A Hero's journey Ch. 4 (Unedited)

A Hero's Journey: Izuku's Odyssey

By: Bubbajack

Editors/Co-Authors: IcySnowSage, First Hassan/Darklord133

Special Consultant: Heliosion

Special thanks go out to my Super Donors: Alexander Murry, Ben wanless, Bobby Glass, Jareth Norris, and a special shout out goes to Pedro Jose Bellen who's my first ever $20 tier Supreme Donor at the end of December. And to all my other patrons as well.

Ch.4: Divinity and Gold make the world go round.

The group was now back in the Guild hall, and Aqua was salting her slice of apple pie with her own tears. Even so, she said through a mouthful of food. “Dis ish deewishus.”

“It is good, right? But please don't talk with your mouthful Aqua-sama. That's gross,” The human turn Drow known as Izuku and Calenim Glaer to most, asked politely.

Swallowing a mouthful of the best food she’d ever tasted, Aqua replied contritely, “My apologies… Now, why the heck are you a Dark Elf? You weren’t one when I reincarnated you into this world.”

“Oh really?” Luna said, narrowing her eyes at her date in suspicion. “Isn’t that interesting to know?”

“Aqua-sama, you stuck a foreign entity inside of me… that had some… unintended side effects.” He knew ignoring his date was just digging his own hole deeper at this point, but his heroic tendencies just wouldn’t let him leave Aqua crying out in public like that.

The now mortal water goddess sniffled a bit, “I guess I should’ve thought ahead a bit…” She started to cry waterfalls as she moaned, “Why do I screw everything up?! I even got kicked out of heaven on a technicality!”

“Cause of that Kazuma guy right?” He asked for clarification.

Aqua nodded enthusiastically, “That’s right! Shtisuma decided to take me as his special item.”

Sighing in annoyance while rubbing his crimson eyes Galer asked, “Why did he pick you as a special item though?”

Aqua snorted derisively, “Well his death was just so pathetic unlike yours… His heart gave out from shock due to drinking energy drinks thinking he was saving a girl from a speeding truck… it was a tractor, he pissed himself, and even his parents laughed at his death.”

Yet instead of laughing, the former human grimaced, “Wow… that’s messed up, I mean his own parents laughed at his death?”

“Yeah… you're not laughing…” Aqua noted. “Why aren’t you laughing?” She asked upon seeing his face, her own laughter dying in her throat.

“That’s because it went past funny and into mean-spiritedness.” He told her firmly as he crossed his arms, “You didn’t need to rub it in either Aqua-sama… that said, I’m still not happy with him. Since you're here, I have no idea what’s going on back home. What’s the last thing you recall?”

Normally Aqua wouldn’t let the comments of a mere mortal bother her… But Izuku Midoriya was no mere mortal in her eyes. He was like the Heroes of old who died a Heroes death. Unlike common mortals these days he was actually worthy of her respect. So she found herself looking down in shame as she twiddled her thumbs and muttered out, “Ok, you're right, I’m sorry.”

“It’s not really me you need to apologize to and I think you know that…”

“He dragged me here if you recall?!” Aqua said indignantly.

Izuku nodded. “He did. And he’s gonna pay for that. But one of the two of you needs to be the bigger person… and shouldn’t it come from  the Goddess not the mortal of the two?”

“Mou~u! I hate it when you make sense like that!” Aqua complained. “I… I guess you're right!” She huffed as she crossed her arms. “But not tonight! Tonight at least he gets to rough it on his own! And I refuse to share a room with him!” Aqua declared imperiously.

“That’s fine, I’ll pay for your room tonight. Tomorrow you can join my party and start earning your own money,” Izuku agreed, “After all, what kind of Goddess would you be if you expected everyone else around you to pay for everything?”

“Right, of course!” Aqua agreed hesitantly before clearing her throat. “But as to what you asked earlier… Your mother has been sad, depressed even, but… I can’t think of the right word. When she looks at your picture she… smiles? Like she’s sad but proud at the same time.”

“I… I see… Thank you.”

“Wait, hold up now.” Luna said, interjecting herself into the conversation, “You expect me to believe she,” She pointed at Aqua, “Is a goddess? The goddess Aqua of the Axis Cult? And that she, reincarnated you,” she pointed at Glaer, “From a human into a Drow, by mistake?”

“Luna, I’ve only been here a week and have thus far fought giant man-eating Frogs, goblins, and Draugr. All of this is fantastical in my mind, yet I’m sure for you it's commonplace so why is meeting a deity so farfetched?”

“Magic is normal, being granted spells by divinity? Also normal. Someone actually meeting the divine and not being dead themselves?” Luna shook her head, “That just doesn’t happen so casually. Even in the oldest of myths it can be counted on one hand the number of times the ancient heroes have directly interacted with the Divine and it sure was never this casually in Axel’s Guildhall!”

Getting irked by this woman’s behavior towards herself and Izuku and snapped, “You want proof? I’ll give you proof! You know I don’t have an adventurer card since I just got here, so I shouldn’t be able to cast any spells at all right?” When Luna nodded, Aqua continued, “Well then how do you explain this? Hallowed Ground!”

With but a few words and a gesture, a circle of golden light spread out from Aqua and encased the entire guild hall, bathing it in a sacred aura. By the time the spell was complete, Luna’s mouth had fallen open in shock. “That… That spell is usually reserved for Arch-Priests!”

Told ya!” Aqua said with an air of impertinence as she folded her arms under her bust as she finished smugly, “Goddess.”

Clearing his throat, Glaer said, “Perhaps it would be best to not be so brazen about that Aqua? There are lots of unsavory sorts here in Axel and should they find out well…. There’s no telling what they might do to you.”

The goddess swallowed worriedly, for unlike when the gods interacted with mortals this body of hers was not an avatar, but her divine essence made flesh. If she died now in the mortal realm, she would likely become a forgotten god despite the fact she had followers. “Right! So if anyone asks?”

“You're a very strong Archpriest,” He told her, before adding, “Also please, call me Glaer, everyone has been.” as he motioned her over to the adventurer card manufacturing device. After a moment he cleared his throat and said, “Ahem, Luna-san could you?”

“Oh right… Sorry my mind was elsewhere.” she replied as she got up from the table in a hurry.

As she passed him Izuku quickly grabbed her wrist, “I’m sorry, all of this must’ve come as quite a shock… if you're willing once you're done helping Aqua, could you perhaps come up to my room and talk with me? I’d… like to try and explain things a little better.” He then let her go and said hastily, “But if you don’t w-want to, I completely understand.”

“I’ll be there cutie… But you owe me an explanation.” Luna finished pouting at him a bit before walking off.

For some reason, knowing she was willing to hear him out did not make him feel relieved like he thought it would. Instead, it just made him even more nervous. Hoping to calm his nerves, he made his way back to his room to await the female inquisition.

-A Hero’s Journey-

It was about twenty minutes till Izuku heard a knock on his door. “C-Come in!” He called, cursing himself for his stutter. He didn’t do that as much anymore. Not since coming to this world. He wondered if he should thank BB, his classes or his Charisma attribute for the change.

‘Head in the game Kouhai,’ BB told him. Bringing him out of his musings and back to the present. Luna was standing with her back pressed against his now closed door, her usually exuberant amber eyes were closed in contemplation.

‘Is she so disgusted by me that she can’t even bear to look at me?’ He wondered to himself.

“So, reincarnator huh?” Luna said at last, locking her eyes with his.

He nodded, “Yeah, it’s… not what I expected to be entirely honest, but I don’t dislike it here so far.”

Luna nodded, sighed then asked, “So all that stuff about saving a moon goddess and saving an empress, and Wolbacia was just a big lie?”

“Are technically true,” BB retorted as she materialized herself in her kouhai’s defense. “BB said Moon Goddess at your service. I suggest you stop insulting my kouhai…” She threatened and she waved her pointer stick at her, “Only BB gets to do that!”

Putting a hand on her wrist and forcing said pointing stick down, Izuku said, “No, BB… No you don’t also, Luna has every right to be mad at me. I did kinda lie to her and everyone else.”

The purple-haired Goddess of the Moon Cell scoffed, “No you didn’t. As far as BB is concerned, you did save her, inadvertently or not. Kouhai is BB’s hero. Also, these idiots don’t bother to listen to anything you have to say and draw their own conclusions anyway so what’s the point in trying to correct them?”

“Luna was never like that though,” He rebuked her. “She’s been on my side from the beginning.”

“Umm,” Luna tried to interject to no avail.

“Yeah and now she’s here accusing you of being a liar, this is the classic start of a backstabbing scene kouhai. Haven’t you ever read any manga?” BB rebutted.

