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BAN'S POV
Ban is a red-haired young man, clad in a loosely tied white kimono that revealed his torso and part of his black pants.
From the hills before me, two sprawling cities stretched out, separated by a winding river and connected by a single bridge. In the heart of the second city, a massive white castle stood proudly, dominating the skyline.
<
I sighed.
"Well, it's too late now."
I took a deep breath and made my way down the hill. On my way there, I spotted a group of adventurers who were also heading to the kingdom.
"Hey, buddy, you're an adventurer too?"
The big guy among them asked.
"Nah."
"Then what brings you to this kingdom? You know heroes and adventurers fill this kingdom, right?"
"Well, that's not all. There must be civilians and monsters here, too, right?"
I split out intentionally to get information. The big guy stopped and grabbed me by the shoulder.
"What the hell are you yapping about, brat?!"
"Take your hands off me."
I told him politely.
"And what will you do if I don't?"
I stared at him with my red eyes.I didn't say a word, but my message was successfully delivered.
"Ugh."
He quickly pulled back, giving me a wary look.
"What are you doing, boss? Picking fights again, huh?"
"..."
The other two adventurers came rushing to the scene.
"Um, sorry for being disrespectful."
The lady took the burden and apologised on his behalf.
<
"No problem."
"You're heading to Ingrassia too, right?"
She asked.
"Yeah."
"Let's go together then, shall we?"
I nodded, and we headed to the kingdom.
<
"So, what brings you to this kingdom?"
"Something personal."
"O... oh...I see."
"Too personal to have a name?"
"Easy boss. Don't look for trouble."
"You guys are adventurers, right?"
I ignored the two guys and asked.
"Yeah. What about you?"
"I was an adventurer too, but I changed my mind a long time ago."
"Oh. What's the reason behind that?"
"It's a bit of a secret, but I'll tell you. I want to..."
"We're here."
Suddenly, as if perfectly timed, were there.
We approached the gate and went through some inspections before finally setting foot inside the first city.
"It's bigger than I thought."
"You've never been here before?"
"First time."
"Mind if I show you around?"
"Heh, what about the quest results?"
The guy in glasses spoke.
"You guys can handle that, right?"
"Humph, you better come back early. We might get a new one before the end of the day."
"Ok, I will. Let's go."
She dragged me, and we walked around the city discussing.
"Aaa, I'm exhausted. Let's take a break, shall we?"
"Um."
We went into a bar. And she was having a drink before she snapped out.
"Oh, forgot to introduce myself. My name is Sakura."
A blue-haired lady with black eyes introduced herself.
<
What Yami would've said, I guess.
"Nice to meet you, Sakura. I'm Ban. Just call me that."
"Ok, Ban. So what brings you to Ingrassia as we were discussing?"
"I'll just go straight to the point. I came here to buy slaves and monsters."
Her eyes widened, and she quickly placed her hands on my lips before whispering.
"Shh. You can't say such things here."
<
"Hehehe, if it isn't Sakura, the hopeless adventurer."
"Oh, it looks like you found a new hopeless friend on your way back from the D rank quest."
"Losers like you don't deserve to be adventurers."
"Seriously, you're giving us a bad name. Just quit and go home."
A group of four men spotted us and were mocking Sakura and me, I guess. She shrank in their presence and kept quiet.
<
"So what?"
I snapped.
"Huh, you say something, kid?"
"You heard me. Just because you're strong doesn't give you the right to look down on those below you."
"Looks like the hopeless kid got some balls."
"Which rank are you flies at anyway?"
I asked, to provoke anyone.
"Don't mess with me, kid!"
One of them threw a right fist at me. I met it with my left hand, simple, clean, and his arm folded like a snapped twig before an uppercut knocked him out.
The next lunged with a dagger. I swept his legs out from under him, forcing the blade from his grip. It spun through the air; I caught it midflight and levelled it at the remaining two. My foot came down on the second attacker's head, pinning him to the floor.
"I said, what rank are you flies at?"
They froze, unable to make a move.
"C...c-cank."
"And what rank are your quests?"
"D..D and C."
"Pathetic... and you got the guts to look down on someone who is trying her best? She will complete an A-ranked quest, and she will be your superior. Be sure to check the lists. Now grab your friend and go."
I threw the dagger and sat down, the two dragging their friends.
"You should learn to fight back. Don't let them keep picking on you."
"...I won't, if I have that kind of strength."
