-No One's P.O.V-

After the horrible experience back in the ruined town, You, Ricca, and Iris arrived in a desert and the three of you were looking down under the cliff to see a lot of things.

(Y/N): Hey Iris, is there a Drain Crystal around here? You can sense it, right?

Iris: There is. I can sense its wavelength from under this cliff. Let's go.

Ricca: (She was scary even after we left the ruined town, but it looks like Iris is in a better mood today. (Y/N) and I did it mostly though, but she scares me. Maybe destroyed lots of Drain Crystals as she told me to fix her mood...Heehee...Iris isn't just a smart fairy, she's a God's messenger. I should probably just do what she says. I'm only a simple village girl, after all...)

Ricca: Whew...(Our time of the month still hasn't come...but this nice sunny weather brightened up my mood a little, too...)

(Y/N): You seemed relieved, did the atmosphere brighten you up?

You said with an amused smile as Ricca smiles back at you.

Ricca: Ehehe, you guessed that right.

Iris: Alright, that's enough. We should get going.

(Y/N): What a killjoy...

Iris: Hey, watch your tongue!

(Y/N): Oh? Since when was the last time you had fun, Iris?

Iris: I...ugh...whatever!

Both you and Ricca chuckled before eventually moving on. However, the three of you were unaware that three people were watching you three from afar.

-Mini Time Skip-

A couple of minutes later after getting through the obstacles and slaying monsters down the cliff, that's when Iris stops and senses something...

Iris: I can sense human life. Three wavelengths, to be exact...

Ricca: What? There are people here? They might be getting attacked by monsters again...which direction are they in?!

Iris: No...we don't have to go them...they're coming to us...It'll only be trouble if they see me, so I'm going to watch from inside you, Ricca.

Iris then disappears and went inside Ricca.

(Y/N): Iris said that they're coming to us, huh...

Ricca: Yeah. I wonder who it is...

(Y/N): We'll just wait and see...(and I've got a bad feeling)...

...

Three people eventually arrived, but there were only three male bandits.

Iris: ...

(Y/N): Alright...this is surprising...

Highwayman A: Heh heh heh...Hello there, young people...What are you two doing here alone? You know there are dangerous monsters around...

(Y/N): Yeah, so what?

Highwayman B: You her boyfriend or something?

(Y/N): Just her traveling companion.

Highwayman C: I see. *Looks at Ricca* That outfit of yours, are you some nobleman's brat? I don't appreciate kids playing at soldier...

Ricca: U-Umm...who are you people...?

Highwayman A: Us...? We're just a group of guys who want to get friendly with cute girls like you...!

(Y/N): More like a group of guys trying to rob and kill innocent people. If you guys are that "friendly", why are you pulling out your weapons then?

You questioned with a bit of sass as the three highwaymen were angered by this, but they maintained their cool.

Highwayman B: We don't want to scratch your faces, so you two better not struggle. We can't sell damaged goods at a good price, after all...

Ricca: S-Sell...? Damaged goods...? Wha...What are you talking about...?

Highwayman C: This girl...She really has no idea, huh?

Highwayman A: Besides, her body's got it all, though. We'll get a lot of money for her.

Highwayman B: You said it. Unlike most women from this area, she looks plump and nice to hold. Heehee! I'd say we hit the jackpot.

Highwayman C: That's right! Thanks to you, we'll be able to afford a decent meal for ourselves. So no hard feelings, alright? Just blame it on its bad luck and give up.

Highwayman B: This girl's so naive, she must be a virgin! Heh heh heh...and her face and body...if we sell her to our usual slaver, we won't have to worry about money for the next three months!

(Y/N): Huh?

Ricca: (V-Virgin...No...Ugh...These men are after me...They're after my body...)

Highwayman A: That guy does alley business at the royal capital, right? Most of the women sold off to him spend their days getting fucked as slaves at the brothels. Some of them get sold off to pervert aristocrats and treated as their toys till they break. I know a woman who was sacrificed to an orc, too! Ghahaha!

Upon hearing this, it really pissed you off because of their immoral undoings.

(Y/N): Hold on, did you just say that you people sell women just to get money off from aristocrats, along with that person back at the alleyway?

Highwayman C: Yeah, what about it?

(Y/N): There are boundaries in your morals, but you three crossed that line. Do you not feel remorse for those women?

You asked in a calm, yet aggressive tone.

Highway B: Nope! Gyahahaha!

(Y/N): I see...Humanity is just trash as it is then...

Ricca: (Y-Y/N), let's just get out of here...!

(Y/N): No.

Ricca: Eh?

(Y/N): You stay back. I'll handle this mess. Their crimes are unforgivable.

You said as you walked in front of the three bandits and cracked your knuckles.

(Y/N): If my words can't reach you three then...

You then got into a fighting stance and said...

(Y/N): ...these hands will.

The three highwaymen laughed at your words.

Highwayman A: Oh? It appears that our little hero wants to beat us for good!

Highwayman C: Oh no~ I'm so scared~!

(Y/N): Tch, quit talking and start fighting!

Highwayman B: Alright, kid. Have it your way!

