Understandably, There are Consequences. (12.1)

…

I learned a long time ago that there's always more than one victim in any situation. It wasn't as terrible as losing an arm, just a broken leg, but what happened hurt more than just me. To say my family wasn't hurt by the situation, even if they didn't have to pay a dime for my hospital visit, would be a lie. I didn't fully understand that lesson until my second year in high school, with Yukinoshita and Yuigahama, it was still a lesson I figured I had a head start in learning.

There were always consequences to consider, there was always more to think about than just the short-term, but acting in mind of only the long-term was impossible.

Trying to keep everyone happy with the decisions you make just makes you a liar to everyone, including yourself.

…

"A War Game." I didn't bother hiding my frown. I kneaded my temples. I was very glad that I lost my left arm instead of my right. I relied on my right arm for too many things. Like helping along my attempts to understand idiocy. Lyon simply gave her own nod of understanding of my plight. At the very least, the two of us can agree on how idiotic the gods were. "It'll be right after the Denatus, I suppose?"

"The Apollo Familia attacked the Hestia Familia's home a few days ago." Lyon continued explaining what had happened while I was asleep. I eyed the door where Grande had vanished to. Seriously, I admired her ability to delegate work, but putting too much work on someone isn't efficient at all. Lyon looked as though she needed a good night's rest. You can't take care of someone else without taking care of yourself first, idiot. "Mikoto, Cranel, Challia, and Wallenstein were all present. They rebuffed the attack."

"I'm surprised Syr wasn't there. Or Hestia. I'd have thought those two would work harder considering all the girls following Cranel now." An attack in broad daylight would certainly warrant a War Game. Fighting in Orario was prohibited to a certain extent, but the Apollo Familia is a massive one. They can force situations to happen because they simply had more influence and power. Quantity had a quality all its own, especially when they had a lot of mages. "So, where are Arde and my students? Shouldn't Arde have been there to protect her Familia?"

"Your students have all started Adventuring past Rivira and helping the city itself recover. I spoke with them after I paid my dues to my Familia there. They visited a few days ago, but returned shortly after." Lyon's gaze grew sharp for a moment. There was a question hanging in the air. Arde, Nelly, Laulos, and Erisuis had to have a good reason to stay in Rivira. I knew the answer. Orimoto. They were doing my job while I wasn't present. "The Amazon and Elf from the Loki Familia were here just yesterday. They came along with the Princess." Eh, why aren't you using their names? I'm sure that you know their names, Lyon. "Crozzo is already finished working on your replacement armor. He also has your weapon, though it won't be of much use to you."

"A week to prepare for a fight against one of the largest Familias in the entirety of Orario. Cranel really needs to keep a lower profile." I rose from my seat with a shake of my head. Lyon rose as well. When I gave her a questioning glance, the blonde elf simply didn't respond. Really, I fight a dragon, fight three Monster Rexes and a Calamity, and a legion of undead Adventurers and people think I can't walk around without being guarded? "Well, I've had enough rest. If you're really going to come along, tired as you are, just don't slow me down."

"You'll find that even in my diminished state, Hachiman, I am more than a match for you." Hearing my first name come from Lyon was odd. Totsuka was the only person who called me that. He'd doubtlessly been my friend. Given everything that Lyon did for me, I supposed it would be stupid of me not to think of her the same way. Something told me, however, that calling her by her first name wasn't a wise choice. Just a gut feeling really, but I decided against following her lead. "Besides, it's not only Cranel that Apollo wants."

"Eh?" I turned my gaze towards Lyon. The smirk on her lips sent a chill down my spine. There's no way in hell that Loki and the others spoke about my Ability to quickly train Adventurers. Not only that, but Cranel was most certainly the one everyone saw dealing the most powerful blows. Though I finished off the Calamity, there's no doubt that he was the one who made it possible. "Why would Apollo want me as well?"

"Who knows." Lyon laughed lightly. The blonde elf's eyes narrowed mischievously. "Perhaps he's simply infatuated with you?"

…What?

"Hell no. Absolutely not. I refuse." It took me only a split second of thought to properly come to a conclusion on that particular line of thought. This was terrible. Somehow, someway, Ebina managed to convince Zaimokuza to write a character for her. Not only did I have to deal with warriors dressed like skanks, now I had to deal with men dressed like skanks as well?! I turned my gaze towards my meanwhile protector. "Why are you just dressed like that? Go get your sword and everything else, dammit. You can't protect me wearing a maid outfit!"

Lyon's laughter merely increased.

…

Crozzo's solution to my temporary lack of limb was a cape held by a pauldron over my right arm. Besides that small addition, my coat, hat, and gloves remained the same. Perhaps a bit more finely made, given Crozzo's increased Level, but nothing more beyond that. Thinking ahead, the red-haired blacksmith also prepared 'regular' clothes for my upcoming increase in Level. There was little doubt about the fact that I did, indeed, Level Up after the fight. Updating, however, would need to take place when I could meet with my 'Kami-sama' or Orimoto.

"You look good for a half-dead man, Hikigaya." Collbrande entered my dressing room without preamble. Hephaestus's chief blacksmith was wearing more than when I saw her last time. An actual shirt, much to my surprise. Probably made by Crozzo. However, before I could muster a reply, I noticed something else different about the Level 5. Namely, the sword sheathed sword at her waist. "Sorry, Hikigaya, I know it looks bad, but… well… Hephaestus-sama's had to deal with a lot of people trying to poach Welf for a long time. Something like this…"

The curtain into my dressing room opened once more. However, the person who entered wasn't an Adventurer. Gods are always easy to pick out from mortals. They were all appealing in one sense or another. Hephaestus, despite her 'disfigurement,' was a beautiful, red haired woman just a few centimeters shorter than myself. Though she dressed far more modestly than Hestia or Loki, her semi-formal attire wouldn't have been nearly as flattering on a mortal woman.

What I noticed about the god above all else, however, was the frown upon her face.

"…I'm sure you know why I'm here, Hikigaya." Hephaestus glanced at Collbrande. The dark-skinned blacksmith gave me a sheepish glance before leaving. I had to hold back a sigh. Apologize all you want, but in the end this was still something I'd rather not experience. It wasn't entirely Collbrande's fault, she was simply doing as her Kami-sama wanted, but she wasn't completely free of guilt. "Welf won't say a word about how he somehow leveled up without my help, and I won't force him to. However, I know enough that there's only one person he'd do that for. Hikigaya, if you don't tell me how that happened-."

