It was a stormy day during this fateful encounter. Amidst the remains of a great battle were a group of shadowy figures that held people captive beneath their feet. Unfortunately, the rest that have been captured were already unconscious while you were the last one struggling to escape.

Everything that has happened was the result of a standard quest that had gone terribly wrong. If it weren't for the fact that the demon king's generals arrived when they did, then you would already be returning home to your fiancé without so much as a scratch. However, you were covered in many injuries as well as the fact that a blade impaled your shoulder straight to the ground in order to keep you pinned.

???: Take them back to the nearest castle. They'll be useful subjects for our lord's experiment... Especially this one.

Your heart sank as the headless figure picked up the woman that was underneath his foot. Of course, she was unconscious but you were unable to contain your anger as you struggled in your position. All of your efforts were futile since the blade that kept you pinned to the ground never budged an inch.

???: Struggle all you like. It won't make any difference once we've arrived.

The laughter from the headless figure angered you even more however, you were unable to fight back. All you were able to do was let a few tears loose as a few of your friends were carried away while the blade was ripped away from your body. You instinctively reacted and let out a pained scream regardless of your low stamina.

Soothing voice: *whisper* I'm so sorry.....

???: Drag that one back, the rest won't survive even if we drag them back.

You were unable to determine the source of the strange voice however, you felt a pair of soft hands grab yours in order to literally drag you away. Eventually, you fell unconscious as the overwhelming pain was too much for you to bear.

Present Time

Your eyes quickly shot open from the nightmare as you quickly returned to the current world. The sky slowly began to light as the run was barely rising.

(Y/N): *in thought* I swear... Take care of one thing that's in my mind and another one pops up.

You shook your head to regain your senses and decided to be the first to rise from the straw bed. Aqua and Kazuma were still asleep so you moved in silence to change your clothes, grab your gear, and walk outside of the barn.

(Y/N): I really don't like how this dream keeps haunting me...*yawns* Still...

After some walking, you eventually arrived at the guild and took a seat inside. Since it was still early in the morning, there weren't any adventurers present and Luna was one of the first to greet you. You waved back as she smiled in return before continuing to finish setting up for the day.

You brought fourth your guild card and a small wave a regret set in as your level had barely progressed since resetting.

(Y/N): ... Probably should have hunted down that asshole before I thought about starting all over... Nothing else I can do now since it was a heat of the moment thing... I kept all of my skills but I can't even use most of them due to level requirements and I'm stuck under one class.

Female Voice: Woah... How did you get so many skills at your level?

The voice startled you since you were lost in thought before turning to greet the young arch wizard, Megumin.

Megumin

(Y/N): Its... a little complicated...

You weren't exactly comfortable with sharing the information to just anyone. The only ones the know were Kazuma, Aqua, and Luna. Main reason why Luna knew was because she was one of the few to witness your growth over the past few years until you returned to the guild as level 1. However, you never told the others another secret that you have kept to yourself since you wanted your current set of friends to accept you...

Megumin: Come on! I wanna know, what are you hiding from us?

She leaned in closer as if she wanted to hear your secret however, you simply flicked her on the forehead which forced her to slightly jump backwards.

(Y/N): I'll just give you a quick rundown, relationship ended horribly, blew myself up, Aqua saved me and now I'm starting all over to pull myself back together. Happy?

Megumin: Well, I'm not unhappy.

(Y/N): *sigh* You hungry?

The rumbling from her stomach was the only answer you needed as she looked down in embarrassment.

Megumin: I-if it isn't too much trouble.

(Y/N): Sit down, I'll call the waitress over.

Very Quick Timeskip!

Megumin: Can I ask you something?

(Y/N): What's up?

You nonchalantly replied as you were about to take another bite of your breakfast sandwich.

Megumin: Exactly how many weapons are you carrying?!

You were quite confused about her words until you realized that it was quite rare for someone to carry a multitude of weapons.

(Y/N): Let's see... One, two.... If you count the staves, ten of them.

Megumin was quite shocked as you continued to eat your food.

(Y/N): What? Not like I can use them at their fullest potential, not at the moment anyways.

Megumin: I only count 5.

(Y/N): The rest are at the stable where me and others are sleeping... My storage ability is kind of... locked at the moment.

You let out a nervous laugh since most of the abilities on your guild card were darkened, indicating that they were unavailable to use until you meet certain requirements.

Megumin: But why so many?

(Y/N): It gets rough out there, gonna need something to cover multiple fronts.