Scratching his cheek awkwardly the Drow inquired sheepishly “Does super sentai based Shounen count?”

“No….” BB said flatly as she put her hands on her hips before she hung her head and sighed, “No it doesn’t,” Raising her head, she continued, “Seriously Kouhai we need to work on broadening your horizons a bit.”

Luna tried again, “Excuse me,” To no avail. As both master and familiar were bickering like an old married couple.

Quirking a thin silver eyebrow, the Drow inquired, “How much more broad can my horizons get BB?”

Seeing the impish little smirk adorn her face, Izuku knew she was going to say something risque before she even opened her mouth.

“Wanna try some S&M sometime Kouhai?” She offered, as she smacked her pointer into her open palm, “ I promise I’ll be gentle… at first.”

Shaking his head viciously, Izuku replied, “No thank you.”

“Mou~u!” BB pouted, “No fun!”

“Hey! Ma and Pa Oldfield!” Luna yelled, having enough of their bickering and getting their attention at the same time.

Izuku looked startled while BB looke incensed.

“Hey! Just because I am a goddess doesn’t mean you get to call me old! So what do you want huh? If you didn’t notice me and kouhai were having a moment,” snarked BB.

“Considering I was the reason you were bickering I thought I would interrupt,”spoke Luna who was kind of nervous about what a goddess of the moon could do to her. Steeling her nerves, Luna continued, “Anyway like I kept trying to say before you two started your jester routine, you may have stretched the truth a bit and let people believe their own assumptions, but you never outright lied. Even if you had, it wouldn’t have changed all the heroic things you’ve done since you got here Glaer… or do you prefer Izuku? I had a long chat with Aqua before I set her up with a room for the night.” she said, answering his unasked question.

“I… If I’m being entirely honest, I feel like Midoriya Izuku truly died back in his old world. Who I am now is a completely different person from him. I feel like Calenim Glaer is his own person. A second chance for me, which I suppose is the whole point of reincarnation if you really think about it,” He petered off into a mumbling mess.

“Wait, Calenim is your last name, not your first?” Luna asked. Seeing him nod, she rubbed her temples as she sighed, “And here I thought you were keeping me at a distance by insisting on using your last name. I’m assuming that’s common where you come from?”

“Yes, I’m sorry for the confusion. To call someone by their first name in my original world means you're particularly close… usually only girlfriends, lovers, or husbands and wives do such, but I didn’t realize I was doing it here. It’s something that becomes second nature after a while. Sorry.” He apologized, adding in a bow to show his sincerity.

“You don’t need to apologize,” Luna said, waving his apology aside. “So all that stuff you told me about coming from an island nation that produces steel and has a democracy I think it was, and not being born with a special ability?”

“All true,” He confirmed, “I just twisted the context a bit. Japan isn’t found in this dimension, is all.” After a stringent pause filled with his silent fidgeting, Glaer finally asked, “So are you and I… okay? I mean I completely understand if you want to break up with me, cause I lied and that could be a deal breaker this early in the relationship and-” The mumbling drow was silenced by the receptionist claiming his lips in a sweet kiss.

“You think me finding out you're a reincarnator is enough to scare me off?” She said demurely after she pulled away. “Sorry hon, but you're stuck with me.” She winked at him, “Lucky you.”

She sashayed to the door giggling since she caused him to ogle her the whole way there. With her hand on the handle she said honestly, “Despite how it ended I really enjoyed my date tonight Glaer. I hope we can do it again sometime soon. Hopefully you won’t be too  busy adventuring or wooing other women… not that I can really blame them, it just means they have good taste. Good night. Don’t be too hard on him, m’kay BB?” She called over her shoulder.

“BB called dibs on her kouhai’s virginity!” the moon goddess shot back as a parting remark. “Kouhai has insanely good luck,” She said sullenly as she crossed her arms and pouted.

“Didn’t you increase my luck score beyond twenty yourself BB?” the reincarnate drow reminded her.

“Don't remind me… Wait, that reminds me! By my Authority over the Seven Hills and Ten Crowns, I grant thee dominion.”

[Your luck has reached and surpassed that which is humanly possible for the mortal races! Granting special Skill… Prophet of the Eldritch Stars (EX): Denotes you as the prophet of existences outside the domain of human comprehension. A composite skill of Golden Rule (Wealth and Body), as well as Pioneer of the Stars. Things that are outside human understanding (Outsiders and Aberrations) have increased affection towards the holder of this skill. Charisma Skills are increased by One Rank, and Dark Magic Effects (Curses, Hexes, and Outsider/Aberration based Summonings) are increased by One Rank. Two Ranks if done at Night.]

