The next morning Ryu had a pep in his step as he entered the castle. He was excited to inform the prince of the events that had unfolded last night. While he was disappointed he had failed to kill Kurayami, he was glad to have made some progress on figuring out who their enemies were within the capital. As he knocked on Tensai's door, Hakushiki suddenly came up behind him and grabbed his arm. He quickly twisted it behind his back as he pushed him through the entrance. Ryu started saying, "Ow, ow, ow" as the vice-captain shoved him toward the ground. He stumbled a few steps before catching himself as Hakushiki shut the door. Tensai swiftly closed his book and stood up as he assertively said, "What are you doing vice-captain?" He angrily pointed at Ryu while saying, "Your little bodyguard here caused absolute mayhem at nobleman Gareth's manor last night!" Chinmoku had yet to change shifts with Baka as she excitedly said, "No way! You are the one who had the guards running around. What did you do?"
Ryu quickly defended himself as he pleadingly said, "I swear it was not my fault that things got chaotic." Hakushiki threw his hands up in the air as he looked away while exasperatedly saying, "Who else would have alerted the guards to the location of the fight card then." The prince took the pause as an opportunity to command everyone to sit down and calm down. As they all gathered around the coffee table, the vice-captain reluctantly plopped down on the couch as he crossed his legs and arms. As Tensai settled in, he asked Ryu, "What happened?" He happily started to explain exactly what had occurred last night. As he told everyone how he followed Hakushiki to the event, the vice-captain wanted to angrily protest, but the prince was fast to silence him as Ryu continued. He excitedly told Chinmoku and Tensai about the incredible fights he watched as he waited for someone to show up to enter the V.I.P. area.
His tone grew serious as he said, "When I finally entered the suite, I found a multitude of women of various ages and species scantily clad with black choker tattoos around their necks. Is that some kind of magic?" Hakushiki quickly answered the question as he said, "It is a binding spell called Subjugation. It forces a person to submit to another via terms of a signed contract. Most of the time it is pretty straight forward like you will do as I command or forfeit your life." The prince was clearly frustrated by this new information as he turned to the vice-captain and asked, "Were you aware this was happening Hakushiki?" He swiftly shook his head no as he said, "No, your majesty. I would have busted the event myself if I had known. I was never allowed in the area he got into." Tensai continued to stare at him for several seconds before sighing and leaning back his seat while saying, "What else happened Ryu?" He cleared his throat as he said, "The two hooded individuals finally revealed themselves, and I briefly gave myself away by accident."
Chinmoku was on the edge of her seat enjoying the amazing story as she said, "What do you mean? What happened?" Ryu awkwardly rubbed the back of his head as he continued, "I lost control of my magic for just a second because it was Kurayami and some demon named Uzu. I quickly regained control of myself, but I was made by the pale skinned weirdo." Hakushiki pushed his glasses up as he said, "Uzu is the second ranked demon captain. I heard he is extremely dangerous since he can create multiple portals simultaneously." Ryu smacked his knee as he realized how he ended up in the arena as he said, "That bastard used his magic to launch me into you last night." The prince stood up and walked over the balcony as he tried to figure out why they were in his city as he asked, "Were they meeting anyone in the suite?" Ryu nodded as he continued, "Yeah, they were. The two of them were meeting with Noburu and some guy named Goman. It seemed they were expecting me to be there."
Hakushiki did not want to accept the truth as he slapped the table while getting up. He put his hands on his hips as he walked toward the bed before saying, "No, no, no. It just isn't possible. Heroes are meant to protect the land. There is no way they are working with the demons." Ryu pushed his hair back as he leaned back on the couch while saying, "I know. It is crazy, but it is true. I swear on my life that Noburu is working with our enemies." He paused as he looked around the room before continuing, "Is this Goman guy a hero to?" The prince was deep in thought as he stared out at the morning sky. Hakushiki just completely ignored Ryu's question as Chinmoku answered, "He is the ninth ranked hero, but I have heard rumors that he is strong enough to be in the top three." Ryu was intrigued as he leaned in while saying, "Why is he not then?" She was still trying to come to terms with her dad working with demons as she pulled her legs up and tucked her head between them before saying, "Apparently, he only cares about fighting, so he has no ambition to advance higher."
