Interlude: The Student
…
Weak.
Incapable.
Powerless.
Over and over, I heard those words, just said differently to me.
Soon enough, I began to encounter them in life as well.
Too weak to enter a Familia.
Too incapable to take up other work.
Too powerless to convince people otherwise.
Until Hestia-sama came along.
My Kami-sama, the goddess who I owed everything and more. The first god I met and the only one I can imagine belonging to.
I finally had a Familia. A person who I was connected to. The only person to care for me after my grandfather died.
My Kami-sama gave me her Blessing, a roof over my head, and food to eat.
No matter how much food I needed, I received it. When I needed rest, she made sure I had it. When I needed armor, she purchased it.
A goddess worked at a stall, selling food, just for me.
Acceptance, care, and love… from a person who met me mere months ago. I didn't know what Kami-sama saw in me. What could she have gained from someone who didn't have a penny to his name, no family to help him, or a skill besides tending crops?
However, she did do all that, and she only asked me to stay by her side forever.
What a silly thing to ask. Kami-sama could've asked me to do anything, and she simply asked me to never leave her alone.
That's the first mistake I made.
I didn't change. I hadn't changed.
I was still everything I was before my Kami-sama took me in.
As Sensei said, the only person who could change you is you.
Ah, Sensei, another person I took for granted.
When I first met him, I believed Eina. That Sensei was only someone who looked for ways to quickly gather money. However, I still took his offer because he looked strong… and I was still afraid.
As I had met my goddess when I had no Familia to turn to, I met Sensei after the first time I nearly died.
Sensei taught me everything I knew. If I didn't know, he would tell me. If I couldn't understand, he'd explain it to me. If I was incapable, he'd patiently guide me through the movements. We went at a rapid pace, Sensei never showed pity or hesitation, and so I grew as I was taught by him.
My Sensei and my Kami-sama. The two of them are the most selfless people I know, and I've been taking them for granted all this time.
As… as that adventurer had said in the tavern, I was a weakling.
What have I done besides take blessings and follow instructions? Everything I needed simply fell in place.
I never changed. Everything just changed for me.
I was as weak, incapable, and powerless as when I began.
I could never reach Aiz Wallenstein if I didn't change. I would never have the power to kill a Minotaur in a single strike. Never will I be able to make my Kami-sama proud and happy to have me as her Familia. I could never have fellows who trusted and confided in me, who could make Kami-sama even happier.
When Sensei had asked me to change, I didn't.
I refused to.
I refused until Sensei was forced to finally confront me.
I refused until Sensei needed to hurt himself by saying things he knew I would remember, so that I could finally understand.
What Aiz's teammate… mate… whatever he was… was right.
I was a weakling.
That would never change.
Not until I commited myself to the life I have chosen.
I needed to be strong, so that the Familia I now have can be more than just me and Kami-sama.
I wanted to be skilled because I never wanted to be turned away because I was incapable of anything.
I must have power to reach the side of the woman who saved my life.
Those thoughts in mind, I launched myself into the Dungeon.
Sensei, I'm sorry for running off so suddenly, but I have lessons from you that I have yet to complete.
…
Kobold. Attacks mainly in charges. When near death; mouth foams. Gains extra speed and bite becomes poisonous. Kick when incoming. Embed knife into neck, eye, or heart.
Goblin. Uses claws to swipe. Pounces. Very organized when with companions. When near death; summons four goblins. Blunt force to stun. Crush when possible. Apply edge when necessary. Stay upright.
Dungeon lizard. Slow pursuer, but quick to bite and use tail. Slow to turn, but large and well-armored. When near death; scales become stronger and sharper. Lure to corner, stun with heel-kick, flip, and embed knife in center of third segment from throat. Elbow or knee strike are also acceptable.
