The Strongest Hero (Reader X Harem)

Chapter 18

Bad news :/
Welp, I told ya.

The MC from now on shall be named Azrael, but you're free to ignore that of course.

Please enjoy the chapter ;D
** Thought
[] Tensa Zangetsu
{} Katen
-
When Azrael entered the crypt, he noticed that it wasn't just some kind of crypt, it was a full-blown mausoleum. On the left side, there were some random skulls and on the right paintings of family members. The boy ignored the stray skulls and proceeded deeper into the crypt. At the center of the room was an altar, nothing ordinary about it. As he was approaching the altar, spiritual beings rose from the many graves.
"Sigh, Wraiths. Knew this wouldn't be easy." Said the boy as he took his sword from the scabbard.
*Moments later*
*Last of the surprises? Sure hope so.*
[Tough bunch those guys, you alright?]
*Yah, I think so.*
{Be careful I can sense something else nearby.}
*I'll keep that in mind.*
Unbeknownst to Azrael, the Wraiths he was fighting were not ordinary, after he put them to rest, instead of disappearing, they left a rarity behind, amethyst dust.
*W-Wha?! This is a rarity! These things cost a shit-ton!*
[Lucky day eh? A date and easy money, pretty good.]
*Why thank you.*
As Azrael finally wiped the black blood off of his sword, he took a look around and discerned that there was nothing else worthwhile to look at, he then approached the altar.
"T-The demon-slayer? I think that's what the sword is called, no? Must be. Aha, Gaunter was wrong, the sword wasn't put in a chest, it was put here as a display, guess he didn't know everything now did he? Now for the ritual. Gotta spread the incense throughout the crypt, every room. Oh lord, this oughta take a while."
After Azrael was done with the 1st part of the task, it was now time for the chant.
[You still know the chant?]
*Uhhh, fire and blood? Something along those lines?*
[...I'll help you if you don't know.]
*Thanks, what about you Katen? Don't think you've done anything useful till now, what's up?*
{Don't mind me, I'm just here to enjoy the adventure.}
*Fair enough...*
As Az thought that, it was now time for the chant.
"This oughta sound cringy, oh god." He then straightened his back and bowed before the altar. "Life and death, fire and blood. Return and kill midst the living, ye who hath departed. Arise as a pawn, for I shall be your master. Arise from the dust, ye whose ash I have brought..." Azrael then took a glance around. "Did it work?"
{Yes it did, it's now the time to light the main votive to continue the ritual.}
*Alright*
Azrael stood before the altar and ignited it, he then proceeded to chant once again.
"Fire and blood, life and death. I summon ye whose ash I have brought." Az then spilled the ash on top of the fire. "Awaken, O' ancient sword."
From the dark, an elderly ghost awakened.
"You have summoned me, stranger. Why?" The elderly ghost said.
"Name's Azrael and to be honest you're not the one I came for, I'm looking for a sword."
"Who you are and why you're here matters me little, for you're not going to leave this place alive!"
"Are you the sword's owner?"
And from the dark, another one awakened, this time an elderly lady. "Who asks after the sword?" she said.
"It matters not, Honorontina." The old ghost said. "What I wonder is how this half-blood obtained the ash of the sword. For only a Von Everec shall wield that sword."
"True." Another ghost said. "To my knowledge, only one of our line yet lives - Olgierd and he would not be one to give the ash to a stranger..."
"Then we converse with the man who spilt the blood of your grandson, Kestasis."
"Meaning none of you own the sword? It's Olgierd who sent me after it."
"You will meet the master of the sword soon enough. Yet Olgierd you will never see again."
The elderly ghosts then attacked Azrael.
[Killing them would not be an issue, they're already dead. Just bombard with a fire spell.]
*Got it.*
Azrael then lifted both his hands and chanted the spell. "Aspect of the devil! Hellfire!" And thus, the ghosts disappeared into naught but ash.
*Always so stubborn these old folk...*
And out of nowhere, a spirit rose from the altar.
"My, my. Ornery whoresons, those von Everecs, aren't they?"
"And you are? Do you too wish to be reduced to cinders?"
"Naye, I'm fine. I am the rogue you seek, Vlodimir von Everec, brother to Olgierd."
"I am looking for a sword tho, not some half-assed mercenary."
"Ouch, that hurt. Uh, forgot that I can't even scratch my balls. Though in point of fact, they've not itched much since I've died."
"Didn't want to fight your family, they started it."
"I'm dead, not blind. I preferred to see how you'd handle those snobby pricks. And grandmum too. Besides, what harm could you do to them? They're dead as it is."
"Fair point," Azrael states.
Vlodimir then took on a serious expression.
"Now tell me how you got the ash. If you hurt Olgierd, I fear I shall have to kill you."
"Relax, I got it from a... mutual acquaintance of mine and Olgierds. I'm here on important business."
"Hm, I'm a swiving corpse. With no interest in important matters - yours or anyone else's. The sole thing I miss is feasting, corporal diversions and so to speak, but alas..."
"I'll cut to the chase, I'm here for your sword."
And then, from out of nowhere, Azrael got an answer he didn't expect to get.
"Sure, take it."
*Wat.*
"Y-You serious?"
Vlodimir then replies. "Ya, why not? I'm dead. No need for that sword, here, take it.
Azrael then took the sword with a face of disbelief.
"I- I think I'll head out now." Said the confused Azrael.
"Sure, remember to greet my brother and remind him to visit me."
"W-Will do..."
And thus, the 1st wish of Olgierd was done.
*What the fuck*
[I don't know]
{Yay? I guess?}
*The fuck*
[I know how you feel.]
*Welp, that's done then.*
[It's time boy.]
*It indeed is. She's waiting for me outside. I'll have to prepare myself.*
As Azrael went outside expecting to see Ahri, but unfortunately, she wasn't there.
*Where is she?*
After taking a look around. Azrael discerned that there was a letter nearby on a boulder.

