Clyde's eyes widened at…well, he didn't know how to take in what he witnessed. Melody's eyes shifted from gray to glowing red, which matched her hair. Crimson wings sprouted from her back, glowing. Three fiery pink orbs of…something materialized around the young goddess. The shapes changed. A sun, a rose, and a sword. And so much aura. Heat and strong winds exerted from it.
The aura from her exerted palpable pressure, signaled that gravity just stopped giving a fuck.
[A new dark goddess is awakening..]
[Melody's goddess blood switches from dormant to active.]
[Your party has entered combat!]
[Melody is unaffected by magic.]
The goddess ignored the Blood Hand as she walked toward Clyde, cool, calm, and actually a little terrifying.
"Nero, we should retreat," one of the Blood Hand minions said to the leader.
"No," he said. "Or we will not dare call ourselves the Blood Hand. Men, prepare."
As Melody approached him, Clyde could not help but noticed that the Blood Hand uniforms were all red kimonos, except for Nero, who opted for gray. They also had on boots and were armed with katanas. The fallen angel wore normal human clothing, as if she wanted to be as excluded from her unit as possible.
Melody stopped in front of him, eyes cold. When she spoke, her voice…was different, maybe crueler and more dignifying than Tear's. The words held so much power that they rattled against his mental protection like giant bells.
"I want you to prove that you are worthy of me," she said, "because I will prove that I am worthy of you. And you will marry me."
"Attack! We are the Blood Hand!" Nero yelled.
"Fuck I need a drink," Hiroshi said, taking a fighting stance. He may be human, but he knew how to fight Clyde supposed. But the Blood Hand just weren't the opponents for him. The ship girls thought the same because they dragged him to safety as Clyde's party engaged the numbers.
Clyde peered into Melody's glowing eyes and nodded. This…was going to be interesting. Melody waved a hand, sending the Blood Hand minions flying, many hitting the concrete a dozen yards away.
"Listen Blood Hand," she said in a voice that floated through the air. "I will not let my father do what he wants. He won't be stomping on me anymore. And neither will Mother. Not Matsuko or you."
"I know your weakness!" Nero snarled.
[Nero activated Tier one skill: Night holy winds.]
Clyde got the hell out of the way, but Melody simply stood there, staring at the enemies with a kuudere's gaze. Then she started toward them, the three glowing objects, hovering above her shoulder.
With a hand outstretched, palm at the enemies—Clyde's party and even the military group got the hell out of dodge—Melody unleashed so much magic. All shaped like roses.
[The Rose represents the fragile heart of Melody.]
[Nero's HP has dropped from 500% to 1%]
[Nero's Focus Sash prevents the one-hit kill.]
The man panted, on one knee, disbelieving. Ashard stood up, dusting himself off, fully healed, although Clyde didn't see any of his party members go to his aid. Then the second illusion fell and the real Nero plunged a sword into Melody's chest.
"Ah, the benefits of being a trickster demon," Nero said, laughing. "Sorry I had to do this, but we're taking you back."
Melody…turned to stone. Clyde shook his head.
"You know that's not going to work."
The real Melody patted Nero's shoulder, appearing out of seemingly nothingness.
"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk," she shook her head. "You're terrible at this. Well, off to Hell you go."
The sun symbol, which hovered above Nero's head, poured onto him and he instantly melted into goo, which solidified into stone. "He forgot that I'm leagues higher than him in that department." The survivors hopped back into portals, cursing, some calling for their mothers.
"What is up with everyone going all glowy?" Seth said. "I hope I'm next."
Kitome punched him in the gut.
"Don't ruin the mood, dipshit."
Seth wheezed a laugh.
"Says the girl who scored lower than me on the test."
Silence. Clyde winced. Seth tried to run, but Kitome grabbed him and unleashed an insane suplex.
"He will never learn," Alice said.
[Quest: Defeat the fallen angel, Matsuko. This quest is mandatory and cannot be refused. Optional step: purify her.]
