them with his back turned. His voice and gestures are neutral, giving no hint of any emotion in his being.
But if there's anyone who can understand Jonathan, Mureau is certainly that guy. And with a worried look on his face, he stares at his friend as he walks away from the training ground, a bead of sweat falling from his face.
"Oh, it's not sweat. It's rain." Raising his head, he watches as drops of water fall and clouds darken the sky. He'd better bring boots for the night.
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- Master, how are you, you've finally arrived, I'd like to.... What happened Master - The kobold Melanie loses some of the excitement of seeing her husband come home when she notices the difficult expression on his face.
- Melanie, we need to get away - Jonathan doesn't make any overtures, he knows that throwing everything at her will confuse her a little, but he feels he doesn't have much time. They need to be out of town before nightfall. He explains the whole situation to her, telling her what is necessary so that she has the context, and understands the gravity of what is about to happen. When she heard the news about the search for the city, she had a visible reaction of fear and nervousness, he had already said that things could happen to her if she was caught by the order, and nothing she heard made her want to leave.
But the moment Father Noscrim's offer to Jonathan was mentioned, a much more energetic and unexpected reaction appeared.
- What?! How, how, how dare he - Melanie shows anger for the second time since the two met. Mamonos take love and marriage very seriously, so to hear that someone was planning to use these concepts for something nefarious must be absurd and infuriating for them. As well as jealousy, of course. Melanie has already marked out her territory, no one can just come and threaten without seeing her.
The two of them start packing, there isn't much vocal conversation between them, but as a couple who have been together for a long time they almost complete each other's action. With simple gestures and glances they manage to pack everything they need in less than 15 minutes. It helps that neither of them had many possessions, apart from the clothes Jonathan wears and what came with him from his world, only food and camping utensils are being sorted. Jonathan sees his wallet on the bedside table, takes it in his hand and stares at it for a while. Sighing, he puts it in his pocket and zips it up.
Knock Knock
Stopping for a moment when they hear the sound of the door, Jonathan and Melanie feel their heartbeats accelerate. They both sit still, sweat dripping down their faces. Everything seems to have stopped making noise when the door makes that sound. Knowing that if he doesn't answer it, it will look suspicious, Jonathan heads for the door and opens it. Making sure that Melanie hides first.
- This is Jonathan Cruz's residence, right? - The soldier asks when he sees Jonathan. The kobold has hidden in the bathroom to avoid being seen. The soldier is wearing the standard Lescatie outfit, but a symbol on his chest catches Jonathan's eye. The same symbol he saw in the Noscrim mansion. - At Lord Noscrim's request, you have been placed in the heroine Wilmarina's squadron, your position in the operation has been changed accordingly and your role will be to assist the heroine - He recites the message, his serious, businesslike voice helping Jonathan to dispel some of the anxiety he felt.
"Good, if that's all there is to it." Relieved that that was all the soldier had come to tell him, without caring too much about the change or the reason for it, he starts to close the door, but the soldier locks his foot in it.
- Still by order of Lord Noscrim! - He speaks to interrupt Jonathan and intimidate him into moving away from the door - A search has been ordered in the homes of all those who will be present at the operation, so if you'll allow me - Being more forceful now, he enters the house seeing that Jonathan has given him space. Jonathan says nothing as he looks down, a serious look taking over the place.
The young man's expression changes from worried to apathetic, he looks at the soldier out of the corner of his eye, seeing him rummaging through his kitchen and scattering things everywhere. If this is how they plan to conduct the operation, it's hard to imagine that the population will be happy with these acts. But none of that matters to Jonathan now.
The soldier ends up finding a tuft of brown fur, clearly not Jonathan's, and there are no traces of an animal in the house, which he finds suspicious.
Jonathan approaches while the soldier continues to examine the fur.
- Private Jonathan, could you tell me GAAHH!" Before he could turn to question the boy, a strong impact hit his temple. Without hesitation, Jonathan landed a left cross on the man, his unprotected head an easy target. The soldier fell to the ground unconscious.
- Melanie, we're going now! - Shouting with urgency in his voice, he calls out to her to go.
- Yes, master, I AH!" Seeing the man collapsed on the ground, she took a little fright - Is he going to be all right? - A little worried, but not liking to doubt her beloved, she asks hesitantly.
