Blood, Honor, and Time Volume 2

Copyright 2019 Albert Oon

Published by Albert Oon at Smashwords

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Chapter 1 – Cultural Conflict

My name is Benedetto Vuoto and I am the next hero chosen to bring humanity closer to perfection. After bringing down the central government, the Socia Agmina, and putting them under my control things have been peaceful. My group of reformed bandits called the Sparrows have been the peacekeepers of the land for the Socia Agmina. We’ve grown so large since we’re composed of members from all cultures. People respect us more than the Socia Agmina, not only because of the reformed bandits but because of our people-centered ideology and close relationship with even the poorest in the world. The Sparrows are not only peacekeepers, but they are also a charity and teachers to some extent.

I’ve had three children with Donna, my wife and former leader of the Sparrows. My close friends Stella and Franco are my most trusted advisors and protectors. Even though there are definitely people better suited to their roles, I still keep the advice of my family and friends close to me. Despite the new peace that I’ve established, there’s still conflict and crime in the land. It might just be human nature for it to happen, but it’s something I’d rather not hear about even though I need to be notified of it in order to fix it. Besides that, all of the cultures, including my own, are starting to want proof that I’m a hero that will carry humanity through to the next state of the world mostly unscathed.  This is especially true of the Blighted, the most traditional and conservative culture out of the three. Right now, Donna, and I are being escorted to Temperance, their capital city by a small group of our Sparrows. Hopefully, things will go down well.

‘I hope for your sake they do. Remember, the Blighted are stiff with being proved wrong.’

And they were almost too easy to convince the first time we met, Tunc.

‘The appearance of a new hero means the end of the world is coming. That and the things you accomplished in a short amount of time must’ve had them on edge. I wish it was the older days when people got behind you just because you had a blessing granted to you by God.’

I was it was too, old timer.

‘Hey, I’ll have you know that my human half still looks perfectly young.’

But your skeletal half and actual age make even the oldest buildings look brand new. Tell me, is there any big tasks I’m supposed to do?

‘There is. You have to get the cultures to submit or trust you. That can be done in whatever way you decide.’

That explains why you’ve been talking to me more recently. Got a tip I could use?

‘Besides telling them that this is a special turning point, I’ll tell you that an influential and powerful young girl in the Cuchillos by the name of Bonito is interested in you.’

I’m not dressing in a cat boy outfit again.

‘Don’t jump to conclusions. You don’t need to marry her or anything like you did with Donna. This girl will help you expose corrupt individuals in the Cuchillos, which should get them to completely trust you.’

Any catches?

‘She might get a little touchy, so watch out and keep Donna safe.’

I’ll go see the Cuchillos after this then see if I’ll go through with your hint.

‘You have a time-traveling blessing that allows you to travel anywhere in time as long as you know the exact time, day, and place. Why are you being so stingy with it? You haven’t used it once.’

It’s because I like this strength you gave me for not using it after my first big victory.

‘It’s useful, ain’t it? You can actually carry your wife instead of it being the other way around. Hahaha!’

Whatever. I’ve grown up since those days. I’m better at sneaking and fighting so I won’t always need someone at my side.

‘But you still keep Donna with you all the time?’

I can’t think of anything to make her detach from me even for a day. Do you have any ideas?

‘None at all. Do you regret not being with Stella instead?’

I don’t. We’re finally here.

‘Did you get tired of talking to me?’

About certain things I do. It’s a pain that you hear everything that I think.

‘You love this connection we have.’

Ha, that’s what you think.

“Okay, we’re finally here,” my escort says.

“Good. Are you ready, Donna? Because you’re one of the reasons why we’re here,” I tell Donna as I help her out of the horse-drawn cart like a gentleman.

“What did I do? You know your loyal wife doesn’t do anything wrong?”

“You took a party of experienced Sparrows, hunted a dragon, and used its skin to make that armor you’re wearing and ax you have.”

‘Some of the Blighted around you are giving you weird looks. Watch out.’

I know.

“What’s wrong with that? This is custom made armor that you can’t get anywhere else.”

“It’s their custom to use the skin of dragons to replace their own once they are old enough. The other two cultures respect their tradition except for the maggot bandits.”

“Their custom is barbaric. Besides, it’s not like they have some special claim over the skin of dragons. The only reason why people think they do is because they claimed the only territory that has dragons and because these people say so.”

“Don’t say that aloud to them. I’m going to try to get these people to trust me.”

“Then can’t you get them to change their tradition?”

“Maybe, but I’m not going to do it because you wanted fancy gear.”

“Aw, but you like this armor, don’t you? I know you’ve been looking at the hole in the chest area.”

“Fill that. It’s distracting.”

“I made it this way for you. Besides, I have it enchanted, so that I’m protected.”

“Still. Are you even ready to fight in case we have to? You gave birth not that long ago.”

“I’ve been training to keep my body in shape. Trust me, with this armor and weapons, I’m good. If I happen to die, then you can just go back in time to save me, right?”

“You’re right.”

‘But will you do it?’

Probably.

‘Probably? For your wife?’

We’re in the main council room where people on my side are already debating the traditional Blighted. I forgot what this room looked like and how beautiful it looked. The statues of previous heroes who had the blessing to reverse time stand proudly around the room with flames beneath them.

‘Oh, the memories I shared with these people. The adventures we had were grand.’

I’ll read more about them once I get a chance to, to learn from their example. The windows in the room let in a light that lights up the rest of the room and shines a constant light on the statues. The room quiets down as I take my place in the center of the room between the two groups. A representative of the other side takes his seat on the other side of the table I’m sitting at while Donna sits beside me.

The representative says, “I’m glad that you’ve joined us, Benedetto Vuoto. My name is James of House Regal.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Thank you. The first topic I’d like to talk about is your wife and her breaking of our traditions. We are willing to forgive you if your wife gets rid of her dragon made gear and personally apologizes to us.”

“James, are you speaking for all of the Blighted?”

“I am speaking for the Blighted that hold true to our traditions that have made us prosperous through the centuries.”

‘That’s a long way to say yes.’

My thought exactly.

“But what about these other Blighted who are opposing you? Aren’t they Blighted like you?”

“In name only. The Blighted are a people that hold onto their traditions as if it were their entire existence.”

“I disagree. According to your history books, the Blighted have only replaced their human skin with that of dragons for three hundred years. Most of the heroes that you honor with these statues were opposed to your practice when it was being implemented. Some of them didn’t even replace their skin. What makes you think your traditions won’t change in the coming years?”

“Because these traditions have led to increased prosperity, strength, and devotion to our people. I’d say that God Himself blessed us with this tradition. I would even dare to call it sacred.”

The room starts to erupt in disagreements until a peacekeeper slams his hammer into the ground, which also shakes it. I don’t know how they keep these floors intact.

“But are they truly sacred?”

“What?”

“Did you get this tradition from God Himself?”

“It seems like it from the fruits it has given us.”

“Oh really? God made us good to begin with. He didn’t instruct us to switch our skin with that of beasts especially dragons, which is the serpent mostly associated with Luciferum. Furthermore, you are only guessing that God approves of your tradition. You have legitimate priests and mystics that can reliably talk to God, and you’ve yet to confirm the legitimacy of your “sacred” tradition. Why is that?”

“We are above the devil, and dragons aren’t demons, so don’t think that we’re wearing the skin of demons. Also, if anything, God tolerates our tradition. Are the all of the traditions of your culture, the Fedele, endorsed by God? Because all I see are contradictions in your dogmas.”

“Yes, all of our traditions and dogmas are approved by God. That’s why we’re called the Fedele. Every tradition, everything we do is primarily motivated by the Almighty God. Even though we all aren’t the most faithful to God, our traditions and teachings still are.”

“Are ours isn’t?”

“I’m not saying that. I’m just saying that you put your own intellect ahead of your commitment to God sometimes, which leads to it being misguided.”

“I’m telling you that if God disagreed with our practices then He would’ve struck us down long ago.”

“God should’ve struck us down when we committed our first sin, but He doesn’t. He allows us time to work out our salvation and repent from our sins. How about this. If you let the priests and mystics talk to God about this and I’m proven wrong about doubting your tradition, then both Donna and I will apologize to you and her gear will be yours.”

“…It’s a deal.”

Whew. Everyone in the room claps, so it seems like everyone is okay with this course of action.

‘You did good, Benedetto.’

Thanks.

“What’s the next thing that we are supposed to discuss?”

“The topic of our traditions being violated was the main topic we wanted to talk about.”

“Good because I have something else, I want to talk about that’s extremely important.”

“What might that be?”

“I’m going to need all of the cultures to trust me, and I’m starting with yours since I’m here.”

“Why would you need that?”

“Because just like my fight against the Socia Agmina, this will change the world as we know it.”

Everyone in the room is whispering to one another. Someone whispers in James’ ear.

“This is a topic we shall save for our next meeting. For now, we say that we’re interested in making a deal with you since you seem willing to compromise.”

“Thank you. I look forward to our next meeting.”

