“Doesn’t she look familiar to you?” (?)

Hender looked at Vanessa with confusion before he returned his gaze to the VIP stands. “The goddess?”

“No, the princess, of course!” The magician retorted. 

Which one? Hender sighed internally. But he suspected she meant the princess of the kingdom that they had been born and spent most of their time adventuring in. 

Finding the lady that matched the descriptions, he considered before he replied. “No, I don’t think-”

Vanessa snapped her fingers. “I know! Doesn’t she remind you of the medic from the infirmary back then? You know, the one claiming that her bed was stolen by the goddess?”

The lunatic? Hender’s eyes widened as he appraised the princess at a distance again. 

{“Because she stole my bed!” (?)}

“...You’re right. They look similar.” Hender admitted.

“Similar?! It’s her, I tell you!” Vanessa retorted.

“Come on.” Ricky, the warrior of their party, interjected. “It can’t be her.”

“Oh, it’s her alright.” (?)

They turned their eyes to the rogue of their party, who had yet to tell them her real name, despite having joined their party years ago when the Adventurer's Guild way of operating was overhauled. 

As she sat cross legged on the ground holding a book, they wouldn’t have thought she was even listening unless they hadn’t heard her interjection.

“Oh? What makes you say that, Edgy?” The archer, Thana asked. 

Edgy had a smug, wry smile on her face as she lifted her face. “I have it on good authority that the royal palace has ordered several new beds over the years. Yet replacing beds was never put into their official budget.”

Ricky burst out laughing. “And how do you know this?”

Edgy shrugged before replying innocently. “Who knows.”

Hender sighed and covered his eyes. She broke in somewhere. Again. One day, she’s going to get us into trouble.

“So...what? The goddess has been stealing the princess’ bed?” Thana wondered. “Why?”

“You’re not defaming the goddess in my presence, are you?” (?)

Everyone apart from Edgy flinched as the last member of their party arrived. Seeing the rare, gentle smile on the priest’s face, Hender felt a chill run down his spine. 

“Gabe. We’re not defaming the goddess.” Hender replied carefully.

“Oh, really?” Gabe smiled as he turned his eyes to the guardian. “It sounds to me like you’re calling the goddess a thief.”

“...If she steals something, wouldn’t she be?” Vanessa asked. “Besides, didn’t Lady Amara have a habit of stealing books from the libraries-”

Oh no. What have you done?! Hender screamed in his mind.

Gabe’s smile grew higher without ever reaching his eyes. “I see. Perhaps you should learn more about what the goddess has to teach us. Like how to love - oh, right. You already do.”

Vanessa’s face reddened as she exclaimed. “W-what do you mean!”

“What do I mean?” Gabe cocked his head. “I mean what you and Hender do every night when you think nobody can hear you.”

“W-w-we don’t…” Vanessa stammered as Hender could feel his face heat up while retorting in his mind. I told you, just because they haven’t mentioned it, it doesn't mean that people can’t hear us!

“Please.” Edgy snorted with an amused smile on her face. “If there’s anything people will remember from the tournament, it will be the opening ceremony, that green fire used everywhere in town, the appearance of the goddess, the empire dominating the tournament in every branch...and Vanessa’s screeching that keeps everyone in the inn awake at night.”

“I don’t screech!!” Vanessa exclaimed with a red face. 

“...You kind of do.” Thana replied.

“Like a harpy.” Edgy added mercilessly. 

“Pfft!” (Ricky)

Hender could feel his face redden further as Edgy dealt the final blow to Vanessa, who covered her eyes with her hands. Reaching out, he patted her back in the awkward silence that followed to comfort her.

“...You forgot one. Trevor’s tumble.” Ricky said awkwardly to change the conversation.

“Ah, yes. Trevor’s tumble.” Edgy sighed and shook her head with a grin as her eyes grew distant. “A feat that shall enter legend. Wouldn’t even manage to replicate it if I tried...do you remember the look he had on his face?”

“Everyone remembers the look on his face.” Thana replied.

“Poor guy.” Ricky shook his head with a smile.

“Anyway, why would the goddess…” Thana glanced at Gabe hesitantly as she continued. “...need a bed?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Edgy smiled wryly. “Do you think the goddess wouldn’t need a bed for when she’s muffling Lady Amara?” 