- Yes, I just knocked him out. We have to go soon before he wakes up - Taking Melanie's hand, and with all her important things already put away, he wraps her in a cloak made of her blood, a little thread connecting the blood on her wrist to the cloak.
Before, Melanie wasn't so comfortable with the sight of blood, but for some reason, now she can feel Jonathan's warmth from the contact with his blood, his heartbeat is also felt if she concentrates well. It's almost as if she's wrapped up in her husband. But she still has to ask - So this is how we're going to get out of town? -
- No, if any guards see you in that outfit, none will let you pass. We can't go through the streets and none of us can fly - Explaining the obvious, Jonathan smiles at Melanie and speaks as he points his finger downwards - So we go underneath, of course -
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- Ugggh, this place really stinks with those earplugs in - Melanie complains about the fetid smell of the place as the two walk along. From the look of the place, it's understandable that she's complaining, especially considering her olfactory ability.
Dirty and with hardly any light, it's only through rectangular openings in the ceiling that any brightness enters the place. The dampness is uncomfortable, the cold that pervades the place sends shivers down the kobold's skin, the dirty walls are too disgusting for her to want to touch, but she still walks beside Jonathan patiently without running.
- We just have to hold out a little longer, I promise." Trying to ease Melanie's discomfort, Jonathan spoke, already imagining the distance to the exit.
When the two of them reached an alley with no one around, Jonathan opened a manhole cover and the two of them saw their escape route. Having researched this a few weeks ago, Jonathan knew that Lescatie's sewers were wide enough for one person to pass through, and that they ultimately led straight to the giant lake in the southwestern direction of the city. It was the perfect escape for both of them. Melanie complained a little before entering, because the smell was so strong that she could feel her nostrils burning, but Jonathan prepared himself with two cotton tampons, which cost an arm and a leg, but served very well.
The two of them have been walking for a while, and to make sure they don't get lost as they continue, Jonathan marks the places they pass with drops of blood. Even if they're hiding for now, it can't take them long to find their way out. If night falls and the operation goes full force, there's a chance they'll search the city's sewers.
Jonathan may be confident in his strength, but trying to go head-to-head with the military force of an entire city is suicide even for him.
Seeing that the kobold is still uncomfortable in the place, perhaps a little conversation would be good to distract her from the horrible smell of the sewers.
- Melanie, I haven't told you where we're going yet right - Again, he wants to know Melanie's opinion on their destination. It's hard for him to think about anything now that they're together in such a strong way as the union between human and mamono, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that their souls are connected.
- Hmm, I don't think so - Paying attention to her master, the kobold puts a paw on his chin and turns around cutely.
- Well, for now I just want to wander around the world, see the places, have a journey you know - Having a journey around the world will serve two purposes for him. Firstly, to see the places and the people, and secondly, he needs to get stronger.
Jonathan wants to know how close to the lore of the book this world is, so far some things don't correspond to the original content, and that worries him.
Getting stronger is also important. He's managed to get close to the level of superhuman that the Order's heroes are, but someone like Wilmarina or Miltie are still a level above. No matter how much he plays with the girl, Jonathan knows that in a fight he would have no defense for his spells and wouldn't even get close to her.
Well, these are just the first stages, his dream can't be achieved as it is now.
- Cool, where are we going? - Asking more specifically, Melanie looks at Jonathan.
- Hehe, I don't have a route mapped out, but think of it this way, oh!.. Look, we're coming to the end of the tunnel, then we just have to walk along the stone edge and go through the forest - Seeing a circular light in front of them, and now hearing the sound of falling water, the bad smell has died down a lot. The forest near Lescatie is still green and lush, and best of all, dense, even if they see that they've disappeared they'll be a long time finding them in the bush - I've lost the thread, hmmm ah! The route hasn't been decided yet, I'll give you a spoiler of the final destination, we're going to the capital of the mamono o -
- Makai Kingdom on the demon continent, right? - A familiar voice speaks from behind them. The two stop in shock, while Melanie has no idea who it belongs to, Jonathan recognizes very well who spoke, and of all the people who could have discovered him, this is certainly the worst. Struggling with his mind to turn around, he looks at the figure of his friend stepping out into the light.
- Yeah, that's right, Mureau. - With a weight in his voice, Jonathan looks at his friend/rival who brandishes his sword of order while looking coldly at the two of them.
