Chapter 77: Reporting the crooks

Things were tense in the village.It had only been a couple days ago when two little monsters had publicly fought resulting in a great amount of disorder. Even if they wanted to feel secure that their own adventurers would stand up to protect them, that would only result in their adventurers being defeated. The entire village had heard the clashing of weapons between the metal giant and the little elf(?) girl - their blows alone were powerful enough to cut through anyone here. Still at least the two girls ended up defeating each other then getting punished by their party else the poor villagers would be afraid all the progress they had made over the last year or so would completely fall apart…Yet they came again while bringing a nun from the Dreamers Cult who also happens to be one of the legendary nine tailed fox demons!To top it all off the purple haired elf leading the group, who was part of the reason for their fears, showed an expression which could hardly be said to be happy. Her lips were in a pout with her cheeks puffed up in a cute expression. She was currently peacefully walking with her hands behind her head in a lazy manner yet still somehow held that regal atmosphere like a prince trying to hide amongst mere commoners (something which wasn’t helped by that high quality adventurer gear she wore).Immediately behind the purple haired elf was the beautiful kitsune who lifted her gloved hands in front of her mouth. Hiding a smile that was betrayed by the aura of amusement she was radiated while looking over the little leader. Of course she came with a similar, if more graceful than regal, air about her as if she was a mature princess overseeing society. Although it was only possible to see the shape of the ears, the people were sure she was kitsune for one reason; the nine voluptuous white tails waving about behind her. Alexis wasn’t even being subtle which resulted in all those who had weapons reaching towards them - ready to draw their arms at a moment's notice. Though the reason nobody had charged forward  to face the kitsune was the high ranking party was surrounding the fox like a guard detail.The two remaining sword wielders were on either side of the fox while the back was taken by the little horned cow-kin girl. Although little horns weren’t actually a trait female cow-kin naturally had, people never questioned it in {Orrid Empire}. Clearly the importance of one having horns was lost on the populace due to their ignorance on the matters of demons… A truer sign than any other they had no real awareness of which threats they should really be worried about.Emily, who was at the back hugged the expertly crafted spear (which the warriors cautiously watching the group couldn’t help but salivate over), tried to keep pace with the party. Even if she wasn’t actually struggling much due to her great stamina it still made people's hearts melt to see such a cute girl trying her best. On the opposite end of the spectrum there was Promicarus who quite literally couldn’t have her nose more upturned.Those eyes of hers coldly looked down on everyone with a hand hovering over their weapons only to grant them a single sneer. If it was another girl to give them such a look of contempt these adventurers would no doubt start a ruckus… Yet when facing this strange tanned girl with clearly bleached hair they could only shudder while lowering their heads. Who would they be kidding if they said they would really draw their weapons?They were adventurers not knights so why in the love of all that is holy would they draw their weapons on such powerful creatures?As such a path was opened on the busy ‘street’ for the group to walk through.“Urgh~ I’m still mad~!” <Eel>“Oh my~ but you already destroyed that entire house earlier? Then again I suppose that’s exactly how a young cub should be so I understand. Still you should at least wait till we’re done with your work before you get out your urges so please hold yourself. We are the fox clan which means we can’t let things become troublesome due to acting out like a dragon~!” <Alexis>Hearing that Fuka beside Alexis couldn’t help lifting her brow at the foxy woman's words.“Ya are aware she’s also a dragon right?” <Fuka>“Sure however since she isn’t antisocial, hiding away in a cave, I believe she’s much closer in nature to us foxes than those silly lizards ohohoho~!” <Alexis>“Why’d all ya hate dragons so much?” <Fuka>“Hm~? I don’t hate all dragons silly, I don’t mind scaleless nor do I hate my own goddess, as those of the venus lineage like little cub are quite cunning themselves~.” <Alexis>“So Mother’s mother was the {Mother of all Life} and the previous Mother, Gaia, right?” <Eel>“Indeed~.” <Alexis>Although Eel was clearly still grouchy when Alexis reached a hand out to ruggle Eel’s head she certainly didn’t resist. Her eyes also slimming with her grimace softening up. Most telling of all were her elven ears that twitched happily under the hand of her elder. However hearing the words from the two foxes even Lyada couldn’t help but be curious about the ‘young’ fox’s opinion on dragons.“About other dragons?” <Lyada>“Oh~? The other dragons are all fucking cunts who should’ve been killed like the arrogant pricks they are, no dragon is as good as a dead dragon. I think it was a mistake for little Violet to stop at only wiping out the Primordial Gods since she may as well have finished my brothers work in cleaning up those detestable scaled b-” <Alexis>“*Cough*” <Emily>“Hm~? I mean I don’t really like them much since our races have never gotten along ohohoho~” <Alexis>The rest of the party - other than the well read Emily who expected something like that - couldn’t help staring at Alexis with wide eyes. Even Promicarus was now agape at the foul language that came out of the usually very proper (if slutty) and graceful nun. To Emily it seemed rather obvious the Fox Clans & Dragon Clans wouldn’t get along based on the few documents about the first that were left untouched after the second great war.Foxes were basically the guardians of