Ricky suddenly coughed violently, as if he had managed to choke himself on something.

“...Muffling? Really?” Thana sighed. 

“What?” Edgy asked innocently. “It’s true.”

“And how would you know?” Hender asked. 

“Ahem!” Gabe cleared his throat as he pulled out a book from his satchel. “In the latest edition of the holy scriptures, it is detailed how Lady Ezme and Lady Amara’s relationship progressed. It even details how their first kiss-”

“Please.” Edgy snorted. “A book written for children.”

“You-” Gabe glared at her with furious eyes. “You dare?!”

“What?” Edgy nodded towards the book in Gabe’s hands. “It’s boring. Now if you really want the steamy version of how it happened…” Edgy held up her own book.” ...then you should read the series ‘Beware the Prude’ by Sala Ciousdream.”

Thana’s eyes widened. “I heard of that one.”

Edgy smiled. “Of course you have. It’s a bestseller-” 

“Insolent!” Gabe exclaimed in anger. “That book is pure fiction! The holy scriptures are entirely based on TRUTH!”

“The truth?” Edgy smiled wryly. “And how would you know that it isn’t true?”

Gabe frowned. “Because the goddess aided us in writing the holy book, but not with that...that...hereticism!”

“Have you read it?” Thana asked curiously.

“Of course not!” Gabe retorted. “I have no need for lies that defame our beloved godde-”

“Ahem!” Edgy, who had been flipping the pages after Gabe answered her question, suddenly cleared her throat. “ ‘-as they looked into each other’s eyes, time seemed to stand still. The periodic, ragged breaths made by Amara were the only indication that time still passed. Her every silent breath of excitement unveiled the mortal’s expectations of what was to come as her chest heaved under the goddess’ gaze. As Amara laid waiting beneath the goddess, with her glossy, raven black hair sprawled on the silk sheets, the faint scent of another came over them. For the former royal bed had been personally selected by Lady Ezme, when she was deciding how to make the night their union was consummated perfect. And perfect it was, for-’ HEY!! “ Edgy exclaimed in anger as Gabe suddenly ripped the book out of her hands and started reading it. “It’s mine!”

“Shh!” Gabe hissed without lifting his nose from the book.

Edgy sighed and crossed her arms as she waited when Thana broke the silence. “So that’s why you believe it was the princess' bed that was taken?”

“Just another piece of evidence for it.” Edgy shrugged and glared at Gabe. “You done?”

Gabe snapped the book close and held it to his chest. “I fear that it must be confiscated; I must ensure that this book doesn’t contain anything that could corrupt-”  

“Don’t mess around!” Edgy snarled and reached for the book. “Give it here!”

Gabe twisted his body to keep the book out of reach. “I wouldn’t lie on matters such as these! This concerns your soul-”

“Bullshit!” Edgy lunged for the book again. “You just want to read it yourself! And you know that it’s already sold out, so you can’t get your filthy hands on one without stealing it!”

“This is not a matter of want, but of need! It is the duty of a priest to put his soul on the line for the sake of his-” Gabe said with a straight face.

“Knock it off, both of you!” Hender retorted. “Gabe, give it back to her.”

 “But this is for her own good-” Gabe protested.

“Just give it back.” Hender let out a sigh.

 

 

 _______________

 

Following the awards ceremony, the goddess descended the steps to stand at the top of the stairs that led to the nobles’ stands. When the crowds finally fell silent after the archbishop’s ordaining gestures, Lady Ezme looked over them before her thundering voice rumbled Hender’s chest. “Mortals of Ramay; you have all heard why this tournament came to be. It is because the demons are, as ever, on the warpath. A path that will lead them straight through Ramay - and every other realm in my domain - in their crusade of conquest and terror.” 

“She’s cute, isn’t she?” Thana said quietly as the goddess paused.

“Ssh!!” Gabe hissed as he kept his eyes fixed on the goddess.

“Some of you are undoubtedly skeptical, and wonder whether the demons are truly real. Today, you shall stand witness. Today, you will see the future that awaits you.” (Ezme)

“Well, that’s one way to make it sound ominou-” Ricky muttered before he was interrupted.

“SSH!!!” Gabe hissed, harsher than before.