Hakushiki finally chimed in as he said, "Goman 'The Notorious' Bushido is extremely dangerous. I have seen him fight two times before, and it was complete domination by him. His record in the arena is one hundred and six to zero. Nobody has fought him and lived to tell about it." As he finished talking, guards suddenly busted through the door. Ryu and Chinmoku quickly stood up as the prince turned around while Hakushiki angrily said, "This is the prince's room! How dare you stomp your way in here without his permission!" Noburu swiftly pushed his way to the front as he calmly said, "We have every right if we believe our majesty's life is in danger vice-captain." The gears were turning in Tensai's head as he questioningly said, "You are here for Ryu aren't you?" The fourth ranked hero creepily smiled as he nodded while holding up a poster. The parchment had a rough drawing of Ryu currently wanted for several offenses as Noburu said, "That is correct your majesty. The army worked overnight with the city guards to qualm a riot at lord Gareth's property after discovering an illegal fighting ring headed by Ryu."
Hakushiki quickly swiped his arm through the air as he confidently said, "That is a lie sir. He was there undercover gathering information. This is absurd. You were there, so you know the truth." Noburu nodded as the vice-captain sighed in relief thinking he had settled the situation. He was utterly shocked though as the fourth ranked hero convincingly said, "I was there, and my mission was to discover who was the head of operations working with the demons to organize the fights, and I still can't believe it either Hakushiki, but we have multiple noblemen who have identified Ryu as the leader of the whole thing." Tensai's voice was authoritative as he said, "He will remain free to travel within the city as ordered by me Noburu. We will hold a tribunal were he can present his defense, and you can present your evidence that he is guilty. As per the law, it will be held in one week." The fourth ranked hero sneered angrily while saying, "You will regret this decision your majesty. We busted several other noblemen that were working with him. You don't have the support you think." The prince motioned for them to leave as he bravely said, "That may be so, but I am still in power. Now leave my chambers."
Noburu clinched his teeth together as he loudly tsked before storming out of the room. As the door shut behind them, Ryu was utterly shocked by the sudden chang of events. Hakushiki was in disbelief as well as he said, "Why? I don't understand." Tensai reassuringly patted him on the shoulder as he said, "I know it is difficult to believe, but he is not on our side. I am sorry friend." Ryu finally broke out of his bewilderment as he said, "What are we going to do?" The prince shook his head as he sighed and plopped down on his bed while dejectedly saying, "I don't know. We walked right into their trap by having you go there. Noburu is not smart enough to orchestrate this kind of scheme. My best guess is Kurayami is the mastermind behind the whole thing." As he finished, Hakushiki pushed his glasses up as he said, "It doesn't matter what lies they tell. I will let everyone know the truth at the tribunal." Ryu frustratingly threw his hands up in the air as he said, "Are you stupid? Your words are going to fall on deaf ears. Noburu basically just told us that the prince will have no one backing him at the thing. Their decision will already be made before the hearing even starts."
Hakushiki got defensive as he got up in Ryu's face while angrily saying, "You think you can talk to me like that you tainted garbage. The prince wouldn't have these issues if you hadn't come to the capital in the first place." Tensai loudly yelled from his bed, "Enough!" Ryu and the vice-captain stared at each for several seconds before Hakushiki turned around and said, "Whatever." As he walked to the door, he continued, "I will go try to figure out what evidence they have against you. I won't let the prince's character be ruined alongside you." He quickly exited the chambers as Ryu asked, "What do you want me to do your majesty?" Tensai remained silent for several minutes as Ryu and Chinmoku patiently waited for his response. A sharp knock on the door suddenly echoed throughout the quiet room as Baka came inside. He was his normal cheery self as he saw Ryu and excitedly said, "How was the mission last night?"