Glaer read the skill over several times while blinking before he finally said, “This is broken beyond all belief!”

“Well it is a luck based skill, what did you expect?” BB said with a casual shrug. Only to be wrapped into a fierce hug by her kouhai. “Ohh, what brought this on? Not that BB is complaining at all.” she said as she returned the affectionate gesture, wrapping one arm around him while her other hand stroked her gloved fingers through his silver mane, pulling his head into her bosom as he did so.

“Thank you BB for… everything you’ve done for me so far… I know I… said that earlier before my date with Luna but I… was a bit preoccupied at the time. So now I wanted to say it without being distracted or interrupted. Thank you, BB, for being here with me, and believing in me since day one in this new world. I… can’t remember the last time someone has been there for me like you have been. Not even mom was… Life was difficult before you showed up.” He hastily corrected.

“Of course Kouhai. BB will never abandon you. She’ll always be here, even if the world becomes your enemy, BB will always love, protect, and support her cherished Glaer… But do keep in mind that BB wants to be seen as a woman, not as a replacement for your mother.”

Lifting his head off of her chest he replied, “Of course! I haven’t f-forgotten the promise I m-made to you… I certainly couldn’t make one like that to my mom!”

“Fufufu! Just making sure Kou-hai!” She teased before playfully, chastely, kissing his cheek. “Now, today has been a long and emotionally taxing one. You should get some sleep, and plan on what to do about Aqua and this ‘Shitzuma’ tomorrow.

“Kazuma, I'm going to leave alone for now. I’ve got more important things to worry about than him. Strange drugs in Axel, a rising cult to a new Demon Lord named Jubliex, plus I’ve got to return all that damn underwear still.”

“I’ve got ideas for a quest chain!” She sing-songed as her beloved Drow sat cross legged on his bed and fell into his meditative trance.

-Hero’s Journey-

Izuku had only just come out of his trance, When a pop-up blocked his vision.

[Main Quest: A Lady's Favor [Go to the capital and return Princess Belzerg's underwear to her.]

Side Quest: Underwear Thief in the Night: Interrogate Reaver for any information about the mysterious drug you found down in the catacombs.

Side Quest The Other Reincarnator: Convince Kazuma Satou to join your party.

Side Quest The Water Goddess: Convince Aqua to join your party.]

Sighing to himself, he said. “BB, what the heck is this?”

Do you like it, Kohai? I've spent the last four hours working on it. I wanted to surprise you with it. When you woke up, were you surprised?” BB chirped happily.

“You could certainly say that, So returning the Princess her underwear is part of the main quest?”

Yep. Because the Harem must be fed.”

Rolling a hand down his face and thinking, ‘It's too early for this shit,’ Izuku said, “Damnit BB she's only twelve. Hold your horses.” The warlock sighed at his familiar's antics.

“Fufufu I'll have you know she's thirteen and eight months old Kohai, If the King and the Prince weren't off at war right now, they'd probably be looking for a suitable suitor for her to marry. Get your application in there while you can, I say.”

“Can your hair-brained schemes wait till after breakfast, BB?” The drow pleaded.

“Mou~u! Fine. I see my cute little junior is still not a morning person.” She pouted a little bit.

“I don't like being bombarded with information first thing in the morning. Sue me.” he replied, as he got up and stretched a little bit. Before heading downstairs to meet the others.

He found Yunyun and Setsuna waving at him from their usual table next to the door.  A half asleep. Aqua was also there, resting her head on the table.

“Morning everybody, did everyone get a good night's sleep?” He asked as he took the remaining spot at the table.

“Too early…” Aqua complained, Refusing to lift her head from the top of the table.

Gently reaching over and padding the top of her head, the Drow replied, “You'll find that being an adventurer requires you to get up early. So if you don't want to starve, you're going to have to get used to this Aqua-sama.”

Letting out an annoyed huff, she said. Alright, fine! I got my adventure card last night. I'm an Archpriest. So I can heal the party if anyone needs it. Also I'm also good against ghosts, demons and the undead. But, When it comes to harming anything that's alive, don't expect much from me. All of my attacks only do holy based damage.”

“Having a healer in the party will be very useful. Good job Aqua-sama,” Izuku cheered, doing his best to cheer up.

