Chapter 14 - Three vs many

I stared up the sky, the sun still young as the day wasn’t even at noon. I spotted Birds in the sky, their pattern was a G this time, I have no idea what’s wrong with this ecosystem anymore.

Trees bristled in the wind. The bugs made their buzzing noises, and the dirt was soft from the wear of wagon wheels.

“God... Sir...” Layla wandered over to me, scared by the dragon who accompanied us.

“Yes?” I asked, confident in my deduction of her question.

“How do you plan we find all of them? I know that trick of yours worked on Gideon before, but this?” She was losing confidence.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk.” I clicked my tongue. “Your focus should be on preparing yourself. I’m relying on your power here. Yes, it may not be the one we originally planned where you ease their champion during the coliseum fight. But it is even more important here.”

I gave a crafted smile, easing Layla but not calming her.

“I hope you know, if we lose this, I’m teleporting you in a volcano.” Lard expressed his distaste.

“I- I’m glad you’re letting me sit this out. I will be of no use here.” Conrad expressed both with praise and dissatisfaction.

“You underestimate us, false God.” Audrey chimed in from the back.

“Hey, show some respect.” I humored. “Your boss took the challenge, wallowing now will only hamper your ability to hide.”

“Tch.” Audrey clicked her tongue.

A woosh could be heard over head, signaling the last step before the challenge.

Gideon’s dragon lowered, giving access to be mounted.

“You are the last one Audrey. I will take you to your spot now.”

“Finally.” She quickly holstered herself onto his dragon, eager to be done. “Don’t think this will be easy, we will take our fight to the Demon king!”

With Audrey's proud and bold claim, Gideon took off, flying over the tree line.

“This is pointless.” Lard complained.

“Do you want to try to find the Goddess without the aid of dragon’s and Gideons army?”

Lard kept quiet to my question.
“T- Toshiro...” Layla was very nervous to ask a question. “Elvire... The Goddess... Isn’t she... Dead...?”

Lard went silent, Conrad felt frustration as we all remember her withered corpse. I looked onto the sky, giving some thought.

“I don’t think she is.”

“Huh?” Lard verbally was taken aback while the others weren't convinced “What makes you think that?”

I took his question to heart, his loyalty still strong, but the reality of the situation was stronger.

“I think that because... I think the fact she’s alive is what will win us this challenge.” The three were taken aback by my confidences, my eyes unwavering.

“Then... I trust you Toshiro. Guide us to victory!” She smiled, light filling her eyes.

I nodded, hearing that familiar woosh make its way down to us.

With Gideon’s arrival, he dismounted, landing on the soft ground.

“There. We all are hiding and fulfilled your conditions. I made sure there will be no trickery from our end.” He spoke in earnest, his honor bound nature was true.

I nodded, believing in his words. “Alright Lard, let's get a move on.”

“You don’t have to remind me.” Lard grabbed me by the shoulders.

“We’ll be back.” I waved to Layla and Conrad. They gave their supportive waves back.

In a flash, my vison had my two supporters waving on an open road, to now being in the middle of a forest with minimal sunlight.

“Alright, what now?” Lard asked, holding onto my shoulders.

“F- First, loosen up your grip.” I ordered. He simply let go of his death grip, not wanting to touch me anymore then he has too. “Let’s try another spot, I’m not seeing anything here.”

“Not seeing anything? Where you expecting to randomly stumble upon Gideon’s forces by chance?” Lard questioned.

“Huh!? No, I have a plan. Just cooperate with me here.” I begged.

“Fine.” He gritted his teeth giving my shoulder another death grip.

We teleported around throughout the forest. I wasn’t able to find what I was looking for, and Lard was getting agitated with each teleport.

“Anything!?” He asked annoyed.

“Dude. It’s only been a few minutes.” I stated, though I could see Lard’s face was getting sweaty.

“Can- Can you just walk around for a little. I need a break.” Lard expressed.

“Fine.” I agreed with holding back my tongue, annoyed by all his whining. “But remember we only have till noon to find all five in order to win. I need your A game.”

Lard gave a side eye, insulted by my words.

I gave him some distance, hoping this would clear my head.

We’ve barely gotten into the challenge and he’s already annoying.

I sighed, losing hope for good teamwork. I wandered not too far but enough.

I spotted a glow.

There it is!

Lard wiped his forehead of sweat, contemplating how things got to this point.

