Wait! I'm not a Demigod, I'm a Gamer!

Chapter 15: Ascension

A mix of fire, ice, wind, lightning, and sand blast down on Yuuya, frightening everyone including the bandits. Sam screams at the top of his lungs, "Yuuya!" All there is left is a pile of smoke in the ground, Yuuya no where in sight. Sam drops to his knees as the women push the children away further into the forest, even the bandits looked at the scene with sympathy. Thorburn is the only one cheering over the loss. "Yes! Yes! Finally! That little fucker is dead! Hahahaha!" The creature growls, sensing a power surge in the air. Thorburn looks up at the creature, confused over its uneasiness. "What is wrong with you!? You took him out didn't you?" He sees a shadowed figure in the smoke, his heartbeat increasing at the absurdity. "N-no way...This-this is impossible!" The figure stands up, revealing the figure to be tall, but still resembled Yuuya due to the tall ears and bright violet eyes glowing through the smoke. Sam and the others gasp in shock, not believing at the fact that someone survived that attack. "Yu-Yuuya?" The smoke clears away, bringing the figure into the light. Everyone's eyes widen at what they see.
A tall man stands in the rubble, the tips of his tall ears were red but as the hair continue down the red faded into white, showcasing long silver white hair that stretches down his back. He's wearing the same clothes Yuuya was wearing earlier, looking a bit tighter on the man. The biggest detail of him was the fan of tails behind him that matched the color scheme as his ears. He had nine tails spread out as a peacock would display their feathers. The mark on his chest is still glowing, pulsing in sync with his heartbeat. The pupils in his eyes are thin slits resembling that of a cat's. The man is standing confidently, showing no sign of fatigue or fear despite being blasted by five powerful attacks. His eyes narrow in annoyance at the creature before him, his eyes shifting briefly to the hysterical man by its side. Thorburn falls on his butt, refusing to believe at the sight. "N-n-no...Th-th-this is not-not real! You-you-you can't be..." The man rolls his eyes and cracks his neck, ready for round two. "Well...Didn't think I had to resort to this." "Kinda surprised I could take on this form in this world...This is awesome! I get to be invincible for a couple of minutes. Yes!" Even though he's speaking in a dismissive manner, his inner thoughts are hyped up at his new form, thrilled at getting to try it out. The creature steps back more, roaring at Yuuya's new form in an attempt to be intimidating. Yuuya smirks confidently and crosses his arms, not the least bit worried. "Yeah, that ain't working." In a flash, Yuuya jumps and rears his fist back right before the creature's chest. "Nice try."
Yuuya punches right into the creature's chest, making it explode due to the impact. All five heads howl in agony as it steps back, its chest cavity pouring out blood and bone fragments. Despite the damage, the creature is still able to regenerate itself. Yuuya sighs, expecting this reaction. "Damn guess I still need to hit that weak point." Using his appraisal skill, Yuuya detects the small ball of light moving crazily within the creature, that last hit making it panic. As the creature continued to heal itself, Yuuya flies above it while coming up with a plan. "If I can't hit it directly, then I'll have to cook the entire thing..." A black space appears before him producing a metal shaft. Yuuya grips it hard and pulls it out of the black space, revealing a long spear. The shaft of the spear was gold, a few violet jewels in the middle, while the blade was a third of the shaft's length and gave off a blue and yellow glow, sparks popping up around the newly formed kitsune as he holds the weapon. Dark clouds form above everyone, thunder is heard from the distance. The hydra roars in anger, its regeneration fully restored its injury. Yuuya lifts up the spear, ready to throw. "Meet Thunderguard Impaler. Your executioner." The hydra roars one last time, intending to blast Yuuya, before being silenced as Yuuya threw the spear down right into its back. The weapon hits its mark, burying itself deep in its body. Yuuya raises his arm up, two finger pointed towards the sky, saying one word, "Judgement." Little sparks erupt from Yuuya's fingers before a giant bolt of lightning strikes down on the hydra, right onto the spear. The lightning coursing through the weapon and spreading across the hydra's body, burning it from the inside out. As the lightning destroys every cell of the creature, the heads seizes up trying to escape its death, until its body explodes, burnt body parts flying in a million directions. Only the spear remains in the ground, slightly smoking. Yuuya floats down and pulls his weapon out of the ground, smiling at his success. "Wasn't expecting such a deity to explode like that."