- I went to check on you at the request of the staff, they'll be worried about you - Staring at Jonathan, he puts a hand on his neck rubbing it - Well, I was too, but I didn't think you were in trouble. I saw your door open with a fainted soldier inside your house, that was a scare - Taking his hand off his neck and putting it in position, he continues - I first thought you'd been kidnapped, but there were only the marks of three people in your house, there's no way two simple soldiers could have beaten you. I kept thinking of other possibilities, and I saw a blood mark that followed a manhole, so I went down. In the worst case, you killed one of the burglars and went to dump the body in the sewer, I could understand that. -
"The blood cover I used to hide Melanie, that's what left the mark!" Remembering how he only planned to use the cover until they reached the manhole, he didn't have the caution to make the construct firm, a few drops must have fallen marking his path.
- When I started to follow the blood marks, that's when I started to hear the echo of your voice, and look what I think, you're a monster - His face takes on a more angry look at the end of the sentence, but a pleading look comes over him and he gets into position to attack with his sword - Please Jonathan, please tell me she's controlling you, tell me you didn't betray Lescatie! -
Seeing how his friend still wants an explanation, Jonathan thinks he might be able to convince him.
- "Mureau, what the order says about mamono is wrong, they are no longer the flesh-eating beasts of old, now they just want peace with humans, they are like Melanie." Pointing at his wife, he hopes that this will be enough to dissuade him.
- Not anymore? And the minotaur, and the manticore, are going to tell me that that was their peace! - Bringing up the two incidents that happened in the city, two events that according to lore wouldn't be possible, Jonathan is at a loss for words - Are you so controlled by her? -
- No, Mureau, I need you to trust me, I don't know why - But Mureau wouldn't listen.
- Enough! - He rushed towards the two of them, but while Jonathan thought he would have to fight, Mureau had another target - Die! - With a voice Jonathan had never heard from his friend, he reacted quickly when Mureau advanced on Melanie.
- AH!- The kobold screams as she sees the soldier advancing, but is saved by Jonathan who stands in front of her and stops Mureau.
A sword of blood and one of steel clash, the speed of the two are equivalent and the same goes for their other attributes.
- Get out of the way Jonathan, don't you see you're doing what she wants - Separating, he shouts at Jonathan as his angry eyes look from the kobold to him. From the look on his face, he doesn't want to fight his friend, not like this. Jonathan was always the hardest worker among them, the one who always seemed cheerful even when he grumbled. When had he been controlled? Could I have helped him?
- Just let us go Mureau, please - Jonathan doesn't want to fight either, that's the worst-case scenario, that's why he chose to go through the sewers above all else. He never revealed Melanie to them because he didn't know how to reveal the truth. He didn't know how he could fix everything if he tried to change anything, he was complacent because he had never had a problem living as a soldier of the order in Lescatie and having Melanie in his home, almost like a double life, it was possible that they would never find out that Jonathan had brought a mamono to the city. Mureau, the one who has the most reason to hate monsters, Jonathan understood that this revelation would hit him harder than the others. - I wanted to tell you, but I knew that -
- So it was from the beginning! - Roaring, Mureau takes off with the standard form of the order.
Kri*! Kras* Krac* Krisc*
Their swords clash making a small glow each time. Mureau wields his sword in a formal style, jabbing and trying to hit Jonathan with the guard of his sword, who manages to keep up with him with his distinctive fencing. While one uses a long sword, the other has a curved blade. Jonathan doesn't press forward with any attacks, but redirects Mureau's sword in the hope that he will release it.
- Uh! - He dodges the point of the sword, going straight as a spear as he moves his head to the right, hitting him with his sword to throw him off balance, but he can't take advantage as Mureau changes the hand he was holding and tries to make a wide cut across Jonathan's torso, who jumps back.
- Ha! - Beginning his advance again, Mureau attacks upwards with a low stance. Jonathan dodges, but it was only a decoy. With the guard of his sword, he pushes Jonathan's blade away from his chest and attacks downwards with the weight of his body, increasing his speed.
- Guh! - To defend himself, Jonathan puts his arm out to absorb the damage, blood hardening under the skin on the limb and the sound of metal hitting something hard. The sword only cut a little of the skin, and with the surprise that Mureau had Jonathan takes advantage - HA! - He pushes Mureau's sword aside, causing him to stagger backwards and with an opening, Jonathan goes up with his blade to end the fight in one blow....
** Ahhhh! No day is too dull for a beer ** The sight of Mureau drinking a full glass of beer appears in front of him.
- Tsk! - Jonathan jumps back, not understanding why he didn't make it.
- ha, ah, ah, - Taking a deep breath, Mureau prepared to continue - Ha! -
The same scenario plays out, as Mureau presses the attack Jonathan remains on the defensive. But Mureau ends up overextending the cut, Jonathan lands a low kick to his legs that causes him to put one hand on the ground to keep from falling. His back is unprotected, it's a perfect chance to.....
** YEAAAAHHHHH!!! I did it guys, look at this ** The day Mureau received his blessing and hugged everyone in the squad while laughing with joy, even Jonathan's bad mood didn't hold at that moment.
- HAAA! - Recovering, Mureau attacks Jonathan, who stops for a moment. Startled, he lets Mureau make a small cut on his jaw, but it's nothing that really hurts.
- Huuf - He keeps his distance while thinking "What was that, why did I see that again?" As Mureau advances with his sword in a weak guard, Jonathan strengthens the sword in his hand to withstand the impact.
* Kras!
That was stronger than the previous ones, Jonathan was knocked back by the force of the blow.
- Ha, ha, ha - Mureau doesn't move forward this time and regains his composure, a golden aura shines for a moment around his body "Damn, why? Why am I hesitating? Why can't I put more strength into my sword, and why is my hand shaking? I have to save Jonathan, even if... Ha!" Since the beginning of the fight, he hasn't been able to fight at 100% and this is causing him to expend much more energy than necessary. His sword has never felt so heavy before. He thought that fighting Jonathan for real would be fun and make his blood boil, but all he feels now is sadness. But he understands now, in this fight he was fighting as the order taught, to kill, but he doesn't want to kill Jonathan. Deep down he can't fight his friends. "Then I have to save him!" He looks at the one who caused all this, as long as Jonathan is conscious, she will be protected, so he needs to get her to sleep just a little.
The attacks are starting to become less savage, Mureau is focusing everything he's learned on trying to disarm and connect a blow on Jonathan. The kobold's husband continues to fend off the attacks, but with this new determination Mureau begins to make small cuts, nothing substantial but he continues. His hands, which had been shaking and sweating with hesitation, are steady and his gaze is determined. The exact opposite of Jonathan.
Jonathan's gaze is desperate. Frustration and sadness emerge from the depths of his dark brown eyes and his teeth clench. This wasn't the way Jonathan wanted to leave town. He didn't want to fight his friends. He can't fight his friends.
Every time an opening occurs, a glimpse of some moment in those six months he spent with them flashes through his mind. The hot days of training, the nights they had dinner in the bar, Miltie's visits and Merse's orders. With the passage of time, the young man stopped seeing it as something fleeting, he felt that this routine could last for much longer, the times when they had fun shouldn't end like this.
Jonathan can't even think of a way to counterattack, his whole mind is in anguish at the moment.
Finally, using a feint to the left and punching Jonathan in the head, Mureau gets an opening, and with the pommel of his sword, he lashes out at the back of his friend's head. Three hammer blows are enough to stun him. Seeing him stagger backwards and knowing that he needs to finish this fight soon, he rams Jonathan into the ground, knocking his head back.
The repeated impacts leave him bewildered, his vision shows three Mureau coming at him, unable to distinguish who is real from who is fake, he only manages to put up a pathetic resistance when he begins to hang him with the weight of the straight part of his sword.
"Come on, sleep, sleep, sleep" Twitching so as not to lose the advantage he has over Jonathan, he puts his weight on the young man's throat. As long as he remains unconscious, Mureau can handle the mamono, and while it hurts his heart a little to have to do this to his friend, it's the only way to defeat him without entering mortal territory. Jonathan puts up enough resistance not to be choked, and seeing that he isn't using any of his abilities, Mureau hopes that his friend is still in control, at least a little.
"Damn it, damn it, damn it, get off miinn, damn it!" Jonathan despairs the longer he remains in this stranglehold, knowing that if he passes out Mureau will kill Melanie without hesitation, believing that this will somehow free Jonathan. He can't let that happen, that's the one thing he won't forgive. Even so, even with the danger of the situation, even with his disadvantage, Jonathan is unable to attack Mureau. He can see his friend's exposed body very well, but the thought of using a possibly fatal attack is too frightening and prevents any offensive on Jonathan's part.
The two compete on the ground for the win, but it's obvious that Mureau is gradually gaining the upper hand. The part of Jonathan's neck that is being choked begins to take on a purple color from the pressure exerted on it. The red that was on his face from the effort is being replaced by blue. His thoughts are muddled by the lack of air and black dots appear in his vision.
Jonathan's hands are weakening and Mureau takes advantage of this, just a few more seconds and this fight will be over, putting even more pressure on him, he still feels frustrated to be fighting his partner. Any chance of a counter-attack is lost because Jonathan simply can't bring up the will to fight. This will cost him dearly.
"Damn it, air, I need air, @r, consci^^enci$, perd&&ndeo, Melanie, Mureau," His eyes roll back in his head, even with the greatest willpower a human can only go a certain amount of time without air. "Melanie ..."
- AAHHHH!!! - A shadow quickly jumps up and grabs hold of Mureau.
- What?! - Dropping his hands from his friend's neck, he is forcibly pulled away by the kobold's onslaught. She jumps on their backs and starts scratching and biting with ferocity, the unprotected parts of their backs turning red from the scratches.
Kobolds are a naturally peaceful race with no desire to fight, but even so, their protective instincts are still of a mamono and beastly kind, seeing their master, husband or partner being hurt will activate something in them, even the most passive of them can become an animal if they need to protect their loved one.
- Hrghuu! - Unfortunately this doesn't take away from the difference in strength between a hero and a normal mamono, grabbing her by the hair, Mureau manages to pull the girl off his back, the irritation she gave his skin is forgotten by the rage he's feeling - You! -
- Aii! - She exclaims in pain as she is thrown against the wall and held down. She thinks about biting her attacker's hand, but her eyes widen in fear at the murderous expression on the man in front of her.
- You! - Mureau's two hands press down on the kobold's throat, a strong rage giving strength to his arms - And you're to blame for all this! Die! - With a sting in his voice and an obsessed expression, he plans to kill her by strangling. He could be close to losing a friend because of a monster like this, Jonathan has been brought to their side by this THING and so it's his duty to put an end to it.
- Ghh! - The kobold's frail legs try to pull on the order soldier's strong arms, but to no avail; in addition to the disparity in strength, she is weakening from lack of oxygen. If this continues. Tears of fear flow from her eyes, she had only wanted to protect her husband, her master, but now the fear of death makes her want to ask for help. A chill settles over her body, whether from fear, terror or lack of air.
...
....
"What's going on?" Jonathan's vision returns and the black dots disappear. After Melanie had pushed Mureau away and freed her husband, the young man took several deep, desperate gulps of air; he had never thought there was such a thing as a thirst for oxygen, but being knocked unconscious made him gain a new appreciation for air. His mind now with blood circulating begins to rewind, his consciousness that had previously almost shut down is running at a thousand an hour, adrenaline continues to circulate through his body increasing his heart rate, but his mind can't keep up. "We were leaving Lescatie... Yes, through the sewers, but what?" His memories of the situation come flooding back, someone has found them, he needs to help Melanie.
Turning his face in the direction of the tunnel, a chill runs through his stomach and the adrenaline pumping through his blood is stronger than ever.
Someone is holding her by the neck and squeezing hard. Someone is trying to kill her, and is almost succeeding.
His surroundings darken and his vision narrows, before he can think, he stands up, something hot and cold moving his muscles.
Someone is trying to kill Melanie, someone is strangling his wife.
His focus sharpens to the point where it cuts through the tension in the air, and before he knows it, a strong murderous intent is coming out of him.
Someone is trying to take her from me, someone is trying to take something that is mine.
Your feet move without a sound and your silhouette is blurred by the speed with which you advance. "I won't let you" A blade forms in his forearm, aiming for the neck of the person who is trying to take everything away from him, Jonathan only thinks one thing "WHOEVER IT IS DIE!"
**Slice**
His blade cuts without hindrance. Skin, flesh and bone are divided perfectly, a pause sets in, reality has not yet had time to change for the three who were there. But in a second, time starts spinning again and like a piece of ice, the man's head slides off. It falls to the ground before the body.
- ah! *cough* *cough* - Melanie opens her mouth breathing, the hands that were about to take her life have weakened and she can breathe, she falls to the ground making a sound, but she is so relieved to be able to breathe again that it doesn't matter.
Jonathan continues to stare into nothingness for a while, but his focus is lost when he hears the kobold coughing; relieved, he turns his body to help her.
But it's strange, who really found them?
Looking down at the body at his feet, he realizes that he has killed a soldier of the order, feeling the situation finally hit him. He glances at his head, and what he sees stops any other movement he could make.
Blond hair stained with blood. Eyes that in his memories looked at him with a strong determination and friendship. A face he'd grown accustomed to over the months he'd been in the city.
Ah... Jonathan killed his friend Mureau. It was a clean cut, separating his head from his body before he knew it. He probably didn't feel any pain, it was all over in the blink of an eye.
"......." His soul and body saw the scene, but something in his mind wouldn't accept what was in front of him. A high-pitched sound that is not a sound, but the absence of one, bursts in your ears. Your senses are sharpened and turned off, every second a new sensation is captured. Your mind, like a computer, reboots its drivers. First there's the stench of the place, shit and piss are thrown here so it's no surprise, there's also a strong smell of iron, Mureau's blood, the red liquid drips together into the city canal.
The pain comes afterwards, the muscles in his throat that have turned a little purple from the force they've been squeezed, the small cuts he's suffered while fighting, with his friend Mureau, and the blood coming out of his arm from where he's drawn a blade, and which without his concentration is dripping blood into the water that's heading towards the city's river.
His vision remains the same, the body, of his friend that he killed, that, elelelelelelelelele killed.
Melanie and the end of the tunnel he was heading for.
The fact that he killed his friend has already been understood in his head, but his soul can't focus on that now. He has no way of recovering if he understands and processes everything he's done now, that he killed his fucking friend, he, Jonathan, killed Mureau, killed him, killed him, killed him, killed him, killed him, killed him, killed him.
The strange thing is that his body appears to be calm, apart from his rapid, shallow breathing and his eyes darting from side to side trying to find some falsehood in the scene he sees, his body doesn't move.
"Ah, we have to get out before they look for us, don't we?" A quick thought comes into his head, and Jonathan holds onto it like a man on the edge of the abyss.
- Master? Ah!" Before she could turn her face to her husband, he lifted her up and carried her. And at the same moment she starts to run, the things they had brought on the journey are still on her back, so she has to hold on to them so that they don't fall off.
"Hmm?" She looks at Jonathan's face, now that he has left the sewer and is walking along the riverbank into the forest, the smell of the place is gone and only the smell of her lover remains, what she sees makes her a little worried, an empty, vacant face with eyes dilating and contracting. But what she smells makes her very worried.
( Anger, guilt, fear, regret, confusion, hysteria, panic, remorse, anxiety, guilt guilt guilt, murderer, traitor!!! guilt, fear anger, you killed your friend confusion, hysteria, panic, remorse confusion, hysteria, panic, remorse, guilt, Murderer )
- Ah! - The torrent of information is too strong for the kobold, but just what she smells is enough to make her fear for her husband's mental state. But waiting for him to stop running, she keeps her mouth shut, thinking about what happened.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jonathan stopped running. They got a little way into the forest and let Melanie get up. Impressively, the young man doesn't seem to be out of breath, he's not even sweating.
Melanie is still worried, his smell is the same as before and she realizes that she hasn't yet understood everything he's feeling because it's so complex and intense. But she knows she has to help, he's not feeling well, so there's no way she won't at least talk to him.
- Mestr....-
- I can't stop now - He speaks, quietly but intensely, so that no one but himself and Melanie can hear.
- Hm? - Melanie raises her head at the sight of Jonathan.
- I can't stop anymore, I don't have the right - He starts walking, and takes Melanie's hand with him.
- "Hmm, Jonathan? -
- I have to achieve my goal anyway. I can't stop now - He doesn't listen to Melanie and continues to wander. Focusing his mind on a single path at the moment will help avoid conflict in his mind.
- Hmm? - Melanie still looks worriedly at him, what is the point?
- I'm going to the Demon Realm, I'm going to change this system. A system that rejects bad endings, and that of my world that accepts all endings, I reject both. - With a look that tries to imitate determination, but to the attentive is in fact desperation and obsession, he continues walking.
- I'm going to create a world in which only happy endings are accepted - Even if he dies, he no longer has the right to stop now.
- And I'm going to use this world to fix mine - The greatest hero in the history of mankind, or the greatest villain this world has ever seen. - I can't stop now - The two of them walk towards the dark, saying goodbye to the city that has welcomed them for all this time. Knowing that they must never return.
END OF LESCATIE ARC
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone