Arc 1 Chapter 2
The Lady Hasee
1
The two entered the Guild Hall and went to the desk where a young woman was seated. Hikaru and Marx approached the woman Marx had the wolves covering his face.
“Hi, how may I help you?”
“We have the wolves from the quest over in Sanchron Village.”
Marx did the talking.
“I see. May I see your Adventurers Membership?”
Marx dropped the wolves on the floor and reached into his pocket pulling out a little silver card with something written on it.
MARX CHARLIN
CLASS: MAGE
PARTY: KRAFTLAWE
LEVEL: 130
“Level 130 is that good here?”
Hikaru Questioned.
“Oh I guess you don’t know of these silly matters… well I guess the best way to explain would be to get you a pass!”
Marx smiled.
“Oh no, I couldn’t make you do that for me after all the trouble I caused.”
Hikaru refused but Marx simply would not have it.
“Miss, may we purchase a Membership?”
“But of course”
The lady pointed at two men who were standing in the corner motioning them over to take the hound corpses. The lady set a bag of gold on the counter Marx took and threw 10 pieces of the 30 received to the lady who took them and put them into another bag labeled Passes.
“So this boy will be joining I assume?”
“Boy? Were like the same age.”
Marx and the woman Laughed.
“Oh, Hikaru have you not heard of the famous Elvish sisters that run the Guild halls?”
“Wait she's Elvish?”
“Yes me and my many sisters serve the Guild Master by working his many Locations.”
The woman moved her long hair away from her ears revealing pointed tips they were definitely elf ears.
What other kinds of beings live here?
“My apologies Miss?”
“My name is Elda”
“Miss Elda”
Hikaru bowed she reached out her hand Marx motioned Hikaru to grab it. So he did.
“This might sting a bit, we weren't chosen to lead the guild halls for no reason…”
She grabbed his hand tight and spoke softly
“Extend my blood and being and make clear the power set before me… Exalted Blood Fusion!”
Hikaru felt a painful shock emanate throughout his body. He screamed in pain the whole Guild Hall laughed at him. When it stopped she let go and Hikaru fell.
“Ah I see her blood magic does use a bight of a… Lighter touch.”
Marx giggled while Hikaru lay half-dead on the floor
“Yeah, I got that.”
Elda took an empty silver plate from a box and put it under a device that engraved it.
“Your name boy?”
“Hikaru Yume”
“Party?”
“It's free to change whenever you like”
Marx said wanting Hikaru to join their party.
“Don’t I need to ask Kaede for Permission it’s his party. Right?”
“I’ll tell him I am the Vice Captain of our little group”
“Kraftlawe Party”
Hikaru said confidently.
He had received his Adventurers pass it read.
HIKARU YUME
CLASS: ???
PARTY: KRAFTLAWE
LEVEL: 3
“Class unknown?”
Marx questioned.
“Indeed odd?”
Elda commented.
“What, do people usually receive a class?”
Elda observed Hikaru.
“Your blood and being call out your class to me and I usually just print it out but for you It was silent I just didn’t notice till you pointed it out I do many of these in a day.”
“Odd?”
Marx remarked.
“Well we better get a move on but first…”
Hikaru looked over at Marx.
“The blacksmith here makes very good weapons.”
The two began walking out of the building Elda kept watching them as they left debating what to make of the odd boy
“You are indeed an Interesting one…”
She said to herself.
2
“Behold! Jackwa’s Blacksmith store!”
Marx said pointing to a small corner shop in the bigger place that was the Market Hall
This place reminds me of the smaller malls back home.
“I’m sorry but we also will need to make another stop before the Blacksmith.”
“Where?”
“Your clothing is rather odd and it causes some unwanted attention.”
Hikaru looked around and many people in the town were staring at him.
“Yeah let's do that”
My school uniform won’t cut it in this world Let's see what kind of clothes they got here.
“There's a shop right here.”
The Market Hall wasn’t really a hall it was a one-story building full of mini shops probably around 12 stores the town where they are Gagdred wasn’t the biggest town but it was a fairly decent size with a population of 120 residents it was built in the clearing of a forest in one of the southernmost areas of Lucienda East.
