The days went on by since the decisive battle which ended... Well, with a defeat, despite Vixella's feats.

Unfortunately for the Afrians, even though the battleship was taken down, a battlecruiser came to finish the job.

The bed creaked as Vixella suddenly sprung up.

"Aah, I was in Grizzly Boar Heaven just now!"

"Vixella-!? You shouldn't be moving--!!!"

Luna screamed out as she rushed into the back room upon hearing her roll out of the bed.

"Wasn't so bad since all the grizzly boars were cuddling up against me like mofu mofu... Tehehehe..."

Vixella drooled as she pondered to herself on the spot.

"LISTEN TO MEEE-------!!! Haa... Haa..."

Luna shrieked out as she couldn't hold it back longer and began gasping for breath in anger.

"I can at least assess my injuries."

She bent her neck left and right and spun around to stretch out her functional right arm.

"Right...! But your left arm is still broken..."

"I'll apply Holy Healing for some extra measure... My arm should be fine within a few days..."

She then proceeded to pop a bubbly magical formation right beside the bandaged cast itself.

"N-Nooooooo! You shouldn't even be using magic in that state!!!"

"It's all good, see?"

Upon that remark, she proceeded to handstand with her right arm before flipping two times across the room.

After standing back up, Vixella clicked her fingers to conjure forth a flame.

Luna was at loss for words... Is this person the last hero...?

No, perhaps she is the demon lord in disguise?

"Waah! Hot!"

The flame which she had conjured earlier engulfed her arm in a matter of seconds.

Yeah, she seemed human enough to Luna.

A dumb and stupid one at that.

After swishing her burning arm around and putting out the fire, she then had to mend the burns with healing spirits.

Vixella sighed heavily to herself after the bubbly formations popped away.

She was never too proficient with any elemental magic other than Light Magic anyway.

However, as of recent, it seemed like she was at the breakthrough.

Why? Well... The flame didn't go out of control right away, after all.

"O-Okayyyy!! I-I get it, I get it!!! Don't extort yourself anymore, please!! It's dangerous!!"

"I don't want to hear that from someone who came to tend to the injured amidst a battle like that..."

"But-"

"If I wasn't that masked assassin at the time... You might as well-"

"I know!!! I-I'm sorry... I-I won't do such a thing again..."

"Good! So, can I go?"

"A-Ahh you never listen, do you!? Fine!! I'll let you take the day off so please do nothing too dangerous!"

"Nothing too dangerous...? Well, fine with me! I'll just go take a walk with my dog or something..."

"Y-You have a dog? T-Then I guess we won't need to find you an escort after-all..."

Luna's face shifts strangely as she tries to look serious while being a bit unsure about what to say next.

"Yeah, my dog is called Mesa... You know her, right?"

"The Shober Faction's Priestess...? Please don't joke around... She's currently at the Citadel to strategize with the others..."

Vixella nodded and paced for the door leading to the front of the herbalist shop.

She glanced at the shelf beside the doorway and grabbed Ivan's Musket Pistol before sliding it inside the space in her arm cast.

Her usual magical leather belt was then strapped back on.

The weight of the pouch to the side could be felt, hence the lead pellets inside.

"W-W-Waaitt!! Please wear some clothes!!"

Luna shouted out behind as Vixella glanced down at her clothed self to raise an eyebrow.

"Y-Your dress! Your dress!!"

"No way in hell I'm wearing a dress on a day off."

Vixella hurriedly pushed open the door and leaped over the storefront counter.

The sound of Luna shouting out behind her was muffled by the sound of the crowd as she paced down the street.

After a few long seconds, she slowed down to a walk and glanced up and down the street that she was currently in.

"Aah... This place is... LadyLake? Just what happened while I was out?"

The crowd of people passing by began noticing her who stood out, thanks to the set of manly tunic and pants she wore.

Her left arm was in a cast, clearly broken, but the innocent and absent gaze present on her face gave off a strange feeling.