“Although my words are grave, it will still take time before the demons arrive. It will take years - even decades and centuries. You may wonder; why am I taking the initiative of preparing you now, if the demons are but a threat in a distant future?

It is because the closer the demons are, the less time I will have to prepare you. Once all my time must be allocated to holding the line, you must already be ready, willing and able to protect yourselves. The only time I can guide you, is now.

That is why we take these steps today. So what you see, and what you learn today, you can impart onto your children. And they in turn, can impart their knowledge and their skills to their children, as the challenges you will face in this tournament increase.” (Ezme)

“Great, the goddess’ new commandment: get stronger and make babies.” Edgy muttered.

“At least we have Vanessa doing her share for the both of us, right?” Thana smirked as she nudged Vanessa with her elbow.

“Shut up!” Vanessa exclaimed with a reddened face.

“Yes, shut up!” Gabe hissed as he took his eyes off the goddess to glare at them. “Your depraved blithering is disrespecting the goddess’ speech!”

“So I ask you, recruits of all nations of Ramay. Today, who among you will face a demon? Who among you is willing to make the first stand against those who, just like you, once aimed to protect themselves...but failed?” (Ezme)

...The rumor was true? Hender kept his eyes fixed on the goddess, wondering whether he had heard correctly. And by the absolute silence, he suspected he wasn’t the only one.

“Today, who among you has the courage to face that which is your fate if your descendants fail?” (Ezme)

As the goddess finished, she turned and went back to her seat while the archbishop gave instructions for any volunteering recruits in the arena below.

“Looks like it was true, huh.” Ricky said thoughtfully. “I thought it was just a hoax made up by the higher-ups and was ‘accidentally’ leaked.”

Edgy snorted. “Just because the goddess said so doesn’t make it true.” 

“You...insolent…” Gabe muttered with shaking shoulders as he slowly turned towards her.

...Oh no. This is bad.

Edgy merely raised her eyebrow with an amused smile. “What? Going to hurl abuse at me too?”

Gabe ground his teeth in anger as he glared at her. “If you think I will let you call the goddess a liar...”

“I’m not calling her a liar.” Edgy sighed and gestured towards the stands. “I’m saying that even the goddess might be wrong. Or that there’s more to it than what she told us. After all, she is trying to get us to fight the demons, isn’t she?”

Gabe frowned as his anger settled somewhat. “The goddess wouldn’t be wrong.”

“You’re either naive-” (Edgy)

“Enough.” Hender said as the recruits that weren’t undertaking the challenge were moving to empty the arena. “We’re up soon. Last chance to check your gear.”

Shaking his head as Gabe and Edgy exchanged glares to come to a silent agreement to continue their argument later, Hender turned his eyes to the units of volunteers - on average nine in each  - that were going to take on demons. 

Dividing the armies into platoons and squads not just logistically but also for fighting, was something unheard of before the goddess came with the suggestion. It was one of the many changes that had occurred during the years.

Another change was the Adventurer’s Guild. Because the recruits were going to hunt monsters during their military service, the lower ranked adventurers would have likely run out of quests to support themselves financially.

Princess Isabella had the foresight of what was going to happen, and proposed a solution before the problem ever could come into fruition; to employ adventurers as instructors, and for the Adventurer’s Guild to merge with the Temple.

As the representatives of the goddess, they were to hold the initiative of the collective defense efforts. However, they lacked the knowledge and experience of how to fight - something the Adventurer’s Guild had. They guild renamed itself as Ramay’s Defense Force, and together with the temple they were known as the Ramay’s Defense Initiative. The former Adventurer’s Guild, which previously had independent, cooperative branches in every city, centralized and became a single branch for all the partaking countries.

The adventurers who weren’t hired as military instructors in the countries that had chosen to partake in the tournament, had three options as a result: move to a country that wasn’t partaking and continue as they had, quit adventuring altogether, or join Ramay’s Defense Force. Hender’s party had chosen the latter.

Although their overall income had dropped as a result, they now had a steady income even if there were no requests. There was no shortage of work however; many higher ranked adventurers had primarily chosen to move to remain independent, and the military recruits would be unable to handle monsters of higher difficulty.

To increase the party’s combat ability to deal with the greater threats they would need to face, Edgy was assigned to their party. She had quickly proven herself an invaluable asset in battle - and a constant cause of Hender’s stress outside of it.

