Misfits Unite

  Six years. That was the amount of time Blade had been studying, training, and doing whatever else he believed could help his progress. Trying to take in as much of everything as possible. But he had not only practiced and studied, he had also gotten real-world experience.

  ?At the age of nine, Blade had followed Ryuma on a mission. They had signed Blade up in the adventurer guild so that Ryuma could mentor him professionally. His first mission was simply observing how Ryuma went up against a dragon who was blocking a bridge. In the end, Ryuma ended up splitting the dragon in two, together with the continent, with just a leaf. When Blade asked how, Ryuma said it was as simple as anything can be used as a weapon, even if not everything was one. On an unrelated note, he ended up naming a continent that day.

  ?After the mission, Blade asked why he was only known for killing eight dragons with a sword slash, only for Ryuma to comment.

  ?“Well, that is the first big thing I got known for. So what? Did you think I slowed down my training only because I got famous?"

  The answer made sense to Blade at least, so he did not question it further. ?After that day, Blade would slowly begin getting more and more involved in the mission, from securing the perimeter and talking to the villagers, to truly participating in the fights.

  ?It took time, but real-world practice was needed. It would not help if he knew everything if he never put it into reality.

  ?When he turned 14, the news came that Ryuma died. He died fighting to protect a horde of villagers from what could only be explained as malevolence. At his funeral, Blade did not cry, yet deep within him, he felt like a part of himself had gone missing. Like he was more lost than ever.

  ?He did not understand why. When he looked around, people were crying, so why wasn’t he? People were mourning and praying for him, yet all Blade could do was stand and watch. He did not like this feeling, no, he hated it.

  ?Why did it have to be him? Why throw your life to save someone else's? Blade couldn't comprehend or even understand the feelings brewing in him, but he understood one thing. He never wanted to feel them again. Losing someone, no matter who. It was a feeling that pained him even as he knew nothing of what it meant.

  ?At Ryuma’s funeral, people came up to him asking if he was going to take on the title as the new [Sword Saint], though he rejected every one of them. Even if he was lost, he had understood that Ryuma wanted Blade to go his own way, to figure out what he wanted to do. This idea was backed with what he found in his house.

  ?After the funeral, the house was now Blade’s, so while moving, he found what was supposed to be his 16-year birthday present. a custom-made sheath for his sword, and clothes that would perfectly fit him at that time. Blade, though, decided to use them now. Putting them on, they were a bit too long for him in the sleeves and legs, but they worked.

  ?Walking one last time to the altar that had been made to him, he prayed for the first time ever. Not sure to who or what, he simply prayed that Ryuma would have a good afterlife, that he would be happy, whatever that meant. Thanking his father for everything, he burned out the incense and left.

  ?The reason for the change, though, was because he had been requested for a mission by the guild. The request was apparently from some really high-up requestor. He would be meeting with his new teammates who would be joining him on the mission.

  ?When Blade got to the designated meeting spot, he met three others. two men and a woman with six fox tails. As he got closer, he noticed that one of the men was a silver-haired elf, though that was also when he spoke.

  ?“So you are the last of our members. Honestly, I don't see why all of us are needed, it's only a reconnaissance mission.”

  ?“Don't say that, we can use all the help we can get.”

  ?The bigger man said.

  ?“Nice to meet you, I am Rio, half-man half-spirit. I do hope we will get along nicely.”

  ?Blade shook his hand, responding.

  ?“My name is Blade, a human.”

  ?“Well since we are doing greetings, my name is Yuki, a kitsune.”

  ?The fox woman said, fanning herself.

  ?“I don't believe kitsunes are white, though. Special breed?”

  ?The elf asked, only to be given a side glance by Yuki.

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  ?“I don't remember having to give you more information than I have. Especially to someone refusing to give their own name.”

  ?“We are a team, aren't we? Plus, what if my name was something as stupid as Blade? I wouldn't want to give it either then.”

  ?“I gave my name, though. I fail to see how it's stupid, it is quite simple, is it not?”

  ?The tensions were rising quickly. It was by no means a good first introduction to each other.

  ?“If you were simply going to whine, I don't see why you would accept teaming up with others.”

  ?Yuki finally let out, already tired of hearing the elf’s voice.

  ?“I don't want to hear that from a banished fox.”

  ?“What did you say?!”

  ?It was clear he had hit a nerve, and she was just barely holding herself from unleashing it upon him.

  ?“Well, am I wrong? Kitsunes rarely move, and often hold to themselves. The only times they leave and are alone are if they are banished… or if they are trying to seduce some poor soul. In that case, I am sorry I messed up your business of spreading your legs, you—”

  ?Though he said no more as Yuki lunged at him, aiming to kill him for his repeated insults. Luckily for him, Blade stepped in, blocking her fan, as he kicked the elf back.

  ?“Is this really necessary?"

  ?The ground… no, the air itself had frozen. It was almost ridiculous how cold it was, yet Blade remained calm.

  ?Letting go of Yuki as she quickly stepped back.

  ?“If you want my name so badly, it's Aru.”

  ?“Your name is as spineless as your body.”

  ?Yuki says, running past Blade and jumping in the air, creating icicles to crush Aru, only for pillars to rise from the earth trying to pierce her.

  ?“Don't you know elves are experts at nature?”

  ?He said condescendingly, though his smirk was wiped away as Blade rushed into the air, splitting the pillars as he grabbed Yuki, pulling her out of the way and kicking her down to the ground, his foot connecting with her chin. Landing safely himself, he said.

  ?“Sorry, but the two of you are causing quite some nuisances.”

  ?“Stay out of this, human!”

  ?Aru yelled, preparing an electric spell in his hand. Yuki acted similarly, preparing to freeze the whole place. Blade went to slash them both, deciding it was better to just make them both immobile, yet in the midst of the clash, Rio appeared.

  ?Using his own powers to nullify and stop both Aru and Yuki, gripping their arms before they clashed, while also making Blade unable to move.

  ?“I think that is enough, isn't it?”

  ?Angry, but reasonable enough, Aru retracted, and after a click of her tongue, Yuki did the same. Blade, meanwhile, only stepped back, being free to move again.

  ?“I will forgive this offense for now, but make it so my race and name is never spoken from that filthy mouth of yours.”

  ?“I would dream about it.”

  ?All Aru responded with as he gripped his arm, touching the place he had been grabbed.

  ?Sheathing his sword again, Blade walked to Rio, who seemed fine from the clash.

  ?“Oh hey, sorry I had to step in like that. But I didn't want any of my teammates getting hurt. Especially not on the first day.”

  ?“I don't mind. What kind of magic was that, though?”

  ?“Oh, I pray to a specific god which grants me such power.”

  ?“How does praying give you power?”

  ?“Well, it's more so belief.”

  ?“Huh?”

  ?Blade did not understand what he meant and was utterly confused at the notion. It was hard to imagine that believing was enough to get the power to stop those two.

  ?“Holy magic is just the belief in someone stronger, which then grants one some of that being's power.”

  ?“Is that truly all there is to it?”

  ?“Exactly. I'm glad I could help. I can teach you more if you would like?”

  ?Rio offered with a big smile, one Blade internally thought looked a bit idiotic. He shook his head, not that interested in learning holy magic either way.

  ?“Fine then, now that everyone has settled down, let us talk about this mission.”

  ?Rio said, clapping his hands together to gather everyone's attention.

  ?“From what we know so far, we are to explore some fallen ruins in search of clues about some corrupt gods. Everyone understood so far?"

  ?“Yes.”

  ?Yuki said, with Blade only nodding back. A while later, Aru finally decided to nod too.

  ?“Well then, do you also know who the request came from?”

  ?“Just spit it out. Another needless second with him and I’ll leave.”

  ?Yuki said, gesturing over to Aru, who gave her a glare back, sharing her sentiment.

  ?“Then I will finish it up shortly. The one who requested this exploration was the church.”

  ?“What?”

  ?Yuki and Aru said simultaneously, only to glare at each other shortly afterwards. While doing so, Blade took the chance to ask.

  ?“Is it so rare for the guild to request things from the adventurer guild?"

  ?“The rare thing isn't exactly the request, but more so that they want us to explore an old relic of the divine. Normally, holy knights or priests would be sent out to scout.”

  ?Rio answered, clapping his shoulder.

  ?“Of course, it could simply be that they're short-staffed, but the heart of the religion lies in this city, so I doubt that’s the case.”

  ?“Okay now, you two. They even dispatched the Saint to come and greet us, so I do believe it would be unbecoming to leave them waiting.”

  ?At the words, Yuki and Aru stopped the momentary fight that had silently been happening as they came along.

  ?So the group went to the main church. A grand building decorated with white and gold, which screamed holiness. A demon would probably die just by getting too close.

  ?As they stepped into the main hall, what greeted them was even more grandeur than it looked from the outside.

  ?Finely made ornaments made of gold and silk thread hung from the walls.

  ?The floor was draped in carpets worth the combined price of a small town, and the guards aligned by the walls wore armor that looked simultaneously too expensive yet very practical. A confusing mix for Blade mostly, who still was not used to seeing such riches being openly displayed.

  ?Ryuma had been rich due to all his quests and money he had raked in, yet he had never been much of a spender. Therefore, Blade had gotten a lot of pocket money when he went out, half because Ryuma was unsure of what was normal, and half to just get rid of the money. Yet Blade was just as clueless on how to effectively spend large sums of money.

  ?Deep in thought, what woke him was the steps of the saintess as she came to a stop before them. With a slight bow, she introduced herself.

  ?“Hello, travelers, my name is Evelyn, the Saintess. I'm very happy you all would grace us by accepting this quest. Shall I fill you in then?”