Chapter 5: The Attack.
"The Rabbit of Earth", a con artist who is also known to have advanced knowledge of magic energy and the brain. It is unknown how long she has lived. At most times, she wears rabbit ears even though she already has cat ears.
"Long time no see, Great Wizard."
After Franz Reinhard led me to her new home, the sewers, The Rabbit of Earth, Frelhr Xadd, and Fin Dozz greeted us in a secret underground room below the city.
"Ah. Good to see you again, Vixen. I've recruited a new member right after I arrived here. This is Fin Dozz. Of course, you may already know him because he's your classmate."
"Looks like I'll be working with you instead. I knew you were strong, but not this strong. Don't worry though, I won't let you down."
Looks like Fin was already recruited by Frelhr. Everyone sat around a campfire, Franz joins us as well.
"Great Wizard. Here's the key. You may receive it as your reward."
Says The Rabbit of Earth, she then gives me a key, which I immediately use on the compartment inside The Book of Epitomy, it opens and I find a...- What is this? It looks familiar, I definitely have used something similar to this before.
"It's a gun. More specifically. A desert eagle. Deagle for short. It's a fine piece of weaponry, though, no one uses it around here. You have it, don't you? The Imitation Technique. I know you haven't used it for a long time now but these are the true, and the original. It is what you commonly imitate."
She says. "Imitation Technique" is a special technique that only I can use, although it is magic, it's more of a technique rather than a form of special spells.
"I see. How do I use it again? My memories are kind of fading away. I don't think I even know to use that technique anymore."
"Fear not, Great Wizard. For you will find out soon. Search for the Dungeon of Ferner. He was a kind friend until the holy knights burnt him. As remnants, he turned himself into a defensive plant, incapable of thought."
"Ferner Dungeon? I've heard about it before. Isn't it near this city?"
Suddenly, Franz stands up.
"Vixen..! Actually... Before I was captured... My family was very poor. We eventually got int debt, and before I knew it, I was sold off. Frelhr has already told me about it. They're gonna use humans as test subjects for making biological weapons..!"
Biological weapons? Oh, that's right, currently, the demons have grown too strong, the only way for humans to fight back in case the demons declare war on us, is by heavily modifying our bodies artificially.
"I was fortunate enough to be saved before they did something... But when I returned... M-my father had gotten sick... And my mother disappeared somewhere else..!"
"How sad. At least you're still alive."
"How unfortunate. I almost shed a tear."
Says The Rabbit of Earth, as she takes a sip of tea.
"What a tragic fate. Don't you agree too, Fin?"
"Right. If I was you, I would've slaughtered everyone in that mansion already."
An awkward silence ensues.
"How can you all be so emotionless!? A-anyways..! My father's still alive... Though, he needs a special medicine... I think one of the ingredients is only found in the same dungeon that Rabbit mentioned..."
"Ferner Dungeon?"
"Right... It's a rare flower, in this place at least. It's usually found on the other continents, but sometimes you can find one here..."
Is she asking me to get the flower?
"Before he died, my friend used to travel around the world. He was a vampire, so he only walked at night. He found a flower which he treasured, he kept that flower with him until the end. It wouldn't be too rude if you, yourself took the flower from him. Besides. This is also another mission for you. Get the flower and give it back to Franz. You'll find out how to use the Deagle along the way too."
"Huh? How?"
"Lazarus-Delta-Aquamarine-Alice. She's the Goddess of Order. Ferner was another one of her believers, he made the dungeon mainly to give offerings to her. You'll get blessed if you give a proper offering. There, you will receive great wisdom."
I think I've heard of that name before, "Lazarus-Delta-Aquamarine-Alice" the Goddess of Order. She was mentioned in The Book of Epitomy.
"You're so knowledgeable, Rabbit!"
Says Franz, as The Rabbit of Earth takes another sip of tea.
"Of course I am. After all. I've lived far longer than you could ever imagine."
She says. I think that's enough talking, I should go by now.
"Alright then. I shall take my leave."
"Hold on, Vixen."
Says Fin, what does he want now?
"The cult. Among the 8 founding Gods, there exists a forgotten God. The holy kingdoms are in an alliance with this God. Also, be careful of Clar, and Yuqo because-"
"Wait..! What are you saying? Forgotten God? Clar and Yuqo? What about them?"
"There's a high chance that they might be worshippers of the forgotten God too. And remember. This God is not necessarily evil, but they do need blood. You have Blood Magic right? You might be related as well. Though, Never let anyone else but us know that you can use that form of magic."
"Okay okay... I wasn't even planning to."
"Alright. You may go now. Remember. Beware of the Blood God and the Holy Kingdom."
"Okay. Goodbye."
I shut the door behind me as I leave. First thing I should do is to find the exact location of the dungeon. I asked multiple people inside the city, unfortunately, almost none of them had a clue about the dungeon.
"Have you heard of the Ferner Dungeon?"
"No."
"Hey. have you heard of this dungeon?"
"No.. haven't heard of it."