Clyde glanced at the quest log in response to the calling card. The real Ashard landed, reporting that he took down a dozen Blood Hand.
[Battle completed. Victory! Reward: 1.5 million EXP and $ 500,000.]
Quest log:
Main story.
-Defeat the fallen angel (MS.)
-Defeat Dark in a Real game (Stone-Token quest.)
-Craft 1 complicated item. (MS.)
-Get to know Sazuki over time.
-Take all female party members on one date.
-Investigate the Dragon threat.
- Quest: kill 10 enemies using Ki skills during the day. 5/10. (MS.)
- Quest: visit the dojo. You must take either Kitome or Melody with you.
"Can you turn on this form again?" Clyde said to Melody.
"Of course," she said. "It's a little draining right now. I still have to get used to it."
"Then tomorrow, we're going to deal with the fallen angel," Clyde said. "Nuke her. If you can't, then I'm giving my genie the spotlight. Same goes for you Alice. If you can reach whatever form that was, do so, then nuke Matsuko. She's literally wasting our time. We could strike while the iron's hot, but Toru's just not in it."
He eyed Harumi wrapping up the healing of his wound. For some reason, she was still in kitsune form.
"You know, boy, I'd normally have words for you," Harumi said. "But if you want, we'll all go with you to check up on your wife."
Toru glared at her.
"I'll be fine. Let's go, Nina."
"Are you sure?" Clyde said. "If you're having bad feelings, we'll stay with you, even if all night."
"I'm fine," Toru said. "No need to babysit, leader." He walked over and placed a hand on Clyde's shoulder. He said lowly, "you get to prove yourself to our glowing goddess of doom over there." He smirked. "Good luck with that."
"Alright, Team Stone, dismissed for real." Clyde looked at the military group. "We're not joining you. Team Stone looks out for Team Stone as well as this city." He eyed Hiroshi. "You're welcome to help us anytime."
"Uh-oh, no can do," Ayu said. "We're not allowed to go back empty-hand—ow!"
That whack was surprisingly from Maho, the other ship girl.
"Bad Ayu," she said, wagging a finger. "Don't try to pick a fight with the glowing angel girl."
Ayu pouted.
"Wimp." She stuck her tongue out at Hiroshi.
Hiroshi glared death at her before turning back to Clyde.
"We're not forcing you," he said. "But tomorrow, can you meet with us? From my observation, it looks like you're simply not informed enough. You need to know what the military faces. It's something kept from the public—"
"Are you sure we should be giving out classified information," Ayu said. "I'll tell Aki."
"Is this a face that gives a shit," Hiroshi said. "In fact, ATTEN-HUT! DROP DOWN AND GIVE ME TWO HUNDRED."
Teary-eyed anime girl style, Ayu actually started doing pushups, while whining. Hiroshi held out a hand. Clyde accepted the handshake.
"I will love to know what's going on," he said. "Let's meet at the ramen shop on twenty-first street."
[Quest: meet with Hiroshi tomorrow. You've already pre-selected yes.]
That night after showering, Clyde and Melody sat on the balcony and simply talked. Normal conversations, jokes, favorite things, goals. No rush.
Toru had no idea that Clyde asked Ruri and Matsume to trail him, with Tear's assistance. They'd have no problem following a vehicle and already knew where he lived.
[Your relationship with Melody has increased to Absolute Endearment, friend closer level 4.]
[Quest: See Harumi for details. This quest is mandatory and cannot be refused. You must have Alice present with you.]
The red-cloaked being snarled as he Jumped.
"He's with a dark goddess…I think I'll have to consider smacking some sense into him. The maidens aren't going to like this. Not after that transformation—I have no doubts about who she is. And to deceive the Stone."
**
Some bar in Lot City….
Matsuko burst into laughter at the news and then vomited on the Blood Hand's boots.
"And then you show your sorry faces to me." She laughed again. "You let that little cherry-head kill Nero? Is this really the Blood Hand that fought wars, assassinated great ones? Of course not—this generation is pathetic!"