"As an adventurer, you should possess some magic or skills, right?"
"I'm only capable of using healing magic, unlike Gran or Eliot."
"It's still good though. They have rely on you sometimes because no matter how strong you are, if you can't heal yourself during the battle or after victory, you'll end up losing or dying."
"...probably. What did you say earlier about me clearing an A-rank quest? Only people with high-ranking skills can do that."
"Don't worry, I'll be helping you. So let's head back to your friends and find some A-rank quests, shall we?"
"Um... Thank you so much for standing up for me,"
<
"That's no problem. Let go. "
We left for the Guild Association, where we met the other two.
"So, how do we get this quest?"
I asked.
'Heh? An A-rank quest?"
"Yeah."
"Hey, don't get ahead of yourself. Even top adventurers can't handle some A-rank quests. They're basically for people who have the potential to become a Hero."
Gran, the muscle, spoke.
"I'm not. Just get the damn quest."
"That's not how it works. You'll have to pass a certain examination to be qualified for A-rank missions because it's too dangerous."
Eliot, the brain leaking his knowledge from being a bookworm
"Exams?"
"Yeah. And to take an A-rank quest, you'll have to be overseen by an A-rank Proctor."
Sakura, the living trash can be added.
"Where can I find such a person? As well as when will the exam take place?"
"Unfortunately, the exam took place last month. We have to wait for five more months to get that opportunity.>>
"Damn it!. This is something I must do."
"Why, though? You can give up on me if you're doing it because of those guys."
She replied. However, I'm not doing it for her.
"Did someone attack you?"
Eliot asked.
"Yeah. It was Simon and his friends."
"Those pieces of carp!"
"Ban intervened and chased them away."
"Oh, I see. Thank you, Ban San."
"No honorifics, just Ban."
I waved dismissively.
"So, how can we get an A-rank quest?"
"I think I might have an idea."
Gran suggested.
....
...
..
.
"No!"
"Please, boss. This is the only way you can help me. Remember you said I can come to you if I need anything, right?"
"I know, anything but this. I mean, I can help, but you're yet to reach that level."
Their voices can be heard from the corridor, and I was tired of waiting, so I decided to jump in.
"I'll go check it out."
"Wait, Ban, you can't go in."
I ignored it, opening the door.
"You must be an A-rank proctor or what?"
I asked, standing at the centre of the office with my arms crossed.
"Who are you?"
The boss asked.
"Umm, boss, this is the guy I was talking to you about, Ban. And I'm doing this because he helped Sakura, think of it as payback."
"Oh, Ban, it's nice to meet you."
The boss spoke, and I simply nodded.
"You're brave for standing up for the weak."
"It's in my nature to help others."
"That's great, but your bravery isn't enough to get you to conquer A-rank quests."
"What about strength?"
He laughs.
"Power isn't anything you know.."
"In this world...it is."
Yeah, I have a different mindset than my creator. The boss clears his throat.
"Sorry, I stand to correct Ban san. You're right. This world plays by the rule, survival of the fittest."
"So, basically speaking without power, all the hard work, bravery, and the rest are meaningless, right?"
"Hmm."
The boss is out of words.
"What's your name, please?"
"My name is Yuuki Kagurazaka, student of the conqueror of flames, Shizu San."
Yuuki lends out his hands. I looked at it as if he were going to rip off my godhood. Yami sure is a funny dude.
"Yuuki keh? I want an A-rank quest, but it looks like I've missed the exams, so a proctor is all I need. Can you help me?"
I went straight to the point.
"You said you've got strength?"
"Yeah."
"Fine, a duel with me. You win if you scathe me."
"Accepted."
I accepted with a second thought, taking his frozen hand.
"Ban, I know you're strong, but Yuuki sama is a....Grandmaster!"
"Grandmaster? What does that mean?"
"Means he's the strongest in the whole of the Guild Association."
"Isn't that perfect? I've always liked to fight stronger opponents."
"Well then, you need time to prepare?"
"It's good to always be ready, you know."
Yuuki chuckles.
"Let's head down to the stage."
We went to the coliseum, and the two competitors stood at the centre of the stage. Though no spectators, only Eliot, Gran, and Sakura were present.
"Pick any weapons you like."
"Thank you, but I'll match with you."
"???"
"It means I'll use one if you pick one for yourself."
"Hmm, overconfidence can lead to defeat."