-I'm sorry for not waiting for you Azrael! I forgot to buy a present! Please head to the wedding and wait for me there! The address is: ***********-

*So that's that. Guess I gotta go there.*
[Take the lead, partner.]

30 Minutes later at the meeting address.

Azrael took a look around and realized that she was still not there. At first, he was worried because something might've happened to her, but then he realized that she too is a student of the academy and is obviously able to take care of herself.
"No sign of her yet. We need to wait."
Azrael then went to a nearby tree and laid down, his intention was to sleep.
*Wake me when she's nearby*
[Aye. By the way, this is very romantic.]
*Fuck off.*

20 Minutes later.
[WAKE UP.]
From that, Azrael woke up screaming.
"HUUUUUUUUUAH!"
After 5 seconds, Az realized what had just happened.
*I will kill you.*
[Please don't.]
*Ugh, is she here?*
[Yap, she's here, sitting on a seat, waiting for the man himself.]
*I can't fuck this up, here I go.*
As Azrael approached Ahri he stopped his tracks. She hadn't noticed him.
[Observe. Wars have started over uglier wenches. Well, raids've been undertaken, at least.]
*True. She looks extraordinary. Let's go.*
[Are you crazy?! You can't go to her wearing your battle armor! Have you seen how she's dressed? I'll not parade at that jewels side in a rank tunic.]
*You have a point but do I look like a wardrobe?*
[No. But that's where that right there comes into play.]
Azrael looked to the side and saw a robe intended for men hanging from a tree branch.
*Not about to steal...*
[Call it simply borrowing. Now move your arse.]
*Fineeeee.*

Moments later.
*Oh god I'm so nervous.*
[Remember boy! Don't fuck this up! Start with a good pick up line!]
*Got it!*
Azrael then approached the stunning Ahri, she was wearing a fairly generic black and red dress, but oh god, did it look amazing on her.
"May they draw and quarter me if I've ever seen a lovelier lass!"
[Fuck me.]
{This oughta be good.}
"A-Azrael?! Where did you come from?! And that pick-up line! T-Thank you..."
"May I have your hand? M'lady."
"Y-Yes. You may."
Azrael and Ahri then arrived at the planned wedding spot.
"Azrael. I would like to introduce you to the couple, would you come?"
"Absolutely, I agreed to come with you did I not?"
"We can then relax and enjoy ourselves if you'd like..." Said the blushing teen.
"That we shall."
[Remember the cheesy lines! They seem to work]
"This way, my strawberry."
[WHAHAHAHA]
*W-What is it?*
[Pfff. Nothing, continue.]
Azrael then opened the gates to the wedding accommodation.
"Ahh, I'll be damned - a proper wedding ceremony, plenty of worthy drinking companions and a swarm of fair maids." Azrael then looked at Ahri who was looking down. He then followed with. "Though none as fair as you, my diamond."
"D-Diamond?!"
[This is fucking comedy gold.]
Azrael and Ahri went to the couple, but before they could arrive, Azrael stopped her.
"Beware of the Dog, Ahri. Judging by the size of its house, the mutt must be as big as a horse."
"Thank you for the concern Azrael, but the doghouse is empty."
"They let a man-eater like that roam free? Have the wedding guests been warned? Seems we are indeed in for a cracking time!"
[S-Stop it! AHHAA!]
"Azrael! There they are! Let's go!" Said the stunning 9-tailed Girl.
The blushing Ahri then took Azrael by the hand and led him to the couple that was to be wedded.

End of chapter 18!
Chapter 19 (The date) coming soon!