Chapter 27: Arc 2 – Chapter 12: Darkness Unbound

“Cheers!”

 

The Apple Bear Inn in Orgo City… currently, I’m enjoying a date with Ellen here… or rather I was until everyone from her party arrived along with Glenn. I don’t mind, but I wanted to have spent a little more alone time with her…

Ok, I do mind… but everyone’s having so much fun, it would be awkward to be upset here.

 

“Cheers to the new couples!”

 

Another reason why I can’t be upset is because everyone’s celebrating for Ellen and me along with Lawrence and Alma. Speaking of Lawrence… is he alright? His head is on the table and he looks… somewhat drained… like he had his blood sucked out of him…

 

“Hm? Sir Lawrence, are you ok? You don’t look so well…”<Glenn>

“Gaaaaaaah… she’s a freakin’ succubus… a succubus I tells ya’… she just… wouldn’t stop…”

 

… looks like I’m half-right… only it wasn’t blood… wait, have they been doing it since we left them earlier? That would mean they’ve been doing it for more than 4 hours since that’s how long I’ve been with Ellen.

 

“…Ren was…delicious~♡”<Alma>

“Eeek! Alma you have to tell me all the juicy details!”<Silvi>

 

Yeesh… I knew rabbits had incredible libido but I didn’t think it would apply to their beastkin counterparts… I can only pray Lawrence doesn’t go out in such a sad way… death by pleasure hell may seem like a good way to go, but it still sounds pathetic. On that thought, I wonder how I’ll go about it with Ellen?

 

“Hmph, how pathetic. You finally got into Alma’s pants, and now you’re complaining? I guess this just proves I was right that you’re nothing but a no-stamina hairless ungrateful monkey.”<Angela>

“Oi, how’d you like to go about it for several hours straight with no breaks!? Besides, you’re one to talk! How’d you know anythin’ about this since you’ve never done a guy yourself? You’ve always been with Dust, but all you’ve ever given him is blue balls!”

“How rude! I simply haven’t met the right man. And might I remind you that Dustin is my dad’s most trusted sellsword, not my boyfriend! Where I go, he goes to protect me, because that’s his job.”

“Is that true sir Dustin? That you’re just miss Angela’s bodyguard?”<Glenn>

“Haha, indeed Glenn, but it’s also more than that. Her parents took me in while I was a young orphan and trained me to be a mercenary under their company who specializes as a bodyguard. When I was skilled enough, they assigned me to Angela and we sort of grew up together, so it’s not that I don’t feel anything for her, it’s just that I don’t feel for her in that way. If anything, it feels like she’s my little sister.”

“Hmph, you mean big sister.”

“Haha, of course Angela.”

 

Haha… those two seem to be doing well. On the other hand, Gregor seems to be a little on the quiet side, I wonder why?

 

“Dear Silvi, Gregor asks you to please take it easy with drink. You become scary woman when drunk.”

“Oh don’t be such a bore, dear~ You know you love it when I’m wild~”

“That’s precisely what Gregor means by scary. Two children have already started avoiding you.”

 

Ah, I see… Looks like on top of looking like a child, Silvi has the constitution of one. Also, from the sound of it, it seems she’s the crazy type of drunk. I can only wish you luck my friend.

… Now that I think about it… aren’t the women here mostly… eccentric? Or was it quirky? While I was thinking about it, I couldn’t help but sneak a peak at Ellen but somehow it ended up with me staring.

 

“Hmm? What is it Camus? Is something wrong?”

 

Oops. Looks like she caught me. I couldn’t think of anything to respond so instead I just brought my arm around her waist and my tail on her shoulder then brought her closer. I saw her turn red almost immediately and even somewhat started fidgeting but she soon stopped as she started what seems to be her playing with my tail. Also, I now remembered that she does have a peculiarity… one that has cost her several previous attempted lovers… welp, not that it bothers me one bit. After all, I can’t be easily broken like those other guys.

Everyone was having a great time, but soon our little enjoyment was cut short.

 

“Is there a Camus Helmight here?”

 

Hm? If I remember correctly, that uniform means he’s a Guild messenger. They’re usually not sent out unless there’s an urgent message from the guild… either that or there’s an emergency.

 

“I’m Camus. Is there something the Guild wants from me?”

“Sir! The Guild has put up a special Request for you. It’s really urgent.”

 

A Request? It’s only been a few days so my name shouldn’t be that known yet.

 

“How urgent? Who’s the client?”

“You’ll need to head to the east of the Guild to find out, but according to the Request, it’s an emergency. I’m sorry, that’s all I’m told.”

 

Hmm… this reeks of being fishy. The Head now owes me, so I doubt he’ll be roundabout like this.

 

“…alright. I’ll take a look at it… Sorry everyone looks like I’ll have to go early.”

