“This is not right! Susanoo hasn't done anything! Please, let us not fight, we are in the middle of city full of injured!”

Cattleya’s shrilly voice erupted from behind. Her cry gathered the silver haired girl and the fox girl’s attention as they broke their stances. They seem to be a bit more reasonable despite how they act. The fox girl faces me and starts talking.

“I see, I’m sorry for being hasty, however, hearing Asagao’s name got me agitated.”

“That’s what I would like to ask you. Asagao’s scent lingers and strongly sticks to you.”

“S-Scent?! T-That must be..her…underwe---!”

“Hmm…?”

“Nothing. If that’s what it is, I will tell you about it if you tell me first what you are for Asagao.”

This girl is exceedingly cautious. Every single time our eyes meet, she will frown with utter disgust like she is looking at a piece of garbage. Her magical power fluctuates from now and then depending on who she is looking at. If she looks at Cattleya or towards the silver haired girl, she lets her guard down. Her blank poker face is tinged with warmness as she stares at them.

It’s not really troublesome and she seems more level-headed than your average kid. She is the one who opened the possibility of talk after all. If that is the case, I should answer honestly.

“First, my name is Susanoo, together with Asagao I am also a summoned hero from another world. This girl with scarlet hair is Cattleya, she is a friend of mine. There are also other heroes in this city currently as…an incident happened.”

“Incident? What kind of incident? Does it involve Asagao?”

“I already…indentified our identities so…it’s your turn to do it.”

“Tsk... I am Higanbana, daughter of Izuna, one of Beast General in the Beast Continent. For me, Asagao is my one and only and I devote my whole life and existence solely for her.”

I’ve heard it before but I’ll confirm her name again. It’s Higanbana and it is noticeably oriental in which I can greatly relate to. Even her modernized shrine maiden outfit takes me back to my younger days. But one thing catches my attention is that how she magnificently glorified Asagao to as far to say that she belongs to her. My eyes already discerned that her feelings and emotions are genuine to the point it’s shocking.

Next is the silver-haired girl. She steps up and looks at me in the eye.

“I am…Alstroemeria. There’s nothing worth mentioning about me except for my hometown, Nanab Harbor Town which boasts of having delicious fishes and with people always smiling. I am…Asagao’s friend and family. We vowed to each other that we will stay together and protect each other. Asagao…is really important to us…I may be an idiot but I know what I obviously wanted and that’s that! I wanted to be with Asagao, so please, if you know anything, do tell us.”

Such words are spoken by the girl, Alstroemeria.

Her solemn face and longing voice immediately reached out to me as her feelings are overflowing with honesty. Her yellow eyes glints with such intensity as she kept her pleading stare at me. Higanbana holds her hand and leans her head to her sorrowfully.

I just realized it…

They are both genuinely worried about Asagao but, among them, Alstroemeria is the one who is pained the most of their situation. They both miss her and the only one who can console them at such time is also each other.

Also, good thing Alstroemeria mentioned about Nanab Harbor Town.

I remembered that the guild receptionist there talks about an absurd girl named Alstroemeria, the one who saved Asagao back then. The description of the girl, Alstroemeria, matches the girl in front of me so it is safe to assume that it is her.

Since they are proven credible and presumably, our ally. However, the information that they seek is rather heavy and I won’t be filtering anything since they are Asagao’s friend.

“I get it. I will tell you the...situation…but…I’ll remind you that…the thing I will say is…classified information so…we better…move to another place…”

“Understandable. We don’t have all day so please lead the way.”

Is what Higanbana said as she gestures at me to get a move on. Cattleya has been quiet for a while now and she just clings to me, however, she is not scared or avoidant of the two girls. On the contrary, she is just grinning a little.

I start walking as I already have an idea where to take them, to the most extravagant and to the most literally clean as hell place.

.

.

.

The atmosphere is frigid and stale.