Matsuko stormed out of the bar, meal spoiled. The nerve of them to show their faces to her after such a huge failure. And holy shit the pathetic looks was priceless entertainment. Now…It was time she sent a message to He Who Paints the Night.
Matsuko grinned as she released the magic into the air.
"He's going to fuck shit on a cataclysmic level and all of it will be blamed on Platus. Maybe even the entire planet. Then I'll be free, no leashes. A pity. The blacksmith made me such a nice sword." She unsheathed it. "Now. I sensed the legendary Undine. I wonder if she can still drink the right way."
When she stepped out into the night, the fallen angel spawned black wings. She lurched into the air, following Undine's presence.
**
Approaching Toru's mansion…
The feeling of dread consumed him as he drove closer and closer to his house. His neighborhood was usually quiet without a single car passing by. Even the wealthy side of the city held its fair share of traffic, but this night…Something felt wrong. So much absurdity.
He looked at his phone once again, then the road, to Nina, then back to the road.
"Calm down, Toru," Nina said. "You—"
Abruptly, Toru smashed his foot on the brakes, skidding his car. They did not hit the person standing there with his arms folded. His…uncle.
The car suddenly shut off. Hideo teleported next to Nina's side, pulling the vampire girl out through the window.
"Stop! What the fuck are you doing?" Toru yelled, triggering Zen Mode. He was too late. His Raining Blast hit, but did nothing. He felt the strength drain out of him when his uncle did the unthinkable.
"Please, don't do this," those words couldn't come out of Toru's mouth as the paralysis from the dart took its course. Two crusaders emerged from the bushes ahead, grinning, wiggling dart guns.
"No need to worry, you won't be harmed," Hideo said, unsheathing a…wooden stake. Toru's eyes didn't miss the paralyzing dart in Nina's shoulder. "Your father says some funny things under compulsion, but I love my brother and always want him safe. To think you had a fucking vampire in his home! You disappoint me nephew. You disappoint me."
Toru did his best to move, strained against the dart's poison, but nothing happened. Hideo raised the stake. "Fumi, such a sweet thing, had a nice purple-flamed, taste of my Fading blade. It's a sacred sword for monster killing, you know. It once belonged to a band of the greatest monster hunters on the planet." He grinned wildly. "Re-education. I will show you the horrors and teach you, you idiot. We'll make a decent crusader out of you. To think you'd…let those things in your place of living." Hideo spat to the side.
Toru tuned him out as the words hit like the explosion of dynamite. Fumi…and the fading blade. Fumi…purple flames. Fumi…his Fumi…gone.
Abruptly, claws raked across Hideo's face, followed up by a kick from Matsume, which sent him back a few feet. Ruri's paws turned back into hands as she grabbed Nina. Matsume grabbed Toru. Tear initiated the Jump.
"We heard it all," Ruri said. "But you can't do anything with a poison capable of immobilizing an elephant, running through you. It reeks."
Toru's eyes were blank as Hideo's words recited in his head over and over again.
**
Hideo chuckled as he drove Toru's car back to his mansion.
"He'll need a lot of saving. I can't believe the monsters have full control of him. But you saw the proof."
The crusaders nodded.
"We've called the champion and her group to clean out the area. She should be here on Saturday."
"I see. Make sure they nab Toru."
"Will you loan them…some of your enhancements?" a crusader said.
"Nope, they're white knights, goody-goodies," he said. "Besides, with that immense strength, this entire city will be safe in no time. Demons, monsters, the works, wiped."
The other crusader guard chuckled.
"The only thing that can get worse is having some demon god showing up."
Hideo let out a breath.
"Just focus on doing your jobs. Send some from the camp to patrol the area. Monsters running wild, deceiving my own nephew under my nose. This world is coming to an end."
"Not really," a crusader said.
"What did you say?" Hideo said.
"I've been thinking—most of them lived among us with no problems. Why should we waste our time with them?"
"We aren't," Hideo said. "The smart ones will stay out of our way." He laughed.