Once Yuuya stepped out of the shadows, everyone held their breath, shock evident on their faces. Sam stares with his mouth opened wide, amazed at the figure before him. "N-n-no way...Yuuya...really is...the revived kitsune!" Sam stands up slowly, walking backwards to his mother and sister. "I can't believe it. Is that really...Yuuya?" Evelyn questions as she holds Ruby closer, the little girl looking at the kitsune with stars in her eyes. "Oh my Goddess! Yuuya is a kitsune! Like from the stories!?" Several women stare hopefully as Yuuya fights the summoned hydra as bandits stare in fear. Sam says nothing as Ruby rips herself away from her mother, tugging on his shirt. "Is Yuuya really the revived kitsune from the prophecy!? Is he!?" Sam continues to stare dumbly as Yuuya pulls out his spear. Seeing the sky change, Sam picks Ruby up and runs into the trees. "Everyone get down!" The women and children scream as the bandits yell in surprise as a bright lightning bolt strikes the hydra making it explode. Sam peeks out his hiding spot slowly, seeing the kitsune, Yuuya, put away his spear in a black space. No one says a word as Yuuya looks around, searching for something. "Y-Yuuya?" Sam questions, drawing his attention.
"Y-Yuuya?" Hearing his name, Yuuya snaps his head towards the source of the voice, smiling brightly at seeing his friend safe and sound. "Sammy!" The man practically teleports to the surprised human and pulls him up into a hug. "I'm so glad you're okay! Your father told me what happened, I'm so so so sorry! I wasn't there when you needed me the most..." Sam chokes a little at the hug, trying to hug him back while comforting him. "It's-ack! It's okay. You *grunts* are here...Co-could you l-let go pl-please?" Yuuya releases him, worried he upset the man. Sam takes a few deep breaths then looks up at the kitsune. He opens his mouth to say something, no words coming out, worrying the man more. "Sam..." Yuuya's ears flatten when his friend still hasn't said a word. Thankfully, Ruby rushes up to the pair, jumping up on the kitsune. "Yuuya!" The man grunts as he catches her, laughing slightly at her enthusiasm. "Is that really you? Wow! You look so different! Are you a kitsune? Even your hair changed! That's amazing!" Yuuya sweat drops a little at her rapid comments and questions. Seeing an opening, Yuuya quickly responds, "Yes! It's really me. Yes, I am a kitsune right now. I don't always look like this, I had to shift to beat that mean monster. I know I look different." Ruby gasps loudly as Yuuya answers, shaking Sam out of his stupor state. "Yuuya. Are you...really a...kitsune?" Yuuya looks back at his friend and smiles shyly. "Right now yeah...But I really am a-" "No way!?" Yuuya turns behind him, holding Ruby tighter. Thorburn stumbles around the destroyed land, hands going up into his hair as he looks at the remains of the monster he summoned. "Th-th-this is im-impossible! This can't be happening..." He looks right Yuuya, eyes gone crazy. "What are you!?" Yuuya silently hands Ruby to Sam and stalks over to the deranged man. "What am I? I'll tell you. I-" as he speaks, his eye glow dangerously as the ground shift under his feet. "Am-" his arm glowing a green color. "A-" Once a few feet away, Yuuya leans down as the bandit leader flinches back, "Kitsune."