Tensai sat up and answered before he could reply, "We took a step in the wrong direction Baka. Things are looking very dire. Can all of you please leave, so I can have some time alone to think?" They all nodded as they made their way out into the hallway as Baka said, "What happened?" Ryu dejectedly answered, "It was another trap that I walked right into. They arranged the whole thing. They arrested several noblemen who backed the prince and have several others lying saying I was the ringleader who organized the whole thing." As he finished speaking, Chinmoku decided to add on as she said, "He has a hearing in one week were they will decide if he is guilty or not." Baka shook his head in disbelief while saying, "That is just insane! How could they have predicted everything so perfectly?" Ryu pushed his hair back in frustration as he said, "The corruption runs way deeper then we initially thought. The demons have several powerful people in their pockets. We now know that they have at least two heroes working with them if not more. If they can reach them, then no one is off limits."
Baka was utterly shocked at hearing that the saviors of the people were in cahoots with the creatures causing so much suffering in the Empire. Ryu lightly smacked him on his arm as he reassuringly said, "The people have us though whether they know it or not. We will never stop fighting. I think more than ever the prince needs protecting, so lock in and make sure nothing happens to him. Okay?" Baka nodded while confidently saying, "You're right. No matter what they throw at us, we will get through it as a team. You don't have to worry about a thing here." Ryu smiled as said, "That is the spirit." As they waved goodbye to each other, Chinmoku and him made their way back to the castle entrance. All the guards they passed clinched their weapons and stared him down as they walked past. It was clear that Noburu had convinced the city guard that he was the enemy as they exited out to the plaza. Ryu and Chinmoku were instantly concerned as they heard yelling and fighting at the front gate.
As they ran over, they noticed it was a large crowd of the towns people shoving and arguing with the heroes army that was struggling to keep them from getting through. A bottle suddenly flew through the air toward Ryu almost hitting him as he jumped out of the way. A deep man's voice rose above the crowd as he loudly said, "There is the scumbag working with the demons!" Several other people quickly joined in as several more threats and insults were hurled at Ryu. Akudoi swiftly broke off from the line and ran over to them while frantically saying, "You got to get out of here!" A Molotov suddenly shot out from the crowd as someone hurled it toward them. Ryu quickly used water magic to encase the bottle instantly vanquishing the flame as it harmlessly smashed into the ground near them. Akudoi pulled out a piece of bubblegum and popped it in his mouth as he tried to calm down while saying, "The people want your head kid. I don't know what happened last night, but whoever you fucked with has it out for you bad."
Noburu suddenly appeared on top of the gate as he loudly said, "Citizens, please calm down! Justice will be served! His protection from our cowardice prince will run out in one week, and I will personally oversee his execution after his tribunal!" The people started cheering as they chanted in unison, "Death to the traitor! Noburu is our savior!" Akudoi whistled in shock before saying, "I think it is best if you guys jump the wall over there and try your best to stay hidden." Ryu nodded as Noburu glanced at him and creepily grinned before waving his arms for the crowd to silence down. As they quickly fled the courtyard, the fourth ranked hero started speaking to the people again. Ryu was unable to make out what he was saying as they disappeared over the wall into the streets. They both swiftly used their shadow magic to travel back to the city entrance. As Ryu peeked out from a small hidden alley in between two shops, he saw a slew of people holding posters with his face on them. He could overhear the guards warning newcomers to be careful and avoid contact with him. He briefly turned back to Chinmoku as he quietly said, "I am going to slow time in this area, so we can quickly exit. Hop on my back, so I can carry you easier."
She nodded as she jumped up on him. He swiftly adjusted her before casting Delay. Everything started to slow down around them as he used a Greater Speed Buff spell and wind magic to rapidly weave through the crowd and out of the gate. As they exited the range of his spell, Chinmoku excitedly said, "Wahoo! That is so metal. It is like we teleported." Ryu chuckled to himself as he slowed down and put her back down. A few minutes passed before they arrived back at the inn. Ryu stopped for a moment as he said, "I think it is best we sneak in. We also need to catch Megami up on our situation." Chinmoku nodded while saying, "We can sneak in by hopping the walls into the hot springs. We could undress and cover our faces with towels to conceal ourselves." He grabbed his chin as he said, "That could work. Good idea Chinmoku." She proudly smiled before they quickly took off toward the side wall. He swiftly jumped over the one designated for the males while she leapt into the bathing area for the women. A couple of minutes passed before they both walked out of each spot into the lobby of the inn.