“Excuse me?”
The two of them entered the store there was no door it was open just like in the malls. But it was small the roof went high up and was covered in stained glass art the whole mall was like that.
“How may I be of service?”
A woman walked up to them bowing then looking them directly in the eye.
“Uh-”
“Oh… it’s you.”
The woman's tone switched from friendly to annoyed and angry and above all full of a wrathful malice.
“Oh, Malissia what a surprise you don’t work at the tavern anymore?”
“I thought you knew since you got me fired!”
Her voice became very loud and agitated.
“Marx you know this lady?”
“Yes, I know him were old friends.”
She said gritting her teeth.
“Melissia I apologize my actions were unforgivable but please forgive me.”
Marx got down on his knees bowing Hikaru was shocked a mage as powerful as Marx gave up a fight that easily
Makes you wonder what he did.
“As if this is enough?!?!”
“Please Calm yourse-”
“No, I will not!”
They managed to grab the attention of not just everyone in the store but outside it too.
“Marx, what exactly did you do?”
Hikaru whispered in his ear kneeling down beside him. He hadn’t looked up yet.
“Later Hikaru.”
“Boy!”
Hikaru startled stared up at the girl.
“Ye-Yes ma'am”
“What business do you have with Marx here?”
“Well we're in the same Party and I needed gear and clothes so he brought us here.”
“Understood you do look awfully funny”
“Lady Malissia please leave him out of this…”
Marx was trembling.
“I’ll do as I please got a problem with that! Or should I tell everyone what you did!”
“No there is no problem!”
“Your name?”
she said looking over at Hikaru.
“Hikaru Yume”
“The name is Malissia Greyhound! It would be a pleasure but you just had to drag this filth into my store!”
“The pleasures all mine.”
Hikaru said politely bowing.
“Oh, you see that Marx he knows how to treat a woman!”
Marx was torn apart and in tears.
“So what to do about that outfit? Stand up!”
She ordered Marx he did it with zero hesitation.
“Follow me I’ll take you to the back room.”
They followed Lady Greyhound to a room in the back of her small store and inside was a changing room and several stacks of men's clothing from cloaks to tunics and even… other items which Lady Greyhound seemed to only get angrier when looking at them.
“Why Lord why…”
Marx mumbled to himself.
“You say something loser?!?!”
“No nothing at all!”
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Lady Greyhound picked out some cloth grabbed a tape measure and directed Hikaru to stand on the stool that she had pulled out. She began.
“Behold… The might of Reverse Relapse!”
She raised her hand and a magic thread came out wrapping itself around Hikaru tightly.
“Amazing, it feels… so light?”
“Yes, that is the power of my Magic Cloning magic all sorts of things I can clone. Clothes, Weapons, and other things as well even myself but not other people.”
Interesting power indeed.
“I cloned the thread and Imbued it with magic now the best part… Style!”
She began testing several outfits on Hikaru one appeared then undid itself then another did the same every 4 seconds a new outfit would be on him. He felt… queasy.
“AH!”
She said in excitement.
“Perfect!”
Hikaru was on the stool and upon his body was a Black Tunic and a long Black cloak matching his dark long hair. Even Marx was in awe of how amazing it looked on him.
“Well done!”
Marx complimented he must have forgotten who did it.
“A compliment from you is utter garbage Pervert!”
That single comment sent him retreating into his shell.
“Sorry, I did not know my place forgive me!”
He begged.
“Better.”
she said with a satisfied look on her face.
“I like it.”
Hikaru had stepped down and was looking in the mirror he saw the Cloak and tunic he wore Black pants and had been equipped with Black boots as well.
“Yes much like Marx you seem like the type to wear Dark clothes.”
“Marx Wearing dark clothes?”
Hikaru Laughed. Marx was wearing white and light blue robes.
“Well not anymore but a long time ago.”
“I wish not to reminisce!” Marx butted in.
“Who cares what you think Pervert!”
The group finished up and went on to the entrance turning to thank Malissia
“Thank you I appreciate it.”
Hikaru said bowing showing his respect.