An image of yourself standing back to back with other copies of yourself, holding different weapons, flashed into the girl's head.

(Y/N): Anyways what are you doing up so early?

You took a sip of you coffee, which forced a slightly disgusted reaction since you forgot to add the sugar.

Megumin: Oh, I wanted to ask about the skill you used yesterday. From the sounds of it, I heard an explosion if I'm not mistaken!

(Y/N): Not exactly the one you've showed off.

Quick Flashback

(Y/N): That explosion seemed a little overkill for just one toad.

Kazuma: I'LL SAVE YOU TWO!!!!

You watched in disbelief as the brown haired teen desperately ran towards the remaining two toads, that were currently swallowing Aqua and an incapacitated Megumin.

(Y/N): Hold up! I've got this!

Kazuma stopped in his tracks and turned around to watch you slowly make your way towards the frogs with a magic seal forming in your hand.

(Y/N): Ready, set and...

Snap!

You snapped your fingers and you quickly vanished into thin air, reappearing above one toad, disappearing and performing the same act before returning to Kazuma's side.

(Y/N): Charge!

Small bright orbs quickly appeared around the toads and immediately detonating into multiple explosions. They weren't on the level as the crimson demon that joined the party but they were still deadly depending on the placements.

(Y/N): Never get tired of-

Splat!

You were struck in the face with a chunk of toad as bits and pieces odnthe monsters flew everywhere.

Kazuma: Don't tell me you killed the others too!!!

Luckily, they were still alive as the smoke cleared and the two girls were lying on the floor covered in slime. Aqua was on the verge of tears while Megumin fell unconscious from being drained of magic.

End of Flashback

Megumin: Ready, set charge! Shall be the name!

(Y/N): It's a combo of two skills... And why did you have it call it that??!

You looked at your guild card and saw that a new skill has emerged as Ready Set Charge!

(Y/N): The hell?!

Megumin: An interesting skill indeed, however, I have already dedicated myself to the most powerful magic! However it is most pleasing to see another ally walking the path of explosions! Should you need any advi-

(Y/N): What is it with you and explosions?! And why did you give this such a cheesy name!

Later That Day

Blonde Lady: Please, let me join your p-p-p-party!

(Y/N): Lady, you're scaring me.

Admittedly, you were uncomfortable by the woman's advances as she drew closer to both you and Kazuma.

Kazuma: I already told you, no!

The blonde woman stepped back a bit however her face was in pleasure from the blunt rejection.

(Y/N): Wow... Wasn't expecting that.

You took a small sip from your mug as the woman focused her attention towards the two of you.

(Y/N): What was your name?

Blonde Lady: My name is Darkness and I am a Crusader!

Darkness

(Y/N): Crusader?

All of a sudden, she quickly drew closer as her face was directly in front of yours while her breathing grew heavy.

Darkness: As I told you friend, last night, you can use me as your shield! I'm not against charging the Frontli- wah!

The Crusader flinched backward from you suddenly flicking her nose in order to get her away.

(Y/N): Geez, you don't have to tell me so close, like that.

Meanwhile, Kazuma was more annoyed at the fact that your attempt to get her to back away only gave pleasure to the woman. Even your slightly twitched as she madly blushed after the flick.

Darkness: *slight moan* So cruel...

Kazuma: *in thoughts* How could she be enjoying this?!

(Y/N): Okay... Erm...

???: Now, now. You'll only scare them away if you keep being so pushy!

You turned your head to find a girl with short silver hair approach Darkness.

Kazuma: Who are you?

Silver Haired Girl: My name is Chris, I'm a thief and I'm also friends with this poor thing.

Kazuma only sighed in relief while you couldn't help but lightly shake in your spot. Oddly enough, you get the same feeling from Aqua however you couldn't quite sit still with this girl around. Unfortunately... It wasn't exactly that you had immediately fallen for either girl...

Luckily, the girl drew her attention towards your brown haired friend so you took the opportunity to move to the other seat next to Darkness.

Darkness: Hm? Is there something wrong?

(Y/N): It's a little difficult to tell... Something about your friend makes me shiver.

You took another drink to empty the rest of your mug.

At the same time, Kazuma had ordered a drink, for the girl named Chris, in exchange that she teach the boy a thief skill.

(Y/N): Anyways, good luck in getting him to let you in. I'd do it myself but I'm not exactly one to be calling the shots.

You felt a small tug from your shoulder cape, so you turned around to find a child hold a small piece of paper in your direction. You grabbed the note and decided to open only for you to realize that the small boy was holding up his hand as if he were expecting something. You only lightly chuckled to yourself before placing a small bag of Eris in his hand.