I'm just going to do my best to be useful. I may be a deity, but in mortal form like this I'm a bit… weak…”

“Has anyone seen Wolbachia or Nero yet?”

“I have arrived!” Nero appeared just then, Carrying Wolbachia over her shoulder, Her white bridesmaid gown as always. “You called for me, Praetor?”

Chuckling a bit at her usual antics, Izuku replied with, “Your just in time for breakfast, Nero-san,”

“Umu. The Emperor of White Roses is never late. I am always on time, for I am the emperor.”

“Well, tuck in and order what you want, Your Highness, because as usual, breakfast is on me.”

Locking her peridot green eyes with his crimson ones, Nero said, “I have been discussing that with Wolbachia Praetor and I. We have decided we will start to share the load when it comes to room and board expenses. I shall handle lunch from now on. Wolbachia will handle dinner. And we can pay for our own rooms. We are not penniless vagabonds that you need to supply every need for,” She smiled prettily before she continued, “Though we do appreciate the sentiment, do not get us wrong. The way you express your love for us is truly something to behold.”

The reincarnated draw rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, unused to such praise. “I just wanted to make sure everyone was well looked after Nero, that's all. I didn't mind spending the money I had as long as I made sure everyone was safe and well cared for.”

“And that's what makes you a great alpha,” Setsuna praised. “You think of the good of the pack before yourself, and that's what makes you an alpha and a good leader worth following.”

“Thank you, Setsuna-san,” He knew the therianthrope wasn't one for cheap compliments, so he took her words at face value. Turning to Aquaa, he asked, “Are you sure you want to join my party and not another one? Our own party is getting rather large.”

Aqua just scoffed in response. “If you think I'm joining any other party, you're out of your mind. You're stuck with me, little hero.” She winked at him as she stuck her tongue out playfully. “Now what's this about food?”

[Side Quest The Water Goddess Complete. +100XP.]

‘Well, that was easy,’ Izuku thought to himself as he waved over a waitress. ‘BB Why was that so easy?’

“Because kohai, she was going to join your party no matter what. I figured I could just get you some easy experience out of it. All the other side quests you have won't be that simple. Don't forget to check the mission board for some easy missions to do today.”

“Right,” he said before, Giving his order to the waitress, Deciding to try some of the frog legs he and Yunyun had captured the other day, deep fried with eggs on the side. Once they've all given their orders, Izuku said, Alright, so we've got a full itinerary of stuff to do today. We need to head down to Reavers Place and see what the heck is going on with that drug we found down in the catacombs, Return all that underwear we found, And then there's your average quest board stuff to do, too… So how do y'all want to do this? Should we venture forth as one big party? Or should we split up?”

“I think we should all stick together,” Yunyun said, voicing her opinion first, “Reaver Is a tricky bastard, and that's putting it nicely. He nearly had the two of us thrown in chains and on a boat, and that was the first time we were at his place. If all of us went together, he'd be less likely to try anything.”

“I already dislike this Reaver person and wish to introduce him to the edge of Aestus Estus,” Nero said with a protective growl. No one threatened her Praetor. No one!

Placing a hand on her shoulder, he said, “Nero, we got out of there just fine the first time, though it was a close thing,” Looking around the table, he asked, “Does anyone else have anything to add?”

“Reaver…” Wolbachia said with a sigh, “The Fallen Hero, I did say I'd mention him later. Now it seems to be later. He…Well, to be quite frank, he's a hedonist. He cares about money, power, His own wants and desires, whatever they may be at the moment. His affections are as fickle as the wind blowing. And he can't really be trusted at all. But he's also the greatest shot in all of belzerg. I once saw him shoot a man.On the open sea in a boat during a sea storm.And he shot the man right between the eyes.” She exclaimed, by no means bragging about Reaver’s skill with a gun. “His ability with that weapon is supernatural, to say the least, as is his longevity. He's been around for more than a century but has not aged a day.” Grimacing, the explosion mage finished, “If you got away from him once, you got lucky. You may not be so again, so if you're going to go see him, I implore you Master, let us all go with you to make sure you get out of there alive.”

Also, Aqua’s only level 1, even though she's an Archpriest, so we really should stick together so she can power level for a while, shouldn't we?” Setsuna asked, being the voice of reason.

“Good point, Setsuna. I completely overlooked that,” Izuku confirmed while nodding as their food arrived. They'll stick together for today then. After we eat, let's go to the bounty board and see what quests we could pick up.” Their plans made the group enjoyed a hearty breakfast.