“Lard!” My sudden yell nearly made him jump from his own skin.

“What!?” He yelled angry.

“Shh!” I silenced him. “Quiet. Someone's near.”

“Don’t ‘ssh’ me after yelling like that! And how do you know, you didn’t even make it past those trees.” He gestured.

“Just teleport us a short distance, trust me.”

He sighed, frustrated but with no other choice. He grabbed my shoulder, and we carefully made out way in the direction I pointed out.

I lifted my hand up, signaling Lard to stop.

“What-”

“Shh.” I ordered. I spotted the glow. It was relatively close. “Take the teleport nice and-”

He teleported us too close, we found ourselves in front of an armored man, caught eating a meal. Him and his dragon noticed us. They gave us a puzzling stare.

“-Slowly...” I wanted to kill Lard right now. I felt his grip let go, as he suddenly disappeared, leaving me with the man.

“Stop right there!” He ordered. “I will not be so easy to take from!”

“Woah, woah!” I gestured my unarmed hands. “I’m not looking to fight. Uh- Could I interest you in some way to hand over your vial?”

“There's not a thing you can do. Gideon may find your proposition intriguing, but you’ll find the rest of us are not so keen on serving under some rando.” He readied his blade. His meal spilt onto the ground.

“Let’s calm down.” I gestured, buying some time. “Whatever your opinions of me are I understand. Some guy comes in, and your boss starts acting in ways you don’t follow. It’s a perfectly understandable thing.”

“You know nothing of Gideon outsider! I have served under him for three years now and he is more man than you could ever hope to be.”

Three years? Now that I think of it, I’m not sure the timeline this world, or how long this demon king has been a threat... Or now that my mind is on the matter, I don’t really understand this demon king.

I shook my head loose, trying not to get caught up in thought with the present threat in front of me.

Where are they!? I internally shouted as I tried to distract.

The man began to walk with his sword drawn.

“Wait!” I threw my hands up, the man giving me a moment. “Is there some form of chivalry or code you abide by? Can I at least get you name?”

The man pondered. “We are honor bound warriors. As I do recognize you as a potential threat, I find no harm in giving you the basic courtesy. My name is Wilfred. A warrior of the 21st century on Earth, and here to... Here to... Hm...?”

He let his body relax, dropping the sword to the ground as he got lost in thought. I sighed.

“Took you guys long enough!” I turned, seeing two bodies hiding in the bushes.

“I- I’m sorry Toshiro!” Layla apologized flustered.

“Don’t get mad at us, it’s hard enough to traverse this forest much less back track it!” Lard defended.

I want to hit him.

“I’m here to do the Goddess’s work, but now I would really like to play some video games if I’m being honest.” Wilfred was at ease with Layla’s power, I walked up to his defenseless state, glaring at the golden glow in his bag.

“Got the first one!” I cheered, showing off the Goddess’s blue essence.

“Hooray!” Layla jumped.

“Cool, can we leave now?” Lard was a drag.

“Huh?” Wilfred snapped out of ease, staring at the blue liquid. “How-”

“Thank you for your help, Wilfred. I look forward to working with you.” I gestured with a bow.

Wilfred grunted. “Don’t think it’ll be easy! The others will not be so laxing as I!” In his defeat, he mounted the dragon and took off towards Gideon.

“Alright.” I clapped, getting the twos attention. “Let’s find our next prey.”

Lard’s grip stressed my shoulders, teleporting itself had no issues though.

“Toshiro?” Lard suddenly spoke up as the terrain flashed new scenery.

“Yeah?” I was surprised he engaged conversation. I could feel hesitation before wanting to speak up.

“The Goddess... Do you really believe there’s a chance she’s alive...?”

His words treaded with caution, unsure if he wanted the answer.

“I know so. She’s not the Goddess of reincarnation for nothing.” I gave my crafted smile. My words had some effect on Lard as his grip loosened a bit.

“Here’s one.” I stopped Lard as he was in thought, stopping us in another random location. “Up ahead, let’s take it slow this time.”

“Fine.” He murmured, taking my words more serious.

With a quick teleport, I could see another warrior eating, unaware to our presence.

“I’ll go grab Layla. You wait here.” And with Lard’s words he was gone.

I took the time to study the person in armor. I was happy to see some semblance of real-world craftsmanship. The town being full of certified cosplayers was disappointing.