In the so-called guest room where the flooring is a white slate of marble tiles that one could see their own face perfectly, a well decorated rosy curtains that blocks the sunlight and forbid any vision from outside, a beautifully carved mahogany table with neatly stacked papers and a quill pen dipped in its ink container, a fancy chandelier that is oddly pleasing to the eyes despite it is not lit, bookshelves and plant decors that are properly taken care and lastly, the most eye-catching inside the room is none other than the one who made it, Priscilla.

A woman in which, in every aspect of life, I fail to come to terms with. Among the people I’ve met, she is the most eccentrically pleasing but fairly dangerous. As usual, she is still garbed with her maid uniform free of any flaws and neatly worn. Also, she is a woman who utterly hates my guts by clearly stated that I am her ally despite our differences.

She is sitting on the sofa with Cattleya laid beside her. She continuously strokes her hair with a brush carefully observing Higanbana and Alstroemeria on another sofa opposite to theirs. I stand behind the two visitors while behind Priscilla is Dreg, one of the heroes and presumably the most matured among us, stands behind her.

Higanbana sits comfortably as she watches Priscilla messes with Cattleya. The little fox girl is not fazed one single bit by Priscilla’s strong presence that even gets a little goosebump sometimes if she gets seriously angry.

However, I will be a little rude and shamelessly say that she isn’t comparable to me when it comes to battle but, It is also wrong to underestimate her though as she is already adept at using her Arcana Magic unlike me.

Contrary to Higanbana’s comfortable appearance, Alstroemeria sits rigidly with her hands properly placed atop of her lap and her legs are clamped together. Her face is a little pale.

Higanbana immediately notices Alstroemeria’s unrest and scoot closer to her to whisper which is kind of pointless since Priscilla and I have both strong hearings.

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

“What’s wrong Alstroe? You seem a little pale…”

“W-Well…this place…looks so expensive. Do you remember the time I fought Astlan?”

“Oh…that…”

“Because I destroyed his office…I’ve racked up some debt and had Big sis Cecille pay for it.”

“M-Money…issues…”

“Y-Yeah…and…we are currently on the brink of going broke…”

“W-What?! You should have told me that earlier…And…what you are trying to say is that you’re afraid that you might break something again?”

“Kind of…and the lady of over there looks so stern…”

“Hmm. Then, let me do the talking as usual…”

“Why is it always like this…I’m the older one…”

They end their little chat and Higanbana faces Priscilla in which happened to finished grooming Cattleya and remarkably remade her hair drills.

“So then, I heard that you two are looking for Asagao, right?”

“That is so. Won’t you tell us?”

“I want to but, I also have a request to make. After all, you two should be looking at the bigger picture of the situation.”

“That is…a just price to pay…I see…”

“You sound oddly mature for your age, little fox girl, Higanbana.”

Alstroemeria’s body jerks upon hearing that remark. With an impending smile on her face, Priscilla directed such teasing word not to Higanbana but to Alstroemeria who keeps her mouth shut. She really loves playing such game.

“The does not matter one bit. In order to see Asagao again, we will do everything and that’s what matter the most for us.”

“Without further ado, let us start discussing this matter. First off is Asagao’s whereabouts.”

“Please tell us!”

“I’ll tell you…Asagao Lionheart’s current location is unknown since the explosion in the Dragon Capital Mujinn. Chances that she and the other remaining heroes are still there is low.”

“BULLSHIT! Then that means…”

“Fufufu, I didn’t say anything about them dying. Please listen carefully next time.”

“Stop playing with words…that was bad for me…”

“I’ve recently got a hold of Violetta who is involved in the explosion and complete eradication of the dragon capital.”

My eye somehow twitches from Priscilla’s words and I just have to interrupt momentarily.

“What is this, Priscilla? I’ve…never heard about this before…”

“Of course you wouldn’t. I’ve kept it a secret between me and Dreg.”

I slowly turn my head towards Dreg who was standing behind Priscilla. He just quietly nods to affirm it. If that is the case, Priscilla must have a reason for doing so. Knowing her, she is a reasonable person with just judgment.

