** setting/facial/emotional change
'' thinking

() author notes
[] reading
Words spell casting _______________________________________________________________________________________

*Streets of Axel*

Panic, fear, mayhem, distress. These are all words that could describe the state of the town after the alarm was sounded. And over and over this same messaged was blasted out by Luna.

Luna: *emergency broadcast* Destroyer alert! Destroyer alert! The mobile fortress, Destroyer, is currently approaching this city! All citizens must evacuate immediately! Adventurers, equip yourselves and report to the guild! 

Feeling the sense of danger, I rushed over to the mansion. With a crack of the reins, Boga went galloping down the streets towards the mansion as she managed to hit any of the citizens running in a frenzy in the town. It wasn't long before a new message was broadcast.

Luna: *emergency broadcast* All citizens must evacuate immediately! Adventurers, equip yourselves and report to the guild!

Suddenly, a number of adventurers started head towards the guild, away from where I was going.

Random Adventurer: *shocked* Hey! Where ya going?! The guild is this way!

(Y): *stern* I have to go check on my party first!

I kept riding on as in a matter of seconds, I came upon the mansion as I saw Kazuma, Darkness, Megumin, Astarte, Yui, Tiko, and Aqua all standing outside. The odd thing about it was that Aqua was pulling a cart with a lot of our possessions inside it.

Aqua: *worried* Well don't just stand there, start gathering our stuff, we got to leave!

Astarte: *relieved* Look, (Y/N)'s back!

I pulled up to the mansion as I yanked on Boga's reins to get her to stop.

(Y): *shocked* What's going on, why are you guys packing up everything?

Aqua: *scared* Didn't you hear, the Mobile Fortress Destroyer is coming this way! 

Kazuma: *confused* The what?

Megumin: *packing up* The Mobile Fortress Destroyer. It'll be suicide to fight something so fearsome. 

Kazuma: *upset* Can someone tell me what a destroyer is?!

(Y): *stern* More importantly, can you tell me why you are choosing to run away from this while so many other people are planning to give up their lives to fight this thing? Shouldn't we stick by those we see everyday in the guild? 

Darkness: *stern* The Destroyer is an ancient weapon, and wherever it storms through, it leaves nothing but grass.

Astarte: *stern* We've even heard talk of it in my kingdom. It's said to be able to scale mountains in mere minutes, maybe even seconds if it doesn't reduce them to rubble. 

(Y): *stern* I'm not about to about to abandon the town we've defeated a demon general for just because some robot is coming this way.

Kazuma: *stern* He's right, we have to go to the guild!

Aqua: *shocked* Don't tell me you've gone crazy too!

Kazuma: *dramtic* We worked our asses to the bone for this house, and I'm not about to let anything happen to it!

*Timeskip*

We made our way back to the guild as we did bring Yui and Tiko, but I also brought Boga in case things didn't work out well. My plan would be to let Astarte, Yui, and Tiko escape on Boga, and if possible the others as well. We went inside as we saw a large number of adventurers already gathered here, many of which I remember seeing from both the cabbage harvest and our battle with Beldia.

Luna: *worried* You are the only hope this town has. Thank you, for putting your lives on the line to help. 

Guild Worker: *stern, holding blue orb* Okay everyone, our intel shows that the Mobile Fortress Destroyer is approaching from the Northwest. Our town stands directly in its path. It will be at our walls within one hour.

While the worker was talking, the orb showed us a video of the destroyer as it was a giant mechanical spider-like tank that was much taller than any of the walls in Axel.

 This thing would seriously level Axel just by stepping on it. Soon, a bird was seen flying over the destroyer as a series of lasers shot out at the bird before killing it, causing us to also lose visual of the destoryer. 

Female adventurer: *scared* Q-Question, I heard that it was made a long time ago, with advanced magical technology. Can't we ask it's creators how to neutralize it, or how to break its magic barrier?

Luna: *sadly* When the destroyer was activated, its creators were the first ones to die.

(Y): *blunt, in thought* 'Well that's reassuring. Are chances are pretty low as they are, I mean we're a town filled with noob adventurers.'

Male Adventurer: *worried* If Kyouya were here, he'd know what to do.

Male Adventurer 2: *nervous* Yeah, how come he ain't here?

