-No One's P.O.V-

Morning came by, Diablo's group was called by Sylvie at the Guild because of something urgent.

Sylvie: Sorry for making you all come out here. I know you just completed a quest for us, but we have commissions specifically for Diablo.

Rem: A Commission for Diablo?

Shera: This isn't another trap, is it?

Sylvie: Ehehehe! This one's fine. After all, it's directly from the head of the Mage's Association, Celestine Bauldelaire, *shows the quest paper* and I personally received it from her.

Rem: From Celes?

Sylvie: Not to mention the reward's high for how simple it is.

Diablo: So it includes reparations for the incident with Galluk?

Sylvie: Well, I imagine that's true.

Rem: I won't be going.

Sylvie: Eh?

(Y/N): Why is that?

Rem: I don't want to owe Celes any favors. I wouldn't mind if it were a normal mission, but I'm not taking on a quest from her with an unnecessarily high reward.

Diablo (Takuma): (She's strict with herself.)

Shera: But honestly, this is a boon for us.

Leafa: Oh? Why do you say that?

Shera: That's because we don't have that much money.

Leafa: Oh...fair point.

Sylvie: It's a simple mission, so I think you'll be fine even if you're not all together.

Shera: *Turns to Diablo* What do you say, Diablo?

Shera asks while Diablo turned to look at Rem who had a conflicted expression.

Diablo (Takuma): (I guess I could split the reward we earn from this mission by paying Rem our lodging fee.)

Diablo thought to himself before speaking up.

Diablo: If you don't want to come, then stay here in the city by yourself.

Rem: I will.

(Y/N): Don't feel too down that much, Miss Rem.

Rem: *Nods* Mm.

Sylvie: Great! So you, Shera, (Y/N), and Leafa will be going, then? That settles it. I'm counting on you!

-Mini Time Skip-

(Y/N): So, our quest is to go to the Bridge of Ulug and deliver refreshments. Seems easy for us despite the high rewards from Celes for an easy quest.

Shera: I can agree with that!

Diablo: This really is a reparation...

Rem: Does Celes really think I'd accept this and take the reward for such an obviously simple quest?

Leafa: Hey, it's better than nothing for such a high reward.

Shera: I think Lady Celes is a nice person, though.

(Y/N): I do agree.

As the five of you were about to leave, a man's voice spoke up.

???: Hold it, Demon!

Everyone turned around to see a guy with gold hair who was wearing golden armor.

???: The Demon that everyone's talking about in town right now. *Combs his hair* You look as evil as the rumors said! 

Both Shera and Rem had expressions upon seeing that man until Rem yelled out "Emile?!"

Leafa: (Emile? Why do I have a feeling that I have seen this guy before?)

Diablo (Takuma): (Rumors? What rumors?)

Emile: I heard of an unfamiliar horned Demon walking around with two collared women in tow with his companions. That's you, right, Demon?

Emilie says to Diablo.

(Y/N): Eh?

Diablo (Takuma): (They're really bad rumors! Wait, this is just my headgear, the Distorted Crown. They think they're real?)

(Y/N): Okay, but who is this guy?

Rem: He's said to be the strongest Warrior in the Adventurer's Guild.

Emile: *Nods* Exactly! My name is Emile Bichel Berger! I'm the Guild's greatest, Level 50, Superhuman Warrior!

After introducing himself with a pose, Emile then unsheathes his sword and aims it at Diablo.

Emile: Horned Demon, prepare yourself!

Diablo was delighted by the challenge and starts thinking to himself.

Diablo (Takuma): (This is like in a game! This is it! It's not a real Demon Lord roleplay without a challenger!)

Leafa: (Oh, I see. He's that guy we met in Cross Reverie in the game.)

Diablo: Who gave you permission to announce yourself, twerp?!

Rem and Shera: Diablo?!

(Y/N): Oh boy...

Emile: And just who gave you permission to lead those two around? Listen well, Demon. I love all women!

Emile does a pose. Diablo was confused by his words while you and Leafa had deadpanned expressions.