(Y/N): Go nuts kid and you better get something for you sister this time!

The boy only smiled and nodded before running out of the guild hall.

Darkness: And that might be...?

(Y/N): Just one of the kids that hangs around my fi- erm... Ex... When she's working...

You weren't used to calling your former lover by that name. Taking a look at the note, you only sighed to yourself before taking your leave.

(Y/N): I'll be back soon.

Kazuma took notice of you're exit but shrugged to himself knowing that you can take care of yourself. However, the blue haired goddess decided to quickly follow for reasons unknown.

Back With You

As you walked across the streets of Axel, you couldn't help but feel yourself slightly shake as Aqua appeared by your side.

Aqua: Watcha doin?

(Y/N): Being followed by you.

Aqua: ... Really?

(Y/N): Yeah, it's unbelievable isn't it? Never thought I'd see the day that a goddess wo-

Aqua: You really don't have to drag it out!

You were unable to hold in your small laughter which lead to the goddess, herself, joining in on the laugh.

(Y/N): All jokes aside, didn't think you'd actually worry about me.

Aqua: Of course I'd be worried! What kind of goddess would ignore my own party members.

(Y/N): I hope you realize that this isn't going to be much of a big deal.

Aqua: Well, I'm joining you anyways!

(Y/N): No one's stopping you.

Aqua: Just out of curiosity...

(Y/N): Seems like erm... My ex wanted me to stop by for a brief moment.

Aqua: Didn't you blow up your house? Where is she even staying?

(Y/N): With her grandmother who also happens to run her own fruit shop.

Small Timeskip

The both of you eventually arrived in front of a house that also had a few tables setup with fresh fruit.

(Y/N): Wonder why nobody is out here.

Suddenly, the front door opened to reveal a small old woman walking to greet the both of you.

(Y/N): Granny Val, been a while.

The old woman chuckled in her spot as you greeted her with a short hug.

Granny Val: I've heard about your home...

(Y/N): ... Ummmm, yeah...

Granny Val: *sigh* Oh dear... Younings these days... Anyways, I'm assuming you're here to see Snow?

(Y/N): Y-yeah, she sent a note to meet her here as soon as I can.

Granny Val: I'm afraid she's currently not feeling well at the moment. Poor girl was puking a few minutes ago so I let her have the rest of the day off. She's currently resting in her room, if you'd like to see her then you'll have to wait another time.

You were a little worried for the girl however you decided to sigh and listen to the old woman's words.

(Y/N): Right...

Granny Val: By the way...

The older woman looks over to Aqua, who was currently browsing the product, and turned back towards you.

Granny Val: You haven't moved on already, have you?

Both you and Aqua froze in place from the comment.

(Y/N): WHAT?! No!! It's not like that at all! She's a friend from our current party!

Granny Val: *small laughter* I'm only kidding. Now then, how about taking some apples home for you and your friends?

(Y/N): *sigh* Sure, how much?

All of a sudden, the sounds of loud bells rang across the city that forced nearly every warrior towards the front entrance.

Granny Val: Best get going, adventurers.

Aqua: O-oh, uhhh by the way my name is Aqua!

The goddess quickly bowed in front of the old lady before quickly running towards Axel's front gates. You quickly followed behind while saying your goodbyes.

Granny Val: That boy seems different compared to before...

She could not help but shiver as she noticed a strange aura around yourself.

Granny Val: What happened to you out there, (Y/N)?

Later That Night

(Y/N): *in thought* Damn this cabbage stir fry is good!

After dealing with a certain incident that involved catching as many flying cabbages as possible, you decided to relax in the guild hall with your newly expanded party. As a matter of fact, you were unsure if Darkness was officially a part of the team due to her poor display of sword skills. Although her role as a tank was quite impressive and a little... Odd when you and Kazuma were watching the woman take pleasure in taking a beating from the cabbages...

At the moment, you were currently eating cabbage stir fry with your friends, who were currently complimenting each other's display during the event.

(Y/N): *in thought* Just how tough is this girl? Those cabbages hit like a truck whenever they got close!

Megumin: Oh and (Y/N)! Those were some amazing moves when you kicked the cabbages into the cages!

(Y/N): You really including me in this cheesy moment?

Darkness: Well, she isn't wrong. You were practically making a sport out of it.

Kazuma: *in thought* Well he used to play soccer at one point... Wonder why he quit so soon.