I didn’t pursue any further as Priscilla is about to talk about it.

“Alstroe and I know her. I’ve once gone to her library in the Astlan’s Castle. You could say we are a bit acquainted. She is also the one who treated Alstroe when she had a fight with the human king.”

“It seems you know quite a lot on that side, however, I won’t pursue more of that topic and would like to concentrate on the subject at hand.”

“Please continue.”

“Like I said, there was an explosion that completely destroyed the dragon capital. The one who is responsible is none other than Ashfon himself. Violetta told me via telepathy that his power has gone wild and right now, Ashfon Astlan Lionheart is in a state of comatose and Violetta has taken him to a secluded place for the reason if his power went out of control again, the damage would be minimal.”

“The reason you concealed about that fact is that it wouldn’t cause unrest among the people of the dragon kin and the humans, correct? And if people knew that the king of humans destroyed the dragon capital, then havoc between two races may rise.”

“You are…quite an intelligent child, a perceptive one to boot.”

“It is indeed natural for me as from two to three years from now on I will kick out the current beast king of our continent and take over the throne. That way, I can keep the peace between humans and beast kin to keep Asagao close to me. But, nevermind of me, what happened to Asagao?”

“Asagao, with Violetta’s power, is teleported away from the explosion. However, such method was randomized and her current location is unknown together with several people. The Hero Mito, a mutation of dragon kin, has been patrolling the whole continent, seen no evident traces of Asagao so in this matter we can only give a hypothesis of her location but, worry not as we confirmed that she is still alive.”

“Really?! How so?”

“Several days ago, a group of powerful dragons is seen flying throughout the sky. Their leader is called Pr’thcor and they seem to be what everyone called ancient dragons. They flew the whole continent to hunt down devils under one banner, the faction of Asagao Lionheart in which they serve under.”

“Asagao did that?!”

“Also, together with the appearance of the powerful dragons comes a fleet of dozens of pirate ships readily made for marine warfare. They are appearing on several seas of each continent to provide transportation and to hunt down devils. Like the dragons they also gathered under one name, Asagao Lionheart or more known to them as the Empress of the Sea.”

“Asagao…she’s doing incredible feats like that…and I am just here…”

“Asagao is gathering a large sum of forces, meaning, she knows more than what we do. So that’s why the final conclusion for her location is…the fairy continent where the said pirates told us that she is headed there together with a twin elves and a man with metallic limbs.”

“So…she has…another companion…It’s…kind of vexing…but, as long as Asagao is safe, I am satisfied.”

This confirms that Ichirou was able to do what I asked him to. I was not wrong to do so. He seems to have found the twins together with Asagao. That guy is always diligent of what he does.

However, to actually think that Asagao could do such feats on her adventure. I’ve already heard that she is quite eccentric but not to this extent.

For you who dwell inside me, did you hear that?

Don’t think I haven’t figured it out yet. The daughter you spoke of is her, right? Even this fox girl is also one of your daughters. Don’t think I didn’t know that you were incorporating your strong feeling of longing for your love ones to my own emotions.

It’s quite unpleasant, you and your memories. Your pathetic life full of regrets of not saving the people you loved. I’ll kick you out of my body if you continue to do so. I will keep everyone out of harm, especially when I really care about them, like Asagao.

Stop fucking up my emotions.

“Alstroe, we know now our next destination! Let’s go before Asagao move places again!”

“Wait…I told you that I have a request to make, right?”

“Ah…yes, I’m sorry that I got excited. As long as your request won’t take too much time...”

Higanbana stands up in haste with joy but was promptly stopped by Priscilla. She sat down again and perk her ears to pay attention Priscilla’s request.

“This will be quick depending on how strong you are. I believe Susanoo and Cattleya’s arrival here is also convenient.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Mito, our scout just spotted giant devils miles away yesterday. However, considering the distance they could travel, they might be closer now. There are four of them spread from all directions.”

