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Adventure Awaits! Huzzah! 27
🕑 Added 2025-06-15 17:38:04 +0000 UTC“So, what’s the plan for today?” Alm questioned, sitting down next to her.
Clair had noticed that a certain… hierarchy of sorts had been formed between their little group, one where Himmel was their leader, and failing that, she herself always took charge. Perhaps it was due to her noble blood? She did not know, but she did not mind the position either.
“I shall simply explore the city for now. What you do is up to you.” She needed to find a job of some kind, though if she was being honest, she did not even know where to start.
Clair was highly educated of course, but most of her skills were either focused on combat, or administration. And right now she doubted either of those would come in handy… Perhaps she could find a job as a bodyguard.
Alm let out a sigh. “Hm… Then I guess I’ll just follow you.” He put a hand on his chin. “Where is everyone anyways? Himmel—”
She cut him off. “Himmel has gone out with his… family.” What a strange thing to say.
Her… friend? Yes, her friend was the son of one of history’s most famous conquerors, and of an empress. It had come as quite the shock to the system of course, but she supposed it explained the [I]unique[/I] charm he had about him.
It was a charm shared only by his amnesiac mother, at least in full. His sister did have it to some extent as well. Perhaps it was due to their Holy Blood? Or perhaps it was simple genetics. Himmel was pretty hot—
“Um… Clair…” Alm waved a hand near her face. “Can you tell me where everyone else is too? You kinda went silent there.”
A blush immediately covered her face. “Yes, my apologies.” She cleared her throat. “From what I understand, your highness, Princess Celica, went towards the Church to help those in need.” Oh, how kind and just was her future ruler!
Clair probably should not be addressing her like that, but since there was no one around, surely it was acceptable?
Alm nodded. “That does sound like something Celica would do…”
Clair continued, ignoring his comment. “As for Kliff and Faye, they are just exploring as well. I was initially going to go with them, but they did not wait for me to get ready.” Now that she was no longer on that ship, she could afford to take her time.
She was not a lazy individual! But she did enjoy taking her mornings slowly. As commoners, Faye and Kliff must have not known about such simple pleasures. She did respect them for that, though.
“Oh, and apparently Faye wished to go with Himmel, but he left too early.” Of the early risers, he was the earliest. Impressive for sure, just like his training. “The poor girl, coveting the stars while she dwells on the mud…” It was almost enough to make her cry in sympathy.
Alm glared at her. “And what is that supposed to mean?”
Clair raised a confused eyebrow. “Um? Why did you suddenly get angry?” Alm was always like that, snapping at the slightest things. If he had more tranquility about him, he would be just her type, what a shame.
He clicked his tongue. “Tsk. Isn’t it obvious? You really need to stop with this… class thing. Faye is not dwelling in the mud.”
And suddenly she understood what he was talking about. Alm had misunderstood however. “Oh, please, I mean no offense. Compared to Himmel I am dwelling in the mud as well, after all.” Quite the insane thing to say, but it was the truth.
She pouted. “That man is the son of a princess and a duke. A commoner could only dream of stealing his heart.” It was the type of thing people wrote fantasy books about. And they were called fantasy for a reason.
Her answer didn’t seem to calm him down any bit. “Himmel may have all that fancy lineage or whatever, but he was raised in Ram Village. He’s not a prince or whatever. He doesn’t even want to be.”
Clair rolled her eyes. “It does not matter what he wants, what matters is what he is. Nobility… or royalty in this case, is more than just blood. It is something spiritual.” She puffed up her chest in pride. “Himmel may have chosen to forsake his birthright, a humility that merits applause, but he is still special.” Also, his blood was magical…
“I…” Alm let out an annoyed groan. “I don’t even want to argue with you. Especially since I know you don’t actually mean any offense. That’s kinda scary to be honest.”
Clair huffed. “Are you really going to tell me you did not notice Himmel was special from the moment you first met him? Or what about Princess Celica? I do know you are more perceptive than that.”
Alm flinched. “That’s… Ugh, whatever.” He shook his head, wishing to change the subject. “Look, is your plan really to just wander the city around blindly? Or do you have more plans than just that?”
She hummed. “I plan on finding an Arena, I suppose.”
Alm’s eyes widened. “Oh right! This continent does have that, huh? You’re gonna fight?” He seemed to be getting excited.
