I Woke Up In A Completely Different World! 19 Snatched

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Zhenya: "You have some knack for being a bounty hunter, Steven. This is the 11th one this week."

Steven: "That's because I have a good partner like you."

Zhenya: "Yeah, that's true. What are you going to do what all that money though? Your village doesn't use it, so what's the point?"

I stuck around for a week, negotiating with Jiang about getting the town's support against the Queen. Here I was, hoping it wouldn't take so long but it's been moving very slow.

I picked up bounty hunting with Zhenya to pa.s.s the time and maybe show Jiang I'm not all talk. The money is nice, but what am I going to do with almost 70,000 Yingbi?

Steven: "Maybe a new suit?"

Zhenya: "You really think like a n.o.ble at times."

Steven: "I like to keep appearances."

A fur-lined coat really sounds nice. Winter is coming soon, too. The girls might even want one.

We approach the front of the town on horseback where some of the townspeople were lying injured. Jiang was running around frantically carrying a greatsword with one hand, checking on everyone.

Zhenya: "Jiang! What happened?"

Jiang: "Steven, Zhenya! s.h.i.t, you could've shown up earlier!"

Zhenya: "Calm down and tell us what happened."

Jiang: "Bandits came, they heard about Steven."

Steven: "What do they want with me?"

What did I do? I've only been here for a week and I haven't drawn any attention to myself. To have them come after me, there has to be more to it than this. I have a suspicion that the Royal Family was behind this.

Jiang: "They heard about your bounty hunting activities and how much money you've been making. They thought they could rob you."

Zhenya: "So they attack the f.u.c.king town?"

Jiang: "We held out and took out some of their men, but they took Niroja."

Why her?! She's innocent!

These aren't the typical bandit. Whoever took her had to know we were friends. Where are the guards?

No matter how I see it, it's my fault. If I hadn't been bounty hunting so much, I'd be perfectly blended in with everyone.

Steven: "Where's Dai-tai?"

Jiang: "She's fine, but a little shaken up. I had some of the people take her to back to the inn."

Steven: "Is there an alchemist?"

Zhenya: "What do you need from an alchemist?"

Steven: "Several potions, just in case."

Zhenya: "Jiang, take him to the alchemist. I'll get this bounty processed and meet back up with you."

We dismount the horses, Zhenya leading them both to get the bounty processed. Jiang then takes me to the alchemist he mentioned. The potions must be good if the shop door says "Master Potions." I almost wanted it to say "Yuuna's Elixirs" instead.

Jiang: "You going to stand there or enter?"

Steven: "Right."

We're greeted by an elderly Goblin man, his wrinkled yet friendly face welcomed us.

Alchemist: "Welcome to Master Potions, young man. What may I get you today?"

Steven: "Healing potions? The ones that close wounds."

Alchemist: "I have those, plenty of those. They're easy for me to make. Just know it can't replace what has been lost, such as blood."

Steven: "I need 5 of them."

Alchemist: "25,000 Yingbi."

That's absurd.

Someone took notes from Yuuna apparently and is selling potions at a high price. Even Jiang is looking at this man in shock! That's half a year's rent at the inn!

Steven: "20,000?"

Alchemist: "Say, why are you buying potions anyway, child?"

Steven: "My friend was kidnapped and I want to bring her back."

Alchemist: "Who is your friend?"

Steven: "Another Goblin named Niroja."

He sighs.

Alchemist: "And here I was thinking I'm too old to care about others."

Jiang: "Huh?"

Alchemist: "Yes, yes. 20,000 Yingbi for your potions."

He reluctantly accepts the 20,000 offer. I could try and lower the price, but I run the risk of getting him mad. Kicking me and Jiang out, leaving me without the potions.

Steven: "Deal."

The alchemist slicks his hair back and goes into the back to retrieve the potions.

I'm not 100 percent sure what I'll be using the potions for, but it'll be good, just in case.

Jiang: "What are you planning, Steven?"

Steven: "Preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best, I guess."

Jiang: "The worst?"

Steven: "Niroja is… well, you know."

Jiang: "Oh."

Steven: "These potions will keep that from happening though."

The Alchemist returns with 5 small vials filled with a glowing yellow substance. I asked for healing potions, what is this?

Steven: "Uhh, what are these?"

Jiang: "Healing potions. These are the kind the Armies use. Where did you get these?"

Alchemist: "I used to be a healer with the King's Army. The price compliment their effectiveness. The vial isn't fragile, either. It can take a beating."

Steven: "Thank you, Alchemist."

Alchemist: "They're bitter, so drink them in one go if you can."

I should get something else rather than this bag. It's actually becoming an inconvenience! I have to take it off if I want to grab something. A leatherworker might have something I could have at my hip, like a satchel. It shouldn't cost too much for a decent one.

Steven: "Is there a leatherworker here, Jiang?"

Jiang: "He's a couple buildings down. Did you need something?"

Steven: "A satchel."

We head to the leatherworker and get greeted by another Goblin. A calm-mannered and presentable Goblin.

Leatherworker: "Ah, welcome. How may I help you today, Jiang?"

Jiang: "The kid here wants a satchel."

Steven: "Something simple. I don't really care for colors or designs right now."

Leatherworker: "Well, the ones I have are simple and durable."

He pulls one of the satchels from his work area and presents it to us. It's more of a messenger bag than what I had in mind. Though it has plenty of well-located pockets and I could fit this comfortably over my shoulder. It's perfect!