"Since Luna said Mesa is busy... Guess I'll go take a walk all by myself then."

The crowd wondered what she was muttering to herself, but alas they couldn't care less.

Elegant! Smooth light strawberry-blonde hair that fluttered gently in the breeze!

Captivating! The amber eyes that glimmered and shone from the bright daylight sun!

Dazzling! Her extravagant figure along with the face which stopped the pure hearts of both men and women!

The 'exaggeration' aside, Vixella thought differently otherwise.

"Aah, how troublesome... Having a broken arm sure draws attention."

Soaring through the skies, seagulls hunted fish in the azure lake where the great maritime fortress city of LadyLake rested upon.

Caravans would come and go, making their ways across the great bridge that spanned the whole length from land to city.

Plus, the bustling marketplace where everyone tended to their own lives in the captivating scenery was never a boring place.

Though perhaps thanks to conjuring all the elements above her as she took the walk, city guards eventually stopped her.

After stating who she was, Vixella was then brought to the citadel... Reason? That was the safest place to leave her be.

The guards reluctantly guided her inside the briefing room before hurrying outside to close the doors shut.

In all honesty, they were scared shitless to escort someone equating to a walking magic bomb.

"Ahm... Why are you already out of bed, Vix?"

Alexei who stood leaning against one of the pillars by the drafting table beside Princess Sasha spoke out.

"So you want to keep me in your bed?"

She asked casually.

"Wha-! D-Don't say things like that when princess Sasha is present!"

Alexei quickly stepped forth to warn her with a loud whisper.

"Why? Hey Princess, has he wrestled with you yet?"

"Pardon? Wrestle?"

Princess Sasha turned around with a confused look.

"It's the kind of wrestling you do without clothes on--- Mm?"

Vixella's speech was cut off as Alexei quickly covered her mouth.

Both of them then turned to face the princess who was forcing a smile.

"W-Wait... P-Princess... I-I can explain..."

"Alexei, we have to talk."

Vixella raised her hands in surrender and backed off to meet Jessica who stood by a windowpane overlooking the town.

"Ara...? If it isn't Lady Vixella! Even my dear brother is still recovering from Magical Exhaustion, you know?"

"Awooooo---!?"

Mesa who sprung from the drafting table was whacked down to the ground by Vixella.

She then patted Mesa's head and scruffed her hair.

"Bad dog... You still need much training."

"Woof---!?!? Please forgive this one for her impudence."

Mesa drooped her composure and tail down slightly.

"Just make sure to be a good dog from now on."

Vixella helped her up and gave a slight thumbs up.

The doggo priestess, in return, wiggled her tail happily out the hole fitted through the usual kimono dress.

"Lass, I congratulate you on your recovery... BUT RIGHT NOW WE'RE HAVING SERIOUS WARTIME DISCUSSIONS!"

"Calm down... I didn't even want to come here in the first place! The city guards showed me here... Saying it's safest for me here."

"Safest for you...? Since when did you need protection?"

"That's why I'm wondering why they took me here."

Alexei who seemed like he had the life drained out of him with Princess Sasha behind him approached to point over.

"Ahm... Rather, I think that safety concern is about all those magical elements erupting above her head."

"Aah? These? I'm training my magical control."

She then looked up at the many volatile elements which begun to expand, retract, and become denser at unpredictable intervals.

"Easy there, lass! What if you damage the strategy board-!?"

Alderius seemed a bit weary as he rushed up to push her further away from the drafting and planning area.

"Aah... Wait, before you kick me out... Mesa?"

"Woof?"

"Any potential beastmen who can tag along with me? I'd like a cat if possible... For a change of pace."

"Master- Woof!! Lady Vixella likes cat more than dog...!?"

Mesa who was surprised by Vixella's request threw a tantrum as her tail drooped down with her feelings.

"I love both equally, I guess?"

She looked away slightly, seemingly thinking as she said so.

"Love--!? WooOOOOFFF!! Then please wait for a moment! Bring you a fine cat, this great one shall...!"