"Have a second? Do you know about this place?"
"Nah."
I continued asking random people until I acquired significant information.
"Ferner Dungeon? I suggest you don't head there. There are traps everywhere! One of my friend stepped on one, and his entire leg came off...! I-I still have nightmares about that place. Please... Not even you would make it out alive."
Eventually, I managed to get a hold of a map leading into the dungeon, I followed it and arrived in front of a forest. I find a path connecting the forest and the city, which made exploring easier.
The forest was dark, many dangerous creatures roamed inside, I cast [Spatial Investigation] to avoid them as I made my way towards the dungeon.
The smell of fresh blood was unavoidable throughout the place, the average person would vomit on the spot. Blood was scattered everywhere inside the dungeon, multiple bodies belonging to monsters lay on the floor.
Traps were everywhere but they weren't too difficult to avoid. I reach the final chamber of the dungeon, an altar is placed on the middle, more bodies lay nearby. Upon closer look, something is written on the altar.
"Offerings for the Great God: Lazarus-Delta-Aquamarine-Alice"
It must be where I should give a proper offering. I take out The Book of Epitomy and place it on the altar, it's basically useless now that I've got the item.
RUMBLE
CRASH
Suddenly, the place starts shaking, light glows from the altar before breaking into pieces. Was that a bad offering?
RUMBLE
The dungeon begins falling apart, as I try to run, I sense something move from the altar.
SWOOSH
A spear impales me, it looks to be made out of hardened blood, is this Ferner? Fortunately, I'm already a master of Blood Magic so it doesn't really affect me. I cut off the spear and continue my escape.
RUMBLE
Gah!- what's this..? While running, I began to feel sick as the dungeon proceeds to collapse, I trip and fall before I began to pass out.
What happened? Did I die? No way, I'm too strong to die like this. A few seconds later, everything goes dark.
"Wake up. This isn't the time to rest right now."
Huh? Who said that?
Oh, looks like I've gotten a new spell, [Full Recovery], which I casted immediately. Wow, not only does it heal my physical body, but it also heals my brain.
As the dungeon collapses, blood rushes out from the ground and begins striking down nearby creatures, destroying everything in it's path.
Monsters, animals, trees, plants, everything is eradicated as blood passes through, taking in more blood from the creatures inside the forest. It didn't take long until the entire place was rid of, leaving a small crater.
I wake up under the ground, digging out like a zombie until I reached the surface.
"Hey! Come on! Follow me! Something's happened!"
"What in the world was that?! A monster?!"
"Have you called the reinforcements already?!"
Seems like the guards are already on their way towards me.
"Chris Teal". Born in south america, raised by normal parents, died of a car accident, my former self. [Full Recovery] not only healed my body, but also gave back my memories, which disappeared just a few years ago.
"Hey!! What's going on!!"
"... Wh-What happened here..."
"This is a disaster..."
The guards find out about the destruction, fortunately for me, I've already escaped the scene.
I took a rest in my room, oh wait, I think I've forgotten something... The flower! Oh no! I've forgotten-... Huh? How convenient, Clar is outside the window holding a flower. Shortly after, the door opens, and Clar enters.
"H-hello..! Uhh... Vixen..! I think you forgot this."
Clar shows me the flower, placing it down on the ground before leaving. Hah..? How did she get this? And why does she have this?
"D-don't ask how I got it!!"
She yells outside. Really..? I pick the flower up, is this the flower that Franz needed?
I head back into the sewers and find only The Rabbit of Earth.
"Welcome back, Great Wizard. Have you gotten the flower?"
She says. Where is everyone? Guess I'll just let her give it to Franz.
"Umm... Is this the flower?"
I give her the flower. She begins inspecting it carefully with a magnifying glass. Is this another one of her jokes?
"Hmm... Yes yes... This looks like the right one... I will give it to Franz later. In the meantime. You shall practice the gun."
"Alright... I've gotten back my memories... But the most important thing right now, is how do you know about guns? I thought they didn't exist in this world. Also, how do-"
"Shh..! No asking questions more than one. For your first question, I answer. Ahem. I'm a magic user too, you know? Back in the day, we had guns in every corner of the city. Humans without magic made them as a way to combat other humans, with magic or not."
I see... So they don't use it commonly now?
"Okay then. Second question. How do you know so much about me?"
"Simple question, Great Wizard. I have the ability to read minds."
Hah..?? Really?
"Sigh... Alright then. Shall we help your kind now? You told me something about how humans captured your people."
"Kukuku... I only said that as a joke. Truth is, I'm neither human, cat, or rabbit. It will be a secondary mission for you to solve the puzzle... Am I a cat? A rabbit? A human? Or all of them?"
Huh? Another mission? Also, isn't this the first I've heard her laugh?
"Since you've gotten back your memories now, I'll be talking to you not as The Rabbit of Earth, but as Rabbit! There's a big difference between us, you know..! Franz and the others have already started calling me Rabbit."
Alright, she's a comedian huh, well, I don't really care since she's still an ally.