"I've never been defeated... Today's not an exception."
"Fine then."
The referee spoke
"Five minutes, win conditions: first blood. Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Let's get this over with."
"3....2....1 begin!"
THIRD PERSON POV
Yuuki made the first move, approaching his opponent with a kick. Ban raised his right leg, blocking the impact, causing a loud noise and releasing shock waves.
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<
They both thought. With his right foot blocking Yuuki's foot, Ban jumped, rotating once and kicking him with his left heel. Yuuki blocks it with both arms, but before he can rest, Ban comes at him and throws punches, forcing him to go on the defensive. After a series of punches, Ban chooses to end it with a kick.
"You shouldn't have done that!"
Yuuki said as he dodged the kick, throwing his fist. Ban stopped it, but the force sent him flying backwards, and before he regained balance, Yuuki was onto him.
"It's my turn now."
He unleashed his punches, but to his surprise, Ban kept deflecting them with his palms. The tables were turned, and he was now the victorim despite preventing any blows from hitting him. He was contemplating his next move when he heard a voice in his head...
<
"M....master...ok."
As he was being pushed back to the wall, he smiled. This perplexed Yuuki because he knew anything could happen, so he remained vigilant.
Ban pushed his way toward the wall, vanished inside it, and then reappeared behind Yuuki. Yuuki, whose guard was peaked, rotated with a leg sweep that was a feint.
Before he could grab the situation, Ban's fist struck his cheeks, violently turning his face to the other side. He was sent flying, but he got a hold of himself and landed safely.
"It's almost time."
He said as he drew a sword and approached Ban with destructive slashes, but his opponent was able to escape without getting a single scratch.
As he evades, he slowly taps his left foot on the ground while dodging. Suddenly, he grabbed the sword with his palms and asked.
"Don't you use magic?"
"I don't need that to win."
"Hmm."
Ban releases electric energy, electrocuting his opponent.
"You done?"
He asked, looking down at his opponent. From the ground, Yuuki attacked, almost catching his opponent off guard. He jumped backwards, and as his feet landed, Yuuki was already behind him, his blade on Ban's shoulder.
"Stop! The winner is Yuuki!"
"His speed just....changed
Well, congratulations."
Ban said, a trail of blood running down his cheek.
"Hmm."
"Forgive me, Sakura. It looks like I underestimated him. And I couldn't get you to an A-rank."
"No, I told you it's ok. Besides, you did well."
Unlike his creator, Ban was exposed to human emotion, and he smiled.
"You've proved more than worth it. If you truly want an A rank quest, you've got it."
"Seriously?"
"Sure. Follow me. "
They left the coliseum and followed Yuuki back to his office. He wrote something down and gave Gran.
"Here, go to the quest manager and show them this."
"Thanks, boss, I know I can count on you."
"Thank you very much."
"We appreciate it."
"Just be sure to stay together and come back alive, ok?"
"OK."
"We will."
"Well then, see you later, boss."
The group started leaving the office as Ban turned around to leave..
"You... we're holding back, didn't you?"
"Lighting is not my speciality. I'd say the same for you."
"I'd like to spar with you more."
Ban looks at the ceiling as if picking up a hidden signature.
"Honestly, I don't think that's going to happen."
"Why not?"
"This whole A-rank mission is a side task. I've yet to fulfil what truly brought me here."
"That's a shame. Good luck in whatever you're up to. And in case you change your mind, you know where to find me."
"Sure. Goodbye for now."
As he leaves the room, the trio are caught eavesdropping on them.
"What are you guys doing?"
Ban asked. They all replied strangely.
"Um... we're just."
"Observing the door."
'Yeah. Observing the door."
"Well, we don't have time. Let's go get that A rank quest."
"Yay!"
Yuuki was alone in his office.
"You saw, didn't you, Kazalim san?"
"Still stubborn as ever, drop the act."
Yuuki laughs before responding to the voice.
"Sorry, I can't help it."
"Hmm. Well, anyway, that guy is something else. We need to keep an eye on him."
"Of course... His strength will be of use to our plan after all."
"Yes. Do you have anyone following them?"
"Of course. I've sent someone to the cave they'll visit."
"That's great. You should remind him to be extra careful, though. I felt like this guy sensed my presence and turned a blind eye."
"Well, he's strong, that's a fact. I'll tell him to be wary and keep a long distance."
"Good."
The adventuring squad headed to the quest master and gave her the paper. She was surprised by what she saw.