Mesa jointed her hands, bowing gracefully as she hurried out of the room with her fluffy tail wagging happily behind her.

After a minute had gone by, the dog priestess returned into the room with a cat beastwoman.

"Here she is! This one has brought a wonderful cat named Alexa!"

"Good dog! Come here."

Vixella gestured Mesa to come closer before patting her once on the head.

"Alexa? Play Despacito?"

"Meow."

"Well, aren't you a good cat."

Alexa tilted her head slightly as Vixella carefully approached to pat her head.

However, once the cat had realized her intentions, she snarled and took a step back.

"Aah, sorry... I guess that comes later?"

Vixella smiled and lowered her hand.

"Lass! Are you done with your... Goddamned... Beastmen... Pets-!? GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!"

King Alderius shouted angrily as Jessica held him who was bout to grab Vixella back on the spot.

Vixella raised her hands apologetically.

"Aaaah... Well, shouldn't I be at this super-duper important meeting too? I mean, I'm-"

"NOOO!! Enough with your stupid and reckless plans! We need your goddamn ass alive! Now get outta'ere!"

"Just as he said... It's probably best if you leave... Let us adults handle this, Vix..."

"Alexei... Even you!?"

Vixella couldn't believe her ears, seeing her first and only adventuring companion betray her so easily.

"Arara..." Jessica sighed, "I'm afraid I couldn't agree less."

"Guess I'll just die-"

CRASH!

Vixella bashed and fell through the tall windowpane, disappearing over the side of the towering Citadel.

Everyone then glanced at the busted window frame in silence.

The morning breeze softly began to flush into the room.

"Did that stupid lass just take her own life?"

"Ara? I'm sure that she was just joking?"

"What kind of joke involves breaking through a window and falling off from such a height..."

Princess Sasha walked over to peek out the broken glass, unable to find Vixella anywhere nearby.

"Ahm... You'll get used to it."

Vixella grumbled as she walked down the street alongside the Alexa who had recently hopped down from the rooftops to meet her.

"What do you mean reckless plans? All I did was... Well, I never expected them to have advanced rifling... My bad again."

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

"Same."

Vixella somehow understood her nice intentions despite the communication barrier.

"Thanks, cat... Aah, I'm hungry... Wonder where's the nearest restaurant at..."

Alexa's cat ears shuffled slightly as her head perked up to sniff towards a certain direction.

"Food."

"Beastmen sense? Well, lead the way."

The wind which blew past them caused Alexa's long emerald blonde hair behind to lift as her ears fluttered in the wind.

Her irises that represented those of a cat would usually catch one's eyes by surprise as the two walked past the crowd of people.

The noble-like girl, probably a warrior of sorts, was recovering from her injuries.

The cat beastwoman, probably a servant, was escorting her for the time being.

Alexa lead Vixella towards the nearest restaurant with her heightened beastmen senses.

The two took turns through alleyways to save time as they eventually ended up in front of a certain restaurant.

Along the way, they were confronted by a few thugs who Vixella scared off with a single warning shot of Ivan's Musket Pistol.

Furthermore, thanks to Alexa's keen senses, they took routes to avoid suspicious individuals which saved them a lot of time.

((OwO wats dis-!? FURWEEB TIME BOIIS- **ALI-A OPENING FADES IN**))

[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/404059426413084672/616591513756893204/Alexa_Outline.png]

Stepping inside as the doorbell tolled above them, Vixella spotted a familiar face at the counter barkeep.

Without a single trace of hesitation, she rushed up to the counter and reunited with her destined cook.

"Sally-!? I thought I'd never see you again!!"

"Ayo! We Elderians are delaying the enemy right now so most of us who are less capable at fighting have evacuated here!"

Sally explained happily despite the grim news.

"Aah, that's not something I'd be happy about...?"

Vixella pulled out two stools as she and Alexa quietly took their seats.