We shake hands as everyone in the room claps. After the meeting, Donna squeezes me with a hug, of course, and the Blighted on my side congratulate me on a job well done. Since we’re going to be staying in Temperance, for now, Donna and I eat some of the Blighted’s special cooking. The Blighted mostly eat meat, but not dragon meat surprisingly. It’s mostly deer, chicken, pig, cow, with other kinds of meat like duck, turkey, and ostriches being delicacies. They don’t have much in the way of vegetables and fruits, but I’m not a big of either so it doesn’t matter to me. Donna along with the original members of the Sparrows love the food here since they usually ate meat with their alcohol when they were bandits.

“Don’t you think your old friends and you are eating a bit too much?” I ask Donna.

“Not at all! A figure like this needs to be constantly kept up. I know how much you like it, so I’m constantly motivated to keep it the way it is. Besides, we have enough money to spend on everyone. Knowing that we would be here, my Sparrows saved up enough for multiple feasts since we didn’t know how long we were going to stay. You should eat more! That scrawny figure of yours is getting muscular, but you aren’t exactly getting bigger. I mean you’re bigger where it counts but-”

“Okay, I get it. Just eat whatever you want.”

Once the big feast is done, Donna and I go to our Inn room. She’s already past out once we hit the bed. I think I can get out of her squeezing me tonight, but that’s not the case. Great, she’s drooling on me too.

‘I thought you would’ve gotten used to this by now.’

Me too, but her suffocating me with her body isn’t something that I can easily get used to even after our wedding night.

‘That was brutal.’

You’re telling-you were watching?!

‘Why not? I’m allowed since I watch over you. You don’t think your keeper angel saw it either? I’ve seen some heroes brutally raped and used as human sex toys. Seeing you trying to survive sex with your wife is nothing. It was honestly even a bit funny.’

I just want to pass out and forget you said anything.

‘Hold on. Do you hear that?’

Is someone by the balcony? I see shadows over there with their weapons drawn.

“Donna! Donna! Donna, wake up!”

‘Use that new strength of yours to get her up.’

She’s dead weight right now so she’s heavier now than before.

‘So much for that boost in strength.’

I got one more idea. I kiss her and use my tongue. This finally wakes her up.

“Donna, behind us!”

Donna reaches from behind the bed, grabs her ax, and splits apart the two attackers before they bring down their weapons on us.

“Whew! Thank you, God! You woke up at the right time.”

“I can’t resist the taste of you. When this is cleaned up, do you want to…”

“No. Who are these people? Their armor is melded with their skin, but they appear to be different than the normal Blighted. They seem modified in a way.”

“Do you think they’re just radical traditional Blighted or are they acting on behalf of the official group?”

“We’ll have to see tomorrow. Watch over the bodies while I get help.”

“You got it.”

‘You couldn’t help yourself even with your newfound strength and abilities and you had to rely on Donna again.’

I’m still getting stronger. It takes time, but don’t you worry. I’ll become stronger so I can protect everyone I care about and more. I have to.

‘That’s the heroic spirit I want to see.’

After the bodies are collected from the room and sent to a secure location for inspection, Donna and I sleep in a more protected room with Sparrows guarding the room. She holds onto me tighter now…and she’s drooling on me again.

‘What a wife you chose for yourself.’

I know, and I love her despite her flaws.

‘Awww.’

Now shut up and let me sleep.

‘Alright. Good night.’

Good night and forget about my wedding night.

‘Not a chance.’

Damn.

Chapter 2 – Overly Nationalistic

“Can we get up on time for once?” I say to Donna as I try to push her off me.

“Two more minutes.”

“No, two more minutes becomes an hour. I have important work to do. We have to find out who sent those assassins after us.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

Donna jumps out of bed for the first time ever. We get dressed and head down to council building where there are already people arguing outside. I guess news of what happened last night spread throughout the town and maybe through the rest of the cultures. That would explain all of the Fedele and some Cuchillos here. This could be good for me.

‘Assassination attempts are always good for public images. Not so good for personal health.’

I’m not going to worry about it as long as I find out who sent the assassins. The inside of the building is even crazier with guards trying to preserve order. Even when I sit down, and the peacekeepers shake the room, it takes a while for everyone to settle down.

“Hello again, James. I’m sure we have a lot to discuss today.”

“Yes, we do Benedetto.”

“Let’s go over what the investigators found. The report I have here says that the two assassins that came after me last night were devoted Blighted to the traditional cause.”

“That does not mean that we sent them to you.”

“Of course not. They could just be radicals.”

“Yes, I’m glad that you understand.”

“The next thing that it details is that these two people were infused with demonic magic. Apparently, their skin was stronger than most high tier Blighted armor. Luckily enough for me, Donna’s dragon ax was strong enough to cut through them.”

“I’m glad that she’s getting the mileage she needs out of it now before she loses it.”

“We still have to wait for God’s response as to whether or not He approves of your tradition.”

“We already have our mystics and priests working on that. You should know how long it takes to get an answer with the acts of devotion and fasting that needs to be done.”

“You’re right. I got an idea, that’s just a suggestion, but an idea nonetheless. Maybe I should bring in priests and mystics from the Sparrows since your side is the only suspect of this assassination?”

“We are trustworthy people, Benedetto, I assure you.”

“This is just to make us feel comfortable. If anything, it should speed along progress to get the answer we need.”

“Oh, you are right. I approve of your decision, and so, your Sparrows will join our efforts in getting an answer from God.”

That was easier than I thought. Maybe this guy is trustworthy.

‘His soul is pure, so he’s faithful to God from what I can tell.’

“Thank you for understanding. Now, let’s get on to the next-”

‘Watch it!’

Ack! Someone shot a magical arrow infused with demonic at my face and scratched it from across the room. People from that side and my side apprehend the attacker and their accomplices while an exorcist heals my wound from its demonic effects. They had a clear shot at me. Why didn’t they kill me?

‘Probably because they know that you’ll just come back to life. This was a warning.’

“Benedetto!” James says as he reaches from the other side of the table.

Donna puts the blade of her ax to James’ throat then says, “Explain yourself!”

“This wasn’t our plan! My fellow traditional Blighted and I would never even think of hurting you!”

“Two assassination attempts in a row from your side? I don’t think it’s a coincidence.”

“You have to trust me!”

“It’s okay, Donna. We’ll get down to the bottom of this ourselves.”

“I’m telling you the truth.”

“You get evidence to prove that. We’ll get our own answers.”

As we walk out of the building, I order my Sparrows to find out what they can. A Blighted girl with dark skin, gray armor, and dual daggers on her two arms approaches me.

“Benedetto! I can help you find the people who want you dead!” she says as she tries to get close to me.

I stop Donna who is trying to push her away and say to the girl, “Can you? I’ll hear you out.”

“Follow me to my house. I don’t think it’s safe for us to speak in public,” she says in a whisper.

‘She’s okay from what I can tell.’

“Lead the way.”

I follow the young girl with Donna behind me.

“What is your name?” I ask her.

“Lilia of House Venus. I know all about you, Benedetto. I’m a huge fan of you.”

“I can sign something for you later.”

“I’d love it, but I’d love to join your Sparrows.”

“If what you offer will help me, then consider yourself in.”

She squeals in joy.

“Excuse me.”

We enter her house, which is fairly large.

“Okay. Tell me what you have that can help me.”

“Some of the traditional Blighted, especially those higher in government, are using demonic magic to infuse their bodies with the powers of dragons. You can see that I’ve already been affected but I managed to get a priest to exorcize it from me.”

She shows us her daggers that are on her arms. They’re glowing a weird white light. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Blighted armor or weapons glow like this even when magic is used to boost their strength.

‘Traditional Blighted don’t use magic period. It’s even stranger that they’re using demonic magic.’

“How did this happen to you?”

“My father is one of the members and he forced me to go through with it. He disappeared after I was exorcized for some reason.”

“Okay, that’s a start that we can use. Do you have anything else to tell us?”

“I’d like you to help me rescue my father if he’s in trouble. I also know where the next meeting is going to happen at and he might be there. I’ve also overheard that they’re going to do something big tomorrow to convince people of their cause. In addition, I don’t think all of the traditional Blighted know about what the higher members are planning. People like James are completely in the dark about their plans.”

“I see. Thank you for everything.”

“It’s uh…my pleasure. I’d like to join you if you want. I’m good at sneaking and my daggers can easily cut through the armor of the Blighted that have demonic energy infused with their armor if we have to fight. I’m not sure how effective your weapons are against them, and I’m sure they’re good, but I don’t think they’ll be that effective against them.”

“Thank you for your help, girl, but I think we can handle this by ourselves. I have an ax that cleaves right through their special armor like butter.”

“It’s okay, Donna. She can come. Her skills will be handy if we need them. There aren’t too many Blighted who are proficient in stealth and who have weapons like her.”

“If you think it’s okay, fine, but.” Donna pulls me closer and whispers in my ear. “She’s more than a fan and wants to be more than another Sparrow. Look at the way she’s looking at you and her tone of voice.”

‘I would be surprised about Donna noticing these things, but she’s your wife. She’s right. Heroes accidentally start harems like this.’

That isn’t going to happen to me.

‘That’s what they all say.’

“It’s fine, Donna.”

“Is everything alright?”

“Everything is fine, Lilia. Show us where the next meeting is happening.”

“Right.” Lilia pulls out a map and points out a specific area. “This is an area that was rumored to be the area where dragons were first born. The traditional Blighted are gathering there soon.”

“Let’s get moving then.”

