Three days later, Matthew's ban from the Association was lifted. Once he did, he completed multiple quests in a day for the next week to the point that he was to be limited to only one quest per day. Matthew complied and spent another week doing so.Although two weeks in total have passed and various things happened, Matthew was still bothered by the things that Loki said. He kept thinking back on his decision and what he should do. The best course of action.Matthew hasn't returned to the Alpen peak nor Cecilia's mansion. Instead, he spent his nights either in an inn or just outside when didn't feel like sleeping. His companions in conversation were mostly Draco and Arshild who were always with him no matter where he went. He sometimes asked for their opinions as he kept worrying again.Draco and Arshild were getting annoyed from his constant worries, but they do still care about him. They could never help Matthew make a definitive decision because of their different opinions.Draco,
Matthew and Bran arrived at their destination, the Irons’ home somewhere in the outskirts of Northern Omni. After paying for the carriage and thanking the driver, Matthew and Bran headed toward the house that was a bit further up the dirt road that was surrounded by vegetable fields such as broccoli, cabbages, and parsnips.There were farmers in the field who greeted Bran as they passed by and Bran replied in a similar manner. Most of them were actually fairly young. Matthew, on the other hand, only got curious and cautious stares. If they knew who Matthew was, it was only natural for them to be so.“They’re not very friendly with any figure of authority. Please ignore them.” Bran told him.“I don’t mind it. Anything else you can tell me about them?”“Well, not much really. Everyone’s having a rough time and helping each other. We’re one community. But still when the baron comes, we can’t do anything. His goons beat us up if we can’t pay immediately.”“None of you are fighters then.”
“So that’s why you came to us?” Jovanic asked.Matthew and Bran had just finished explaining everything to the people that were present. They were presently in the living room just right at the front door of the Black Angels’ base of operations. Everyone was present currently, though only Metil and Jovanic were talking with Matthew and Bran while Marlin was sitting on the couch with a book in hand, Hinata leaning her back against a pillar and Azazel standing halfway up the stairs.“Yeah. You guys were the first that came to mind, so I want to ask for help. Well, from Marlin specifically.” Matthew gestured his hand at the sitting Marlin.“How did you even find us? We never told you our location.”“Well, I remembered your astra signatures, so I just tracked them here.”“You tracked us all the way from Omni? And knowing that you can’t teleport and seeing you don’t have transportation, you just ran all the way here?” Jovanic asked.“Yes.”“It was not a good time.” Bran seemed sick but he
Marlin went out as soon as she received the commission. Since she had been to Metil’s house before, she simply teleported to a nearby forest to not alert the residents. She identified the house she wanted to investigate.She prepared multiple layers of presence concealing magic on herself. Having her target of investigation notice her was the last thing she wanted.“[Perfect Presence Conceal] [Perfect Light Absorb] [Perfect Sound Damp] [Perfect Ghost]” Now that she was prepared, she made her way toward the Irons’ house via “[Fly]”Marlin remembered where the target’s room was located. She went to look through the window of the room and observed her target of investigation. The pale woman with greying hair was currently sleeping on the bed. The husband was nowhere to be seen, perhaps working on his farm or just worrying about where his son and guest went without telling him.Marlin really wasn’t detecting anything off from normal observation and [Mana Sense]. However, she had other tri
Marlin returned to the hideout later that night and reported her findings. She spoke to her employer, Matthew, directly while others were also around. She mentioned that she had identified the source of the curse, but was unable to lift it and kill the caster.“So it was a demon. Hired by the baron to make my mom his bride?” Metil made a conclusion.“Yes.” Marlin confirmed.“Okay that’s it! Where is his house?? I’ll burn it to the ground!” Metil got rageful and stood up in anger.“Easy there, big guy. Let’s not rush this. You heard what Marlin said, kill the demon, your mom dies with it.” Jovanic tried to calm Metil down.“Well, it also said that we just need to kill the baron and the curse will be lifted, right? So let’s get to it!”“I know that dealing with a demon is not such a simple thing. What do you have in mind, Marlin?” Azazel stepped in the conversation.Everyone was gathered in the large living room of the hideout.“Well, given time, I can dispel the curse anyway. But that
Hinata was currently leaping from tree to tree while making as little sound as possible. She purposely chose to do this as stage one of the challenge.Since Matthew could still slightly sense her presence, she can keep up her perfect concealing art. Even so, she purposely left a trail that Matthew could follow. As stage one, she didn't want to utilise her best techniques.Stage one was basically what the average ninja can do. Hinata wanted to see if Matthew would be able to catch on.After a while of running, Hinata came to a stop on a branch. She observed the trail she left behind. Satisfied with it, she decided to wait until Matthew found her. This was a game of hide and seek after all, not tag.It was not long at all before Matthew entered Hinata's sensing range. Matthew was running at quite the speed. It seemed that he caught onto the trail quickly."Even Jovanic took some time to notice. I guess being a Hunter makes him quite used to finding trails."After about a minute of waiti