"You don't need to threaten me, Hephaestus-sama." I raised my hand as I interrupted her. I debated on keeping my new mask and hat on, but decided against it. Trying to intimidate someone who was worried and angry never ended well. Besides, from what I know about Hephaestus, she had a bleeding heart. She made Cranel's short sword after Hestia begged for a few days. It was obvious she cared about Crozzo enough to confront someone who she knew had his loyalty. A goddess endangering her relationship with her subject for her subject. It was easier to take advantage of that while hiding in plain sight. "I understand. I'll tell you what I can."

"…good." Hephaestus seemed off guard by my statement. However, from the way her posture didn't change and how her eye remained rigidly on me, I wasn't in the clear just yet. I didn't do anything along the lines of smiling disarmingly, trying to act exhausted, or feigning sorrow. Not because I didn't want to manipulate her, but the opposite. Alert and aware, Hephaestus was already on the watch for matters like that. To achieve my goals, I needed to be plain and honest. Or, at least, look the part. "Start from the beginning, Hikigaya."

"Two Abnormal Black Goliaths formed in Under Resort. Possibly because of the work of the same gods who assaulted Orario a few weeks ago with 'Violas,' but I have no evidence of that." Information, that was what Hephaestus wanted. Even if she already knew it, there was no doubt in my mind the red-haired goddess wanted more of it. If I verified what Crozzo told her, she'd relax more. She'd know that Crozzo truly wanted to remain in her Familia. I was assuaging doubts that she didn't want to acknowledge herself. "After we took one down, the other consumed its Monster Crystal and began to turn into something else."

"A Calamity. You also couldn't run because the entrance to the Middle Floors was blocked." Though Hephaestus did interrupt me, by doing so she confirmed that she believed everything that Crozzo told her. I needed to know that Crozzo hadn't lied further and said something that would interfere with my own plans. "You finished off the Calamity, but only after Bell Cranel used an Udaeus Sword to cripple it beyond belief and at a heavy cost to the town of Rivira." Good. Exactly what I expected. "Most of Orario is aware of the story, Hikigaya. What I would like to know is how Welf advanced in Rank without me being present."

"Orimoto Kaori, my fellow Familia member, has a Rare Skill. It allows her to update the stats of adventurers with her Mind. Like a Spell." I matched Hephaestus's gaze without flinching. For a moment, I saw a crack in the cool façade that the red-haired goddess was allowing me to see. "Our Kami-sama sent her there to provide Rivira with the only resource they needed and would pay anything for." Now, now was the time for me to act. I gave a humorous chuckle, shook my head, and lowered my voice ever so slightly. "Worry not, Hephaestus-sama, my Kami-sama isn't interested in taking your Familia members. If anything, my Kami-sama will be quite angry with me for allowing the secret to spread into Orario, especially after everything they did and risks they took to keep Orimoto's secret quiet in Rivira."

Silence passed for a moment. My words were being considered. My only play at manipulating the situation to my benefit was underway.

"…Welf told me that your Kami-sama would be fine with you revealing such a secret. That there would be no repercussions so long as he didn't reveal everything to me." I stifled my sigh of relief as Hephaestus shifted and began to speak more softly. "You lied to him about that, didn't you? You said so to make them accept your offer. You knew that your patron wouldn't have approved from the very start?"

"I did." I lied. "But, I'd rather make my Kami-sama angry than have my friends die."

"I see." Hephaestus paused for a moment, before turning towards the curtain. The goddess turned her gaze towards me, looking at me with the unmarred half of her face. "Thank you, Hikigaya." Her lip twitched upward before she gave the slightest of nods. "For going against your Kami-sama for the sake my child. I won't forget what you've done."

As she left behind the curtain, I donned my mask and hat once more.

I felt more fake without them on.

Hilarious.

…

Understandably, There are Consequences. (12.2)

…

"Hikigaya, how's the new coat?" Crozzo wiped the sweat from his brow as he noticed me enter. I raised my hand in greeting before settling on a nearby chair. Crozzo's workshops were always organized nowadays. Probably because of Collbrande. I remembered Crozzo's old smithy. It was just a shed filled with supplies and tools. Very rustic. The new one reminded me more of a factory. "Anything you need changed?"

"Not on the coat. Everything's fine as it is." I shook my head and turned my gaze towards what he was working on. It was a plain length of steel. Looking around, I easily found the stack of Magic Swords that I knew he'd been making since he returned to Orario. They looked more dangerous than the ones he carved from the Goliath Crystal at Rivira. "I'll be needing a new weapon until I manage to get my arm back. Single-handed, quick, and slim."

"That's different from your usual style, Hikigaya. Sounds like a rapier rather than a sword." Crozzo paused thoughtfully, he rubbed his chin. The red-haired blacksmith seemed lost in thought for a moment. "Still, since I've Ranked Up, I can impart better Cutting and Piercing ability to the rapier… it won't be anywhere close to Desperate, but since I can mold Adamantium much more easily now…" He mumbled to himself. I didn't comment. It was a familiar situation given the fact we worked together on making the armor me and my students used. "I should be able to make a decent weapon that can damage the monsters past Rivira more easily."

"Sounds good, Crozzo. I'll be in your care again, then." It was a familiar ritual. For the most part, Crozzo was smart and clever. The armor he made before we met was lightweight and sturdy. The names he gave them were odd. Naming is definitely not a skill of his. Besides that, however, he was talented in his own right. I only had to nudge him with some 'ideas' and soon enough he made them a reality. Good job, me! "How soon can you have it ready?"

"By the end of the day, I'll bring it along to the Hostess of Fertility later. Just have your Valis ready by then, Hikigaya." I kept silent for a moment as Crozzo noticed. When he turned towards me due to confusion, he saw my raised brow. After a moment, the red-haired blacksmith probably realized what he just said. He gave a chuckle and shook his head. A rueful smile formed on his lips as he scratched his cheek. "Guess I can't hide the fact I'm excited to work on something besides a Magic Sword, Hikigaya."

