The Briefing

Later...

Inside of the large gathering hall of a noble man's home, many mercenaries filled the hall. A majority stood around the large area others closer to the entrance. Different mercenaries stood around while within a glance few could be seen wearing similar armor hinting to their personal groups. They stood conversing with others, some leaning silently against walls while others sat mixed and inside their groups. Aisellia and Miyaura strolled into the eating area, looking around for a spot together. Aisellia's eyes glanced over the crowd. Seeing the difference in weapons and equipment between different people.

(So many people. It looks like people old and new to this are here. If it's difficult enough to need so many people, wouldn't it make sense to pay only professionals to get it done? This means they need numbers...are they making something like a small army?)

They soon found a space by a window to stand. Aisellia looked over to Miyaura who happily followed and stood with a bright smile on her face which in turn revealing a smile of her own.

(She's adorable. It's easy to guess she's just happy to be doing this together. I know the system is pretty technical but she wants to do this, if I can make it easier to where she can just have fun then it's not a problem for me. You don't have to worry about a thing, all this technical stuff is more up my alley anyway. You just let me do the hard work on this side for you. She has that adorable smile when she's happy, I'll do whatever it takes to keep her from losing it again. She's been through more than enough already before we even met.)

The sound of a trumpet horn filled the halls gathering everyone's attention. On the second floor at the balcony where the stairs met, overlooked the crowd. Next to the trumpet player three nobles stepped past him and walk onto the balcony.

Noble 1: "Silence is preferred so that we may keep this briefing quick. With that said let us begin."

Noble 2: "You all are likely wondering why a single job I originally processed through the guild has grown into a full mission with the rewards of the accumulative wealth of three nobles behind it. A kidnapping, strung together by an envious old acquaintance of mine has schemed against my wealth and fortune since our days of young. Of course, I hired mercenaries but they died from investigating these matters. From there I hired an official guild. As it turns out an old acquaintance isn't working alone, having allied with a band of less than desirables who in turn had become quite an issue for my business partner next to me."

The second noble gestured his hand toward the other side of the first noble who stood center of the three. The one on the other side beginning his speech where the other had left off.

Noble 3: "That group originated as a small social circle within a small crime organization near my home city that has hired smaller bandit groups for their expendable shady dealings. Murder, Theft, Assault, Obstruction of proper justice, human and demi-human trafficking, you name it and they've done it. A few months ago several cargo shipments have been going missing en route to the city. Somehow they've gained enough weapons and money to arm even the bandits with weapons and even hire ex-mercenaries into their ranks. Meaning they're building a small army force for something big. After investigation, we were able to find out neither being the mastermind behind their collaboration. Which lead to the three of us meeting to discover the bigger picture of it. A third party pulling the strings."

The two nobles taking a step back they allowed the first noble between them to step forward, bringing him to everyone's full attention.

Noble 1: "If you're native to this city or these nearby lands, you may be aware of certain rumors. Ones pertaining to a sinister group of demon worshipers. Who has been responsible for many recent missing people and brutal murder crimes? Since the destruction of their base from an esteemed guild near the city, they seemed to disappear but now it's only apparent they were preparing other things in other locations. This group of fanatics praises the demons as their superiors, solely focused on some sort of ritual of which we can assume these lunatics believe they can influence demons by sacrificing the innocent. Delusional as they may be they are not the main threat here, the gathered military force is. We're unsure of their actual numbers but with bandits and ex mercenaries it would be appropriate a force of mercenaries and official guild members is the best solution for that."

Aisellia & Miyaura: (Practically it's going to be a war!)

"Pulling all of our resources we've found in their former base where they're also keeping current captives or simply who remained alive. We'll be marching in just a few days so prepare well. Not everyone who signed up is here since they were briefed earlier. We asked to brief those below B class and Guild Members above separately. You'll be working in squadrons, with our tactics they will have nowhere to run and no choice but to be defeated. Each Unit will be lead by a B class or higher Guild Member. We Nobles have paid for inn and guild services for the two nights so food, drinks, and sleep accommodations are taken care of for each mercenary or guild member. With the guild's help, while you all gather to relax the nights ahead before we march at the guildhall, they have forms for you all to reference who's your Unit captain so that information will be there for you tomorrow. Do be cautious, this alliance of theirs could cost you your life if any of you aren't careful out there. We depart in just a few days."

Thirty Minutes Later...

Back inside the inn, Aisellia and Miyaura sat side by side on the beds' edge. Miyaura lied back onto the bed looking up at the ceiling. Aisellia looking over their new mercenary ID's before placing them in her small carry bag. Sitting it along the wall close to the bed when she was done.

"Well, we've gathered everything we need for preparation. The sun's down but he's still not back though." Aisellia said.

"He looked pretty fired up. Maybe he's working dummy hard to find those guys?" Miyaura responded

"You may be right. The last time he agreed to a deal he saved our lives."

"True, he's very motivated when it comes to us."

"Hm, that makes him easy to persuade. Do you think he's as wild with any woman he came across before we met him? From what Angelia told us he sounded like a handful."

"Oh we've talked. He's certainly been going around flirting with any cute girls with impressive figures. I get the feeling he's kinda picky. So with us being by his side, basically having us to feel on and see is enough for him to care less about general girls since we're to his special tastes."

"So basically having two ten out of tens keeps his general attention from harassing other girls...because he enjoys how we occupy enough of his harassment as is?"

"Exactly! If another girl is as to his tastes as us, then that woman will get his attention for sure, but I must approve of her if I'm going to let her be a part of paradise!"

"What is this paradise you and Karna keep talking about anyway?"