Since the priests were advocating that everyone would need to take part in the defense, someone had pointed out that it should include them as well. Begrudgingly the temple had to agree, and started training their younger priests with the help of the Defense Force as combat healers.

The end result was Gabe joining their party, making them a solid A-ranked squad - formerly what would have been considered a platinum ranked party. 

During the tournament, the Defense Force that they were now a part of, helped with organizing the event. Although the tournament was primarily for the recruits, it was also meant to showcase the capability of the Defense Force. 

And for Hender’s squad, it meant maintaining order during the finale - as well as the opportunity to face a demon lieutenant, an archdemon.

“Time to see what these demons are like.” Thana said as they watched how the Defense Force’s squads made a large encirclement in the arena. The first challengers, a squad of eight soldiers from the empire, stood alone inside.

“They can’t be that bad.” Vanessa shrugged. 

“Depends on if they’re intelligent or not.” Edgy retorted.

“Come on. They are slaves to the demon god, aren’t they?” Vanessa asked. 

“Slaves can be smart too.” Thana suggested. 

“That’s-” (Vanessa)

“Ssh!!” Gabe hissed, interrupting the conversation when the crowd suddenly quieted down.

Looking up at the stands for the nobles, Hender saw how the archbishop was gesturing with his hand for silence. Once the air was filled with a tense silence, he turned to look at the goddess.

“Amara. Bring in the first opponent.” (Ezme) 

The silence felt absolute as Hender felt his heart beat faster. Turning his eyes to the arena with everyone else, he waited. 

The audience waited patiently with him. Once enough time had passed that whispers had emerged, a golden flash appeared in the center of the arena. As the light faded to reveal the growing rift with golden particles flowing out of it, Hender’s eyes widened.

...It really was her. 

“Is that the kind of portal you talked about back then?” Vanessa asked. 

Hender nodded. Of course, he had heard the rumor that Amara was responsible for the golden rifts. But this was the first time it was confirmed. 

The crowd watched intensely as a figure fell out of the portal. In a moment, the portal shrank before vanishing. 

As Hender sharpened his eyes on the figure that was rising to its feet - from the appearance, a young man in ragged clothing that hung loosely over his limbs - the now familiar voice of the crier was heard.

“The opponent: a level forty-two ice magician!” (?)

Hender turned his eyes to Vanessa. After a few moments, she nodded to confirm it.

As he returned his eyes to the demon in the arena, Hender frowned as he felt something was off.

“...Isn’t it just a kid?” Ricky said in a confused tone. 

Hender widened his eyes as he realized what was nagging at him. Taking a closer look at the demon, he was indeed young - sixteen or seventeen, by what he could guess. “How did he get to such a high level that quickly?”

“Still doesn’t stand a chance though.” Vanessa sighed. “It’s one versus eight. Even if he’s twice the level of a recruit, he’s dead as soon as they close the distance.”

Hender nodded in agreement. Melee fighting is never the strong suit of a magician.

Four of the recruits that were primarily equipped for melee fighting spread out into a semicircle to make their approach. Meanwhile, the magician and two archers prepared to attack at range, as the last shield-bearing recruit stayed with them. 

The demon wasted no time. Almost in an instant, a barrage of icicles was sent at the recruits. 

“He’s trying to finish it quickly.” Vanessa commented. 

The ranged recruits took cover behind the defender before unleashing their arrows and fireball. The demon calmly conjured a magic circle, which flashed to bring forth an ice shield in front of him just in time to block the projectiles. 

“He’s fast.” Thana said. “That was impressive.”

“Cost him his Remembrance though. He’s finished.” Vanessa replied.

Out of the melee recruits, two of them had been mortally wounded by the barrage of icicles. The other two were but moments away from the demon that was casting another magic circle.

The moment the first of the recruits raised his sword to strike, a knee-high flood of water emerged from the demon’s feet that froze as it progressed away from him. The result was the two melee recruits’ feet being frozen in place, unable to reach the demon.

“Scratch that - he’s really fast.” Thana corrected herself.

“That must have cost a lot of mana though.” Ricky commented. 

Rather than finishing off the two melee recruits, he walked past them and conjured another ice shield to block the next set of projectiles while approaching the group hiding behind the defender. As he got closer, he conjured another magic circle and held his hand towards the defender when it activated.