"Just because you can make them now, you shouldn't feel the need to do so." I stated simply. I remembered the words he told me when we first met. How he didn't want to be known as Crozzo, living off the success of his blood. It wasn't the sort of thing I understood even up to now. If I had an advantage, I'd use it without question. I supposed he was just a better person than I was and bought my Magic Swords elsewhere. One thing led to another and finally I convinced him I wasn't using it as a crutch, but as a last-ditch weapon. That's probably the only reason why he's making them now. "Make them when you want to make them. The market for Crozzo swords isn't going to go down. Hell, you'll probably make more of a profit if you don't."

"…" Crozzo didn't answer for a few moments, however his posture changed. The red-haired blacksmith slumped in his seat. A faint frown formed on his face. For a moment, I just watched, but soon enough he squared his shoulders, placed his hands on his knees, and when he raised his face again, there was a ferocity in his gaze that made me blink. Eh? Was this going to be a talk between men? Zaimokuza, you don't have a manly bone in your body. I doubt you can pull this off. "Hikigaya, you and I both know that those Black Goliaths would've been brought down faster if you were using my Magic Swords at the very start." He gestured towards the boxes of Magic Swords. "Those there? If those were in Cranel's hands instead of some other Magic Sword I forced you to buy, then-."

"Don't be an idiot, Crozzo." Bluntly, I stopped his little speech. I knew where this was going and I didn't like it. "You couldn't have known any of that was going to happen. Even if we could've killed both the Goliaths if we had your swords, the people killed by the Calamity aren't your fault." I levelled a finger at him, but he met my gaze firmly. Stubborn too. Great. "You told me a long time ago that you wanted to be recognized by your own skill. That you wanted to be remembered as Welf Crozzo and not just Crozzo. Do you seriously think that even the most talented Level 2 Blacksmith in Orario could've killed those two Goliaths?"

"I… If lives are on the line, then something like pride is worthless! You should know that better than anyone, Hikigaya!" I almost laughed. Even though he said those words with such strength, his hands were trembling. He knows just how far beyond anyone else he is in Orario. As a Level 2 Blacksmith, he's already clothed kings and queens with the products of our little experiments. His own family came to look for him, not for his ability to make magic swords, but because of his own merit. Despite his words, Crozzo didn't want everything that he did to be forgotten because he started making Magic Swords. "So many people were dead, a lot more were barely alive… you lost your arm! If I made that Udaeus sword instead of Elder that would have never happened!"

"…Crozzo, we're all alive because of you. You did your part. You made your Magic Swords." I stood up. "If you were half as prideful as you think you are, we wouldn't even be standing here." I turned to him and pointed at the Magic Swords he made. "I refuse to accept those, Crozzo. Not until you start acting less like a god and more like a blacksmith. We're not omniscient and all-powerful, we can't see the future, and so it's beyond idiotic to think you're responsible for everyone just because you're more special than them."

"Hikigaya…" Crozzo spoke as I made to leave. I didn't know what sort of sorry look he had on his face. Frankly, I didn't care. I didn't put up with arrogant idiots who thought everything and everyone was their responsibility. "…you're a goddamned hypocrite. You say all those things, but you and I both know you hold yourself responsible for too much, just like I am now." He raised his voice ever so slightly. "You're far from someone who can say anything about-."

I cut him off.

"No, I'm not, Crozzo." I turned and met Crozzo's gaze. "All those people I saved during that fight? I saved them for your sake. For Cranel's sake. For Arde's sake. So they could fight and die instead of you." I walked towards the door. I didn't know if I believed what I was saying was true, or if I was just trying to hammer my point into Crozzo's skull. Cranel was the protagonist. Crozzo wasn't. There's only room for two people willing to sacrifice themselves in the web I spun. Me and Cranel. No one else. "I fought for my own self-interest, for the people who I didn't want hurt, and for my own sake."

I pushed aside the door. I could only hope that Crozzo was listening.

"That's enough, Crozzo." I said my goodbyes. It could be the last time I exchanged them with him. But if my words got through to his head, it would be worth it. "It's always enough to just care for yourself and those close to you."

Maybe I really was a hypocrite.

Just more than Crozzo thought.

…

While going through Orario, I generally enjoyed peace and quiet. Though those moments vanished shortly after Tiona Hiryute became my bodyguard, but they sprung up haphazardly when the short-haired Amazon decided to be quiet. Despite the fact the city was a cesspit of scum and assholes, Orario was still an amazing place to live in. Being the richest city in the world, as centers of trade tend to be, there's no denying that it was a beautiful and relatively clean place to live within.

Still, sometimes, the shit in the city overflowed to the point where even the relative peace of the streets was destroyed.

Such as right now.

"Oh, look at this, boys! The mighty Hikigaya!" I honestly didn't even remember the name of the meathead who was accosting me. Still, he was a big guy, musclebound, and wearing leather and chainmail. Judging from the scent of alcohol on his lips, he was drunk. That particular fact didn't discount me from labeling him an idiot, of course, just an alcoholic idiot. He also had three idiot friends behind him, wearing the same thing, but with different weapons. "Oh? Nothing to say this time around, you bastard? Keeping your mouth shut?"

Having just possibly burned down a bridge, I wasn't interested in talking or thinking. My Skill didn't let me forget about what I'd just done, so I just kept walking. They were probably some thugs or cretins I beat up a long time ago. People who held a grudge. News of Rivira traveled fast, given the fact Calamities were rare, and I'm sure that a few idiots were aiming to pick a fight with me after they heard I lost an arm and spent a week in a coma.

Maybe, if I'd lost both my arms, I'd be threatened. Now? I just ignored them.

"Oi! You thinking you can run, you bastard? We're not done talking to you!" The speaker and leader of the group of idiots tried to grab me. Because of his inebriated state, and the fact he went for a limb that wasn't there, I easily evaded his pathetic attempt. "Oh? Gahaha!" He gave a little, slurring lisp. "Forgot that arm of yours didn't exist anymore! Gahaha!"

Drunken idiots who thought they were clever. Wonderful. Truly, Zaimokuza, you really know how to torment a guy. Thankfully, I'm more than used to ignoring dumbasses and just making my way through life. It's a very, very well-trained skill, as one might expect.

"Acting all tough, aren't you? Still think you're better than us?" As expected of an arrogant prick nursing a grudge, the drunken idiot didn't like being ignored. His buddies gave a cheer and slurred encouragements towards their leader. "Well, I think you need to be taught a lesson, eh? Just so that you don't get yourself hurt, right!?"