How brutish. “Of course not, but yesterday a man approached us to talk about it. I assume he was getting paid for it, so perhaps I could get a similar job.” With her elegant presence she would surely attract many customers.
“Ah, I guess that makes sense. With your puffy presence you’re gonna attract a bunch of people.” Yes!
What was that even supposed to mean? “Hmpf. Indeed. Still, with your previous excitement… Don’t tell me fighting in the arena actually sounds fun to you.”
“No…?”
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Traversing through a city was still something Alm was trying to get used to.
He had lived in Ram Village for most of his life, and even when he left the village… Well, there hadn’t been too much time to gawk at the sights after killing Celica’s bastard of a fighter. That is why he had decided to tag along with Clair.
She was… a bit stuck up sometimes, but she was still a nice person. And more importantly, she was a city girl. Probably. Alm didn’t actually know if nobles traveled all that much or mostly stayed on their lands.
Still, she had the courage to tell random sellers to leave them alone. “No, I am not interested in anything you have to offer. Move.” Her voice could send shivers down the spine of any man.
And so, the guy who had tried to make them buy something, backed off. “S-sorry lady.” There was an immense amount of respect for her in his tone.
It was probably Clair’s nobility shining through, scaring the crap out of him.
Alm didn’t believe all the bullshit Clair would talk about being special due to being noble or whatever, but she dressed differently from average people. She talked differently than the average girl. Hell, she even walked differently. And so, her nobility shined through.
Still… “Man, walking around this city is kind of a nightmare.” This had to be the thirtieth time someone tried to sell them something.
Clair nodded. “Indeed. I have never experienced something like this before…”
That was surprising. “Really? You’re loaded right?” Or at least her family was. “I thought people would try to approach you more back in Zofia, where everyone already knows that.”
She crossed her arms. “It is because they know me, that they know not to waste my time. If someone wishes to have my time, they must get through the proper paths first. Here however, everyone must just think I am some… merchant’s daughter.”
At least that was the case until they got in close and heard her speak. Clair’s voice just oozed sophistication. Sophistication that no simple merchant’s daughter could have.
That aside… “You’re saying it’s super hard to talk with you, but I don’t remember that being the case when I met you.”
A blush enveloped her cheeks. “Well, that is because I was the one who approached your group!” Oh right, she got hit by Himmel’s Himmelness. “Something which I cannot be blamed for. It is only natural I assumed you were all distinguished individuals when you were all prancing around the castle.”
Alm snorted. “I guess that’s fair. I gotta apologize to Celica for that later.” He did invade her house. And also killed her dad, but apparently she didn’t much care for the last part.
Clair’s eye twitched. “You should apologize to me first, for tricking my heart!” She let out a sigh. “I’d ask what was going through everyone’s minds when it was decided that invading a castle was wise, but I already know there was simply nothing going through those minds in the first place.”
Alm winced. “Harsh… but true.” He put a hand on the back of his neck, suddenly feeling embarrassed. “That aside… I am sorry. We did drag you into this mess.” Even if that mess would now be fixed.
“Worry not, it is fine.” She shrugged. “I dragged myself into this mess, and I do not regret it. Especially now that I, as a noble of Zofia, carry the duty of bringing the rightful ruler of my beautiful country to its throne.” She giggled. “And besides, maybe Celica will give me my family some new titles. Clive will surely forgive me for anything after that.”
Oh boy.
Alm himself let out a giggle. “Maybe she will buy me a horse…” He was so jealous of Epona!
“You are thinking far too small.” More like he didn’t want to take advantage of Celica.
She might become queen or whatever, but she would forever be the village girl he cherished as a sister. “Yeah, yeah… Clive though… that’s your brother, right?” Speaking of siblings…
Clair nodded. “Indeed, as yes, before you say anything, he is most likely worried about me. Clive however, is far too competent to lose his mind over it, so do not stress your mind thinking about it.”
“If you say so.” He had way too many things on his table to worry about some guy he didn’t know. And speaking of those things… “Hey, is that the Arena?”
A massive building had entered their sights as they walked. It was the kind of structure that couldn’t be found anywhere in Valentia, so it immediately drew their attention.
So far they had more or less been walking around the city blindly, with the idea that it would let them get familiar with the layout. Even so, the Arena was such a big spectacle that they ran onto it. It wasn’t a surprise though, if this city wasn’t a port city, Alm was guessing it would have been known by its Arena.f
Clair nodded. “Yes, that must be it. Let us go.”