Ryu had a towel draped over his head while Chinmoku had one wrapped around her face. They casually made their way down the hallway toward their rooms avoiding any direct contact with the patrons visiting the place. As the two of them entered their rooms, they quickly changed into casual clothing before remerging with their hoods up. Ryu sharply knocked on Megami's door as they waited for her to answer. Almost a minute went by as Ryu contemplated rapping on the entrance to the room again, but he stopped as it suddenly started to open. Megami emerged from behind the door as she sleepily said, "Who is it?" Her hair was a mess, and the strap for her tank top on her right arm had slid down some. Ryu started blushing as he glanced away and pushed his way inside with Chinmoku. Megami still was not fully awake as she weakly protested, "Hey! You can't just barge into my room." As Ryu pulled his hood off, Megami smiled as she happily said, "Is this a dream?" Chinmoku quickly pinched her arm as she took her cowl off. Megami sharply went, "Ow!"
As she rubbed her tricep, she felt her strap and realized her shirt had fallen down some. She instantly started blushing as she glanced at Ryu who was still looking away with rosy cheeks. She quickly pulled it back up and crossed her arms as she said, "What are you two doing in my room?" Chinmoku sat down on the bed while saying, "Better question is why are you not awake yet? You don't work at night." Megami huffed as she frustratingly said, "I like to sleep in, sue me. Now, what is so important?" Ryu cleared his throat as he started to explain what had happened last night and this morning. As he finished speaking, Megami was at a loss for words as she sat down on the bed next to Chinmoku. It took her several seconds to process all of the information before she finally said, "We should prepare for the worse. We should have an exit plan ready if we have to bail quickly from here." Ryu nodded as he plopped down on the ground and said, "We should keep our stuff packed and ready to grab if we need to flee at a moment's notice. I bet Mrs. Yasashi has a secret way out of here."
Chinmoku was confused on why they would not just leave now as she said, "What is stopping us from departing right now before we are hanging from the gallows?" Megami shrugged unsure of what was keeping them in the city as they both turned to Ryu. He shook his head in disappointment while saying, "The prince and his protection are our job. If we leave him behind, the people will have him ousted and executed because our abandonment would confirm their suspension." A loud knocking at the door suddenly got everyone's attention as Brisa's muffled voice said, "Megami? Are you awake?" Chinmoku quickly got next to the wall by the door while Ryu positioned himself behind the entrance. Megami swiftly scrunched her hair up and put her glasses on as she said, "Coming!" As she opened the door, she cheerily said, "It is good to see you Brisa. What is it?" She smiled at Megami before saying, "There is two guests here for Ryu, but he left this morning. I believe the gentleman said his name was Taikutsu. Can you help them?" Ryu sighed in relief as he emerged from behind the door.
Brisa started blushing as soon as she saw him standing behind Megami. She had not realized their relationship had progressed to staying in the same room with each other now. She suddenly hugged Megami as she excitedly said, "Good job, girl." She was confused as Ryu said, "Can you bring them to us?" Brisa stepped back still smiling and blushing as she nodded. She quickly took off down the hallway as he closed the door. Only a minute went by before she was back at the door with Taikutsu and Nibui. Ryu was relieved to see them as he let them into the room while saying, "What are you two doing here?" Taikutsu sighed as he shut door while Nibui quickly greeted Megami and Chinmoku. As he turned around, he disappointingly said, "We are here because you went and got your stupid face plastered all over the city. How did you screw up so epically last night?" Ryu swiftly shook his head denying that he did anything wrong as he defensively said, "It wasn't my fault. I walked right into a trap. Where did you get that flyer from that you gave me is the better question."
Taikutsu smacked his forehead as he slowly drug his hand down his face while frustratingly saying, "Akudoi!" Nibui suddenly snapped toward him before socking him in the arm and staring at him like he was an idiot with her hands on her hips. Ryu was confused by what was going on as he confusingly said, "Uhm, why did you just punch him Nibui?" She did not answer as she cleared her throat and wagged her head toward him. He looked over at Megami who was just as puzzled as she shrugged her shoulders unsure what they should do. Meanwhile, the look in Nibui's eyes was borderline crazy as Taikutsu finally broke and said, "Okay, I'll tell him woman. Just calm down." She socked him in the arm again while angrily saying, "Don't tell me what to do." He started rubbing his arm as he said, "You are so brutish." She raised her fist back up as he quickly turned toward her with his hands up as he quickly said, "I was just kidding!"