Leatherworker: "It's 300 Yingbi if you want it."

Steven: "Alright, deal."

Jiang: "Where to next, Steven?"

Steven: "I should check on Dai-tai."

Jiang: "Oh."

We headed back to the inn. The feelings of fear and sadness lingered instead of the usual drunk-happy I'd come to. It seems that the closer to the entrance we got, the more of the effects from the bandit attack became apparent.

Innkeeper: "Mister Omeo, h.e.l.lo."

She said dejectedly.

Steven: "Where's Dai-tai?"

Innkeeper: "She's in your room."

I don't like this one bit.

Without saying anything, I head to our room, too nervous to open the door.

What if she's crying? I don't think I could handle the sight of her like that. She's full of life and always happy, so who knows what she's doing.

I quietly enter and see Dai-tai covered under her blankets, sobbing quietly. I didn't want this.

Steven: "Dai-tai? It's me, Steven."

She uncovers herself, looking at me with tears streaming down her eyes before jumping up and embracing me.

Dai-tai: "I thought they took you too."

She sobbed weakly.

Dai-tai: "They took Niroja."

Steven: "I know, and I'll get her back."

Dai-tai: "It's too dangerous."

Steven: "It'll be fine."

Dai-tai: "How can it be fine when Niroja is gone and you're going after her?!"

Great, I was worried this would happen. I don't even know what to say that'll calm her down.

Steven: "Did you forget who I am? I'm Steven. Here, just lay down. I'll be back before you know it."

We sit down on the bed as she leans on me for comfort. Wrapping a blanket around herself and using my arm to warm up her hands.

Steven: "How did you become friends with Niroja?"

Dai-tai: "We were little, some of the kids would push her around for being a Goblin and I would protect her."

I do my best to comfort her, but I'm really doing something like this for the first time. I could only say "It'll be alright," but it really isn't. Niroja is still missing.

Seeing this makes me wonder how Madelyn and the village are right now.

…

The Hidden Village

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Hunter: "Nice hunting skills!"

Madelyn: "It's not that hard once you get used to it."

Hunter: "Let's head back, shall we?"

Just like my homeworld, this one is on the "realistic" difficulty. It's been the same radiant quests for the past week and I still have yet to see any changes!

It's a pattern, help the villagers with hunting or gathering until the evening and fall into my cot. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Steven's cot is empty as usual and it's really quiet. I should've gone with him to the town. He's probably having all kinds of fun right now!

Nikita: "Madelyn, are you in there?"

Woman: "Let me go!"

An event? There's a commotion going on outside.

Madelyn: "Yes, I'm here."

I shouted in response.

Nikita: "Get out here, you need to see this to believe this."

Finally! This is what I've been waiting for!

Enthused, I jumped out of my cot and head outside. Nikita was waiting with several of the villagers and another woman tied up. Seriously, what's going on here?

Madelyn: "Who is this?"

Nikita: "Lilith Klein."

Madelyn: "Are you serious?"

I've been told about Lilith, she's a b.a.s.t.a.r.d child and we're not supposed to injure her according to the void.

This is troubling, maybe I shouldn't have sent Steven out in the first place. Then again, he's against her, so I'm not sure how that'll turn out if he did see her.

Madelyn: "How did you capture her?"

Lilith: "I told you! I'm not an enemy!"

Nikita: "She let herself be captured, surprisingly."

Madelyn: "Here, let's put her in the tent. We could at least figure something out."

Well, she has to go somewhere. It's best if I could keep an eye on her and interrogate her in here. We sit her down on a cot as she looks at us in fear. I looked behind me and found out it was because there were 3 grisly looking people staring her down.

Madelyn: "I have to do this alone."

Nikita: "Do you have it from here?"

Madelyn: "Yes, you could wait outside. I'll shout if something happens."

Nikita: "Alright, try not to be long."

They take their leave and I can finally begin with my interrogation. This is like every other interrogation quest. This should be easy.

Lilith: "Can you untie me, please?"

Madelyn: "Why should I?"

Lilith: "Because I can escape them."

Madelyn: "Prove it; do it."

She stands up to the best of her abilities and a flame slowly envelopes the rope, burning it into ash.

Madelyn: "How did you do that?"

Lilith: "Magic."

Madelyn: "Just like Steven and the others."

I mumbled to myself.

I need to figure out how to use magic. It looks cool and will probably make things around here a lot easier.

Lilith: "You know Steven? Where is my trophy?"

Madelyn: "I don't know about a trophy, but Steven isn't here right now."

Lilith: "I need to speak with him."

Madelyn: "You need to wait until he comes back then. You're not going anywhere."

Lilith: "Where does he stay? I'll wait there."

Madelyn: "Uh, well you're on his cot."

Not that it mattered where he stayed. She's not leaving this tent unless I say so.

Madelyn: "But it doesn't matter. You're going to tell me everything I want to know."

…

Zheng De Shouyi, Hei'an Zhi Guo

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Steven: "I promise I'll bring her back."

I said softly.

By some miracle, I managed to calm Dai-tai down and have her rest. How am I going to get Niroja back anyway? I can't exactly talk my way out of this one.

Troubled, I head back to the front of the inn where Zhenya came back with several other "tough" looking and heavily armored men.

Someone's ready for a fight.

Steven: "Mercenaries?"

Zhenya: "Veterans."

Jiang: "You should've seen the way he came in."

Zhenya: "That's no way to talk now is it, Captain?"