“Thank-”
Marx was cut off by a kick to his face sending him flying out of the store.
“You…”
“Get out!”
She screamed at Marx her expression changed as she turned to Hikaru she smiled.
“Have a wonderful day and beware of that man. I wish you luck anything you need I can assist you with!”
“Thank you!”
“Hikaru here.”
Marx handed him 5 gold coins from outside the store being sure not to enter.
“I assume these are yours then?”
Hikaru handed them to Lady Greyhound.
“Much obliged.”
They bowed to each other and Hikaru and Marx were off.
3
Hikaru and Marx were off to the blacksmith Hikaru had obtained new clothes whilst Marx obtained new traumas and reopened past pains.
“Here we are!”
The two entered it was a darker store with weapons and armor everywhere.
“Who is it?”
A voice grumbled from the back of the store.
“Shanagiri?”
Marx shouted suddenly there was a tussle in the back and a giant mud beast came out he stood at least 10 feet tall.
“Marx my boy!”
At least he's wanted here… Lady Greyhound wasn’t messing around whatever he did…
“This is Hikaru he is new to our party and needs a weapon suitable for him”
The mud man Shanagiri looked Hikaru up and down.
“I see… Grackle new order just in a Longsword starter and uh… Infuse it with Mythotite.”
when Marx heard this he was shocked and worried.
“Mythotite?!”
“Yeah, the boy is off the higher classes right?”
“No? He has no class.”
“What… no class you say?”
Marx nodded Hikaru felt uncomfortable.
“Boy let me see your Guild Pass.”
Hikaru handed it over and Shanagiri viewed it.
“Interesting am I right?”
“My blacksmith skill tells me what to make and with what so even if the Guild hall counselors got it wrong I don’t this boy here is special I can feel it. Mythitite it is!”
“I see..”
Marx looked up to the stained glass art above the mud man handed Hikaru his card back and went to the back of the shop.
“Be here tomorrow!”
He said as he left their view.
“Well, we better be on our way it's already Five!”
“What that late already but we practically just arrived!”
The two left the store heading towards the Market Hall's exit.
4
Kaede Kraftlawe and the other men with him were as follows in his party and written on his card were
MARX CHARLIN
HADLEND KADO
KNIVESON K
DIAVELEI CHURNO
SATO NAZARO
HIKARU YUME
Kaede Kraftlawe grinned seeing the name of Hikaru added he sat on the porch of the tavern in Gagdred viewing the sunset. He had a drink in his hands and was staring up.
“Wonderful coincidence…”
A voice rang out Kaede had an angered expression on his face. He stood up straight turning around to see a man in a dark robe with a White Oni Mask.
“Ain’t no coincidence Varro.”
The masked man Varro laughed.
“Right to business as always I see.”
“Yeah yeah, so there's been a change.”
“Oh?”
“The Bind’s been taken.”
“Oh my.”
“I want you to do some more digging with pay of course and you'll get what you're owed when you're finished.”
“I see so it’s like that?”
“Not really in the mood for your critiques”
“Stop that piss-poor attitude whatever do you mean?”
Kaedes face changed into a look of despair as he knew he had to use his backup.
“Dig into Jailors Keep… and… The Fallen Binds…”
“Dark Thing they are begs the question how do you know of these things?”
“A story… from my youth.”
Kaede turned back towards the sky as the darkness overcame the landscape.
“There is a time for everything…”
Kaede said as he did Varro took off into the night just then the rest of the Kraftlawe group came out of the Tavern in their drunken state.
“Ah my lord!” said Hadlend
“What is it Hadlend?”
“What are you doing wallowing out here come inside and join us for a drink!”
“Yeah yeah, I’ll be in.”
The men cheered and went back inside and Kaede followed soon after now no one was on the porch and the quiet night overtook the area.
5
The next morning Hikaru and Marx set out for the Blacksmiths the others had gotten very drunk the previous night so they had all slept at the tavern instead of the local Inn.
“Beautiful morning wouldn’t you agree Hikaru?”
“I do.”
Hikaru was wearing his new clothes and enjoying them. He especially loved his cloak.
