Chapter 21

Yuna fired an arrow at him as both Yozora and Morigan combined their wind magic to push Nazim back.

Placing her hands over the wound, Philomena began using healing magic as the others crowded around, ignoring Nazim to check on Inoue.

Taking advantage, Nazim laughed and extended some tentacles which wrapped around the bodies of all of them except Philomena and Inoue.

Walking over, Nazim grabbed her head.

"You took Nazim's Wyvern, Cerberus and face. So Nazim takes his soul. Hehehe."

Laughing, he reached for Inoue until Philomena grabbed his wrist, her touch burning his skin as she glared at him with pure white eyes.

Trying to pull away from her, Nazim gasped and whimpered pathetically in a combination of fear and pain.

"Don't touch him!!!"

A flash of white light blinded the group as Nazim's screams of pain echoed.

When the light faded, they saw Nazim on his knees, panting and clutching his chest.

"What was that?"

Shaking her head in confusion, unable to answer Yuna's question, Yozora knelt next to Philomena as Morigan stepped toward Nazim.

"Even a purify spell from a low level cleric  is able to all but kill you. And here I thought that you couldn't get any more pathetic."

Raising her staff, she stared at him stone faced when he looked up at her with a pathetic expression.

"Morigan... You are one of us... You would help these humans to kill our Master?"

"He is my Master no longer. I grew tired of it all. This town and its residents are my people now. These Humans that fought agaisnt you today are my family now."

Looking up at her, he scowled and reached for his axe before a beam of magic shot from her staff to cover him.

When the beam faded, Nazim was gone and only a burnt patch of grass remained to prove that he even existed in the first place.

Releasing her paralysis and mind perception spells on the town, the citizens and other adventurers ran put to check on them.

Returning to Inoue's side, Morigan sighed in relief when she saw that Philomena has successfully healed him with only a scar remaining where his wound was.

"We really did it."

Nodding, Morigan's staff vanished into thin air.

"We did. Together. All of us."

Helping him to his feet, the others crowded around, hugging him as the townsfolk cheered and the other adventurers congratulated them.

"On behalf of everyone here in Magnaheart. I would like to thank you and reward your bravery today."

Looking toward the voice, they saw an Elderly man.

"Mr. Mayor?"

Smiling at Morigan, the man walked forward, wearing a simple robe and walking with a cane. A long beard and grey hair making him look dignified and knowledgeable.

Reaching them, he bowed his head.

"On behalf of the town and all of the residents. I thank you fkr defending our town and ensuring everyones survival against that Demonic threat. If not for you all, we may not have been able to defeat him."

"Well, in all honesty. He came here becasue of us. We freed Ken from his control and thats the main reason he showed up."

Nodding and looking at Ken who was now sniffing the Cerberi, the mayor chuckled.

"Be that as it may. You defe ded us and defeated him. One of the Demon King's Chosen Generals. And for that. You deserve a gift."

"A gift?"

As Yozora asked, sounding interested, Philomena and Zuma began speculation whether it would be money or something else.

Holding out a key, the Mayor smiled.

"What is it for?"

Taking the key, Yozora inspected it as the Mayor pointed to a large manor eith high fences all around it that was in the northern section of the town. Providing privacy from the rest of town.

"It has been abandoned for quite some time but I have employed some people to ensure it upkeep. I would be honored if you would have it. As our saviors, you have more than earned it."

Nodding and shaking the Mayor's hand, Inoue took the key from Yozora.

"Shall we go home then?" He asked, looking at the group who all nodded and started to walk toward the manor.

"Will Gara and Bagas be allowed to stay?"

Looking at the Cerberi and Ken, the Mayor chuckled and nodded.

"Of course. They seem harmless now that that horrible Demon is gone. They are part of your family so I would never force them away."

Begining the journey together, the group talked about their new home.

After exploring, choosing their areas and rooms as well as getting Ken,  and the Cerberi, Gara and Bagas settled. They sat in the living room that was fully furnished thanks to the town being thankful to their heroes.

"You're sure that you won't join the party, Morigan? You'd be welcome. You're already part of our family. Darling and we would love to have you around permanently."

Smiling as she stood by the door, Morigan shook her head.

"No, I prefer my life here as the magical emporium shopkeeper and resident witch. I'm not much for traveling but I won't be a stranger. Not since Inoue gave me this."

Showing a ring on her finger that matched the ones that the other girls wore.

"I'm honored and proud to be one of Inoue's wives. And whenever you need any help, please call for me. And I will always be prepared to assist you in any ways. I will be moving in though. In a few days. But adventuring? No, I will stay home while you all go on your quests. Someone needs to be the stay at home wife to keep our home clean and running smoothly. I should be off. It is getting late and Some of us cannot seem to be able to wait to get to bed."

Seeing her point, Philomena and Yozora looked and saw that Yuna and Inoue were asleep on the sofa, heads resting agaisnt each other and snoring.

Laughing together at the sight, the three women relaxed, enjoying the calming presence of each other and the bond that they all now shared. Excited about their future together in not just their future quests and adventures. But also their future as a family.