Novel Yuusha Isekai! Youjo Suki! [Ch 1-152]

Discussion in 'Community Fictions' started by eharper256, Jun 28, 2017.

  1. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    CHAPTER 12
    NEVER TOO EARLY FOR A DRINK


    I’m so damn unlucky!

    As I flee down a hill with Aria and Kiku in close formation behind; trees explode in a hail of splinters behind us. It's that thing called a Crawler that was mentioned before by Kiku. Basically a giant 20 foot long centipede with a sandworm mouth, it is an apex desert predator and more nightmare fuel.

    So why is after us through a grove of trees? I have no idea.

    From my danger sense spiking again an hour ago, we quickly pulled up camp, just in time. I'm now thinking it was this, not the sky whale thing which caused the reaction.

    I'm glad for my stat boost again right now. The old me would have tripped over a rock and died an ignoble death ages ago.

    "Why is that thing so angry!?" I shout.

    "Um...Probably the fangs I took from the pygmie..." Kiku sounds apologetic and a bit out of breath.

    "They're not normally this persistent!" Aria complains.

    "We're not going to get away at this rate. Where is the best place to fight it?" I suggest.

    "Fuck. Pissing stupid crawlers. But Elijah is right, Aria. That; is that a clearing." Rowdy Kiku points out a location.

    "Yeah... Kiku has the right idea... we don't want to be full of splinters from its berserker rage... let’s also take it across the brook to trip it a bit."

    We take a sixty degree swerve to the left, and simultaneously leap over a little brook we had been following for a while. It's a mere trickle of water, but has clearly been around awhile by the trench it has bored into the ground.

    I look back, and the crawler indeed it trips a few of its forelegs in the gap. This just enrages it even further, but does give us a twenty second time checkpoint extension.

    We run further downhill into the large clearing that seems to be the result of a crater. We leap off the lip of crater and slide down the slope of glassy black sand.

    Aria and Kiku pull to a stop to catch their breath, and I do the same. The Crawler has made it out of the trip hazard now and is still coming.

    "How do we fight it?" I urgently query.

    "Stab it in shoulder joints above the legs. The carapace is too thick elsewhere, and going for the soft belly is suicide with it flailing all the spiked limbs. We need to disable it... it will be a long and hard fight." Aria looks worried as pulls her spear of her back and twirls it in preparation.

    "Is this why you normally have a mage to fight one?" I ask, remembering Kiku's comment from before.

    "Yes. Um... the fighters distract it, and then the mages roast its underbelly with flames." Kiku nods.

    "Then we have a chance after all." I say, grinning.

    Both Aria and Kiku turn to look at me as if I'm mad… but this could work!

    "Just trust me... and be ready to throw a sword hard, Kiku."

    The girls swallow, look at each other, then acknowledge with a nod.

    They don't have time to say anything further as the enraged crawler smashes through the trees again, falling into the crater in front of it in its blind fury and flailing around from lost balance.

    It's now or never, whilst it's being dumb and exposing itself. I break into a sprint.

    "E-Elijah!!" Aria cries.

    Clearly they were not expecting me to immediately charge it, but to the girl’s credit, they also bound off the ground and quickly begin to catch up.

    I feel time dilate slightly as adrenaline takes over. Who'd have thought I’d get to use the Molotov immediately? I grasp the bottle underhand; and as I get twenty feet from the thrashing crawler, my chance finally shows.

    I fling the bottle with all my Etranger might. It soars like a mighty baseball pitch and lands perfectly on the exposed belly next to one of its chitin plates.

    "Kiku, the plate above! Do it!"

    I don't see her face, but a blade whistles past my shoulder as if shot from a cannon; at an oblique angle which shears past the chitin plate in a spray of sparks.

    "Perfect! I love you, Kiku!" I shout.

    The Crawler erupts in a cacophony of orange flames. That cider was some real potent stuff, which is why I only had half of it in the first place. And Kiku's cooking oil is also high quality, as to be expected.

    I leap back as the thing thrashes like a fish out of water, attempting some monstrous form of stop, drop and roll. But Molotov’s are sticky napalm like things, and continue to burn even in situations like this.

    Its chitterling grows increasingly frenzied amongst the stench of burnt flesh. If wasn't such a scary, alien looking thing, I might have had a second heaving incident.

    It eventually stops resisting, and flops silently in to a heap.

    I turn to the girls with a smug expression. Both of their faces are still illuminated by the crackling flames and they have expressions of sheer shock. Kiku is fidgeting nervously while Aria is gawking like a fish.

    "Thanks for trusting me, ladies. This is all thanks to you."

    "W-what the hell did you do to that bottle, Elijah?" Aria shouts.

    "Eh...? Oh right. This is a common and easy to make weapon from my world, usually used by angry mobs." I explain, hand on my cheek.

    "C-c-common?! Holy crap and shit from the sky, Elijah, a boom-potion similar to that is fifty silvers from a skilled alchemist." Rowdy Kiku exclaims.

    Overcharging old sods, no doubt.

    "Really?" I cock my head. "Took me twenty minutes last night. If I had a workshop or something, I could do even better things. Besides, it has a terrible weakness of short range."

    Aria almost falls over in shock.

    "Y-you mean to say there are things that can do this... at a longer range?" She exclaims

    "Um... Fireballs normally peter out after about 50 Klecksels, Elijah, maybe 70, 100 for a very good mage with lots of power..." Kiku adds.

    "How far is that, Kiku?" I ask, doing ‘a fish this big’ motions with my hands.

    "Um... eh wot? F-Fifty is a-about five times the length of that crawler? Good shortbow range?"

    "A hundred feet then. So, yes, there are things called rocket launchers that can make explosions twice that size and power from about a hundred times the distance... at least."

    "Holy fuck and sods for sandwiches. I... um... I'm starting to see why you think your own world is scared of their weapons..." Kiku shudders.

    Hmm... looks like explosives was a good idea after all.
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2017
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  2. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    So, now I have a handle on this story and its future prospects, I was thinking that perhaps I should try some audience participation with this novel, because those always make for the most fun web-experiences!!

    This would start with something simple, to see if it works. So therefore, I present:

    As I'm sure you're all aware, Elijah currently has two girls with him, the Paladin Princess Aria, and the Mercenary Fighter Kiku. Since it's that type of novel, we still have plenty of girls to go, so the challenge is to think about standard RPG parties, and guess who's next!

    Just post your thoughts to enter. (i.e. "I think the next girl will be a Druid Werewolf!") The time limit is until the new character is revealed, which is likely to be within the next 5-7 chapters depending on how the prose comes out (so roughly 1-2 weeks). The first correct answer will receive a Cookie, but up to three runners-up will get a Watermelon or Ice Cream instead.

    There are in fact already hints in the story about it if you can figure it out!


    Competition time is over!
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2017
  3. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    Nobody wants a cookie? :unsure:
    -------
    CHAPTER 13
    HUMOR ME


    Kiku goes ‘Uguuuuu, you wot!?’, whilst looking at the chipped and warped blade she threw.

    “I’m sorry, Kiku. I didn’t think it might ruin your sword.” I apologise.

    “Um… oh… well… these things happen? T-Though I’ve actually never seen anything like that, specifically, happen. This child is no longer good for throwing.”

    “Can it be fixed?” I ask.

    “Um… I think so… but not for a while. I’ll have to find a professional.” She replies

    “Perhaps we could strip some of the carapace to help with your costs?” Aria suggests.

    “Un… good idea…” Kiku nods.