Ryu finally cleared his throat as he said, "I hate to interrupt this little lovers quarrel you two are having, but I was wondering what did you need to tell me?" Nibui started blushing as she turned away from Taikutsu who sighed in relief as he turned back to Ryu. As he got ready to speak, Nibui suddenly socked him in the arm again knocking him into the wall. He audibly went "Hpmh" as he fell sideways. He rubbed his arm in confusion as he tried to figure out what he had done for that shot as he started to say, "I may be to blame a tiny little bit for walking you into that trap last night. I got the flyer from that dumbass Akudoi. He told me he found it on a criminal during his search of them." Ryu was drawing a blank trying to figure out what he was trying to tell him as he said, "What does that have to do with anything? We trust Akudoi. He wouldn't have set us up." Taikutsu started rubbing the back of his head as he continued, "Well, not intentionally. It was more the next thing he said that I should have caught."
He paused for just a second before sighing as he quickly said, "He told me the guy was brought in by Noburu during his training with some of the new recruits." Ryu was stunned as he suddenly recalled what Kuraymi had said to him when he got discovered in the suite. He quickly grew angry as threw his arms up in the air while saying, "Dam that bastard demon!" Megami was confused by his sudden outburst as she said, "What is wrong Ryu?" He ruffled his hair as he said, "I just put together why Kurayami thought I would have had to of been an idiot not to have been there last night. They couldn't have made it anymore obvious that they were setting a trap for me." Nibui sassily motioned her arm toward Ryu while looking at Taikutsu while saying, "I told you." Chinmoku chuckled as she said, "At least we know now that Baka's stupidness was inherited." All the girls giggled at Taikutsu as Ryu piled on by saying, "Birds of a feather flock together. No wonder why Akudoi is your best friend."
Everyone laughed at his expense as he rolled his eyes and leaned against the wall as Megami said, "You're lucky Nibui puts up with you." He brushed her comment off as he waved his hand while saying, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I get it. I'm stupid. Does the prince know about last night yet?" Ryu nodded as he told them how he had discovered several nobles, Noburu, and another hero named Goman at the event yesterday. He then went on to tell them how the fourth ranked hero attempted to arrest him this morning. He paused as he took a second to breath before continuing, "That stupid demon general orchestrated this entire thing and now I have a tribunal in one week which I wouldn't bet on me winning." As he finished, Chinmoku quickly added, "Don't forget everybody in the city wants to kill you as well." Ryu looked devasted and hurt as he said, "Thank you for reminding me." Megami shot her an angry look as she got up and rubbed his arm while saying, "We will figure out a way to change their minds."
Ryu nodded as Nibui punched the palm of her hand with her fist as she encouragingly said, "Even if we have to beat the sense into them." He perked back up just as Taikutsu inserted himself into the conversation and ruined the moment by saying, "So, once you realize fairyland isn't real, do you know about the secret way out of here for when you are fleeing from the masses?" Nibui instantly shot daggers at him as she frustratingly said, "It's like you want me to hit you again." He smirked as he continued, "Yasashi's family had a secret passage built into this place that leads into the mountains, in case they ever had to flee from this kingdom." Ryu was relieved that there was a way to escape quickly as he asked, "Do you know where it is?" He shook his head no while saying, "Not a clue. She only ever told Jinsoku as far as I know. Border battles were very common before the demons, so her family kept the secret very close to their chest to avoid people diverging here to escape." Megami snapped her fingers are she excitedly said, "We helped her cousin a few months ago. She told us we could ask her for her assistance anytime we needed it. There is no way she won't tell us."