Chris: *stern* Face it, we should get out of here while we can.

Darkness: *dramatic* We cannot, it is our duty to protect the homes of the townspeople. 

Chris: *sighs, shakes head* I swear Darkness, you can be so stubborn sometimes. *looks to me, knocks on head* Hey, you, got any bright ideas?

I stood there deep in thought for a second, the odds really were stacked against us this time. Beldia was powerful, but even he didn't have a magical barrier to protect him......That's it!

(Y): *stern* Though the battle is an uphill one, it's not an impossible one. *turns to Aqua* Do you think your dispel magic could pierce or remove the destroyer's barrier?

Aqua: *confused* I don't know unless I try.

Luna: *concerned* Are you saying you can break the destroyer's magic barrier?

(Y): *stern* We aren't saying anything for certain, but I'm willing to hope it works rather than give up and throw in the towel.

Astarte: *smiles* I'm with him too. It may not be the best plan, but it's far better than no plan.

Luna: *concerned* Alright, but we still need the firepower to defeat it.

(Y): *stern* If Aqua can manage to take down the barrier, a full frontal magical assault should be able to take out the destroyer, so it will take our strongest magic casters. *smirks, turns to Megumin* Perhaps you know someone who can help in that department?

Megumin: *smirks* Ku ku ku, I just might know someone who can lend a powerful explosion spell.

Male Adventurer 3: *stern* Oh yeah, that little nutjob packs a whallop with her magic.

Male Adventurer 4: *smiles* Yeah, that crazy one took out a horde of zombies not too long ago. She can definitely take out the destoryer.

Megumin: *upset* At least refer to me by my name! Do it or I'll show you just how crazy I am! I'll incinerate you all, right here and now!

Darkness: *stern* Your explosion magic should give us the edge we need to win this battle. It could save the town.

Megumin: *sweatdrops* Wwwweeeeelllllll-

Everyone: *shocked* Even she's doubting it!!!!!!!

Megumin: *nervous* As powerful as it is, I doubt it's powerful enough to take it down in one blow.

(Y): *stern* Then we'll need a way to get someone else to launch an explosion spell as well. Does anyone else here know explosion magic?

The room grew silent as people looked towards other wizards and magic casters, hoping one of them knew the spell, but it seemed no one else knew the powerful spell.

????: *concerned* Excuse me, sorry I'm late!

From behind a few adventurers, a single hand shot up as people moved aside to reveal that it was Wiz who had come to the guild.

Wiz: *sweetly* I'm Wiz, owner of the magic item shop. I also happen to be a certified adventurer and I've come to help however I can. 

Male Adventurer 5: *excited* The shopkeeper's here!

Male Adventurer 6: *excited* She's broke but she's no joke!

Male Adventurer 7: *excited* Dirt poor shopkeeper for the win!

Everyone began to cheer as I couldn't help but feel that they were celebrating a little early. Perhaps it's because WE HAVEN'T EVEN TAKEN DOWN THE DESTROYER TO BEGIN WITH! LET ALONE FINISH OUR PLAN TO STOP IT!!!!!!

(Y): *blunt* I appreciate your enthusiasm for her, though calling her dirt poor isn't exactly the most kind of terms. *confused* I can't help but ask, why are you treating her as some celebrity?

Dust: *smirks* Dude, you don't know her? Before she opened her shop here, she had a rep for being a powerful Arch-Wizard.

(Y): *in thought* 'And now she's a lich, but if she was an Arch-Wizard before, is it possible she also knows explosion like Megumin? Perhaps if she does then we can take this destroyer down with ease.'

Luna: *dramatic, spinning around* Alright, everyone! The emergency quest will now begin! 

*Timeskip*

The citizens and a few adventurers began setting up wooden reinforcements for the walls of Axel I was helping them out. I had Astarte stick with Yui, Tiko, and Boga while Kazuma and Megumin were with Aqua, trying to give her the confidence to use her magic against the Mobile Fortress Destroyer. I had looked around for Darkness but could not seem to find her. Then, I got to thinking and I had an idea of where I would find her at. I walked out of the city walls and saw that out in the distance, there she stood, radiant and regally. She seemed like a statue of a true knight or a glorious princess that was ready to fight to protect her people. I approached her as she made no attempt to look at me or even acknowledge my being there.