    So, at Aria's behest; we strip a couple of the few unburnt chitin plates from the crawler. I use my staff as a lever to help the girls hack them off, but the whole process still takes a fair while.

    "This stuff valuable, then?" I ask.

    "Absolutely. To a skilled monster-smith; this could make some pretty sweet armour. Not my thing; but regular troops and some guys love it." Aria nods assertively.

    The plates, pried free, are surprisingly lightweight and have a black lustre. Two plates just barely fit into the sack after some creative rearrangement.

    It’s interesting to me that there is a specialist 'monster-smith' professional. But makes sense, part of me oft rankled at the idea that your standard fantasy blacksmiths expertise with materials was so wide as to include things like this as well.

    Speaking of materials, I also gather some of the tough and coarse glassy sand. Kiku looks puzzled.

    "This is ground incinerated so hard by a meteor impact that it's practically glass." I point out. I'm not sure that’s entirely correct to be honest, as Geology was never a speciality of mine, but it sounds convincing.

    "Is this for another weapon of yours?" She queries.

    "Maybe." I add. I thought it was just a neat abrasive and a pretty coloured sand, to be fair, but I guess it could be used as some ingredient in a pretty horrid grapeshot once I figure those out.

    We set off once more. We've gone slightly off track due to the chase scene, but Aria climbs a tree at the crater edge like some kind of monkey and confirms the location of the brook from before. She sure is an unconventional princess, but I guess I like that about her.

    "Um... Elijah... you sure are staring up the tree intently... hehe... a view up her skirt must be a treasure to you after all..." Kiku smirks at me.

    Oh shit. That was not my intent!

    Aria leaps off like intending to drop attack me, and with some emergency reflex, I leap backwards.

    "D-dooooon't dodge yooouu peeerrrvert!" She cries as she lands with a dirt rising impact that shakes the trees and makes several flocks of birds take flight.

    No-no; I wasn't confident I could survive that with just 'Lolicon EX', Aria, with your crazy strength multiplied by gravity! Don't you know spamming drop attacks is a good way to cheese bosses?

    "I was only marvelling at your climbing. Originally I was concerned you might fall but my worries were unfounded."

    Aria pouts and stomps off.

    She looks over her shoulder with a shaft head-tilt, blushing slightly.

    "The tower isn't that far now. I can see it on the horizon." She says.

    "You lead, then. I'll be behind you every step of the way." I reply.

    "You better be. I can't let you outta my sight for a minute. Who knows what you'd do to Kiku..." She grins.

    "Uh... what? If Elijah is sleeping with you, princess, I don't think he's very interested in sleeping with a fighter-girl like me." Kiku snarks.

    "WILL YOU STOP BRINGING THAT UP; KIKU!" Aria shouts.

    "Now, now girls, sharing is a virtue, you know." I add.

    "Oh be quiet!" They both yell, in perfect sync.

    They look at each other and burst out laughing again.

    "Seriously, I think Elijah will kill me with laughter long before Cultivator blows me up..." Aria snickers.

    "You're right, Aria. Well, at least you'll die in his bed that way!" Kiku adds.

    "Oh shut up, Kiku!"

    They burst out laughing again.

    They're such good friends already, aren't they? Makes me feel good just watching them.

    As we leave the crater behind, I spare a final glance for the incinerated Crawler. I still get a slight sense of unease, as if something is still watching us, but its eyes are blank and unmoving.

    "Rest in peace." I say under my breath to the horrid thing.

    Don't know why I felt like saying that. Do giant insects turn into ghosts to haunt you? Flaming centipede rusalkas? It’s a fantasy world, so who knows what’s possible…

    "Come on, Elijah!" I hear from Aria.

    I shake my head free of dumb thoughts and weird paranoia, and turn to follow my cute charges into the forest.
     
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  4. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    CHAPTER 14
    TOWERING AFFECTION


    The rest of the journey is pretty uneventful. As Aria said, the very tip of the tower in the far distance was soon in sight, even from the ground, and it rapidly gained on us as we made progress.

    I also levelled up to Level 3 shortly after we had calmed down and resumed our journey. This was to be anticipated considering the power of the target I managed to subdue through my luck this time being much higher than the Tree Pygmy. It also now seems pretty clear that the process of gaining a new level only occurs when things are calm and battle is over. To be honest, that’s fine, since I don’t I have the leisure of sitting around and browsing my skill trees from the safety of a pause menu. I’ll ponder about my next move when we camp next, probably at the tower itself, given the progress so far.

    What I didn't anticipate, though, was the change in surroundings. Though it actually happened gradually if one paid attention, it almost seemed sudden to me, how the ground became dry and the trees petrified.

    Being a bit dense; I stopped in my tracks with my mouth working like a fish.

    "Is something wrong, Elijah?" Aria asked concernedly.

    "Oh... no... I guess not. But it really just hit me how the forest has suddenly died here."

    "Typical Elijah. Um...I bet you didn't notice how quiet it is either, hehe." Kiku snarks.

    No, she's right. The abundant noises of birds and the rustling of leaves are gone. Just the crunching of Kiku's greaves on the dry earth. Shows just what kind of a city kid I was.

    "Well, if you really want a surprise, you'll find it over the ridge." Aria grins menacingly.

    I get the feeling she is trying something... but I’ll bite. I continue to walk up the slope with Aria next to me, following in Kiku's footprints (and totally not observing her toned derriere in those nice spats in the process), and cross the apex of the hill.

    Woah.

    Did you apply an appropriate Reanu Sleeves voice to that? Please do.

    Somewhat like the previous crater where we fought the Crawler, but much larger and more irregularly shaped, there is a rise to a lip in the earth, and then a drop, but in the centre, there is a fissure that falls into an unknown, impenetrable abyss.

    Next to that is finally a proper view of the tower itself which we could previously only peek, a soaring ten-storied affair with a narrow conical feeling, made of some intimidating black stone.

    But the real standout feature is the fact that the central fissure is actually shooting out strokes of lightning, which arc across the ground and into one of several lightning rods planted around. It’s like one of those plasma-ball things transplanted into a terrain feature. Incredible.

    A peal of thunder reaches our location a few seconds after. It's fairly quiet, but from here to the fissure must still be a few miles. The view of the lightning from here is truly impressive.

    "That... yeah. You're right. That’s pretty amazing." I smile and ruffle Aria's hair as an almost unconscious reaction.

    "Whu-whu-what are you doing!" She exclaims, leaping backward like a startled cat. I notice Kiku regains her O RLY face from earlier.

    "Hmm... sorry. I always used to do that to my little sisters when they showed me something they thought was impressive. I did it without thinking." I muse, putting my hand on my chin.

    "Oh... you wot? You had sisters Elijah?" Kiku enquires with a head tilt.

    "Right. I was the eldest brother. Neither of them were as cute as you two, though." I answer with a straight face. Absolutely true.

    "You silly twat." Rowdy Kiku exclaims as she blushes.

    "Nngnnh... that actually explains some things though." Blushing Aria also adds, nodding to herself. Presumably she is recalling the dream incident.

    "Um... you wot? Hnn... like Kako? Nnnn... Yes, I guess it's a similar feeling." Kiku ponders, picking up on Aria’s stream of thought.

    "Oh? I guess big siblings give off a universal feeling, no matter the world. Well, you can call me Nii, or Onii-chan, like my sisters, if you like, ladies." I jest.