"It's easiest to describe it as a way of life or a concept of living we envisioned when he saved me a long time ago. Being able to live a life of happiness. Years ago when we first met he told me of a dream. I can't remember what it was about but he wanted to live a life similar to it. It's not something that strictly is or isn't, it's living happily every moment possible...it's enjoying your life with the people who help make it so beautiful to your eyes. A goal and a dream aren't physical things but I want to turn this life in this world into our paradise. I don't have some grand power or anything like that but I can still give him the greatest part of that dream for his mind, body, and spirit to support him."

"What's that?"

"A harem of sexy bitches!" She exclaimed pointing a finger to the sky.

"It might be adding competition but I need to prove to myself I can be best girl even with other drop-dead gorgeous girls and we all bury him in happiness!" She said jumping to her feet standing proudly.

"Pluuus it would be a gift for me too!" Miyaura stated. Winking her eye playfully at Aisellia who returned with a short giggle and a smile.

"Ha. So the harem is for your enjoyment too? You know I really look up to your honesty Miyaura, not just with me but with yourself too. You know yourself and what you want, looks like I'm still learning from you. You might be rewarded by him with a kiss soon!"

Aisellia said playfully. Quickly Miyaura's eye color shifted to their crimson shade from before as she leaned forward bringing their faces close to one another. Looking into Aisellia eyes with her cheeks filled with air like she was pouting.

"I still get pretty embarrassed thinking about it so I want to keep getting used to his touch...maybe one day soon..."

"What do you want if you feel you need to get more comfortable with his hands and eyes being all over you more than they already are?"

"I-I w-want him to fuck me silly! My body is durable since I'm like him, he can rattle my brain and my body can take such a beating it'll be great! I'mnot into any BDSM stuff but I like a little rough treatment during intimate moments. I have a high pain tolerance now!"

Suddenly Miyaura blushed and placed her hands on her cheeks as she began squirming around where she stood, seeming lost in her fantasy while Aisellia awkwardly laughed under her breath. She was obviously at a loss for words from her friend's outburst.

"I-isn't beating a little aggressive?!"

"Hm? Maybe. How about rough and I'll take all of it like a champ?"

"Um? That's better?"

"I'm sure he'll do whatever you think about randomly too!"

"I-I have no such thoughts!"

"Really? You seemed really into him this morning."

Aisellia visually looked shocked at the statement, her cheeks turning blush from her embarrassment. Miyaura's teasing smile only let her know that she was awake to witness it.

"Right on! Make him realize who the real boss is! Make him earn it!"

"Exactly...WAIT NO!"

"Too late! You already didn't just say what you might admit. It's what you definitely didn't say right?"

Miyaura said with a playful wink of her eye and smile. Noticing her friend's words agreeing to it being something she "wasn't" admitting, the two shared a laugh together before going to bed for the night.

Two days later...

Aisellia and Miyaura would be walking around the shopping district, peering onto a fruit stand on the busy street. Miyaura picking an apple from the stand while Aisellia exchanged a few coins for multiples while she did so. Afterward placing a few more apples inside of a satchel on her side.

"We leave for the mission tomorrow, it might be a good idea to bring a few snacks. They used the term marching, so we might be in for quite the travel."

"Looks like Karna's hard work helped. I guess he managed to find one of the bounties and turn them into the guards since he left one of the posters for us by the time we woke up."

"I admit he's done well to find one at least. I woke up earlier than you this morning Miyaura so I went to check it out with the guild and it was true and they paid us for it."

"Aw, you went somewhere without me?! We can't ever separate! We have to stick together!"

She cried out, sadness evident by her expression before a smug smile formed with her lips. Miyaura scooted closer to Aisellia, using her shoulder to teasingly nudge her friend's shoulder.

"Oooo a little worried he'll catch'em all?"

"Not at all I'll have you know. There are ten bounties in total, and he may be quick but I'm smarter. The last one is his own bounty and he likes causing trouble, he knows he can't from inside a cell. Haha!"

Aisellia revealed confidently with a smile before breaking into sinister laughter about the demon male. She seemed zoned out to Miyaura, Aisellia envisioning Karna wallowing in his defeat at the end of their deal.

(I can feel from here how much fun she's having with this bet, despite the consequences if she loses. I think him playing her games is a little turn-on for her. It's easy to see she likes it hee-hee.)

"Is that?! Excuse me please!" Hearing a woman's voice behind them, the two girls turned around. See a young woman and a young male of short black hair wearing a matching white cloak over their shoulders. "Excuse me! Can I ask what type of weapon you have there on your hip?"

The short-haired brunette woman asked excitedly stepping closer to Aisellia. Miyaura looked on curiously but once the girl stepped too close Miyaura extended her arm between them seeming to surprise the girl, prompting her to step back and bow forgiving to Miyaura.

Mystery Female Voice: "My apologies!"

Mystery Male Voice: "We're incredibly sorry. My friend here is somewhat of a weapon enthusiast!"

Elanor Martin: "I'm more of a special weapon enthusiast! Oh forgive me! Let me introduce both of us. I'm Elanor Martin and this is my partner Shingen Miyamaru!"

Shingen Miyamaru: "You can call me Shin for short if you prefer."

Miyaura: "And you said you are partners? Are you guys mercenaries?"

Shingen Miyamaru: "Oh no, we're members of a guild. The demon-hunting guild."

Aisellia Rae: "Demon Hunters? I thought the profession expired over a decade ago."

Elanor Martin: "You're correct, it as a profession ended long ago, but in recent years an official guild was started by a group of former demon hunters."

Aisellia Rae: "Hm, would you mind walking with us for a bit? I'd happily tell you all I know about my gun if you can update me on this guild of yours, it sounds admirable. You can say I'm a worldly enthusiast I guess."