Chapter 44 - #44 Gaining valuable things for free (1/2)

”Job well done, Akashi!” Esdeath said to me once we finished taking care of all the enemies.

”Mm...How are the casualties?” I nodded and asked while glancing at our soldiers.

”We lost around one hundred soldiers and another hundred is injured, most of it was on our left flank. We underestimated their leaders too much. But overall, I think it was still very good considering that they had twice more soldiers than us.” Esdeath said with a serious expression and closed eyes to honor the deaths of her soldiers.

So we lost around one-tenth of our soldiers...I wouldn't call it overwhelming victory but as Esdeath said, considering their number advantage, it is indeed very good.

”Akashi! What was that?! It was totally cool, you have to tell me what was that!” Mez and Suzuka joined us and Mez immediately exclaimed with a surprised expression when she saw me standing calmly near Esdeath.

”Ah, it's slightly complicated to describe. Let's just say that it's my Teigu.” I replied with a small smile.

”Elemental-type Teigu, huh? Anyway, it was really cool how everyone completely disappeared without any trace, haha!” Mez muttered with a thoughtful expression before she started laughing when she recalled the scene of my 3 mini suns in the sky.

”I have heard that Elemental-type Teigu are the hardest to control and one needs enormous will power to control it or he will turn insane. You are pretty amazing, Akashi, hehe.” Suzuka said with a creepy laugh.

”Thanks for the praise but I won't use it the other way than on my enemies.” I resolutely said with closed eyes since I knew what she was hinting on.

”...Let's stop talking we need to retreat and treat injured or our death count will be even higher” Esdeath just glanced at those two and then directed her gaze at me while saying this.

”Agreed, but can you go ahead without me? I still have somewhere to go and it's close by so I said to myself why not stop there now since I have time.” I said with a helpless smile and explained the situation.

”Whaaat? You will leave us, Akashi?” Mez asked with a disappointed expression.

”Hm...Alright, will you return directly to the Capital or should we wait for you?” Esdeath ignored Mez's comment and instead looked at me and after seeing that I have not acquired any injuries, she agreed with a small nod and asked me.

”Well...I guess I will return directly to the Capital so you can go back without me.” I replied after a second of thinking with a small smile across my face.

”Alright...Everyone! Take injured back to the temporary camp and those with serious injuries will be quickly treated right now and wait until we reach the camp to fully heal!” Esdeath shouted at everyone attending to the injured ones and to those who are collecting loot from enemies.

”YES!” Everyone shouted back and started helping injured ones to their legs, even those who were collecting loots stopped and immediately started helping.

”*sigh* I guess this will be the last time we see each other for some time...” Mez released a sad sigh and even her expression was overly serious and sad.

...We only know each other for around 2 days, why are they both like that?

”What's up with those faces, both of you? We only know each other for a few days, there is no need to be so sad.” I asked with a confused expression and one raised eyebrow.

”Maybe it's like that for you, Akashi. But we are always locked up inside Kouken temple and this was one of the few missions we could go out. We had a lot of fun together with you so we wanted to last it for a bit longer...” Mez shook her head and explained with a small sad smile. Even Suzuka nodded to show that she agrees with Mez's words.

*sigh* I was also locked up inside my mansion for a few years but I guess it's different when they train you solely to be the Empire's executioners yet unable to even go outside and use their training in practice.

”I see, then do your best to survive so we can see each other in the future...” I said with a small smile.

Hopefully, it won't be as enemies but I am sure none of us would show any mercy to any side so it's alright. But I guess Suzuka wouldn't mind us being enemies...

”Hmph! Who do you think you are talking to?!” Mez snorted in playful way and flexed her petite arm to show her biceps to me.

...I can't even say to her to be careful not to break those sticks since she is able to break a giant tree in two with her fist alone.

”Heh! Sure, come here!” I shouted and took hold of her hand with both of my hands and pulled her slightly closer to me but mainly away from Mez.

”Oh? I didn't think you would give me that but I don't min- Huh?” She started saying in teasing tone before she noticed my suspicious smirk.

I started spinning at the place together with her at great speed and then let go of her hand, throwing her very far away, perhaps she will even fly over Esdeath and her soldiers that departed some time ago.

”That is good too!!” I was able to hear her shout before she completely disappeared inside the forest.

”Jeez, she is an annoying one.” I muttered while scratching my head with a slightly irritated expression.

”Hehe, that's pretty normal. What about me?” Mez chuckled and then asked me with expecting shining eyes.

”Huh?” I turned at her with a confused expression.

”You gave Suzuka parting gift so what about me? You must be fair!” She said with a strict expression while pointing at me with her index finger.

*sigh* What am I to give you? You already ate my cookies so I would say it's fair enough already.

”Hey! What are you doing?!” She shrieked, trying to recover her previous hairstyle but there was still a satisfied smile on her face.