He raises his glowing arm, summoning his nature magic to form powerfully strong vines to wrap around Thorburn, ensnaring his prey. Thorburn tries to struggle out, his yells cut off as the vines cover his mouth. Seeing their leader captured, most of the bandits try to run away, not realizing Yuuya had already anticipated that and summoned more vines to trap the fleeing men. They all scream as vines wrap tightly around their limbs, immobilizing them. Yuuya puts his arm down and smirks at the bandit leader. He bends down to his level and whispers, "I did warn you. If you went near their village again, I would end you and your little gang." Thorburn's eyes widen as he struggles harder against his restraints, fearing his end. Yuuya glares down and holds the struggling man's head in place. "I will not be giving you another chance." He shrugs his head away and stands up. Giving the bandit one last glare before walking back to Sam and his family, seeing women and children nearby coming out of the woods slowly. "Is everyone okay?" Most of the villagers nod their heads, some voice out 'yes' to the concerned kitsune. Yuuya narrows his eyes as he sees many people with various injuries, his dearest friend containing the worst of the bunch. The kitsune raises both hands and closes his eyes, summoning his light magic, "Greater heal." A large magic circle of white light appears beneath his feet, stretching out to everyone around him, enveloping them in a warm white light. Their wounds disappearing as the light touches their skin. Sam gasps at the warm feeling that covers his entire body, feeling the pain vanishing instantly. Just as quick as it appeared, the magic circle disappears as Yuuya releases his light magic. He opens his eyes and sees everyone well and healthy once more, smiling as Sam stares at his body in amazement. "Better?" Sam snaps his head up and smiles warmly. "Better. Thank you." He puts Ruby down and walks up to Yuuya, hugging him the moment he's close enough, catching his friend off guard. "You came back...for us." Yuuya smiles and hugs him back. "Of course...I care about you...all of you."
They hug for a few seconds before letting go, relieved to be together again. Yuuya summons all the tied up bandits to him, making them mumble loudly through their gags. He motions for the women and children to come closer. "We're a bit far from the village, but luckily! I can get you all back in no time." Yuuya holds out his hands and summons his light magic once more, a new and different magic circle appearing below them. "Greater teleportation." A bright light envelopes everyone, blinding them in the process, as the circle shines until they disappear instantly.
The men back at the village are trying to mend their ruined homes, putting broken pieces to the side as repairs are being done. They manage to put out the last of the fires and pull up the gates with ropes and pulleys. Rick is seen directing everyone while occasionally looking past the gates, waiting for their return. A couple of men walk up to Rick, carrying new supplies over. "Rick! We got the last of the iron wood, where you want them?" Rick snaps over to men and takes a look at his list. "Uuhhh give that to Miss Beck.. Her inn is missing an entire wall." The men nod and head over to her inn. Rick sighs as he looks over his list. "Goddess...I hope everyone is okay...I hope Yuuya made it in time." Suddenly, a magic circle appears in the center of the town catching all the men's attention. A bright light blinds them, causing them to look away as they wait. When the light died down, Rick looks up and his eyes widen. Women, children, and tied up bandits replace the magic circle. They look around, surprised at the new scenery. "M-Maryanne?" A man calls out. After that, several men call out to the women and children, tears of joy fill their eyes. The women and children respond back, equally relieved to be back. Soon everyone is rushing to each other, hugging, thankful their families were whole once again. Rick pushes through, trying to find his beloved family until a head of red hair catches his attention. "Evie! Ruby! Samuel!" Three heads look over at him, eyes wide in disbelief. Rick's eyes are overflowing with tears as he runs past people and bear hugs his loved ones. "Thank the Goddess you're alright! I was so worried..." They hug him back in earnest, thrilled to be together again. "Daddy!" Ruby cries out, squeezing his neck hard. "Dad..." Sam mumbles out, tears flowing down his cheeks. "Rick you're okay..." Evelyn says happily, no longer holding back her emotions. Yuuya watches from afar, happy that everyone was back. His presence is soon remembered as Ruby yells out, "Look daddy! Yuuya is a kitsune!" Almost instantly, everyone turns to look at him, making the poor man blush at the attention. "Uhhh...Hi..." The men only stare in shock as Rick puts Ruby down and slowly walks up to the kitsune. They stare at each other for a few seconds before Rick drops to the ground on his hands and knees, his head bowing low as he exclaims, "Great kitsune! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing our families back. We have done you wrong and treated you poorly even though you have given us nothing but support and kindness. Please spare them and punish me and me alone." Yuuya blinks in surprise, confused over what is transpiring right in front of him. Soon everyone is bowing their heads to him, even Sam, Ruby, and Evelyn follow suit, making Yuuya panic and wave his arms around. "Wait wait wait! This is so sudden! I'm not mad honest! Surprised sure, hurt a little, but I'm not mad! I don't blame any of you." Seeing no one move, Yuuya tries again, "Please sir get up! This is too much...I feel like I should be bowing to you...I was the one that left your village vulnerable..." Still no reaction. "Please. This-this is awkward...I'm only seventeen...Please get up..." Finally, Rick looks up and slowly stands up, making Yuuya breathe out in relief. "Mr. O'Connell. I made a promise, to bring back your family and everyone that was taken from the village...I do not want any payments. I was just honoring my word...Plus..." He looks straight at Sam and smiles sadly. "I care about you...all of you...I wasn't gonna leave you..." He holds out his hand and looks at Rick hopefully, "You're all my family..." Rick stares at his hand for a moment and slowly extends his own hand until he grasps Yuuya's, giving it a light shake. "You're too good for us son..." Rick gives him a small smile that is returned with a smile of his own. The entire village cheer in celebration. Whispering quietly Rick questions, "Are you really only seventeen?" The kitsune blushes lightly and nods his head. "Yeah..." Rick nods back and mutters, "He really is Sam's age..."
Yuuya lets go of Rick's hand and nods his head at the multiple bandits tied up. "I got these men all wrapped up nicely for you. Think you can get them situated in a cell?" Rick glares at the bandits, specifically at a certain bandit leader, and nods in agreement. "You can count on us to handle all that." Yuuya smiles and walks over to Sam. He scans his body once more, double checking for any wounds he might've missed. "Are you sure you're okay Sam? Does it hurt anywhere?" Sam laughs and shakes his head. "I'm good honest." Sam looks up and can't help but admire his friend's new form. "Gotta say Yuuya you look...different." Yuuya chuckles and rubs his head. "Yeah...I don't usually change into this form unless it's an emergency." Suddenly remembering his circumstances, Yuuya panics, "Crap! I'm still in this form! Crap!" Yuuya looks around and groans, already dreading what's to come next. Sam stares worriedly at Yuuya as he grabs his arms. "Hey hey hey! Is everything okay?" Yuuya shakes his head and looks at Sam, already feeling his ascension skill starting to wear off. "I will be just...don't panic okay." His vision started to get fuzzy as his form started to shift. "I'm okay...I'm just...out of...mana..." Yuuya's vision goes dark as his form shifts back, Sam screaming at him.
"Yuuya!" Sam screams as his friend's eyes roll in the back of his head, barely catching him in time. Yuuya's body shrinks, his hair fading back to its original color scheme, his tails disappearing until only one remains. Sam carefully lays Yuuya's body down, holding his head as he gently slaps his cheek. "Yuuya...Yuuya! Wake up! Are you okay? Yuuya!" The beast-man remains unresponsive, unaware of his friend's gentle taps. Rick rushes over and kneels next to his son. "Samuel! What's wrong? Is he okay?" Sam shakes his head and leans down to Yuuya's chest to listen. Soft beats is heard, indicating the beast-man to still be alive. "He's still breathing, but he's not waking up...I don't know what happened to him..." Tears of fear fill his eyes as his friend breathes softly. Rick touches Yuuya's neck, checking for any abnormalities. Detecting none, Rick looks back at Sam. "Did he say anything?" Sam takes a moment to think back on what Yuuya said before he collapsed. A thought suddenly pops up. "He-he said th-that he wa-was running out of m-mana." Stutters the frightened man. Rick nods and gently takes Yuuya out his son's arms. "Must be mana sickness then. Let's get him to bed. He'll need to rest for a while." Rick stands slowly, holding Yuuya bridal style, and makes his way to his home, his family right behind him as the entire village watch in concern, praying for their savior's wellbeing.