Jiang: "I thought you took things seriously, General."

Steven: "Captain? General? What do you mean?"

Jiang: "There's no hiding it now?"

Zhenya: "I told you I was apart of the Demon King's Army, right? I was the general near the end of my service."

Jiang: "I was the captain under him."

There's no way this can be a joke. They're not the types to say that. I mean, I knew Zhenya was apart of the Army, but Jiang?

He looks soft!

Jiang: "Either way, we have to sit down and figure out how we're going to get Niroja back."

Zhenya: "There's us and the rest outside, Jiang."

Steven: "How many did you bring?"

Zhenya: "Anyone who joined in, there's almost 30 of us."

The current men with Zhenya were intimidating. They never said a word and gave me a cold stare. If everyone else outside is like that, we'll definitely stand a chance. We sat at one of the tables, Zhenya's men were standing behind him like bodyguards.

I guess loyalty runs deep with them.

Zhenya: "So, how are we saving her?"

Jiang: "After an attack like they did, no doubt there's a bounty on them already."

Zhenya: "A handful of injured civilians and a kidnapped girl."

Steven: "How much is that?"

Jiang: "No less than 15,000 for each bandit. And I know who did it too. They have an abandoned fort as a base for their acts of violence."

An abandoned fort full of bandits worth 15,000 Yingbi each. It's a goldmine for bounty hunters like Zhenya, but I only care about getting Niroja out and back to Dai-tai safely.

Steven: "How many bandits are we talking about?"

Jiang: "They were at 32 at their peak. Who knows if there's more or less. The leader is violent."

Steven: "Then how do I get Niroja out of there?"

Zhenya: "What about the bounty?"

Steven: "I don't care about a bounty. I only want Niroja."

Zhenya: "She's just a Goblin."

Steven: "I don't care, she's my friend!"

I exclaimed, slamming my fist against the table.

Noting my burst of anger, I apologize before sitting back down.

Jiang: "I think he pa.s.ses."

Zhenya: "I think he does."

Steven: "What?"

Zhenya: "Let's go save Niroja. We're going right now."

He stands and rushes everyone to leave.

Steven: "But wait, we don't have a plan."

Zhenya: "I do and you're coming with. Can you at least understand that?"

Steven: "I do."

Zhenya: "Then let's go."

We gathered even more people that could fight and were willing to get back at the bandits. Making us nearly 80 men strong in front of the town.

I stayed near Zhenya, out of fear of accidentally provoking a large group of already p.i.s.sed off Demons by b.u.mping into them.

Zhenya: "Jiang should feel right at home with this many men."

Jiang: "Alright, listen up!"

He shouted with authority.

Jiang: "There's a bandit group set up at an abandoned fort a few miles down this road and all of them have a bounty, dead or alive! I want 2 groups of 40 men."

Zhenya: "One group will be ranged, so if you know how to use a bow or magic, follow me! The others, I don't care if you use a sword, warhammer, or axe. If you can kill with it, you're with Jiang."

Jiang: "They kidnapped one of us and we're going to get her back!"

Zhenya gave out the attack plans, Zhenya's group will be behind Jiang's and surround the fort and give them a chance to surrender before fully attacking.

I mounted Zhenya's horse with an entire squadron of 80 townspeople, all filled with wrath. I just hope everything will go well.

…

The Hidden Village

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Madelyn: "Alright, I've heard enough."

Lilith: "But I haven't finished."

Madelyn: "It's enough for now."

I always wondered why Steven didn't like the Royal Family and now it's more than clear, the man can't catch a break!

He should really stop accepting quests.

Still, it's a little difficult to believe that all this is because she wanted to impress her father, who happens to be the Demon King and is deceased.

This really speeds things up ma.s.sively. Without the King, we don't have to worry about him and we should be able to just speedrun the main quest, dethroning the Queen.

Then again, we need to know about the Queen herself. By the way things are, she's probably as strong as the King.

I should report this to Nikita and hopefully open up an opportunity.

Lilith: "Is this really Steven's cot?"

Madelyn: "Yeah, it is. He won't be here for a while so I guess it's alright for you to sleep there."

Lilith: "Oh, when will he be back?"

Madelyn: "He should've been here a couple days ago, so I guess he got caught up with something important."

I step out and begin telling Nikita everything I know. He tells me not to believe everything she says, but I don't see a reason why.

I mean, she's obviously after Steven. If not, she would've just burned the entire village down and why would she like about the King being deceased?

Nikita: "Then the King's dead? Truly, this is concerning."

Madelyn: "How so?"

Nikita: "The Queen would then have full authority over the country."

After all this time, I never asked why they were so against the Queen. I deserve some answers after all the help I've done!

Madelyn: "Why do you hate the Queen so much?"

Nikita: "Because she doesn't respect us. What do you do when guards become corrupt? When they steal crops and homes? Then proceed to rob you for all your money, calling it the King's "rightful" taxes?"

Madelyn: "Protest?"

Nikita: "You can try, but you'll be arrested. And it's not just the poor, the working folk has it just as bad. It's either live freely as a n.o.ble or die as a peasant."

Madelyn: "Why don't you just leave the country?"

Nikita: "You can't, the borders are closed because of the Elves. They attack anyone, even themselves, the b.a.s.t.a.r.ds."

Paranoia and war go side by side, by the looks of it.

This is just raising more questions than answers. Looks like I'll have to settle for one more question, the important one.

Madelyn: "Before I came here, I was being dangled by darkness and it spoke to me. Do you know what it was?"

Nikita: "If you didn't know, Madelyn, then it's best for some things to be left in the dark for now."

He walks away quietly before I was able to question him further.

Great, now I'm just lost.

Lilith should know more than he might, especially when it comes to the Queen. I believe in knowing your enemy and I might be able to figure out her weakness.

…

Abandoned Fort, Hei'an Zhi Guo

----

Jiang: "We're half a mile out. We stop right here for a few."

Zhenya: "Here you go, Steven."

I'm handed a bow, dagger, and quiver full of arrows.

I'm not sure why I'm handed it, I could get by with just magic like I've been doing.

Steven: "What's this for?"

Zhenya: "You're going ahead of us to get Niroja and getting her out through the confusion that's about to happen."

Steven: "Well, how long do I have?"

Jiang: "About 30 minutes."

I nodded.

I understand this. If we attacked before I got to Niroja, she might end up as a body shield, so I have to get her before it's too late.

I dismount Zhenya's warhorse and begin making my way to the fort by going through the forest alongside the road.

I'm not sure what to expect, scouts through the forest and probably guards near where Niroja might be. Not to mention, the estimated 32 plus bandits in the camp.

I don't even know where in the fort Niroja might be in to top it off!

I stumbled across what looked like a patrol of 2 bandits. If I ambushed them, they might tell me where Niroja is.

Yet, I'm not sure if they really are bandits. They look more refined than what a bandit would look like. Hiding behind a bush, I silently snuck up to them, eavesdropping and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Bandit #1: "What do you think the chief is thinking, kidnapping a town's person like that."

Bandit #2: "How should I know? He does crazy s.h.i.t like that."

Bandit #1: "A Goblin of all people too. They're not going to pay for a ransom, everyone knows that."

Bandit #2: "Well, he probably has his reasons. She might know the a.s.shole that's been rounding us up, one by one."

They're bandits alright.

Drawing the bow, I pop up and take out the first bandit. My arrow zipping through the air and hitting him in the neck.

As he slowly fell to the floor, I strafe and hit the other bandit in the knee, forcing him to the floor before he could draw his weapon.

I close the distance, putting him in an armlock with the dagger to his neck.

Steven: "The Goblin, where is she?"

Bandit #2: "You f.u.c.kin' p.r.i.c.k. You're dead."

Steven: "You really want to die for your sc.u.mbag chief? Where is the girl."

Bandit #2: "f.u.c.k you."

Steven: "She's only a child."

I bluffed.

Bandit #2: "f.u.c.k, s.h.i.t."

He caves into his moral side.

Bandit #2: "Alright, she should be in the dungeon. You can enter it through the main tower."

Steven: "Good, thank you."

Bandit #2: "I told you what you wanted. Now let me go."

Steven: "Wind Torrent."

The sudden wind throws him into a tree face first, instantly knocking him out cold.

I should probably rid of him. Keeping myself from running the risk of him alerting someone, but I can't bring myself to kill him. He actually told me what I wanted.

Vigilant, I slowly make my way through the forest into a small clearing.

The fort wall is visible through the clearing!

Going through the front entrance is suicide and I won't have enough time to look for a back entrance before the attack begins.

The only way to get in is by scaling the jagged stone wall, but I'll be out in the open.

I could use Ignite and set the watchtower on the far side on fire, but I don't think I have that kind of reach. There's also Firebolt, but it doesn't explode in a fire as Ignite does.

Steven: "Ignite."

Getting as close as possible without getting caught and with my hand doused in a fire, I throw a fastball towards the top of the watchtower, hitting lower than antic.i.p.ated on the wooden support beams.

To small fire quickly spirals out of control, forcing the bandits on top to jump out before it collapses.

Using the opportunity, I begin scaling the wall before jumping down on the other side and hide behind a cart of hay.

Everyone's attention seemed to be on the burning watchtower. A bandit, who had to be the chief, was shouting and ordering the others to put out the fire from a balcony.

Bandit Chief: "Nestor! f.u.c.king help Marat to put that fire out!"

That has to be the main tower!

I noticed another figure, covered in a hood running inside the tower. Did they send someone else to watch over me?

Through the confusion that was caused, I snuck from cover to cover, avoiding the bandits, until reaching the door to the main tower.

Now that I'm inside, I could begin searching for the dungeon. I had to be in a converted mess hall, this looks like both an armory and living quarters. Beds were spread apart from each other on one side and a ma.s.sive stockpile of weapons and crates stacked on the other.

The fort began to rumble heavily. The attack has started and I have to find Niroja quickly. I only needed a couple more minutes!

A couple of bandits ran back inside, to grab from the stockpile. They quickly noticed me as an enemy and a fight breaks out.

Bandit: "Who the fu—get him!"

I'm tackled to the floor, but not before I gut one with the dagger. He rolls away bleeding and the other starts to pummel me.

Savagely beating me as I desperately try to avoid him. A sword is run through him from behind and falls on top of me. Weak, I struggled to push him off me and figure out who saved me.

Jiang: "What are you waiting for? Go I have the entrance covered!"

Steven: "Th-Thank you."

Swiping the best sword I could find, I run blindly down a stairway into what had to be the dungeon. a.s.suming I could call it one. It's more of a torture room!

My mind shudders to imagine what happened here.

Desperately, I call out to Niroja.

Steven: "Niroja!"