    Though my sisters never called me Nii or Onii-chan. Most often it was 'bro' at the best of times, or just 'oi, you!' as standard. I was British after all and there isn't that far-eastern concept of respect for ones elders very much in the west. I was purely channelling my anime otaku side to say that. Anime imoutos are much more kawaii than real life ones.

    Kiku looks troubled and is fidgeting again, and Aria is giving a 'no way' expression whilst crossing her arms in front of her face. I smirk in resignation and begin to turn away when...

    "Um... if you say so, Nii."

    Kiku drops a bomb. Oh brother.
     
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  5. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    CHAPTER 15
    DARK HISTORY


    "Wh-wh-whaaaaat!?" Aria cries, practically falling over from waving her arms so frantically in front of her face.

    "Un... Nii... Nii... It has a better ring to it than Elijah. Simpler." Kiku muses, looking bashful.

    Frankly, I am gobsmacked as well. This is quite the development. It makes me feel fuzzy inside.

    "Um... was I not supposed..." Kiku gains some self-awareness at last.

    "NO! That's great if you like using that... do c-carry on if you like..." I deny her uncertainty with a little more force than I expected.

    "Oh... um... that’s good. I... actually always wanted a proper older brother. T-though Kako was probably more like one than I think?"

    She smiles shyly. Hnnngh. I feel like I need to plug my nose this instant lest blood gushes out.

    Aria suddenly stops being paralysed and stomps up to me, having a scary expression like a hannya mask.

    "OI, YOU..."

    Oh shit, my danger-o-meter just skyrocketed into orbit. I swallow inadvertently. At least it pre-emptively stops the nose bleed. Aria just addressed me like my real sisters in a deadpan tone. Kiku apparently starts watching a tennis match with a questioning look.

    But much like a cold war, nothing occurs. It does cause a cold sweat on the back of my neck though. Aria looks as though she didn't think any further than a menacing advance, which is pretty standard for her brain, I think.

    Well, if I'm already dead... before I die...

    I ruffle her head again, much longer this time than the brief brush from before. Her silver mop is silky smooth.

    She goes through a menagerie of emotion, much like when I proposed to her when I was first summoned.

    Suddenly, Kiku surges forward and yelps "Nii! Do-do me like that, too!"

    My nose feels like erupting again from her inadvertent innuendo, but I obey, moving my right hand to ruffle Kiku's fringe. Her green hair is fluffy despite its straight bangs.

    "Eh-ehehehe." She chitters like a small animal... well an animal wearing a red iron helm, at least.

    I give her forehead an extended rub to make up for Aria's double whammy.

    Aria pouts, and chewing her words, says "You. You're not my brother, Elijah."

    I feel like my soul should leak out, wavy ghost style. But this is to be expected. I sigh and reply.

    "Of course not, Aria. That would make me the crown prince." I say, smiling wryly, whilst suppressing my disappointment.

    "I don't want you to be a brother... after all... that means..." She whines.

    Oho! This!

    "Su-summoner! I'm your summoner after all!" She corrects herself.

    Nice save Aria. I don't want to be making assumptions but that almost sounded like...

    An explosion rocks the air around us with a shockwave.

    I shoot my head around to the tower, and my assumption is correct, part of it has just been blown away, and though indistinct at this distance, it’s pretty obvious from the silhouettes that the only thing those things could be, flying out of that gap in the side, is bodies.

    Electric bolts surge down the side of the tower itself, grounding themselves out.

    "I'm assuming that skydiving isn't a normal activity for the Thunder Sage...?" I urgently query.

    "That!? Um... Aria, am I seeing things?" Kiku adds.

    "No; you're right, Kiku, those are bodies of demons!"

    Demons?! They're here? I strain my now enhanced vision to the limit, and focus on the bodies about to hit the ground. Yes... they have muscular frames, ram like horns, ragged leathery wings that look too small to fly, and pretty obvious claws. The bodies fall forever into the chasm besides the tower and are not seen again.

    Considering the weird ass nightmare fuel I’ve so far encountered with the creatures of this world, they almost seen normal... cliché even.

    I know this is quite close to the frontlines, in theory, but for them to have made it to this point is surely significant.

    But perhaps most importantly...

    "Does this mean the Thunder Sage is under attack up there?" I ask.

    Aria and Kiku quizzically look at me and then apparently come to the same realisation.

    "Fucking bollocks, you're probably right, Nii. That was a big spell, made to wipe out lots of foes at once." Rowdy Kiku ponders.

    "They're like, the greatest mages we have as humans, though. They wouldn't..."

    "That's precisely why, Aria. I'm no general, but I wouldn't want a potential war asset like that left unchecked and uncertain." I tell her.

    "Yes, um... Nii is correct. A preventative assassination. B-before the sage is convinced to leave the tower and brought to bear on their front lines." Kiku states.

    Aria seems to understand after we explain this, but looks irritated and dissatisfied for some reason.

    "We should make haste. You might be right, the sage might easily overpower them. But I also don't think they would come here completely unprepared for a fight with a powerful sorcerer, if their goal is what I think..." I say.

    "Um... it's all downwards from here, Nii, so we should make good time." Kiku confirms.

    I nod. She's right. I'm glad this isn't a world with snipers... we've gotta run straight across an open field, but it should indeed be quicker than the ups and downs of the hilly terrain from before. We begin to dash.

    "Yes... let’s go... onii-chan..." Aria squeaks.

    Today shall forever go down in my dark history of joyous rapture.
     
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  6. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    CHAPTER 16
    THUNDEROUS AMBUSH


    I don't think I’ve ever run as much in a single day in my life as I’ve already managed today. Part of me is beginning to wonder, if I return, will I keep my athleticism? As a nerdy type, I was always ostracised in sports in school, which forever turned me away from them. It's a shame, because even I can appreciate the thrill of your body working at full clap. Is it something primal inherent in humans from their hunter days?

    Who knows?

    This place is even more bizarre up close. I was initially pretty wary that the arcs of electricity might zap one of us dead, but it seems that they are always drawn to the lightning rods without fail. I'm sure there was something back in physics that said it always takes the most convenient route to the ground, but when, in this world, there appears to be a lightning generating chasm, who knows if the Earth rules stick?

    The tower looms above us now. No further explosions occurred after the first, and I don't know if that's a good sign.

    We pause at a natural rock outcropping to take watch of the tower entrance. The doors have certainly been thrown open. Now is probably my last chance to check out my skill tree before we proceed.

    I don't really have time to make anything here, but I take Improvised Explosives II anyway. It gives me the ability to make more complex mechanical fuses, as well as understanding how to make Nitroglycerin, and the parts for makeshift pipe bombs and flechette bombs. Getting material suitable for these explosives, and their casing and detonators could be hard, though.

    I guess this kind of knowledge is more intense, because this cost 3 of the 5 points I got this level. Then, as a derivative upgrade of my Heightened Threat Awareness and combat fitness, I notice Precognitive Evasion as a new option. It’s the other 2 points; but being able to dodge before I consciously register a threat is bound to be a lifesaver for someone naturally dense like me, right?

    Apparently we got to cover just in time. I pick up my skills just before Kiku yanks me down by the collar. Peeking over the edge of the stone, we observe 3 demons walk out and take up guard positions.

    My danger sense spikes from all around too, presumably from the lancing arcs of lightning. The booms of thunder are pretty loud now, and are pretty constant, which at least does give us sound cover, but simultaneously means no eavesdropping.