Clyde's eyes widened at…well, he didn't know how to take in what he witnessed. Melody's eyes shifted from gray to glowing red, which matched her hair. Crimson wings sprouted from her back, glowing. Three fiery pink orbs of…something materialized around the young goddess. The shapes changed. A sun, a rose, and a sword. And so much aura. Heat and strong winds exerted from it.
The aura from her exerted palpable pressure, signaled that gravity just stopped giving a fuck.
[A new dark goddess is awakening..]
[Melody's goddess blood switches from dormant to active.]
[Your party has entered combat!]
[Melody is unaffected by magic.]
The goddess ignored the Blood Hand as she walked toward Clyde, cool, calm, and actually a little terrifying.
"Nero, we should retreat," one of the Blood Hand minions said to the leader.
"No," he said. "Or we will not dare call ourselves the Blood Hand. Men, prepare."
As Melody approached him, Clyde could not help but noticed that the Blood Hand uniforms were all red kimonos, except for Nero, who opted for gray. They also had on boots and were armed with katanas. The fallen angel wore normal human clothing, as if she wanted to be as excluded from her unit as possible.
Melody stopped in front of him, eyes cold. When she spoke, her voice…was different, maybe crueler and more dignifying than Tear's. The words held so much power that they rattled against his mental protection like giant bells.
"I want you to prove that you are worthy of me," she said, "because I will prove that I am worthy of you. And you will marry me."
"Attack! We are the Blood Hand!" Nero yelled.
"Fuck I need a drink," Hiroshi said, taking a fighting stance. He may be human, but he knew how to fight Clyde supposed. But the Blood Hand just weren't the opponents for him. The ship girls thought the same because they dragged him to safety as Clyde's party engaged the numbers.
Clyde peered into Melody's glowing eyes and nodded. This…was going to be interesting. Melody waved a hand, sending the Blood Hand minions flying, many hitting the concrete a dozen yards away.
"Listen Blood Hand," she said in a voice that floated through the air. "I will not let my father do what he wants. He won't be stomping on me anymore. And neither will Mother. Not Matsuko or you."
"I know your weakness!" Nero snarled.
[Nero activated Tier one skill: Night holy winds.]
Clyde got the hell out of the way, but Melody simply stood there, staring at the enemies with a kuudere's gaze. Then she started toward them, the three glowing objects, hovering above her shoulder.
With a hand outstretched, palm at the enemies—Clyde's party and even the military group got the hell out of dodge—Melody unleashed so much magic. All shaped like roses.
[The Rose represents the fragile heart of Melody.]
[Nero's HP has dropped from 500% to 1%]
[Nero's Focus Sash prevents the one-hit kill.]
The man panted, on one knee, disbelieving. Ashard stood up, dusting himself off, fully healed, although Clyde didn't see any of his party members go to his aid. Then the second illusion fell and the real Nero plunged a sword into Melody's chest.
"Ah, the benefits of being a trickster demon," Nero said, laughing. "Sorry I had to do this, but we're taking you back."
Melody…turned to stone. Clyde shook his head.
"You know that's not going to work."
The real Melody patted Nero's shoulder, appearing out of seemingly nothingness.
"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk," she shook her head. "You're terrible at this. Well, off to Hell you go."
The sun symbol, which hovered above Nero's head, poured onto him and he instantly melted into goo, which solidified into stone. "He forgot that I'm leagues higher than him in that department." The survivors hopped back into portals, cursing, some calling for their mothers.
"What is up with everyone going all glowy?" Seth said. "I hope I'm next."
Kitome punched him in the gut.
"Don't ruin the mood, dipshit."
Seth wheezed a laugh.
"Says the girl who scored lower than me on the test."
Silence. Clyde winced. Seth tried to run, but Kitome grabbed him and unleashed an insane suplex.
"He will never learn," Alice said.
[Quest: Defeat the fallen angel, Matsuko. This quest is mandatory and cannot be refused. Optional step: purify her.]
