Chapter 4: The Banquet
"Saito-San?" A voice called her name as she exited the library. Turning around, she spotted someone who she had become very close to in the recent months.
"Cho? You can just call me Aoi, y'know?" She responded.
"I'm still not used to not using honorifics. It feels weird when I talk to people." Cho stated. This world's language was similar to English in the sense that the only honorifics were the English one. There were no '-sans', '-chan' or '-kun's. Only Mr, sir, miss, and etc…
"Yeah… It does feel a little weird," Aoi agreed. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, we just finished training so I'm going to rest." Cho replied, wiping the sweat from her brow. She swung her calloused hands from side to side as they walked toward the dorm.
Okumura Cho is a 'Berserker'. A class specialised in close-range combat with the ability to momentarily become stronger. But in exchange, the person will lose consciousness immediately after the skill disactivates.
"How was training?" Aoi asked.
"It went alright, though for some reason Sir Ayato went extremely hard on us today." Cho replied.
"Oh?" Aoi questioned.
"It also looks like the magic instructor also went hard on her students today. I wonder what's going on?" she mused.
"It looks like something big might happen," Aoi speculated. "Perhaps an increase in the dungeon level?" she added, tilting her head slightly.
"Probably." Cho agreed. "Though, we could probably deal with it. D-Rank dungeons have become fairly easy especially with your help."
Aoi smiled at the praise, but it was quickly cut off by Cho adding on: "Or well, the 'Dungeon expedition specialists'" While making quotation marks with her finger.
Aoi let out a slight chuckle and said "Well, I don't really care who gets the credits. As long as everyone's safe."
"What a noble goal." Cho remarked with a bit of sarcasm laced into her voice.
"Though if I get the chance, I would like to punch every hero there is. I mean who the fuck just leaves their friend!" Aoi added as Cho fell into a fit of laughter.
"I'm serious." She added.
During the 6 months they've been at the kingdom, Cho has been ostracized from her friend group. The kingdom's habitants follow 'Elyndorism,' a religion that stigmatizes same-sex relationships, resulting in Cho being excluded. Arai Aimi was the only friend who tried to connect with her, but every time she attempted to reach out, someone coincidentally needed her attention. Almost as if they were trying to 'protect' her.
"You should really just tell it to their faces," Aoi said in frustration. It was infuriating to see her friend being treated without her ever doing anything. She never even complained about it.
"You are not one to speak. You don't get any credit for the work you put in, but you never complain, do you?" Cho retorted, her voice trembling slightly. Aoi didn't spot it as she continued.
"That's not the same th-" But her response was cut short as she turned and looked at Cho. A smile that didn't go all the way, instead quivering slightly. Aoi let out a sigh as she finished. "Fine, ill let it go."
"But I'm still punching them" She added, trying to alleviate the mood slightly. Cho chuckled, "I would love to see their faces when you do." The two of them finally arrived to the dorms and waved each other goodbye.
Aoi entered her room. It was quite bare, with the lack of any real decorations. The only pieces of furnishing present were a closet, bed and table. She set her bag down near the chair and removed a book titled 'Monster Encyclopedia.'
Today she is going to revise the enemies that they might face in a C-Rank dungeon. Although she really had no need to do so. After all, she had already reread the book a couple of times. And also, for whatever reason, since arriving to this world, her memory has gotten better. Almost eidetic like.
As she read the contents of the book, A knock interrupted her. She flinched slightly at the sound before standing up and making her way towards the door. Opening the door, she saw one of the many maids of the palace, fidgeting her fingers.
"Excuse me Miss Aoi," the maid said in a soft voice. "I have been asked to inform you about a banquet being held along with all the heroes and supporting members. It is mandatory for everyone to attend."
Aoi nodded in acknowledgment as the maid turned around to leave. However, before she could, Aoi stopped her and asked. "Before you leave, could you tell me what time it is?"
The maid halted and turned back realising her mistake. "Oh, umm… Its going to be a couple of minutes after the sun disappears."
"I see, thank you" Aoi thanked her before the maid turned to leave.
'Looks like I was correct.' Aoi thought to herself. 'Something is about to happen.' She removed some formal clothing from her closet and placed it on the bed. Looking outside, the orange skies indicated that the sun was about to set. She undressed herself, removing the shirt and jeans she had on and replacing it with a blue suit and trouser. She tied her hair up in a pony tail and exited her room.
Arriving at the venue Aoi was greeted with a large space. High ceilings Adorned with golden decorations. Chairs surrounded fancily decorated round-tables. The polished marble floors reflected the glistening chandelier whose candles gave an otherworldly glow. The candles were a magical construct as they seemed to glow for an eternity.
Looking around, Aoi saw that nobody was present. It looks like she had arrived quite early. She made her way towards one of the chairs and sat down. She sank down into the soft cushion and placed her head on the table as she waited for people to appear.
Hearing footsteps, Aoi lifted her head only to see Cho, dressed in a stunning black suit passing through the entrance. She lifted her hand up and gave a slight wave. Spotting it, Cho gave a smile and made her way to where Aoi sat.
"Looking good." Aoi complimented.
"Same could be said to you." Cho replied, glancing her up and down. "So what do you think this is about?"
"Probably an increase in the dungeon level." Aoi responded.
"You did say that earlier." She let out a sigh before continuing. "I guess we are going back to hell."
"Thank god I'm useless in combat. I'll be enjoying my snacks."
"Oh fuck off…" Cho chuckled.
They continued making small talk but stopped as they saw a group of people enter the hall. The rest of her classmates had finally arrived alongside multiple knight who were escorting them. Seems like they got special treatment.
The venue filled up rather quickly as people sat down. Unfortunately, or rather fortunately, nobody sat where Aoi and Cho were sitting. Aimi did try to sit next to them but was dragged away by Takeshi. She gave an apologetic smile before following him to his group.
Chatter slowly filled the space as Aoi and Cho got back to whatever they were talking about. Though, they were interrupted with the announcement of the king's entrance.
"KING EDMUND WHITAKER IS ENTERING THE ROOM" The knights shouted.
Everybody in the room kneeled as the king made his way toward the raised platform.
"Raise yourselves," He ordered. Immediately, everybody in the room raised their heads and looked at the king. "I will cut to the point." he started.
"Tomorrow morning, we will be going through a C-Rank Dungeon. This is because you are now able to complete a D-rank dungeon fairly easily. But unfortunately, C-Rank dungeons are leagues above D-Rank dungoens so I advise caution." The heroes in the room widened their eyes at the announcement. The king though, continued.
"To build a better relationship between everybody, we will also be sending our supporting members too" This time, it was Aoi's turn to be surprised. Her mind automatically muted whatever the king was saying as her brain processed what just been told.
'Aren't I gonna die?' She thought to herself. But before her mind could wander too far, she took in a deep breath and calmed herself. "What am I thinking about. They'll be able to protect me" Slowly, the kings voice returned back to her ears as she continued listening to the praise that he gave the heroes.
"Today, do enjoy yourselves." He finished. As everyone began to chat, Aoi felt a chin run down her spine, a murderous gaze from the king placing her in fear. But as she looked at him, he was chatting to his butler. She sighed again realising that it was just in her imagination.
"Whose gonna be eating snacks now" Cho teased
"Fuck you." Aoi muttered, slightly embarrassed
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Hello my lovely readers.
Although it did take a while to release, I hope you enjoyed the chapter <3
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