    I watch the demons. They are indeed very much humanoid, though it is now apparent at this distance that they have rough ash grey skin, and lizard like tails, as well as yellow, or red irises, in addition to the ragged wings and goat horns. To be honest, they have a cocktail of draconic, as well as demonic flavours to them. Considering that a necrodragon is in charge of them, this kind of makes sense.

    Despite their claws, they are still carrying weapons and wearing armour... and whilst you normally think of supposedly evil creatures using crude iron blades and cobbled together cuirasses; that is not the case here. The largest of three especially seems to have quite elaborate looking chainmail.

    Aria pokes me in the shoulder and points out a route around the rocks to not far from the demons with her finger. I nod, and start to move in that direction in short bursts, just like I'm playing a cover based FPS. Not sure what they want me to do there now, but I’m thinking it looks like the safest spot for me to observe.

    I watch Aria and Kiku split up as well as I fall prone on top of the rocks, looking down over the three guards, and wait for the girls assault.

    I feel a little bit bad for this, but on the way here, Kiku did briefly explain that these demon troops were effectively the Special Forces. Their line and file troops are the replenishable zombie type things. So I imagine I would mostly just get in the way at the moment until I can make some more explosives. I hope the girls will be able to manage.

    The battle below begins almost imperceptibly. A sword flies out of nowhere, straight into the helmet visor of the demon furthest from me.

    I want to shout "one hundred an eightyyyyy!" to commemorate Kiku's Bullseye debut.

    To the demons credit they react instantly to the blood gushing from their compatriot, rushing to Kiku's now exposed location.

    But this is directly where Aria wants them, as she pops up from the other side and skewers the second smaller demon on her spear from behind. The demons chainmail buckles but simply cannot take a direct strike from that black spear amplified with her super strength, making his whole body cave backwards in a 'U' shape. It looked painful to say the least. I'm glad I’ve only received her punches.

    She tears the spear free, red blood splattering her face, and swings it round in an arc to clash with the larger demons sword in a shower of sparks.

    And I rapidly roll to the right.

    What?!

    An axe blade lands directly where my head was a second ago with a thunk.

    Now looking up and behind, but still prone, I see an annoyed demon, much smaller and lankier than the ones below. It nearly axed me to the back the head!

    I nearly piss myself. I fumble for my staff in panic but it drops off to the side. The demon grins menacingly, stomps a foot on my chest, winding me, and raises its battle-axe again to cut me in two before I can move.

    Man... This is a pathetic way to go. Sorry Aria. Sorry Kiku. I close my eyes as the axe comes down.
     
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  7. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    CHAPTER 17
    THE BLADE DOES AS IT MUST


    It doesn't come down on my head, thankfully. It clatters against my left arm.

    I open my eyes to see the demons own eyes lolling back in its skull, clearly because the right side of its head now has a handle attached.

    But it is clearly not the handle of a short sword; but rather, the small loop like handle of what is obviously a kunai, a ninja throwing dagger.

    The demon collapses, and falls below towards the...

    The fight with the larger demon!

    The corpse lands with a thump, distracting it for just a micro-second. It's enough for Kiku to do a crouch slide beneath its sword and plant both of her blades deep into its abdomen. It coughs up blood in a gush, and then she pulls them out and kicks back off its legs, in a high budget execution and roll back attack. It falls inelegantly in a heap, but Aria stabs it in back of the neck for good measure. It's easy to forget how scary combat lolis can be.

    Speaking of scary... there is now a ninja girl stood next to me. I didn't see her approach at all, but I don't sense any threat from her either. She is wearing a full hood obscuring her face, a long scarf, and a lime green ninja dress that resembles a cheongsam decorated with spiders. She has real nice legs.

    Before I can blink, the ninja leaps backwards to dodge a leaping sweep from a black spear, then spins to the left rapidly to evade a flying short sword.

    "Elijah!!" Aria shouts.

    Shit, better fix this.

    "Aria, Kiku, stop!" I shout.

    Fortunately, it’s loud enough over the thunder claps, and they listen, taking up positions to my flanks on the rock outcropping.

    The ninja puts her hands to her ears, removes them, puts them up, shakes her head, and points to the now unguarded tower entrance.

    I'm not adept in sign language but I'm pretty sure that means "It's too damn loud here, I'm not threatening, let’s talk there."

    Aria and Kiku appear to pick up the intent, and are more convinced when she shows her back as she leaps down.

    They both look at me and I shrug as I pull myself up to stand.

    Aria visibly sighs and Kiku looks thoughtful and frustrated as her eyes dart around the remains of the combat.

    Kiku nods at Aria and she sighs again, glaring at me in the process. I feel like I need descriptive subtitles here.

    We follow the ninja to the tower, and move inside, collecting our dropped equipment in the process. The tower lobby is as majestic as its exterior, with dramatic lighting from balls of suspended electricity highlighting the dark stone stairs and doors in a creepy ambience. Aria heaves the heavy door closed behind us, and like magic, the thunder noises from outside are drastically reduced in volume. It probably is indeed magic.

    The ninja has sat casually on the main stairs, but as Aria enters the main concourse, she goes down on one knee and flips back her hood.

    Beneath it, as I should have grown to expect by now, is the face of a juvenile girl with chiselled doll-like features, dark purple hair done up in a bunch, and bright fremen-blue eyes.

    "Salutations, princess. I am the one addressed as... Kaede. I am of the Dark Mirror, the Murasaki Kagame, yes." She speaks very formally, and practically monotone.

    I'm a bit rusty in my Japanese, but wasn't 'Murasaki' actually purple, and 'Yami' darkness? Then again, I'm sure translation-function-san, whom I've not mentioned in a while, has its reasons for this, right?

    "So, you are indeed a Ninja, then?" I ask.

    She looks momentarily surprised.

    "Only those familiar with our inner workings use that term. Most would simply call us... assassins. But yes." She replies.

    Oh... whoops. Yeah, anime and films love ninjas these days, but back in their heyday I imagine them to be a secret.

    "You can stand up, by the way. And you can call me just Aria. My being a princess means nothing out here. Though it’s nice to be given respect for a change." Aria says wryly, giving me and Kiku the stink-eye.

    Kiku has looked away bashfully, keeping her visor down as if she just realised something catastrophically important.

    Kaede stands up.

    "I'm forgetting my manners, too. My name is Elijah." I say. "Thank you for saving my life, Miss Kaede. I owe you a debt."

    "One does not thank the blade for doing as it must, yes?" She replies, quite coldly.

    Kyaaa! How cool! Must control my fluttering maiden heart in front of the Kuudere!

    "Um... Nii... I must ask, what exactly were you doing up there, again?" Kiku interrupts.

    "I was watching you two fight of course!"

    Aria and Kiku both face-palm simultaneously. Kiku clangs her visor in the process and goes 'You wot!?' from shocking herself though...

    "Y-you fucking idiot, Nii. We pointed out the outer demon sentinel and his path for you to ambush before we made our strike!" She becomes rowdy in the process.

    Oh... oops. That’s what Aria was beckoning at before we made a move?

    "I see. I apologise. I thought you were giving me instructions on where I would have been most out the way."

    Aria sighs deeply.

    "You should expect him to say weird things, too." Aria thumbs at me for Kaede's benefit.

    Kiku has gone limp. "H-how can he be so-s-so dense when it comes to battle... fucking hell..."

    Kaede actually snorts in mirth, briefly distorting her doll-like face, before apparently catching herself.

    "Yes. These people are indeed interesting." She affirms.

    Aria looks dissatisfied at this label, and approaches Kaede again.

