Netori: Stealing The Hero's Party!

Chapter 848: Where Are They? - Part 2[SKIPABLE!]

In the heart of the islands south of the Elenarian coast rests the island of Lantherem, once a land of pirates and scum, now a safe haven for the indigenous farmers and workmen. Established as the centre of commerce between the many islands and the mainland on both sides of the continent, the island truly served as its name suggested and as was the will of its once ruling god. To this day, his heart lies in its soil, and perhaps, that’s why even someone as greedy as Mercedes couldn’t gain much spoils from its people.

Accompanied by the clone of Mono, a walking bomb that could devastate half of their world if not more, it was her job to manage the shipment of goods and keep an eye on every transaction that occurred. For the most part, the people of Aranuvia were responsible for the infrastructure required, and that of Lantherem provided their labor. A balance so perfect it could break from the slightest effort. Had it not been for the hero’s punishments on the warlock, the islands would’ve been stripped clean of resources with her devil patron guiding her hand.

So again, I wonder. How long can this balance hold? I, for one, despise stagnation for anything to evolve, be it people or things; constant change is of most dire importance. But tell that to the dragoness Gallaria, guarding her hoard for who knows how long? She would scoff and ignore, for deep down she’s grown attached to her task. Once it used to be her prison–a prison with countless treasures, but now it felt like second nature to guard the horde from anyone but her master. The king of Aranuvia and only the king could command her, and as long as Raven doesn’t strip her of her title as the horde’s protector, she shall continue to stand guard in front of that accursed treasure.

Even the angelic idols had a better fate than being self-bound to their tormentor, but as long as she had free will, Gallaria was more than willing to help the hero. Her powers were nothing to shrug at either, and such a monster was required to hoard the secrets that could spell the end of the world. Though the valkyrian angel pitied her still. In her eyes, she was no different than the lurker deep within the dark. Trapped with no way to claw their way out. What she failed to realize, however, was that her stoneskin and her limbo as an idol standing tall within Lantherem were no different than either of those prisoners.

Further south of the islands, the port city of Lululalia had grown far quieter after the hero’s intervention. The duke and the alliance of beastmen and demi-humans were finally working together to make the place better for everyone. Standing as leaders, Raga, Harpy, and Bamm often had to report to Mercedes about their progress, but none paid her much mind, as she herself was the cause of most of their troubles in the past.

Even to this day, she was trying to take control of the old lady Baba’s inn ever since she’d passed away. Had the building not been a mainstay for the leaders of the alliance, perhaps she would’ve stripped the place from their hands, but as things stood, she wasn’t even allowed to take even a single step in.

Further uphill in the kingdom of Aesteradia, the people had finally recovered from the many-year-long influence of their corrupt god. In spite of that, Jenna visited her home city often to check on everyone, though her methods and insanity were somewhat bizarre for most people to trust. And as the twist of fate would have it, her city was cured, and she was amongst the handful who’d cured it, and yet at the same time being the alchemist who’d helped throughout the process, there was no way for her to lessen the effects of her own insanity as it had too far.

However, in her sane ramblings and experimentation, she’d somehow struck a perfect balance. In a way, she was functionally insane–the best outcome in an unfortunate case such as hers. Mayhaps her dead mother, a much greater alchemist, could’ve cured her daughter, but the mere thought of that woman, the very same who’d caused the destruction of her people through compliance, made Jenna sick to her stomach and wanted nothing to do with her.

Then there was another who’d grown sick to their stomach. Elowen, the map maker for the discoveries made around the region of Inktaus, was quite concerned, even more so than he’d expected. Thankfully, he and his daughter were a safe distance away from the invisible barrier, but if the place was surrounded by a stronghold of the demon generals not too long ago, their retreat through that very barrier had his heart in an anxious hold.

Nothing could stop those monsters if they really wanted to get to them. Maybe the hero could, but he wasn’t always there. Growing more confident in his decision to keep the rifle, he’d decided to shut down his shop for a while and enjoy a few quiet days. But quiet was a luxury not afforded by many, and such was the case for Kumi, Frazer, and Josare. The so-called hero of the land served under Melenai as part of the council, but his seat was only in name because he had no sense for politics. Instead, making use of him and that of the slime girl in training the new recruits for their army, Melenai was trying to hold the city together since the unrest from the giant’s deaths had not yet settled.

Kumi, on the other hand, rested on the shoulders of the new unofficial queen, Melenai. As a hawk, she kept an eye on everything and everyone and carried long-distance messages. Aiding the army building effort further, Flitza was also helping the recruits train, although her own lack of confidence was making her lash out against the new soldiers. As for Meimei, her days were spent forging new equipment; there was plenty of need, especially since the number of volunteers in the army kept climbing.

Alas, Dandy was still housing Frazer’s family, both Jess and Holly. Their house was far too dilapidated to live in, forcing them out of that place and onto the upper floor of the curiosity shop. However, losing their home was far from their greatest worries as their time with Raven had been cut short, and since they weren’t his women officially, the thought of never feeling him filling them to the brim was eating away at their hearts. Waiting anxiously for him to come back, the girls were trying their best not to let their desperation bleed out into their everyday lives. Needless to say, however, they were failing miserably since their panties kept leaking forever.

Out comes last, the kingdom of Inktaus. With the judges dead and the seats changed and the goddess’s in agreement thanks to Raven’s deal, things were quite trepidatious yet stabilizing little by little. Eren, having taken the advice of his lover, was keeping balance, and so was Ironheart, but this time his eyes were far more scrutinizing of his own people as the goddesses. No more lax rules for the followers of Mesmerazia; all shall follow the same tune, and crossing the line meant being punished with the same rules.

It would be a while before the chaos died in the kingdom, but with time, all shall heal. But now, it’s time to resume this tale. See you again someday, curiosity seeker. For now, be off to Elenaris, there’s much to be seen and much to be said.