-Battle Start-

https://youtu.be/vqdg-N4uwi4

The second bandit goes for a slash attack using his machete, but you dodged out of the way and kicked his leg which made the second bandit grunt in pain as he kneels down on one knee until you followed up with an uppercut which send the second bandit stumbling back from the attack.

Highwayman C: Whoa...!

Highwayman A: What the hell?!

(Y/N): That all you got? Come on, you can do better than that lame attack!

You said with a taunt that says "Come here".

Highwayman A: Damn brat!

The first bandit goes for another slash attack, but you dodged it out of the way. The first bandit goes for more slash attacks, but his blade couldn't land a single hit on you because you keep dodging.

Highwayman A: Stay still, dammit!

(Y/N): If you say so.

You stood still as you let the first bandit hit you, until Hierophant Green's tentacle appears, and grabs the first bandit's arm, stopping him from attacking you.

Highwayman A: W-What the?!

You then punched the first bandit's face, breaking his nose as he stumbled back from the attack while holding his nose in pain.

Highwayman A: You broke my nose...!!

(Y/N): Yup. Now then, I'll use another move on you!

That's when the Hierophant Green slithers its way towards the first bandit. The first bandit watches in shock as Hierophant Green gets inside his mouth.

(Y/N): Now it's time for your punishment!

That's when the Hierophant Green attacks the insides of the first bandit, killing him instantly before returning back to you

Highwayman C: No!

Highwayman B: What the hell was that?!

(Y/N): This is my Stand, Hierophant Green, this entity protects me from danger. It's best if you give up or else you'll end up like your own friend back there!

Highwayman C: Damn you!

The third bandit goes for another slash attack at you.

(Y/N): You're already in my range!

Highwayman C: !?

That's when Hierophant Green's tentacles appeared from the bottom and begin attacking the third bandit, heavily wounding him.

Highwayman C: Guhwaa!?!?!

The third bandit was sent flying back from the attack and the second bandit was shocked upon seeing that attack.

Highwayman B: What?!

(Y/N): One more chance...Just give it up and you'll live or you won't be walking in two feet!

You warned the two bandits. The second bandit growls until he yells out in anger. He then throws his machete towards you, but Hierophant Green quickly grabs it before it could reach the weapon could reach you.

(Y/N): I warned you...

That's when the Hierophant Green's tentacles appear and tightly wrap around the second bandit.

Highwayman B: W-Wha?!

(Y/N): I'm afraid your deeds shall end here!

The Hierophant Green then starts generating water from its palms, ready to fire the Emerald Splash.

Highwayman B: N-No, please!

(Y/N): Emerald...Splash!!

You cast your attack as the Hierophant Green fires the Emerald Splash towards the second bandit. The second bandit screams in pain until he was sent flying back to the cliff and fell to his death.

-Battle End-

Iris: Whoa...

Ricca: (Y-Y/N)...You...You killed those two men!

(Y/N): Yeah, I did. Besides...this isn't the first time I've killed a human.

Ricca was shocked at your response until you start to approach the third bandit who saw the whole thing as he starts to crawl back in fear. Ricca then gets in front of you, stopping you from approaching the weakened third bandit.

Ricca: (Y/N), he's had enough...!

You looked at Ricca for a moment before letting out a deep sigh.

(Y/N): Calm down. I'm just only going to say a few words.

Ricca thinks for a moment before stepping aside as you continued to approach the weakened third bandit.

Highwayman C: N-N-No, j-just spare me! I-I-I won't do anything like this again...!

(Y/N): Oh really?! You three bandits have been doing immoral evil deeds in life! Evil is when you use the weak for your own gain, and crush them under your foot! Especially a woman! Only failures like you abandon your own principles and pride!

You yelled at the third bandit and the third bandit flinched at your words. You then got down on your knee and said...

(Y/N): Listen here, buddy. I'll only leave you with a slap on the wrist. Do this again one more time or else you'll be gone for good.

Highwayman C: O-O-Okay, okay, okay! I won't...!

(Y/N): Good. But before we leave you, can I ask you one question?

Highwayman C: A-Alright...

(Y/N): Have you ever seen a Drain Crystal? You know, a big red crystal? My friend and I are on a serious mission and we need to destroy every single one of them.

Highwayman C: O-Oh yeah...I know where it is...My group and I saw one under the mines.

(Y/N): You sure?

Highwayman C: Y-Yes! I swear on my life!

The third bandit says in panic as you give him a skeptical look before letting out a sigh.

(Y/N): Thanks for the information. Now go and scram.

The third bandit gets up and quickly walks away until Ricca walks beside you and spoke up.

Ricca: So...he said that the Drain Crystal is on the mines, right?

(Y/N): Yeah. The mining caves are going to be our way in. Iris, you can sense it, right?

Iris then appears out of Ricca's body and said...

Iris: I can sense it nearby. Let's keep moving.

(Y/N) & Ricca: Right.

-Time Skip to Night-

At night, we see Ricca sleeping on the ground inside of a destroyed small house while Iris was watching her sleeping.

Ricca: Ngh...Aah...Oww...Hot...I have to...wake...up...