    "So, whilst I appreciate you saving this idiot lolicon pervert from an untimely demise, why are you here, exactly?"

    Kaede looks momentarily surprised at Aria’s statement, and looks at me quizzically, before turning back and replying in her standard monotone.

    "Yes... of course that is a valid enquiry. My clan was destroyed and left to the crows by the encroaching demons last month. I am alive for reasons I would prefer not to discuss, but all I have left is just my will to see them destroyed."

    Cripes. The fact that she just said that is one thing... but for the emotionless delivery... that is truly sad. She then cocks her head.

    "Ah... so... I have come to the conclusion that it would be expeditious to offer this blade to this party, whatever its objective. Coming across you slaying the demons I was tracking cannot surely be coincidence, yes?"

    Well, Kaede, I've come to never underestimate coincidence in my life... but maybe this time, she's right? We'll see...
     
    Last edited: Nov 30, 2017
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  8. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    Also, in case its not painfully obvious, competition time is over and I get all the cookies. I guess this isn't worth it at the moment, alas.

    Still, if you were a viewer at home, and you guessed Ninja, you can go and buy yourself a cookie. Rogue or Thief would have got you a Watermelon.
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2017
  9. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    CHAPTER 18
    ROGUE-LIKE


    Aria looks somewhat teary eyed at Kaede's statement. Even if she has to kill demons, Aria's still a kind girl after all.

    I realise I still haven't used Identify Other on Kaede, so I do so:

    --------------
    KAEDE MURASAKI
    LAST OF THE MURASAKI CLAN
    LEVEL 8 NINJA

    --------------
    HP>> 18/18 (=STR+END)
    MP>> 37/37 (=INT+PER)
    12 YEARS OLD
    --------------
    Strength 7
    Agility 30
    Endurance 11
    Intellect 16
    Perception 21
    Charisma 19

    <<Throwing Savant>> (A natural with thrown weapons, especially Kunai, which have a near 100% accuracy rate, and may be thrown several times per second)
    <<Wakizashi Mastery II>> (Some training with Short Curved Blades, +1 Strength and Agility to use)
    <<Precognitive Evasion>> (Chance to dodge even if unaware of threat, +10 to Agility for dodges made proactively, upgrade of Heightened Threat Awareness)
    <<Herbalist I>> (Has some skill in the tending of plants. +1 Agility and Intellect to do so.)
    <<Silent Stalker V>>
    (Extremely quiet movement. +15 Agility to move without a sound.)
    <<Ninja Agility III>> (Highly dexterous. +15 Agility to Climb, Vault, Balance and Jump.)
    <<Assassination II>> (Martial Skill, Doubles Critical Hit Damage on Sneak Attack, costs 2 MP)
    <<Serene Wave Jutsu>> (Ninjutsu Skill, Summons a geyser of water to disorient foes and knock them prone, costs 10 MP)
    <<Murasaki Kagami>> (Greater Ninjutsu Skill, Covers self with light bending illusion. Effective vs magical sight, but not holy vision, warding magic, or threat assessment skills, costs 10 MP)


    That... dayum, I don't know how the whole title system does its thing on this, but it pulls no punches. With a destroyed village, she’s already more like a protagonist than I!

    Kaede suddenly gives me a glare, narrowing her eyes. It occurs to me that if she has Precognitive Evasion; that means she upgraded Heightened Threat Awareness, like I did. And if someone was asking my soul for an information printout, I'm also fairly sure that would feel threatening. I think about apologising, but...

    "You examine your tools with a keen eye, yes? It is a feeling like the old master, that strips you bare, with a gaze." She states matter of factly.

    Oh shit, a ninja jii-san who had identify other? He must have been scary! If the usual clichés hold with those, I guess the demons that razed her home must have been skilled.

    Meanwhile, Aria gives me a hateful gaze and Kiku fidgets whilst grinning again.

    "Nii is such a player... already stripping the new girl with his eyes, even in front of Aria-chan, hehehe..." Kiku snickers.

    I think Kiku is developing a third side to her, an O RLY side, and I'm not sure what to think of it.

    "Out of interest, this man is your sibling, sword-girl, yes?"

    Kiku is put on the spot.

    "Eh wot? Hells bells no. And um... sorry I didn't say... my name is Kiku." She replies.

    "But is this not a term of familial affection, yes? Why do you hence address him so, Kiku-sama?"

    Truly an assassin who strikes to the very heart of the matter. Kiku recoils and takes on an 'eheh?' expression, with eyes like a casual criminal caught shoplifting.

    "It was something I mentioned offhand, about... my real sisters... and they decided they wanted to address me that way." I decide to throw her a lifeline. It wasn't untrue, per se.

    Aria has put on her scary hannya face again, but can't refute it, since she wanted to keep up with Kiku for some reason.

    "I see. Then if you are of mind to allow me to accompany you in your venture, I shall address you as Nii-sama also, yes?"

    My nose almost explodes again from the excitement. I want to tear at a Kleenex and hold back blubby tears. The cold sternness of that delivery from her doll-like face!

    "That would be fantastic!!" I almost shout, surging forwards and grasping her hands in mine.

    She looks as startled as a deer in the headlights for a moment, then mildly confused, before her mouth briefly quirks up. It's fascinating, her subtle and stoic face really looks like it is trying emotions out for the first time.

    Aria audibly sighs with irritation.

    "Kekeke... holy bollocks, Aria, a challenger approaches." Rowdy Kiku has mirth instead.

    According to certain internet communities, I am being quite a filthy sleazebag right now. Thinking of the children, or rather, being aware of Aria on an intercept vector whilst shaking in fury, I release the Ninja girls hand.

    "Y-you r-realllly like making decisions like this on your owwwnnn, Oniii-chan..."

    A shiver runs down my spine. I swear Aria is going to go yandere at this rate. I should probably attempt to restrain myself in the future... but doing that is like attempting to stop breathing for me. My brain struggles to spew out logic.

    "I...I don't think it’s a bad call. It is normal to have a stealthy person in any successful party, for scouting purposes?"

    Aria is blown backwards by my table slamming objection! Or at least I delude myself into thinking so, but she actually stands firm. Her jaw works as she glares.

    "Um... he has a point, Aria. A rogue type is an essential catch... um... are you able to..." Kiku asks

    "Yes. It is a standard part of training, dealing with life threatening traps whilst gathering information, Kiku-sama." Kaede replies whilst nodding.

    “Just… do whatever you want… hmmph!” Aria pouts.

    And just like that, Ninja-get!
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2017
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  10. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    SIDE CHAPTER KA
    CHILD ASSASSIN


    You have some peculiar interest in my origin, yes?

    As I once told a certain individual, it is not a story I prefer to share. People can call me stoic all they like, but there is little merit to digging up the dead. Nevertheless, I shall oblige in the interest of disclosure, yes?

    I don't know who birthed me. I believe I was from a frontier village where babies are chores. So when master doubtless offered a Gold Myriad to take away a burden, as I saw him do later with other ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’ of mine, no doubt my parents fell over themselves to accept.

    Some people idolise the ideal of being an assassin, feeling it might break up their life of drudgery. But in truth, there is little mirth in what I was trained to do.

    Fortunately for me, I was good at it. I was naturally dexterous, and enjoyed reading the scrolls handed down by the ancients.

    Fortunate, because, those unable to meet masters high requirements generally disappeared. I don't doubt that the field of crows not far from the hidden village attracted said birds with good reason.