"Don't fret over it! Rise and shine! What shall you have today? Ah... Roasted Grizzly Boar Steak Slices with Beastmen Rice-!?"

Sally pointed both of her fingers at Vixella in an intimate manner.

"Waaah... To think that you knew my weakness all this time..."

Vixella lost her composure as she held her face in embarrassment.

"Ayaya! It's weird if you put it that way you know-!? Plus no one else likes to eat Grizzly Boars except you!"

"Wait... What do you mean-!? Hey... Grizzly Boars are delicious, right...!?"

Vixella asked everyone in the restaurant aloud just to be met with awkward smiles of pity and reluctance.

"Ayaa... I wouldn't say that, Vixella... They're quite hard to hunt... Even for an experienced hunter... And the taste is not very..."

Vixella abruptly brushed Sally away.

"Stop before I become sad... Anyways, get us two bowls of rice and some fish for my cat alongside that grizzly boar dish!"

"Nyah...!?"

Alexa blurted out upon hearing the word 'fish'.

"Aah, so you can lose your cool to food as well? Well then... Submit to your master! Then, she shall give you all the fish you want!"

The cat beastwoman glanced left and right as her ears flutter about slightly.

"It's now or never, kitty."

"Meow..."

Alexa blurted out softly as she slouched down and squinted shut her eyes in an embarrassed manner.

Vixella patted Alexa's head and caressed her cat ears.

The Catwoman in return snuggled slightly to herself as her ears flutter about.

A hint of happiness soon began to show on her usually composed face.

"See? You can just be like any other cat, tehehe!"

((Grizzly Boar Reference))

[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/455394821364908032/470140455972110357/BearBoar-1-768x487.jpg]

Vixella and Alexa who sat by the counter enjoyed their meals together.

The Beastmen Rice alongside their favorite foods.

Sally then had a long talk with Vixella and caught up with certain things.

After having heard the news of how Vixella risked her life to take down the giant flying fortress, Sally was already impressed.

In contrast, after hearing the story from the person herself, she soon felt a bit thrown off.

The story from Vixella's perspective sounded extremely casual.

The way she told it was beyond Sally's sense of 'normal'.

"Yikes! I probably wouldn't be able to even fly a thing like that! Where did you even learn anyway?"

She conversed further and asked Vixella as they went along.

"Aah, as I told you... I kicked out the pilot and stole his thing... I fiddled around with the handles and pedals..."

Vixella explained as she built up the story, demonstrating with her hands and legs as Sally leaned over the counter to spectate.

"Bihu! Bishuuu! And then I would... Ratata at them... And since I was at a disadvantage, I just had to blindly charge in like that!"

The crowd among the restaurant in return laughed at the Vixella who gestured how she piloted the weird thing comedically.

"Ayaa... And that's how your arm's currently broken?"

Sally asked as she seemed a bit more relieved after seeing Vixella demonstrate it in such a funny way.

"Yeah, but I never expected them to have something that can shoot so accurately from that far! I should've been more careful..."

Vixella, seemingly regretting her recklessness, glanced down at her broken left arm.

"Yeah, you should've! But that long pipe thing you described... Is it better than the Valoratian Knight's Magical Crossbows...?"

Sally who tried to get a better understanding of the said weapon which caused Vixella's injury asked for a comparison.

"Alright, listen... You don't know how dangerous a gun or firearm is... Even I can end up completely hopeless against them!"

"Woah! Really...!? A legendary adventurer like you...!?"

"Yeah... Guns... They're scary... Here, let me explain-"

Vixella who was seemingly interested in the topic went off and rambled to Sally toward the next few minutes.

"Okay... So it didn't hit you but the... Wind thing on the side? So... How did you even survive that explosion?"

"If you anticipate it coming, compel out strongly to prevent your internal organs from being ruptured... Simple."

"Ayaa... Maybe it's simple for you..."

"Aah, I compelled wind magic outwards at the last second from myself alongside covering myself with the cloak as well."

"Then, what happened next...?"

Vixella shrugged slightly.

