Chapter 27

Author: Thanks for reading and for supporting me.

Den: Zil's missing.

Author: He's not here. Find him somewhere else.

Den: Right, he's not here.

Author: I already said that.

Den: I'm leaving.

Author: The door is on the right.

Den: Thanks.

Author: *Sigh, so tiring. My quiet time is ruined.

Den: I can't open the door!

Author: Ah, I just remember,............

Den: What?

Author: I thought I told you in the previous chapter to come back again with my payment.

Den:................The door just opened.

Author: Is it no longer faulty?

Den: I'll see you later!!

Author: *Sigh,.......... he's finally gone. *Sigh,............One more thing,..........to the readers, I am sorry if this chapter isn't that good.

Den: What do you mean by that?

Author: I thought you left. *Sigh, anyways, I am serious. Am really sorry if it is not that good.

Den:.............Are you okay?

Author: Go find Zil.

Den: I'm worried about you, seriously. Need someone to talk to?

Author: Just go find Zil. You don't want him getting eaten by a magical beast, right?

Den: I'm leaving but we'll talk later!

Author: Mmmmm. *Sigh, chapter 27 begins now. Sorry again if it is not that good.

*********️****️*****

The trio decided to drop all other plans to find Zil. However, even that plan was also discarded the moment they exit the inn.

They saw Zil.

He was back.

His clothes, face, dirty, like he just came out of a goldmine or something. He had his hands behind his back, seemingly hiding something.

But Den wasn't in the mood to talk or know about it.

In fact, that didn't concern any of them (Den, Mira and Yuuki) at the moment.

"Zil! Where have you been! We were so worried about you!" Mira said, relief washing over her as the worries and fears slowly faded away.

Coming closer, a guilt-ridden Zil dare not raise up his head.

"I'm sorry" he said, now close enough and head still lowered down.

Sure, he looked sorry, but Mira was having none of that.

This kid scared the living life out of her.

"Where did you go?!" She asked, and after a few seconds of silence, Zil answered, "I want back for this" bringing forward what he hid behind his back.

It was his father's most treasured painting. The only thing he had of his father.

"I had to get it"

After experiencing another nightmare of what happened to his village, he woke up in the middle of the night and remembered the painting.

His father had given it to him after the two (Den and Mira) left with no explanation. In fact, he only said, 'Keep it safe' nothing more. He was taking a look, asking Ger questions when they were attacked by demon Island.

Unintentionally, he took it with him when they went out to check what was wrong and ended up taking it to the underground.

However, he couldn't take it with him when he was rescued by Den and Yuuki. He was unconscious after all.

He thought this was the perfect opportunity to get it, but then,......he worried everyone.

He should have told them about it before leaving early this morning.

"What's that?" Mira asked.

Folded, they had no idea it was the painting. The very same one chief Sable made when he witnessed how the demon king was killed by the five .

"Is my father's most treasured painting. The only thing I have of him" the kid said, devastation written all over his face.

Now Mira felt sorry for him.

"What is it about? Tell me" she said, trying to cheer up the kid and sure enough, it worked like magic.

Beaming, the kid replied, "It's my father's greatest work. Is a painting of how the demon king was put to an end" about to unfold the painting.

Uh? Mira was too stunned to speak, totally frozen in place.

"You left without saying a word for this?!" an angry Den said, surprising the kid. To the point that, his hands froze in place. And the painting was no longer revealed.

Both Mira and Yuuki were no less. Seeing how angry Den was.

"We were so worried! While you want back for that useless thing! How can it help?! Huh? Can it save you when you're in danger?! Can it save us?! Can it help us with what's going on?! You're so stupid! How could you run off like that?! Didn't you think about us?! What do you think of us?!" Den vented out his frustrations.

There was more to say, but he held back. Seeing that dejected look on Zil's face, he could no longer continue. He couldn't stay either.

Ignoring the eyes on him, he turned to leave, angry, and frustrated.

One could say,........he also felt remorseful.

"You should take a bath and get ready," Mira said to the sad kid (Who stared at Den as he walked away), hand on his shoulder.

Zil wasn't just sad about what Den said.

He felt guilty. Cause he knew he (Den) was right.

Even so, hearing Den talk trash about the last thing he had of his father hurt him more.

********️*****️*****

(Just so you all know, the two are still wearing masks)

Moving on, Den hasn't said a word to him, worsening his feelings.

Zil knew he was guilty. It was his fault.

He wanted to apologize and beg him for forgiveness but the man won't give him a chance.