“Icy Wind?” Thana asked as the recruits began shivering. Although they would be safe from icicles behind the defender, the archers and magician quickly dispersed after enduring the Icy Wind for only a few moments.

“What are they thinking-” Ricky said when the defender suddenly collapsed. 

“Holy...how cold was that Icy Wind...” Thana muttered.

“How much mana does he have?!” Vanessa exclaimed in upset.

The archers attempted to draw the strings from their bows while shivering, resulting in one of the arrows completely missing it’s mark. The other arrow was sidestepped by the demon that was quickly forming the next magic circle. 

The fireball that flew at the demon a few moments later was blocked by an extended hand, the demon seemingly completely unfazed by getting his hand charred as he released a barrage of icicles. 

“It’s ove-” (Ricky)

[BANG!]

A sharp sound of thunder echoed through the arena as the demon collapsed. As Hender wondered what had happened while watching the demon lay still on the ground, the booming voice of the goddess shook him. 

“Do not be fooled by a demon’s appearance nor level. Unlike you, they have been bred for war, and have spent every moment of every day of their lives for that purpose. Even their youngest are equal to your veterans.” (Ezme)

Turning his eyes to the goddess, he saw that she was holding something that reminded him of a crossbow. Yet rather than having a bow at the end, it merely had a long tube. 

Hender cocked his head curiously. Is that a weapon? I didn’t see an arrow...

“Prepare for the next opponent.” The goddess declared before she sat down in her seat, her weapon placed leaning towards the armrest.

Hender looked down at the arena, where the healers from the temple had emerged from the encirclement to treat the injured recruits. While they were being replaced by a new squad of anxious recruits, Thana spoke. “Hey, guys...if that was one of the grunts, what about the lieutenant that we’re supposed to face later on?”

“Are you backing out now? Under the gaze of our goddess?” Gabe said resolutely, despite his eyes making it clear to them all how nervous he was.

As the group turned their eyes to Hender, he crossed his arms before eventually replying. “We’ll stay on our toes.”

“Of course we will.” Edgy snorted before adding with a mutter. “Assuming we can stay on our feet to begin with.”

 

 

_______________

 

The following fights lessened their worries a little, when a few of the squads managed to defeat their demons. None of them did so without accumulating injuries however; Hender suspected that at least one of the recruits that was carried out on strecher had been killed.

“Some of you might think that these demons are too powerful, and should be left to those who make their careers by staring death in the eye. 

However, you will not be able to rely on them. When the demons come, they will come in great numbers - too many for your mightiest warriors to handle on their own. And the demons you have seen, are what make up the bulk of the demonic army. 

But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t more powerful demons. Like you, they have veterans - individuals of greater power that they follow and count on to lead the way.” (Ezme)

Hender took a deep breath to calm himself as the voice of the crier resounded. “Now presenting the challengers, the distinguished A-ranked squad of the Defense Force; Paradox Parade!”

“Such a stupid name.” Edgy muttered as the cheers were heard from the audience. 

“Hey! Don’t call it stupid!” Vanessa retorted. “We’ve had it since we started adventuring!”

“I still don’t know why we chose it.” Ricky sighed.

“That’s the point.” Thana grinned. “Makes us memorable. And memorable rhymes with money.”

Hender shook his head with a smile. “Let’s do this.”

While they had mainly operated in the kingdom, their fame had increased considerably in the countries that were partaking in the tournament. Partially because they had rosen in the ranks with the additions to the team, but also because of the decrease in competition. 

And if you excluded the wealthy that came from all countries, everyone else came from the countries that their name had spread in. Therefore, Hender wasn’t too surprised that the audience would know who they were.

Stepping out into the arena, the noise from the crowd rose. Once they reached the center, they stopped in a double wedge formation, with Hender front and center.

As the healer, Gabe stood behind him with Thana and Vanessa to the left and right. Ricky stood in front of Vanessa, rolling his shoulders and swinging his broadsword. That alone was enough for a new wave of cheers to erupt from the audience.

Edgy with her arms crossed to Hender’s left, seemingly taking the situation a lot less seriously - even if Hender knew she wasn’t.

When the crowd started quieting down, Hender gripped his shield and sword tighter. Here we go.