Getting louder with each shout, my mind drifts to the worst possible scenario, causing me to nearly break down.

I reach the end of the dungeon and find Niroja unconscious in a cell.

Hunched over, chained to the wall like an animal. The cell didn't have any form of lock and I rushed over to her.

Niroja: "Steven?"

She said weakly.

Steven: "I'm right here for you, Niroja."

Niroja: "They, they hit me; It hurts."

Steven: "Here."

I remove my satchel and grab the potions I'd hope I wouldn't have to use. Uncapping it and help her drink it, as she tried not to gag.

Niroja: "It's bitter."

She cried.

Steven: "I know it is, but please bear with it for now."

I pleaded with her.

I released her from her chains and she barely manages to stand on her own, leaning against the wall for leverage.

Steven: "How do you feel?"

Niroja: "Weak… but better."

A sudden crashing noise from outside the cell draws the both us like crates falling and breaking.

Niroja is in no shape to fight back if a bandit is here with us!

I gave her my satchel, placing it over her shoulder and drawing my sword. As long as I keep anyone that would hurt her from entering the cell, she'll be safe.

Investigating the noise, I find a bandit against a wall, covered in blood. Footstep echo as the a.s.sailant walks down and finishes off the already defeated bandit.

The a.s.sailant reveals themselves, and much to my dismay, it was one of the sisters, Bao.

Dressed in dark outfit and hood, still managing to look elegant even in a place as dreadful as this.

Bao: "My, I'm starting to wonder why she was struggling with you. It looks like I gave these bandits too great of a task for them to accomplish."

Steven: "Bao?! It was you?"

Bao: "Surprised? Where's Lilith, the b.a.s.t.a.r.d?"

Steven: "No, I was just thinking. Shouldn't you be the redhead instead of your sister Mei? I mean, you're the one with the short-temper and all."

She sheaths her sword and gives me a demonic smile.

Bao: "I'm going to make you regret saying that."

s.h.i.t.

She's challenging me to hand-to-hand? She raised her hands in a fighting position.

Not that I have a problem with it. I expected Bao to be the one to use magic and just get it over with.

I learned boxing in my home world because of my friends. If her body isn't too different from mine, a good hit on her liver should knock her down.

Steven: "Alright, I'll accept, but I have something to ask."

Bao: "I might consider it."

Steven: "Let the woman in here go, she had nothing to do with me."

Bao: "That's fine, I don't care about her anyway. Be glad I'm in a good mood."

It's a relief that even someone like her could see some reason. Without turning my back to her, I ordered Niroja to escape. At least she would be safe if something happened.

Steven: "Niroja, you should go."

Niroja: "What about you?"

Steven: "Don't worry about me, run and find Jiang, now."

I demanded.

Niroja grips the satchel tightly and dashes for the stairs, escaping the dungeon.

Now that I don't have to worry about her, I could focus all my attention on Bao.

Bao: "Aren't you quite the hero?"

Steven: "It just means I could go all out."

I learned to box for self-defense, but never actually used it outside for sport.

Will I actually stand a chance against her?

Raising my hands to Bao, we circle each other.

I don't even know her weakness, other than her short-temper. I actually expected her to lose it when I called her out on it, but she's keeping herself in check, so it's throwing me off.

She has to be up to something. This isn't how I expected her to be.

Backing away and lowering my fists, I make s.p.a.ce between us. Attempting to pacify Bao and ruin what she might've had planned.

Bao: "What are you doing?"

Steven: "Not fighting you. I'm leaving and you're not going to stop me."

Her face turns into a scowl.

I knew she had something planned.

She begins to swarm me with punches. Knocking me to the floor and proceeding to relentlessly stomp me. Her high heels digging into me, as if they were trying to puncture me.

Bao: "d.a.m.n you, d.a.m.n you, d.a.m.n you!"

She screamed between each stomp.

Bao: "Argh! Why don't you just disappear?!"

With the pain starting to become unbearable, I start looking for a way out of this situation.

Grabbing the closest item that I could find, which happened to be a decently sized rock, I smashed it against her ankle.

Bao: "Aah! d.a.m.n it!"

She cried as she fell to the floor.

Seizing the opportunity, I grab her and put her in a chokehold. Slowly, putting her to sleep as she struggles to move and breathe.

Bao: "Help… me…"

She desperately calls out before pa.s.sing out.

Is it over?

I let her go and her body ragdolls to the floor. Fear envelops me, a cold chill flies through my spine, believing I overdid it and snapped her neck.

We may hate each other, but I don't want her to die!

I let out a huge sigh of relief and laugh nervously when I flipped her over and see her breathing. She's really unconscious, but still alive.

I'm not even sure what to do with her. She'd be more trouble if I bring her and she awakens on me. Yet, it would be very useful to bring her back to the town.

If she led the bandits here, I could get rid of her with ease. Then again, she's royalty, so she might have the power to be exempt from the law.

I should let Jiang know. I'm sure he'd know what to do.

Still winded by her kicks, I crawled up the stairs. Looking back halfway to the deceased bandit Bao sent down here. The stairs just so happened to be more of a struggle than they were.

By the time I reached Jiang, the fighting already ceased. The bandit's bodies lined the front gate and the ones that were captured alive were being summarily executed.

Jiang: "Executed with perfection, men! We didn't even lose a single person!"

Steven: "Jiang."

Jiang: "Steven? Were you beaten by a hammer? You're covered in bruises!"