Clyde glanced at the quest log in response to the calling card. The real Ashard landed, reporting that he took down a dozen Blood Hand.
[Battle completed. Victory! Reward: 1.5 million EXP and $ 500,000.]
Quest log:
Main story.
-Defeat the fallen angel (MS.)
-Defeat Dark in a Real game (Stone-Token quest.)
-Craft 1 complicated item. (MS.)
-Get to know Sazuki over time.
-Take all female party members on one date.
-Investigate the Dragon threat.
- Quest: kill 10 enemies using Ki skills during the day. 5/10. (MS.)
- Quest: visit the dojo. You must take either Kitome or Melody with you.
"Can you turn on this form again?" Clyde said to Melody.
"Of course," she said. "It's a little draining right now. I still have to get used to it."
"Then tomorrow, we're going to deal with the fallen angel," Clyde said. "Nuke her. If you can't, then I'm giving my genie the spotlight. Same goes for you Alice. If you can reach whatever form that was, do so, then nuke Matsuko. She's literally wasting our time. We could strike while the iron's hot, but Toru's just not in it."
He eyed Harumi wrapping up the healing of his wound. For some reason, she was still in kitsune form.
"You know, boy, I'd normally have words for you," Harumi said. "But if you want, we'll all go with you to check up on your wife."
Toru glared at her.
"I'll be fine. Let's go, Nina."
"Are you sure?" Clyde said. "If you're having bad feelings, we'll stay with you, even if all night."
"I'm fine," Toru said. "No need to babysit, leader." He walked over and placed a hand on Clyde's shoulder. He said lowly, "you get to prove yourself to our glowing goddess of doom over there." He smirked. "Good luck with that."
"Alright, Team Stone, dismissed for real." Clyde looked at the military group. "We're not joining you. Team Stone looks out for Team Stone as well as this city." He eyed Hiroshi. "You're welcome to help us anytime."
"Uh-oh, no can do," Ayu said. "We're not allowed to go back empty-hand—ow!"
That whack was surprisingly from Maho, the other ship girl.
"Bad Ayu," she said, wagging a finger. "Don't try to pick a fight with the glowing angel girl."
Ayu pouted.
"Wimp." She stuck her tongue out at Hiroshi.
Hiroshi glared death at her before turning back to Clyde.
"We're not forcing you," he said. "But tomorrow, can you meet with us? From my observation, it looks like you're simply not informed enough. You need to know what the military faces. It's something kept from the public—"
"Are you sure we should be giving out classified information," Ayu said. "I'll tell Aki."
"Is this a face that gives a shit," Hiroshi said. "In fact, ATTEN-HUT! DROP DOWN AND GIVE ME TWO HUNDRED."
Teary-eyed anime girl style, Ayu actually started doing pushups, while whining. Hiroshi held out a hand. Clyde accepted the handshake.
"I will love to know what's going on," he said. "Let's meet at the ramen shop on twenty-first street."
[Quest: meet with Hiroshi tomorrow. You've already pre-selected yes.]
That night after showering, Clyde and Melody sat on the balcony and simply talked. Normal conversations, jokes, favorite things, goals. No rush.
Toru had no idea that Clyde asked Ruri and Matsume to trail him, with Tear's assistance. They'd have no problem following a vehicle and already knew where he lived.
[Your relationship with Melody has increased to Absolute Endearment, friend closer level 4.]
[Quest: See Harumi for details. This quest is mandatory and cannot be refused. You must have Alice present with you.]
The red-cloaked being snarled as he Jumped.
"He's with a dark goddess…I think I'll have to consider smacking some sense into him. The maidens aren't going to like this. Not after that transformation—I have no doubts about who she is. And to deceive the Stone."
**
Some bar in Lot City….
Matsuko burst into laughter at the news and then vomited on the Blood Hand's boots.
"And then you show your sorry faces to me." She laughed again. "You let that little cherry-head kill Nero? Is this really the Blood Hand that fought wars, assassinated great ones? Of course not—this generation is pathetic!"