I get a small escort of Sparrows to get us to the meeting area. I might as well talk to Lilia to learn more about her. It’s better than sitting in silence for the entire ride while Donna giving her the death stare and holding my arm.

“Tell me more about yourself, Lilia.”

“Oh, ah. What do you want to know?”

“You mentioned you had a father, but no mother?”

“My mother voluntarily experimented on herself with the demonic magic to test its limits and capabilities. Because of her constant testing, she died, and a demon possessed her body. My father was forced to kill her.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you, but you don’t need to be sorry. My mother wasn’t too good of a person like my father since they’ve been making deals with demons for power. They thought they were doing us Blighted a service by making us stronger this way. They even thought that God wouldn’t mind us doing this because they thought that all humans are already saved by His divine sacrifice.”

“I see. What do you usually do?”

“I try to keep myself well trained by hunting animals. If I’m not doing that, then I’m enjoying nature.”

“What makes you want to join the Sparrows?”

“Besides you and the heroic example that you showed when you took on the Socia Agmina…uh…”

‘I told you.’

Shut up. Let her give her full answer.

“I told you,” Donna whispers.

“Shhh.”

‘Haha, I’m starting to like Donna more.’

“I want to be useful in the world. Sure, I could just live a secluded life in the forest like I want to, but that would be selfish of me to do.”

“I like it. Consider yourself in.”

“Really? I didn’t even do anything for you yet.”

“You provided us with information that will lead us to something that will change the course of your society. You also came to us of your own will. You’re someone we can use in the Sparrows.”

“Thank you-Thank you so much! I don’t think I can do enough to thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“We’re close,” my driver says, “Should we stop here?”

“Yes, leave the horses somewhere hidden. A couple of you will guard the carriages while the rest come with me.”

We head to the site of the meeting to see a few people there.

Lilia says, “This isn’t all of them, so we’re still early.”

“Good. We have time to prepare our ambush then.”

“Are we really going to kill them all?”

“Judging by how many seats are down there, we should be ready for one. Do you see your father down there?”

“No.”

“Alright. Tell me when you do.”

I get my Sparrows into different ambush positions around the meeting while Lilia and I sit in a large tree.

‘K-i-s-’

No.

After about ten minutes, all of the seats are full, but Lilia has yet to point out her father.

“Lilia, do you see your father?”

“Not yet. I wonder where he is.”

“Maybe he came to his senses and left the group.”

“I doubt he would. You don’t know him like I do. He wouldn’t just leave the group even if he knew I turned against him.”

‘You know, her father might’ve been one of the assassins sent after you last night.’

I’ve been thinking that too. I’m not sure how she’d take that information since she seems to have mixed feelings about him. The group is now complete it seems. They definitely do look like higher members of society with their armor and weapons. Let’s hear what they say.

“We need to move fast. Benedetto is probably hot on our heels right now.”

“You shouldn’t worry too much. We’ll have the strength the face him tomorrow.”

“If he took down the Socia Agmina in less than a week, how long do you think it’s going to take him to find us? He’s probably on his way.”

“Then we’ll make this quick. You all already know what we have to sacrifice for this. For the Blighted. For Humanity. Let’s get this done now.”

The group takes out some kind of huge dragon egg and puts it in the center of the table. It’s dark purple and appears to be imbued with magical power. What’s most strange about it are the weird holes on it that feel like it’s sucking me in by just staring at it.

‘We have to destroy it.’

What? What’s going on down there? Their souls are getting sucked into the egg while their bodies are now empty husks. The holes in the egg are now filled and the egg is shaking.

‘I said destroy it! Waiting like this always ends in trouble.’

“Attack it!”

My Sparrows launch a barrage of arrows and spells on the egg while the others move in on it. Once the egg is hit, it grows six legs and runs away like a rat afraid of the light. It’s too fast for us to catch.

‘That’s going to bite us in the ass later.’

I know, but at least we can prepare for what’s going to happen. We search the surrounding area for the egg but come up empty-handed. I’m going to have to guess that the egg is going to reappear at Temperance since it’s the capital city and because it has the most people, so I notify the people there and explain what happened. They tell me that they’re going to send messages over to the other cities in case the egg appears there instead.

Because I’m curious about Lilia’s father, I bring her to where the bodies of the assassins are and show her them.

“This one. This is my dad.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. They attacked you and you had to defend yourself. I’m just glad that you’re here with me.”

Lilia hugs me.

“Thank you, I guess.”

‘I’m surprised Donna doesn’t have her weapon in her hand, but she does look like she’s waiting for the straw to break the camel’s back.’

“Lilia?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I don’t really have anyone close to me, so I got caught up in the moment.”

“The moment?”

“My parents never let me get close to anyone, so hugging someone I liked felt really good to me.”

‘Ooookay then. You got a creepy girl liking you.’

“Donna!”

“I’m not going to do anything.”

“Oh, that’s right. She’s your wife. I’m sorry. I forgot. I thought you were with…Stella, was it?”

“Donna!”

“You’re not much of a fan if you don’t know who his wife is.”

“I’m so sorry. I’ll treat for dinner tonight. I know the people at the best restaurant here, so they’ll give me a discount.”

“That’s more like it.”

We go to the most expensive restaurant in the city. The place is as nice as the main council room with statues, but this place has great lighting because the fires are different kinds of red. I’m assuming it’s fire made of magic that’s altered for the color. Not sure how it works, but it does look really good. Oh no. Donna looks like she’s been drinking again. Really? On a night like this?

Donna goes up to Lilia and says, “I bet I can drink your skinny ass under the table.”

“I’ll take that bet,” Lilia responds.

“You don’t have to do this Lilia. Donna can be this way sometimes.”

“No, I got this. You don’t have to worry about me. What’s my prize if I win?”

“I know you have eyes for my husband, so I’ll sleep with him while I sleep on the floor.”

“Deal.”

I can’t believe this is happening.

‘Told you this girl had a thing for you.’

I don’t want a stupid harem. I never did. All I wanted was one girl to fall in love and have kids with.

‘You never wanted to be a hero and here you are. It comes with the territory. Look at them go!’

Lilia is doing better than I thought.

‘Who would guess from her appearance and tone of voice?’

I think Donna is losing.

‘Me too. What’s going on. Usually she’s the soberest.’

It’s not looking good for her. I…oh no.

‘Hahaha. I like this girl. I think it might’ve been wise for you to wait for this young and skinny girl rather than marry the older and muscular woman.’

Shut up.

“You’re my cuddle buddy tonight, Benedetto.”

How did she win?

‘I think the dragon skin the Blighted wear change their bodies in a way that the body and internal organs endure better than that of a normal human.’

No wonder why the Blighted are known as heavy drinkers. I awkwardly laugh as Sparrows around Lilia cheer for her victory. Back at the Inn, Donna lays down past out on the floor while Lilia and I rest in the same bed. I thought she might keep her distance from me or at least not touch too much, but she wasn’t kidding when she said she wanted to cuddle. She’s really holding me close with a weird satisfied smile on her face. I didn’t think I’d ever feel what’s it’s like to sleep with a Blighted, but they apparently don’t sleep without their dragon skin. It’s not as uncomfortable as I thought it would be.

‘I’m pretty sure it would be weirder if they didn’t.’

That’s true. I just have to deal with this for tonight…What? I didn’t expect to fall asleep that fast. Huh? What’s going on? Is she?

‘She’s sucking your neck as if it was candy! Hahahaha!’

It’s morning so her reward is expired. I’m out of here. Hey! Donna grabbed me.

“It’s finally morning. Because that girl took you away from me for the night, we have a lot of time to make up for.”

“Huh? Hey! He’s still mine!”

This is ridiculous.

‘Hahaha! You got the crazy girls after you.’

“Hey, you two! Calm down!”

“No! You’re mine!” they say in unison.

And I was hoping that Lilia wouldn’t be like this. An explosion in the city stops their struggle. Outside we can see a three-headed dragon with six legs, and human body parts sticking out of it. So this is what became of the egg and those members of the traditional Blighted. They don’t seem to be attacking anyone and are just standing there looking for someone.

‘They’re looking for you.’

Most likely. We go outside and confront the monster.

All of its heads look at me. They say, “You are Benedetto. The hero of this time.”

“Last time I checked I am. What do you want?”

“If you join us, you will be able to conquer the world and the devil that controls it. The Blighted are God’s chosen people. Our traditions will last for all eternity. What is your answer?”

“Seeing that you’re a large three-headed monstrosity, I’m going to have to say no. You’ve fallen for a trap set for you because of your pride for your people.”

“We humans are greater than mere demons! We cannot be brought down by them!”

“I wouldn’t exactly call you human.”

That made him mad. Since we’re prepared, the entire town, its guards, soldiers, and my Sparrows attack the monster. It doesn’t know who to attack first and even though it recoils from being attacked, it doesn’t look like we’re doing much damage to it. Donna, Lilia, and the veteran soldiers are the only ones who are making it bleed because of their special gear.

“Benedetto!” is that James? He’s running over here with a sword. “Take this to defeat that monster!”

He throws the sword my way and I catch it. I like the design of it with its golden handle, black crosses, and ebony blade.

‘You can admire the sword later!’