Steven: "I ran into Bao and a bandit in the dungeon."

Jiang: "Bao? From the Royal family? You jest."

Steven: "She should still be in the dungeon."

Now that he knows, I could get back to Niroja. I scanned the fort's courtyard, but I couldn't see her. She's neither with the townspeople or even leaning against the wall.

She had to be nearby, I saw run up the stairs and she wasn't inside when I left.

Steven: "Have you seen Niroja? I sent her outside when I ran into Bao."

Jiang: "I did indeed. I sent her outside the fort with Zhenya and the rest of the men."

Steven: "You split up?"

Jiang: "To secure the fort and capture anyone trying to escape."

I would a.s.sume it would be safer to be in the now captured fort. Not that it mattered now, we already won.

To leave the fort, I had to walk past the lined up bandit bodies. It was horrible to see so many dead people, even if they were bandits. I even killed 2 of them, to my knowledge.

I found peace in believing that they were rapists that pillaged innocent towns and villages.

Niroja was sitting by a tree, being tended to by a couple of the townspeople. Zhenya wasn't even nearby when I found her. He was across ordering people what to do on horseback.

Steven: "Niroja, do you feel better with the healing potions?"

She nods, tilting her head to the side and smiling at me weakly.

Townsperson: "She really shouldn't move. She has a broken rib. The healing potion helped her. Though, it won't replace what's lost."

Steven: "Lost?"

Townsperson: "She lost a bit of blood, but not too much that it's an emergency."

I let out a small sigh of relief.

We're not completely out of the woods. I still have to take her back to Dai-tai and probably have a doctor check on her.

Steven: "How are we taking her back to the town?"

Townsperson: "On horseback, you could do that, right?"

Steven: "I can, but I don't have my own horse."

Zhenya: "Well, you could use the same one you've been borrowing for the past week."

He appears from behind, already leading his horses. Obviously he would, it was foolish to believe I didn't have a horse to take back to town, but will the horse let me ride him back to town without Zhenya?

I mount and with the help of Zhenya and the townsperson, Niroja is seated safely in front of me. It might not be the most comfortable for me, but it'll keep her from falling over if she happens to faint.

Zhenya: "We have everything under control here, so don't worry about us."

Steven: "Thank you."

The town shouldn't be more than half an hour away, especially since I'm on horseback. I start off slow, building up into a comfortable pace for Niroja.

She relaxes into the saddle and leans back on me.

Steven: "Are you alright?"

Niroja: "It's really comfortable."

Steven: "Am I a chair?"

I said playfully.

Niroja: "Sorry Steven."

Steven: "It's fine, I'll be a chair."

…

The Hidden Village

----

Madelyn: "You could stay in this tent until Steven does come back."

Lilith: "Is that okay?"

Madelyn: "Yeah, you told me everything I wanted, so I say you earned it."

If no one is telling me what I want, I'm doing this my way. With everything Lilith told me, a peaceful resolution should be available.

The Queen's weakness is her family.

I never expected it to be so simple. Queen or not, we should be able to easily take advantage of her and Lilith is my key character.

Hopefully, she doesn't have a quest where she'd get kidnapped and we have to save her.

Snapping myself out of thought, I look to Lilith, who happened to be blushing slightly.

Madelyn: "You good?"

Lilith: "I… I… never really had a friend before."

Madelyn: "If you 2 iron out your differences and talk. You might even be friends with Steven!"

I persuade her.

Lilith: "My trophy?"

It could be pushing my luck, but Steven might be able to make evens with her at this rate. Not that she's a horrible person. The best word that I could come up with to describe her is, lost.

Madelyn: "Yes, he seems like the kind of person to be reasoned with."

Young Mi, a girl who I believed was a ghost at first, enters the tent and sits nearby. I usually only ever talk to her when she needed something, so it has to be something new.

Lilith: "A Wight?"

Young Mi: "How long have you known Steven, Madelyn?"

Madelyn: "Huh? A week by now."

Young Mi: "What about her?"

She points to Lilith, who was oblivious to her question at first. Young Mi had to rephrase the question so that she could understand.

Lilith: "Oh, about 6 months."

Young Mi: "What do you know about him?"

Lilith: "Nothing really."

She knows nothing about him even after half a year?

Madelyn: "You have to know something minor at least."

Lilith: "He goes to an Academy and lives with Nekomata."

Madelyn: "So you do know something?"

Young Mi: "Anyway, would either of you trust him?"

Madelyn: "No."

I can't trust someone I barely know. It should've been obvious.

Lilith: "I'm not sure. Every time we met, it ends in a fight."

Young Mi: "I'm getting nowhere. I need more time to think."

She just ups and leaves. It would've been nice if I knew why she was asking us in the first place. Not that it would change my opinion on him. I'm sure he'd understand.

Madelyn: "Well…"

I may as well be on good terms with Lilith if we're going to be staying in the same tent. I'm sure she'd be a lot of help until Steven comes back.

She might even teach me magic if I ask her.

Madelyn: "Hey Lilith, how do you learn magic?"

…

Zheng De Shouyi, Hei'an Zhi Guo

----

Steven: "Hey, someone give me a hand outside!"

Niroja: "Ahh~ I can't wait to go to bed."

Steven: "You can't go to bed yet. A doctor has to check on you first."

Is n.o.body listening or is the inn empty?

Steven: "Hey! Innkeeper give me a hand, please!"