Den refuses to speak to him, making him feel a whole lot worse.

Not getting any horse, the four had no choice but to continue on foot again.

It was quiet as they walked. Den and Yuuki lead the way while Zil and Mira walk together, behind them, some distance between them.

Den seemed lost in his thoughts, thinking about God knows. Yuuki had a lot to ask but decided against it. He wanted to talk about his attitude towards Zil but he decided against that too.

He thought it was better that the two (Den and Zil) solved the problem themselves.

"Don't worry, the master behaved that way because he cares about you. He was only worried. He'll come around" Mira tried to reassure the kid but he was having none of that.

He didn't think Den would ever give him a chance to apologize. He looked so angry and wouldn't even look at him.

At this very moment, they felt something strange in the atmosphere. Den was the first one to notice, halt his steps and the three did the same.

Feeling it too while the kid only followed suit because everyone did.

The three couldn't put a finger on it,........... just felt......... strange.

And like on cue, a dagger was sent their way. Everything played in slow motion as the two (Den and Yuuki) noticed the dagger, heading their way.

But they reacted fast, dodging and it headed right towards the two behind.

Vigilant and fast, Mira pushed Zil out of the way before intentionally falling down to avoid getting hurt.

Missing targets, the dagger hit and got stuck on a tree (which was not far behind Mira and Zil).

The three were surprised by the sudden attack while Zil, he was more scared than surprised. His heart was pounding uncontrollably in its cage.

He felt the same way when his village was suddenly attacked. Frozen, terrified, shackled, though there was nothing bounding him, indecisive. He almost died and he couldn't help but think and believe it will happen again. However, this time, he will die. So useless, there's nothing he can do.

Understandable, but he was wrong. Zil had no idea his companions were no incompetent fighters. He has never seen them in action after all.

"Mira!" Den called out to her and she replied, "No need to say it" already up and drawing out her sword.

In protective mode, she stood before Zil, ready to protect him and herself.

Ready to kill.

Yu was no less. His sword was already drawn, and he was ready to fight.

And at this very moment, the attackers showed up.

They jumped down from the trees near by which was their hideout, surrounding the four, leaving them in their midst.

Surprisingly, they didn't sense their presence until now. Guess they just fell into a trap.

The men, fifteen in total, wore dark clothes. Their faces were hidden by the cat masks they wore. Similar to the ones in the Ric black market.

Coincidence?

"Hand over the golden key and you'll make it out alive" the one who seemed to be the leader said. Well, it was obvious, after all, he was the only one wearing a white cat mask.

*Sigh,

Another, here for the key. Guess the black market has already heard of the missing key and they wanted it.

Still, how the heck did they find out it was with them? And how did they find them?

Looks like everyone knew of their destination.

Seriously, this was troublesome!!

***********️️*********

VILLAGE

INN

ROOM

Though almost home, the lady decided to rest. She was exhausted, and this was because she used too much of her strength to summon those paper dolls.

And in the end, they proved useless. Seriously.

Talia, the lady shown. The one who attacked Den and the others on their way to the inn and in Fall as well.

Still, she refuses to accept defeat even with what she went through. She almost died.

She refused to admit she was no match for Den.

So what? She only lost once! And it won't happen again.

.............."Sigh, too bad she didn't get the key.

Devastated, she lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She didn't feel like going home after losing the key and losing to Den. She felt like a loser, and didn't deserve to stand before her master. She'll definitely become a laughingstock among her comrades.

She'll stay here for a few days and prepare. Afterwards, she'll go get the key.

This was her plan.

She was just about to take off her mask and get some rest when her transmitter beeped. She sat up, taking it out before pressing on the red emerald to receive the signal.

Nice phone, too bad you can't play games, take pictures, and go on YouTube and TikTok. These are the very reasons why I refuse to stay in this world but I have no choice.

At least they have vehicles. *Sigh, but I haven't been in one since I came here. What a boring world for me.

......................No! Is too early to think this way! I heard some............Ah, I can't be a spoiler!

"What is it? And who is it?" She asked in an annoyed lazy tone.

"Where are you? Master called for us and you're not around"

True, after leaving Fall for the meeting and going on the mission in Live village, she never went home again. Even when she got Pike's lifeless head back.

She had to give it to that old man so they'll get ready for the funeral. Without the head, they couldn't start, much more complete.

Still,..........it hurt, those bastards hung Pike's head at the entrance, that too, with a board that had the message 'Repenting' on it.

It was a good thing that the place was chosen for the announcement of their return.