Matsuko stormed out of the bar, meal spoiled. The nerve of them to show their faces to her after such a huge failure. And holy shit the pathetic looks was priceless entertainment. Now…It was time she sent a message to He Who Paints the Night.
Matsuko grinned as she released the magic into the air.
"He's going to fuck shit on a cataclysmic level and all of it will be blamed on Platus. Maybe even the entire planet. Then I'll be free, no leashes. A pity. The blacksmith made me such a nice sword." She unsheathed it. "Now. I sensed the legendary Undine. I wonder if she can still drink the right way."
When she stepped out into the night, the fallen angel spawned black wings. She lurched into the air, following Undine's presence.
**
Approaching Toru's mansion…
The feeling of dread consumed him as he drove closer and closer to his house. His neighborhood was usually quiet without a single car passing by. Even the wealthy side of the city held its fair share of traffic, but this night…Something felt wrong. So much absurdity.
He looked at his phone once again, then the road, to Nina, then back to the road.
"Calm down, Toru," Nina said. "You—"
Abruptly, Toru smashed his foot on the brakes, skidding his car. They did not hit the person standing there with his arms folded. His…uncle.
The car suddenly shut off. Hideo teleported next to Nina's side, pulling the vampire girl out through the window.
"Stop! What the fuck are you doing?" Toru yelled, triggering Zen Mode. He was too late. His Raining Blast hit, but did nothing. He felt the strength drain out of him when his uncle did the unthinkable.
"Please, don't do this," those words couldn't come out of Toru's mouth as the paralysis from the dart took its course. Two crusaders emerged from the bushes ahead, grinning, wiggling dart guns.
"No need to worry, you won't be harmed," Hideo said, unsheathing a…wooden stake. Toru's eyes didn't miss the paralyzing dart in Nina's shoulder. "Your father says some funny things under compulsion, but I love my brother and always want him safe. To think you had a fucking vampire in his home! You disappoint me nephew. You disappoint me."
Toru did his best to move, strained against the dart's poison, but nothing happened. Hideo raised the stake. "Fumi, such a sweet thing, had a nice purple-flamed, taste of my Fading blade. It's a sacred sword for monster killing, you know. It once belonged to a band of the greatest monster hunters on the planet." He grinned wildly. "Re-education. I will show you the horrors and teach you, you idiot. We'll make a decent crusader out of you. To think you'd…let those things in your place of living." Hideo spat to the side.
Toru tuned him out as the words hit like the explosion of dynamite. Fumi…and the fading blade. Fumi…purple flames. Fumi…his Fumi…gone.
Abruptly, claws raked across Hideo's face, followed up by a kick from Matsume, which sent him back a few feet. Ruri's paws turned back into hands as she grabbed Nina. Matsume grabbed Toru. Tear initiated the Jump.
"We heard it all," Ruri said. "But you can't do anything with a poison capable of immobilizing an elephant, running through you. It reeks."
Toru's eyes were blank as Hideo's words recited in his head over and over again.
**
Hideo chuckled as he drove Toru's car back to his mansion.
"He'll need a lot of saving. I can't believe the monsters have full control of him. But you saw the proof."
The crusaders nodded.
"We've called the champion and her group to clean out the area. She should be here on Saturday."
"I see. Make sure they nab Toru."
"Will you loan them…some of your enhancements?" a crusader said.
"Nope, they're white knights, goody-goodies," he said. "Besides, with that immense strength, this entire city will be safe in no time. Demons, monsters, the works, wiped."
The other crusader guard chuckled.
"The only thing that can get worse is having some demon god showing up."
Hideo let out a breath.
"Just focus on doing your jobs. Send some from the camp to patrol the area. Monsters running wild, deceiving my own nephew under my nose. This world is coming to an end."
"Not really," a crusader said.
"What did you say?" Hideo said.
"I've been thinking—most of them lived among us with no problems. Why should we waste our time with them?"
"We aren't," Hideo said. "The smart ones will stay out of our way." He laughed.