Emile: *Gets close to Diablo's face* As a defender of women, I cannot allow you and your friends to enslave Rem and Shera!

Leafa: Easy there, friend...

Shera: Emile, please listen!

Rem: These collars-

Emile: Fear not, you two! I'll save you now!

Diablo (Takuma): (He's an oddball, but this is my first time fighting a challenger here in this world. He'll probably fight the same way others did in the game. Since he's Level 50, he should be able to use some special techniques.)

Diablo thought to himself as he sees Emile doing a charge stance.

(Y/N): (Isn't that the Sword Smite skill? From what I can remember, I think that skill is that you have to rush the enemy in a blink of an eye and deliver a slashing blow. Also, if skilled players used Sword Smite just by rushing, cancel the attack, and then chain it to their next attack.)

Emile: Here I go! You people will be releasing those two!

Diablo: Come!

Emile then appears in front of Diablo and was ready to unleash his horizontal slash attack, but Diablo blocked it with his wand at a precise speed. Emile was shocked at Diablo blocking the attack with his wand while Diablo was also shocked that Emile didn't go to cancel the slash attack because it was unexpected.

Emile: I'm shocked! You can stop this blow?!

Diablo: Hmph. I'm actually surprised at how unbelievable that was.

Emile then backs off as he casts another sword skill.

Emile: Alps Fall!

(Y/N): (I see. That sword skill only takes a few seconds to activate, but he's using that skill by close range?)

Emile: The power is building with me. The moment I unleash this blow...will be the moment of my victor-

He was then suddenly stopped by Leafa slapping him hard across the face as he was sent flying toward the boxes and sacks.

Rem & Diablo: Leafa?!

Leafa: Sorry Senpai, can't help it.

Leafa says with a smile and scratches the back of her head.

Diablo (Takuma): (Sheesh...this whole fight is just that I'm facing a beginner. I thought the levels in this world were lower than the game world, but does that mean the skill of the players is just as low? Well, it's possible this guy's just an idiot.)

That's Emile gets up and starts yelling...

Emile: You Demon Elf woman! How dare you slap me across the face during my battle with the Demon!?

Leafa: Hey now, you should know that you can't underestimate some women who can fight, even though I literally slapped you in the face.

Emile: But I can't hurt a woman! It is not my thing! I fight for the sake of oppressed women!

Leafa: That's true, but if you ever face a woman like me, you have no other choice but to fight.

(Y/N): (Gender equality is at its finest...)

Diablo: That's enough, Leafa. My fight is still with him.

Leafa: Okay, okay.

Leafa then backs off to join you with Rem and Shera.

Emile: Now then, shall we continue fighting?

Diablo: Hmph. Proceed!

Emile goes to attack Diablo again, but...

Rem & Shera: Stop!!

Emile: Rem? Shera?

Rem: That's enough, Emile!

Emile: Don't abandon hope, Rem! I'm going to...

Rem: That's not the case.

Emile: Eh?

Shera: You're misunderstanding this.

-One Small Explanation Later-

Rem: In other words, this Enslavement Collar is on my neck because of my own failure.

Shera: These three are actually working with us to get these collars removed.

Rem: It's hard to say this when you're sticking up for us, but you're just jumping to conclusions.

Emile then lets out a boisterous laugh before speaking up with a big grin on his face.

Emile: Oh, thank goodness! So there are no women being forced to wear Enslavement Collars!

(Y/N): Bruh.

Diablo (Takuma): (That's some mental fortitude!)

Emile: I'm sorry, Demon. And I'm sorry for your friends, as well. What are your names?

Diablo: Diablo.

Leafa: Leafa.

(Y/N): (Y/N) (L/N).

Emile: My name is Emile Bichel Berger. A defender of women, and all women's ally! *Wink!* If you ever have need of my strength, you can call upon me anytime! Though you were pretty good yourself.

Diablo: Is that so?

Leafa: Oh, I also want to apologize for slapping you in the middle of your battle.

Emile: That's okay! I can handle it!

Emile gives a thumb up in reassurance as he starts walking away from you five, and not before saying...

Emile: Let's meet again, my friends! Hahahaha!