"Thanks for taking care of us while we were here." Matthew thanked them."Don't mention it. At this point, aren't we just helping fellow comrades?" Azazel said."Good to know we're on your good side." Matthew replied."Don't get over your head though. If someone pays us, we'll still kill you. No offence, just business." Jovanic sarcastically said."Well, if that happens, I'll make sure you guys won't succeed." Matthew answered with a smile."Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I owe you a lot." Metil said."I wouldn't mind killing him at all." Hinata added."Fufu~ although you've only been here for one day, it looks like everyone made a bond with you, Dragunov." Marlin said.Matthew nodded. "Yeah, and I hope that's a good thing.""Maybe. Just pay us enough, and we'll be at your disposal." Jovanic said."I'll keep that in mind. Bran, you're good to go?" Matthew checked on Bran who only listened so far.Bran only replied with a nod. Matthew accepted it and turned to Marlin."Send us hom
After their brief visit at Kop's Cafe to get a written extended leave for Bran, Matthew and Bran made their way to Cecilia's mansion which was an hour's worth of carriage ride. Matthew could've gotten there within a few minutes if he were alone but he was being considerate of Bran. Once they arrived at the carriage station, they continued on foot.Even from afar, it seemed like the guards were already waiting for them by the gates. It was probably because the pedestrians were spreading words as they went about their business."Welcome back, your majesty." The knights bowed with respect."Thanks. Is Cecilia in?" Matthew asked."Yes, and so is Lady Nakamura. Shall we escort you to them?""No need. I know my way around the place.""Yes sir! Oh, and who is this guest you brought?""This is a friend of mine. Bran. Can I bring him in with me?"The knights momentarily glanced at each other before answering. "Normally, we will have to confirm with Lady Cecilia first, but since it is you who b
At the edge of the pit, it was them. A total of nine of the Scarlett family members.From the right, a woman with long red hair and black and white dress was casting a healing spell on Bilgrae. A male elf in full black armour with a star shaped bang of three red points and two white points and his black hair was split in the middle. A demon with dark violet hair and a pair of horns at the side of her head and wore a jet black skin tight suit which exposed certain parts, Crymillia. In the middle, it was a man with short bright red hair wearing a black and gold robe. Then, a man with black hair in a red and black suit. Another demon with about the same features as Crymillia except that his hair was short and he wore a black cloak over his suit. Then there was a man with spiky red hair in a red robe with a high collar, Crone, the one that Matthew and his friends fought at the Great Sandcastle. Finally, there was the black feathered avian human, Skystorm.Seeing Skystorm in good health, M
Confronting Bilgrae now was what he expected to see from a Dragon Emperor.Matthew was now at maximum output of his astra and all of it was condensed in his body. Bright red scales covered his entire body and he grew slightly in size. His muscles became more toned and also increased in size. A pair of horns of a darker tone of red grew out of his forehead that curved to the back of his head. Both of his eyes were glowing golden as his hair was.“Let’s finish this!” Matthew did not delay any further. He couldn’t maintain this form for long so he must finish the fight quickly.Matthew dashed toward Bilgrae who was ready for Matthew. Their fists clashed again and this time, not only was Bilgrae pushed back, he felt pain in his knuckles. Matthew was much stronger than before and far faster too. Utilising his speed, Matthew went for another punch to Bilgrae’s gut.“Oof!” Bilgrae got the air knocked out of him with the first hit.Matthew followed up with a barrage of punches. Bilgrae truly
After being blown away by Skystorm’s wind, Matthew regained his footing and was met with the big lizardman, Bilgrae Scarlett. Bilgrae had a smirk on his face. Matthew stood up and faced Bilgrae, but his eyes were not on him. Matthew’s eyes fell on Falynx in the far distance.“Are you still concerned about that monster?” Bilgrae asked with his deep voice.Matthew looked at Bilgrae now. “It’s hard to know which one is the monster here.”“Heh, you’re right. All of us are monsters deep inside. It just takes one misstep to turn a person into one. You’ve been there too.”“No I haven’t.”“Maybe not to you. But the whole world saw you as one. Now that monster suddenly turned into an emperor and they suddenly glorified you, while some still hate you of course.”“Hmph.” Matthew huffed.“You’re angry with me, I understand. I purposely did not kill that beast. Out of compassion.”“Don’t lie. You Scarletts don’t know what that means.”Bilgrae wasn’t smiling anymore. “You don’t know how merciful fa