-A Hero's Journey-

During their perusal of the quest board, Luna showed up And politely cleared her throat. “Glaer, I've noticed you've added Miss Aqua to your party?“

Izuku nodded, “Yes, Luna-chan, is that a problem?”

Clearing her throat again, Luna continued, “Actually, yes, under the guidelines of the Guild, a party can only consist of up to four members. Unless one of the members has a special skill like owning a familiar or some such that allows them to have more than that. It's to make sure the rewards remain even amongst all party members you see.”

The Drow nodded in comprehension, “Yes, I understand completely, “However, I do possess a special skill that allows me to have multiple party members. Would you like me to show it to you for confirmation?”

Luna blinked her amber eyes before nodding, “Yes, please. Especially since such skills were rare.”

Handing over his adventurer card, Izuku pointed out the skill, Evil Charisma.

Luna read the description and couldn't help but quirk an eyebrow at it. “Evil organization?”

The drow shrugged. “Beats me. I don't get it either, but as you can see, it does let me have extra party members.”

“It most certainly does,” Luna confirmed, “Now that I know this, I need to archive it for the guild's records, so nobody can accuse you of having gamed the system later on. Excuse me for a moment,” She disappeared with his adventurer card behind the counter.After  filling out a small form she returned and handing it back to him. “There we go. Bureaucracy and paperwork. They go hand in hand and I kind of hate them both, but it's necessary for my kind of job.”

“I understand completely, I enjoyed our date last night and hope we can do it again sometime soon. But from the feel of things, I think I'm going to be busy for the next little while.”

Luna winked at him playfully. “I understand, sweetie. Just don't forget about me, when you're running around with all these other beauties, alright?”

The Warlock was quick to reply with, “I could never,” It must have been the right thing to say because it earned him a chaste kiss on the lips.

“Be safe out there, all right?” Luna then turned to his party members and, with her hands on her hips, said, “Make sure he comes back to me in one piece, OK? It's hard to find a good guy like him all the way out here.”

“You can count on us, They're all confirmed. “Praetor won't be dying on our watch.”

“If he does somehow happen to die I can just cast a resurrection spell on him.” Aqua added helpfully.

Giving an awkward little laugh, Luna said, “Let's try to avoid that if at all possible. Still, it's nice to know you can do it. That's a rare skill. I'll leave you back to perusing for quests…”

She turned to leave, only to stop and then say. “Oh, that reminds me. Yunyun, could I have a minute of your time?”

The Demon Clan Princess jumped in surprise for a moment before nodding hesitantly, “O-Of course.”

What they talked about, Izuku couldn't figure out because she let her over to an area far outside of the range of even his elven hearing. But by the time Yunyun came back, she was practically skipping and beaming from ear to ear. “What did you two talk about? You seemed to be in a good mood now.” He asked.

“Girl talk,” she said simply before ending the discussion and began pursuing the quest board with increased vigor.

-A Hero’s Journey-

Finding Reaver wasn’t the hard part. The Fallen hero was easy to locate no matter where he went. His presence was felt. Izuku and his party felt that presence as they transcended to one of the many “hangouts” of Reaver. Izuku felt eyes on him no matter what direction he was facing. Truly Reaver wasn’t playing around after their first meeting.

“He truly doesn't trust me at all after last time, does he?” Izuku muttered to himself as he felt all eyes on him.

Yunyun found his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, Causing him to look at her as she smiled and said, “Well, last time you were here, you almost broke the bank, and conned him into discontinuing one of his own slimy business ventures. Take it as a compliment, Glaer.”

“I guess that's one way to look at it. Thanks Yunyun,” He replied as they walked into the Dead Man's Den for the second time. One of the bouncers, who had dried blood on his cudgel, moseyed on over and said, “We got strict orders from the boss, you ain’t allowed to gamble here no more.”

“I'm not here to gamble. I'm here to talk to Reaver,” He told the slightly overweight bouncer, “Is he in?”

“What makes you think the boss is gonna want to talk with you?” The bouncer said with a sneer.

“What makes you think Reaver won't shoot you if you don't tell him I'm here?” Izuku rebutted easily, causing the bouncer to sweat nervously.

Swiping at his brow with the back of his hand, the bouncer finally relented and said, “The boss is upstairs in the back. I'll send someone to go get him. You can stay at the bar. Don't go near the tables.”