(Y/N): Well, he's something.

Leafa: Seems so. I feel like he's the type of guy who'd want to be your bro and share drinks with.

Rem: I'm sorry you had that misunderstanding because of us.

(Y/N): It's cool.

Diablo: Hmph! A man that weak isn't even enough to entertain me.

Rem: Emile isn't a bad person. His strength is true, as well.

Shera: But he seems like an idiot, huh?

Diablo (Takuma): (She said it!)

Leafa: An idiot, but still a bro to everyone.

(Y/N): Hehe, I can agree with that.

-Mini Time Skip-

After the misunderstanding fight with Emile. Rem went off around in Faltra to do her own thing. (Y/N), Diablo, Shera, and Leafa were heading to the bridge to deliver the basket.

Shera: Ohh~! Errands, errands~! Off to the Bridge of Ulug~!

Diablo (Takuma): (The Bridge of Ulug, huh? In the game's setting, it was built as a fortress to protect Faltra from the monsters in Man-Eating Woods.)

Shera: What a lovely weather! But isn't a simple delivery kind of boring?

(Y/N): That's true, but taking walking exercises is also good.

Shera: Is that so?

Leafa: Yeah. Yesterday, we literally hiked to the Man-Eating forest just to hunt down the Madara Snake.

Shera: Oh, okay.

...

After walking for about a minute until Shera spoke up.

Shera: Hey, want to go for a dip in the water?

Diablo: *Shocked Face* Huh?!

Leafa: *Deadpanned Face* Really?

Shera: Let's do it, let's do it! Please~?

Shera asked while swaying her body left and right along with her large chest.

(Y/N): Now hang on, we just can't dip down in the middle of a quest.

Shera: But I'm bored! I want to do something fun!

(Y/N): If you do it now, there'll be high-level monsters would appear during low-level quests if you get distracted.

Shera: Huh?! No way! I don't want that!

Shera exclaims until she runs up to you and gives you a hug with her large chest pressed onto your body. However, you weren't blushing at this. Instead, you put up a stone-cold expression.

Shera: I'm not strong like you guys!

Diablo: Are you a fool? What good comes from an adventurer fearing danger?

Shera: I don't want to things to stay like this forever, of course. I want to grow strong like you guys so I can actually make it on my own.

(Y/N): You'll manage just fine in the future if you keep working hard nowadays, Shera.

Shera: Thank you so much! I might still cause trouble for you until then, though, so help me out!

Shera then presses her chest even further onto your body and said...

Shera: That way I can grow even more and more!

(Y/N): (Her chest is pushing more onto me and it's gonna burst out...)

You thought to yourself with the same stone-cold expression.

Leafa: Hey, that's enough now. You're invading (Y/N)'s personal space.

Leafa says as she rips you out of Shera's arms.

-Mini Time Skip-

Later on, the four of you eventually arrived at the Bridge of Ulug with the basket not damaged.

Upon arriving at the bridge, the four of you see a couple of soldiers and civilians around the area.

That's when one of the soldiers sees you four approaching the bridge and said...

Boris: Those two! *Points at Leafa and Diablo* Are those two the Fallen?!

Soldier 2: Why are they coming from Faltra?!

All of the soldiers gathered with their weapons aimed at Diablo's group.

Leafa: Whoa, what's the big idea?

Diablo: Who are you guys?

Soldier 3: Shut up, you suspicious duo!

Soldier 4: You there, big guy, if you're not a Fallen, then what are those horns?!

Soldier 5: And you, young lady *Looks at Leafa* what's up with the pale skin and that outfit? Are you also one of the Fallen, too?

Diablo (Takuma): (My horns again?!)

Leafa: (Senpai and I are from the Fallen? That's just absurd!)

That's when Boris a.k.a the brown-haired soldier recognizes Diablo, (Y/N), and Leafa's faces and spoke up to his comrades.

Boris: Hold on, everyone! This man's a Demon! He's not a Fallen! His two other allies, the boy with the hat is a Human and that girl is a Demon Elf!

Soldier 2: Boris?