"Sakura chan, aren't you in F class? What..."
"No questions. Just give us what we want."
Ban intervenes.
"Y...yes, sir."
She did some work and handed us over the quest, and Sakura accepted, bowing.
"Thank you so much."
"Can you read it?"
"Sure.
Location: Mount Zeal
Task: Kill the Drake, four fangs of a Star Wolf
Reward:1000 gold coins!"
Sakura trembles as she reads the list to the others who heard it.
"Impossible. A d.. Drake? We can't do that."
Ban sighs.
"Humans, why give up before you try? Anyway, you're not alone, remember?"
"Don't talk like you aren't one of us."
<
"Yeah, with you, our chance of succeeding will increase."
Gran said.
"It's almost nighttime."
"Yeah. We have to find an inn for the night."
"Sure."
The squad went to a nearby restaurant, ate before looking for the nearest inn.
"Excuse me, how many rooms are there?"
Eliot went to reserve the rooms.
"Just two remaining, sir."
"Two?"
"Yes, sir, but it'll make it for you guys. It has two beds each."
"Good."
He paid for the rooms without notifying the others and came back with two keys hanging from his fingers.
"Choose your partner."
"Heh, just two rooms?"
"Yh. Unless you'll walk to the main city to find another inn?"
He asked, but no one complained.
"Good, I suggest you take them just for today."
"Well, Eliot gave them the other key, so we'll stay together."
Gran said Sakura was shocked and was embarrassed having to be in the same room as a guy like Ban.
"Aaaaaa?"
"Unless you want to stay with me?"
Gran smirks.
"Hell no!"
"Fine. Besides, you guys have been together since the afternoon, so it'll work out."
Eliot gave Ban the key, and they left the two.
BAN POV
"Umm, room 15. Let's go, shall we?"
"Y....ok."
We entered the room. I removed my kimono & hung it before sitting on the bed. Sakura's face was red as a tomato, and she couldn't turn around.
"I am a bit surprised I haven't seen any species apart from humans."
"...yh, humans are the most influential species in this kingdom."
"I see, but still... I haven't seen any sl..."
"Slaves, huh?"
"Looks like you can read people's minds too."
I teased.
"Nah, remember you were telling me why you came here before Simon and his friends interrupted earlier."
"Oh yeah, at the bar."
"Yes. Why do you want slaves?"
"Just want to set them free, that's all."
"Heh?"
"Yep. Since there aren't monsters here, I'll have to dig deep and see and make sure it's clean."
"...why are you doing this, though? Did something happen?"
"No... hey, have you been to the main city before?"
"Once, Gran took me to see Yuuki, who lived there."
"I thought.."
With the conversation going on, she became less embarrassed
.
"Maybe he changed his location, but that's where he used to live."
"Ok. What about your family?"
"Everyone saw my inability to use elemental magic as useless, I felt unneeded, so I left my village. I stumbled upon Gran and Eliot, who were injured, and used my powers to heal them."
<
I sigh.
"Why do people always hype and rely on offensive magic? A piece of advice: Don't feel distracted by what people say about you. Use what you're capable of and hone it to the maximum level, ok?"
"O... ok, thank you.."
"My mentor once fought someone perfect with magic nullification. Despite him having a lot of offensive attacks, it all proved useless."
"....how did he win then?"
"He relied on pure strength, and unfortunately, his opponent lacked that, and that's how he won."
I can't believe I made that up quickly.
"A good example can be made with you. If you can master healing magic to the point where you don't have to cast spells to activate it, it'll help you and your teammates.
That was pure crab, and she bought it? Puff, like someone can ever nullify Sensei's attacks."
"O... ok, how did you learn how to fight like that, Ban?"
"I'm more of a genius, you know. However, being a genius doesn't automatically make me the strongest or able to learn anything. Fun fact, it took me more than six years to master a single art.
I'd just keep it at that... it took more than a millennium to learn Mega Art, so yh, Master spent half of his life learning a single Art."
"Seriously, a millenia on single Art?"
"Yep."
<
"I only use it when I'm out of options, and the situation is worse."
"That means it's dangerous?"
"Very dangerous."
"....Good night, Ban..."
"Yeah, you need to rest, we have a big day ahead of us."
<
"Umm."
She slept, and Ban couldn't help but think of what to do.
<>
I spoke to myself.