“I won't,” The drow promised, Before judging his thumb at the beauties behind him and saying, “But there's no reason why these lovely ladies shouldn't have a good time while they're here, right?”

“I suppose not,” The bouncer grumbled before walking away.

Holding up a gold coin, he said. “Here, take this, exchange it for chips and split them amongst yourselves and go have some fun, ladies. But try not to break the bank too quickly.”

“You're doing the same plan again?” Yunyun said with a chuckle.

“I'm not doing anything. You all are,” He said with a knowing grin in his tone as he sent them off. Everyone but Setsuna and Yanyan left his side.

“I don't think it would be a good idea to leave you alone in this place for a second.”

“And I'm not leaving my mistress, or your back unguarded alpha.” Setsuna replied, daring him to contradict her. By this point, unless it was an emergency, or they were in the heat of combat, Izuku learned better than to try and force any of the women he knew to do something they didn't want to do. So he just shrugged and said. “Let's go to the bar.”

Saddling up to a stool, Izuku said, “Three beers please.”

“Coming right up, kid.” The bartender, a hunchback old man who was bald on the top of his head and missing an eye, replied.

Once he was served, he took a tentative sip. Hoping against hope that it was as good as the brew at the Braying Ass’.  He was surprised to find not only did it taste just as good, it tasted almost identical. Saying as much caused the barkeep to grimace a bit. “Met my Brother Ernie, have you? Yeah, that beer is an old family recipe. Same with the bar. Been in the family for ages. Names Bert, by the way.”

“Ah, hello Bert-san… I’m Calenim Glaer and these are my companions Yunyun and Setsuna. If you don't mind me asking, why are you working here at The Dead Man's Den, instead of with your brother?”

We had a bit of a falling out a few years back after Dad passed.” Burt revealed. “I wanted to take the family recipe and globalize it, Make it the beer of the Kingdom. But Ernie? He wanted to keep everything down at our tiny little bar. In the end it came to blows and since I knew the recipe by heart.i And found someone who would ship my beer up and down the waterways of the Belzerg  Kingdom.”

“Reaver?” Izuku guessed.

“The very same,” The old hunchback replied. “While he takes 30% off the top in profits, I don't really have to do a thing, it's just I miss the bar keeping life, so I choose to work here. And your reputation precedes you, for you are an elf of renown already, Calenim Glaer. Nearly broke the bank last time you were here, if I recall correctly.”

“Well, I've been banned from playing cards again. You'll be happy to know,” The elf replied as he sipped his beer, savoring the taste.

“Yeah, shame, that. But the boss couldn't afford you breaking the bank every time you come in here.” Bert said honestly.

The drow just nodded in understanding, “I get it. Don't worry.”

Bert just looked at him a moment before shaking his head.“You've got to be the kindest, most level headed card player I've ever met. Most of them would be pissed off to be told they're not allowed to play cards here anymore.”

Finishing his beer, Izuku said, “I mean, for me it's not that big of a deal, Bert-san. I'm not that big on playing cards, even though I seem to be good at it.”

“Well, that's a relief. A real weight off my shoulders, if I do say so myself,” An oily, yet  silky smooth voice said from behind them. It was one Izuku knew well, and the very same one he'd come here to see.

Turning around on his stool, the Drow greeted politely, “Reaver,”

“Calenim Glaer, back again so soon? Why, it hasn't even been a week yet. Don't tell me you've missed me?” He tittered, chuckling as he smirked pompously.

“Not exactly, no.” The elf replied flatly before he got down to business. “I was on a rather odd quest the other day, hunting down a pantie thief of all things. During the hunt, I came across something odd and thought you might know something about it.”

“Oh? And what might that be?” The fallen hero asks, sounding bemused.

From the shadowy folds of his cloak, Izuku brought out the vile that he took from Flint's lair. “What can you tell me about this?”

“Ah, that.” Reaver said as he looked at it, comprehension dawning in his eyes. “It's a rather potent drug. A psychedelic meant to increase one's mental and magical capacity. They call it The Blue Genie, on the street. But its proper term is Wicker Weed.”

“Are you producing this stuff, Reaver?” Izuku just decided to ask him flat out.

Yet his question caused the fallen hero to cackle out loud. “Me produce.My dear boy, I am but a middle man. I move it up and down the coast, sell it where I can to make some extra change, and I certainly wouldn't think of using it myself. My skills are all natural. Thank you very much.”