“The shop opens soon but we have tim-”
“Marx…”
Hikaru stops and Marx does also.
“Yes?”
“Thank you…”
“What for?”
Hikaru had a tear in his eye.
“For being nice to me after all I did I feel like you're the first person I’ve actually gotten along with in a very long time.”
“I feel the same”
He paused.
“I’ve known Kaede for a while but lately he has seemed… Distant and I’ve been longing for someone to talk to another friend and Hikaru that friend is you. I should thank you.”
The two smiled and laughed as they began walking once more.
6
“20 pieces!”
Marx exclaimed. Staring at the mud man Shanagiri.
“Come on cough it up!”
“Scam artist.”
Marx mumbled. after handing him the gold the man came out with a sheathed sword. He held it to his eye looking at Hikaru. The blade was pitch black with white lines running down the edge there was a white jewel in the guard and it was beautiful.
“Perfect.”
He handed the blade to Hikaru.
“I’ve never held a sword but I know it shouldn’t be this light!”
“That a complaint!”
Hikaru shrivled back.
“I’m messing with you, kid! We use special materials and magic to create blades. This one is tuned with light magic resistance my magic allows me to view one's weakness and so Based on that I can make them the perfect weapons!”
“I see.”
Marx fumbled for something in his bag.
“I bought you this last night after you went to sleep.”
He pulled out a belt with a place for his sword. Hikaru put it on.
“Thank you both so much!”
“No problem!”
“Really it was nothing.”
Hikaru hugged Marx shocking him in that moment Marx began to cry remembering images of a young boy with short red hair doing the same.
“Hikaru… thank you.”
“Anytime.”
7
Marx and Hikaru met up with the others at the exit of the town that night the sun had set and the journey was bound to be a long one.
“We got food, Marx!”
Kaede asked.
“I am never not prepared honestly you think so little of me.”
Kaede laughed and the 7 of them set off. A ways out from the town around midnight they set up camp in a clearing in the forest.
“Alright then let's get some sleep early start tomorrow!”
Kaede ordered. Everyone went into their tents and went to sleep everyone except Kaede Kraftlawe who was sitting on a massive rock overlooking a cliff near the clearing he was looking at maps and charts on his lap while having a liquor bottle beside him. From the rock you could see all of the forest ahead including a much bigger town than Gagdred it was a major city in Lucienda East called Alboast it was a ways off but still the light from the city even at this hour was emanating into the sky.
“Annoying.”
Kaede spoke to himself he was alone and a little bit away from camp.
“Nauseating. Repulsive. And horrid beings.”
He crumbled the chart in his hand staring dead ahead at Alboast. Suddenly Kaede heard a crack in the forest behind him.
“Kraftlawe…”
It was Varro.
“Varro what is it? Already done?”
“Funny this one”
He said pointing at Kaede.
“I have news from Kyotona.”
“Ah, well let's hear it.”
“The last of the 7 seated has been making a move there.”
“I see…”
“If you and I do share the same goals as you say then you should be more worried than you are.”
Kaede had an expression of nothingness on his face.
“It’s the stupid city.”
“Ah I see, relying on the past is for the weak such as Marx and the others in your group.”
“Hmmph”
“We strongly rely on the future the outcome is what matters… the… results.”
“I agree.”
The two men overlooked the city.
“I see it you know.”
“Yeah, what’s that?”
“Your vision your dream.”
“I know… I just wish things were different.”
“I don’t I’m glad it’s just us that’s all we need after all”
“Marx…”
He mumbled to himself.
“The medallion is it still yours?”
“Of course”
“I believe it has meaning still.”
“Oh?”
“I will research on my part but do not neglect doing your own research.”
“Yeah… I guess.”
The night went away from them as they looked down with hatred upon the city in the distance.
“That boy.”
“Hikaru, yeah I know.”
“He could be trouble.”
“Like I said I know.”
Kaede stood up collecting his resources and retreating into the forest.
“I already have it figured out.”
“You keep him because he reminds you of another scared little boy lost in the dark forest of despair.”
Kaede stopped.
“So?”
“That is hanging onto the past. Is it not?”
