Hano POV 

  

  

  

  

Once the duel between Kazue and Levethy reached its conclusion the people dispersed from the plaza. 

They were disappointed with how fast the duel ended. 

There was nothing much to see. 

After waiting for the two combatants to make a move, the duel ended just then and there. 

It looked simple as it ended after a few simple moves.  

When Levethy attacked, Kazue disarmed her and claimed victory. 

That is how it ended. 

  

  

It was shocking to see that Kazue was able to defeat Levethy, it was totally out of what I imagined the match would turn out like. 

Putting aside the fact that Levethy was not using her Bow, I was still expecting her to win over Kazue. 

It's not that I don't trust Kazue's ability, it was just that I have seen Levethy's capability and I was convinced that Kazue was going to lose. 

In the end, Kazue still won even though her stats are inferior to Levethy's. 

  

  

During the duel, I felt a spine-chilling bloodlust coming from her in an instant. 

At that moment if Sir Victor did not interfere with their fight, Levethy could have been hurt badly. 

Her Killing intent at that moment even gave me chills. 

The fact that she did not intend to do it was even more surprising. 

She explained that it was "a force of habit" from killing zombies for several days. 

That explains the fluidity of her action to sever the head from the body. 

  

  

When the battle ended what surprised me was how Levethy and Kazue have become closer. 

This was while Kazue gives me her usual cold stare. 

I also feel that the two were talking about something related to me. 

Why? 

Well, that's because... 

They will start laughing after whispering something to each other while looking at me. 

They are talking about me, right? 

[Or it's just me thinking too much?] 

  

  

Later that day. 

We separated after Kazue returned to her friend who are waiting for her and went off somewhere. 

I was happy to see her doing well even without Chiho and the others. [Well I think that's Kazue for you huh?] 

As for our party, we came back to the guild to report about the dungeon core Chiho received from Kazue. 

  

  

Inside the guild master's office. 

  

  

"Amazing! This is only the second time I saw a dungeon core with my own eyes"  

"Just as I expected, this is a dungeon core."  

"So, this explains why the undead started marching into the city."  

"Yeah, but this only raises another question."  

  

  

The guild master went silent for a moment as he realizes what Victor wanted to imply. 

"How did this thing manage to find itself in the city..."  

"Yeah."  

  

  

I was a bit confused about what the guild master and sir victor were talking about. 

I was interested in the core so I asked. 

"Um, I am sorry to interrupt but, can I ask a question?"  

"Ah... yes, please do so"  

"What exactly is a dungeon core?"  

I asked politely. 

In actuality, I too have no idea what a dungeon core is. 

Judging from its name "Dungeon Core" seemed very self-explanatory but what it does and what importance it has is still a question for us. 

The guild master, David Craig, and Victor returned glances at each other. 

Victor bowed his head slightly as a sign of letting David explain it to us. 

  

  

David clears his throat before he started explaining. 

"Well then I shall explain"  

Me, Chiho, Mizuko, and Eiko opened our ears to David's explanation. 

Levethy seems to be interested in the topic too. 

[Hmnn, so even Levethy has limited knowledge of what a Dungeon core is?] 

  

  

"A dungeon core is a rare ore that can only be found in a dungeon. Dungeon core can be used as an unlimited mana source."  

At that moment Levethy remembered something. 

She then spoke to Sir Victor. 

"Oh, I remember! I did hear from father that the castle in the imperial capital is powered by a dungeon core."  

"Yes, that is true Princess"  

"Heee~ so it's this thing..."  

Levethy looked at the dungeon core in David's hands in awe. 

  

  

David nods. 

"As the princess said, It is a precious item that can be used to power an entire castle. It can even be used as a medium for casting large-scale magic spells. It can be used in other ways, that being said, it can be sold at a very high price. Any country would be willing to bid big amounts just to get a hand on this thing."  

"Hoo~ so it's THAT precious huh?"  

David nods at Eiko. 

  

  

"In theory, every dungeon must have at least 1 dungeon core to exist but finding it is close to impossible. The reason for that is because a dungeon core is buried deep inside a dungeon and there is no method to know how to find it."  

"I see, so dungeon core is rare... I understand now, this core is a precious source of power. Still, how come the two of you determined that the reason the undead attacked the city was for this dungeon core?"  

I asked. 

  

  

"Ah, yes. Dungeon core as the name implies is the core of a dungeon. The reason why the monster does not leave the dungeon is because of the dungeon core. The theory says that monsters inside the dungeon are created by the dungeon core. The monsters born from its power are attracted to its power and will instinctively want to protect it."  

"So... the reason the monsters started to march to Altus is that...?"  

"Yes, they must have felt that their dungeon core was inside the city. That must be the reason why they started marching here."  

"Ah... That makes sense."  

  

  

Chiho entered the conversation and said. 

"Now, the question remains on how this dungeon core appeared in this city."  

The guild master held the dungeon core in his hands and was looking at the dungeon core obliviously. 

  

  

"In normal circumstances, I would jump in joy when a dungeon core is brought to the guild, but this time this dungeon core gives me a bad omen of some kind."  

David looked at the dungeon core with an unsettled look on his face. 

"Does that mean that more bad things would happen?"  

Chiho asked in curiosity. 

She even gave the guild master a sharp glare. 

"No, no, don't get me wrong. I only said that because this core was the reason the city was attacked. What gives me a bad feeling was the circumstances of this core appearing. Normally it would take a miracle to find a dungeon core, but knowing that a dungeon core appeared in front of you smells like something "mysterious" is going on"  

  

  

-sigh- 

David let out a deep sigh before continuing to tell us what was on his mind. 

"Honestly I feel that the worst had already come in this city. I trust my guts since they never failed me before. Still, this doesn’t mean that nothing will happen in other places. After all, the appearance of those monsters from a dungeon whose origin is in a faraway country is already an anomaly by itself."  

"In simple words, there are still a lot of things that remain to be a question despite resolving the problem itself. Am I correct?"  

David nods at my reply. 

[I see] 

  

  

Chiho suddenly asked a question that was lingering behind my mind all this time. 

"Is it possible that this chaos might be related to us in some way? I mean we are the heroes? There will be no surprise if someone targets us to be in such a dangerous situation."  

"Probably... To be honest, I am not sure. The only existence that I know who would do things like this is the demon lord. So, I think that the possibility is high."  

  

  

The guild master then made a more difficult reaction on his face. 

"I don't know but something seems to be off about this."  

"Something off? what is it?"  

He nods at my question 

"Nah, It's just a feeling. I don't have any basis for it."  

"Kakaka! It can't be helped, it's not as if we could find the answer soon. We might as well leave it to the guild. Right, David?"  

In the end, Sir Victor ended our conversation after his lively laugh. 

  

  

"Haa~ Sir Victor, I could appreciate it if you won’t leave it all to me." 

-sigh-  

Sir David seemed to have given up on Sir Victor and moved on. 

"It can't be helped I will notify you if I found something out."  

"Oho! As expected of such a promising guild master! KAKAKA!"  

  

  

Sir Victor and sir David seemed to have gotten a lot closer... 

Well, it would not be surprising, after all the fighting they did together in this mission, I guess that is to be expected huh? 

  

  

"Just for reference, from whom did you get this "Dungeon Core"?"  

The Guild master asked. 

It seems that he needed to put it on record. 

  

  

"Oh, come to think of it Kazue never mentioned it."  

"Kazue? Her name sounds familiar..."  

"Oh, did Sir David perhaps meet Kazue before?"  

"Hmnn, let me think for a bit... Kazue, Kazue..."  

  

  

The guild master seemed to have an idea of who Kazue was. 

It was not a surprise, after all, she is working as an adventurer. 

"It's Kazue, Mizusawa Kazue. I remember she is an E-rank Adventurer. She is a swordsman; she wears a black coat and a ponytail."  

Chiho said, describing Kazue to the guild master. 

"Ah, I think I saw someone like that..."  

The guild master tried to remember her, but he seemed to have trouble remembering her. 

  

  

[Oh, it appears that the guild master met Kazue before.] 

"Oh, She also uses a Katana as her main weapon."  

Mizuko said as she shows off her kendo moves in front of the guild master while trying to help him remember Kazue. 

"She has these glaring eyes."  

Eiko did the same by trying to imitate Kazue's sharp gaze on her face. 

  

  

The Guild master clapped his hands together as he closes his eyes. 

He tried to imagine our description of Kazue in his mind while muttering out a description of her. 

And last. 

"Oh! I remember that girl with the sharp glare! I remember! How could I forget about her hahah~ Her party was the one that reported about the origin of the monsters. I remember that she was even trapped inside a dungeon for days and almost died if not for the help of an A-rank Adventurer who help her escape the dungeon. Yeah, yeah I remember now."  

"oh~ something like that happened."  

"So, it was Kazue and her party who discovered the origins of the monsters... that's unexpected."  

[Hee~ so Kazue has been doing those things without us knowing?] 

  

  

"Chiho?"  

Eiko called out Chiho's name for some reason. 

I felt a dark aura coming out from Chiho. 

"K-K-Ka-Kazue almost died?"  

She said in a cold voice. 

  

  

"Chiho?"  

Eiko called her name once more 

All of a sudden. 

"THAT GIRL! SHE NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT THIS!!!"  

Chiho started to be hysterical. 

  

  

"Calm down Chiho"  

Eiko and Mizuko tried to calm her down. 

"What do you mean calm down?! Didn't you hear? She almost died! She seems to be getting her life in danger not once but twice! KAZUEEEE!!! I'LL DEFINITELY DRAG YOU WITH ME FROM NOW ON!!!"  

  

  

"Calm down, Chiho"  

I tried to calm her down too. 

In the end, no one of us could calm her down. 

She tried to leave the room and look for Kazue and hear the details directly from her. 

Honestly, I missed this reaction from Chiho. 

She only becomes like this when it comes to "her". 

  

  

After calming Chiho we listen to what happened before. 

It seemed that Kazue was the one who reported the origins of the monster after getting caught inside a portal with her party. 

At that time, she was even trapped inside the dungeon for a day. 

It seemed that her party was caught in a pinch and ended up accidentally leaving her behind. 

But miraculously, Kazue returned to the city after a day. 

She then reported that she was helped by an adventurer named Argent and explained about the dungeon itself. 

There she learned that the forest was mysteriously connected with a dungeon called "Undead King's Lair". 

It was a dungeon located in the Marchial kingdom which was in a faraway land. 

The reason why those portals appeared and connected the West Artesia forest with the dungeon remains unknown. 

She says that she used the same portal to return. 

  

  

****************************** 

Later 

  

We finished reporting to the guild master. 

We came out of the office and arrived at the adventurer's guild pub. 

  

  

"Isn’t that the famous Hero's Party?!"  

I heard talks about us from the adventurers around. 

As expected, being the hero sure takes a lot of attention. 

The adventurer's attention was focused on us. 

I could hear absurd things being said like; 

"I heard the hero defeated 1000 undead using 1 slash."  

"They say that the hero's party was on par with A-rank adventurers despite having their level not exceeding 10."  

"I heard the hero was the one who killed the Undead King."  

[WOW, THESE RUMORS ARE GETTING OUT OF HAND. THAT INFORMATION IS 100%, NOT TRUE!!!] 

  

  

"Since we are here should we have something to eat before we go?"  

"Agreed, I kinda feel hungry after what happened today"  

"Ahaha you mean after getting your ass kicked?"  

"Shut up! I was not expecting her to be that skilled! well If I was using my bow in the first place there's no way I'll lose."  

"Says you. You were the one who insisted to give her a handicap, right? You reap what you sow."  

"KAKAKA~ well, well, well... I too am a little bit hungry I think we should eat."  

""""Agreed""""  

We all agreed to have something to eat inside the guild's pub. 

  

  

Adventurers are looking in our direction. 

I still hear murmurs and talks while focusing their gazes on our direction. 

I silently followed my party members from behind. 

  

  

As I was walking. 

I felt someone poking me at my neck from behind. 

"Are you Hano Ryuusei, the hero?"  

I looked in the direction of the voice and saw A beautiful lady approaching behind me. 

I was speechless at the view that was in front of me. 

I said "Lady" but the person in front of me is still young. 

Certainly, she looks to be around my age but her aura gave elegance that made me think that she was a "Lady". 

She was wearing modified gothic-styled clothing exposing her cleavage but still covering much of her skin. 

  

  

I looked at her face and my eyes were glued on her gorgeous face. 

Chiho, Eiko, Mizuko, and Levethy were beautiful but I feel that something about this lady makes me think that she was the most beautiful woman in the world. 

I could not break off my gaze and I felt that my soul was being sucked by her charms. 

I could even smell something sweet coming from her that only made me enchanted by this lady. 

  

  

She spoke once again. 

This time her voice was clearer and I could not help but think how lovely her voice was. 

"Are you the hero, Hano Ryuusei."  

Her voice sounded like sweet music in my ears. 

  

  

The lady made a very alluring smile on her face. 

She approached me and the sweet scent from her intensified and made me unable to think of anything else but her. 

She grabbed my arm and place it in between her chest and hugged it into her body tightly. 

I could feel her tenderness and warmth. 

In the next moment, her face was almost touching mine. 

My heart pounded loudly 

  

  

All of a sudden. 

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!"  

I got pulled from behind by someone. 

"(Brave)!"  

Chiho cast a buff spell on me. 

(Brave); A spell that fortifies the mind. 

Then I realized what just happened. 

  

  

"Oh my~"  

Mizuko pulled out her sword and pointed it toward the Lady. 

The lady did not resist and held her hands up as if telling her that she got busted after doing a crime. 

"Fufufu~ sorry. I did not expect my (Charm) to work. I only wanted to tease him since I heard all about the Hero and his party members. He was just too cute that I could not help but tease him more. It seems that my jokes crossed the line. For that I am sorry."  

Mizuko's eyes narrows and glared at the beautiful lady. 

  

  

"Who are you?"  

Mizuko asked the lady. 

She pulled out her sword and pointed it at the alluring woman. 

"Forgive me. Let me introduce myself properly. I am Stella Nightfall, an E-rank adventurer. I just can't help myself to tease you, Mister Hero. 

I am sorry about my past action. For that please forgive me."  

The lady name Stella bowed and introduced herself while slightly lifting her skirt. 

It was the familiar courteous bow of some aristocrats that I'd seen before. 

  

  

"I see that you are not human."  

When Mizuko pointed that out I notice a pair of small horns coming out of her head as she bowed. 

I did not notice it right away since it almost had the same colors as her hair. 

"Oh my, does the Hero party hate demi-humans?"  

Stella replied with her alluring smile. 

  

  

I realized that Chiho and Eiko were grabbing each of my arms. 

They seemed to have pulled me away from Stella. 

  

  

"Just now..."  

I wanted to ask her about what she did to me just now. 

She appeared to have caught on to what I was about to ask. 

She started talking to answer my question 

"Oh, Sorry. What I did just now is a skill that all succubus have called (Charm). I thought the hero might have some mental resistance against charm but it seems that a mental attack affects you. I am sorry. It was not my intention."  

"Succubus..."  

"Hey that's the demon that lures men into sleep and..."  

"Yeah"  

Chiho gave the demon a sharp glare. 

  

  

"Hey, Levethy aren't succubus a kind of demon?"  

Eiko asked Levethy about Succubus. 

"Yes, but not all demons are evil. Succubus, Imps, Djinn, and many more demon races had joined humans after the first hero defeated the first demon king. Well... there is a lot of demons that work as an adventurer after all."  

"... I see..."  

As I listen to her explanation it seems that this world has made peace with many demi-human races, that include demons. 

Well, this might not be that odd since I am aware that the current demon lord formerly, is a human. 

Prejudice against demons was something similar to "racism". 

I heard that the only country that still hates demihuman is the holy empire of Ecclesia. 

Well in our world we saw the demon as evil so I understand what Mizuko and the girls feel but it seems that sir Victor and Levethy do not have a problem with them. 

  

  

"Once again, let me apologize for what I've just done. I was just testing Sir Hero. It seems that my prank went too far."  

Mizuko put down her sword and returned it to its sheath. 

"I'll forgive you just this once"  

"I understand, Hero sama I think you should work on your mental resistance. You fell too easily to my "charm". Well, I can understand it if you did fall for me."  

Stella winked at me. 

[Well I do think that she is beautiful at the very least.] 

[It was also true that I don't have any mental resistance. Thanks to this lady I have found something that would help me become stronger. In a way I am thankful that she did this.] 

"KAKAKA, oh that's a blunder you got us there! I should find an opportunity to train you to be able to resist mental attacks. That also applies to all of you."  

""""Yes Sir!""""  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

************************************  

Author Note: 

  

Wow! I realized how hard it was to write about sensual interaction with characters >.

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