Despite himself, the drow  found himself believing the fallen hero, “OK, so do you know who is selling this crap?”

“I do not. The manufacturer likes to keep himself or herself tucked deep in the shadows. But even if I did know, I wouldn't tell you. You've already cost me one avenue of revenue. I won't lose another to you.” The vagabond said as he narrowed his eyes at the dark elf.

“Yeah, about that…” Izuku began, just before a Guardsman came up to Reaver and frantically whispered something in his ear, Causing his mood to sour.

Reaver said with an aggrieved sigh, “Why is it Glaer, that every time you come here, someone almost breaks my bank?” “Coincidence?” Izuku said with a shrug.

Scanning his hawk-like gaze over the gambling tables and seeing many people with piles and piles of chips, Reaver said, “I don't believe in coincidences,” Turning back to the draw, he said blithely, “I believe all those lucky, lovely ladies belong to you… And is our own Wolbach one of them, no less? Hohoho! You almost get around as quickly as I do.”

“You said I couldn't gamble. You never said anything about the ladies I brought with me,” The dark elf said with a shrug. “They just so happen to be as lucky as I am.”

“Quite.” He said with a shark toothed grin, and a tone full of venom. “So what do you want this time?”

“Nothing. I just needed a little bit of extra cash and thought I'd sweat you a bit.”

“You ballsy bastard!” Reaver said with a laugh, “Also, just in case I was lying, you were going to drain me dry. I can't remember the last time a man did that to me properly. Maybe Andrew before Penelope burnt down my house. Shame he was such a heavy sleeper. He died in the fire.”

“Pity that,” Izuku agreed, before he sighed and said, “Well, since you don't know anything, I guess my girls and I'll just take our winnings and leave.” He gave a shrill whistle, getting everyone's attention, Before he gave a circular hand signal telling everyone it was time to leave.

Reaver grit his teeth as he saw all the girls collecting their chips. ‘I'll be out even more money than the last time he was here. I've got to give him something… Wait, maybe that.’ He decided. “Wait, wait. Maybe I can't tell you who makes the drugs, but I can tell you who I get them from. Let's just hold on a moment and negotiate,”

Pausing and looking back over his shoulder, the drow said, “I'm listening, Reaver, and perhaps  my lady friends here would be willing to part with, say, a third of their winnings. If your information isn't complete and utter bullshit that is.”

Aqua opened her mouth to protest this, only to be stopped by Nero, who covered her mouth with a hand and shook her head.

“I'm a lot of things, Calenim but I'm not a fool when it comes to being cheated out of my money. I promise you the information is good.”

“Let's hear it then.”

“There's a rather shifty man in the Belzurg royal capital. He seems harmless, but he's far from it. Ask for the head priest of the Eris religion. Then ask for a “special blessing” for you're going seafaring. That's the pass phrase. That'll let him know you're safe to sell to.”

Silently weighing the vagabond's words for a moment, Izuku finally spoke, “All right, I'm heading to Belzberg soon anyway. If this information checks out, all well and good. If I find out you're lying to us however, we'll come back and take what we're owed and don't think we're not able to. We're stronger than you realize, Reaver.”

“I'm beginning to see that for myself, little drow. I find myself half tempted to just outright ban anyone you come in with in the future from playing at the tables.”

“We both know you won't do that, Reaver. That'd be bad for business,” Izuku said with a shake of his head. “This is after all, a gambling house. You're gonna have to take a gamble with everyone that comes in here, like it or not. But as always, it's a pleasure doing business with you, “ Address the women he came in with, “ Ladies, if you would be so kind as to leave a third of your winnings on the table as a tip for your dealers, I would appreciate it. Now let's get out of here. We've got work to do.”

“I genuinely believe I'm beginning to hate that young drow.” Reaver said with a smirk on his lips as he watched him walk away, nearly breaking the bank of the Dead Man's Den for the second time since he's been here, and this time he never even picked up a card.

(...)

Word Count: 7063   Number of Pages: 16   Date Completed: 2/10/2024

(...)

AN: Welcome one and all to Hero’s Odyssey Chapter 4. Been a long time coming but it's finally done, and boy am I happy for it. Not much to say on this chap. A trip to Belzerg is up next with extra shenanigans coming up next. So everyone look forward to that whenever I get around to it. Till then, here’s Snowy and Hassan to round things off.

Snowy:

Hassan: