Chapter 22: Episode 20

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"These are quite heavy, you guys got that?" They probably did, they were Martial Artists after all, but it never hurt to be polite, even more when the gesture was aimed at your business partner, who reciprocated it. The boxes I had given them contained 'materials', or weapons I had requested initially. These guys weren't playing around… All these weapons were personally forged and in a league of their own. While not anything to brag about hundreds years back, they weren't even given rarity ratings by the Game, but for the Modern Age? They were amazingly made.

The first box contained a heavy glaive with handle made of specially processed wood, its blade was fat and decorated by several pounds of jewelries, which was the perfect places for me to carve in runes. I had given the glaive the [Curse Affliction] enchantment, something I had thought up after my first ever Apostle Hunt. It wasn't something worthy of note, just a weak enchantment that replicated the effects of [Gandr]. Still, I was quite pleased with the results, the effect would continuously stack up, weakening the target until they eventually departed from the mortal coil.

The second had a katana that didn't look too impressive, but [Observe] showed me just how much effort and care were put into its creation. The tang was heat-treated and tempered almost a dozen times with precision I didn't even think was possible for a normal human being. I gave it [Fire Resistance] alongside [Flame Blade].

The third and last of this shipment was, surprisingly enough, a pair of gauntlets. Nothing flashy like you would imagine, just wooden ones strengthen further with steel, its edges were covered in tungsten, which I assumed was to increase its durability and destructive capability. I didn't like it very much, the idea of having to get within arms-reach simply to hurt your foes were pretty alien to me, especially when I not only had a repertoire of Spells, but was also focused on the sword. Like, why would you want to risk it if you could take remain at a safer distance with better weapons?

I didn't get it… Sure, I too had had fantasy of punching someone's face out, but could you imagine how terribly things could have, would have gone on my first Hunt had I nothing besides my fists? Sven and I would have gotten absolutely bodied.

Unfortunately, the gauntlets were also the weapon that stumped me the most. At first, I wanted to give it a better range by copy-pasting [Phantasm Edge], but that was too hard for me at the moment, so I decided to rip-off Black Panther's vibranium suit, which could absorb kinetic-energy and release them in the form of shockwaves. That idea was scrapped when I couldn't find a way to contain the potential energy inside the gauntlets themselves, which led to me slapping a [Strengthening] and [Kinetic Dispersion] on them, then called it a day.

Was that lazy of me? Yes, yes it was. Did I care? No, no I didn't. I could have put elemental enchantments, but they were gauntlets. Fire and lightning would have been a double-edged blade, harming both foes and the wielder alike. Earth would have made them far, far too cumbersome and as for water… I meant, what exactly could water do? Give the enemies an unwanted shower? Don't get me wrong, I wasn't dissing on water, but at my current Level, any water-based enchantment I could put on it would be completely and utterly useless.

"Yeah, we got this." One of them sent me a grateful nod. "Same time, next week?" I stuck my thumb up. "Of course, I'll put the shipment somewhere close by in case I'm busy with other things. I'll give the location to Sasaki later, 'kay?" It was refreshing to meet sincerely polite people. Sasaki didn't count, he was sort of, kind of a politician, he was merely formal because he wanted something from me, these guys gave me the vibe that they were genuine about their feelings. In fact, I wouldn't mind hanging out with them sometimes if they offered. "Stay safe, my man."

"You too, Leo!" The two waved me goodbye, loading the boxes up on the back of their car as they left. 'And so done the first shipment.' I juggled the three new manuals I had gotten from the exchange. They weren't too impressive, just simpler stuffs I imagined they would give to the younger members to help build a routine and pattern. Still, they were perfect for me: [Ginaz's Martial Art], [Turtle Breathing Style] and [Basic Sword Art]. Each touched upon a different aspect of Ki Martial Arts.

[Ginaz's Martial Art] was to train the external, coupled with [Turtle Breathing], which was what they used to train children were the perfect supplements for each other. [Basic Sword Art] was to assist me in furthering my understandings of [Swordsmanship]. The thing about my Game was: Everything was connected in some ways, shapes or forms. [Swordsmanship] not only built muscles memory, but also aided in improving any sword-related Skills, which meant the higher the Skill, the easier I'd be able to master [Sword God Style]. It's why I even bothered to level [Martial Arts] in the first place.