The Magus that drinks a lot but is good with magic steps out. He seemed to have good enough coordination and it's barely the afternoon, so it might be safe to a.s.sume he's somewhat sober.

Steven: "Are you drunk?"

Magus: "That's no way to greet me, now is it, Steven? No, I was about to get started though."

Steven: "Could you help her down? She's injured and can't move too much."

Magus: "Right, she must be the one the bandits took. Good to see her alive."

He gave her a hand in dismounting he helps her inside the inn. I tie the horse to the post and stretch my back from the awkward way I was riding before going inside the deserted inn.

Who would've guessed the number of patrons would change the feeling of the place? The people that are in here aren't even drinking or eating. They're just staring blankly into the ceiling and waiting for something interesting to happen.

Innkeeper: "I apologize Mister Omeo, the inn isn't very lively."

Magus: "Yeah, everyone took off for that fort."

Steven: "Well, they should be back soon. Is there a doctor available in the meantime?"

Magus: "I know a doctor down the road."

Steven: "Could you get him? I'll pay."

Magus: "Well, sure, why not. More money for the experiment."

I turn my attention to Niroja, who was sitting at a table in pain, gripping the satchel tightly.

Steven: "Do you want another potion?"

She shakes her head before speaking.

Niroja: "Too bitter."

Steven: "It helps with the pain."

I try pleading with her to no avail. She really doesn't like the way the potion tastes. Sure, they taste horrible, but they do the job.

Niroja: "You look like you could use one, you're covered in bruises."

Steven: "Getting kicked by high heels does that."

She giggles and purposely pokes me, making me flinch in pain. Maybe she is right, it actually hurts!

Steven: "Alright, fine. Give me the satchel."

Going through the satchel revealed that one of the potion vials broke, leaving me with 2 now. I felt disappointed, but I was relieved they lasted as long as they did. The alchemist was right, they're pretty durable.

I'm hesitant to drink it. Niroja helped by lifting it and almost causing me to gag.

It really is bitter!

I don't even know how to describe it, I'm left with a horrible aftertaste, and my mouth feels really slimy.

Niroja: "Hmhm, see? I told you."

She giggled.

Steven: "Oh wait, where's Dai-tai, innkeep?"

Innkeeper: "She hasn't left the room."

I had almost forgotten that she was asleep. If she still is, we might surprise her after the doctor is done.

Magus: "I brought the doctor!"

He walks in with another Goblin. I'm starting to believe they make excellent workers, I haven't seen a Demon craftsman or doctor since I arrived.

Doctor: "Your friend needs help and I'd be happy to."

Steven: "Thank you, doctor."

He has Niroja lay flat on the table and checks her, noting her ribs, and began using healing magic liberally. Niroja was squeamish from his cold hands hovering over her body with magic and did her best from moving around.

He keeps it up for a while before fixing his clothes and finishing.

Doctor: "She'll be fine, she just needs to rest for a while."

Steven: "Thank you again, doctor."

Doctor: "Don't thank me, it's my job."

Steven: "How much do I owe you?"

Doctor: "I don't really charge for using healing magic. It's not like I used medicine or anything. It's free for her, by the way."

That's a relief.

Niroja gets up and starts jumping around, ecstatic over no longer feeling any pain.

Niroja: "Let's go to Dai-tai!"

Steven: "Alright, let's try to surprise her!"

Slowly opening the creaking door, Dai-tai was still in bed, the blankets completely covering her. I waved for Niroja to enter and sat her down on the opposite bed before calling out to her.

Steven: "Hey, Dai-tai!"

Niroja: "Sleepyhead!"

She uncovers herself slowly and her eyes widen in shock when she noticed Niroja sitting beside me.

Dai-tai: "Niroja? Niroja?!"

She rushes out of the bed and jumps on top of us, holding us tightly to the point that it's difficult to breathe.

Dai-tai: "Niroja!"

Niroja: "Ease up, idiot."

This is a teary-eyed reunion.

Steven: "If you 2 want to talk, I could step out."

Dai-tai shakes her head.

Dai-tai: "You're my friend too!"

It makes me blush a little by hearing her say that, even if she's just a Demon.

Dai-tai: "We should celebrate with more liquor!"

Niroja: "I can't drink though."

Steven: "Really? Because last time, you drank until you pa.s.sed out."

Niroja: "It tasted like fruits and sweet that time."

There's no point in starting now when Zhenya will really get started with everyone else knowing how heavy he and Dai-tai drink.

Steven: "Can we wait until everyone else gets here?"

Dai-tai: "That's a good idea. I might challenge Jiang and Zhenya to another drinking contest."

Niroja: "I'm really hungry."

Steven: "Eat what you want then, Niroja. I'll pay for it."

I pay for everything anyway.

Taking the girls back to the front, we order the usual food. Dai-tai always orders a stewed meatball with crab meat. I've tried it once out of curiosity and it actually tastes pretty good.

Niroja is usually more of a vegetarian and orders a salad. It usually consists of napa and purple cabbage, sweet bell pepper, and carrots, sliced and tossed with bean sprouts, green onions, peanuts, sesame seeds and occasionally with sliced pork to the side.

To top it off, it's drizzled in a ridiculously sweet honey dressing. I've only had a small taste and I've trying to figure out what it was made of since.

I'm always trying something new, so one-half of my plate is usually stir-fried beef with onions and peppers that simply smells delicious and the meat tastes soft and tender. The other is shredded pork with garlic sprouts. The pork is smooth and tasty; even the garlic sprouts are fresh and tender.