“Amara. Bring in the archdemon.” The goddess’ voice broke the silence with finality.

Silence ensued as they waited. They had to wait far longer than any of the recruits had before them. 

The moment the golden light flashed before them when the portal started to take shape, Hender lowered his stance and raised his sword and shield, adrenaline coursing through his veins.

When the figure fell out of the portal, Hender grit his teeth to stop himself from capitalizing on the opportunity. When the armored woman before them picked up her battleaxe as she rose to her feet, the crier confirmed Hender’s suspicions. “The opponent: a level one-hundred-and-seven archknight!” 

No magic.

Despite feeling relieved, he didn’t let his guard down. Together with Ricky and Edgy, they made their way towards the demon.

The demon’s face broke into a large smile, sending a shiver down Hender’s spine. Why isn’t she concerned about her situation at all?

The demon swung her battleaxe before she walked to meet them, her eyes fixed on Hender. Good. Seems like my passive skill does its job. 

An arrow swished past him, denting the demon’s armor close to her neck as it shattered. Damn. Close.

A moment later three lightning bolts flew past him in quick succession; their brightness and size telling that Vanessa wasn’t holding back at all. The demon flinched momentarily, before she increased the speed of her steps and raised her axe.

Shield Wall!

Hender raised his shield to deflect the blow. Sharp pain exploded in his forearm as the force behind the demon’s strike made him stagger, despite strengthening his body with mana.

Holy! She’s strong! “Gabe!” Hender shouted as he spun around while staggering to get distance from the opponent, noticing that Ricky was stepping into range. 

The sharp clang of metal against metal was heard before Hender’s eyes once again found the demon. The two were having a competition of strength with their weapons locked, at the same time as he felt the bones in his arm move back into place.

Suddenly another arrow flew by and found its mark in the gap between the demon’s chest and shoulder plates. Yes! Good work, Tha-

The demon’s smile twisted, before she changed her stance and moved faster than any of them could react. The sound of metal being crushed before Ricky was sent flying, was all Hender needed to feel like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over him. Ricky’s coughing, muted by the blood in his mouth merely confirmed how injured he was by the demon’s kick.

“GABE!!” Hender bellowed as he grit his teeth and glared at the demon as he brought mana into his voice to make it focus on him. “BITCH!”

The demon focused immediately turned her eyes to him, giving him a scornful smile. I’ll kill you!

Charge!

The demon blocked his charge with the long handle of her battleaxe, and remained standing. Hender saw the flashes of light as several lightning bolts struck the demon, and pushed harder when he felt her stance falter, at the same time as he thrust towards her neck with his sword. He heard the swish of another arrow, as well as the muted thump that told him it found its mark.

Suddenly the resistance disappeared as the demon whirled around and past him, faster than he could react. The moment he realized his back was now unguarded, he felt sharp pain in his back. 

Somewhere he heard someone scream his name. Hender barely managed to open his eyes through the pain and his fading consciousness.

He saw through the darkness how the demon that had her back towards him made her way towards Vanessa, bright flashes of light bombarding her armor. 

Hender’s heart jolted in fear. No...Vanessa…

Just as Hender was about to try and force himself to get up, the demon leaped back as a cloud of dust blocked her path. And from the cloud, two tall white sails protruded; like an unsurmountable wall. 

And further down between them, a pair of luminous, grey eyes that glared icily at the demon.

Goddess…

Hender shivered, unsure if the cause was because of the coldness he was feeling, or the depth in the glowing eyes of the goddess that declared that none could challenge her might.

She's safe.

A tear of relief escaped from his eye as the two closed in on one another. As the goddess brandished a halberd, Hender felt someone’s hands on his armor. 

At first he thought it was Gabe, but when he felt a liquid being poured onto his wound he realized it was Edgy. 

“Try not to move on your own. You still need a healer.” Edgy said as Hender felt his focus returning and the pain became clearer.

“Thanks.” Hender replied hoarsely. 

With Edgy’s help, Hender got up on his knees. They watched the battle between the demon and goddess as a healer arrived to treat him - though the healer too seemed to put more effort into witnessing the legendary duel unfolding before them. 

Witnessing the full strength the demon possessed as she attempted to survive the goddess’ cold assault, Hender realized she had been holding back when fighting them. She was toying with us?