Alm hummed. “Right… are you really sure you’re gonna get a job there that isn’t fighting?” Clair was strong, or at least she should be. He could bet she could make tons of money in a place like that if she was willing to fight.
And that went doubly for himself of course.
“I do not know. It is just an idea that came to my head, but should I fail, I won’t mind it too much.”
“Fair enough.” Right now they couldn't afford to be picky. Any idea was a good idea.
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“Hmmm…” The receptionist hummed, scratching his beard. “So you two want jobs?”
“Yes.” Clair sounded tired, which was understandable. They had to wait through a massive queue for this. “I met a gentleman who was advertising this place, presumably for some financial incentive. Surely you can see how much success a charming young lady like me could have in his place?”
Was she trying to steal that guy’s job? Cold.
The man actually looked pretty impressed by her audacity. “I don’t know about that, but I guess you could sell snacks to the watchers… They might try and touch you occasionally though.”
“Excuse you?” It was clear that Clair would not accept such a thing.
“It is what it is…” The man had the audacity to chuckle. “People get excited while watching the fights, and forget their manners. If you don’t like it though, just give up on it. You certainly don’t look like you’re struggling for coin.”
The man shifted his gaze to Alm. “You on the other hand…” What was that supposed to mean!? “Why don’t you sign up with us, kid? I can tell with just one look you’re strong.”
Ah, and now Alm was feeling bashful. “Really?” Maybe just Clair, he had his own aura. Though his was the aura of a fighter!
The man nodded. “Really—”
Before he could continue to butter up Alm however, Clair cut him off. “We did not come here to become fighters in a blood sport, thank you very much. Just as I did not come here to sell snacks. Like I said before, there was a gentleman—”
“Yeah, sorry miss, but we won’t be able to get you that job.” Bad luck. “The offer to sign up is always open though, we even provide the equipment.”
Clair let out a long sigh. “I see. Well, this was just an idea anyways.” She wasn’t gonna accept the job of selling snacks, huh? “Thank you for your time—”
This time, it was Alm doing the interrupting. “Actually, I am kind of interested in fighting. What kind of equipment do you guys provide?” He had his own sword, but he’d rather not use it.
He had a habit of breaking his own weapons, so it would be better if he could break someone else’s weapons instead.
Clair sent him an incredulous look. “Alm!?” But he wouldn’t even bother to answer it.
He knew she didn’t like this place, he knew most of his friends didn’t like this place. Alm himself didn’t like this place. Money was money though, and Alm was confident he could beat a fighter or two without killing them. Naturally, he was also confident he wouldn’t get himself killed either.
The man smiled, happy that his suggestion had actually reached someone. “We provide iron weapons and some leather armor… It’s all pretty shitty though, but it’s not like you’re supposed to go killing people with them.”
Right… but Alm knew that a bad weapon could sometimes be more dangerous than a good one. Still, a free weapon was a free weapon. “Got it. Is there any penalty for killing someone?” He would avoid killing, but accidents could happen.
The man shook his head. “Nope. If you knock out your opponent you win, we don’t care if he wakes up after it or not.”
Alm narrowed his eyes. “So there aren't even any healers around or something like that?”
The man chuckled. “What are we? Those pansies from Jugdral? Sorry kid, but unless you get really popular with the audience, don’t expect many safety nets.” That was fine.
Alm didn’t want the safety nets for himself. It would be his opponents who would need them.
It was time to make some gold. “I guess I just have to avoid losing them. So, how do we go about this signing up thing?” Would he fight today? Tomorrow? How much money could he make? Alm needed to learn all of these things.
Clair put a hand on his shoulder, finally having enough. “You cannot be serious. Do you want to go and get yourself killed…!?”
Alm faced her head on. “I won’t lose. If nothing else, I’m crazy strong.” He had been trained by one of Valentia’s greatest knights. He wasn’t a nobody, even if he didn’t have crazy super blood like Himmel.
“Even if that is the case…!” Clair recomposed herself, before she could lose her temper. “Are you truly sure about this? I shall not stop you, but it is a foolish decision.”
He took a deep breath, and reaffirmed his resolve. “Yeah, I’m sure. And… thanks for not trying too hard to stop me.” It would just delay the inevitable.
She huffed. “I may not try to stop you, but while you sign your life away, I will go towards Celica with this. I hope you are ready for that storm.” Celica!? Not Himmel!?