If not, she would have taken matters into her own hands.

*Sigh,......... anyways!

It's been a while since she heard from her comrades and she knew who it was that she was speaking to.

One of the six, Aza. Same guy who reached out to her during her encounter with Den and the others in Fall.

Yeah, she was part of the great six of demon Island. And one could say she was closest to this guy.

She used to be close to Pike as well. And she lost him.

"I found the one who has the key and the one who killed Pike. Looks like they know each other. They're traveling together after all"

"Don't tell me you don't know?"

"Huh?" She asked, confused.

"The key's fake, the master said. There's no need going after it"

"Huh?!" She exclaimed in shock. She didn't know it was fake.

As the leader of the heroes, Sim's key was chosen. The man was sent to attempt to steal the key only to draw the heroes attention and warn them of their comeback. To let them know they were after the golden keys and the destroyed Fall was to let them know they were stronger, and had already lost one of their strongest allies. Leaving them to fend for themselves.

Live village was chosen for the announcement of their return because their leader was not so innocent. Though the people were, they paid the price for being ignorant.

With or without destroying Live village, the heroes would have still been a bit weak with Fall gone. But like she said before, chief Sable wasn't so innocent. He paid the price for his past mistakes and the people paid the price of not knowing about them.

True, everything went according to plan but the man stole the real golden key which wasn't part of the plan and got killed. Wanting to be the heroine, she infiltrated the Blue Bird Magic School, found the body and used magic, (just like she did with Pike's body and found his killer) to find out the person who might have it.

The last person the man encountered was Yuuki, and she strongly believed he had it. How did she know it was him?

Well, his voice, structure, eyes and even the mask he wore sold him out. Also, literally, he wore the same clothes he did when she first met him in Fall.

She tried really hard and finally found him but didn't get the key.

After escaping, she met a few men from Ric Black Market. Thinking it was a great opportunity to get the key, she shared their location which she obtained from the weak kid (Zil) when she used the spell on them.

And the four (Den, Yuuki, Mira and Zil) had no idea, the men from the black market has been following them since they left the inn (A hour away from the ruined Live village)

They knew they had the key and of their location only because Taila shared it.

Coming back,...... Talia planned on staying here for a few days. Ready herself and then go in search for the key. If the men from the Ric black market really got it, she planned on killing them and obtaining it.

If not,........ she would continue to pursue Den and the others.

Revenge wasn't out of her mind. But,....... getting the key was as important as getting revenge.

And now, she was hearing this! If the key was fake, then she no longer had to go after it. She worked so hard literally for nothing!

But that's okay, at least, this time, she'll only have one goal.

Getting revenge.

She knew where to find them. That weak kid (Zil) had shared everything in his dream while he was under the spell. And now, it was either they were on their way to their next destination, Blue Town, or had already arrived.

She'll find them and get revenge. The companions (Yuuki, Zil and Mira) have been included as well, because it looked like they were important to that murderer.

What will be more painful than watching someone you care about die?

She went through the same when she lost Pike. Even if she loses against Den, at least she'll cause him so much pain by taking away the ones he cares about.

********️️*******

WOODS.

Faced with the vicious men and their drawn swords, a serious Den showed no fear or concern as he replied,

"You're not getting the key"

Den had no problem handing it to them if he had it, considering it was fake. But he didn't. And didn't know where it was either.

Yu hasn't said a word about it and hasn't shown it again.

He had no idea where it was. If it was with him now, or given to someone.

Maybe he should have just told him everything.

Exiting his thoughts, he was met with the pissed leader.

"Men! Attack!!" The man ordered and the fight began.

Two against fifteen.

Den had no weapon, and refused to use the sword he used to kill Spider. It was sacred and only used in real battles. (Using it to kill Spider was exception)

This was no real battle. Considering how strong Yu and Mira were, he was sure they could take care of this with ease.

(And he totally forgot Yuuki sometimes had episodes which was so severe that, he couldn't even stand on his feet.Then again, is always good to have positive thoughts)

Protecting a weak Zil and herself seemed easy for Mira. She knew these men were no impressive fighters and wasn't worth using immense energy to transform her sword.

Sure they were skilled, but they were too slow for her. She avoided their attacks with ease and killed with quick and precise strikes, all that while, making sure Zil was protected.

Such was an impressive swordswoman. And the men were at her mercy, which she didn't show.

Yu was no less. Killing and protecting.

Sure he wasn't exactly feeling good. There was this burning sensation in his chest and he was sweating like crazy. He felt dizzy, but he held on, pretending to be okay. Den has saved him twice already, it would be bad if he couldn't do the same.

And so, he held on, fighting alone, protecting both himself and Den.

Didn't matter to him why Den refused to fight alongside them, and he was sure it wasn't because he had no weapon.

As skilled and fast as he was, he could easily get a weapon from their enemies and fight alongside them but he didn't and he didn't care.

This was a chance to save, protect him, just like he did.

Zil watched a serious vigilant Mira fight, defend him and he couldn't help but feel useless. Yet, he also couldn't make a move.

He was too afraid to use his magic, to even try. He was scared, terrified out of his mind and could do nothing but stand in place while Mira protected him.

He wondered why he couldn't muster up the courage.

Focusing back on Yuuki and Den, the guy (Den) effortlessly dodged the enemies' attacks while Yuuki struck them down before they could make other attempts.

Talking about not feeling well, Yuuki was both bewildered and curious,.....he wasn't feeling well, yet his mind and strength worked together like never before.

Even his sword, chose to kill an incoming danger, leaving him to fend for himself.

They were one, and he wondered why? Why was it so important to protect Den first?

Why?

Yuuki had no idea and he also didn't think he'd find one if he kept asking himself.

They were totally outnumbered, but one thing was for sure, they were no match for him.

If he could defeat more than 30 people on his own, these guys were small flies.

Also, he had help.

And their enemies were almost all wiped out.

"Retreat!!!" The leader yelled out. Horrified, terrified. He did not join in the battle and watched in horror as his men died.

Four, four men remained, and even they were holding onto dear life. They were wounded, weak,......... there's no way they'll all live alive if they stayed any longer.

Heeding their leader's words, the men distanced themselves from the fight and hurriedly left, limping and holding onto each other, left the battlefield. Their leader cautiously behind them while glancing back, making sure they were not attacked.

The two, having no intentions of pursuing them, watched them as they ran off.

"Let them go," Den said, smiling as he watched them.

Mira couldn't help but roll her eyes. Did her master think she'll be going after them?

No way. She had to save both her energy and strength for bigger battles.

Taking out a handkerchief, Yuuki cleaned the blood off his sword, asking, "Should I just drop the key somewhere? It looks troublesome. Not forgetting what's going on, it looks like a battle between the magic world. I want no part and I believe you three don't either"

Done cleaning his sword, he dropped the dirty handkerchief on the ground before shoving his sword back into the scabbard.

"That won't stop wanters coming after us. These guys coming after us,........... am sure someone tip others of our involvement"

Someone who knew they had the key. And so far,......... only that lady knew they had the key.

But how did she know they had it? How did the men from Ric black market know they had it? And considering all the trouble she went through, surely, she had no idea it was fake.

"If so, anyone who knows about the key will be coming after us, regardless if we have it or not" Den continued.

Thinking about it, Yuuki thought he was right.

"I feel you've offended trouble somehow. It's always coming after you" Yuuki said and Den let out laughter.

"I guess so" he (Den) said, smiling and Yuuki stared at him, thinking, "Such an amazing swordsman. I wonder why he (Den) has no sword”

Maybe he should get him one.

Feeling depressed about what just happened, Zil couldn't bring himself to let out another word.

They were so brilliant, so amazing, excluding his master who did nothing.

And he.......he was nothing, but a burden.

*******️️*********

BLUE TOWN

Last time Mira and Den were here, they were, it wasn't hard to get in but this time it was.

At first, the guards refused to let them in, saying 'No outsiders allowed, only residents, orders from above'

It was only after Den showed his passcard as a business owner in the town and lied about Yuuki and Mira being his business partners and Zil being his youngest brother that they were permitted to go in.

Good thing he always carried that thing (Passcard) with him. Never thought he'll need it today.

One more thing, the last time, there were two guards only but this time, there were four of them and they seemed even more cautious for some reason.

Cold and totally unfriendly towards them, dissimilar to the last time. They were searched, like they were some kind of terrorists here to destroy the town and that was only because they weren't always in town and only came around once in a while to check on their business.

Understandable, considering the new rule but they still didn't know why.

Entering the town, they noticed the people were all residents, just like the guards said.

Most street stalls, restaurants, diners, clothing shops and so on were closed and the traffic which was normally jammed with vehicles and carriages by outsiders was pretty much empty.

There's no vehicle seen and even the carriages on the road can be counted.

Four, there were four of them, stuck in the traffic because the light showed red.