<
<
Ban took permission to use one of Asteri's skills, which shouldn't have happened.
<
<
This mist took the shape of an owl, I opened the window and let it fly.
"Be my eyes both day and night."
<
I sat down on my bed and closed my eyes, releasing an invincible wave that spread throughout the first city. This helped me perceive anything within the range. It all felt normal until I picked up a child running from some guards.
<
I picked up my kimono and disappeared from the room. Predicting where the child will follow, I materialise and begin walking in that direction. After a few turns, the kid eventually bumps into me.
"You've gotta help me, mister?"
"Where is he!?"
"He went that way!"
Their voice was loud, indicating the guards were close. They took the last turn and were face-to-face with me.
"Hey you, did a kid just pass by here?"
"A kid? Nah, besides, why will a child..."
The guard pushed me aside, and they kept looking.
<>
I'll soon get my revenge, but for now, I summoned the kid.
"Why are you running from them?"
The kid was crying.
"I was on my way home with my parents, and I just found myself here in this strange world. There were other kids also."
<
"What did they do to you?"
"I don't know. I felt unconscious, and once I woke up, I tried my best to escape."
<
"Hey kid, look at me."
He wiped his eyes, and as our eyes met, he fell unconscious, and I took over his body using Half Possession.
"Sorry, but this is the only way to help you and the others."
"Yeah, I know."
Said the kid who is now possessed. I detected the presence of these guards, and the boy vanished. Immediately, the guard turned right, and they found the boy standing.
"There you are, little brat!"
"Geez, thank God. We'd be living corpses if this kid had run away."
"Yeah, let's take him back. He'll be there tomorrow."
<
I disappeared back to the inn, removing my kimono and falling on the bed. I cleared my mind and waited in silence.
<
<
"No, I...."
As he heard those words, Ban, who was a clone of a Supreme Being, fell asleep before he could resist. The next morning, they woke up, had breakfast, and headed out to Mount Zeal.
"Any stories about our location?"
"It's a mountain between the border of this kingdom and the Western states."
The brains spoke.
<
"So, those monsters are what make the quest A-rank quest?"
"Yeah. Especially that Drake. There are rumours of an Arch Doll in the cave"
"What's up with that?"
"It's more like a possessed demonic doll."
"So we might be dealing with Demon Lords, huh?"
"Indirect, yeah. But we're still within Ingrassia, so we're free."
"What makes you say that? Do you think a Demon Lord can't just show up and attack in broad daylight?"
Red can simply wake up one day and decide to wipe out Ingrassia. It's possible because he has the strength, and no one will punish him.
"I.. I know they can, but doing that will anger the Heroes, and they'll retaliate. It'll be chaos everywhere."
"Of course, if they want peace, they should stick to their territory."
"Yeah."
The ground kept walking, and they spent a day on the road.
"The kingdom is kilometres away, still no signs of monsters."
"Wise monsters can differentiate between safe and hostile grounds. We're still in Ingrassia, which is off-limits for monsters."
"Oh, I get it. Why are there monsters in the mountains, though?"
"The humans don't live there if they do. You know what'll happen."
"Quite correct."
"Looks like we're here."
"Yh..."
It was a small mountain with a passage that led downward. The others were scared, probably thinking that this whole thing wasn't a good idea.
"Wait, we need more information. Eliot, any specific locations for the targets?"
"We should've encountered a star wolf by now, which is a B-rank, and the drake should be deep inside the cave, that's an A-beast."
< "Isn't training a bit too late now?"
"An actual battle is also a training. Some people usually awaken amid battles."
"Umhmm."
"Just stay close and don't wander around. What are your specialities again, I know Sakura is the healer.ç
"I specialise in earth magic."
"Mine is a barrier."
The muscles and the brain, lol.
"That's a nice combo, but too much on the defensive aspect. Fine then, I'll make up for the offensive magic."
"Which aspect do you excel at?"
"Me? Enhancement and Fire magic"
The group was shocked at my revelation.
"Enhancement magic? Now I see how you were able to keep up with Yuuki-san."
"..."
"But didn't you use earth magic back there?"
"Oh yeah. Earth Magic: Liquidise, transform the earth to mud to trap opponents or use it like I did, distract the enemy. Effective, huh?"
"Yes."
"Besides, I learned that for such a purpose. Now let's go. We should be out before sunset."
"S... sunset?"
"Probably. Just stay close and don't fall apart."
To be continued...