Ricca mutters in her sleep as she wakes up and she felt her cheeks being hot.

Ricca: Ugh...Haa...My tummy...It's throbbing...again...Why...? Nngh...The Crest...of Lust...The marking is...hotter than usual...Aaah...Nngh...Haan...Haaah....I have to...pleasure myself...Haaaah...Nngh...Before Iris or (Y/N) wakes up...Haah, aaah...I just have to...play with myself, like always...

Iris: Getting closer to the succubus must have reactivated the curse. The seal is on the verge of coming undone.

Ricca: Eeek...Ah...Iris...Haa, haa...Nooo...It's not what you...I wasn't...pleasuring myself...I wasn't...Haa...Haa...I'm fine...

Iris: Ugh...Here, let me reseal the curse. Don't move.

Iris then uses her holy magic and reseals the curse temporarily and Ricca felt relieved.

Ricca: Nngh...Haa...Haa....The heat...It's going away...Thank you, Iris...

Iris: That woman...I can't believe she engraved you with a curse even I can't lift...I still don't know how it keeps reappearing...

Iris then went back inside Ricca's body.

Ricca: Ah...Iris...I'm sorry...(She's angry...First, it was this embarrassing curse...Then it was yesterday's fight with the bandits...but it's (Y/N) has done all of that. I've never murdered a person in my whole life as a holy knight... )

Ricca thought to herself as she turned back to look at you, but you weren't there.

Ricca: Eh? I-Iris, where's (Y/N)?

Iris: He went off to find food outside. He'll be back soon.

Ricca: O-Oh, okay...

And speaking of the devil, Ricca hears footsteps coming towards her as she turns to her right and sees you carrying two apples.

(Y/N): Oh, you're awake now. You hungry? I've got two fresh apples.

You offered one to Ricca until her stomach rumbles.

Ricca: Ehehe, I guess I'm hungry...

Ricca then takes the apple from your hand as you and her start to eat fresh apples together in silence.

Ricca then breaks the silence by saying...

Ricca: Hey (Y/N)...

(Y/N): What's up?

Ricca: Back when you fought those bandits...you said that it wasn't your first time killing them, right?

(Y/N): Yeah, what about it?

Iris then appears outside and spoke up.

Iris: I'm quite curious though, who's the first person you killed, (Y/N)?

(Y/N): Well, I was robbed by a group of gang members because I had a part-time job that has a high salary. I have a lot of money saved to feed my family, pay the bills, and such. I was pissed that the gangs stole an amount of it and...I had to summon out my Stand and get rid of them for me.

Ricca: Oh my...that's awful.

Iris: And....how did it feel?

You paused for a moment before speaking up.

(Y/N): In a mixture of feeling good and pity. Their bodies were filled with holes and the police couldn't do anything but just file a report of their mysterious death. The people in my world can't see my Stand which is basically a ghost.

Iris: I see...but you defended yourself since those gang members are those who started it first.

(Y/N): Yeah. Anyway, we should get going. We gotta find that Drain Crystal.

Iris: Getting to the point, huh? Very well.

Ricca then transforms back into her Holy Knight form.

Ricca: Alright, let's go.

You and Iris nodded as the three of you start heading to the mines until Ricca begins to think to herself.

Ricca: (Ugh...the curse is hot and throbbing again...Walking and running around...causes a pleasant chafing down there...It feels...strange...According to demon Miria, the effects of the curse become stronger the closer I am to monsters...Could there be a baby goblin inside me after all...? It's way past that time of the month for me...Even if I do save Miria, if I give birth to a goblin...the village will probably drive me away...They'll be disgusted with me...If that happens...I don't think...I can go on...)

Iris: Hey, you doing okay?

Ricca: Huh...? Oh...I'm doing fine...Do you think I'm strong enough...to save Miria now...?

Iris: I don't know. I can't say.

Ricca: ...

Iris: However, you're getting a little better at your sword training, thanks to (Y/N). I'm sure you'll handle yourself just fine. Also, your powers as a holy knight have grown. As long as you don't do anything stupid, you should be fine.

Ricca: Oh...okay...I'll be careful.

Iris: Hmph.

Ricca: (She's still mad...Of course, she is...I keep making her mad...and letting her down...I'm not worthy to be a holy knight...I don't care about defeating monsters... saving people...or even fulfilling my duty to God...All I care about...is turning my sister back to normal...Fighting monsters...Outmatched and raped...Arch-Lich...The evil wizard from fairy tales...There's no way (Y/N) and I can defeat him...)

Ricca then thought back to Succubus Mira.

Ricca: (Save...Miria...? Iris said I'll be fine, but is that true...?)

Ricca questions in her thoughts as she looks down at her body.

Ricca: (Clean, white gloves, pure as snow...A chaste wedding dress from God...Transforming into this form cheers me up a little...My tummy doesn't feel hot anymore, either...I think I can move now...Is this part of God's power, too...? Right...I need to stop sulking. I want to save Miria, and when I think about my village and the forest settlement - all those people who lost their homes to the monsters...I can't let them get away with that. Just wait, Miria...I'll be there soon...)

...

(A/N: That's it for this chapter! Stay tuned for more!)