I moved to evade the sloppy, drunken punch, but there was a sudden shift in the environment. One moment it had just been Orario being its stupid self, and the next I felt as though someone just sent an electric shock through my entire body. All of my senses suddenly went into overdrive. My thoughts regarding Crozzo faded away rapidly. Everything that could be construed as a 'warning signal' by my body initiated at once. My muscles locked, hairs rose, and my heart skipped a beat all at once.

I turned to the source of the sudden, all-encompassing terror and realized that I'd made a very, very crucial mistake.

I hadn't been walking alone, and the person at my side wasn't Tiona Hiryute.

"Worthless dogs…"

Irritation and annoyance. At most, those are the strongest emotions I'd elicited from Ryuu Lyon. I've had the blonde elf raise her voice many times. I'd caused her to flush with irritation and go scarlet with embarrassment.

"…if you value your lives…"

That wasn't the case this time. Sometimes it was easy for me to forget who this person at my side was, what she did, and why she was at my side.

There was no emotion on her face. It was as though a mask replaced her features. A steely, cold visage that betrayed no emotion. However, her eyes spoke at length. An unbridled ferocity and barely-leashed anger gleamed in them. Though she stood innocuously, hands gripping my purchases from Crozzo, there was a perceptible, cloying flood of what can only be called murderous intent emanating from Ryuu Lyon, the only Level 4 to have singlehandedly killed an entire Familia.

"Stop barking."

Understandably, There are Consequences. (12.3)

…

Witch's Secret House was pristine despite the fact a massive plant monster had ripped through it just a few weeks ago. Probably because of some spell, ritual, or something. Orario was just a small fragment of the world, but quite a few gods lived and travelled the rest of the world. So, it was understandable that many magics were developed across the world and made their way to Orario. Given the fact I was but a simple, combat-minded Adventurer, I knew not the many spells and rituals that permeated the rest of the world.

Quite frankly, I didn't care to do so either.

I was fairly sure that I'd become a joke character who just had fix-its for every situation if that were the case. Neither did I want to 'experiment' with 'underused' spells that are somehow suddenly useful in combat when I make techniques to use them. I was quite aware of the fact I wasn't the protagonist. Trying out stupid techniques is a good way to get killed, best to just make regular, tried-and-true methods better.

"Ah, Hikigaya, I knew you'd be coming sooner or later." Lenoa was still tucked behind her counter, still stirring a bubbling pot with one hand, and the other holding a massive book before her face. Ever so slightly, the book was lowered to permit a sharp, keen gaze to meet my own. When the book was raised once more, a small chuckle escaped from the woman. "Disarmed, indeed. That Elven Princess has been nursing a better sense of humor since the two of you have begun speaking with one another."

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"Careful, hag, the last person who mocked my lack of arm was thrown into a window." I directed a small glare at Lyon. The blonde-haired elf seemed as unperturbed by her actions as ever. Though the elf maid wasn't whistling, I was sure that she'd be whistling in the anime. Just musical notes drifting away from her lips as she didn't meet my gaze. Innocently oblivious of the fact she threw several, drunken men who didn't know better into various buildings. Hmmm… now that I think about it, a magical repair service would make a killing in Orario. Hell, just a regular repair service would do. The insurance money the businesses claim could just go into my other business! Genius! "So, you already know what I'm going to ask for don't you?"

"A Mind-Intensive spell for bringing back your arm and give you regeneration in battle." Lenoa gave a little gesture to a book at her side. There was a fountain pen simply floating in the air beside the book. "Sent the letters to my prime suppliers a week ago. Postage is about fifty thousand Valis."

"Here's two hundred thousand, send it to everyone you know, or annoy the hell out of those you already sent it to." I placed the bundle of Valis I'd prepared right on the table. It simply disappeared the moment it touched the table. Theatrics. Though, it was the cool sort that really made me happy about magic existing. Maybe I start testing out Illusion magic? Nah. That's just needlessly convoluted and leads to too many asspulls. As much as I'd like to kill someone a thousand times, or make people think I was dead or replaced the entire government, I doubted that Illusion magic could really be that strong. "Any progress on the special order I left you before I went to Rivira?"

"Typically, men want larger staves, Hikigaya, but I guess you're quite conscious of your limitations." What was she implying… Oh. Hell. Lyon gave something along the lines of a small hiccup before she covered her mouth. Goddammit, Ebina. Get your sick, twisted Fujoshi mind out of this harem comedy! Zaimokuza, I swear if you're doing this so that you can get laid, your spine must've been replaced with a plastic straw. I kept my face completely still, giving no reaction. My mask did its job of hiding my embarrassment. "Bah, you're no fun, brat." The old witch paused in her stirring, producing a package from beneath her desk. "Here, prototype. Smallest I could make it. On the house. It's been ages since I spent an entire night working an entire project. Go get yourself in trouble and tell me how it's working."

"Hmph, I'll laugh if you actually manage to sound funny." Under normal circumstances, I'd have refused taking something without paying for it. I hated being indebted to anyone or anything. Lenoa's at the very top of the list of people I never wanted to owe money to. However, in this case, I knew the witch well enough that refusing wasn't really an option for me to take. It wasn't a handout. I really was going to be a guinea pig for the project. I took the package with that in mind. "I'll be needing more staves. Just Amplify and Control this time. As strong as you can make them without making them too large."

"Come back in a week. Go teach those Loki Familia kids or something." Lenoa waved her hand toward the door. I didn't even ask how the witch knew about the fact I was training Loki's children. It could've been just a feint, so I didn't say anything to confirm it. I was sure that I'd find out how she figured it out in the book she'd given me. Well, if I was lucky. So far, given all the excitement, I hadn't read more than a few pages of it. Honestly, it was dry reading, but that's how most important things are in life. Still, I was sick enough of fantasy that I looked forward to reading it. "Make sure you're perfectly balanced as well. Twirling and moving about is a lot harder without a counterweight. Nearly hellish if you get yourself updated too." She lifted up her book, covering her eyes once more. "Now, get out of my shop, brat. You're scaring away my customers."

An insult, then advice, only to be followed by an immediate dismissal?

Jeez, what a Tsundere.