    Becoming a Ninja is more than just endless training, studying, and repetition. It is a whole process that breaks down your humanity to its fundamental parts, and rebuilds you as a tool, a thing to be used to kill, that is not allowed to have hopes or thoughts beyond sustaining itself and following orders to murder. A person re-forged as a weapon.

    This sword was already an active killer by the time I met the Etranger. There are certain jobs where being a juvenile girl is an advantage. Jeraldine was not a terrible place on the whole, but not even the most effectual and benevolent of rulers can completely erase the scum that festers away from view. It is sad that, even when humans have a common enemy, time must still be spent culling our own. But that is the way of the world, and how we made a living.

    After completing my latest work, I returned to find the village was cinders and ash. It was not hard to understand that the hand of demons was at work. They do love to burn things down, and their blood is quite distinctive to identify, when you have seen alot of blood in your life.

    I appraised and confirmed the death of master and the other ninja, and though I came to the realisation that I was now effectively free, I am still, at the end of the day, a tool for killing.

    Even though I held no affection for those who passed, I decided I would continue to work, tracking the demons party, and sending them to meet master in the dark beyond.

    I suppose it is 'funny' that I can look back on this with such detachment, though humour is not something that comes easily to me.

    Which is why, when by chance I stumbled across the camp of the Etranger, Kiku-sama, and Aria-sama... and I found myself smirking, nearly snickering, at their antics, I was tremendously baffled. So much so that I nearly lost control of my stealth, and was very close to being spotted by that man's surprising senses.

    For the first time in my life, I abandoned a mission to persue a selfish whim, and follow them, an act that would get me twenty lashes from master for insubordination. At least I can take solace in the fact that ultimately, I am still completing my last job, yes?
     
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  11. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    And here's the Kaede image to match her side chapter:
    [​IMG]
    Explaination for the suspiciously Japanese nation, and ninjas, you say? Don't worry, I have it covered, but it might not show up for a little bit.
     
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  12. cud-b-better

    cud-b-better Active Member

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    Well only read up to chapter 6 at the moment. But so far so good. I love all the parodying and references to common tropes and good series. The main character's thought processes make for a good light hearted read. I'm glad the bratty princess realises she is a bratty princess that was a huge plus for me in her character. Loved the mc's skills and the fact his preference gave rise to the one which seems the most useful to me. Both MC and Aria make a good combination and they play off each other perfectly making two individually good characters become a decent combi. Personal favourite part has gotta be how MC didn't think he could beat some martial arts master, but a six armed necromancer dragon is fair game (although I did get the feeling I'm missing a reference there).

    Anyway, my verdict thus far: plot is far from original but you're pulling it off well enough so it doesn't fall into the generic category.
     
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  13. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    Thanks for the reply. Internal monologue is a tough one to balance, because overused it becomes a horrid slog for the reader, so I'm glad to hear you think its light hearted at the moment.
    Lolicon EX is OP! (in a setting with lots of Lolis). Multivultus Scientica gets better though, as Elijah gets his Neuromods!
    I had fun writing Aria, who has this combo of being strong and self-aware, but dumb, vs. Elijah, who is weak and relatively naive, but smart (like most of us readers would be in a situation like this). They naturally form a Manzai routine without me trying, in fact. :eek:
    Don't worry, there's no specific reference there, Elijah is basically saying, if he's going to be a villain in a CN novel (i.e. vs. a cultivator) he has no chance of winning and might as well give up immediately (lol). Which indeed gives us some comedic dissonance when the other side of the scales is Six-Armed Necrodragon.
    That's great to hear; I'm a firm believer in 'there is no such thing as an original plot, just new and hilarious ways of dressing it up'.
     
    Last edited: Jul 23, 2017
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  14. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    CHAPTER 19
    IN TERMS OF MYSTERY


    "In any case, we need to proceed upwards. Aren't we here to see if the Sage needs our help?" I ask.

    "Ah! Yes... that’s right." Aria realises.

    As if in answer to this, the entire tower shakes once more, and more electricity zaps down the walls, presumably from combat still taking place above.

    Taking this as our call to arms, we break once more into a dash, heading up the central grand staircase, which gradually winds around the walls. Checking the lower rooms is not high priority right now.

    Kaede runs like the wind, and most impressively, does so on the railing, rather than the stairs themselves. I guess an effective 45 Agility is pretty godlike.

    Aria is still pouting for some reason, but it beats her hannya face I suppose. Kiku has put down her visor again, so her face cannot be seen; but part of me thinks she is busy snickering to herself.

    We reach the top of these main stairs about three stories up. They reach a majestic landing flanked by two gargoyle statues cast in copper. The large double doors between them, have, once more, been thrown open.

    Inside the next area is what can only be described as an arboretum, set on two different layers connected by ramps. The plants are all apparently cavernous, nocturnal, or otherwise thriving on darkness. Water trickles down the walls, and this area is apparently well insulated from most of the electricity in the rest of the tower. There is even a gazebo.

    It's such a stark contrast from the architecture so far that it gives all four of us pause.

    "Um... is this a garden?" Kiku queries.

    "Yes, I believe that is the purpose. Many of these plants have sorcerous applications, do they not?" Kaede agrees.

    As I set foot further inside I was mostly bewildered as I was assailed by the various applications for explosives that many of the strange plants immediately suggested to me. This skill is weird as hell, it feels like the plants all whispered to me at once...

    "Um... I only recognise the Ghostfruit... oh... and the Faselock vines... they can make cough mixture, and thread."

    "There is also Terimarr. You can recognise its serrated black leaf. Be careful around it." Aria adds, looking annoyed.

    "Is that one dangerous?" I query.

    "Terrimarr is also called the Black Eater, yes. It has contact poison on its leaves, and is valued by assassins like myself, Nii-sama. It causes violent rashes, and if the leaves break the skin, the poison prevents clotting." Kaede explains.

    Woah, thats a scary plant. No wonder it instantly suggested 'gas grenade' to me. Sounds like some serious Geneva Convention defying shit.

    "But, we shouldn't be held up here, yes?" Kaede urges.

    I nod, and as we skirt around the Terrimarr patch, we proceed up the ramp to the exit leading further upwards. I pick a Ghostfruit as we pass by it, throwing it into my tunic pocket.

    I also kind of wanted a Terrimarr sample, but I'm not wearing gloves, so I guess it will have to wait... I don't really want to have to ask Kiku to grab it with her gauntlets, and there is no time to waste anyway.

    The next area gives us all a fright again. This is clearly where the earlier explosion we witnessed occurred, as wind is whistling through a gaping hole in the closest wall, next to which there is a pile of around a half-dozen burnt demon bodies.

    From the arrangement and equipment of the bodies, it seems they came in the same door we just did, in a four abreast phalanx, holding up tall wooden shields and wielding crossbows, only to be instantly blown away by a huge electrical blast, of such voltage that it scored the masonry and blew the wall up. As we saw, three fell into the abyss below.

    Fortunately, the wind is mostly sucking out air, so the stench of seared flesh is only moderate. Still enough for a serious nose wrinkling.

    We carefully pick our way past the bodies.

    Past the remains of this area, which I think was an atrium, there is an audience chamber, complete with a small throne.

    Battle clearly occurred here as well, or rather, probably continued here. There are piles of charcoal next to melted swords, and trails of blood, and most confusingly, a line of demons that appear to have shot themselves with their own crossbow bolts.

    "What in the world?" Aria exclaims.

    It occurs to me, of course, that this lightning sage is probably more a general controller of electromagnetism. If so, these iron bolts could have been spun right back at their original source. Pretty cool ability. An earth physicist would love to see it I'm sure, well, before tearing their hair out at the impossibility anyway...