The higher my basics were, the easier it was to learn and comprehend the more complex Skills. "Guess this means I will have to postpone on my plan to introduce Rin to Ahnenerbe then." I mused to myself, clutching the manuals in my hands as I jogged excitedly to my Workshop. The next few days were going to be extremely busy, but somehow, I didn't mind it as much… Although, I should probably notify Rin before going in another spree, that girl could get really intense and worked up when her close friends disappeared for a few days without a notice, as I had learnt just a night before.

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"I don't know what Katsuki was going on about, Leo seems like a chill dude." Naoki chuckled at his friend's words. "It's Katsuki, what do you expect? That kid is like the unhealthy lovechild of a nuclear bomb and two tons of TNT stacked on top of each other. The only reason he even gets to promote is thanks to his unnatural talent, otherwise he ain't got shit on us." He wasn't wrong either. No one in the entirety of Kiyoshi actually liked the kid. Well, maybe besides Sasaki and his groupies, but even those relationships were shaky at best. Not only was he bad-tempered, he was also incredibly prone to violence, which his explosive Martial Art didn't help.

His sole redeeming quality was likely his more heroic tendencies, such as when he charged into a group of foes to save the former heir and current leader– Yamamoto Akio. It's why Captain Sasaki had been protecting him from any repercussion in spite of his actions, having ruined several peace talks and summits thanks to his infamous temper. "Gotta admit, kid's got talent though. I don't think I can reach the Expert Rank within the same time frame he did, I doubt anyone can beside Cpt. Sasaki himself." Naoki leaned back, sinking into the leather coated chair. "That's cool, I guess? But the kid is real rude. I don't appreciate having a brat who hasn't even grown a beard talk down to me…"

"'GET OUT MY WAY, YOU DAMNED EXTRAS!'" His friend imitated, prompting Naoki to do the same. "'YOU WANNA DIE?!'" – "Wait, wait, I got a better one!" His friend coughed, as though preparing to sing, taking in a sharp breath as he shouted. "'I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU!'" They both laughed at that, it's their favorite past-time: To imitate the kid. Katsuki Bakugou wasn't exactly the most complex person, at least not to their knowledge. In fact, none of them had even heard more than twenty words spoken by him that didn't include 'extra', 'damn' and 'fuck'.

"His mom is hot though…" The conversation soon turned to the explosive boy's mother– Mitsuki Bakugou herself. There was a time when the woman had been the dream of every guy in Kiyoshi, even after getting married to her husband, there were still a cavalcade of people who would willingly throw themselves off a cliff just for a chance to touch those magnificent honkers. Had Katsuki been female like his mother, his more unpleasant traits would have been tolerable, as the kid wad clearly taking after his mother rather than his father–  Masaru.

The same Masaru who everyone agreed was a weak-willed simpleton, one who had abandoned Martial Art altogether. Needless to say, their marriage got everyone scratching their heads, wondering why a woman like Mitsuki had chosen Masaru. Naoki still remembered the listlessness that her fanbase had experienced during that time, having been a member of the group himself. It was a dark, dark time indeed. "Damn, what I wouldn't to touch her…" – "Don't even think about it, she will skin you alive, Hiroshi. Beside–" Naoki gave his friend a loathing look of contempt.

"You have no chance with her, married or not." That might seem rude, but it was their regular routine by now, one of them would insult the other, leading to a match to see who could make up creative insults faster. "You ugly as Hell, and you poor. Somebody clearly fucked up during your 'character creation', my man." – "As if you are any better than me? Poor, ugly and growing bald as well… Like damn Naoki, you gotta pick one struggle at a time, don't hoard it all to yourself, leave some for us too." Naoki made a faux offended expression at that.

"Fuck you, Hiroshi." – "Eat shit." They were silent for a brief moment, until they couldn't resist anymore as laughter wracked their bodies. After minutes of this, Hiroshi spoke. "Hey, you wanna get a drink after this? It's on me–" Unfortunately, he never got to finish his sentence. "Watch out!"

Hiroshi's head snapped towards the incoming vehicle, eyes widening in alarm as the black sedan ahead swerved into their lane, forcing him to slam on the brake, but it was too late. The collision was quick to happen as their car was flipped over. There were loud sounds and noises, sounds and noise that seemed muted thanks to the constant ringing in their ears. Their training swiftly kicked in as Hiroshi broke the windshield in the short amount of time they were in the air, while Naoki rapidly threw the boxes behind the their seats through the opening in a desperate attempt to preserve the weapons inside.

They succeeded, crouching over the shattered windshield as the car rolled away, crashing and exploding in a flaming ball against the concrete road. They looked over at each other, it would appear they were both relatively unharmed, aside from the few scratches on their faces and hands, scratches that shouldn't hinder their movements or actions. Then, they turned to the sedan with its head smashed against a nearby tree. There was no need for a signal, no gesture as they cautiously approached the wrecked vehicle. "Hiroshi, you take the boxes and go, I'll check it out."

"Absolutely not! Are you insane? What if there are multiple enemies inside? Are you going to fight them all on your own?!" Naoki chuckled dryly. "You think I can't handle some thugs? Go, now. Kiyoshi needs those weapons, this first shipment is meant for the boss and Sasaki himself, it will be a pain to explain how we lose it." Seeing his friend still hesitating, Naoki screamed. "GO!" Hiroshi stared at his friend, teeth clenched tight as he patted Naoki on his shoulder, perhaps for the last time as gathered the boxes and fled. "Don't die, you balding fool." Naoki smirked nervously. "Don't worry, I don't plan on it."

"How… Courageous of you!" Naoki's attention was swiftly drawn to a male voice from the sedan. He dodged as the door was catapulted towards him, sliding across the road to create playful sparks before falling off the nearby cliff. Out walked a man with short, elegantly trimmed moustache and horrifying scars covering his. "My name is Kenji, Suzuki Kenji, the Third Captain of Ragnarok…" As he spoke, several of his presumed underlings exited the destroyed vehicle, each with a weapon in hands. "What's your name, good sir?"

"Naoki, just Naoki–" He got into his stance, pulling out a knife made of a specially made metals of which he could channel his Ki through. "I'm no one of importance." – "I see… As you are an honorable man, I shall give you a worthy end." The menacing Third Captain signaled for his underlings to chase after Hiroshi, but Naoki quickly got in their way, slamming his knife at one's throat, his leg kicking at the second one. Still, he was but one person, and there were five of them, the Captain included, meaning some were let through. Naoki had hoped he could kill the underlings with a surprise attack so he could focus on the Captain.

Sadly, it wasn't to be as both blocked with their own weapons. "Chase after the one who fled and secure the boxes…" Kenji took out a steel baton, one that he unfolded to make a giant staff. With a thrust of his hand, the ground beneath shattered and both ends of the staff were engulfed in flame. "I will deal with this one personally." Naoki's eyes narrowed as he chuckled anxiously while the underlings carefully went around him. "A Captain just for li' ol' me? You Ragnarok fellas sure know how to make a bloke feel special…" He could only hope Hiroshi could escape, and if not, win a four-on-one with a disadvantage in weaponry.

Naoki didn't wait for his opponent to attack, instead launching at the giant of a man with his knife ready and out. His attack was batted away as he jumped on his hands, sending a spinning-kick at Kenji's head, a kick that was avoided by a mere breath as Kenji took several steps back. That's fine with him, Naoki didn't expect the kick to cause any actual damage anyways. He had only done it to push Kenji back before the man could take advantage of him for over-extending. In hindsight, attacking first was rather stupid of him, since the man not only had more reach with his staff, but could also simply defend while Naoki tired himself out.

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"I'm disappointed, Naoki. If that's all you've got, then this fight won't be very enjoyable…" His staff twirled within his hands, face set in a stony expression, but Naoki wasn't one to back down as he replied. "Big words for someone who needs external help from a Magus. I heard you Ragnarok fellas were a ragtag group of underlings that betrayed your former Factions for the slightest chance to advance in your crafts, is that true? Did the Magus make you all get on your knees to get his special concoction?" The innuendo wasn't lost to Kenji as he gritted his teeth in anger. "You know you will pay for that, correct?"

"Well–" Naoki chuckled. "Give me your best then."

…

Hiroshi ran into the woods nearby with the weapons. He and Naoki might not have been the most careful with their jobs, but they weren't about to botch something that pertained the Fate of Kiyoshi as a whole, which was why just before coming on this mission, they had thoroughly researched the landscape of Fuyuki, and according to the map, these same woods should bring him to the nearest highway, where he should be able to catch a ride and, if needed, stole– Appropriated one for his use. He could only hope his good friend would be able to hold on until he could contact the Headquarter.

Still, what was important was getting these weapons to his bosses first. "Shit, fucking Ragnarok's scums!" As he raced through the wood, a spear was launched at him. Having been a Martial Artist for his whole life, Hiroshi was saved by a hair's breadth as he rolled forwards, letting the spear sail harmlessly over him. With his momentum, he threw himself behind an old, rotted tree for cover as his eyes scanned the now seemingly empty clearing.

That wasn't enough to trick him though, as he restlessly put on his leather gloves– Shiny black with several metallic protrusions where his knuckles would be for damage. "You bunch are coming or not?" He called out, trying his best to appear confident, but just in case, Hiroshi took out the weapons– No, the Mystic Codes and hid the gauntlets inside the tree, closing the lid after putting a huge rock inside as decoy. He didn't forget to carve a small, nigh unnoticeable symbol so later he, or the people that would be sent to locate his remains could find it.

Was it morbid of him to already think of death? Yes, but it wasn't too unrealistic either. This was the Martial World, people might have stopped dropping like flies ever since the Modern Age rolled around, but Hiroshi knew the moment he got himself involved in this mess, he likely wasn't going to live long enough to enjoy retirement. He had made peace with that fact years ago. "Live by the sword, die by the sword…" He muttered underneath his breaths as he prepared for conflict, feeling the heat of his Ki rise from his lower stomach. "Well, you pricks! Are you going to keep me waiting all day?!"

The best he could do was maybe minimize the damages and perhaps took out as many of them as he could.

He didn't have to wait too long, suspense broken when a thug– For that's what he was, that's what they all were, talentless thugs that slaved away on the whims and will of a faceless, cowardly Magus bolted at him with sword– A short one, raised over his head. His actions almost made Hiroshi cringe from second-hand embarrassment, having seen plenty of talented swordsmen during his time in Kiyoshi, the thug's movements were not only amateurish, but even his hold on the blade was that of a clumsy axeman trying to wield a weapon far beyond his grace.

Needless to say, it didn't take much from Hiroshi to defend himself, his palm shooting at the thug's exposed stomach. His strike easily broke the thug's ribs, sending him crashing against the dame tree Hiroshi had hidden behind just moment before. The second he dropped his blade, Hiroshi grabbed the ugly thing and shoved it right into his heart, killing the thug instantly. Sadly, he didn't get a chance to rest as another thug jumped on him, a… Hammer? Yes, the thug was wielding an actual hammer– Yes, the kind that was small and often utilized in constructions.

Hiroshi wasn't even surprised at this point. Why would he expect anything, anything at all from these lowly savages? He hurriedly brought a hand to strike at the thug's acupuncture point as it would have been unwise to block a bludgeoning weapon. He did so successfully, which to be fair, wasn't that big of an achievement, but he celebrated the victory nonetheless as his fingers pierced the thug's soft, squishy eyeballs. But then, a loud noise– Thunderous and angry, sounded. Hiroshi felt something entering and exiting his torso as he looked up.

There stood another of the pursuing group, and in his hands was a gun… "Honorless– *Cough*– Curs!" He spat through gritted teeth and with his arms tensed, muscles bulging beneath his clothes, Hiroshi threw the boxes up in the air and away from the enemies, while he himself fell on one-knee. He was done, he didn't need anyone to tell him that, he could feel it, the bullet had drilled a hole through his guts, it would not be long before he eventually bled out. But, if there was something he could do to salvage the situation, then it was definitely to hide the Mystic Codes from the enemies' gaze.

It didn't matter if they would find it at this point, all that mattered was if he could delay them enough for HQ to realize something had gone wrong with their mission. This was, after all, a mission that pertained the future of their Faction, there were explicit orders to call in once in a while and report their status, which would be impossible seeing as he, the one to hold their sole communicative device was as good as dead. Hiroshi fell face first to the ground, faking his death as he waited for the remaining thugs to approach.

At last, he felt footsteps right next to him, then his still form was pushed on its back. His eyes snapped at the assailant, grinning victoriously as he shot at his neck, teeth barring like a wild beast. He didn't relish in eating humans, he doubted any person sane would, but in that brief, briefest moment, as his jaws clamped down on the thug's exposed neck, he felt satisfied. Even the hail of bullets being rained on his stomach by the panicking thug could not wipe the smile on his face. With a mighty yank, half of his throat was gone as Hiroshi fell back.

"Bunch of worthless shitstains." He stressed, spatting through the blood bubbling up his own throat. "I'll see you all in Hell, you fucking cunts." Hiroshi slammed down on his solar plexus, the impact disrupted his Ki flow and suddenly, his body became a bloated balloon, the last thug he hadn't seen before, who had approached in order to help out his accomplice shouted. Hiroshi couldn't hear what he said, seeing as his organs had mostly ruptured from his suicide attack, but it must have been a curse judging from the tone of his voice. Hiroshi's smile widened at that. 'Eat shit, fuckers!'

*BOOM*

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Kenji pulled his staff, twirling it in his hands to get rid of the brain matters that covered its surface. He didn't enjoy bashing people's brains open anymore than a regular person would, but the Kiyoshi's guard had touched a sore spot of his. Indeed, a chance to further his Martial Art had been the reason he betrayed his former organization, but it was inevitable really. The Ravens had not been kind to their underlings, often taking money from the lower members to distribute amongst the higher.

It was almost like a pyramid scheme, where money and wealth kept pouring upwards, while the weaker, more disposable members were basically left to fend for themselves… Struggling for every bit of scraps that they could get. If that wasn't enough, the Ravens were stingy with their knowledge. He had been in the organization for years, working as a canon-fodder to the stuck up shitheads above and all he got to show for his efforts were some tattered manuals that didn't even include proper Martial Arts, just the bare minimum for him to classify himself as a Martial Artist.

It was quite sad actually. Now that he had gotten a chance to learn and dedicate more to the Art thanks to his faceless leader, how could he be ungrateful? Sure, he was still very disposable, but at least he was eating good, and while the training manuals provided weren't much better than what he used to have, the concoctions given to the Captains and their underlings were more than enough to make up for that. Just within last month alone, Kenji had felt his Ki-pool doubling in size, and the purity of his Ki was nigh unmatched in Ragnarok.

So what if he was dishonorable, so what if be betrayed the people he had spent years of his life with? Humans were inherently greedy creatures, if anyone could blame him for his traitorous actions, then it certainly wouldn't be the Kiyoshi's members, who had lived their entire lives in luxury, never wanting anything. They had np right to judge him, all he had done was take what no one would give him. Kenji sighed as his fist clenched tight around the staff. Finally, after moments of hesitation, he decided to trace his underlings. Bastards still weren't back, perhaps that Kiyoshi's dog had proven too much for them?

…

"I see… So they are both dead then?" I questioned, hoping that maybe Naoki had been able to survive the attack, but by the looks on Sasaki's face, I doubted it. "No, Naoki and Hiroshi have fallen valiantly. Their bodies, or what's left of their remains are being taken back to their families." I crossed my legs, feeling a sudden emptiness in my chest. I had liked those two, I really did. Given time, we could have been friends of sort, even in spite of the age gap.

The fact that they had died when I was just talking to them hours ago wouldn't register in my mind. "Why are you here then? You think I have something to do with this?" My inquiry was purely for curiosity purpose. I knew for a fact that they shouldn't be suspecting me of anything, given how restricting the Geas we had made was. "No, Leo-san. I'm merely here to ask if you had told anyone about our deal… Other than the higher-ups of Kiyoshi, neither I nor anyone involved have said a word, so that leaves you."

"I didn't tell anyone, if that's what you are asking." That's a lie, I did tell Rin, but it's Rin. I'd trust the girl with my life, and I knew her habits. Despite her popularity, Rin Tohsaka was not one to socialize often, and she definitely wouldn't go around babbling information I had explicitly told her to keep a secret. "Have you considered that maybe, just maybe there is a rat amongst your council?" Sasaki gave me a grim look, before nodding tiredly. "Yes, yes I have, Leo-san. There are plenty amongst the Captains pushing for either peace or subjugation, but none of them is the culprit… Not according to my spies at least."

"Perhaps you are looking at the wrong persons?"

"What are you insinuating, Leo-san?" I cupped my hand to my chin thoughtfully, running fingers along imaginary beard as I continued. "Well, for example, if you were the mole, and relax, I'm not saying you are, but if you were, would you want to draw attention to yourself via advocating for peace and surrender? That seems counter-productive, no?" Sasaki tilted his head forwards. "So what you are saying is I should investigate the less vocal Captains?" I shook. "No, focus on the ones you feel are trying to do Kiyoshi the most good, see if that's their real intention or merely an act. If you can, investigate every member, but don't stretch your spy-network too thin, it will be hard for them."

"I understand… Thanks for the advice, Leo-san." I bobbed my head in response. "No problem, Sasaki-san. But if I may ask, what happened to the Mystic Codes I gave those two?"

Sasaki's frown deepened considerably. "Two have disappeared, all we could find was the gauntlet…" Were you shitting me right now? I hated those gauntlets, not to mention I had given them the weakest enchantments out of the three… "Well, shit. Are you sure both the glaive and the sword are gone?" – "Don't worry Leo-san. As this isn't your fault and a problem within Kiyoshi, we won't ask you to compensate us in any way, shape or form. That, you can be assured." That's good, I'd hate to suffer consequences when the fault lied not with me.

"What have you got planned then? Surely, you are going to retaliate against these… Ragnarok's guys, right?" I pulled out a knife with black, glossy blade and almost mirror-like surfaces, tossing it towards the surprised man. "T– This is?" – "It was supposed to be part of the next shipment, the blade is made of obsidian–" Yes, I knew obsidian was ridiculously brittle and useless against any armored foes, but Magecraft existed… "The entire blade is enchanted with [Strengthening] to increase its durability, and also–" I stared at the knife confidently. "– Try saying [Igris]."

Sasaki seemed skeptical at that, tilting his head questioning. "Go on, try." Still, under my encouragement, the glassed man eventually relented. "[Igris]." The knife lit up in flame, flame the seemed forever stuck under its surface in veiny patterns that danced wildly before our gazes. "Le– Leo-san… T– This is?!" I chuckled lightly at his reaction. "Consider this a gesture of good-will, Sasaki-san." Now, some people might wonder why I did this, but it never hurt to strengthen a partnership. It's not like the blade itself cost me much to make either. "I– I can't possibly take this, Leo-san."

"Don't worry, the Geas won't consider it an act against our deal if I'm willingly giving it to you. Beside, the better you guys are, the more benefits I get, no? Just take it, Sasaki-san, your organization will need the weapon." – "I– I… Very well, Leo-san. Thank you for the gift, I will have more Martial books sent to your home as soon as I get back." Afterwards, Sasaki quickly finished his coffee and left with the knife. This kind of put me in an awkward situation. On one hand, I couldn't simply take while Kiyoshi kept stacking up loss and loss. Maybe I could accompany them in bringing the Mystic Codes back? Food for thoughts.

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