The man's armor was not shiny with polish but rough and scratched from battles, it also bulged as he was bigger bodied. His sword was well maintained, clearly worn judging by the handle, but its blade was the only reflective surface showing its care.

The dragon sat comfortable to his side. Much like a pet animal resting by its owner, it trusted the man. I was curious to where Gideon got these dragons. Maybe a cheat? Either way it is a great asset.

I felt the sudden appearance of two bodies next to me.

“Sorry it took us a minute.” Layla apologized in whisper.

“It’s alright, can you ease our target now?”

“C- Certainly.” She glared, the man looked unfazed.

“Is... Is it working...?” Lard asked.

“I don’t know... He was just eating soup, maybe it is...” I was unsure, his posture didn’t shift nor his appetite.

I was able to see the magic concentration blobs on him meaning Layla was using her ability, but I was not confident.

“Maybe you should throw a rock at him.” Lard suggested.

“Huh? If it isn’t work, he could take one of us out easily. You can’t carry the two of us.” I reminded Lard of his limit. “Why don’t you teleport behind him, then throw a rock and come back.”

“Huh! No way!” Lard loudly whispered, the three of us were spooked as the man shuffled to the noise. 

The dragon sat comfortable to his side. Much like a pet animal resting by its owner, it trusted the man. I was curious to where Gideon got these dragons. Maybe a cheat? Either way it is a great asset.

I felt the sudden appearance of two bodies next to me.

“Sorry it took us a minute.” Layla apologized in whisper.

“It’s alright, can you ease our target now?”

“C- Certainly.” She glared, the man looked unfazed.

“Is... Is it working...?” Lard asked.

“I don’t know... He was just eating soup, maybe it is...” I was unsure, his posture didn’t shift nor his appetite.

I was able to see the magic concentration blobs on him meaning Layla was using her ability, but I was not confident.

“Maybe you should throw a rock at him.” Lard suggested.

“Huh? If it isn’t work, he could take one of us out easily. You can’t carry the two of us.” I reminded Lard of his limit. “Why don’t you teleport behind him, then throw a rock and come back.”

“Huh! No way!” Lard loudly whispered, the three of us were spooked as the man shuffled to the noise.

With a moment of silence, he was back to his soup.

“Phew.” We all sighed.

“Look. You bring me with you and I’ll throw the rock. How does that sound?”

“Hmm...” Lard debated. “Fine.”

With a soft grab of my arm, we teleported to another tree, right behind the man. I picked up a rock, angeled and readied myself.

With a throw, Lard teleported us away before it could hit.

“You missed idiot!” Lard insulted while whispering.

“I know I missed! You don’t need to remind me!” I whispered louder back.

“Uh... Guys...” Layla murmured.

“Then why did you make such a stupid suggestion!? Why claim to be a God if you can’t throw a rock!?”

“Huh!? I don’t want to hear that from someone who can’t walk down five steps without it being a workout!!!”

“YOU TWO STOP BICKERING!!! HE’S LOOKING RIGHT AT US!!!”

“Huh?” Me and Lard turned our attention back onto the warrior, he’s been glaring at us in our argument.

“D- Do you think it’s working?” Lard asked afraid

“I don’t know, let me find out. Hey!” My sudden yell scared the two, Layla almost broke her concentration. “How do you feel about me!?”

“Eh?” Lard and Layla were thrown off even more. I could see Layla’s magic blobs faulter.

“Uh... I know you’re the enemy and all but... I am really enjoying this soup right now.” The man admitted, taking another bite.

Us three sighed relief.

I casually walked up to the man. His inaction kept the dragon calm, but I could feel its eyes glaring.

“Alright! Bottle number two!” I posed with the vial, Lard and Layla clapped at my accomplishment. “Alright, you can now return to Gideon.”

“Uh... Sure. I’ll be there after my meal.” The man continued to eat. I didn’t see Layla’s magic blobs no more, meaning this man was getting real deep with this soup.

Lard and I wasted no time. The sun was halfway to noon, so we rushed to find the next glow.

“Here.” I stated, Lard stopping. His grip wasn’t as bad as before. “This is weird. I know we’re a good distance away, but the glow is strong.”

“Glow?” Lard was confused but was unable to ask as I was distracted.

“Let's take this real nice and slow, there could be something up.” I stated, feeling a minor itch.

“A- Alright.”

With his stutter, we were a good distance away, taking the teleportation one step at a time.