"The ship blew up and flushed me away... And then... I can't remember anything specific after that part."

"Eeeh-!? It's already beyond lucky that you survived all that! Don't fret over it! Come on, just eat up!"

Sally who was pretty shocked tried to lift her spirits.

"Really? Well, if my destined cook tells me to... Aah, can I also have some ale and dessert now?"

"Sure!"

"So, what about me? What do you think?"

"Eh? Rumors of being the descendant of the last hero or whatever?"

Vixella looked down at her empty plate.

"Hey... Why do care-!? You're you, right! Vixella... You're Vixella!"

She looked back up in surprise, not expecting Sally to say something so earnest.

"Aah? That so..."

"If you're pondering over who cares... Then maybe the Holy Sect of Licht does..."

"Never heard of them."

"Ayaaa... Y'know... The people who worship the last hero... They're starting to come out from the shadows..."

"Those guys are still around...? Aah, should've wiped them out completely last time... So naive back then..."

"Yaaa... You... What? I didn't really catch that..?"

"Won't you marry me?"

"Ayyyyy! Nice joke! Nice joke! Now go back to eating... Unless you want another frying pan in your face!"

"Got it."

A ceramic clank then sounded the massive heap of plates as Vixella contently prayed to herself.

It was what she had learned from when she visited the Shober beastmen faction... To be thankful for the food!

"Master... Eats... Lots..."

Alexa mumbled to herself as she nibbled on the fishbone before placing aside the inedible bits onto the plate.

"Ayo! Did you two enjoy the meal?"

"Of course we did."

Vixella hinted happily at the big pile of empty plates stacked on the barkeep counter beside.

Sally's face, on the other hand, tried to hold back her drool as she watched Vixella place down a few gold coins on the counter.

"Thank you for the patronage... I'm guessing I keep the change as usual...?"

Sally tried to keep a straight face as she picked up the coins unsteadily one by one.

"I don't have any silvers or coppers on me so just take the same amount in gold coins."

"Vixella... Do come back to eat more grizzly boar after the next battle... Don't go ahead and d-"

"Did I ask you to set a death flag on me like that? Aah, what was that...!? I heard nothiiiiinggg!"

Vixella waved as she turned out and disappeared beyond storefront alongside Alexa.

A CENTURY LATER

(Meme Transition Music)

The day passed by relatively quickly as Vixella visited the guild smith that at the new dwarven workshop set up in Valoratia.

They had modified the recovered prototype-variant Strider that belonged to the ace pilot to suit Vixella's specifications.

Instead of two handles and pedals, everything was now controlled by one joystick with buttons on the side of it.

There were also minor modifications to its outward appearance.

She could also now infuse her magic directly into the thruster's magical cables... Engine Boost~!

Giving Ivan's Musket Pistol to the dwarves, she watched as they quickly modified it so that she could fire off rounds faster.

Plus, she was able to infuse elemental magic to fire a specialized shot imbued with said elements' power.

The long rifle that Vixella's Strider was shot by was also recovered in shambles.

The dwarves were currently trying their best to replicate and understand the design.

Valoratia.

LadyLake.

Later that night.

The full moon brightly lit up the night, reflecting the luna light onto the silver-polished walls of LadyLake.

Alexa was squatting on a wooden beam sticking out of a nearby outer-wall watchtower.

She hopped down behind Vixella who was leaning down against a porthole.

"Master...?"

Vixella sighed as she titled her head back to glance at the moon's reflection in the black and glimmery azure.

"The only thing I'm good at is fighting, isn't it?"

"Please..."

"Wha-"

Vixella's eyes opened wide upon feeling Alexa softly fall onto her.

"Don't..."

The cat beastwoman began hugging her tightly.

"Aah, to think that you're this worried about your master...?"

Much to their silent embrace, a bright red streak flared up into the sky behind them.

DONG!! DONG!! DONG!!

The belltowers suddenly began ringing again and again as more magical flares began to shoot up throughout town.