It seems even the nobles in town were quiet for some reason cause normally, they would flaunt their fancy carriages in town.

(Note: None of the noble residents in Blue Town have vehicles. They don't like to spend their wealth and I wonder if they're waiting for bandits and ordinary thieves to rob them)

Also, Ah, not to forget, even the road for horses, carts and so on was also empty. Almost like the people in town were off their businesses.

And on the streets, few residents could be seen purchasing and retailing at the few opened street stalls.

Something must have happened, but the four weren't in the mood to investigate. They were exhausted and wished for nothing else but rest.

After ten minutes (Or so) walk, they finally reached Den's inn in town, and the two (Zil and Yuuki) were once again taken back by how huge it was.

Seems to be one of the biggest inns and there weren't that many in town either.

(Nobles too. The richest residents in Blue Town were only ten or so)

Well, Yuuki thought it looked more like a five-star hotel. Like the ones in the east and west that he read and heard about.

Just how rich was Den? Well, he could guess he was freaking rich.

The last time he (Yuuki) was here, Yuuki remembered seeing the majority of rich outsiders in town. And he did hear a lot about it (Before he witnessed it himself)

Being rich, definitely, they would prefer an elegant and rich place to stay in and Den's inn was one. Meaning, Den's inn must have made a lot (Of money) before the new rule was established.

Also,............*Sigh, he was still curious about another thing.

Den had a passcard which proved he was the owner of the safe house in blue town but the name on it wasn't his name.

'Dexter Silva’ Was written on it and he was curious. Who was this Dexter? And why didn't he use his name? What exactly was Den hiding?

..................But,.......what if that really was his name? Did he lie to him?

Lot of questions, ones he might or might not get answers to, but he also couldn't bring himself to ask.

Exactly what was he afraid of? Of not getting answers, or of not liking the answers?

Which was it? Even he had no idea.

As they stood (In front of Safe house, Den's inn), Den and Mira couldn't help but feel amused at Zil's reaction. He looked surprised, totally blown away. As if,

he never thought his place would be this huge and fancy like the one in Peace Town.

Seriously, he should have thought the same.

Glancing at Yuuki, Den noticed he was quiet and he couldn't quite read the look in his eyes. The mask he (Yuuki) wore really was a hindrance, but....... he still can't help but wonder if that's really the case.

Could he (Den) really read him (Yuuki) if he wasn't wearing the mask?

Den was curious. What was he thinking?

Didn't he like his place? Was it too much for him? What exactly was he thinking?! This was driving him crazy! Maybe he should ask.

And just when Den was about to ask (what Yuuki was thinking), the door opened, revealing six beautiful ladies and five handsome men.

Among the beautiful ladies, the red hair stood out. The men were dressed in white shirts and trousers while the ladies wore white shirts and pink skirts. The red-haired lady who stood out was dressed differently. She wore a beautiful sparkling red dress, complimenting her beauty and she looked stunning.

It seemed they recognised both Den and Mira cause they bowed, saying, "Welcome back, master, lady Mira"

Definitely, they were workers of Den's inn. Taking a look at their name tags, Yuuki figured he was right.

The red-haired lady was Juliana, and she really was the manager, just like he thought at first glance.

Well, she stood out after all.

Come to think of it,.........how did they know their master was here?. Yuuki got no answer to this question, mainly because he didn't ask and he didn't know either.

Moving on, Den introduced them to each other, and the professional waiters and waitresses warmly welcomed them with friendly smiles. Thanking them for taking good care of their master (Den) and Mira.

How Yuuki wanted to correct them.

They were always Den's first priority during their journey here. Finding a safe place for them to rest after a long journey, giving out his last food and water. Keeping watch while they rested. During their journey here, Den really outdid himself and he strongly believed he (Den) was the one who had been taking good care of them.

Yuuki wasn't that self-centered to not think about him. He still didn't like the fact that Den didn't think much about himself but he was grateful and liked the fact that they were his first priority and he gave them his all.

Hasn't been long, but he has learnt a lot about Den. And what he now loved the most about him was how considerate, caring and kind he was.

***️

Welcomed in, the diner caught their attention and they noticed it was full. People drinking and laughing. Eating and talking while enjoying the slow cool music played by the band Juliana, hired a few days ago.

Juliana explained they were all residents and it had been a while since they last received a guest from outside town due to the new rule 'No outsiders allowed'.

At the moment, only a few rooms were booked and it has been like this ever since all outsiders were strictly kicked out and the new rule was established.