“…be careful, Camus. Remember what I’ve told you about Requests. The fact the client doesn’t want to tell you who they are makes this a suspicious one already.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve taken all your lessons to heart. If I don’t like it, I can always ignore it.”

“Camus…”

 

…whoops, almost started staring again. Have to go now before it gets awkward. I smiled and nodded to everyone as I went on my way.

 

…

 

“Greetings, Mr. Helmight. I am Bremv Pullac, the Town Governor, and I have called you tonight due to an emergency.”

 

When I arrived at the eastern side of the Guild building, I wasn’t sure what I was expecting. Definitely not a bald, fat, greasy looking… raccoon? Tanuki? Badger?... which is he? Well, more importantly, he called himself the town governor. If that were the case, it would make sense why he knows who I am.

 

“I understand there’s an emergency, but what I don’t understand is… why call me? I’m only a Copper, and even if I have fighting ability, who’s to say I’m well versed in the ways adventurers should handle certain types of Quests.”

“Oh I completely understand Mr. Helmight, it’s just that after I heard of your glorious accomplishments at the Woodland Nest, I couldn’t think of anyone more suited to the task I called you for.”

“Which brings me to my question… what task are you referring to?”

“A subjugation. According to reports I received, it seems there’s another powerful monster amassing another wave. We’ve tracked the monster all the way east, close to the mountain borders of the Eastern Great Sea of Trees.”

“…and why haven’t you put this up with the Guild? Also, does the Guild Head know about this?”

“As the Town Governor, the lives and safety of the people are my first concern. Putting the Quest up in public would cause mass panic. Also, I’ve already informed the Head… Mr. Worrick… and he has already agreed to this.”

 

He did? I didn’t think he’d agree to keeping the town in the dark. In fact… didn’t I detect something faint when this guy mentioned his name? Something like… hostility…

 

“Please Mr. Helmight… you’re our town’s only hope…”

 

Well, he definitely has the tongue of a serpent. I don’t really trust this guy, so I think it’s better I consult Ellen about this.

 

“I’ll think about it… didn’t you say it’s all the way east? Then that means we still have time. I’ll also have to take several adventurers with me.”

“Of course, but please don’t take too long. And try not to take too many people, as this would make the town suspicious. I’ve prepared some trustworthy assistance for you as well and you can meet them at the east exit early tomorrow. You’ll need the cover of darkness to avoid the townsfolk’s from seeing you and becoming suspicious.”

 

Didn’t I just say we still had time? Also, only a few people? It’s to stop a monster that’s amassing a monster wave and you’re asking me to bring only a few people? It also seems you’re treating the townspeople as if they were delicate and fragile, which I highly doubt after seeing everyone looking armed to the teeth after I got back.

I noticed it when I looked at the crowd earlier that everyone was armed as if ready for a fight. It was only until I heard from my friends that everyone was preparing to face the wave that Fenril supposedly controlled before they heard the news of me taking care of it.

This guy’s definitely up to no good, but I have no proof about it. If this is a trap, then he’ll have henchmen involved. I guess I’ll just have to “fall” for it and catch one for proof then. I never heard good things from Kholdrum about this town’s governor anyway. I’m willing to bet this guy’s even in league with the bandits. Why? Because he looks like the type who’ll conspire with some nasty characters.

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I might be reading in a little too deep thanks to all the crime stories I’ve seen and read, but I have this weird hunch I’m right this time. That and he’s an ugly and a corrupt looking politician. I’m stereotyping, but this has been mostly a stereotypical fantasy world, so I feel pretty sure that I’m right. Of course I won’t attack him just because it’s a hunch, but I’ll have to bring this up with Ellen and the rest.

Speaking of which… is that them?

 

“Camus. How was it?”<Ellen>

“I wasn’t sure about bothering everyone since it’s late, but it seems you all waited for me.”

“Of course, sir Camus! No way we’re gonna miss out on something clearly suspicious aimed at you!”<Glenn>

 

Everyone else smiled and nodded at me in their own way. Sigh… looks like it’s going to be a fun trip.

 

“What can I say… it’s a shady one alright. You guys still willing to come along, though?”

“Of course! This is something that we as veteran adventurers can’t ignore.”

 

I was actually expecting some sort of comedy play in response, but I felt some tension from everyone after they heard it’s a Request from the Governor. Even Angela and Lawrence seem to be quiet and only gave sharp looks. The hell kind of reputation do you have? It almost makes me feel stupid for thinking there was only a “chance” you’d be in league with the bandits. The way everyone’s reacting, it’s practically a dead given.

 

I shrugged as I felt it couldn’t be helped and filled everyone in on the details as we made our way to the eastern town exit.

 

…

 

“… you cannot be serious…”<Angela>

“The hell’re you all doing ‘ere? Didn’t the Gov’ tell ya ta come alone?”<Catras>

 

Well, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. Should I say this was completely predictable that they were the ones I was to go with? Or that I shouldn’t be complacent just because the enemy seems to be going the obvious route? Also… as if anyone would be stupid enough to actually come alone… I mean, the Governor did say I could bring a few people, but I still don’t know what constitutes as a few people by adventurer’s standards. Though they still wouldn’t be able to do anything to me otherwise, I believe it’s still prudent not to fall completely to the enemies’ expectations.

 

“The Governor told me I can bring a few people, so I brought them along. Is there a problem?”

“There bloody well is ya’ dumb lizard! We’re going east to go kill a damn monster, not raid some stupid Nest! There’s too many and it’ll attract Bolgruk’s lot. That’s where his base is rumored ta be!”

“Are you saying that attracting a bandit chief’s attention is worse than something that’s amassing an army to raid the town?”

“Where the fuck is your brain, dammit? O’ course it is! Bolgruk’s got smarts an’ is the bandit lord o’ these plains wiv’ over three thousand men, but this monster beastie’s new and still has a small pack. As long as we take it out before it gets bigger than Bolgruk, there’s no need ta mess wiv’ it’s army of smallfry an’ they’ll just bugger off.”

“Sound plan, but I still ain’t going alone.”

“Bah! Then ya’ can go an’ fuck yerselves then!”

“Catras, you very well know we can’t back out on a job by the Gov. Come on, let’s go.”<Merik>

“Tch… consider yerselves lucky.”

 

Lucky? I honestly don’t even know why you guys are the ones leading us. Also… aren’t you guys supposed to be experts on subjugating people, not monsters?

 

“Do forgive Catras. He wanted us to handle the creature on our own to prove that we’re Silvers capable of handling any Quest, but when he realized you brought the Titan’s Hammers, well… you can guess the rest…”

 

Indeed. Wanting to show off only to be forced to work with the right people thinking it looks like he couldn’t handle it… must be tough to be a ball of pointless pride.

 

“Luck? If anything we’re –“

“Let it go, Angie. There’s no point arguing with them. There are more important things to do, remember?”

“Hmph.”

 

Well, at least our sides’ more reliable. I can only hope their side doesn’t get too big headed. Otherwise… I wouldn’t be able to rein in my temper… and accidents will happen…

 

…

 

Our near-two-week long trip has been mostly uneventful thus far, except maybe for the consistent bickering between Catras’ team and Angela, but we’ve finally arrived in the area where our alleged prey was supposed to be staying… only… is this place really it? I see nothing but desert wasteland for miles on end.

 

“The fuck’s going on!?”

“Hey, Catras. Either this is some sick joke or your navigation skills are beyond salvaging.”<Angela>

“Don’t screw with me! This’s definitely the spot the Gov’s told us!”

“…there’s nothin’ here but a bunch a’ dirt an’ rocks, boss.”

“I can see that ya’ brainless dolt!”

 

Hmm. If this is definitely a trap, then of course… ah, there we go. After enhancing my senses, I could faintly detect some disturbances… beneath the earth.

 

“…watch it everyone. We’re surrounded.”

 

My friends all gave me a look that seemed surprised, but they soon tensed up and readied their weapons.

 

“Wot’ are ya on about now leatherface? There’s nothing but damn dirt an’ – !!“

 

Heh. Told you so. As soon as he opened his yapper; outnumbering us 3 to 1, they came out of the ground and surrounded us… though… not exactly the ones we were expecting.

 

“Scalekin… we meet at last.”

“… let me guess. Bolgruk, right?”

“So you know… judging by your reaction… you’ve been expecting me, haven’t you?”

“Knowing what I did and the one who sent me here, why shouldn’t I be?”

“Indeed. Words are no longer needed then. Draw your blade.”

“Gladly… but first, I’d like to confirm a few things… I’ve been playing along for a good while now, but it’s time I get some answers from the one who set us up… isn’t that right… Merik?”

 

I turned towards the one I’ve been most suspicious of the whole time… not because of some jealousy towards his appearance… but because of the sheer fact that his body is completely oozing miasma.

 

“…heh heh…”

 

That’s right… I’ve been dulling my senses because of him, so I failed to notice the bandits sooner. Being so close to something that almost seems to be made out of the stuff, I came close to ripping him apart a few times. But I had to suppress it… how else would I learn of the things that transpired up to this point?

 

“Hehehe…hahaha… HAHAHAHA!”

 

As he laughed like a typical villain, darkness soon spread around him and engulfed the entire area. Soon, all I could see were his glowing yellow eyes while hearing an eerie whistle… slowly, the eyes came towards me.

 

“Hello Camus… we finally meet. There are so many things I’d like to learn about you, but… tis’ a pity…

You had to bring so many of your friends… now… you will all have to die…”

 

After his little speech, soon all I could hear around me was his laughter… and all I could see was an ever-growing darkness…

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