Akame and Skystorm were separated from Matthew and Bilgrae. Akame stood up after being blown away by the powerful gust of wind created by Skystorm. Their eyes met. Both of their irises were bright red and gazed deeply.“I will be your foe, Red Cardinal.” Skystorm said.“What relic will you take? What will you use it for?” Akame asked.“Straight to the questions huh… That’s not any of your business. Why would you care what we take anyway if you’ll die?”“To evaluate whether it’s worth fighting for or not.”“Hmm, a smart choice. If you don't want to fight, then I shant confront you. Sadly, it seems that Lord Dragunov disagrees with you. If he is in the way, then we must remove him. I don’t think that leaves you an option now.”Backing out from this would mean that Matthew will be fighting two people. If they weren’t among the Scarlett Army’s strongest, it probably wouldn’t be hard for him to deal with alone. Both of their foes were really strong and Akame had no expectation of defeating
After their encounter with Falynx, they reached an agreement to conduct an investigation as they intended. Falynx had flown back to the surface on its own. Matthew and Akame headed to the temple and arrived at the front door.For some reason, even though they were underground, it was as clear as day down here. It was not dark and not too bright either, like a cloudy day.There were stairs that led to the door and the walls in the area were already partially destroyed. Some of the stairs were also gone. The giant door was made of stone and seemed to be intact with little cracks around the hinges.Matthew pushed one of the doors open. It was surprisingly heavy so Matthew had to lean into it to move it. Akame went inside first and inspected the place. There was a stage and a podium carved out of stone at the end of the great hall. A mural was carved out of the wall behind the stage depicting a supposed god holding the sun in his hands.Matthew left the door open and joined Akame to look
In the middle of the desert, there were two figures running across the sands. Clouds of sand were left behind in their quick steps. The cloak provided by the minister was really working. No sand was sticking onto them.“We’re getting close.” Matthew informed Akame.Almost two hours have passed since they left the city. Many monsters came their way but they were easily dealt with. It caused a little delay but not enough to affect their momentum. Falynx’s presence was still about 10 kilometres away.“Be ready for battle.” Akame said.“Remember though, don’t kill it.” Matthew reminded her.A few minutes later, a gigantic figure could be seen flying in the sky. The creature had the body of a snake, the head of a crocodile and six pairs of batwings. Its yellow eyes with black vertical slits looked down at the incoming people below.Falynx bowed its head and began descending. Matthew and Akame saw this as an engagement in battle. Matthew called out the Dragoknight to his arms and increased
The sun was already high up in the sky in the Capital City of Kubalt. The weather was hot and dry as usual in San Coro. The street around this particular area was not that busy since it was right in front of the Palace of Al-Jauhara. One would occasionally see knights patrolling the area. Akame was waiting under the intense heat of the sun. She had covered herself in a large black cloth to protect herself from the heat. The guards out here only wore light armour compared to the ones inside, probably because their armour would be too hot to wear outside. Not too long after, she finally saw the one she was waiting for. Matthew was jogging toward her. He wore his long sleeved red hooded jacket and an orange shirt under it and a pair of black pants. He also had his usual travelling backpack with him. “Phew, sorry, did you wait long?” “Not too long. Did you not use a teleportation scroll?” Akame asked. “I did, but the closest one was to Yanbue City. Neither Platinum nor Rose were famil
“What brings you here, Akame?” Matthew asked.Just a few moments ago, Akame had arrived in front of Platinum’s cave. Someone like who was a Coloured Hunter, passing through the Blackwood Forest and up the cold mountain was not a problem. Or not.Akame was hugging herself to keep warm but it was not helping at all. “Achoo! C-can we talk somewhere warmer?”“Oh, come on in.” Matthew invited her inside.Akame went in and they both made their way to the living room. Matthew didn't think that it was alright to bring her to the others directly. The living room had a fire to keep them warm, so here was enough.“Ah~” Akame warmed herself up by the fire and put her hands out.“So, what are you doing here without equipment to survive on a mountain? Certainly you didn’t come to interview us?” Matthew asked.“Queen Cleopatra sent me. We will investigate the ruin she mentioned together.” Akame said with the same emotionless voice as usual.“Cleopatra? Well, I was gonna head there in a few days anyw
Matthew and Rose arrived at the foot of the mountain just by the Blackwood Forest where they dropped off of the carriage while Guinevere headed back to her palace. It was already very late in the afternoon when they got to the forest. Matthew carried Rose's luggage in hands while he also wore his backpack."I can carry my own stuff." Rose said."No, I will carry them for you. Anyway, are you sure you'll be fine?""My magic resistance is quite high. I also know how to disperse mana if it does accumulate inside me. How long exactly is it going to take to get up there again?" Rose looked up at the ledge near the mountain peak where Platinum's abode was."Well, usually only a few hours if you're moving at my usual speed. If we're walking though, a few days at least." Matthew said."But we're not walking, right?" Rose asked."Nope." As Matthew replied, a shadow flew past over them.A jade green dragon circled them as she descended to the ground nearby. Upon landing, the dragon folded its w