    "Um, just how many were attacking this place?" Kiku wonders.

    "At least thirty, I would plausibly suggest, yes?" Kaede adds.

    That’s kinda rubbish news. I don't know how us four can help against a small army. Though we hopefully have surprise on our side, and clearly the sage hasn't been slacking in their kill count, and has at least halved that figure.

    Another rumble occurs upstairs, much louder than before. My game sense is telling me that a boss is ahead...

    Well, I have lolis, bring it!
     
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  15. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    CHAPTER 20
    NOT JUST A MID-BOSS?


    This is clearly the apex of the tower. After a winding set of stairs, scattered with further demon bodies, we enter a high ceilinged ritual chamber of sorts. There is an exterior lip like gangway going round the towers main wall, where we have emerged, and a central platform mostly removed from this and secured to the outside gangway only by two access ramps on either side.

    It gives the impression of a cavernous expanse between the two, though in fact the actual drop is probably only twenty metres or so. Still enough to break ones legs, if you were constrained by normal limits.

    This is only a threat because this space is the ground for the electricity. As we arrive, a pulsing surge of purple lightning, enough to give you a permanent flash to the retina, hits the central platform and runs down the side.

    The 7 foot, imposing figure in black full plate with horns and wings stood there appears without care that it had just been struck with such a massive stroke of electricity. It was even folding his arms, unimpressed. Across the platform, crouched down with one gloved hand outstretched, was a short figure in a flowing Maroon robe decorated in arcane symbols. The large, covering hood gave an appearance of a wizard from a certain 4 player action co-op game of over the top magic, where one could not discern the contents of the robe.

    "Futile." Said the armour, and in the space of a quarter second, they had closed the gap with the robe and swung a great-sword from somewhere in a massive arc.

    The robe was cut in two.

    Or not? An afterimage was cut in two and exploded with more sparks. The real robed wizard was another 20 foot distant, now on the exterior catwalk, breathing heavily and crouched down.

    "Tch..." went the armour, clicking its tongue.

    It was pretty clear that it was as I expected. The plate-mail was presumably the leader of the demon force. Although the last one here, the Sage was being pushed back because of ineffectual attacks and looked exhausted. I bet an old jii-san would have stamina issues in a situation like this.

    I didn't need to say anything to indicate to the girls about engaging, but even so, it looked like they were waiting on me.

    So this is what being in charge is like? It seems Aria and Kiku have come to trust my judgement, possibly, and Kaede is just the obedient type to begin with? Or maybe it was the cockup last time from me not understanding the plan, though the noise was a contributor in that case.

    "Let’s go!" I shout, gulping down.

    Like an unwound spring, Aria, Kiku and Kaede explode forwards.

    The armour is about to jump forward to make a killing strike at the Sage, but shows an instant change in plan to swivel acrobatically on one foot to swat aside the incoming thrown short sword with its own blade, and moves its helm slightly to receive the stream of six kunai on the tough side part rather than through the visor. It’s clear it has guts to do think of doing that.

    There is nary a gap as it then catches Kiku's dual wielding strike on the great-swords blade and actually punches at Aria's spear with the off-hand gauntlet, knocking the thrust off course, whilst back-stepping to ignore another kunai at the neck.

    Not wasting a moment, it stomps forwards again, clashing sparks with Kiku, and forcing her to stagger back with the greatsword still in one hand!

    This guy is crazy! What hike in difficulty is this? He even just casually punted aside Aria's super strength stab!

    Just to add to insult, Kaede got behind him, and attempted a sliding disabling swing with her wakizashi to the back of his knee joint, but he honest to god cartwheeled away. IN FULL PLATE. Whilst sweeping the blade one handed again, making all three girls leap away as well.

    The battle pauses momentarily as I grimace, and he self-rights about ten feet from his previous stop. The girls are naturally wary to proceed in engagement considering what just happened.

    His helm sweeps over the girls, and settles in my direction, looking past them. I almost get the impression of a gentleman patting down his suit nonchalantly.

    "Monster..." Is all I can manage to say.

    If a helm could smirk...

    "The new Etranger hero, then. Terribly rude as normal. Ordering a sneak attack and not even fighting himself, so a coward. Or a weakling."

    I don't react to his deep and resonant, yet surprisingly polite sounding voice taunting me. After all, to deny his accusation would be hypocrisy, and there is little I hate more.

    "Maybe not a total fool? At least you lack a fool’s temper. And you have an eye for budding talent, perhaps, in these guardians of yours."

    Though he has not lowered his guard for even a second, he doesn't seem eager to chop up the girls and me, either. Why is he negotiating... or speaking at all? Did the girls actually truly threaten him just now? I guess I have to hope so, and do the only thing I can, and speak.

    "I am Elijah, the Etranger of Earth. Who are you?"
     
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  16. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    CHAPTER 21
    NEGOTIATION


    The full plated demons helm and joints creak slightly as he momentarily hesitates

    "I am Kerkyon, the baron of the Van'atel steppe. I tell you my name in the interest of honour."

    Looks like a knight, talks like a knight. Aria and Kiku, stood some distance from his left side, and still battle ready, look somewhat gobsmacked. I suppose talking to the enemy is something they wouldn’t ever conceive.

    "Why are you here?" I ask

    "Hmmph... what a foolish question. As you have doubtless ascertained, my mission is to end the lives of the ones known as Sages."

    Well... yeah... it was kind of a captain obvious thing. I get the impression his patience is very low for me already, so stepping on a second mine like that is not an option.

    "Why is it you war on humanity at all?"

    "Why does the Etranger believe his enemy will enlighten him? He merely has to follow his calling and fight."

    "In my world, we like to think fighting is the last resort." I state... which is partially true for some of the time.

    "Naive. When a disease spreads, you remove the carriers before they fester."

    Scorched Earth policy, is it? I can kind of understand. Fortunately, I was never one of those weird human rights activists. I liked to think my morals avoided outright slaughter, but I was the kind where logical justification could overrule atrocity, as long as it had good evidence.

    Similarly, I don't feel hate in his statement, just a matter of fact attitude. Perhaps I'm not much of a champion of humanity, but I'm well aware how scummy people can be, and though my gut feeling was generally positive about those I've met so far, who knows if my sense is accurate? Fundamentally, I'm in this because I'm loyal to cute girls and supportive of underdogs.

    "Is that all? If you lay down your arms, I will grant you and your charges a swift death. Your struggle is merely a waste of my time." Kerkyon gloats.

    No room for negotiation. There never was. He has his orders, and he is the type to follow them to his grave. I still wish I had further information... well, why not try it...

    I use Identify Other.

    --------------
    KERKYON LA’BRYS
    THE OBSIDIAN BARON
    LEVEL 17 DEMON KNIGHT

    --------------
    HP>> ???? BLOCKED
    MP>> ???? BLOCKED
    337 YEARS OLD
    STATUS:
    Electrical resist is 90% whilst surrounded by air.
    --------------
    Identify Identification has cancelled further information!
    --------------

    I feel a shock feedback in my head that gives me an ever increasing splitting headache! I deactivate Identify Other and it fades, just before I scream in agony. I still stagger backwards as my vision swirls and my ears ring, like I’ve just been hit by a flash-bang. Shit!

    "YOU DARE! HOW DO YOU!? DIE!!!" He shouts, not wasting any further time, and charging right at me, great sword performing a rising vertical sweep at me, suddenly.