(Y/N): (Half-Demon, actually.)

Boris: Those three are the ones that everyone in town is talking about. They're with the collared women.

Diablo (Takuma): (Saved by rumors...)

(Y/N): *Tips hat and Sighs* Give me a break...

Shera: *Shows basket* We're on a quest to bring refreshments here! It's wine!

Leafa: Sheesh, it's not really nice to mistake me and my horned friend for a Fallen.

Diablo: Anyways, what's going on here?

Boris: Actually, we just received a report from our patrols that a huge army of a hundred Fallen is heading this way.

Shera: Fallen?!|

Diablo: A hundred?!

Leafa: Coming here?!

(Y/N): What?

Boris: I know it's hard to believe, but...

Diablo (Takuma): (The Fallen were treated as boss monsters in every scenario of Cross Reverie. I or should we say, we've never heard of an event where they attack en masse. Is this some large-scale Invasion that was never possible in the game?)

After hearing of the 100 Fallen coming over to Faltra, the soldiers were all helping out the civilians passing through the bridge while also getting into their positions to be ready for a fight.

Shera: What's going to happen, you guys?

(Y/N): Worse case scenario is that those 100 Hundred Fallen are going to destroy this place.

Shera: What?!

Leafa: With all these soldiers that are humans, I highly doubt they're going to take the Fallen down.

Shera: No way...

Diablo (Takuma): (It's clear that the people of this world have lower levels and weaker skills than the player characters in the game. Suguha and (Y/N) are right, the soldiers and the civilians will be massacred before they can put up a fight.)

Shera: So...what are we going to do now?

Diablo: That's not the real problem.

Shera: Huh?

Diablo: Even if they break through the Bridge of Ulug, the Fallen shouldn't be able to enter Faltra with Celestina's barrier protecting it. So why engage in such a fruitless campaign?

Shera: They say that Fallen have been active here and there lately, hoping to revive the Demon Lord Krebskulm.

Hearing that made Leafa, (Y/N), and Diablo's eyes widen in surprise.

Diablo (Takuma): (In which case, their target is Rem? Have they realized that she secretly houses the Demon Lord within her? Guess we should return to the city...Even with my power, taking on a hundred Fallen at once would be a bit tough. However, I've got Suguha and (Y/N) with me. I think the three of us can take half of the Fallen army easily.)

Diablo thought to himself until someone spoke up.

Boris: Um...here.

(Y/N): Is that a letter?

Boris: Yes. It's our letter of gratitude.

Leafa: What?

Boris: It should serve as proof that we received the wine.

Diablo: Should you really be discussing this during an emergency?!

Boris: You might say I'm being too relaxed, but if today happens to be my last day, then I want to live it out properly.

You can notice that Boris's right hand was trembling while holding his spear.

Diablo: Your group isn't retreating?

Boris: If we retreat, then people working the fields and the slower travels will be in trouble. It's our job to buy enough time for everyone to flee into the city.

(Y/N): Nonsense, soldier!

You said with your voice raised.

Shera: (Y/N)?

(Y/N): Listen up, big man. We do appreciate you guys being tough, but a couple of soldiers are not enough to take down 100 Fallen...You'll waste your resolve on them.

You tell Boris as you start walking past him.

(Y/N): My friends and I will take things from here. You won't be dying in an invasion on your last day. It's too early for you to kick the bucket, you deserve a better future.

Shera, Leafa, and Diablo were smiling at your words to Boris.

Leafa: (Heh, now there's the confident (Y/N).)

-In Faltra-

Back with Rem, we see her carrying a basket filled with bread and was on her way to deliver them until she hears a familiar voice.

???: Rem!

Rem looked up and see Mei waving at her.

Mei: Rem, you have a visitor!

Rem: A visitor?

Rem said in confusion until she sees Celestine coming out of the entrance of the Peace of Mind Inn.

-At the Bridge of Ulug-

So right now, You, Shera, Boris, and Leafa were standing across the bridge while Diablo was above the walls of the bridge.

Boris: Diablo, the final traveler has passed through. We're now lowering the gates to buy as much time as possible for them to reach the city.

Boris says while looking up at Diablo.

Diablo: Then lower them quickly.

Boris: Please reconsider! It's reckless to face them!

Diablo only stayed silent.

Boris: Diablo!

(Y/N): Wait. I sense massive numbers of mana energy coming toward us.

Leafa: That means that they've arrived...

Upon hearing that, everyone looked in front of them and they all see a lone woman who was holding a spear and was riding at the back of what seemed to be a velociraptor with armor.

Behind the Spear Lady, all of you see the massive numbers of the Fallen coming into your sights.

(Y/N): Oh my, oh my...

Leafa: Everyone, fall back. It'll be harder for us to use our skills if you're in the way.

Boris: But...

Shera: Let's do as Leafa says. Don't worry. (Y/N) and Leafa are very strong! Diablo will take aim from above if they get closer!

Boris lowers his head down before running back to the gates.

Shera: Please be careful, you two.

(Y/N): Heh, no need to tell us that.

Leafa: Are you ready, (Y/N)?

(Y/N): Sure am ready.

And just like that, You and Leafa started approaching the 100 Fallen and then stop halfway as Diablo start to speak up to the Fallen.

Diablo: All of you! Who gave you permission to advance your army here?! If you didn't know that we were in this land, then be ashamed of your ignorance!

Diablo yells from above the bridge's walls.

That's when one of the Fallen creatures starts approaching you and Leafa.

Fallen Creature 1: You two...are tiny and weak. Kill...

Leafa then summoned out her Muramasa sword from her right hand.

(A/N: I forgot to mention what the sword Leafa used in the last two chapters. So, here you go.)

You, on the other hand, used your magic to summon out energy blades from your hands.

Both you and Leafa cut the Fallen in an 'X' slash as the Fallen's body parts start falling to the ground.

Diablo: You still intend to face us? Very well. Then we'll exterminate you all! (Y/N), Leafa, do not let the Fallen get near the entrance of the bridge!

(Y/N) & Leafa: Roger that!

-At Faltra-

Inside the Peace of Mind Inn, Celestine was having a chat with Rem about Galluk's situation.

Celestine: I've discharged Galluk.

Rem's eyes widened in surprise as Celestine continues speaking.

Celestine: He arbitrarily used the Association's name to place you all in danger, after all. Besides, it seems like he was also the one who caused that commotion by bringing a Summon into town. He needed to take that responsibility. I'm sorry he's caused you all so much trouble.

Rem: It's fine.

Celestine: By the way, Galluk said something interesting.

Rem: Huh?

Celestine: Apparently Diablo called himself a Demon Lord. Leafa was a Demon Elf. And (Y/N) was a Half-Demon.

Rem: *Looks down* Those three are from another world.

Celestine: Truly?

Rem: *Looks at Celestine* What do you mean? I

Celestine: I understand that you're very talented as a Summoner, Rem, but I've never heard of a Demon Lord and his allies existing in another world, and even if one did, I doubt they could be summoned here. Perhaps...There's a chance that those three are Fallen who were drawn to you by the soul you possess?

Rem: That's not possible! (Y/N), Leafa, and Diablo had plenty of opportunities to kill me if they wish! Yet instead...

Rem was about to continue to speak more, but she starts to have a flashback of the conversation with Diablo and Leafa about the Krebskulm situation.

-Flashback-

Leafa: But anyways though, we need to get rid of those collars off of Rem and Shera.

Diablo: Yeah, but this is more important and should be dealt with.

That's when Leafa and Diablo saw Rem's eyes start tearing up and was now crying.

Leafa: Rem, what's wrong?

Rem: *Wipes her tears* Sorry, it's just that I'm so happy that you two want to help me get rid of Krebskulm...

Diablo: You underestimate us too much. I'm not so weak as to leave you over something that petty.

-Flashback End-

Celestine: Yet instead?

Rem: Forget it.

While they continued talking, they all hear the sound of Mei yelping out in pain and some items knocked down as they all turned to see Galluk who was panting, and his hands were bloodied up.

Celestine: Galluk?!