Kaede ignored the man and walked into the darkness.
8
Dawn was upon them they all were slowly waking up and dressing themselves Marx who had been awake for hours was preparing food. Hikaru walked out of his tent. As did others.
“Smells good Marx!”
“But of course, I made it.”
The two laughed.
“Alright you two shut it I got a hangover.”
Kaede wobbled out of his tent.
“You really do need to stop drinking my friend it will do more harm than good if used too often the medicine will become poison.”
Marx said while stirring the pot of stew brewing.
“Why don’t you take a hike Marx”
The group laughed furthering Kaede's headache but he too laughed it off.
“So what’s our plan for this season,”
Marx asked.
“We set off for the capitol next as usual we will be avoiding Alboast. If anyone near this city talks to us cover your faces and ignore them. I don’t care who it is.”
The men stopped there cheering and became serious Hikaru took the hint and stopped acknowledging the situation.
“Kaede what business do we have in the capitol?” Marx was wondering.
“My business is my own… but I have something for you to do while I’m working.”
“And that is?”
“A letter I received from the Guild in Gagdred.”
Kaede looked up at the men with a smile.
“A Job to escort a certain Noble to her home.”
“I see”
“Since we are the only A-rank party available”
“We should get moving and remember the rules. Hikaru, you should be fine they don’t know your face but you should still keep your cloak up.”
“Yes sir!”
Hikaru responded. Kaede smiled and went up from his seat to his tent to prepare the others grabbed their food from Marx and began eating.
9
Hikaru had been with them for a while now he was learning the sword from Marx and other skills from the other party members such as cooking hunting and many other things including magic and the lands of Narcantia.
They had set their sights on the capital of Lucienda East but had to pass the city of Alboast.
“Keep your heads low”
Kaede ordered riding by were two guards on horseback who due to the group's hoods paid no attention to them.
“Henchmen for the stupid lord of this forsaken town”
“Keep your voice down Kaede someone might hear you.”
On the road, there were many people traveling and more guards scanning the area.
“Just had to be today,”
10
“Lady Hasee we must be going!”
A woman stood outside a room in the Palace of Ages it was Kasumi the guard to Lady Hasee heir to all Hasee assets.
“Give me a minute Kasumi!”
A soft quiet voice was heard on the other side of the door. It was a young woman no older than 17 she was sitting on her bed looking out the window. The room was empty.
“I apologize my lady but please forgive me I’m coming in.”
The Guard Kasumi walked into the room and saw her on her bed.
“Lady Hasee please your father awaits and your ride is here.”
Her father Lord Gyro Hasee had sent out a request to the adventurers guild asking for high rank parties to escort his dear daughter.
“Why must father be so controlling…”
“My Lady…”
“I just want to stay here with Argyle.”
“I understand but you will see him again I know it.”
Kasumi was trying to comfort her the best she could. But to no avail.
“How long will the journey take since we are going to take the alter roads?”
“My lady I do not know but I’m sure the adventurers your father hired will.”
“Adventurers… foolish men playing pretend.”
The Guard let out a laugh.
“Indeed.”
Kasumi helped up Lady Hasee.
“But they do know what they are talking about when it comes to these things.”
“I understand…”
The two women left the room leaving a dark and empty room behind.
11
“Hikaru let’s get a move on! We got a job to do!”
Marx yelled over at Hikaru who was sitting on the wall of the Castle overlooking the Capital. Marx was loading Lady Hasee’s luggage with the other men.
“I’m coming”
Hikaru jumped down the stairs armed with his sword and wearing his cloak which blew in the wind.
“Hikaru don’t get any Ideas with the Lady alright!”
The other men mocked him. The Lady was beautiful and all of them knew it. They also knew if they did anything the full might of Lucienda would rain down upon them.
“You clearly don’t know me… Sato”
Hikaru looked right at Sato who was smiling at Hikaru laughing at him.
“Well see you're the only one who doesn’t know of the beauty which is the face of Lady Hasee.”
“Weirdo”
“You’ll see!”
The men laughed. Marx was getting angry The Royal Palace’s courtyard was no place for crude humor.
“Enough!”