Funny thing, the residents who had been booking the rooms were all lowlife cheaters, spending the bit they had on their fancy inn and the ladies they came with.

Talk about having to be in the center of a relationship. On one side, there's your business' reputation and profits, and on the other end, there's morals.

Well, at the end, we all know what they chose considering the rooms were still booked anyways.

But the lives of the cheaters won't be the same. Den's clever and moralists employees had plans of exposing them after all. It will be killing two birds with one stone.

They'll earn a lot and not completely go against their morals.

In any case, the four were given their own rooms and Den chose the same one he stayed in when he last came over.

Instead of heading straight to their rooms to rest, they followed Den to his.

For what reason? Den had no idea, and they gave no explanation.

******️***️****

Offered seats, Den watched as they sat at the table in his room before taking a seat as well. Sitting right opposite Yuuki, Mira beside him while Zil occupied the seat beside Yuuki.

They (Zil and Yuuki) all let down their guards, they meant, why not? They were in Den's place, surely, it was safe.

Truth be told, Yuuki still wasn't in the trust level yet but Zil totally, wholeheartedly, trusted Den.

Even though there was so much he (Zil) didn't know about him.

And true, Zil wanted to know more about his new master.

................Maybe, it was about time he apologized.

He still hasn't done that. After the battle with those guys in black (The men from Ric Black Market) he was way too depressed to talk or even think about apologizing to his new master.

The thought of being useless, a scaredy cat, ate him up, all the way here.

"Though there are no guests out of town, it is still good to know we're doing well," Mira said, smiling.

Business doing well meant more money. And she liked money. Could solve almost everything in this world after all.

With this money, their home looked more like the towns and cities in the east and west.

"Yeah, I guess so," Den replied, smiling. Even without him around, his people were still doing a great job.

He should reward them.

"Well!, am hungry and tired. I'll head to my room"

She (Mira) was leaving already? Why the heck did she even come here? Den couldn't help but ask.

"Eat and then sleep. Finally! I can get a good rest" the excited Mira continued, about to get up.

"Hold on," Den said, stopping her. "Work on your energy as well. Am worried about you"

Heading for the door, she began,

"Don't worry master, I am fine. I took care of it while I was here. I feel great! Never felt this great in life!"

Just when she was about to hold the doorknob, she was stopped again.

"Wait sister Mira" And she was annoyed.

"What?!" She exclaimed, turning around to face the kid.

"I'll join you sister Mira" seeing the pleading eyes as the kid said this, Mira couldn't bring herself to reject him.

However,.......was it a good idea? He and her master still haven't talked about what he did.

Well!, not like she could say no either.

"As long as you keep it quiet, I'll take in you"

"I'm deaf and mute now," the kid said excitedly, getting up and joining Mira.

"Good" Mira replied and the two left the room.

The moment the door closed with the two nowhere in sight, Den let out a chuckle, saying,

"Those two....."

"You........." Yuuki drew his attention.

"What is it Yu?"

"Is nothing"

Was it really? This guy,.....he really liked leaving him in suspense, curious out of his mind.

Then again, if he didn' want to share what's on his mind, there's nothing he can do.

"By the way, don't you want to know about your sword?" He (Den) raised up the very topic he (Yuuki) thought about and hesitated to just now.

Yuuki.......did want to know.

Taking the sword which was leaning against the table beside him, he placed it on the table before him, saying, "This sword is no ordinary sword. Is a holy sword that chooses its master. If you're not, the moment you touch it, you'll perish"

Yet this guy (Den), held it twice already. Or is it thrice?

The first time was in the passageway in the Ric black market. Second time……….. was when he got them out of the passageway and the third,.......when they were attacked by that lady on their way to the inn close to Live village.

Yes, it was thrice.

It seems there's so much to this that he (Yuuki) didn't know and understand.

And Yuuki did want to know and understand.

Looking surprised, Den said, "Oh"

Acting all surprised when he already knew about it. He (Den) thought, smiling in mind.

"But you touched it. And nothing happened to you. That too, thrice" and, there was this strong connection Yuuki had no idea of and only felt it.

"I guess it acknowledges me as its master as well"

"It means it likes you," Yuuki said in a distasteful tone.

What? Jealous about this small issue?

Amused, Den smiled, asking,

"If it likes me, what does it mean?"

Looking up, Yuuki answered, "The sword's judgment is never wrong. It means you're not evil and have no evil intentions"

"And I guess that's one of the reasons why you choose to accept me as your companion"

No hesitation, Yuuki answered, "You can say that"

Smiling, Den thought,

Funny.