"Also. Do you know who payed for me when I arrived in the academy?"
"Himawarimegumi Yamakamikizune."
"What a long name..! But yeah. That's right."
"In English, her last name means, Mountain God Fox. She holds a great, and deadly form of magic. Best not to be involved with her... Fufufu..."
"So? Why did she pay for me?"
"The Blood God. Mountain God Fox is also one of my friends. She ventured out into the red mists, said to be a passage into the demon realm, she disappeared shortly after, never to be seen again... There are several liars in this world. Wouldn't be the worst thing to believe that was a fake..?"
"Still, why would they pay for me though?"
"The Blood God. I've told you already, didn't I? The holy kingdom sided with the Blood God in order to fight the demons. Fake Mountain God Fox helped you to fight back the demons attacking this city."
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"Frelhr... I shall call him right now."
Call? Why can't she speak in a normal way? She's too confusing. Suddenly, Rabbit pulls out a telephone, what..? I didn't even think those things existed here...
"Hello? Is this Frelhr? Come here right now."
She then puts back the telephone. An hour later, Frelhr arrives.
"Ah, Good to see you, Vixen. And Rabbit."
"Sit down sit down..."
He sits down near the campfire.
"So. Ahem. Vixen. I've forgot to tell you this but the demons have declare war on us. Not too many people know about this so we must hurry. They will be attacking soon."
"Soon? You mean right now?"
"No. The day of the festival. Prepare, for the demons will arrive. Franz will evacuate, along with Rabbit. You, me, and Fin will stay to fight the demons."
"I see... The festival starts next year though?"
"Get ready before then. I'll be preparing my forces as well."
Demon war huh... I guess it has already begun.
A year later, the festival began. The people of city roamed recklessly, unbeknownst to their imminent danger. When suddenly, it happened.
"GAHHH!!"
"AHHHHHH"
"HELP!!"
The demons have attacked. Everyone panicked, running around in fear as the monsters tear down the buildings, along with the people.
"Hey! Get out of here! The demons have attacked!"
Several people have already fallen, where might Frelhr's army be? A large crowd of demons appear in front of me. The, what used to be full of stalls and stands, is now a massive field of corpses and bloodshed.
"Demons! We won't let you take away our city! We'll hold you down until reinforcements have arrived!!"
"Everyone! Charge!!!"
A few guards have arrived, charging straight towards the tall beasts, their efforts prove futile as the monsters crush them with ease. How tragic for them, I guess I'll be the one to finish their jobs.
As I aim my hand towards the enemies, a group of people shows up, students? From the academy? They'll fall no doubt against these monsters.
"Hey. What are you guys doing here? Leave immediately. The army is coming so there's no point in fighting right now."
"Then, why are you fighting?"
One of them says. Oh wait, Ettik... I think? Is in the group, along with some popular people. They must think that they're strong just because people call them strong.
"I'm just here to test out my new weapon. You guys get out of here. You don't understand the power difference between us, and the enemy."
"Testing you say..?! How disgraceful. We'll fight these monsters for the sake of the city."
The rest of them steps forward, taking a fighting stance. The demons began to walk towards us. Are these guys serious? Do they not see the immense amount of aura around me?
"Vixen... You're not the only one who's labelled the strongest."
"We'll crush these bugs in an instant!"
"These guys... I don't see much strength in them..."
I sigh, they will definitely be defeated quickly. Hm? What's that..? I look up and see Fin, standing on the rooftops, looks like he has arrived, Franz and Rabbit should be out of the city by now.
"Very well. I shall take down these weaklings with you."
I say as I take a stance as well.
SPLAT
Oh, I see...
"Ettik Trak". One of the greatest mages of Nox Academy. He possessed high magic energy output after years of hard work.
"Plaret Fas". Same as Ettik.
"Hinder Goels". A strong swordsman, possibly a future candidate for the royal knights.
"Lindo Fas". Plaret Fas's brother, they lived together under one roof, by helping each other out, they managed to get in the academy.
"Wallo Baer". A professional healer, his wish is to become a doctor.
And then the rest: "Pwea San", the lively boy, "Later Jaell", the rich girl, "Madn Fort", the popular girl, "Ginoya Reed", the genius, and "Mich Willson", the short-tempered boy.
In an instant, all of their futures came crumbling down.
"Divine Light. Cast of the Iron Maiden."
What just happened? Why did they all... just suddenly die..!?
"Surprised your still alive..! Fine then..! Divine Light. Cast of the Iron Maiden."
He smiled wickedly, his sharp teeth reflecting the sun's bright illumination. Had I not let my guard down, I would've been turned into mincemeat.
Another wave of reality distortion hits me, reflectively, I casted [Holy Barrier] to deflect the attack.
"How pointless! Those who fight back falls quickly to the dark depths of the abyss. Those who stand back up inherit it. For you..! I will show no mercy to one who bests my power!"
How irritating. Such monsters shall not exist in this world. I'll cleanse them myself if I have to.