"Newly summoned heroes are to immediately report to the throne room along with their parties. Newly summoned heroes are to immediately report to the throne room along with their parties. Newly summoned…" – a monotonous, magically amplified voice echoed throughout the capital and up to forty kilometers beyond.
"Turn that damn thing off," Zetto muttered, struggling to sit up. "My head hurts so much I can barely think."
"Oh, Zetto! You're awake already!" Alice said, sitting by the head of his bed. "As a diligent and loyal maid, I watched over your sleep. You slept as peacefully as a baby, hehe," she added, trying to tease him.
"So, our great party boy managed to wake up at a decent hour?" Tae said as she walked in. "You really put on a show yesterday, but at least you won over my father with it, so I guess it turned out fine despite your antics."
"W-what did I even do yesterday? I don't remember anything…" He finally recalled Gerai telling him "Drink" while handing him the bottle of banem. "Ah, that. Well, I just wanted to prove my determination."
"Hmph! You overdid it!" Tae said proudly. "The rest of the Tiriga, including my father, have gone on their missions. I stayed here with Alice to look after you. Anyway, you hear that announcement. Get yourself together, and let's go."
"Sadly, even my power has its limits," Zetto said with a pained expression. "Looks like I can heal illnesses and even the gravest wounds, but not a hangover."
"Well, too bad then," the tigress replied casually. "Just don't make us look bad because of you."
"Zetto, today we're supposed to find out where we'll be stationed. This is a very important day in our party's history, and you're going to show up with a terrible hangover? That's not good," Alice said, shaking her finger at him. Tae burst out laughing.
"Alright, enough teasing. He's had plenty already. By the way, that makeup is amazing, Alice. It's still perfect even after yesterday."
"Thanks, though it's not really my achievement, but the work of the people who made the tools I used to apply it," the zombie replied with a smile.
"Let's just go," said Zetto, barely managing to stand. "I want to get to the palace as fast as possible, so I can finally stop listening to that endlessly repeated announcement. A little more of this and it'll drive me insane."
*
Afternoon, the day before
Around the same time Zetto went shopping with Tae and Alice, Makoto and his party were searching the area near Varlen.
"Why do we have to do this filthy job?" Kerin complained. "My clothes and nails will get messy from all this sand and dirt!"
Aquirlla sighed, with a mix of understanding and slight irritation.
"Stop whining so much. It could always be worse. Besides, we're doing this on our own."
"Worse… what could be worse than looking for meaningless details among grass, bushes, and trees?"
"Maybe you'd rather be cleaning up mangled corpses from the walls? Scraping off dried blood for hours, or–"
"Enough already! Ugh, I've got goosebumps. You're really horrible!"
Aquirlla laughed in response. Her plan worked, the desired effect was there. Kerin kept doing her share of the work in silence.
Makoto, meanwhile, was standing around the same spot where Zetto had been when he cast the spell on the caravan.
That foolish, naive old man on the throne suspects nothing. Just a few pompous, pretty words and a promise dressed in flowery phrases were enough for him to let me run my own investigation and even show me all the collected evidence.
The so-called hair is a magical thread woven from a very rare material. No wonder none of those troglodytes noticed the difference. And the demon banner supposedly torn from that "mighty" opponent doesn't even exist.
Probably doesn't exist. Even I'm not a hundred percent sure, but the only way to confirm it would be to head to the northern volcanoes and rob the sarcophagi of the ancient, slumbering demons, and that would be suicide.
I need to find any clue. The place I'm standing in is overflowing with magical energy. Zetto definitely cast his spell from here.
Even so, earth magic is offensive magic. How could some second-rate healer possibly…
Makoto was struck by a sudden, deep shock.
The Transgression Suit. It must have fallen into the hands of merchants, who sold it for a good price. And since Zetto agreed to be that crazy old hag Elise's mannequin, everything falls perfectly into place.
Damn it all. In that case, killing him will be even harder, if this theory is true. The other possibility is that he added a high-level mage to his party.
No. From what I've seen of that loser, I doubt he'd bother making new connections. Most likely, after finding out he's the Messenger, his ego shot through the roof.
"Makoto," Aquirlla's very low voice for a woman pulled him from his thoughts. "What's the point of all this?"
"A good assassin or rogue should improve their tracking skills. You'll need it," he replied, staring off into the distance. "And besides, I'll uncover the truth at any cost. I have a feeling it's different from what the official reports say."