…

Of all the forces in the universe, there were very few more powerful than the 'surprise tackle' initiated by a cute girl. Nine times out of ten, the attack would succeed no matter the physical conditioning of the individuals involved. It could've been a sickly, weak girl and the guy involved an Olympic Athlete, but no matter what universal law dictated that the guy completely fall on his back as a result of the running tackle.

"Hat-kun, you're alive!"

So, despite my preparations in confronting the powerful assault, my plans to dodge the sudden attack failed to bear fruit as Tiona Hiryute blindsided me. I had been so prepared for a head-on attack that I forgot to keep an eye on my flanks! An amateur's mistake! Truly, I have shamed all stoic, elder brothers everywhere for not having the foresight to keep an eye on the avenues of attack by an Imouto-type!

Hmmm… maybe I should've had Lyon come here. Still, I caught onto Lyon's poorly-concealed irritation against the Loki Familia. Since I didn't want a fight to break out, I'd just asked my chaperone to wait outside while I left behind my message.

Perhaps, Lyon could've aided me against Tiona Hiryute, against the forces of the universe itself, but I had the feeling my decision was for the best.

"Hiryute." I greeted the Hiryute wryly. The short-haired Amazon had a tight grip on my midsection. Having assaulted my left side, I was incapable of instantly trying to separate her from myself. Something the sly girl had no trouble of taking advantage of by exaggeratedly nuzzling against me. Seriously, Hiryute, stop being such a tease. People could honestly take this the wrong way. "You're as energetic as ever."

"No thanks to you, Hikigaya." Another voice, surprisingly, answered before Tiona Hiryute could muster her reply. Still, judging from the sudden cease of Imouto-type behaviors from the short-haired Amazon, and the forming of a frown on her usually energetic face, I had a good idea who was talking. Still, I turned my gaze towards the voice. As expected, it was Tione Hiryute, my guard's elder sister. "You're just a magnet for trouble."

"Hat-kun's just at the heart of the festival of life, that's all!" Oi, what's with the sudden philosophy? Or is it just a simple analogy? Well, considering the fact the one speaking was Tiona Hiryute, any analogy of hers may as well be philosophy. Heh. Still, I noticed that the shorter-haired Amazon's smile was forced. Needless to say, I was worried given the fact that my guard could easily maintain a smile while carving her way through an army of Minotaurs. "Besides, I'm fine!"

There was an uneasy tension after Tiona Hiryute's statement. Tione Hiryute simply stood by, hand on her hip, with an appraising look on her eye. I half expected the short-haired Amazon at my side to relinquish her grip and simply walk towards her sister, but such a thing didn't happen. I was tempted to speak up, but I decided against doing so. I could tell that the elder Hiryute was obviously worried about her younger sister, but she didn't seem to want to fight over the matter…

"…fine then. I guess I really can't yell at you about this without being a hypocrite." Tione Hiryute gave a sigh while shaking her head. The long-haired Amazon crossed her arms below her… chest. A small smile formed upon her lips. Her gaze turned to me, lingered on my arm slightly, before locking onto my eyes. "Keep out of trouble for a bit, alright? An elder sibling is supposed to be able to protect their younger sibling." She turned on her heel, raising a hand in farewell. "I can't exactly do that if my little sister keeps Ranking up by staying at your side, Hikigaya."

"…she can be a bit mean sometimes, Hat-kun, but-." Tiona Hiryute began to speak, but I cut her off before she could finish.

"Don't worry about it." I reached over with my right arm and placed my hand on Tiona Hiryute's head. I saw that the short-haired Amazon was happy about her sister's decision to simply leave without saying much. Now, however, she was worried I'd think less of her sister because she was ordering me around. "I had a little sister once. I know how it feels to be overprotective about someone." Almost instinctively, I tussled Hiryute's hair. I stopped myself before I did so for more than a moment. Truly, I needed to stop seeing people as just replacements for people I lost. I settled for gently pushing my guard from my side. "Ranking up is dangerous, always, so I understand why she wanted to talk to me."

"…Had?" Tiona Hiryute mulled over a particular word. My lips pursed under my mask. It was the best course of action to take. To simply say that my sister was dead. No lack of letters or outside connections to explain. Even if Komachi Hikigaya was still alive, I had to simply say she was gone. For perhaps the first time, the short-haired Amazon at my side seemed at a loss for words. "I'm sorry, Hat-kun."

"I'm alright, Hiryute. I miss her, of course, but I've mourned properly." I walked as I engraved my lie to my mind. Another layer of protection, armor, to keep myself safe. I should've really just kept quiet, not mentioning the fact I had a sibling at all, but somehow I felt compelled to explain why I had said what I had. "Still, I'll be following your sister's advice for a bit." I offered her a slight tilt of my head. "Besides the upcoming War Game, I'm afraid being around me isn't going to be quite as exciting as usual, Hiryute. I hope you don't mind."

"…" We walked silently for a few moments, before Tiona Hiryute answered. The short-haired Amazon's voice, however, was preceded by a slight tug on my new cape, where my arm used to be. "No, I don't think I'll mind, Hikigaya-kun."

Finally remembered my name, eh?

…

Understandably, There are Consequences. (12.4)

…

"Hat-kun, I really like your idea of not dangerous!" Hiryute gave a gleeful laugh as she cheered on her fellow Familia members. The students I'd promised to take in from Loki were all working their way through several Minotaurs. Working together, dodging and evading in the styles I told them to develop, they were more than capable of matching the oversized bulls. The short-haired amazon was watching by my side with Urga in easy reach. Lyon was scouting ahead. The blonde elf changed into her 'adventuring' attire before we left for the Dungeon. "Yay! Go Liss! Go Teri! Take out their legs first!"

"It isn't dangerous, not by a longshot, since we're only going to Rivira." I lightly protested against Hiryute's words. Of course, I was aware of the fact that the Middle Floors were considered very dangerous. However, with a Level 6 and 4, a party of Level 2s, I'd yet to raise a finger. So, technically, I hadn't made a decision that the sly Amazon approved of, i.e. a dumb decision. "Not only that, but I'm sure that Loki-sama wouldn't have liked for me to ignore my part of the deal. I missed last week due to my unfortunate circumstances, so I'm making it up as quickly as possible."

"I doubt that, Hikigaya-kun. Loki-sama most probably wouldn't have approved of this if she had the chance to speak to you." Due to the fact my skill wasn't activating due to lack of danger, Lyon was easily able to sneak up on me. Really, I shouldn't be letting my guard down in the Dungeon, but it was very hard to feel endangered when I had a Level 6 Amazon with an Adamantium Twinblade keeping me out of trouble. By trouble, of course, I meant any strenuous activity. The first kobold I tried to destroy had been turned to paste with a single punch. The same thing happened again and again until I realized that I truly wasn't going to be able to fight today. "Am I not correct, Hiryute?"

"Eh, Loki-sama doesn't force us to do anything besides go on expeditions that Finn plans, Gale-chan!" Eh? A nickname already? Hiryute, you're giving those away quite freely, now that I think about it! Hmmm, didn't Yuigahama always make up nicknames for everyone? I guessed there could be some personality similarities between the two, maybe even some intellectual parallels, but physically… well… Yuigahama and Hiryute were just complete opposites. "Eh, Hat-kun, why do I feel like I need to punch you really hard for some reason?"

"…please, don't." I cleared my throat even as a shiver of fear crawled down my spine. Dangerous territory, that was. Mocking a pettanko generally resulted in comedic violence. However, this was Orario. Comedic violence was simply violence. Women are scary when they caught you, but a female Adventurer may as well be written down as a probable cause of death. I moved the conversation elsewhere. Thankfully, I had an escape route present. "Lyon, any sign of the Goliath?"

"None. It appears that the rumors are true." Lyon gave a swift, sharp nod. I wondered how the blonde-elf's hood managed to stay so secure despite doing so. While I had to give her points for the leaf motif, the rest of her outfit was still exaggeratedly for the sake of fanservice. The same went for Hiryute, of course. I'm sorry, you two, but it seems as though the outfits Zaimokuza made for you two are entirely for the sake of appealing to young males who can't get girlfriends. One day, I shall avenge you. Maybe, I'll buy you both some pants. Or an entire outfit. That sounds like a good way to get back at the pervert author and pervert audience. Perverts. "The chamber where it typically forms is lacking in luster. I stayed within it for a few moments, simply to check, but nothing formed."

"We kicked the Dungeon's butt so hard that it's still knocked out a week and a half after!" Hiryute gave a small jump and raised her hand. It was a typical, Genki-girl jump. It would've been less terrifying to witness if not for the massive twinblade as heavy as a carriage that she thrust into the air without any sign of effort. I didn't know what I was thinking to even consider annoying my guard. There are easier ways to commit suicide. Better ways. Ways that didn't end with me humiliated by a young woman who just reached my chest. "Go us, Hat-kun! Hooray!"

"Indeed, well done." Lyon chuckled at that declaration. My goodness. Is the world about to end? The blonde elf noticed my look and went scarlet immediately. "Those dead eyes of yours are disturbing, Hikigaya-kun." Embarrassed, already!? After all the work I have to go through to even achieve the slightest amount of results, Hiryute manages to make you flustered in less than five sentences!? Lilies! There were lilies most definitely involved in these shenanigans! "I've done nothing to deserve being watched by them."

"Eh? But Hat-kun's eyes are so fun!" Eh? The smile on Hiryute's face froze me in place. I was a poor animal right before a speeding car. The short-haired Amazon had a sly smirk on her face as she ceased jumping and suddenly leaned against me. As I kept control of myself, showing no sign of a response, she squirmed and gave a low giggle. "Heh! Look at his eyes, they're so wide! Everything else about him doesn't move when I do this, but his eyes are always fun to watch!"

What are you saying!? I'm in perfect, complete control over my body. There's no way in hell that my eyes would be surprised so easily! I'm the stoic, calm Sensei, dammit! You, Tiona Hiryute, are most certainly lying-.

"Ah, yes, indeed. That indeed is very entertaining to watch." Lyon gave a slow, sagely nod. I barely managed to suppress the building panic in my system. No. Please. Don't say it's true. "Given his mask, his eyes are the best method to know if he is truly embarrassed."

…I wished I was in a coma again.

…

"I'm sorry." Those particular words felt strange as they came from me. I didn't know if it was because I could count the number of times I've apologized with one hand, meaning I wasn't well-practiced in the habit, or because I really just couldn't stomach admitting I was in the wrong. I hoped it was the former, because I don't think I can live with the latter. I, at the very least, should be able to understand when I'd made mistakes. "I shouldn't have left you all behind."

Arde, Erisuis, Nelly, and Laulos were in better shape than when I last saw them. There were no signs of wounds on their bodies and their equipment was all new. They must have visited Crozzo the last time they left Rivira. I'm sure that if anyone walked into the inn and saw us all gathered around a table, they'd be wondering if there was something strange going on. Five individuals, all clad in similar clothing, wasn't normal outside of the Guild in Orario.

"…Sensei, you know when you apologize, you also promise that you'll never do it again." Arde, as expected of my first student, spoke first. My Pallum student had her arms crossed and sat directly opposite of me. Everyone else present at the table gave nods of affirmation. I knew that she had claimed seniority, but I hadn't expected everyone else to actually deferr to her. I suppose that I'd been out of touch with my students for quite a while. "Can you really say that you won't do anything like that again, Sensei?"

"…" I was about to say yes, but I caught myself before I did. I couldn't help but give a slight chuckle. Looks like my students knew me better than I expected. They knew that I couldn't make that promise. I shook my head. I was sincerely at a loss at what to say. No. I just didn't want to say what I had to. Like a coward, I was hesitating to tell them the truth. They deserved better than a lie. "No. I can't."

"For someone who's so ruthless, Sensei sure is too kind for his own good." Erisuis sighed. My Chienthrope student's arm had been reattached. The silver limb seemed faintly burnt. I guessed that given how expensive it was, she was still glad to have received it, despite the fact it was next to useless in a fight. "You know, Sensei, you should really trust in us more. We might not have as much as you, or be able to heal ourselves as well as you can, but you taught us."

"Yeah! We're not weak!" Nelly spoke up, giving a quick nod. My most energetic student didn't seem at all perturbed. If anything, she was on the edge of her seat. There were things going unsaid on her end, since she had been in good enough condition to follow me at the end, but she wasn't the sort to dwell on small matters. Perhaps it was because she was in such a large Familia, but she often looked towards the larger picture than the small. "We know what we're doing, and even if it was dangerous, we could've still worked together to do it better!"

"Indeed, they're correct, and you know it Sensei." Arde spoke again. There was some hesitation in her voice. My Pallum student was expectant. I knew what was coming and she did as well. While Erisuis and Nelly had spoken up… "You need to stop coddling us, Sensei. You've taught us well. We would've risked our lives to rescue Cranel."

It was compromise. One that didn't make anyone happy, but one that everyone could live with. No. This wasn't a mutual decision. Not all of my students worked together to come to this conclusion.

So, as I expected, Laulos spoke up.

"That's it? That's what the three of you are going to say?" I took Laulos in not because she wanted to or needed to become stronger, but because of her personality. Driven, single-minded, and never willing to back down. All the personality archetypes to be expected of a protagonist. I had offered to train my red-haired, human student for that sole reason. I knew that she'd never stand for such a compromise. She stood up and glared at each of her fellow students in turn. Her eyes narrowed as they latched onto mine. "You knocked me out! You forced everyone to take care of me instead of helping you! Everyone here might feel sorry for you because you lost your arm and-."

"Laulos!" Arde rose to her feet. My Pallum student's voice was undoubtedly angry. "Do you have any clue what you're saying!?"

"Do any of you!?" Laulos shot back, turning her attention to Arde. "You just want to fight at his side!? We're doing that already! If we're in danger, you all know that he'll just keep being an idiot!" Arde, despite acting calm and collected, wasn't someone capable of confronting other people. I wasn't surprised at the silence that came forth as Arde instinctively stepped back. Of course, Laulos took that as her victory. "We all know that a day will come when one of us is in danger, when everyone else is injured and tired, and he'll just do it again! This time he lost an arm and a week of his life, what'll happen the next time!?"

Arde, Erisuis, and Nelly all had no answer to that.

So, Laulos turned to me, she removed her mask and placed her hat on the table.

"Sensei, I respect you, but we both know you don't take people at your side into consideration." Laulos held my gaze without an ounce of hesitation. "No. What you always consider the most is your opponents. You always know how to defeat them the best, most efficient way possible. So that's what I'm going to do." Indomitably, she stood before me. "My Familia is your enemy right now. You came here to get us to help you aid Cranel. You need us."

I already knew what Laulos was going to say, but I couldn't find the words to dissuade her from her choice. Indeed, I'm sure that amongst my students, Laulos took my lessons closer to heart than even Arde.

"So, until you swear that you'll stop trying to get yourself killed, I'll be your enemy." Laulos finished. Her steps echoed against the newly-constructed building as she made her way out. But, before she left it fully, she stopped. "Isn't it easier this way, Hikigaya? Just say the word and I'll fight at your side."

Though Laulos waited for a small eternity… I said nothing.

Interlude: The Sword (Part 2)

…

"Ah, Mikoto-san, thank you for waiting." Tulle's smile was very pleasant, however I found it difficult to return. The past week had been… far too eventful for my taste. Fatigue had settled into my bones, I wanted to do nothing more than rest, but here I was at the Guild of Orario. I was very thankful for the strict discipline instilled into me by my Grandfather. "Would you care for something to drink? Tea? Coffee?"

"Coffee, please. My thanks, Tulle-san." I preferred tea, but the call of increased vigor was simply too strong. I took a seat before the office Tulle sequestered for the meetings today. The seat was comfortable and plush. Needless to say, I found myself wishing to simply sit in seiza despite the impropriety of doing so in Orario. My struggle to stay awake, it seemed, was simply set to intensify. "I trust that Bell has already provided you with the majority of the information?"

"Cranel-kun did indeed." Tulle gave a chuckle before setting a tray of various additions to the coffee. The pure white sugar preferred by the surrounding countries was present along with milk. I decided against drinking either and simply sipped the warm coffee. Perhaps the bitterness would aid me in clearing my mind. If the Guild member thought my actions strange, she made no show of it, and simply began to mix her own cup. "I must say, he's changed quite a bit since Hikigaya took him under his wing." A slight chuckle escaped the elven maiden's lips. "Sometimes I forget that the young man I see now is the boy who indebted himself to Hikigaya just two months ago."

"Hestia-sama's… I mean my Kami-sama's words paint a similar tale." I had to chide myself slightly for forgetting such an important change to my life's aspects. Takemikazuchi-sama had chosen to return home, along with the remains of my Familia, just two days ago. The feast prepared for them had been a joyous one, though punctuated by tears, and I saw them depart with a promise to aid them should they ever wish to return to Orario. I did not fault them for choosing to leave. The Dungeon and city were practically one and the same. "Bell is very astute when it comes to recounting events. I can only hope that my own version of events does not cause needless confusion, Tulle-san."

"Ah, no, I won't be needing that from you, Mikoto-san." Tulle bowed her head in apology. The sight was odd to witness. Those of her race, boasting such great magical power, oft traveled my lands and were greatly respected. Though I held a Divine Compact and was thus imbued with the power of gods, I'd never thought that such a gesture from even a Half-Elf would come upon me. Though demure and friendly, the strangeness of the gesture awoke me far more quickly than the bitter drink in my hands. "Wallenstein-san and Challia-san both gave similar enough accounts that I don't wish to bother you for mere, redundant information." A moment of silence passed. She coughed before speaking again. The chance to make small talk was lost. I hoped my cheeks were not as scarlet as they felt. "From you I would like to… ask about how Cranel-kun is doing."

"…" I stifled the word I wished to say before it escaped my mouth. At the question, my sense of clarity doubled twice over. Perhaps it was because I had noticed how the Sword Princess and the Mage of Light looked upon my hero- Bell, but the question struck me fiercely. My own Advisor hardly paid me attention. Was it not improper for them to take such interest? I quashed those feelings after a moment. I chastised myself for my possessiveness. My own lack of action was feeding my fears. I needed to rectify that. "I see. Do you wish to know anything specific, Tulle-san?"

"I… I must admit that you have no need to answer my questions. The personal lives of Adventurers are their own." Tulle began to fret. I wondered if my feelings had inched their way onto my features. I caught my reflection on the surface of my drink. Thankfully, the mindless, haphazard cloud of feelings was missing from my features. I was grateful that the demure employee of the Guild could not see through my carefully crafted countenance. I would have been mortified if she knew. The Half-Elf gave a slight smile. "However, I think that Adventurers are at their best when their vision is clear and their hearts are set." The smile fell somewhat. "Cranel-kun might still be smiling and working, but I can tell that he seems to blame himself for his Sensei's current state."

"I see." Sequestering away my emotions, I cleared my mind and focused on the matter at hand. Indeed, I knew of what Tulle spoke about. It was honest, true care. I felt ashamed for thinking ill of her so quickly. Truly, I must gather my own volition and begin to act in my interest instead of simply standing by the wayside. I could not be suspicious of every woman becoming closer to Bell. "You are correct. A warrior with a flagging spirit, even outside of combat, is in great danger." I gave a nod. "Bell has indeed been lost since the loss of his Sensei. The two of us have entered the Dungeon a few times, but it is easy to see that his blade has been dull since his Sensei fell into a deep sleep."

"I knew it." Tulle gave a sigh and placed her head in her hands. For a moment I wondered if her relationship with Bell was truly between only an Advisor and an Adventurer. I chided myself for such thoughts and refocused. There were more pressing matters to attend to. "Hikigaya taught Cranel-kun too well." She took a shuddering breath. "Now, they both want to make sure people fare well regardless of themselves."

"I do not believe that anyone can be taught to have such an outlook." I disagreed with Tulle's observation. I remembered Bell's concern and care the very first day I had met him. The smile that he had worn after rescuing my childhood companions. However, perhaps more importantly, I saw his kindness and care. Though he had acted roughly at our first meeting, he had apologized and shown great compassion later on. His Sensei… I could not imagine that man acting so gently. They are similar, but different. "Bell abhors the thought of someone suffering, but he willingly takes it up himself." I paused and considered my words. I thought them true, but I didn't feel as though I should speak them. "Hikigaya-sama… I feel as though he shoulders the burden because he believes he must."

"…" Tulle was quiet for a moment. The slight, small smile on her fair features faltered for a moment. Fragile. Vulnerable. For a moment I saw Haruhime in her place. I had to quell the fury that abruptly rose within me. No. Even if I was now closer to Divinity than I was just two weeks ago, climbing in strength ever so quickly, I could not afford to save my friend just yet. I took a deep breath and turned my gaze away from the Half-Elf. No one, to my knowledge, wanted to be seen in such a state. "Sometimes… I want to blame Hikigaya for all the danger that Cranel-kun finds himself in." Her breath hitched as she said those words. I could only imagine how much they infuriated her. "It's wrong. I know that. Hikigaya has lost so much, that he wants to help others because he wants to atone, yet I can't help but think how much better Cranel-kun's life would be without him."

"Bell is… a hero." I considered my words carefully. My cup lay forgotten on the table. Outside the window, all manner of people walked through the streets of Orario. I ignored the embarrassment I felt for saying the words aloud. However, I felt the need to comfort Tulle as I did Haruhime. The substitution was a poor one. One was an Advisor within the Guild who I barely knew. My childhood friend's body was not her own. Still, I strove to alleviate what guilt I felt. "I believe that he would have been as strong and capable without being taught by Hikigaya-sama." Those words of comfort weren't empty. I had no doubt that was truly the case. "I am glad that they have met. I believe that Bell would risk his life for anyone. At the very least, Hikigaya's teachings have saved him from getting hurt many, many times."

"…You're right, Mikoto-san." Tulle took a deep breath. I took that as a sign that I could turn my gaze upon her again. Though she gently brushed at her eyes, I noticed that she had shed no tears. My respect for her increased greatly. To care so much, to the point of assigning blame upon others, but to know of the wrongness of the act… just as I believed that Bell Cranel was someone who I could rely upon for my entire life, Eina Tulle was someone who genuinely cared for others. "Forgive me for being so improper about you."

"There are no apologies needed." I shook my head and offered a smile in return. In the end, I was glad that Bell had such a caring Advisor. I was very selfish to hold a boy, even my own savior, to the same standards as legends. My grandfather told me many stories of how warriors tried to live up to the legacies of their families and perished. I was guilty of wanting to see Bell succeed and accomplish greater deeds. Sometimes I found it difficult to see the kind boy was the same person who saved my friends. However, I was still glad that someone treasured that kind boy more than the hero I met. "I am happy to know that someone like yourself is Bell's advisor. He's growing quickly in both fame and power, gaining friends and allies, but in the end we Adventurers are not gods." I bowed to her in respect. "Please, continue to care for Bell. I might admire him greatly in combat, but his kindness would be greatly missed if it were somehow lost."

"…Though I'm sorry for your circumstances, Mikoto-san, I must admit that I am very glad that you're at Cranel-kun's side now." Tulle's words caused a flush of warmth to rush to my cheeks. Such simple words embarrassed me so greatly. They were in regards to my grandfather's teachings. Mere wisdom passed on to myself. I couldn't call them mine, even if believed in them, yet I could not deny my happiness at her words. The demure advisor bowed to me in return. When she raised her head once more, she met my gaze solidly. "Mikoto-san, you and I both know that Hikigaya and Cranel-kun are both hard-headed. They often throw themselves into danger without a thought." Ah, so this was the advisor that Bell admired so much. I could see the reason why. "Mikoto-san, you're strong and integral to their group. Do not be drawn along to their every whim. Question them, give them alternatives, and be more than just someone in their party."

I nodded. I understood every word. They were all true. I had no doubt that both Bell and Hikigaya-sama were very capable combatants, but they were both unwilling to let anyone suffer besides themselves. A true band of adventurers could ill afford such tactics. A single misstep or miscalculation could mean the deaths of everyone. A mortal blow spread across the entirety of the body would no longer deal death.

They would be the leaders, I was sure, but they were both reasonable individuals. However, they often forgot that they stood alongside other warriors. They were friends, companions, and allies in their eyes, but they were still individuals who were mighty and strong. No normal, mortal army could stand against Hikigaya and Cranel. However, the same was true for myself, Arde, and all the others. We all stood on the same pedestals as kings and queens of countries across the world. All of us, each of us, were chosen by gods to carry immense power. That power was accompanied with the obligation to bear greater burdens. Power was not granted without reason. Power did not exist for the sake of power.

Bell Cranel might have become my savior, but I would be damned if I allowed him to be my savior forever. I would keep him safe.

That, I most fervently believed, would be a fine use for the power I have gathered.

…