“Wait. In short, you want us to kill those devils?”

“Precisely. We don’t have enough forces to take care of them. We only have Susanoo and Cattleya as a combatant that could defeat them but, even with the two of them will prove difficult. As for me, I cannot leave this place. I currently act as a mediator and leader and me leaving would cause worry for the people.”

“That’s perfectly fine! Alstroe here is the best when it comes to talking with fist.”

“Your efforts won’t go unrewarded too. I shall part some sum for your service. After all, I stored every treasure and wealth…of the dragon emperor before everything perished. You could say I basically hold an entire empire in my hands now.”

Is what Priscilla said with an authentic evil smile plastered all over her face. This is that kind of person that can twist everything from political to governance. You could say that she is more capable than me in leading roles.

Well, as a hitman, I was taught to skillfully blend with the background after all. It is one field I am hopeless against Priscilla.

In a sense, you can find Priscilla more terrifying than me.

“That’s a close deal. We will be going now.”

“Oh, do be careful now.”

With that, the conversation is concluded and now, the plan is we are going together with Higanbana and Alstroemeria to defeat those giant devils.

I’ve actually seen one once. I had Ichirou fight it because I feel a little sleepy that day. I do trust him and I am quite confident of his ability. Everything did end well back then but this time, I have something I wanted to try on those monstrosities.

.

.

.

“I’ll go first! It’s been a while since I move my body!”

Is shouted by Alstroemeria as we arrive on the west side of Aldeva City…

From afar, a large looming dark figure can be seen. It’s a deformed humanoid with unbalanced limb proportion. The devil is large enough to crush half of Aldeva city with only on blow. It would be best if we finish it off before getting closer.

“Wait, Miss Alstroemeria, Miss Priscilla told us to work together to--!”

“She didn’t say anything sort of. More like, she just told us to deal with it however possible. Also, don’t underestimate Alstroe.”

“But…!”

Higanbana cuts off Cattleya who is worried. She seems confident about Alstroemeria’s abilities. It quite piqued my interest so I I’ll go with the flow for now.

“I’d like to see…how powerful you are…the one who fought Ashfon.”

“Ou!~ I’d give my all right now if you really want to!”

“Don’t hold back, in return, I’ll also show you want I’ve been honing for a while now.”

“Really?! That’s great! Well then, I’ll start.”

Alstroemeria closes her eyes. There are no magical powers or whatsoever comes out from her but oddly enough, my guts told me that she is strong. Higanbana started running away from Alstroemeria and I, upon noticing it also hold Cattleya in my arms and jump away.

“[Nirvana]”

………

This was the first time I feel oddly calm but not sleepy.

Red traces of light covers Alstroemeria’s limbs and the atmosphere around her didn’t go violent but rather, it became calm. It’s not exaggerated to call it the calmest place in this world as everything stood still and unmoving.

“That’s Alstroe being serious. Watch carefully and be amazed. This will only end in a second or three.”

Is confidently said by Higanbana who stand beside me while we watch Alstroemeria finishes her meditation like chant…

As she said, I intently watch her with all my sense, distorting everything I can to help me observe her every inch of movements.

“Here I go.”

FWISH

Gone…

No traces were left behind from her wake…

Not even a wind or the earth felt her movements…

When I realize it, the giant devil from afar is already flying…towards space…

[Avidya Severance, Second Order – Destroyer of First Hell!] 

“ORRRRYAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

BAM!

With a kicking stance, she sent the giant devil flying. Upon the devil’s unwanted flight is a large gaping hole in its stomach. However, it didn’t end there…

A large tremor…a strong wind pressure and…a large shockwave…was about to come… from the impact of her attack alone to the devil.

The direction where she kicked…the cloudy sky…parted ways…

And there’s more to come…

My body…instinctively moves to defend Cattleya and Higanbana from the upcoming impact…

That girl…what a monster…