everything Gaia stood for while also staunch supporters for balance between the races. Apparently the dragons weren’t exactly supporters of either of those things as from what she learned they were beings who enjoyed reigning over the weaker races which is why they retained the title ‘King of Beasts’. Of course the exception was Gaia as well as those who followed her… Despite that the first fights of the first great war was shortly after the death of peace loving Gaia.To make things more dubious, the side which apparently the first battle which started ‘the great war’ wasn’t the dragons. According to the documents left it was, unsurprisingly, the oni herald by Shuten who were the first to stand on the battlefield to confront the dragons. They were the oni afterall so they would of course jump at the chance to fight. What was surprising was that the oni were attacking in combination with the cunning foxes who previously could be said to have no history of war due to their nature. <It doesn’t take a genius to figure out who was likely responsible for Gaia’s death especially with how the figures most famous figures, even beyond {The Great Dragon-Slaying Weapons}, who got involved was likely Mother the daughter of Gaia…>Closing her eyes Emily couldn’t help but let out a sigh at how the dragon's back then really did mess up everything they had going by striking down one person.<If they didn’t attack Gaia leading to her death would the Primordial God’s still be the most affluent power over the world? Maybe… After all, what reason would the daughter of Gaia and Leviathan have for coming up to land if not for revenge? Still it’s hard to imagine what a world without the death of Gaia would be like since so many of the beings we worship today has unquestionable beings likely wouldn’t have existed…Would demons have even existed? I suppose it would all depend on the true nature of the Demon God Empress - was she a girl enraged about the unfair results… Or was she truly a demon without compare who would’ve always seeked out a great war?>“It really is an interesting thought experiment to perform though I’d need more information on what really led to both wars… Mom should be able to help…” <Emily>“What is thou on about?” <Promicarus>“W-wah?!” <Emily>Emily, who didn’t mean to speak out loud, turned to see Promicarus tilting her head in a surprisingly cute manner with a furrowed brow and confused pout. Such an arrogant girl didn’t like not understanding a conversation; unlike with the rest of the group she didn’t kid herself into thinking Emily was dumber than herself either. Although she rarely made weapons she was still an artisan who crafted ‘equipment’ of her own which meant she knew Emily’s talent. It likely helped that Emily herself was a demon with talent in magic - though technically if one thinks about it she is VERY similar in bloodline to Eel. The only difference being her demonic side originated from an incubus being manhandled by a ‘dragon’ instead of a ‘fox’ being manhandled by an ‘oni’. Regardless the ‘confident’ girl didn’t like not understanding something from someone she recognised as smart - luckily for Emily someone had a bug to pick as they arrived at the adventurers guild.“Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you floaties! What were you doing when we first met M- Alexis only for you to mysteriously vanish, huh? Couldn’t have possibly been having some fun without me could you!” <Eel>Hearing the accusations from Eel Promicarus instantly tensed up before turning towards her with the usual arrogant look. The group now headed through the back - none of the staff even made an attempt to stop them as they walked towards the masters office. They weren’t even going ahead to announce them yet he likely would’ve heard them coming anyway  due to them not exactly being subtle.“Why would it matter to thou what I was doing? If one must know this supreme one was merely visiting some of my extended family due to some conflicts which had occurred on a major family events scheduling. Hence why I am in a hurry to end this farce so get on with it before I cut down this guild leader so thines group hurries towards the town!” <Promicarus>As they barged into the guild leader's office he was at first surprised then went noticeably white and threw up his hands. The reason was not only Promicarus’ words but also her pointing directly at the poor human male. Nobody has likely ever said being a guild master was an easy task yet this had likely been the most stressful week in his life.Fuka could only clasp her face while letting out a heavy sigh while the only other mature person was too busy watching the children ‘play’ with a chuckle.Still Alexis at least remembered their purpose.“Greetings branch manager~ I am Alexis Bloodleaf. A loyal servant of the people of {Voluptas Theocracy} though unfortunately I am here to report some discrepancies upon a mission delivered to your branch. I apologise for the inconveniences you must be under during these trying times yet it concerns the presence of a {Void Beast} so isn’t something that can be merely swept under the rug to be forgotten~...” <Alexis>The fox moved her hands in front of her mighty chest as she stood forward to discuss the matter with the human. Being a mere human man it wasn’t exactly surprising his face quickly ripened as the act of the fox made his eyes lower towards that ample bosom which softly swayed with just the natural act of her breathing not that he would complain. Still he wasn’t an incompetent man since as soon as the words {Void Beast} arose his eyes sharpened as the eyes behind his square framed glasses while his hand moved to quickly swipe his hair backwards. Even his blush was gone with a deadly serious expression since every guild, no matter how small, at least had its manager fully aware of the dangers of such a being.