They all fell silent.
“We apologize”
Sato, Hikaru, and the others nodded in agreement. As they fell silent the sound of trumpets rang. The door to the palace opened and Lady Hasee walked out. Beside her was Kasumi.
“Oh wow! I wish she would marry me!”
“In your dreams Diavelei!”
“Enough!”
Marx was mad.
“Sorry…”
They said in unison. The princess and her Guard along with two other maids who had swords, Katana’s to be exact followed behind her.
“Katanas huh?”
“Yeah you don’t see those around here usually.”
Hikaru found Diavelei’s statement reasonable back at the mud man’s shop he didn’t see any Katana’s.
“Her Ladyship Roxy Hasee!”
A man atop the stairs announced her as if they didn’t know.
“Alright prep the carriage men”
Marx ordered the men followed they opened the door and Lady Hasee inched closer and got inside along with the three guards.
Katanas are rare or rather… not native that would make more sense. the women with her look Japanese like myself. Unlike Kaede and Marx who look more European.
“Hikaru lets go!”
Marx motioned Hikaru to get on the front of the carriage with him. Hikaru got on. The other men were on their own horses following close behind a number of guards followed behind for a while until they left the city.
“Why not just have the guards take her?”
“Well, we are an A rank party. You know what that means?”
“No.”
“It means our party could take out 100 guards in an instant.”
Hikaru's eyes widened.
Their that powerful?!?
“Wow…”
“Speaking of strength… what level are you now. I mean we spent around a week or two getting here you fought some low level monsters with the sword skills I taught you.”
“Yeah, let me check.”
Hikaru pulled out his Adventurers Pass and viewed it.
HIKARU YUME
CLASS: ???
PARTY: KRAFTLAWE
LEVEL: 15
“I’m level 15 I guess.”
“Progress, good”
Marx looked up at the sky.
“Well, I don’t hold a candle to your level.”
“In time, your sword skills are improving also.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
Hikaru picked up his sword looking into the white stone embedded in it. The party reached the gate the guards fell back and the journey began.
“What do you suppose their up to right now?”
“Who do you mean?”
“Gagdred.”
“Oh, well I try not to think about it.
“Clearly cause of Lady Malissia?”
“Uhh-”
“Say you said you would tell me what happene-?”
“Later Hikaru!”
Hikaru laughed as the sun began to set and they entered the forest roads.
12
“The time… has come…”
A voice echoed in the darkness. Flames roared into the night sky. It was a village on fire. Through the flames nothing was visible except the word… gagdred.
“Please spare my family!”
A young man with his family were cornered into a small building.
“Hehehehe.”
Three men in dark cloaks drew knives and went towards them fully intent on slicing them to ribbons.
“Stop right there!”
The men turned a silhouette of a woman was amongst the fire.
“I don’t know who you are but you better leave this town!”
“Oh yeah, who's gonna make us? You!”
The one who said this was the man in the middle with a tattoo above his right eye reading [Insign to the Dark Guard] The woman who could now be seen as no other than Lady Malissia was shocked.
“The dark guard huh?”
“Yes!”
The man leaped at her crushing the ground Malissia smiled and pounced towards him as well. What followed was a great clash. Malissia pulled out a sword of her own it was a smaller sword with a white line down the middle.
“Cute! Quite Cute!”
“Shut it creep you give Marx a run for his money!”
She slashed the air in front of the man and left an arc of mana behind it was Blue mana Ice magic. He jumped back. Some gifted people can alter their base mana and use other types of magic than the kind they usually are born with excelling at.
“Big sister!”
One of the little boys yelled out to her alerting the three men who smiled with malice.
“Kill the boy!”
“Foolish brother!”
She leaped towards him trying to save them from the other men who raised their daggers. CLASH! The sword of another met her own in the air.
“Oh no you don’t!”
It was the third man the other two clearly obeyed him Malissia was trying her best to save her family who sat helplessly on the floor. The men began the lowering of their daggers.
“NO!”
Suddenly a cloaked man came in at the last second. He had longer red hair and wore a cloak. With an eye on it. He stopped the downward spiral of their blades.