No...she was merely trying to hide her true strength. She didn’t get serious other than when she was about to be overwhelmed.

The goddess’s halberd suddenly ignited in white flames. When the next clang resounded as the halberd and axe collided, the flames spread to the demon’s weapon. 

Before long, the flames had spread down the handle and onto the demon’s arms. When the demon flinched in pain, the goddess didn’t waste the opportunity and thrust with her halberd to get past the demon’s guard and use the hook to break her stance. 

As the demon fell forward onto the ground, the goddess pinned her down by stepping on her back before raising her halberd, and with a swift, determined thrust, pushed the flaming blade into the back of the demon’s neck. 

Witnessing the goddess’ cold attitude as she calmly handled the demon in every step from her intervention to the execution, Hender was reminded of the words that were often said about the gods, yet the meaning of which was forgotten just as often.

The gods are warriors. They fight demons; all day, every day.

The white flames that were charring the demon’s corpse vanished, and the goddess visibly let out a sigh as her halberd disappeared from her hand. When the goddess raised her face and noticed that everyone was silently staring at her, she quickly lowered her face again and raised her hand to rub the back of her neck.

Is she embarras-

“LONG LIVE THE GODDESS!!” A shrill scream from the noble stands broke the silence. Within moments, the audience followed suit.

When the goddess raised her blushed face to the crowd and waved at them, her wings twitched as the cheers gained a new fervor; the sight brought on a smile on Hender’s face.

Thana is right. She’s cute. 

“Hender!!” (Vanessa)

As he turned his face towards the voice, all he could see was the chestnut hair when Vanessa squeezed his neck in her arms. 

“Vanessa, you’re killing him.” Edgy retorted. 

Vanessa immediately let go in a panic and looked at him anxiously. “Are you still injured?”

As Hender shook his head, Edgy interjected. “No, you idiot. You were strangling him.” 

Vanessa turned to glare at her. “Why didn’t you help us?!”

Hender blinked and turned his eyes to Edgy. True, why didn’t she help?

Edgy crossed her arms and shook her head. “She could sense me.”

Hender’s eyes widened. “Even when you reduced your presence?”

“Yes!” Edgy exclaimed. “Whenever I got close...seriously, it still gives me the creeps.”

Hender nodded in understanding as he lowered his gaze. “...We were outmatched.”

“Understatement of the decade.” Thana said as she arrived with Ricky and Gabe in tow. “We haven’t been beaten that hard since the dark troll.”

Vanessa looked like she wanted to retort, before nodding with a grim look.

“Is everyone alright?” (Ezme)

Hender turned around in surprise to see the goddess look at them with concern while tilting her head. 

“G-g-g-g-g-god...ess…” Hender glanced at Gabe just in time to see Ricky catch the fainted priest. 

Suppressing his twitching lips, Hender bowed his head as he returned his attention to the goddess. “Discounting an overexcited priest, we’re fine. We’re honoured by your concern for us.”

“Hmm.” The goddess gave him an amused smile as she glanced over them. “I thought I should tell you that you should stop adventuring for a while.”

Hender’s face fell. ...Is she that unimpressed by us?

“Oh, it’s nothing like that.” The goddess waved her hand at their reactions. “It’s just...you’re risking more lives than your own when putting your party in danger.”

Hender’s eyes widened. As he turned his head to look back at Vanessa, he wasn’t the only one staring at her. 

Vanessa blinked repeatedly before blushing as she pointed at herself. “Me?”

“Yes.” The goddess replied. 

Vanessa glanced down at herself in shock, before meeting Hender’s gaze. When her face broke into a smile, Hender realized she wasn’t alone. 

“I told you, didn’t I?” Thana said with a wry smile as she nudged Vanessa’s arm with her elbow. “Looks like you'll be taking on our share after all.”

“What are you looking smug for?” (Ezme)

Surprised by her tone, Hender glanced at the goddess that snorted before she continued. “You got your own share to worry about.”

As his widened eyes turned to Thana, he saw how Vanessa stared at her as well with a gaping mouth. The archer’s face was slowly getting beet red as she glanced passed Vanessa.

Hender noticed in the corner of his eye how Ricky scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

...Huh. 

I had no idea.