Eventually we saw the clearing. Nothing of note was different from the other two, a warrior sat against the dragon’s tail, uncaring to the challenge at hand.

“They seem really laxed.” Lard pointed out.

“Yeah... Okay, you go get Layla quick, I don’t want to make this longer than it has too.” I stared up at the sun, nervous at our remaining time.

With a nod, Lard made his way back, disappearing.

Alright, I’m going to keep low, there’s something unnerving about this guy.

I looked the scene up and down. Nothing was out of place. The man was relaxing, I feel like I could just walk up and take his vial, but I waited patiently for Layla.

With how the last two warriors spoke I was kinda excited to see the difficulty with eh remaining three. I’m guessing Audrey will be a real monster by Gideon’s confidence has in her, but how about this guy and the other one I haven't met.

I felt a moment of irony as a branch above me shuffled. Believing it to be Lard and Layla I looked straight up. I was met by an armored warrior, limber by nature with their feminine build. We stared each other down, I realized I was now the prey.

“H- Hi...” I waved. “ACK!”

With a sudden downward strike, I flung forward, exposing myself into the open space.

“Ah! There he is! The false God! Good job sis!” The man stood, confident and proud.

“It was easy. I’m surprised someone like this got one over Gideon.”

I was surrounded. The two encircled me, taunting me with the eagerness to attack.

“Hey you two. We haven’t met. I’m Toshiro.” I greeted, wary of each of their movements.

“I’m Ira, brother to woman who is more akin to a monkey.”

“And I’m Ari. Sister to a man who couldn’t keep a job on earth and became a dead beat.”

“Hey! You said you wouldn’t bring that up here!?” Ira was offended.

“You called me a monkey again! You know I hate that!”

“Hey!” I shouted at the two, caught in the crossfire of their arguing. “You two are siblings. You should act more compassionate for one another.”

“Huh!?” The two were flustered, baring their blades.

“If anything, aren’t you two honor bound warriors? It seems dishonorably for you both to overpower me.”

“That’s what I said! But Ari can’t take a hint!”

“Me!? You acted as bait! I actually put in the work to get on over him!”

“And look where it got you! You messed up and now we’re having this argument again! You! You!” Ira let his shoulders droop. “You are such a great sister.”

“Huh!?” Ari was taken more aback from these words. “What’s gotten into you!?”

“We really should get along. I feel bad when we fight but I also don’t want you to bully me like when we were kids.” Ira was being too honest. I could see magic blobs encasing him.

“What the hell did you do to my brother!?” Ari trembled. Anger made her face go red. “My brother would never say those things!”

“I- I didn’t do a thing I swear! You’ve been watching me this whole time!”

“Liar! It’s just like with Gideon! I won’t fall for your tricks false God!” Ari charged her weapon high.

“L- LARD!” I screamed for help.

“I got it!” He stated flustered, teleporting with ferocious speed.

“Huh?” Ari was taken aback. “ACK!”

In her state of impulsivity, Lard was able to get a strong kick in, sending her flying.

“T- Thanks.” I trembled, afraid she was either going to get me, or Lard was going to let her get me.

Lar sighed. “Let’s... Let’s get this over with...” Lard was exhausted, I guess that kick took it out of him.

With Ira at ease by Layla and Ari knocked out by Lard, I brought the two in with my arms out wide, the two were in shock.

“We did it! We got two more vials!” I cheered.

“W- We did it!” Layla was unsure how to react but was caught in the moment.

“Just one more! This has been going easier than I thought.”

Oh... Oh no...

With Lard’s red flag words, I could feel a strong presence glaring at us.

“Lard... Why did you have to jinx it?” I questioned.

“Huh?” Lard questioned, before he was suddenly knocked far.

“Lard!” Layla screamed as his fat body rolled across the dirt. With both his exhaustion and weak structure, he was knocked out cold.

“Get down!” With my demand, I pulled Layla to the ground. A powerful gust of wind passed over our bodies, intending to hurt us in a similar fashion.

“Impressive...” The woman in armors voice complimented, her metal gloved chimed as she slow clapped. She swung her mighty sword, aiming right us.

A beat of sweat rolled down my cheek, fear etched knowing this was the final boss.

“I would have been disappointed if you were taken out so easily. Let me see what a false God can do.” Audrey taunted.

I took a deep breath, swallowing my fear.

“This is going to be interesting.”