Right. The sword cuts through the monster’s legs better than Donna and Lilia’s swords, which makes it fall to the ground. I then cut through each of the heads to kill the monster. The city cries out in victory as I raise my sword up with Donna and Lilia by my side.

‘How manly.’

Jealous?

‘Slightly.’

James comes up to me and says, “This sword is the Blade of the Blighted. It’s the sword that shows that all of the Blighted will trust and honor you.”

Everyone in town kneels before me. So, this is what it feels like to be a ruler.

“What made you bring this to me?”

“We got a response from God and He said He didn’t approve too much of our tradition of replacing our skin with the skin of dragons. Us traditionalists will have to do penance for our sin of willful ignorance. I brought this here for you to show you our loyalty to you and it seems like God gave us our answer at the right time.”

“He always does. So, the Blighted trust in me now?”

“They do and always will.”

“Good. I’m thankful for your trust and promise not to squander it.”

“Where are you going now?”

“I still have to gain the trust of the other cultures. I trust that you will clean things up for me?”

“Consider it done.”

“Thank you.”

My Sparrows come together with our carriages and equipment. We are about to leave when Lilia approaches me.

“Can…can-”

“Cut the cute and innocent act.”

“It’s not an act!”

“Then what happened to you last night and this morning?”

“That’s just the way I am. I finally have someone that likes me, and I just had to show you how much I love you.”

“Listen, I’m a married man and I’m not interested in starting a harem.”

“Who’s talking about starting a harem?”

“Nevermind. Are you asking to come along?”

“Yes!”

“I don’t think so.”

“Can you protect me from assassins?”

“I can! I’ll always be at your side.”

“You can come then.”

“Yes! Thank you so much! I promise I won’t get too touchy and respect your relationship with your wife.”

“Why does she have to come?”

“The Cuchillos are just like the Fedele when it comes to stealth and assassinations, maybe even better in some areas. I’ll need her help.”

“We’re going to their territory next? Why?”

“I got information that can allow me to quickly gain their trust.”

“Fine. I’ll trust you, but I can’t promise that I won’t be jumpy around those mask wearing-freaks.”

“Good. Let’s get another culture to trust me.”

“After you.”

Donna, Lilia, my Sparrows, and I ride off to the land of the Cuchillos. I hope it doesn’t turn up as crazy as what happened here.

‘It probably will.’

You’re right, but I’ll be fine as long as I got God, you,-

‘And your harem.’

I don’t have a harem!

Hahaha.

Chapter 3 – Dangerous Allies

The Cuchillos and the Fedele have a sort of shaky relationship with the Blighted in the middle. The Cuchillos are interested in using alchemy and science to advance humanity while we Fedele mainly use spiritual means. We both say that our means are approved by God, but as I know from the Blighted, we aren’t always right. The Cuchillos, like the Blighted, focus more on the human element though they aren’t tied to their tradition. They are instead propelled by change. A similarity they share with the Blighted is that they like to modify their bodies though the Cuchillos don’t completely change the skin they were born with. Usually, they just change an arm or leg with some mechanical arm or leg that serves some purpose in the job they work. They will also have other gear and mechanics to help themselves out.

In terms of faith, the Cuchillos seem to creator less than the other two cultures. Because of this, there haven’t been many heroes who were Cuchillos compared to the high number of heroes who were Fedele. It’s just another reason why there’s tension between us. I don’t know what to tell them besides, what can you expect when you don’t put God first like how we do. I’m going over this again because I’m not too sure about how to approach them besides the hint that you gave me Tunc.

‘I do give the best hints.’

Because the Cuchillos has a larger and more powerful government than the Fedele, I’ll have to look out for assassins and political trickery. The first time we met, they gave me their support when I confronted the Fedele. I didn’t have to do much for them, but I did help the Blighted and Fedele first before I talked to them.

“We’re here,” my carriage driver says.

We arrive at the capital of the Cuchillos, which is called Cabiduría. I can never get used to the look of the Cuchillos cities. They’re all built on water with boats passing under some of the streets and bridges that connect the streets together. They have the most fascinating cities. I’ll give them that, but nothing compares to the natural beauty of the world.

Lilia looks like she’s amazed by everything around her while Donna and the other Sparrows are unaffected. I remember hearing that back in the day when the Sparrows were bandits that they robbed and fought the Cuchillos more than the other cultures combined.

“I know what you’re thinking about this, Benedetto,” Donna says with a cautious look on her face, “Do you think it’s going to be difficult to get the Cuchillos to trust us?”

“I don’t think so. I did what they wanted with the Socia Agmina, and the Sparrow’s service for them should make us friends.”

“I hope so. I don’t know what to expect from these people.”

“This is one of the reasons why we’re keeping Lilia with us. She should be able to protect me any kind of sneak attack.”

“We’ve only seen her fight a three-headed dragon.”

“If she could fight that without critically injuring herself, then I’d say she’s good.”

“Point taken. Where are we going anyway?”

“We’re going to see a woman of influence in this city. Her name is Bonito.”

“Why are you always looking to girls for help?”

“Tunc told me to look for her like how he told me to go to you.”

“You’re not trading me for her, are you?”

Donna looks really worried now almost as if she’s going to cry.

“No, not at all! I wouldn’t even think of trading you for anyone.”

“How do I know that you’re telling the truth?”

“I didn’t abandon you for Stella even though we were supposed to be in a relationship, and I threw Lilia away from me.”

“Okay. I trust you.”

“If this girl tries something with me, I’ll just find some way around it.”

“How do I know you haven’t turned back time after cheating on me?”

‘Like you’ll ever do it at this point.’

“Our relationship is something that I won’t change. I can’t imagine having a better wife than you.”

Donna kisses me more passionately than she has before.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

The building that Bonito is usually in is a large tower with water coming out of it on multiple sides. It’s the largest building in the city and is at the very center of it even though it isn’t the most important. We enter it and a Cuchillos dressed in a light purple suit, wolf mask, and cannon for an arm greets us.

He says, “We’ve been expecting you Mr. Vuoto. Bonito is waiting at the top of the tower for you. I will bring you up to her, but your friends will have to stay here.”

“What about my wife?”

“She will have to stay here as well. Do not worry about them. We will entertain them while you talk to our fair lady.”

A group of Cuchillos in waiter outfits bring out plates of food and jugs of water and alcohol and put them on the large tables in the waiting area.

I say to Donna and Lilia, “I’ll go up to meet Bonito by myself. You can go enjoy yourself for now.”

They’re fine with my decision. I go into the elevator with the guard who propels it up by pulling a lever. Neither the Fedele nor the Blighted have anything like this. We pass several floors at high speeds. I can even see outside through the cracks. We reach the highest floor, which is a large room that is also an office.

Huh? Damn! This girl almost cut my throat open from behind me. Is this her?

‘Definitely. I did say you attract the crazy girls.’

She’s still attacking me! She’s skilled with a blade and those metal claws of hers are made of high-quality steel. Woah! She shot her fingers at me! I deflect them back at her and she catches them back into where her fingers belong.

‘I wish I could do that with my skeletal fingers.’

We then rush at each other and clash knives. She’s not that strong so I force her against the wall and put my knives to her neck.

“That’s quite an introduction.”

‘I did say she would be a bit touchy.’

“I wanted to see if the new hero is both cunning and strong. It seems the rumors were correct.”

“Can we talk now. or do you have more tricks up your sleeve?”

“Nope. No more tricks.”

I let go of her and she walks to the window that overlooks the city. I didn’t notice that the guard with the wolf mask is gone now, so I guess we’re going to be alone for a little. Now that I have a good look at her, her flowery purple dress looks good. It’s useful for both style and combat. The flowers on her mask are a nice touch too though the poisonous flowers on them make me anxious for some reason.

‘Are you checking her out?’

No! I’m just looking at her.

‘With admiration for details.’

I have to fight you in your dimension when I have time off.

“I’ve heard that you’ve gained the trust of the Blighted after defeating a large dragon made of radical Blighted members. They trust you so much that they even gave you their legendary ebony sword.”

“I intended to gain the same level of trust with the Cuchillos. I was told that you can help with that.”

“In due time. I would like to know you better. Can I ask you a few questions?”

“Of course.”

“Why didn’t you spend more time with the Cuchillos when you first started out as a hero? You came, talked for a bit, then left.”

“I wanted to try to bring peace to the land as fast as possible. The faster I complete my quests the fewer people will have to suffer.”

“I like your strategy. What about your wife, Donna?”

“What about her?”

“She’s a strong woman who led the strongest band of bandits in the land and you conquered her and her band in less than a day and completely reformed her. You do know that us Cuchillos and her have a long past, right?”

“That shouldn’t be a problem now. I’ve sent my Sparrows to make reparations for your people and help them equally as they would with the other cultures.”

“It’s not a problem at all thanks to you. I’m just wondering what you would do if she would die one day.”

“With the number of guards near us and our new assassin, she should be safe from all threats save for the hand of God.”

“That woman is also skilled at protecting herself especially when you’re with her. I’m not trying to be antagonistic. I’m just wondering.”

“Sure.”

“Why don’t you enjoy this view with me?”

I walk up to the window next to her but keep a safe distance.

“It’s a great view. How did you get to own this building?”

“My parents were very influential business and political people. They renovated this clock tower and turned it into my own personal tower.”

“Where are they now?”

“Out in the streets serving the poor and teaching people to stay faithful to God. It’s a meager life compared to what they had a few months ago. They still come by every other day or so.”

“Why did they choose it?”

“They didn’t want their works and wealth to overwhelm them with pride. They also wanted to be an example for me to follow.”

“They sound like great parents.”

“They are. You know you can be closer to me.”

“I’m fine here.”

“I have a proposal for you.”

“Okay. What is it?”

“If you take my hand in marriage-”

“No. I’m already married, and I don’t cheat or plan to have more than one wife.”

“I thought you were also with your childhood friend Stella. Isn’t she taking care of your children back at your home for you?”

“That doesn’t mean anything.”

“We can have a private marriage. I promise you that the Cuchillos will never lose faith in you if you do this.”

“Not a chance.”

“You are a faithful man, Benedetto. I wish I caught you before Donna did.”

“I’m sure you can someone else.”

“I won’t be able to find a hero like you.”

“So is that all you have to propose to me?”

“No, we can still be partners. I’ll be your maidservant just like Stella.”

“Knowing what you think about Stella, I don’t think we agree on what maidservant means.”

“I won’t try anything sly especially with that brute of a wife who constantly clings to you.”

“Don’t say that about Donna.”

“Or else? What are you going to do?”

“You’ll regret bad mouthing my wife if you keep insulting her.”

There’s a weird look of excitement in her eyes.

‘Remember what I said about keeping Donna safe.’

Bonito rushes at me again, but I quickly put her down.

“I love this! It’s a shame you were taken away from me.”

“Tell me what you can offer me or else I’m never going to see you again.”

“Let’s get to it then.”

She collects herself and calms down.

“As you know, I am a very influential woman in the Cuchillos. Politics and innovation are what the Cuchillos constantly work in. There might be a massive civil war for us if we don’t do anything now.”

“Okay, what do we need to do?”

“There are a few points of interest that I’d like to go with you. If we can figure out who is pulling the strings to make this civil war happen, then you will have the trust of the Cuchillos.”

“Sounds simple enough. Wait, you’re coming with me?”

“That’s right. It’s just going to be you and me.”

“Why can’t I bring Donna or my other guard, Lilia?”

“I don’t want them with us. Their skills probably won’t help us anyway.”

“What if I refuse?”

“Then they’ll die.”

“What?”

“The food and drink downstairs are poisoned. They won’t feel the effects for a day, but in a day, they’ll die.”

‘Oooh, she’s a dangerous one.’

“What?! Why are you doing this?!”

“Because I at least want you all to myself for a full day or two. That’s not too much to ask for in exchange for the lives of your wife and friends.”

“Fine.”

“Good. Oh, and-”

Bonito tries kissing me, but I put a knife to her throat.

“Hahaha. You’re precious.”

“I’m used to girls doing this to me.”

“I’ll get my kiss. Just you wait.”

I absolutely hate attracting crazy girls.

‘Hey, at least they’re interesting.’

No.

Bonito orders her guards to give my Sparrows the cure to their poison, but they don’t tell them that they were poisoned. I’ll have to do that when this is all done. I explain to Donna and Lilia that I have to be alone with Bonito on this quest as part of our deal. They reluctantly agree with Donna being wary of Bonito. To keep them comfortable, Bonito orders her guards to give my Sparrows whatever comfort they want in the tower. I hope this isn’t another bargaining trap.

We are escorted by one of her guards to a weird glowing forest an hour or so outside of the city. This place appears to be darker than the rest of the land for some reason. It looks like a junkyard where people throw their trash. Woah! The dead trees, metal, concrete, and trash turn into wolves.

While we fight them off, I ask Bonito, “I thought the Cuchillos hardly dabbled in magic.”

“Either someone is desperate, or they have outside help.”

“These wolves keep putting themselves together.”

“You know magic better than I do.”

“I’m thinking that someone is making them regenerate. We have to find them to make them stop.”

“Makes sense to me.”

We run further into the junkyard while fighting off the wolves. More keep showing up as we go further in so we’re either getting close to the conjurer or getting further into their trap.

“Do you regret not allowing me to bring my backup now?”

“Not at all. If I die with you, at least it would be like a tragic romance.”

I’m highly tempted to let one of these wolves kill her and pick up the investigation from there.

‘But you’re such a knight that you wouldn’t do that.’

You don’t know that.

We arrive near a cave that illuminates a green glow. Thinking that’s where the conjurer is, we enter the cave to see the person making the trash into wolves.

I tell the woman, “Stop this now!”

“You have to make me!”

The woman brings her hand in the air, makes it glow black, and is about to bring it into her chest, but I cut off half her arm to prevent her from doing whatever she was planning. Bonito throws a knife through the woman’s other hand to prevent her from using that one.

I then put my knives to the conjurer’s neck and say, “You aren’t going to be pulling any tricks on us. Tell us what you’re doing here.”

“Some hero you are doing this to a poor woman like me.”

“If you wanted my help, you wouldn’t have attacked me.”

“I was just going to get rid of Bonito to free you from her influence, but it seems like she has a tight leash on you.”

I hear Bonito whispering to herself, “If only I did.”

“She doesn’t have a leash on me. Explain to me what’s happening, and I promise you that I’ll choose the right decision.”

“Okay. Let me close my wound first.”

“I don’t know about that Benedetto. She might pull something on us. We could just interrogate her then heal her later as an incentive.”

“Show me that you’re not on her leash by listening to me.”

“Fine.”

I let the woman go and pull the knife out of her other hand. She then uses her injured hand to heal her arm and regenerates it.

“See? You can trust me,” she says, “I wouldn’t pull anything on you because I know you’re a good hero.”

“Tell me why you and your friends want to start a civil war.”

“The rich and powerful of the Cuchillos are supposed to take care of the less fortunate, and yet, they aren’t.”

“The Cuchillos work on a system of merit,” Bonito responds, “If you haven’t proved yourself to be useful members of society, then you’re nothing but lazy good-for-nothings.”

“Your system is rigged. No one is going to give us a chance to prove ourselves and no has because of the monopoly the richest and most influential already have.”

“You can still do it. I know you can because that’s what my parents did. Get connections, prove yourself, and people will help you get to the top.”

“Prove myself by working jobs that we can barely get by on? We might as well have the same caste system the Blighted and Fedele have.”

‘Politics are such a headache.’

I interject, “Okay, you can argue about the politics and business of your culture later. Bonito, are you willing to gather the influential Cuchillos and convince them to make changes so that poorer people will have better opportunities to become successful or at least live comfortable lives?”

“I will if they stop their scheme against us.”

“Is this good for you?”

“You’ll have to publicly announce it tomorrow, but I’m not sure that the others will listen to you. I barely believe you because of how many attempts to fix the system have failed.”

Bonito says, “Then we’ll have to stop them ourselves. Tell us what they’re going to do.”

“We’re going to get rid of the most corrupt leaders in one day.”

“Where are the assassins?”

“Here is a list of locations they’re supposed to be at. I don’t know their exact plans, but I’m sure your people are used to dealing with assassination attempts.”

“Thank you. We’ll deal with your friends tomorrow. Benedetto, how do you want to deal with her?”

“She can go free.”

“Fine.”

“Thank you, Benedetto. I’m confident that you’ll change the world for the better.”

“It’s God that does that. I’m just his tool.”

“Oh, of course. I almost forgot you were a Fedele.”

I watch the woman walk away while standing in front of Bonito to make sure she doesn’t try to kill her. When I look at her, she smiles as if she knows what I’m thinking.

“Do you still want to check those other locations?” I ask her.

“We don’t need to because of our findings here. I have to send out messages to my contacts to have them ready for tomorrow. Let’s head back to my tower.”

Back at the tower, I find my Sparrows having a good time. They appear to be getting in some good rest after being so busy. Donna and Lilia appear to have done another drinking contest though it looks like it ended in a draw. Bonito sits by me after sending her messages.

“Are you going to sleep soon?” she asks.

“I will. There’s nothing else I can do today so there’s no point in staying up overnight.”

“You can stay upstairs in the tower with me. It’s a great view of the starlit sky and quiet city. Also, your wife looks like she could barf on you while you sleep.”

“She won’t. She’s been like this before.”

“What an oaf.”

“What did I say?”

“Oh, that’s right, excuse me.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Good night.”

Bonito gave us some really good rooms in the tower. Apparently, these rooms were supposed to be for the families of her family’s partners. I’m finding it hard to fall asleep because of the things that Bonito could pull. Even though I should feel safe because Donna and Lilia are sleeping in the room, they’re out cold, which is strange. I know that Cuchillos are known for their hard liquor, but Donna has drunken it before. It shouldn’t have too much of an effect on her unless…

‘Remember what I told you.’

I quickly get up, get my knives, and look through the room only to find Bonito under the bed. She’s wearing a light purple nightgown that’s a little see-through. She has a few knives on her thighs and she also has her claw fingers.

‘She obviously planned for an eventful night.’

Stop making me think about it.

“What are you doing in my room?”

“Oh, nothing.”

Bonito starts to slowly walk towards me with her arms out at me as if she’s trying to grab me. I slowly walk back with my knives ready.

“Tell me the truth.”

“This is the truth.”

“Do you know I can have you killed, and your death ruled as an act against a hero?”

“Do you know that both of use the people around us more than our own strength against our problems? We’re so alike.”

“We aren’t.”

“I can do you a favor if you let me hold you.”

“You can do me a favor by leaving.”

“How about I scratch your back before you scratch mine then?”

Bonito tries to stab Donna, but I grab her before the blade hits her neck and throw Bonito down to the ground. I then put my knives to her neck and pin her down.

“Try that again and I’ll make sure you were never born.”

‘Oooh, I like this serious side of you.’

“I love it when you get serious. It’s a shame that you married a pig.”

That’s it. I pull Bonito up then punch her face into the floor before pinning her down again.

“What did I tell you?”

“Yes, let’s play rough.”

“Do you have a death wish?”

“No, but I do have the cure to a sickness I gave to your two guards.”

“What? Again with this?!”

“You’re going to be mine.”

I punch her to the ground again.

“Give them the cure.”

“I will if you sleep with me.”

“Are you serious?”

“Very serious.”

“My guards will have a few things to say when they get up.”

“They won’t wake up until tomorrow morning. We’ll have more than enough time to enjoy each other’s company. You win with either decision.”

I’m so sick of this.

‘Hahahaha!’

“Fine. You can have what you want.”

“Yes!”

I let go of her, but then she lungs her head at me. I manage to put my knives back to her neck before her lips touch mine.

“I will get my kiss.”

“Keep dreaming.”

Bonito administers the cure to Donna and Lilia via syringe. I then move Donna to the other bed in the room before Bonito lays with me. I hate the smile on her face. If I could only punch her one more time.

‘You could.’

Nah. It isn’t worth it.

‘You aren’t a very fun person.’

I’m not going to abuse my blessing.

‘You’re a better hero than me.’

I want to think that, but situations like this make me doubt that. Ah! She tries kissing me again, but I still have my knives with me.

“And I thought that thing poking me was-”

“Go to sleep.”

I don’t fall asleep until I see Bonito completely fall asleep. Hopefully, I can leave here after tomorrow.

Chapter 4 – Political Magic

When I wake up, I make sure to put my knives to Bonito’s throat.

“Damn. I thought I would get you this time.”

“Think again.”

“Don’t worry. I will get my kiss.”

“Whatever. Let’s just get this day over with.”

“I wouldn’t rush it if I were you. It’s going to be an interesting day.”

“Why’s that?”

“I’ll explain after breakfast.”

Donna and Lilia wake up with a bit of a headache and wonder what happened last night. I don’t tell them the truth since I don’t want a fight to break out now of all days. At breakfast, Bonito’s guards don’t look at me funny even though they should know what I did to her since it’s evident on her face. I guess she’s instilled in them a loyalty that makes them follow whatever orders she gives them.

Once we are done breakfast, my Sparrows and Bonito’s guards gather in a meeting room.

Bonito says, “I’ve already contacted my allies and they have plans in place to counter the assassinations. My guards and Benedetto’s Sparrows will be stationed around several places in Cuchillos territory as backup. Some of my other allies including priests and preachers are spreading the word that changes will be made to the Cuchillos political and business model to dissuade some of the attackers. We are already well prepared for situations like this. All we need to do is manage it well to succeed.”

“Sounds like a good plan, but won’t it be easier if we knew what other allies are planning to counter the assassinations?” I ask.

“Our allies are used to planning and countering assassination attempts. Have some faith in us. Isn’t that what Fedele are good at?”

“Good point. What will you and I do?”

“We will be dressed formally and go to a few events. I already have your tuxedo and mask ready for you.”

“What about Donna and Lilia?”

“They will be stationed with your other Sparrows since neither of them can blend in and can wear dresses.”

“She’s got a point,” Lilia says with a sigh.

“I can wear a dress well!” Donna exclaims.

“She did look stunning at our wedding,” I add.

“Thank you!”

“Regardless of your opinion,” Bonito says, “She does not have a…figure that will fit a Cuchillos dress.”

“Fine.”

“You can’t just keep agreeing with her Benedetto.”

“What better option do I have? Tunc told me to go to her to gain the Cuchillos trust and his advice has never failed me.”

‘Why thank you!’

“Okay, fine.”

I head into the dressing room and wear the outfit Bonito wants me to. It’s a nice black and white tuxedo with a rose design on it. The mask is also black and white with a rose design on it. I like the velvety feel to all of it. Even though I’m used to wearing boots, I like the dress shoes that Bonito gave me. She also allows me to have black claw gloves, which are very nice.

Bonito and I get into a carriage and go to our location. To show off, Bonito uses a mechanical horse to pull our carriage. Apparently, only the most privileged and powerful get to have these new inventions. I can hardly believe these exist. What are they going to come up with next? Carriages that you can drive without a horse?

“Should I know anything while we’re at the event?” I ask her.

“Nothing at all. Just stay by my side and react accordingly.”

“Okay.”

I feel like she’s going to make me do something I won’t like.

‘You’re probably right.’

We are dropped off at the doors of a large building that’s similar to the hall where I was talking to the Blighted except this place is more lit up with electrical lights and more colorful architecture and art. Today, there’s a meetup between different parties so that alliances can be formed for both political and business benefits. It’s a great way to get to know people especially since you don’t have to pay anything to get in. I wonder if some of the poor Cuchillos have tried this to get ahead in life. They have to have known about it.

I’m just walking around looking for anything suspicious with Bonito holding onto my arm.

“Is it really necessary for you to hold onto me?”

“It is.”

“Why is it exactly?”

“Couples are more powerful than people who are by themselves. You should know that by seeing how many people are trying to meet each other.”

“Makes sense.”

“Oh. Look over there.”

I see in the distance guards arresting several people out of the crowd. One of Bonito’s allies approaches us and thanks us for warning us about the assassins.

‘I didn’t expect anything less from them.’

“See Benedetto? We can handle this.”

“That’s great.”

“Now let’s get over to the next event. I can’t wait to get there.”

When we get to the next event, I know exactly why she’s excited about it. It’s a get together for Bonito’s allies who are having a dance for charity. Of course, she forces me to dance. The last time I danced was at my wedding. Sure, we Fedele have a lot of celebrations with dancing, but we don’t always dance as proper as the Cuchillos do. It’s a little difficult for me to get used to it, but I eventually get the hang of dancing with Bonito. This is really nice actually. I know people compare fighting with dancing a lot, but it’s true. The rhythm and movements are like fighting though we aren’t trying to fight each other. I wonder if Bonito fought with me when she first met me to train me for a dance like this. Okay. It’s over now. Now-!

‘Hahahaha! She got you!’

“I told you I would get my kiss.”

“You’re not getting another.”

“Who says I need your permission?”

All of the sudden I hear fighting going on in the upper balcony. I then see a few people get tossed off it before getting arrested. Things then go back to normal as if nothing happened.

‘These people are so used to violence that they’re almost desensitized to it.’

Most if not all people are taught at a young age how to fight and defend yourself to the death.

‘Yeah, but most people don’t usually go back to normal business after an assassination attempt especially during a public charity event.’

True. I guess it’s just the flaws in their culture that make them this way.

“At this rate, we might not even need to be your allies’ backup, Bonito.”

“You never know when we might be needed. As much as I want to keep dancing with you, we must go to the last event.”

Thankfully, the last event is a public speaking event where the poor Cuchillos are debating with the rich ones in a square that’s meant for it. There are these places in Fedele territory too that are meant for debates so that the servants and workers can have their concerns and opinions heard by the lords and bishops. They seem to be in agreement about a few things and it also seems like the assassination targets know who their assassins are. An agreement is made, and the situation is resolved with a handshake as the crowd claps in approval and excitement.

I say to Bonito, “Your allies are great with dealing with assassins. It’s like you didn’t even need my help.”

“I only needed your help in figuring out what the poor were planning. My allies and I can handle every threat from there. As you can tell, the Cuchillos are a powerful ally to you if not the most powerful.”

“They will be useful. I assume I have their trust.”

“You gained our trust the moment you agreed to help me. We will give you our honorary weapon when we get back to my tower. My guards should be packing my stuff right now, so I can move in with you.”

“You’re what?”

“I told you I’d be your maidservant. There’s no arguing with me. You said that Tunc told you to seek me out just like how he told you to seek out Donna. If God brought the two of you together for marriage, why isn’t this the same?”

‘You aren’t supposed to marry her.’

“He told me that I’m not supposed to marry you.”

“But I will get what I want in one way or another. You’ll love me when I do. Just you wait.”

I don’t like the sinister smile on her face. It gives me the chills.

‘Keep an eye on her.’

I’ll have to keep more than one set of eyes on her.

When I arrive at Bonito’s tower, I’m awarded the Cuchillos honorary weapon meant for heroes by a large group of Cuchillos that I assume are Bonito’s allies. They’re curved swords with each blade being the same color of the hilt that being gold and dark grey. Once the small celebration is over and everything is packed, Donna, Lilia, Bonito, my Sparrows, Bonito’s guards, and I-

‘That’s a long list of people you got. It looks like you got a small army following you.’

And I have more Sparrows spread throughout the land.

‘You might have the largest force in the land before you know it.’

That sounds like an interesting idea, but I just can’t wait to get back home.

‘So your harem can be complete.’

That’s not why! My house isn’t even that large to fit everyone else.

‘Make it bigger then. You should have enough wealth and workers to make it happen.’

I guess. I’ll have to figure it out when after I gain the Fedele’s trust.

‘That’s going to be easier said than done since your people don’t value worldly accomplishments as much.’

I already know what kind of task I will have to complete to gain their trust. It’s simple but difficult. It’s something I don’t want to think about now. I just want to go home and rest for a day.

‘Sounds like a good plan, but I doubt you’ll be able to with all of these ladies in your house. I doubt you’ll be able to rest in the carriage right now with how all of these ladies are staring at each other.’

The stress of it will put me to sleep. Just watch…Told you.

‘We didn’t have a bet so I don’t owe you anything.’

I have to do that next time.

‘Jokes on you because I can look at the future.’

But you can’t look at the future like how God looks at it so your view of it is what He wants you to see.

‘And He’s going to show you a better version just to get one on over me?’

It’s not like you have Heaven guaranteed to you yet. You still have to be humbled and corrected for what you did.

‘You don’t have to remind me.’

But I do.

‘…You’re right. Thanks.’

What are friends for?

‘We’re…friends?’

Of course we are, but I’m still going to beat you up after I gain my people’s full trust. Your never-ending jokes about harems get on my nerves.

‘Oh…well, uh. I don’t know what to say to that.’

Don’t say anything. Just don’t do it anymore.

‘…okay.’

Thank you. My hometown of Umile is bustling with more people than usual today. It seems that someone sent a message ahead of me and told them about my arrival. People cheer and throw confetti as I arrive. Ever since I became a hero, my hometown has grown and expanded. I wave to the crowd as I exit my carriage as my Sparrow’s and Bonito’s guards cover my entrance back into my house. The house looks as good as always with statues of saints and angels. The pictures of God as a human still give me an uplifting feeling since He came down and suffered for us to redeem us. Pictures of His human mother and father are also placed around the house so that it’s protected from any kind of demonic influence. Stella and my parents come down holding my baby boys and girl. I shouldn’t be surprised to see the look on their face because I’ve brought two girls in the house, but I still feel awkward.

Regardless, they say, “Benedetto! Welcome back!”

‘If only I could tell them that you slept with both of them.’

What did I say?!

‘That’s going to be the last one I promise! I couldn’t help it!’

“Hello, Stella, mom, and dad!”

My mom gets right to it and asks, “Who are these lovely ladies with you?”

“These are Lilia and Bonito. Both of them were vital in helping me gain the trust of the other two cultures.”

Both of them blush.

Lilia says, “Oh, I uh. You’re giving me too much credit. Haha.”

“It’s a pleasure meeting you mister and misses Vuoto,” Bonito says with a bow.

“What are they going to do here?” Stella says with an anxious look on her face.

“They’re going to be my special guards and will be staying with me at all times, so they’re going to…be…moving in…”

I can’t believe what I’m saying. There’s a moment of silence as everything just seems awkward for everyone except Bonito who’s smiling.

Volante, my house’s cook, comes out of the kitchen and says, “Excuse me for being late! I just wanted to get dinner on the table before you arrived. Oh, and I see that you’ve brought two lovely ladies to join us! It’s a good thing I always make a little extra. Come in and make yourself at home!”

Volante is always good at coming in at the right moments. He used to own his own restaurant, but now he’s hired by me, which he gladly accepted. He still goes to his old restaurant when he isn’t cooking for us to manage it with his son. Dinner is as good as always with a variety of salad, spaghetti, chicken, bread, wine, and tea. Everyone enjoys themselves including Lilia and Bonito who I assume haven’t had Fedele food before. I tell Stella, my parents, and Volante all about what happened during my journey while leaving out Bonito’s poisoning of my Sparrows. We have a good time for a while before deciding to relax out back in the yard. Lilia and Bonito play with the kids while talking to my mom and dad while Donna watches over them. Stella and I are sitting together on a step watching all of them. Lilia seems to be having a good time though I don’t trust Bonito too much. She’s an influential woman who might influence my kids to do something I wouldn’t approve of.

“How did it get to this, Benedetto?”

“What do you mean, Stella?”

“Remember way back when you weren’t a hero? You were going to be in a relationship with me, but then you had to leave for a family trip. You were ambushed by the Sparrows then returned with their leader head over heels for you.”

“We went over this before and you know what I think. Where’s Franco?”

“He probably overslept. Don’t change the subject.”

“Why? What else do you want me to say?”

“How could you come back with two more girls?”

“That’s not my fault. It’s just part of being a hero. I attract people to me, so why would this be weird?”

“Because they’re girls living with us. I’m assuming they like you.”

“…A-”

“I’m right, aren’t I?”

“Yeah, but that’s not the reason why I’m letting them live with me.”

“Why is it then?!”

‘Oooh. Careful there.’

“Look, Bonito is a powerful woman and I’m not sure what damage she could do. I didn’t tell anyone yet, but she poisoned all of my Sparrows including Donna and Lilia without them knowing.”

“You should’ve let the poison kill Donna.”

“Stella!”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. What about Lilia?”

“She’s a somewhat innocent girl and one of my biggest fans apparently. I just feel so bad for the way her parents treated her and how lonely she was before she talked to us.”

“She’s okay, but I don’t think you need a grown-up daughter.”

“Heh, don’t tell Donna that. She already wants more kids.”

“Oh…God, please help Benedetto.”

“I’m going to need it if she’s serious.”

“Well as long as you keep things under control between them, I’m fine with them being here.”

“Who are you, my wife?”

“No, I’m your still your best friend who’s looking out for you.”

“Sure.”

“What?”

“Nothing. I can keep them under control. It shouldn’t be too hard.”

‘That’s usually how trouble starts.’

I just felt a cold breeze. That was weird.

‘Oh, it’s going to be trouble.’

I’m going to say a few extra prayers tonight.

‘I’m going to give you some too.’

Please do.

It already looks like tomorrow is going to be a mess. Bonito has her bed in my room and so does Lilia. To make sure nothing happens, Stella moves into the room as well. Donna can’t help but hold onto me more tightly than she usually does.

‘Your future is not looking good.’

Don’t even tell me. Just keep praying!

‘I’m trying!’

The morning starts off interesting with Lilia coming to my bedside with breakfast. She put together a maid outfit and looks cuter than I thought with it on.

‘You’re telling me.’

“Lilia?”

“I-I thought I’d show my appreciation for you by making my own breakfast for you.”

“And the outfit?”

“It’s a little something more for you.”

Once Bonito wakes up, she gets jealous of what Lilia does for me and changes into a maid outfit of her own. Lilia and Donna cover my eyes while she changes of course.

‘Ha! I get to watch.’

Shut up, you perverted old man!

Once she’s done, she tries to give me a morning massage.

‘H-’

Shut up! It’s not that!

This starts a fight with all of the girls until Donna pushes them away from me.

She then says, “All of you stop it! He’s my husband and if you have any respect for him, then you’ll leave him alone!”

The other girls then walk downstairs.

“Thank you, Donna.”

“You’re welcome, love. You are going to reward me once we get some real privacy, right?”

“I’ll think about it.”

“This is non-negotiable. You’re mine and I’m going to do with you what I want.”

If this is some punishment for something I did, then I need to get absolution for my sins asap.

‘She’s your wife. What’s wrong with what she’s asking?’

It’s just I don’t exactly like it when she gets rough and controlling.

‘That’s the best part in my opinion when it becomes a struggle.’

Okay, I am never going to talk to you about anything sex-related. Alright? It’s a deal.

The rest of the day is a series of stressful events. Lilia tries biting my neck, Bonito tries kissing me, Stella scolds me while pretending she doesn’t want to kill the other three to have me to herself, and Donna tries to protect me when she’s around. The only time I get to relax is when I’m with my kids. This makes the girls passive though I think they’re acting this way to try to prove themselves as the better wife/mother. I don’t even want to know what mom, dad, and Volante are thinking.

Franco actually comes in at one point in the day when I’m surrounded by the four girls as they argue over me.

“Franco!”

“Benedetto! I can see that you got a couple more girls to your harem!”

‘Hey, he said it not me.’

“I don’t have a harem! Can you give me a little help here?”

“I’m afraid I can’t.”

“Just try something. Anything!”

“Okay.”

Franco approaches the girls and says to them, “If you girls are looking for a man, I’m available.”

Stella snickers, Bonito laughs at him, and Lilia ignores him.

“That’s fine. I already have a lady interested in me. I just came by to see how you were doing Benedetto, but I can see that you’re busy. I’m going to respectfully leave.”

“Come on man, you can stay a little longer! Wait!”

Dang it. I really hope he has a girl interested in him. He’s a good friend.

‘A good friend that abandoned you.’

I can’t blame him since I don’t know what to do in this situation either. The rest of the day is a blur, but it starts to settle down at night, and by settling down I mean I somehow manage to have all of the girls sleeping in the same bed with me. Neither of them trusts me with the other so this is how it is. Donna at my right, Lilia on my left with her mouth on my neck, and Stella and Bonito on me. I don’t know how they managed to fall asleep like this. I guess the entire day tired them out.

‘Lucky man.’

I’m not lucky! I’m cursed! I’m so uncomfortable like this! I feel like I’m going to suffocate to death.

‘Ha! It would be one of the best ways to die that I’ve seen in a while!’

No, it wouldn’t!

‘Relax, you’re just falling asleep.’

I’m going to get the trust of my people tomorrow. If I relax again, it’s just going to be more of this.

Chapter 5 – Justification by Faith and Works

I wake up with all of the girls off my bed with the exception of Donna as it should be. It looks like Donna got up when everyone was sleeping and put them on the floor. I’m not in the mood to deal with any of the drama that comes with having these girls fight over me, so I get out of bed, get dressed, and head over to the capital of the Fedele, La Santa Vedere, by myself on horseback. I can never get used to the sight of this holy ground that is built upon the place where God was sacrificed when He was human.

‘I remember building my home here when I was a hero. I think I built it near the exact sacrifice area.’

Since the head bishop and his cardinals are expecting me, I head over to the main church in the area.

‘You’d think one big church in the capital would be enough, but no, they have three large churches here.’

All Fedele towns have three large churches to honor the Trinity. There are exactly seven Fedele towns since it’s the perfect number for spiritual perfection.

‘Or disaster.’

Right.

I go through a small beginning ceremony where three small knives are blessed before I kneel at the front of the church with the knives in my hand. It’s a tradition for heroes to carve the Holy Name of the Son of God into their upper arms to see their devotion to Him as His chosen hero for humanity. The first letter tests me on my attachment to worldly things. The second letter tests me on my attachment to people. The last one tests me on how much I value my relationship with God.

‘I can’t help you while you’re doing this.’

It’s fine. I got this.

‘I know you do.’

I close my eyes as I begin to carve the first letter. I then open my eyes to see that I’m completely enveloped in light. An angel with red wings approaches me with a book in his hands.

He says, “From what I can tell, you have many worldly possessions. Your weapons, gear, house, means of transportation, and more make you quite a rich man, Benedetto. What do you intend to do with all of it?”

“Use it to faithfully serve the Lord.”

The angel reaches into my chest and feels my heart. “You are being truthful. You pass and are worthy to have the first letter of the Lord’s name on your arm.”

The angel disappears into the light and another appears with black wings and a book. He says to me, “It looks like you have lots of connections to people. Donna is your faithful wife. Stella is a friend who is close to your heart along with Franco. Your family is held in high regards as well as Volante. Lilia is someone you feel much sympathy for. You even have some passing affections for Bonito since you both hold a lot in common. You’ve even managed to become close friends with Tunc. Not that many heroes can get themselves to like him. Which connection do you value the most?”

“My connection to God.”

The angel reaches into my chest then says, “You speak truthfully. I do have to remind you never to value the connections you have here too much or else you lose sight of God. You don’t want to do that because He will become jealous and get you to realign yourself with Him.”

“I understand.”

“You pass and are worthy to have the second letter of the Lord’s name on your arm.”

This angel disappears like the other one and another appears with golden wings and a book. He says to me, “You’ve passed the other two tests with flying colors. Your faithfulness to God is admirable, but I will warn you that the future will test you more than now. You will gain enough power to be the most powerful man in the land. Your army will be vast, and your influence will be felt by everyone. Do not give into temptation no matter what or else what you value most will be taken from you.”

“I understand.”

“I hope you do. You pass and are worthy to have the last letter of the Lord’s name on your arm. This will prove useful to you in the last days of this world even if you stumble in your faithfulness to Him.”

As I blink my eyes, I see that the light is gone. It’s like it wasn’t there to begin with. The name of the Lord is now carved on my arms and…shhhhh. I’m starting to feel the effects of me carving it in. The bishops are bandaging it up not only because of the wound, but because the name would kill someone who had at least one sin on their soul if they saw it. Everyone gives thanks to God before cheering for me. I’m awarded the three knives that I carved the Lord’s name as if having His name on my arms isn’t one of the greatest awards I could receive. As I leave the church to go to my celebration party, I see Donna, Stella, Lilia, and Bonito waiting for me outside with looks on their faces.

‘Not friendly looks though.’

I don’t care.

Donna comes up to me and asks, “Why did you leave without me?”

“I didn’t want to deal with the other girls waking up and starting trouble like yesterday.”

“I’m sneaky!”

“As sneaky as an ax to the face.”

The other girls are about to say something, but I hold my hand up and get serious. “Listen to me. I like you all, but I have only one wife. That’s it. I don’t want you fighting over me anymore. I don’t want any of this harem business going on either, alright?”

They’re speechless and just nod their heads.

“Good. Let’s go celebrate. I have the trust of all three cultures, which means I’ve passed my next quest as a hero.”

The other girls were about to hug me, but they take one step forward then back and just let Donna hug me, as they should. We have a decent party at La Grande Cena, which is one of if not the best place to eat in the entire world.

‘Today is a grand day for you, Benedetto. Why aren’t you more excited? You have all three of the cultures at your disposal for the end of the world. That’s no small feat that you managed to do in a short amount of time like the last time.’

What do I get now that accomplished this quest without using my time traveling blessing?

‘Haha. Of course you were wondering about that. You get an increase in wisdom as if you needed more.’

Excellent. I’m sure this will be useful in the future.

‘Don’t be too cocky or confident in the future. Do you remember the king who was the wisest of all but fell because of his harem?’

It won’t happen to me.

‘That’s what they all say. Everyone falls. God won’t damn you to Hell if you fall one, twice, or hundreds of times. You just have to get back up and do better next time. The thing that damns you is doing nothing at all.’

I promise to stay faithful.

‘That’s what God wants to hear.’

I still want that fight with you.

‘Hahaha. Okay. Go somewhere private so I can teleport you to my realm. The adoration chapel should be empty.’

Heading there now. Okay. I’m ready.

‘Just give me a second, and…Here you are.”

“It’s nice to see you in person. I think I’ve only seen you in person a few times.”

“Do you miss looking at me? Am I turning you gay?”

This is why I want to fight you. I quickly lung towards Tunc and try to get a couple slashes in.

“Hahaha. I guess I am.”

“You’re dead.”

“I am. Literally.”

“Then you’re going to be double dead.”

Tunc is skilled for a man who doesn’t fight anymore. His attacks with his scythe are swift and flow into another while his defense is almost impenetrable with his clock shield.

“I have to admit. You’re good, old man.”

“Old man?! My voice is the same tone as yours, but I’ll take the compliment. Just because I don’t fight unless called to doesn’t mean that I’m out of practice. I bet that you won’t even lay a scratch on me-OWWWW”

He left his feet open, so I plunged my knives through them to keep him still.

“Hahaha!”

“That wasn’t funny. It was cheap!”

“I won the bet.”

“I didn’t say I’d give you anything for winning, so you aren’t getting anything.”

“Damn.”

I then use the Cuchillos curved blades to take away his scythe.

“I’ll just beat you with my shield then.”

The sword that I got from the Blighted is able to break through his shield after multiple hits.

“Got anything else, Tunc?”

“My fists. Now don’t be cheap and use your special knives and fight me like a man.”

“It’s on.”

Our fist fight is one of exchanging blows and it feels like Tunc is cheating since his skeleton hand hurts more than his human one and he seems to know it. Nevertheless, I still fist fight him until he’s wide open. I take my three knives and put them through his head.

“AHHHHHH! You stabbed me in the eyes!”

“I win.”

“No, you don’t!”

“Yes, I do. You can’t die so this is the best I can do.”

“I’m not done yet! I haven’t been defeated!”

I punch Tunc in the crotch for a hilarious screech from him.

“Okay, I give in! I give in! What do you want as your reward?”

“Nothing. I just wanted to test my skills against you. This second quest you gave me was easier than the first. The most challenging part of it was dealing with the girls around me.”

“That’s true, but it will get harder now that you’re the strongest person in the land.”

“And I welcome the challenge. With God, my allies, family, friends, and you, I can overcome.”

“That’s the heroic mindset I like. Now, can you kindly remove these knives from me?”

“Alright, my friend.”

Now that all of the cultures trust me, I make some real changes. The Blighted let go of their long-held tradition and no longer replace their human skin with the skin of dragons. They now just specialize in making weapons, armor, and gear made from dragons that allows them to be a more profitable culture since tons of people want to buy their products. The Cuchillos are constantly working on reformatting their political and business practices so even the poorest of people can become successful. The influx of new products from the Blighted encourages the Cuchillos to welcome in new talent and ideas. Since one tradition has been lifted from the Blighted, they are now working to outdo us Fedele and Cuchillos since we’re ahead of them in terms of faith and technology.

The Fedele are still constantly at work increasing our faith and doing the works God has given to us. We don’t see a need to change at all unless the Almighty God commands us to. Since I have more power and influence, I have larger forces and more resources to work with which I put to work immediately with Sparrows, military and guards out to defend whoever finds themselves in danger. Because of this, crime and mortality rates along with demonic possession rates drop decently within a month. Lilia and Bonito are honored for helping me along with the other Sparrows and guards I had with me. Donna wants more children and I don’t want to recall everything that happened.

Everything is working out so far without any kinks. I’m unbeatable with the forces and mindset I have right now. The future seems bright and I welcome any challenge that comes my way.

The End