KONOSUBA

Chapter 22: The Night of Malevolent Revelry

The town of Axel was buzzing with excitement. Halloween night had transformed the normally tranquil town into a vibrant, bustling festival. Lanterns carved into grotesque faces lined the streets, casting an eerie yet festive glow. Stalls offering a plethora of treats and games were scattered everywhere, their proprietors calling out to the revelers.

Megumin, Aqua, Yunyun, and Darkness were among the merry crowd, each adorned in their chosen costumes. Megumin had opted for a more dramatic take on her usual attire, enhancing her witchy look with an oversized hat and glowing staff. Aqua, ever the performer, wore a shimmering gown that sparkled with an ethereal light, making her look like a celestial spirit. Yunyun had chosen a more traditional Halloween costume, dressed as a ghost with a cute yet spooky flair, while Darkness had donned a formidable set of black armor, exuding both menace and allure.

They wandered from stall to stall, sampling treats, playing games, and immersing themselves in the festivities. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and the thrill of Halloween.

"I think this year's festival is the best one yet!" Megumin exclaimed, biting into a candied apple.

"It certainly is lively," Darkness agreed, her eyes scanning the crowd. "I'm glad we could all come together."

Aqua, ever the glutton, was already eyeing the food stalls hungrily. "I'm going to get more food. I'll be right back!"

Before the others could protest, Aqua had dashed off, her gown shimmering as she weaved through the crowd.

"Be careful, Aqua!" Yunyun called after her, but Aqua was already lost in the sea of people.

Aqua's search for food led her deeper into the bustling streets. She marveled at the variety of treats, from pumpkin pies to roasted meats. As she reached out to grab another snack, she noticed a familiar figure slipping into an alleyway.

"Kazuma?" she whispered, her curiosity piqued.

Kazuma's figure seemed to meld with the shadows, disappearing further into the alley. Suspicion gnawed at Aqua. She decided to follow him, her steps light and cautious.

"Kazuma! Where are you going?" she called softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

The alley was dark and narrow, a stark contrast to the lively festival outside. Aqua felt a shiver run down her spine as she ventured further in. She could sense something was wrong. The festive noise faded, replaced by an eerie silence.

Suddenly, Kazuma vanished into the darkness. Aqua halted, her heart pounding in her chest. It was then she sensed it—a malevolent presence lurking nearby.

"A demon..." she breathed, her instincts kicking in. She began to channel her purification magic, ready to cleanse the area.

But before she could release her spell, a figure stepped out of the shadows. It was Kazuma—or rather, someone wearing Kazuma's body. His eyes glinted with a malevolent light.

"Vanir?" Aqua gasped, realizing too late the danger she was in.

With a swift motion, Vanir cast a binding spell, wrapping Aqua in invisible chains. She struggled against the bonds, her magic still surging within her.

"You won't get away with this!" she cried, her voice echoing off the alley walls.

Vanir merely chuckled. "Such bravado from a mere goddess. You amuse me, Aqua."

Aqua's eyes burned with determination. Despite the bindings, she focused her energy and cast her purification magic. A brilliant light emanated from her, but Vanir merely grinned, absorbing the impact.

"You'll need more than that to defeat me," he sneered.

Aqua's heart sank. She didn't recognize Kazuma, not in this form, and Vanir's power was overwhelming. As she prepared to cast another spell, Vanir moved with inhuman speed, striking her with an iron rod. Pain exploded in her head, and the world spun into darkness as she collapsed.

Vanir hefted Aqua's unconscious body and carried her deeper into the alley. At the end, where the walls converged, he set her down and began to chant. Icy winds swirled around them, and a thick layer of frost began to encase Aqua, solidifying into a massive iceberg.

"There," Vanir said with satisfaction, admiring his handiwork. "You'll be out of the way for now, goddess."

With an evil grin, he ascended to the rooftops, surveying the festival below. The sight of the revelers brought a twisted pleasure to his heart. His gaze fell upon Megumin, Darkness, and Yunyun, who were anxiously searching for Aqua.

"It's time to begin the real festivities," Vanir murmured to himself, conjuring a magic loudspeaker. His voice boomed across the town square, drawing everyone's attention.

"Citizens of Axel! Prepare yourselves for a special treat!" he announced, his voice dripping with malice.

The crowd cheered, thinking it was part of the Halloween fun. Only Darkness, her eyes sharp and focused, recognized the voice behind the mask.

"Kazuma..." she whispered, her heart tightening with worry. But she remained calm, her warrior's instincts on high alert.

Vanir's clay copies had infiltrated the crowd, their presence unnoticed. As he watched from his vantage point, Vanir's grin widened. "Enjoy the feast, everyone!" he declared.

In an instant, the clay copies began to explode, one after another. Panic erupted as the streets were engulfed in chaos. The explosions sent people flying, injuring many. Screams filled the air as the crowd scattered in terror.

Megumin, Darkness, and Yunyun were caught in the blast radius. Megumin was thrown against a stall, the impact knocking the wind out of her. Darkness shielded Yunyun with her body, but even her formidable armor couldn't fully protect them from the force of the explosions. Both were injured, their bodies battered and bruised.

Vanir's laughter echoed through the night, a sound of pure evil. He reveled in the destruction, his eyes gleaming with dark delight.

The once joyous festival had turned into a nightmare. As the dust settled, the injured groaned and cried out for help. Megumin struggled to her feet, her vision blurred and her head pounding. She spotted Darkness and Yunyun, both trying to recover from the blasts.

"We have to stop him," Megumin gasped, determination fueling her despite the pain.

Darkness nodded, her expression grim. "But we need to find Aqua first."

Vanir, watching from above, relished their despair. "This is only the beginning," he murmured, preparing for his next move.

The town of Axel had never faced a threat like this before. With Aqua frozen and Kazuma under Vanir's control, the odds seemed insurmountable. But Megumin, Darkness, and Yunyun weren't about to give up. They would fight with every ounce of strength they had, determined to save their friend and their town from the grip of malevolent revelry.