"Don't you think this is absurd? We've been walking in circles here for an hour."
"Shut up. If I hadn't chosen you, you'd still be some meaningless half-fish creature. Do as I say."
"I get that you're frustrated," she answered, snorting aggressively, "but you don't have to take it out on me."
"Fouuund soooomething!" Kerin's voice shouted from deep in the forest.
I can't believe that gullible idiot is actually useful. Luckily for me, none of them suspect who I really am.
"What did you find?" he asked, faking any interest.
Kerin ran up to them.
"This," she said, holding a handful of white, silky, shining fur. "It doesn't look like a forest beast's hair. And it smells like women's perfume."
I'd recognize that stench anywhere, Makoto thought, glaring at the fur with hatred and surprise. I can't believe that moron decided to ally with the Tiriga. He just made my job easier. Ugh. Time to play the good uncle.
"You did great, Kerin," he said, acting as best he could, then took the Tiriga fur from her. "Tonight we'll have something special to eat," he added, smiling.
"Yaaay!" Kerin cheered.
"Is that really enough?" Aquirlla asked. "Do you even recognize what it is? Kinda strange for someone just summoned to this world."
Her suspicion is getting on my nerves. I'll have to cover myself somehow.
"Well, while you were asleep," he said, pretending to be embarrassed, "I went to the libraries to learn about the different races of this world. I didn't tell you because I was afraid I'd sound like a nerd, ahahaha."
"You do sound like one," Kerin replied, laughing at her own joke.
"You know, I had pretty good grades in school," Makoto continued, "because I learn fast. This looks like the fur of a creature the Messenger might have allied with, just to trick everyone else."
"What are you implying?" Aquirlla raised an eyebrow.
"You really don't get it?" Makoto said, slightly annoyed. Control yourself. They have to trust you somehow. "In my opinion, Zetto killed the five nobles, and the supposed props from the defeated demon are fakes. Maybe he outsmarted the king, but I know him well enough to guess that a simple, childish trick like this is his style."
"Impossible!" Kerin shouted in disbelief.
"Even if that's true," Aquirlla continued calmly, "how do you plan to prove it?"
"That's for me to figure out," Makoto replied with determination in his eyes. "Sooner or later I'll find a way. Let's put that aside for now. Time to eat something proper.. You deserve it after hours of searching in the bushes."
"Finally! I'd kill for some good lamb," Kerin said excitedly. "What about you, Aquirlla?"
"Algae," Quii replied curtly.
"Ewwww!"
"Sigh. Your human barbarian palates just can't appreciate the refined flavors of my people's cuisine."
"Oh, absolutely!" Kerin didn't give up.
Makoto's team headed back to the capital, joking and arguing about food.
*
Present day…
All the hero teams gathered in the throne room, waiting for the king's decree. Makoto looked at Tae with disdain.
No doubt about it. That half-beastly smell coming from her… it's the disguised Tiriga. Now it's just a matter of proving my assumptions…
Shivers ran down Tae's spine. The tiger girl immediately noticed Makoto staring at her. She made a half-disgusted, half-worried face.
"Who's that creep?" she whispered to Alice.
"I-I don't know. First time seeing him," the maid replied. "Was he even here before?"
"One of the biggest scums among heroes," Zetto murmured. "I don't like the way he's looking at you."
He moved to stand between Tae and Makoto, blocking his gaze. Zetto shot him a glare full of anger and challenge. Makoto looked away, pretending to be shy.
"Don't worry, Tae. I'll protect you from him."
"I can take care of myself!" she said, blushing. "B-but thanks for looking out for me."
The chatter among the hero teams died down as the king entered the hall with his guards. The monarch used the side entrance, which only members of the royal family or their closest attendants were allowed to use. The ruler sat on the throne, cleared his throat, and spoke as loudly as he could:
"Until the last moment, we deliberated on assigning you the appropriate parts of the north border, young heroes. After long and demanding debates with my advisors, the following decisions have been made: the team heading furthest north will be led by Hero Hiro, the northeast will be defended by the hero teams of Makoto and Shiro."
For a split second, Zetto glanced at the leader of the five-hero group from his class. Finally, he remembered his name.
"The northwest will be under the care of Hero Zetto's teams and Heroine Yua. You will depart tomorrow with the troop movements."
The king nodded to his guards, who handed each hero the corresponding decree detailing their stationing. Yua exchanged a few words with her group, then, sighing heavily, approached Zetto.
"We don't have to like each other, but that doesn't mean we can't make something good out of our collaboration. I look forward to working together," she said, extending her hand.
"Mhm. Me too," Zetto replied, reluctantly returning the gesture. Yua, I kind of pity you. You have no idea I plan to repay you in kind. Or maybe I should let it go? No. She didn't feel any remorse. She knew about everything.
"I see Hiro and the rest are already gathering," she said, glancing back. "Maybe we should step out onto the courtyard and get to know each other's teams better?"
"Whatever you want," Zetto answered indifferently. "You know, no matter what happens, I'll save us anyway."
"Don't you think that's too arrogant? You've been a messenger for a few days, done nothing, and already your head's swollen?"
"Aren't you going too far?" Tae said, stepping in front of Zetto. "And stop pretending to be nice, your fake act is driving me crazy."
"I don't know who you are, but you defending him like he's someone special. If it weren't for luck, he'd still be a weakling getting bullied, who can't fight for himself and blames the world for not helping him. And besides-"
"Shut up," Zetto gave her a look full of hatred and anger. "If I wanted to…" Calm down. Don't let my anger take over. I don't want to break Alice and Tae's trust. I don't want them to see me as a monster and leav
Zetto looked at his team. Alice seemed confused, watching the argument but not getting involved. Tae, on the other hand, stared angrily at Yua and probably didn't hear Zetto's unfinished sentence.
"Well, I tried to cooperate. But clearly, it's impossible with idiots like you. Good luck on the front. You've always been weak, and you always will be-"
Tae slapped Yua. Alice, who had been watching until now, gasped in surprise and covered her mouth with her hands. Some of the people in the hall, standing in the doorway or not yet leaving, started looking at the heroes arguing, noticing something interesting was happening.
"You'll pay for that," Yua said, offended.
"Try touching her," Zetto said, his red eyes burning with fury inside, "and I'll make sure you…"
"I-I don't want to interfere," Alice finally said, "but I think we're attracting too much attention."
"Right. Let's go," Zetto commanded. " No point in us staying here."
Zetto's team left the throne room. Yua looked at them with contempt, her pride hurt. The girls in her team started comforting her and insulting the messenger's team behind their backs.
*
Evening, the same day…
"Hey, old man, here's the fee for your place," Zetto said, then tossed a bottle of banem at Gerai at the entrance. The leader of Tiriga caught it mid-air.
"Who are you calling old man, huh?" he replied, slightly annoyed, but his mood immediately lifted when he saw what kind of bottle Zetto had thrown.
"Boss," one of the four Tiriga soldiers playing cards on an old, worn-out crate spoke up. Zetto had only noticed them now, Tiriga soldiers were good at hiding in the dark. "Who's this cheeky brat?"
"This brat deserves respect. After all, he earned the right to my Tae…" he said, opening the bottle and taking a solid gulp.
"Oh, really? Then he must be stronger than all of us combined!"
"I'm going for a walk," Zetto said bluntly.
"At this hour?" Tae asked, worried. "The forest is full of dangers. You'll get lost, you don't know it. Someone should go with you."
"Stay here. I'll manage. Besides, I'd rather make sure you're safe."
"Stubborn, huh?" Gerai replied. "I like that. Here, for courage," he said, handing him the bottle. After recent experiences, Zetto only took a small sip and wiped his mouth.
"Zetto, why do you want to go?" Alice asked, concerned.
"I need to think about a few things," he answered, going up the stairs, and then disappeared into the darkness.
"There's no way I'm leaving him like that," Tae said, following after Zetto.
"Tae, be careful. I would go with you, but I can't see anything in the dark," Alice added, giving the tigress a cautious look.
"I know the forest better than him. And that worries me the most."
"Tae!" Alice tried to stop her, but Tae had already vanished.
"You can't hold back a tiger heart, especially when it decides to stick to its own path. They're well-matched in character, both equally stubborn. Their arguments are going to be tough," Gerai commented, taking another proper gulp of banem.
*
Zetto made a small orb of light appear, floating beside him and lighting the way.
What's happening to me? Back in the throne room, I almost threatened Yua with death if Alice hadn't stopped me.
I used to act more confidently. Seeing Ellie so close to her deathbed broke something inside me . I can't act impulsively and let my anger control me. I have to keep my emotions in check. It's clear I won't be able to save everyone, since suffering and death are an unavoidable part of life.
On the other hand, did my bullies have any moral doubts when they chose me as a scapegoat? Would they hesitate to humiliate me even more if I got a worse class than them in this world? Because I stood my ground, they keep their distance, but soon their own ambition will devour them. They'll want to take revenge for daring to oppose them, try to kill the last spark of hope in me.
I can't feel guilty fighting them. They had none, and they won't. I have to protect what's most precious to me, no matter the cost… for now, that's two people and their trust, and it means more to me than anything else.
Zetto looked around. He didn't even realize how far he'd wandered or which path he was on.
Damn. I got lost in my thoughts. Fine, I'll just sleep here and try to find the way back tomorrow, or someone from Tiriga will come for me.
Why do I have doubts about my plans toward other heroes when they have none? Makoto is probably plotting to humiliate me again.
I'm not like them. After all, I got a power I can actually use for good.
Zetto looked at his hand, then clenched his fist.
I'll save people like Rai and Ellie, protect Alice and Tae at any cost. For the rest, I have to figure it out. Vigilante justice is never the right path, but for now, it's my only option. I didn't want to be a hero, but part of me still wants to do good. I'm not a villain, even if I want to slaughter my tormentors one by one.
Who the hell am I becoming?
Zetto heard a rustle in the bushes behind him. He turned toward it.
"Come out. I can see you," he said, though he really only saw a moving bush.
A dark shape faster than the wind lunged at him. Zetto didn't have time to react. Moments later, the orb lit up Zetto lying on the grass and Tae sitting on his lap, pinning his hands to the ground. The tigress was breathing fast from the sudden movements.
"What were you thinking? You just walked straight ahead like you wanted to run from us," she said disapprovingly. "What are you doing, Zetto?"
The messenger turned his head to the side.
"Sorry. I just had to think through a few things. That's all."
"But you know you've got us, right?! Alice and I would definitely listen to whatever you want to say. Unless, of course, you don't trust us, even though we trust you."
"No, it's not that…"
"Then what? Maybe you really were trying to run from us?"
"If we're going to have a serious talk, maybe we should change position, don't you think?" he replied with a slightly wry smile.
"Huh?!" Tae blushed, realizing just how it must have looked, sitting on his lap like that. "Seriously, you could give that a rest sometimes!" She slid off him and sat on the grass beside him, her gaze fixed on the ground, embarrassed. Zetto sat up.
"Did Alice tell you why we were late to the meeting back then?"
"Yes. While you were passed out drunk, we talked about a few different things."
"Good to know… Ever since I saw Ellie, I realized that if I had killed everyone, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet Rai and save her. Honestly… I feel like a mess. Part of me still wants to do right, and part of me wants revenge for the wrongs I suffered in that world. I know the other heroes at their worst. I know they wouldn't hesitate to do anything just to prove they're on top. I'm ready to return the favor, to murder them without remorse, to make sure you and Alice are safe. At the same time, I'm afraid that by doing that… I'll lose your trust," he said, looking to the side. I finally got it off my chest. I feel better having told her. I just don't know how Tae will react to all of this. "Sorry if this sounds stupid. I'm just afraid that if you see me slaying other heroes without hesitation, I'll end up alone again."
Tae gave him a gentle smile. Hesitantly, she placed her hand over his.
"I can't speak for Alice," she said, looking him in the eyes, "but you're not the kind of person who kills without reason. If that were true, I'd be dead by now," she added, laughing softly. "I don't know what happened between you and the other heroes before, maybe one day you'll tell me."
Zetto's expression darkened. He looked at the grass for a moment, then back at Tae.
"Yeah. Maybe that day will come."
"Anyway, if you need a little reassurance, I won't turn away from you, no matter what happens," she said, holding his hand tighter. "And honestly, I think Yua's already coming after me. If you end up killing heroes to protect us, I can't blame you. We live in a brutal world, where my kind was almost wiped out, and the values that the noble and protective should uphold have been turned upside down. I think the fact that you felt like an outcast among them for some time only proves that we are in the right".
"Thank you for listening to me. You've lifted a weight off my shoulders," He gave a small blush. Not wanting Tae to notice it, he turned his head to the side. "I thought trusting someone would be much harder for me, after my experiences with Makoto…"
"You know," Tae said, "you just reminded me of a saying from my people: 'Bonds born quickly are at nature's mercy.' It basically means that such connections can either last for years or fall apart after a single day."
Zetto smiled softly. He looked up at the moon, then stood and offered his hand to Tae. The captivated tigress hesitated for a moment, then accepted it.
His white hair and red eyes against the moon… so beautiful, yet so terrifying, as if hero and demon shared the same body, she thought as she rose to her feet with his help.
Once Tae was standing, she instinctively let go of his hand.
This is probably still too soon…
"By the way, changing the subject a bit," Zetto said with a slightly silly grin, "do you know the way back? I got lost in thought and completely forgot the path I took, haha."
Tae sighed.
"Of course I do. I know this forest like the back of my paw. Honestly, if you weren't so strong, there'd be a real chance bears or other forest beasts would've eaten you. Next time, think a little before rushing off, you dummy!"
"Noted," he replied, then laughed. "So, next time, should I take you for a romantic evening walk?"
"H-huh?! Where's that coming from all of a sudden?! Maybe… never mind," Tae said, shaking her head. "Better get back to the hideout, everyone's worried about us."
*
"Where have you two disappeared to? Do you have any idea we're getting up at the crack of dawn tomorrow?! Even with Zetto's magic to refresh us, that's not responsible! I was losing my mind!" Alice scolded them like little rascals. "Hmpf!" - she puffed out her cheeks. "Next meal? You're making it yourselves. That's my punishment!"
"Oh, okay…" they both replied, a little deflated, fully aware that none of them could cook as well as Alice.
"Haha, now I see who really runs this team, hehe," drunken Gerai said, placing his huge hand on the zombie's shoulder. "Good job keeping them in line. They came back suspiciously cheerful. You're not trying to give me a grandchild yet, are you?" he asked, then hiccupped. Zetto meanwhile looked around the hideout; the rest of Tiriga had vanished, probably off on their missions.
"Dad, stop it!" Tae shouted indignantly. "We've only just started getting to know each other!!"
"By the way," Alice added, "Tae, I have something for you. I've been secretly sewing it at night… well, I don't need to sleep, but sometimes I do it just for fun, hehe. Anyway, luckily I finished it, since we're about to head to the front lines."
"Tae might get her first war scars," Gerai interrupted, genuinely moved. "My goodness, kids grow up so fast. Come here and hug your dad before the first big battle."
"Ugh, what am I, five years old?" she said, giving him a half-hearted hug.
"Ahem. New outfit for Tae, appear!" Alice finished. In her hands was a black one-piece suit with gold accents. "Each of us has some black in our outfit. I thought from today on, we could all wear black-and-gold as our team mark, hehe," she said, pinning a gold bow she had sewn herself to her hair. "Here. Luckily, I had just enough elastic material to make it. Want to try it on?"
"Now? I need to go to another room…"
"Plllllease!" Alice pleaded, staring at Tae like a cute little puppy begging for something.
"Alright…" Tae sighed. She went into the room where Zetto had been sleeping earlier. No one was there, so she started changing. A moment later, she returned; the suit fit her perfectly, even a bit snug, accentuating her sculpted stomach and feminine curves.
" Doesn't it… you know, kind of emphasize certain things too much… on its own?"
"I thought it might be uncomfortable for you, but I was prepared for this case. Looks like I'm a pretty resourceful maid, hehe".
"Zetto, what do you think?"
"You look even better in it than in that dress," he replied, trying to keep a straight face but blushing anyway. I hadn't realized before just how beautiful she is. And she's exactly my type… I've always liked strong women with even more intense personalities.
"Cover, appear!" Alice said. "Here, you can put this over your outfit. I think it will help you feel less self-conscious and won't restrict your movements." She handed Tae a tank top and a skirt made of sheer golden material. Tae immediately put on the cover-up Alice had handed her. "How do you feel now?"
"Better, thanks," Tae said, fastening the belt around her outfit. "Step back, please. Dad, you too."
Tae performed a few kicks and slashes in the air, switching blades, kicking, occasionally adding punches, and sweeping movements from below. This outfit is amazing. I feel so light… like the wind is the only thing wrapping my body. "Good job, Alice. I'm really impressed. I'm not sure how to express it, so… allow me." She approached her and gave a gentle pat on Alice's head. The zombie beamed, proud of herself.
"Another highest honor from someone on my team!" Alice looked at the tigress. Stars of determination sparkled in her eyes. " I'll be the best tailor the world has ever seen – for our team!"
"Nobody matches your drive," Tae added, laughing heartily.
Zetto chuckled along with her. Just before bed, the four of them spent some time talking and growing closer as friends.