Frog Shooter. Quick, long ranged attack with poisonous tongue. Slimy hide, but physically weak. When near death, begins to spit poison. Always croaks before attacking, step to left or right when croak is heard. Tongue sticks to wall. Separate tongue from monster. Poison rapidly kills monster as it enters its own mouth wound.
War Shadow. Skilled, human-like adaptability, and intelligence. Telegraphs attacks, always avoid. When near death; claws covered by viscous, red liquid that causes clothing and armor to stick. Attempt to make strikes collide with Dungeon wall or pillar. Dispatch with fast blow to neck.
Killer Ant… Killer Ant…
I shook my head.
Tired already, I needed to rest. Rest and stamina very important. Sensei said so.
No.
First… need head start on tomorrow's lesson.
Focus.
Attacks with forward pincers. Body is well armored, save for legs and segments between chest, head, and lower body.
Dispatch method? Strike to neck?
…Works.
Still seems alive after neck is struck. Good. Head start on near-death skill.
Ignore for moment, dispatch incoming monsters.
One… two… three...
Ten… seventeen… twenty-eight…
Thirty-five… fifty-one
So many killed already… dozens more coming… so tired…
Still no sign of near-death skill from original monster.
Need to stay… until monster shows skill.
Can't leave until then.
A bite on my arm goes through my jacket. Worse than all the others I allowed to hit me.
I can't feel or move my arm. I drop my knife and grip the wound as hard as I could manage. Need to make a tourniquet.
Bleeding, I still manage to kill the monster with a kick, and I turn to run.
The exit's blocked.
More of them.
There must be hundreds. They have crept on the ceiling.
…I'm trapped.
"Bring Ruin, Fulmination of Heaven." Even with the chittering of dozens of Killer Ants, I heard his voice. I had to train myself to listen to him. He almost never raised his voice, so I always had to. However, this was the first time I'd ever heard Sensei chant for a magic spell. Even then, there was still no glory or wonder in his voice. "Continuous Chain Lighting."
Arcs of white, barely traceable, magic erupted from the doorway from where I entered the room. A single strand killed a Killer Ant before impossibly jumping onto another and sending it flying. When that one died, the same energy leapt and crippled another. I've seen the spell cast by mages before, but with only two or three arcs killing entire groups of monsters.
Sensei didn't send out that few, he sent out dozens. Sets flew towards the ceiling, the walls, and the tunnels that led into the room.
Briefly, I feared he was risking everything to save me, but as soon as he walked in, I fell against the wall with relief.
As I should've expected, he was still bored out of his mind. Even with the continuous stream of power that emitted from the palm of his gloved hand, his eyes were as dull as ever.
Sensei strode into the room with heavy foot-falls, his ankle-length, heavy coat immaculate despite having pursued me through seven floors. His high collar hid his low mask and his broad hat cast a shadow on what the mask didn't hide. Everything he wore was in a shade of black or gray. People stared as he passed by.
He said he used the hat and mask to keep himself clean of monster blood and parts, but I knew that he just thought they were cool. Kami-sama imitated him by scrunching her eyes, covering her face, and making a hat's brim on her forehead. Ryuu-san told me that he was hiding something, but I knew that she was as curious as I was on how he looked.
Though he took his hat off to eat, just as he did when he carried me, he somehow managed to eat with his lower-mask on!
"Oi, brat, what's with that grin you have on your face?" Sensei's eyes, always so bored and dull, locked onto mine. However, after spending so much time with him, I could see amusement in them. There was a little worry in there as well, but it vanished quickly. I noticed that the skin around one of his eyes was differently colored than the rest. "Hmph, if I knew that a few insults would get you this wound up, I'd have said a few more."
"You're… terrible, S-sensei." I winced as my laugh jostled my arm. A part of me wanted to look at my limb, but I remembered Sensei's words. If you think you'll be panicked by looking at it, just ignore it. I laughed at the advice, but now I was sure that I kept calm because of it. "W-what happened to your face?"
"Hmmm? Oh this? Just part of a little payment for me defending my student." Sensei gave a quick chant, too fast for me to follow, and he pressed his hands against me. With a muttered 'Mend,' I felt aches and scratches fade away. I felt my arm again, and it worked perfectly. After a moment, he started another chant, and said 'Nourish.' Upon completiong, I wasn't struggling to stay awake anymore. "You're welcome."
"Sensei…thank you-." I marveled at how easy it was to move. I'd just killed almost a hundred monsters, and I felt as though I'd just woken up! Then, however, a thought occurred to me. "Wait, why don't you always do this for me!?"
"…tolerating mild discomfort builds character." Sensei spouted his usual philosophy before quickly standing and walking towards the exit. You… You… I don't know what to call you! I felt so embarrassed having to ride on your back! So many people laughed and giggled at me! An old lady thought I was a girl and offered me advice! Do you like carrying me on your back. Lazy-sensei!? "C'mon, brat, let's get out of here before Hestia-sama gets worried."
"…Sensei, what do you mean by defending your student." I tried to ignore it. When Sensei didn't want to talk about something, he quickly concluded things or distracted people. Still, I remembered everything he told me about adventurers. That it was best to always be civil to people higher level than you. "You… didn't attack the Level 5 Loki Familia member, did you?"
"You aren't going to stop pestering me if I don't tell you, aren't you, brat?" Sensei gave a sigh and shook his head. He stuffed his gloved hands into his large coat's pockets. Since he always walked oddly, with his entire body moving with the leg that went forward, the action exaggerated his movements. I'm sure he'll explain why he does it someday, but for now it only looked odd to me. "I simply got Loga-san to punch me in the face and through a window."
Ah, that made sense.
…No, it didn't!
"Sensei!" I was shocked to the point that I stood still. The hair on my arms rose, and a shiver crept up my spine. I was afraid. More so than when I was alone with dozens of monsters, earlier. "Why would you do that! He's Level 5! You told me that-."
"Yeah, I know what I said. Calm down, brat." Sensei grunted, and continued walking. A hand left a pocket, and he idly scratched his cheek. He looked over his shoulder and levelled his gaze at me. His blackened eye was filled with satisfaction. The edges of his mask were curled up with the outline of his creepy smile. "Look, there are times when rules don't matter, alright? Those times are when you know you can win, when you can completely destroy your opponent with minimal damage to yourself. That is still a victory."
I took in my Sensei's words, and after that, despite the fact he couldn't have possibly hurt Loga-sama, I felt pity for the drunken werewolf. If Sensei could smile like that at something he did, that meant he must have done something truly and completely vile to someone else. I'm sorry drunken Loga-sama, even if you made it so I finally committed myself to changing, you have experienced a terrible fate.
"Besides, brat, I would've broken another, more important rule if I didn't do anything." Sensei's words shook me from my thoughts, and I hurriedly walked to his side. As soon as I reached his side, he gave me a thoughtful nod. "The only one allowed to insult a student is their teacher, and only when the student really needs to hear it. Remember that, okay? Everyone's insults towards you are worthless, except for mine. So, don't do something stupid like this again, alright?"
I had worried him. Even if Sensei didn't say it aloud, he had really been worried by what I did. Sure, his words were harsh, he ignored the fact I almost died, he made jokes at my expense, and… wow I can go on for a long time, can't I?
Despite all of that, he had still worried about me.
"Thank you, Sensei." The words were hollow, but I had every intention of showing Sensei my gratitude. "I swear that I'll do as you say, from now on."
"Shitty brat." Sensei gave a grunt, but I could see his eyes curl upward. "You were supposed to be doing that already."
If I didn't stray from the path Sensei guided me on, I'm sure that I will truly become strong.
Unfortunately, My Student is a Magnet for Trouble (2.4)
…
I made my way to the Hostess of Fertility half-expecting all my luggage to be packed up outside a locked door and Lyon there holding an eviction notice. Though many other restaurants would tolerate some roughhousing, Grand was one of the few decent people in the city that didn't want negative publicity. Even if it was publicity, Mama Mia ran her metaphorical ship tightly.
Well, losing my lodgings is a good price to pay for gaining Cranel's trust.
No matter how good the living conditions in the place are, I spent most of my time in the Dungeon, so it wouldn't be a total loss. Being evicted from the pub, while irritating, was a decent price to get the concrete 'in' I needed to glue myself to the Protagonist. Now, as long as I'm careful, I'm sure that I triggered enough setpieces to be a 'Major Character.'
Hell, I could probably move into one of the ruined buildings beside the abandoned Church. Wouldn't that be grand? It'll be like some after-credit scene where the protagonist wakes up to find his teacher living across him! I'll spout off some line about needing to be closer to him to train him from dawn 'till dusk, and the episode fades to some narration or Cranel's internal monologue.
So, I was surprised to find that instead of my luggage on the front door of the pub, there was Aiz Wallenstein. The Sword Princess of Orario. The Ace of Loki.
"Yo." I greeted the Main Love Interest of the Main Character with a raised hand. My blackening eye, aching back, and annoyance from having to go to the Dungeon twice won against my common sense. "If you're here to take vengeance for your teammate, I'd like to request you do it after I've rested enough to be a decent fight."
"That is not the case, Hikigaya-san." Softly and lightly, Wallenstein spoke. The Sword Princess's voice was akin to threads in the wind. Too damn annoying to go after but attention-catching all the same. Speak louder, dammit. "I have remained to inquire of Bell Cranel's status."
"The brat's fine." I grunted as I walked past Wallenstein. Please be an open door. I really want to go up the stairs and sleep away these pains. My carefully-honed constitution will set me right from these bruises after a night's sleep. I didn't like being too reliant on Healing spells, no matter how good they are. I didn't want to go back home and find myself with tumors and no magical surgeons to get them out of my body. The door didn't open, and I released a sigh. "You'll have to excuse me, Wallenstein-san, I need to find a place to sleep for the night."
"No, you do not. I have the key to the pub." Wallenstein held up the object in question. I'd seen it enough times on Grand's apron to identify it on sight. The Sword Princess presented it to me impassively before hooking it to her belt. What. The. Hell. "According to Riveria, you do not speak to others unless you need to, so I argued for temporary ownership of the key to require you to speak to me."
"I… see." A sigh escaped me, and I decided I was too tired to maintain appearances. I took a seat at the lovingly called 'drunkard's bench' at the front of the pub. Then, I gestured for Wallenstein to take a seat. The Sword Princess did not hesitate to do so. What did she have to fear from a Level 1 like me? "Go ahead and ask your questions then, Wallenstein-san."
"I apologize for doing this to sate my curiosity, Hikigaya-san." Wallenstein bowed, but much like her tone, we both knew her words were hollow. Even if the Sword Princess did apologize, if she truly felt apologetic, she wouldn't be keeping me out here. Apologies aren't magic spells that make people feel better, airhead. "However, it is also not for my sake alone. I would also like to relay to you that Bete Loga will not be permitted into the Hostess of Fertility." The Ace of Loki paused. "Mama Mia also told me to tell you that you are not evicted from the premises, though I cannot imagine why such a thing was even considered."
"Hah? So you didn't notice the fact I baited your friend into punching me through the window?" Admittedly, I was slightly curious by this Dandere Knight archtype. Blue and white colors, blonde hair, and European naming scheme generally only lead to one particular female character. Would you care for a very nice suit to wear? Maybe a motorcycle? I'm sure that Cranel can substitute as a homunculus. Though, I'll have to stop you if you want any wishes granted. It's a monkey's paw. "Causing trouble is a good enough reason to be kicked out in a high-class place like this one."
"Then, Loga was the correct one to be punished. Since, he was the violent one. My Familia member should've known his limits, and held himself to… higher standards." If anything, my questioning of Wallenstein's mindset seemed to invigorate her. There was a gleam in the Sword Princess's eye that wasn't there earlier. Huh. This girl needs to talk to others more. "Raising a hand against a Level 1 who merely slightly bent the truth of your words is a great folly on his part."
"Huh, I see." 'Slightly bent the truth' is… putting it lightly. I'm sure I insulted his ancestors, choice of clothing, and his face in my initial sentence. Fairly sure that I didn't actually mention Cranel until the third sentence I got in. By that point, I was halfway in my flight towards the window after implying that he enjoyed gratifying himself with cacti. I'm not even sure cacti exist in this world. "So… you had something to ask me?"
"Ah, yes, straight to the point then." Wallenstein blinked rapidly, fidgeted, and one hand came to hold her elbow. Seriously, are you the type that's so completely untouchable that you're uncomfortable with talking with other people? I mean, it makes sense since you're reputed to have shot down a thousand brave souls who asked you out, but could it really simply be because you're terribly, ridiculously airheaded and shy? That's some old school copy-paste you've got there, Zaimokuza. "Ummm… ah… I would like to know how Bell Cranel is doing. When I rescued him… I believe that I scared him away by eviscerating a minotaur that was about to kill him."
"…Eviscerated, you say." Blandly, I threw her own words back at her. A part of me knew that I should be treating the main love interest better, but I was nursing a few bruises and it was nearing midnight. Trying to not to be cranky is difficult enough, since I typically had no reason to be on decent behavior, but doing so this late at night. I only need an hour or three of sleep a day, but I can still get tired, you know? "I'd be scared if that were the case, as well. You should consider apologizing for that, then."
"Good, I thought that was the case… then, might I ask for his schedule?" Wallenstein looked downcast for a moment, before shaking her head. There was determination in her eyes. For a moment, the Sword Princess seemed to actually have some emotion in her face. I wondered if she acted like this while facing monsters in the Dungeon. Just very serious and scary. Maybe the monsters just ran away from her? "I believe that I must apologize for my Familia member's words and my actions both. To do requires me to know if he's free within the next few days."
"I'm not the Brat's secretary, kid." I glowered at Wallenstein, but the girl remained steadfast. Annoying. Augh, might as well set up a flag for Cranel. I'm way too nice. You better appreciate this, Brat. I'm sure that the brat would persuade me to chaperone their little meeting. Or maybe Hestia would. That goddess is way too clingy. I checked her face again, just in case my insult worked. Yep, still determinedly glaring at me. I expected it, but I'm still disappointed. "Alright, fine." I wracked my head for good opportunities. "The gods are going to their banquet, right? If you can find some time in the next three days, leave a message for me here at the pub. The brat needs a short break anyway."
"Thank you very much, Hikigaya-san." Wallenstein stood up and gave a small, short bow. You're making me feel old. I'm barely… wait you're twenty just like I am! Two years older than the Brat! Dammit, why do people keep thinking I'm old? Is it the height? The hat? The mask? If you say it's my voice, I think I'll cry. The Sword Princess held out a the key, but pulled it back just as my fingers neared it. "Wait. My apologies, but you did not answer my question regarding Bell Cranel, Hikigaya-san."
"Brat's doing well." I swiped at the key, but Wallenstein's hyper-super-deluxe-reflexes made it clear that I didn't have a chance at swiping them. Since I didn't want to be part of a gag, I decided against trying again. No, I will not be drawn as a cat. I will not be played with. "Sticking to the training I'm giving him thanks to the little spiel that mutt gave. He killed… fifty Killer Ants before I had to get his ass out of the way."
"…Those are on Floor 7. He has… become so strong, so quickly?" Oops, I knew I must've forgotten something. Advancing two Floors in two weeks is stupidly fast. Dammit, Brat, couldn't you have nearly died at Floor 7? Now the Level 5 is interested in how fast you're growing! Alright, Hachiman, come up with some way to get this woman off your student's trail... maybe if I glare at her enough the Sword Princess will simply leave. "…Hikigaya-san you seem angry at me? Might I inquire why?"
"I'm tired from storming into the dungeon in the evening, sleepy because it's almost midnight, and carrying bruises because of your Familia member, kid." I took the opening and lied my ass off. My words registered and Wallenstein immediately began to fret, casting her gaze to the side and clutching at her elbow. Aha, success! I was suffering from none of those things! I gestured at her, then myself, and gave the most tired smile I could manage. "Wanting power is good and all, but would you mind showing a little mercy on this old, weary Level 1, Wallenstein-chan?"
"Ah." Of all the reactions I expected from my lies, I didn't expect the one that I got. At worst, I thought I'd be called out and, at best, I was going to make the situation too awkward to continue. What actually happened was Wallenstein's face turning redder than a tomato out of embarrassment and the Level 5 turning her gaze straight down at her feet. At least, I hoped it was embarrassment and not a liking for slightly older men. "M-My a-apologies f-for b-being so i-inconsiderate of you, H-Hikigaya-k-k-kun!"
With those final words, the key simply fell into my lap and Wallenstein fled. Huh. That was super effective. Note to self: Check if teasing works that well against all other Level 5s.
As I made my way my room, a terrible thought occurred to me, didn't… didn't Wallenstein call me Hikigaya-kun right there?
Did I just trip a flag on accident!?
That might as well be a death flag in a Harem Romantic Comedy!
Am I about to die!?
Eh, probably not.
I'm far from someone any woman would take interest in.
Regrettably, My Student has Money Troubles (3.1)
…
An Adventurer is nothing without their Tools.
Armor, Weapons, and Magic all constitute a massive part of every Adventurer's lifestyles.
So, as expected, such things are ludicrously, but understandably expensive.
Though Adventurers are needed to recover monster crystals, which the rest of the outside world needs, does that mean that they are trained, armed, and armored as well as they possibly can?
Hell no.
Society has never been based off a pro-bono system or even a logical system. If there is a need for something, someone will find a way to gouge people money for it. While in reality, it would make sense to have adventurers always at their best and bringing in thousands and thousands of tons of crystals everyday… well, as I said before, there's money to be made and so such a thing does not happen.
Instead, Orario is this world's most lucrative and expensive city because of the exploitation of Adventurers.
The immense machine of commerce churns ever onward in this world. Adventurers are the corporate slaves of this world. Cogs in a massive machine that services the rest of the world with magic fuel. Even more disgustingly, we are all practically bound to return our hard-earned Valis into the system itself, as all Familias network with the Guild and thus pay tribute to them in one manner or another.
We are all corporate slaves, tackling corporate objectives, and buying from corporate stores and subsidiaries.
By all means, it should be easy to write some manifesto or something to incite the Adventurers. They control the flow of Magic Crystals to the rest of the world. Not to mention the other magical resources that can only be found in the Dungeon.
However, that exploitation is the very root of the immense competition between Familias.
More power means more money. They can delve deeper into the Dungeon. Mount Expeditions that can recover what outsiders require. Then the Guild and actual foreign companies come in to buy them.
More money means more power. They afford the best equipment and supplies. They stay ahead of the competition. They return to the Dungeon with happy smiles and intent to kill for more and more money.
The powerful get more powerful.
The weak are left to hope for decent scraps.
The weak blame those with power.
Those with power can only stay powerful by playing the same game.
I would tear the system down from its foundations… if not for the single fact it worked in my favor. Grinding the first eleven floors, as I've done, can only be done by a person as horribly broken as myself. I rake in millions of Valis a day with the proper preparation. All the most magnificent and exquisite supplies are within my reach with good budget management.
In essence, this damned world has corrupted me into allowing their sick, vile, and disgusting system to continue… or, as I'm more inclined to believe, I'm just already used to the system and can use it to my heart's content.
The Hikigaya Revolution ™ can wait until I'm sufficiently disgusted with how ludicrously rich I am.
So… maybe in a few decades?
Heh, I like systems that are to my benefit.
…
"F-fifty five m-million Valis!?" Cranel cried out in horror as I forked over the aforementioned amount. Keep it down, Brat. We may be in Babel, the high-rise mall of the gods, but you'll still attract unsavory attention like that. It's like you want me to get robbed! "S-sensei, why are you spending so much on a single book!?"
"Going senile already, Brat? Is that white hair of yours not just for show?" I grunted as I stuffed my purchase into the folds of my cloak. Nope. Not risking putting it in a pouch. That final payment alone was a month of clearing entire sections of the first ten floors twice a day, something I can no longer do since I can only go as far as Cranel can. My bank account is still ludicrously large, but I can't spend it as frivolously as I used to. "You already forget why we're here in the first place? It's a Grimoire, Brat."
"Ah, another Spell, Sensei?" Cranel gave an noise of understanding. What are you doing? Stop acting cute. You're distracting me from my disappointment at your inability to pay attention. You distract me from what I'm supposed to do-. Wait why are you coming closer to me? My white-haired student stepped towards me, and lowered his voice in a whisper. My heart isn't ready for this! No~ "But, I thought you said that you already filled up all five of your Magic Slots, Sensei?"
"How are you able to remember something I said yesterday and not something I told you an hour ago, Brat?" I sighed and shook my head. Admittedly, I was impressed he could remember such an important fact. Knowing the abilities of other adventurers is integral to having a party. I was starting to train him in leading a party, now that he was properly killing and analyzing monsters by himself. Also, information like that sells for a lot of money and is very good for blackmail. "Yeah, that's true, but this Grimoire's going to change that." I patted the book inside my coat with a nod. "This one isn't a spell, but instead grants another Magic Slot. It lets me bring six spells into the Dungeon instead of five."
"Eh? Fifty-five million Valis for just for an empty slot?" Cranel cried out and I gave an amused snort. "Why are you laughing, Sensei?"
"It wasn't fifty-five million Valis." Cranel blinked confusedly as I informed him. My white-haired student's head tilted to the side and he crossed his arms. Taking into account how poor Hestia and Cranel were… well, I'm sure that my coming revelation would cause a rather hilarious action. "I paid fifty-five million Valis once a month for three months." I tapped the book inside my coat, and enjoyed the slowly paling features of my student. Yeah, I knew where this was going. "This 'just an empty slot' is worth a hundred and sixty five million Valis."
"EEEHHHHHHH!?"
Hah, that little skit is hilarious, as expected.
…
"Sensei, if you're so rich, why do you live in a pub?" Augh, it was funny for the first few questions, but Cranel hasn't ceased asking questions since he managed to gather his wits. I had hoped that after our daily visit to the dungeon and arrival at the Hostess of Fertility he'd be out of questions. Nope. He had questions every time I checked up on him, during the breaks between monster hunting, and even now as we ate. I know I did wrong by shocking my poor student, but haven't I suffered enough? "Sensei, can't you buy a house with the amount of money you have? Can't you buy one of those villas in the outskirts of town? Hestia sama really wants to live in one of those!"
"I live here because it's well protected. Mama Mia's reputation keeps my stuff away from sticky fingers." I was barely able to keep myself from banging my head against the bar counter. I couldn't just stop answering Cranel's questions. Unwittingly, my student kept asking questions that were actually decent. Why don't we walk this street like we usually do? Why take alley ways? Why are we doubling back? All very good questions, with answers that could help him one day. "I can, but there's no houses as near to Babel, the Dungeon, or the Guild as the pub. No point in wasting money on places like that, those places just attract thieves."
"Then what about-."
"Aha, you're so lively today, Bell-kun!" Thank you, Flova-san. You have saved my life. If Cranel continued further, I'd have broken the counter with my head. Grand would've broken the rest of my body after that, I'm sure. Turning to the waitress in question, I gave her a grateful smile that elicited a wink in return. I usually hate clever, cute girls like you, but you're a blessing today. I promise to raise a flag between you and Cranel in the future. Would you prefer me to trip him beneath your skirt or to give you a chance to nurse him until he's healthy? "Did you and your Sensei do something exciting today?"
A good five minutes passed. I was able to enjoy my meal. Cranel accidentally flirted with Flova five times. Once per minute. Go forth, Harem Protagonist, steal hearts as you're meant to do! Ganbare, Flova.
"Hikigaya." Lyon caught my attention uncharacteristically today. There wasn't a single insult in her words. I turned to the blonde elf as Cranel sent Flova blushing madly because of a stray compliment. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten, Flova. She produced a letter from her apron and presented it to me with the slightest smile. I felt a chill go up my spine. What's this demon waitress holding in her hand? "A letter for you. It is from Wallenstein-sama."
The bar went quiet from a moment.
Oh, this bitch.
"EEEHHHHHH!?"
What the hell? Was this going to be a gag episode? Something to relieve the viewers after what happened in the previous episode? I mean sure, Cranel got a little beat up and found a reason to truly go into the Dungeon, but are all these gags really necessary? Everyone's eyes were turned to me, or more accurately, the envelope in my hand. Even though I already knew what was in it, no one else did, and it could be interpreted in any manner.
Worst of all, I couldn't fire back any insults. The attack wasn't something I was prepared for. Given the smug smirk on Lyon's face, the demon maid knew that as well! I'll get you someday! One day you'll be caught up in a situation just like this! You, with your student, and me coming across your student's crush's letter addressed to you! On that day, you'll regret the fact that you did this to me!
Dammit, Lyon did not win this!
"Sensei, you know Aiz?" Cranel looked upon me with tearful eyes. Oh, no! He's unwittingly unleashing his most powerful attack right at my weakpoint! He's gone all out, biting his lip, poking his fingers together, and fidgeting in his chair. Lower the strength of your cute attack before I accidentally profess my need to be forgiven by you! "Ummm… ah… Not that there's anything wrong with you knowing her, I understand why you kept quiet about her since I told you about how I felt-."
"Calm down, Brat. That woman's not interested in anything like that." I shot down whatever idea Cranel had in his head. No way am I tripping the Attractive Mentor flag. That usually, quickly leads to the Heroic Sacrifice Mentor. Like any sane individual, I'd like to avoid dying and drama. The latter more so if I'm truly being honest. At least dying ends. I turned to glare at Lyon, but she was already gone. Dammit, the devil elf escaped while I was distracted! "Wallenstein wants to apologize for scaring you off after killing that minotaur and how her Familia member acted towards you."
Cranel gave a noise of discomfort, still fidgeting.
"Listen, Cranel." I looked over my shoulder at my student. I ignored my more idle delusions and just focused on the young man worried that he wasn't good enough for the young woman he liked. Cranel raised his head to look at me, growing still as he registered the way I addressed him. I opened the letter, found what I expected on it, and simply gave it to my student. "It'll be a long road before you can stand on the same pedestal that Wallenstein stands on. You're Level 1 and she's Level 5. My advice? Explain the situation, thank her for saving your life, and work hard until you can return the favor."
"Y-yes, Hikigaya-sensei!"
The situation's still more messy than I'd like, especially with Flova still being in earshot, but so long as I made it clear that I was on Cranel's side… well, I didn't care much for anyone else.
No one else, after all, can get me home.
A/N: Next update will probably be on Tuesday next week, maybe Monday if I feel up to it.
We're also heading into more original content after the Monster Festival Arc, this one, everything is pretty much more different.