Ah, Alm might really not survive after all.
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He had been lucky. Apparently there was a free spot for the day, so as Clair left full of anger, Alm was able to start fighting.
Five. So far he had defeated five people. He didn’t know if that was a good score or not, he didn’t know if the audience was paying him attention or not, but he wasn’t feeling tired just yet. Alm had always had pretty good stamina, so even if he still had one hundred opponents ahead of him, he would fight.
“A brat…? That’s my opponent?” The man who approached him sounded worried. He would soon learn his lesson though.
The referee of the fight started laughing. “This brat already has plenty of victories under his belt. I’d keep my guard up if I were you.” That’s right, fights did have referees, if they could even be called that.
The structure of the arena was simple, at least for low level fights like these. There were multiple fights happening all over the arena at the same time, and the job of these referees was making sure these fights stayed one against one.
Outside of that, there weren’t many rules. You could even bring your own equipment if you wanted, including Tomes… Alm though, had opted to take the free equipment they had offered him.
That was not the case for his opponent, who was dressed from head to toe with expensive armor. He was probably a low level noble of some kind, since the Arena was a good place to get some glory without going to war, blue bloods liked visiting it and showing off occasionally.
The man shifted his gaze back to Alm. “We will see if that’s the case. Feel free to surrender at any time, kid.” He pointed his Silver Spear towards Alm.
Alm tightened the hold on his sword. “Same thing goes for you.”
Now how to approach a man using a spear? The range alone of that thing would have immediately won most fights, and that was especially the case when someone was wearing as little armor as Alm was currently doing. There was one issue however… Alm was not a normal person.
He didn’t bother with some complicated plan. There was no need for it.
Instead, he just rushed at the man, roaring like a mad beast.
The noble tried swinging his spear at Alm from the side, instead of going for a stab. Either because he didn’t want to use a fatal move at the beginning, or simply because he thought such an attack would better keep Alm out, not letting him dodge to the side.
The problem then naturally came when Alm simply grabbed the spear with his off hand and chucked out of the man’s hands. Stopping its momentum like it had never even existed. That was the difference in strength between them.
A difference that no amount of skill, weapon quality, or type of weapon could overcome.
“What the fuck!?” And the noble managed to express how that made him feel in very few words. How eloquent.
Alm kicked him down, almost denting the man’s armor. “Kiss the floor, bastard!” He pointed his sword at him. Everyone could see the battle was over.
If what had just happened could even be called a battle.
The man froze. “I suppose I have no choice…” He was slowly regaining his breathing, calming himself down. “I admit my defeat, young man.” Not brat or kid anymore huh?
Alm snorted. “At least you know when to do that.” Not everyone he had faced so far was like that. Still, he had managed to win every fight so far without killing—
“Graaaaah…!” A roar rang through the arena.
It was far louder than the little intimidation tactic Alm had tried using before. Just by the sound alone, it kicked off dust and made the ground shake. If Alm had more sensitive hearing, he imagined his own ears would start bleeding right here and now.
Alm froze. “The hell is that…?” He slowly shifted his gaze to the skies, to its source.
A dragon had roared. A red dragon. A dragon with claws that could shame any sword, and with scales that could outperform any shield.
The dragon landed right in front of Alm… and chuckled. “Hah… of course my first meeting with a spawn of Duma would be in such a place.” Fire danced in his eyes. Alm did not know if that fire was aimed at him, or someone else.
So far he had defeated six people. Hopefully he would not need to make it seven.
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AN: Originally this chapter was gonna continue Himmel's perspective from the last one, with Clair showing up to snitch on Alm. I thought it would be cooler to show her and Alm's "adventure" though, so I rewrote it.
Comments
Astralogical
So Himmel and gang are going to try their hands at being monster hunter protags?
Kaustrios
It would seem that Alm does also radiate aura, the aura of a peasant that is Though I didn't expect the dragons to be the ones seeking out the group
John Fiction
I had 100% expected Alm to go Arena Abusing, and had even thought a huge arena win streak might be the thing that got the gang into trouble, but I hadn't expected a manakete to show up directly in the Arena as a result. And he's not even afraid at all! What a madman, Alm best boy
RJKY
"I will not go anywhere near a dragon, unless it threatens one of my friends, then that dragon is dead." - Himmel the Hero