Galluk: Lady Celes! Would you please reconsider?! Why do I need to leave the Mage's Association?!

Celestine: You did something that was wrong.

Galluk: I've only done what's right! Yet everyone keeps lying about me being fired. So I hurt them to try to get them to tell me the truth.

Celestine: Hurt them? Are the others at the Mage's Association safe?

Celestine asked with concern.

Galluk: Worry about me, please!

Celestine: Calm down. Let's talk about this calmly.

Celestine tells him and Galluk starts holding his head as he starts talking to himself.

Galluk: Everyone's crazy...I've devoted myself to the Association, yet in the end, no one understands the real me. Figures what that man said was right.

Rem: That man?

Rem questions until everyone sees Galluk pulling out an ominous dagger from his back pocket.

Mage Assistant 1: Stop, Galluk!

Mage Assistant 2: Don't disgrace yourself any further!

Galluk: Like I could ever accept this world...

Rem: (What is that dagger? I'm not sure, but I have a bad feeling...)

Rem thought to herself until she sees the dagger open its eye.

Galluk: *Raises the dagger* I have to be the one to correct this world!

Rem quickly pulls out a crystal, and throws it on the floor, summoning her familiar.

Rem: Stop him, Shadow Snake!

Rem commands her familiar as the Shadow Snake wraps around Galluk's body and tries to stop Galluk from stabbing himself, but it was too late, Galluk already stabbed himself.

Everyone was shocked to see Galluk killing himself with the ominous dagger, but the dagger had a black aura surrounding itself and Galluk.

Celestine: That's can be...

Rem: Don't get close to him!

They all hear Galluk making gurgling noises as his skin turns black and his body starts growing with pink outlines glowing.

Rem: No way...It can't...Is this a Fallen?

Rem said in realization as she and the others see the Fallen already transformed after disguising Galluk.

Gregore: It's finally time for the great Gregore's appearance. That Human kept babbling on for damned ever...

Gregore then destroys the Shadow Snake that Rem had summoned.

Gregore: Now, are you prepared to die?

-At the Bridge of Ulug-

Back at the Bridge of Ulug, we see Diablo firing a few strong spells against the Fallen who were standing near the end of the bridge.

While you and Leafa were cutting down with your weapons against the Fallen who were charging toward you two trying to get across the bridge.

Both Boris and Shera were amazed at your performances on killing the Fallen.

Diablo (Takuma): (Hmm...I think we took down 55 of them. I still have more MP to unleash a powerful magic spell to incinerate them.)

Diablo thought to himself until all of you see the young lady with a spear getting off her Velociraptor that she rode on its back and starts approaching.

Diablo (Takuma): (Their commander's coming?)

The spear lady stops halfway and looks at you and Leafa with a stoic expression.

(Y/N): So you've come...

Leafa: Why did you climb off your monster?

Spear Lady: Because...he wouldn't move? He's usually a good, obedient one, too. But he wouldn't move after seeing you.

(Y/N): Huh, guess that means that monsters have some minds of their own, I suppose.

Leafa: Tell us who you are.

The Spear Lady spins her spear for a moment and then introduced herself.

Edelgard: I'm Edelgard, the strongest lancer of the Fallen. I'm not going to lose to some swordsmen and a Demon Sorcerer.

Diablo (Takuma): (If we defeat their commander, there's a good chance the others will withdraw. This fight will decide it.)

(Y/N): So, want me to take this one?

You asked Leafa as the demon elf looks back at you before speaking up.

Leafa: No, I want to test my strength against her.

You looked back at Edelgard before looking back at Leafa and said...

(Y/N): Sure. She's all yours, Suguha.

You said as you backed off from her and Edelgard.

Edelgard: So...are you going to be my opponent?

Leafa: That's right.

Edelgard: Very well. I shall fight. Once I take you down, I'll deal with your friend next.

Leafa: Okay. Let's dance!

And just like that, Edelgard charges toward Leafa with her Spear while Leafa prepares herself with her Muramasa sword for a fight.

...

(A/N: That's that! Stay tuned for Episode 4!)