(Y): *smirks* I assumed you would be out here, though I sense that my original beliefs are not as true as I believe.

Darkness: *stern* If your belief is that I'm out here because of my of my usual behavior, then you are correct that your belief is wrong. I am a knight, and I put duty before desire. 

(Y): *smiles* And it is an honorable thing to do. However, I do believe that some part of your desire made this decision as you are out here, on the front lines, away from everyone else who could help you in anyway.

Darkness: *twitches, recomposes herself* Still, it is my duty to protect the people of this town. They might not know why or care, but it is my duty.

(Y): *smiles* Because of your parentage and your nobility? I must say, it is rather interesting to see a person of nobility at the front lines of battle to defend a town of what to them is commoners. I commend you for that.....*snickers* Lalatina.

Darkness: *embarrassed* Don't make fun of my name!

(Y): *happy* Still, all joking aside, I've very to have met a person like yourself, Darkness. You may not have the best intentions all the time, but I am at least glad you have a desire to do what is morally right. Besides, if we were talking about those who weren't doing things for the right reasons, a certain arch-priest has you covered.

Darkness: *smiles* I'm thankful that you see me that way. I know that I don't always make the best choices, but at the end of the day, I must serve as a knight and fulfill my duty.

(Y): *happy* I'm grateful that you joined our party......*snickers* Lalatina.

Darkness: *embarrassed* I said don't make fun of my name!!!!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Darkness & (Y): *dramatic* Konosuba!

It wasn't long before we heard Luna's voice come over the emergency broadcast as we also felt the ground tremble slightly.

Luna: *through megaphone* Attention everyone! The Destroyer will be in sight shortly! Perpare yourselves for battle!

The tremors seemed to get stronger as soon we saw the side of mountain break down and collapse to reveal the Destroyer in its destructive horror. It was even bigger in person than what we saw in the orb. From smokestacks, fire and smoke spewed out like the mouths of dragons, and from holes on the side, water was shooting out like gushing waterfalls. From the bottom side, three bright red searchlights shot down and began skimming the land, in hopes of finding something to may set off its defenses.

(Y): *stern* Let's get back to the others.

Darkness: *stern* You go, I still have a duty to serve.

 (Y): *sighs* Fine, but at least be safe. No one has to die today.

I ran back to the walls of Axel as I saw Kazuma with Megumin at the top of one of the structural pillars for the wall. Using a force jump, I scaled the wall easily as I saw Megumin shaking in fear. On the other pillar, stood Wiz and Aqua as Wiz stood composed and somewhat relaxed while Aqua was scared and trembling similar to how Megumin was shaking.

Kazuma: *worried* This isn't going to be easy.

(Y): *stern* As long as we stick to the plan, and don't cower, we can win this battle and bring an end to The Destroyer.

Aqua: *worried, shouting* Hey Wiz, you can do this right?! 

Wiz: *somewhat calmly* I'll give it my best shot lady Aqua. I might not look it, but I'm the highest strength of undead.

Aqua: *Worried* So does that mean yes or no?!

Wiz: *smiles* If I should happen to fail, then we shall all return to the dust together.

Aqua: *upset* Quit joking around you! That's not even funny! *to us* Hey, Kazuma, are you guys okay over there?!

Kazuma looked at Megumin before looking at me nervously.

(Y): *stern* Aqua, you just focus on putting all your power into your dispel spell, Wiz, you focus on using the most powerful Explosion you can, and Megumin, you do the same. We can only do this if we keep calm and work together!

Aqua: *scared* Easy for you to say! You're not the one with all the pressure on your back!

Megumin: *scared* I-I'll d-de-estroy it w-w-with my exp-p-p-plosion-

(Y): *stern* Hold, it's not time yet.

The Destroyer started walking forwards towards us as it was time to put our plan into action.

(Y): Aqua, time to use that magic of yours.

Aqua then summoned her staff as it fell from the heavens above. The flower bud on the top of her staff opened as she began to spin the staff above her head. She was surrounded by a pink aura as the light shone brighter and brighter by each second.

Aqua: *dramatic* Sacred DISPEL!

Five magic circles then appeared in front of her, each one large enough to encompass a building as the 5 shot out a golden beam of magic as all 5 collided with the destroyer, or rather, its barrier that appeared before the beams hit it. The barrier seemed to be holding as the destroyer and Aqua had a power struggle over who would win. Aqua then let out a yell as her 5 beams combined to form one giant, even more powerful beam shot out and struck the barrier, managing to break through it and making the Destroyer vulnerable to attack.

(Y): *excited* Now's our chance! Wiz! Megumin! Give it everything you've got!

Wiz: *determined* I'm all set! You ready Megumin?

We looked over to Megumin who was clutching her staff close to her as she continued to tremble.

Kazuma: *annoyed* Come on, what's the hold up? You said you loved explosion magic! Are you just going to stand there and let Wiz show you up?

(Y): *annoyed* Hurry up and use that explosion, or do you think that it's too weak to even scratch that Destroyer?!

Megumin: *upset* How dare you?! Don't you speak like that to me! Questioning my skill is worse than making fun of my name!!! *sticks out staff and flaps cloak* You boys want an explosion?! I shall show you an explosion!!!!

From there, both Wiz and Megumin began to chant the explosion spell chant as over them massive magic circles appeared as the sky turned pitch black and the Destroyer kept of charging towards Axel. When the two finished their chant, they directed the spell forward as with a mighty shout of-

Wiz, Megumin: *dramatic* EXPLOSION!!!!!!!!

-the two launched twin beams of burning explosive energy as the two coiled around one another. The two beams shot out and struck the Destroyer and a powerful chaotic explosion. The two explosion spells managed to destroy the legs of the Destroyer as the machine came crashing down, tearing about the ground it as it kept sliding forwards before it came to a stop right in front of Darkness, less than a foot in front of him. 

The dust settled and the Destroyer was not budging. The plan worked and everything worked out perfectly........almost too perfectly. 

(Y): *skeptical* We did it?

Suddenly, we heard a crash as we turned to see Megumin had fallen over, obviously because she had drained her energy using her explosion. 

Megumin: *sad, exhausted, groans* That's a lich for ya. Her power will always be greater than mine. So frustrating. 

(Y): *patting her head* You did great, you and Wiz both took out the destroyer, neither of you could have done it on your own. Also, we're sorry about what we said, we just had to motivate you to stop being a coward.

Suddenly, the air was filled with the sounds of cheers as I couldn't help but feel that the people were celebrating too early.

Aqua: *excited* Wow that it's done, let's hit the bar! I can't wait to collect the reward! 

Kazuma: *worried* Shut up you idiot! you're big mouth is going to get us killed!

All of a sudden, there was a noise and a red flash as we turned to see the eyes of the Destroyer flashing, as it soon repeated over and over and over again. 

(Y): *blunt* Well that can be anything but good.

Destroyer: *broadcast* Critical Damage! Attention, all crew members, evacuate immediately! Self destruct sequence engaged! Self destruct sequence engaged!

It kept repeating that phrase as now our mission has changed. Instead of us stopping the Destroyer from trampling the village, we have to keep it from exploding, or, alternatively, we could run and get out of the blast range possibly.

(Y): *stern* Kazuma, get Aqua and Wiz and go find Astarte. I'm going to get Darkness.

Megumin: *worried* What am I?! Chopped liver?!

(Y): *picks up Megumin* Nope!

I then jumped off the pillar down to the ground below, using the force to slow my descent. The adventurers from before had already ran away back into the walls of Axel. I rushed over to Darkness as she still remained still as she hadn't even moved an inch since the Destroyer broke down. Something I couldn't understand is that when I approached her, I heard a slight humming noise, but it wasn't coming from the Destroyer.

(Y): *worried* Darkness, we need to go now. I'm sorry but we've done all we can and now this thing is going to blow itself up and destroy everything.

Darkness: *stoic* I cannot withdraw until the battle is over. No matter how mighty the enemy, a knight must always stand her ground.

(Y): *impressed* Wow, Darkness.

Darkness: *heavy breathing* When I think about exposing myself to a bomb big enough to vaporize a whole town, *voice softens* I feel~.....

(Y): oh no.

Darkness: *blushing* I feel a rising excitement that I have never felt before! *squirming* Will I be able to