    "ELIJAH!" Aria squeals, launching herself towards me. She won't make it.

    Thank god for Precognitive Evasion saving me twice in one day. I almost feel my spine breaking for being strained so hard, but I bend backwards in rapid reaction, staggering completely off balance.

    It still hurts like a bitch as the tip of the great-sword runs up my torso, splitting my tunic and my chainmail, and missing my nose by less than an inch. But it has prevented me from being instantly bisected.

    I fall prone on my ass for the second time today, and Kerkyon brings the blade round in an overhead to finish me, but Aria is now there, and slams into him at full charge from the side, swinging her spear in an arc. His enmity must have been truly overwhelming for him to not block her over focusing on my death.

    His armour takes most of the blow, however, and he backflips away from Kiku's and Kaede's supplementary strike before any hits can skewer him.

    The girls take up positions guarding me again as I quickly roll to my feet.

    Identify Identification, eh? That kinda sucks. It was apparently a huge faux pas to use my first big trick.

    But even the tiniest information it granted me gives me a plan. I look over the Sage, who is no longer heaving for breath at least, but is still crouched down, looking sort of out of it. We really did just get here in time. Well, I think so… hard to tell with that robe.

    Kerkyon is now almost shuddering in fury, but knows he can’t just come and skewer me this time with the girls directly in front of me. This is a serious crapshoot, but I think I have to bet on it. I whisper to the girls.

    “Ladies; I have a plan, but I’ll have to ask you to keep him busy for a minute? And when I shout ‘now’, Kaede, you must use your Serene Wave Jutsu on him.”

    There is a subtle nod from Kiku and Aria almost straight away. Kaede spares me a strange glance for a moment before putting her eyes back to the battle, but I assume that was an acknowledgement.

    They all glance to one another, and with some surprisingly well timed synergy, burst forwards once more.

    Round two, start!
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2017
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  17. fuzor100

    fuzor100 Standby mode...

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    Thank you for all the chapter!
    I'm not an expert, but here goes my review for this story.
    I have a good time reading all 21 chapter and I can say that this story is well written and a pretty good read. The comedy of the story is good and the way the mc flirt with his harem is amusing. The story have nice flow, and the way the characters interact with each other are heart-warming.
    Overall, the story managed to entertain me for an hour, and I won't say that I waste my time reading this. I look forward for more chapter in the future. Keep up the good work!
     
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  18. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    Thankyou for taking the time to read and review it (and like it repeatedly, I ended up with 30 notifications lol). I'm glad you enjoyed it, and the comedy.

    More is indeed coming. In general, I should probably post Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday chapters, on a good week, assuming work is not a bitch (this is why I'm saying two chapters a week, rather than four, is possible in the OP post, though, as some weeks are just going to be very busy).
     
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  19. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    EDITS: Corrected a couple of errors (esp. in earlier chapters), and retconned one small statement.
     
  20. eharper256

    eharper256 Purveyor of Dubious Medicinal Elixirs [since 1885]

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    CHAPTER 22
    UNSTOPPABLE


    Aria practically crashes into Kerkyon.

    He snatches her spear as it comes at him and flings it aside, though, staggering her. In a duel, I guess she would have been decapitated, but fortunately, Kiku's two swords are there to catch his counterstroke in another rain of sparks. Learning from previous mistakes, she doesn't try to directly clash with him this time, but runs with the momentum of her parry, ducking under the diverted great-sword and kicking him in the shin as she goes. It barely does much, but it’s distracting enough that Kaede manages to sneak a Kunai into his left elbow joint. A small dribble of blood indicates it is only skin deep, and he quickly yanks it out, but I guess it is good for morale to see something go through.

    In the meantime, I have skirted around the furious fight to the Sage, whom is still on one knee.

    "Excuse me! Are you ok?" I shout over the din of clashing metal and ambient buzzing electricity.

    The hood looks away from the fierce battle briefly, at me. It's very strange... but even when I stare directly at where the sage's face should be, there appears naught but an empty space in a vacant hood.

    So it wasn't just a trick of the light here, you really cannot see anything. Even when Kaede had her hood up, I could tell there was a female there, but here, it is truly nothing. I almost believe for a second it is some clothing golem, without an owner, or other such mystery, but the robe shakes its head.

    Pretty disconcerting... and I doubtless have a strange expression, but I've gotta run with it...

    "Are you able to make any attacks at all now?"

    A nod.

    "What about one as powerful as the last one?"

    A shake. Bugger and darnation. But, wait...

    I pull out the Ghostfruit I stashed away before.

    "Will this help at all...?"

    The robe cocks its hood, as if pondering. Then tentatively it nods, raising a gloved hand to receive it.

    I put the fruit in the palm of the glove, and a bright blue swirl appears to consume it directly.

    Man, I kind of want to use Identify Other again to see if that raised MP effect in action, but I still have a headache, which almost gives me the impression that it is on a much longer cool-down than usual due to being blocked before.

    The robe cocks its head, and then, suddenly, in my own head, I hear a blank monotone voice.

    // You are receiving me, boy? // Good. // I am now able to broadcast thoughts again. // You have my thanks, but it appears useless. // That demon is highly resistant to my blasts. //

    I struggle for a moment to think what I want to say. Telepathy talking is pretty cool! Ahem... well... err... Sage... there is a plan. Please start casting the most powerful attack spell you can manage.



    // Heh... // How foolish. // You don't even know if that will work. // But I suppose there is little choice. // Very well. // Give me... fift... no... count to twelve in your head, and the immediately shout your warning. // Start now! //

    One. Aria's spear swings past Kerkyons visor, just short.

    Two. A barrage of Kunai tings uselessly off his chest-plate.

    Three. Kiku exchanges blows... she is grimacing and sweating from each, and a trail of blood is running from her forehead, colouring her right green eye red.

    Four. I start to see glowing magical text coalesce around the sage’s now outstretched glove, along with small crackles of electricity.

    Five. Kaede backflips repeatedly to evade a flurry of terrifying great-sword swings.

    Six. Kiku shouts "Nee-chan... fucking... worse... than... this...!" as she interrupts Kerkyon’s vicious flowing attack at Kaede, parrying blows repeatedly from him.

    Seven. Aria grazes his right thigh with her latest swing, taking pressure off Kiku, and blowing him backwards with her crazy power.

    Eight. Kerkyon cartwheels off the powerful blow, and still glaring in my direction, tries to push towards me and the sage. I think he became aware something’s up...

    Nine. Aria leap attacks him, forcing him to change direction, but he kicks her in the gut in the process, making her retch and roll like a ragdoll away. A glowing barrier like thing that protects her from the impact flashes and explodes in shattering light.

    Ten. Kaede runs past her and grabs her arm, stopping her from falling off the side, and flings her back onto the platform unceremoniously.

    Eleven. Kiku is blown aside as well, coughing blood, and he looks to have a clear charge at me. But...

    Twelve.

    "Kaede! NOW!" I shout.

    She is still crouched from saving Aria, but she throws out a complicated series of rapid hand motions without wasting time.

    He is coming at me in slow motion due to my adrenaline again. Still, his cleave will doubtless split the defenceless pair of us like firewood. All of the Sage’s magical circles coalesce around her outstretched palm.

    He leaps over the gap between the platforms.

    But then a geyser of water magically erupts from below, soaking him to the bone. It doesn't halt his momentum, but it doesn't have to.

    A stroke of violet lightning then smashes into the column of water from above, pretty much blinding and deafening me instantly.