Nibui smiled as she turned toward the door while saying, "Great! Let me go get her real quick." She quickly exited the room as everyone patiently waited for her to come back. Only a few minutes passed before she reentered with Yasashi. As she closed the door, they could hear loud arguing in the background. Ryu quickly asked, "Is everything okay in the lobby?" Nibui waved her hand indicating it was nothing major as she said, "Just some idiots looking for you. If they start getting rowdy, I will make sure to rough them up for the Ma'am." Yasashi giggled before saying, "No need for that Nibui. I pay top dollar for security here since so many influential people pass through here. They can take care of it." Ryu was surprised to hear that the place had guards since he had never seen any of them around the entire time they had been staying at the inn as he asked, "Did you just hire them today?" She quietly laughed before shaking her head no and saying, "I am surprised you have never noticed them since you have such advanced skills. The prince and I have an agreement, and his end of the bargain is to supply me with some of his soldiers from his elite guard to protect this place. I believe you met one of them. His name was Adam."
Ryu gestured with his hands in surprise as he said, "No way. He was really nice." She nodded as Taikutsu grumbled before saying, "Anyways, the reason we pulled you away from running this place is because we were hoping you could tell us where your secret passage is around here." Nibui quickly socked him in the arm again while frustratingly saying, "Could you not be so rude and blunt." Yasashi grew serious as she questioningly asked, "Are you fleeing from the capital?" Ryu shook his head as he quickly clarified, "No, we will not abandon our duties of protecting the prince. We are just trying to have an exit plan if things go south. We would rather avoid execution if possible." She sighed in relief as she said, "That is good to hear. May I ask you why the fliers that are being handed out say you are wanted for arranging an illegal fighting ring?" He nodded as he started to explain everything that had happened last night to her. She attentively listened till he finished speaking before saying, "I see. In that case, please accept my apology for doubting you."
She bowed as she concluded her sentence which immediately made Ryu uncomfortable as he quickly waved his arms for her to stop while saying, "You have nothing to be sorry for. It is completely reasonable to be suspicious of me from how hard Noburu has been peddling his lies throughout the kingdom." As she stood back up straight, she nodded and smiled at him as she said, "Now as for my secret passage, I will tell you guys where it is and how to access it, but you have to sign a contract with me not to tell anyone about it without my explicit permission. Deal?" They all nodded as she continued, "Good." She suddenly pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket and placed it down on the table. A few minutes passed as she wrote on it before Taikutsu grew frustrated as he groaned and said, "Can't we just do the paperwork later? Is Contract magic even one of your skills?" She remained unfazed from him trying to rush her as she continued writing while saying, "I do. It is important for every business owner to have that ability silly."
As she put the finishing touches on it, she quickly made five lines with their names next to them for them to sign the contract. She handed the paper to Ryu, so he could read the agreement to the group. He cleared his throat as he said, "By signing below, I vow to never reveal the location of the secret passage hidden inside the Crosswind Inn under any circumstances except when explicitly permitted by a member of the Tachibana family. The means to access the path is also covered by the previous sentence. I understand that if I was to break this contract I forfeit my life to servitude under the Tachibana family and my fate will be tied to the current Ma'am of the inn, Yasashi." As he finished, Taikutsu snatched the paper out of his hands and smacked it down on the table while saying, "Sounds good to me." He quickly signed it as everyone passed the pen around and did the same thing without hesitation.
Yasashi grabbed the paper off of the table and rolled it up before activating her magic. Her aura was dark purple as it radiated slightly off her as she said, "Pact Seal." The back of everyone's hands began to glow violet as a brief stamp appeared of two people shaking. It disappeared as she finished which left only Ryu excited since it was his first time witnessing this particular craft as he said, "Now, is it an effect forever? Like, it doesn't matter where we are at it is always active?" She nodded as he said in awe, "Cool." Megami shook her head at him while Yasashi began to tell them where the location of the tunnel was, "Thank you guys for doing that for me. As for the passage, it is more like a teleportation portal." Taikutsu was taken by surprise as he quickly said, "Excuse me!?" Nibui swiftly punched him in the arm again before saying, "What he meant to say was, 'those are extremely rare and don't normally look like an ordinary fountain'."
Yasashi nodded as she continued, "You would be right in almost every case but not this one. My great, great grandfather was blessed with the ability to use Teleportation magic as well as Masonry and Illusion. He dedicated his life to mastering his skills while leaving his kids and wife to run the inn. As you all are aware, border skirmishes occurred frequently for centuries till just recently, so my grandfather decided to build a way for generations of Tachibana's to escape quickly and easily from the capital if it came under attack." She paused to take a breath before continuing, "He labored for decades constructing the fountain out front. Besides the eloquent design, it hides the portal inside a top tier illusion spell called Duality Façade." Ryu was almost falling forward from how hooked he was on her words. He was ecstatic to hear of this advanced spell since illusion magic was in his arsenal of techniques as he excitedly said, "What does Duality Façade do? What level do you need to be to cast it?"