Then to drink, it's always water for me and Niroja. I'd definitely be drinking soda, but it doesn't exist here and liquor doesn't really go well in my opinion.

I kept my promise with the Magus and paid him in alcohol, as he asked for. His alcoholism is making me worried, even if he is a Demon. He comes off as a really good guy.

Steven: "Why do you drink?"

Magus: "An experiment."

Steven: "Really?"

Magus: "I could use healing magic on myself to keep my liver from going bad and from poisoning myself. I've only been doing it for 5 months now and it's a pretty fun experiment, I dare say."

Steven: "What are you trying to learn?"

Magus: "Alcohol is an antiseptic if I drink enough, will I be healthy?"

I'm pretty sure that's a different kind of alcohol.

After we finished eating, we retired back to our room. We're already tired and it's not even the evening yet.

Niroja: "Ahh~ I never felt this relaxed in a while."

I never felt so satisfied when I stretched and popped my back. I might not even go bounty hunting for the next couple of days and hang out with the girls. There has to be something we could all do together other than drink.

Niroja: "Steven, did you ever have any pets?"

Steven: "That's an odd question to ask so suddenly."

Niroja: "I actually wondered for a while."

Steven: "Well, I have 3 cats with my family."

Dai-tai: "That's really nice."

Niroja: "What were you doing a year ago?"

Dai-tai: "I want to know too. Were you a chef or something? You know a lot about food."

Steven: "I wasn't a chef. I did have a restaurant though."

I soon find myself yawning. Surely, a short nap wouldn't hurt. The girls look like they could use one as well.

Steven: "Should we rest for a while?"

Dai-tai: "I'm already ahead of you."

She yawns.

Niroja: "But you were already sleeping all day."

Dai-tai: "I'm too tired to hear you, Niroja."

Steven: "Do what you want, I'm laying down."

I already cover myself and lay sideways, like I usually do, towards Niroja. She seems rather disappointed that we want to rest but doesn't speak up about it.

Steven: "What's wrong?"

Niroja: "I'm tired too."

Steven: "Come here then."

I lift up the covers and let Niroja crawl in. I'm not sure if it would be a good idea to sleep so close to her because of how clammy she can be. She isn't too bad right now and it's only for a little bit, how bad can it be?

Niroja: "This is pretty bold of you."

Steven: "You don't have to; you can go to your bed with Dai-tai."

Niroja: "I'm already under the blankets."

We're not close to be holding each other, just enough that our arms are almost touching. My mind starts wandering with ideas of me and her. I must be horrible to be thinking like this, especially after everything that happened today. Yet, I was able to slowly drift off because of it.

…

I wake up way later than I had wanted. We had slept for a good while and the sun was beginning to set. The sounds of people laughing and chatting were heard faintly through the door.

I get up and noticed Niroja was still asleep peacefully and Dai-tai was nowhere to be seen. She must've got up before we did and headed outside. I should be waking Niroja up, but she looks so peaceful. I actually haven't seen her like that before.

I'll wake her up later, I have to find Dai-tai and probably Jiang. I cautiously get up and leave the room without waking Niroja. Accidentally b.u.mping into Jiang when I reached the front.

Dai-tai and Zhenya we're at the table next to us, laughing at Jiang's poor coordination. He was obviously drinking, his face is flushed and has the brightest smile I've seen on a drunk person.

Jiang: "Oh ho ho, look who it is! How was it? Did you rock her senseless?"

Is he really talking about Bao, seriously?

Steven: "Well, I guess so. I did knock her out."

Zhenya: "d.a.m.n, my boy!"

Dai-tai falls to the floor in a ma.s.sive fit of laughter. Zhenya sn.i.g.g.e.rs and jugs an entire gla.s.s of liquor. The nearby patrons overheard and applaud me before joining Zhenya.

I'm so lost right now.

Jiang: "We have to get you a drink to celebrate!"

Steven: "To celebrate what?"

Jiang: "It was your first time, right?"

Fighting?

Steven: "No, I've done it plenty of times."

Dai-tai is laughing so hard that it's starting to become contagious.

Dai-tai: "Stop—my sides. I'll—I'll get him a drink, Jiang."

Jiang: "Be careful, he might rock you senseless too!"

Dai-tai loses all sense and becomes a ma.s.s of contagious laughter. Tears are streaming from her face as she fails miserably to control herself.

I don't even know what's going on, but it's hilarious.

With a hand, she was able to get up and sit at the bar. The innkeeper already had a bottle waiting for me. The same kind of vodka that tastes fruity.

Steven: "Why were you laughing so hard?"

Dai-tai: "When they came back, they asked where you were and I said you were sleeping with Niroja and they took it the wrong way."

She laughed.

Steven: "Uh…"

Just great, another misunderstanding.

Steven: "You're helping me clear it up."

Dai-tai: "It's fine, they'll be too drunk to remember. Where is Niroja anyway?"

Steven: "Asleep."

Dai-tai: "You're not drinking with her? I'll go wake her if you want."

Steven: "Yes, please."

She might be a lightweight, but she's still pleasant to drink with. I'll just have to keep an eye on her. Last time, she was drinking the vodka like it was water and didn't want to move the next morning.

Steven: "Could I get another gla.s.s for Niroja, innkeeper?"

I'm moving over to the corner, it's a really good spot. n.o.body is too close and we'll blend in, which means we'll be drinking in peace.