Aqua: Oooh, how about we give you the title, Great Cabbage Kicker! That way you an-

(Y/N): I'd rather not... Great Cabbage Kicker? Was that really the first thing that came to your mind?!

Megumin: I think it rolls off the tongue quite nicely.

Aqua: Great Cabbage Ki-

A little annoyed, although you were a little tired from the day, you immediately stood from your seat. Luckily, it was a good enough excuse to escape the slight ridicule.

(Y/N): Alright, guess I'm hitting the hay! Good night! Darkness, welcome to the team and see you tomorrow!

Some of the girls were laughing from your small embarrassment however, Kazuma was quite envious that you left while you could.

(Y/N): Good night, Cabbage thief!

Kazuma: Oh come on! Leave already!

You laughed a little before exiting the guild and made your way towards the stable to sleep for the night...

Moments Later

As you were walking in the cool gentle night, you took the time to appreciate the peace and quiet. You had nothing against your current party members however, the guild itself can be a little rowdy once a certain someone begins to drink.

(Y/N): *quick sigh* Feels nice to enjoy the silence every once in a while.

As you walked across Axel, you came across a fountain and decided to relax for a moment.

(Y/N): Wonder how she's doing right now...

As you spoke, the nearby lanterns were quickly blown out and the area surrounding the fountain immediately darkened.

(Y/N): The hell?

Without warning, a sharp pain quickly rose within your chest and forced you to fall to the ground. Even under the darkened skies, your vision began to slowly turn black as the sharp pain continued.

Nearby

Chris: Where did he go? I thought I saw him around here...

Meanwhile, the silver haired thief was approaching the fountain as the lights seemed to have returned just before she arrived.

Chris: Doesn't seem like he's around... Hm?

The girl noticed that a spot on the fountain wall had been crushed. It was as if something had gripped the top of the wall with enough force to practically flatten it out

Chris: Did a monster get in?!

As if her question was answered, the lights quickly blew out to darken the area.

Chris: What the-?!

The girl looked around to find nothing but poor visibility from the darkness until...

Chris: I-Is anyone there?!

Chris felt a sudden presence behind however, she immediately froze in her spot as a loud growl can be heard directly above her head. For some odd reason, she was quite terrified by the presence as the aura was suffocating her.

Chris: *in thought* Why is this so scary?! It couldn't possible be a...

The the thief slowly turned around to find a pair of bright orange eyes staring her down as if she were prey.

Before the thief could make another move, the lanterns were suddenly lit and the area was visible once more.

Chris: Huh?!

Nothing stood before Chris as her eyes readjusted to the lighting. Even as she looked around, there wasn't a single soul roaming the plaza.

Chris: What was that?! *sighs* I guess there isn't much to worry about since it's over...! Least it beats having my panties stolen....

To be continued...!

Bonus Scene

(Y/N): *Small laugh* Oh man, these cabbages are easy pickins!

The harvest had came to a halt as the majority of the cabbage swarm had been captured by Axel's warriors as well as your own team. By this point, it was a matter of picking up the remaining cabbages as well as helping some of the downed adventurers back onto their feet.

Ruffian: This one's a fighter!

You were curious by the loud call and approached a familiar man with a mohawk, who seemed to struggle with a cabbage trying to fly away. The cabbage itself was quite large in size as it was practically dragging the man with its flight power.

(Y/N): *whistle* You've got this!

Ruffian: I could use a hand here!

(Y/N): Come on! You're the one who's always saying "Welcome to the gates of hell!"

The Ruffian was annoyed by your impression of himself as he was slowly losing his grip on the flying cabbages.

(Y/N): Ya know, I've always wondered why you never wanted to join me on quests when I first started...! Hmm...

Ruffian: Keep runnin' your mouth, I dare ya!

(Y/N): Alright fine, I'll help.

Just as you were about to approach the struggling Ruffian by walking down the hill, he suddenly lost his grip when the cabbage gave one last final push for freedom.

Ruffian: Oh shi-

Unfortunately, due to the elevation difference from you and the Ruffian, you took a heavy hit into a certain area as the cabbage flew up the hill.

Pow!!! And possibly a faint crack...

(Y/N): *strained* Why... ME...! *groan*

You fell to your side as your hands were over your crotch and fainted.

Ruffian: Uh oh!

Kazuma: Good God, even I felt that one!!

Darkness: The amount of pain he must be going through, even I wonder what that pain is like  *slight moan*

Kazuma: Will you stop?! He probably can't have any kids now!!!

The End