She happily smiled from his enthusiasm as she said, "It makes an illusion real… Kinda. I am not sure when he unlocked the spell, but I was told his skill level was in the nineties." Ryu was struggling to contain his excitement as he eagerly nodded as she continued, "As for the fountain, there is a hidden staircase in front of it that leads to the top where the portal is concealed. The only way someone can reveal them and make them real is by saying the secret word in front of it." She suspensefully paused as everyone anxiously awaited to hear what the word was that unveiled the hidden portal. Several seconds passed before she felt she had all of them on the edge of their seat as she said, "Educere." Everyone was stupefied as they looked around at each other because no one had ever heard of that word. Ryu was certain he would never have guessed it even if he had a million tries. Taikutsu suddenly said, "Wait a minute. That isn't a real word. I have never heard anyone say 'Educere' before."
Everyone nodded as Yasashi put her hands on her hip as she frustratingly said, "Just because you haven't heard of it doesn't mean it is not a word. My mother told me when I was little girl my great, great grandfather heard it from a powerful and wise man from a foreign land. He happened to love the uniqueness and meaning of the word so much that he chose it." Chinmoku was curious on what it meant as she asked, "Do you know what it means Ma'am?" Yasashi nodded while saying, "Of course I do. I was told that it was a Latin word from the wise man's homeland that means to bring forth." Ryu's ears instantly perked up as he questioningly said, "Did you say Latin?" She nodded as she leaned toward him while curiously saying, "Do you know it?" He quickly shook his head no as he swiftly said, "I just wanted to make sure I heard you right." His avoidance was clearly obvious, but she decided to let it go since she had nothing to bargain with him for the information.
Nibui suddenly realized they had been there for a while and nobody was watching the guild as she frantically said, "We completely lost track of time Taikutsu! We got to get back to work!" He painfully went, "Ugh" before saying, "Do we have to go back?" She quickly nodded as she started pushing him toward the door while saying, "Hang in there Ryu. We got your back if you need us." He loudly said, "Thank you" as she shoved him out into the hallway. Everyone winced as Taikutsu face planted into the opposite wall from how hard she pushed him through the exit. She briefly turned around and waved goodbye before shutting the door. Yasashi giggled to herself before saying, "Those two are just so cute together." Chinmoku and Megami nodded in agreeance as she continued, "You guys should lay low in your rooms and make sure to have staff help you get in and out of the inn without someone spotting you when you need to leave. I will make sure someone is monitoring your rooms when you are not in them to keep anyone nefarious out of them."
Ryu bowed in appreciation while humbly saying, "Thank you, Ma'am." She nodded as she turned toward the door. As she made her way out, she said, "Please be safe Shadowflare." As she shut the entrance behind her, Megami quickly motioned with her hands for them to leave to as she said, "Now, you two as well." Chinmoku mischievously grinned to herself as she yanked the blanket off of Megami while saying, "I don't want to go." Ryu immediately looked away blushing. Chinmoku giggled to herself as Megami turned red and quickly covered her cleavage up with both of her arms as she embarrassingly said, "That's it. Get out!" Ryu swiftly grabbed Chinmoku's arm and pulled her out of the bed.
As he slammed the door shut behind them, he scoldingly said, "Why the heck did you do that?" She shrugged her shoulders while casually saying, "I don't know. It was funny. Plus, you liked it, so why are you upset?" He immediately became flustered as he stuttered a few noises before turning away. He quickly opened his door and stopped to disappointingly point at her before going inside. She giggled to herself while saying, "It is so fun messing with them." As she disappeared into her room, Ryu exhaled in frustration as he made his way across his room to flop down on his bed. As he lay there, he struggled to distract his mind from being overwhelmed with thoughts about his situation. He finally got up and started practicing his magic to keep himself focused on something else. Several hours passed before he burnt up his MP and passed out from exhaustion.