“No need to be so courteous to a mere branch master in the middle of nowhere lady Bloodleaf, still it is a shame this could not be a happier occasion. You can simply call me Ras if you’d so be inclined. So not only did they run into the {Pillar of the Rogue}, {Sovereign of Storms}, {Pillar of the Hero} and a [Nine-Tailed Kitsune] but also they now have met a [Void Beast]... Well I suppose I’ll need to get help from above quickly to deal with it.” <Guild Master Ras>Saying that he couldn’t help but readjust his glasses while turning towards the party. It was true that problems always seemed to follow around a {Hero} so just on this series of circumstances he was already completely sure in the guilds choice to support this {Adventurer Prince} as the next {Hero}. How could that noble child dare claim to be anywhere near as much of a trouble maker as this brat?“Oh~ not only did that precious little cub meet such a foul thing but she even defeated it, meaning your job has become a lot easier~.” <Alexis>Although he likely should have been doubtful, hearing that the majority of his sleepless nights had been cut made him fall back into his chair with a sigh. Letting his body completely relax while his head fell backwards to look towards the ceiling in relief. Even if he had some trouble ahead of him he held great excitement towards his current post, possibly becoming a trading hub in the future no matter how the war turned out… He would rather that didn’t all get destroyed because someone from this horrible country believed they were above the guilds rules and repercussions. If anything he was sure no matter who was responsible (who he already had a feeling he knew) his fellow comrades around this country would roar joyously in not having to deal with their self-righteous bullshit any longer.Not to mention if other organisations from this country try to defend the culprit for such a horrendous act they can exclude them as well…Thinking this he couldn’t help pump his fist under the table before pushing himself up to look towards the heaven sent gifts while offering them a smile. Was his reaction completely different than when he was treating them as the 4 horsemen (+1) of the apocalypse? Yes but even if this was technically ‘troublesome’ most of the worst parts were completed with the benefits of cutting out something even more troublesome!He would likely be the most loved man in the adventurer guilds of this continent!“On behalf of all the people of this village as well as the others on the border I have nothing to offer you other than my complete appreciation. There is no longer any doubt in my heart that you are truly going to be the third greatest hero there has ever been. Afterall how many heroes can claim to have killed a [Void Beast] let alone as young as you have managed?” <Ras>“Hm~ I am merely doing what I felt like doing so there is no need for any thanks fufufu~!” <Eel>“Quite hahaha.” <Ras>Although most would assume her waving him off like she was doing with her regal aura on was merely a humble act… It was completely true. Still she did offer him her regal prideful grin which helped allay the impression of this being the truth even though this truly was just her nature being covered up by her amazing genes. Either way Ras wouldn’t care as he turned towards Alexis once more with a serious expression.“I assume it’s the church job put up by the church?” <Ras>“Hm~ you are indeed right however it is my belief that their self-proclaimed hero likely also accepted the quest shortly after the real thing did~?” <Alexis>He simply nodded.“An assassination attempt on the real thing?”“Ah~ not quite. I’m quite sure they fully believe in their own misogynistic ways so have probably let their guard down towards the real hero. They probably still don’t believe that a girl like my little cub could be a hero so are likely scratching their heads in confusion - they may even think the [Void Beast] isn’t actually dead just for that reason. I believe instead they just wanted any random party to take the quest then after they finished with that they would see me in the church and assume I was either the thing sealed or trying to release it. For the money that killing me would bring they’d no doubt seek my life which would release the [Void Beast]~.” <Alexis>“Which would likely mop up then the hero valiantly charges in with the church to kill you the person who ‘killed the previous party and released the beast’. They would also hope to beat that beast with whatever dream/illusion artefact. Not only that but they would get access to your body as well as all that entails… They could no doubt sell you enough to buy a country far larger than {Orrid}.” <Ras>“Indeed~!” <Alexis>Hearing this he couldn’t help shaking his head in seeming disappointment towards the plot the church as well as the supposed ‘hero’ had. Although he was certainly mad a decent team would’ve had their lives lost for this stupid ploy of theirs the current result couldn’t have been better so he was secretly over the moon. Not only was the [Void Beast] killed with the priestess alive but the church wasn’t responsible for any of this thus they were completely revealed.Who could’ve guessed that the only party in the country able to deal with the situation was the one who took the job!“Well it only makes sense that I revoke the guild licence of the Son of Earl Thompson as well as his party so they can’t cause any more trouble. As for how we’ll deal with the church we will no longer accept any jobs from them while publicising the reasons why. I hope this satisfies you all as, although more could occur, I’m afraid that’s about all I can promise will happen with my position alone. Of course, this will all go on your record so advancements won’t even require a test since I’m confident enough to truth you” <Ras>“Money would be good~!” <Eel>Hearing that his brow trembled but Ras simply offered the girl a smile.“Y-yes… I’ll ensure you get the pay you were promised plus a bonus. The bonus will take some time to acquire since it’ll likely be from multiple branches in this country so I’ll have it directly transferred into your account.” <Ras>He wouldn’t mention that the bonus they get would likely be a thanks for making it so the guild didn’t need to deal with the {Church of Light} anymore.