Chou Baku Madouden SLAYERS SLAYERS ECT MANGA Chapter 1 Original Story: Rui Araizumi Manga Adaption: Shoko Yoshinaka Translation & Web Adaption: Leonard Tai

Girl: Where is the treasure?

 The girl threatened a bandit with the tip of her sword in his face.

Bandit: It's... It's within the place's treasury...
Bandit Leader: 	Idiot! Who in the world would be stupid enough to reveal
		the treasure's whereabouts!
		Woman! We'll share one half of the treasure with you-
		otherwise, get lost!
Girl: One... half?

 She released the bandit, who shakily returned to his leader's side.

Girl: Do you know, mister bandit-
      Why there is conflict in this world?
	The answer is very simple,

 She started casting a spell, and her hands glowed intensely.

Girl: Just 2 words-
	No compromise.

Bandit: Aagh!
Bandit Leader: That light! It's...

 Kabaam!

Bandit Leader: A fireball!?

 There goes 2 bandits.

Girl: Farewell, I've taken all of the treasure!
	I'll let you regret your banditty ways in hell!

Bandit Leader: Wait!
		...You must be that famous female mage...?

Girl: Yup, I am!
	The renowned Lina Inverse!

Bandit Leader (still on the ground): So you're that famous female mage...
	Once my younger brothers gets to hear of this, they'll not let you
	get away with it!
Lina: Thanks for warning me.
Bandit Leader: I'll tell them that
		you are a flat-chested woman.

 That remark sealed his doom. A few moments later Lina left in a huff.

Lina: Dead men don't talk.

 Lina ransacked the treasury.

Lina: Wahaa! A mountain of treasure!

 Lina ran a sack-full of gold pieces through her hands.

Lina: They were an unskilled lot, totally unfit to gain any large amount of
      treasure. Looks like I'll have ample money to pay for my travels.

 Lina fondled some gold coins against her face.	

Lina: Defeating bandits gain me a large amount of money, looks like from it
      it will be hard to persuade me not to bully bandits.

 Lina sneezed. Wipe-wipe.

Lina: Okay! I'll have to leave before the inns close for the night.

 Lina gathered up the treasure.

Lina: Whoa! Heavy.

 The road was long and the skies are clear.

	(My name is Lina Inverse, 15 years old, a beautiful wandering mage.
My hobby is bullying bandits. Because of this hobby, I often run into trouble,
and find it hard to extricate myself.)

 Lina turned suddenly.
Lina: Who is that!? 

	(However, I have made a little mark in the world.)

Bandit Leader 2: Hey miss! You've killed my big brother.

 A big bunch of bandits.

Lina: That's a bit too unrefined!
Bandit Leader 2: Who cares about manners!?

 The leader drew his sword and accidentally knocked out the bandit next to him.

Bandit Leader 2: Humph! And you didn't even think about what you did!
Lina (Noticing the fallen bandit): Oi! Oi!
Bandit Leader 2: Go get her!
		Still not handing out the treasure you stole from my brother?
Lina: You're just going against a single woman. Don't you think that there are
      just a bit too many of you?
Bandit Leader2: Of course! You my dear maiden are no ordinary person!
		Go get her now!

 Lina evaded the leader's sword-stroke, and a few coins dropped out of the
sack she was holding.

Lina: Aaa- my money!

 Lina ducked as another bandit swung at her.

Bandit: You're about to lose your life, and still you have the energy to care
	about your money!

 Lina kicked that bandit in the shin as she rose.

Lina: So sorry!

 Another kick sent yet another bandit sprawling.

Lina: As the daughter of a merchant, this has to be!

 Lina ran.

Lina: If I don't take good care of money, it will anger the gods!

	(Aagh- this treasure is too cumbersome. I'm unable to use any fancy
spells this way.... Oh well, I'll have to use this most simple one then...)

Bandit Leader 2: Coward!

 He lept at Lina's retreating back. Lina turned and started chanting a spell
as his blade flashed nearer.

Lina: Ah?!

 Someone tripped the leader over in mid-strike.

Swordsman: A big bunch of thugs against a single woman, doesn't that look bad!
Bandits: Are you alright, leader?
Swordsman: If you value your life, tuck your tail between your legs and scram!
Bandit Leader 2: Humph! What are you talking about! State who you are!
Swordsman: To this bunch of low-lifes? Humph! Names are uneccesary!
Bandit Leader 2: Sh-Shut up! Kill me if you have the guts to!

 Lina sweated.

Bandit Leader 2: Kill him, fellow bandits!
Bandits: Yes!

 Uaargh!
	(...the world is strange,)

 Bing! Bing!
	(These things often happen.) 
 Bing! Bing!
	(Out of the blue, out comes a meddler to rid of all the danger.)
 Aaaaa!
	(Most of these meddlers are handsome guys,)
 Uwaargh!
	(And have astounding fighting-skills, a few moments and all the 
bandits remaining have fled.)

 The swordsman wiped sweat off his brow.

Swordsman: Are you okay?
Lina: Mister swordsman!

 Lina gave him one of her 'cute-girl' looks.

Lina: You saved me in my hour of need, I am so very grateful.
Swordsman: It... it was nothing.
Lina: OK! I have something to do, so I'll leave now.
Swordsman: I... I-

 The swordsman scratched his head as he watched Lina leave.

	(Heehee, he's still looking at me, he must be enchanted by my beauty.)

Swordsman: ...Sheesh! What a pity... it's a weenie little girl...

 Lina felt as if he lodged an arrow into her head.

Swordsman: The atmosphere of a hero rescuing a damsel in distress, plus I
	   originally thought that she was a mature beauty, I was so excited,
	   who would have known that she turned out to be a tiny-eyed and
	   short little doll.

 This time Lina felt as if a sword was shoved into her head. Lina lost all her
enthusiasm and dragged her feet along the path.

Swordsman: But, it's dangerous in these parts, another bunch of bandits might
	   show up before she reaches a town.
		Hey! Miss! Wait a moment!
		Eh? I'm calling you, didn't you hear?

 Lina looked outright miserable and downcast, still refusing to face the 
swordsman.

	(A companion like you, I have no need of.)

 The sun rose from among the mountains. The sound of birdsong filled the air
above a bustling town. Lina opened the window to her inn-room and streched.

Lina: Mmn- what a glorious morning.
Swordsman: ...Yes it is.

 Lina nearly fell of the window. The swordsman was staring out of a window
from the inn-room adjacent to her's.

Swordsman: What's the matter, miss?

 Lina climbed back over the ledge of her window.

Lina: Don't miss this miss that, my name is Lina!
	Because of you, I am reminded of a lot of unhappy events.

 Lina recalled yesterday's events:

Swordsman: Alone on a journey without a destination?
	   How about this- let's journey together to Atlas City.
	   Your journey seems to be tiring you out, this happens if you don't
	   stop and listen.
Lina: Eh?
Swordsman: You need a travelling companion.

 He patted her head.

Lina: Mis.. mister....
Swordsman: It's decided, I'll accompany you to Atlas City.
	   My name is Gourry, the mercenary warrior.
Lina: ....

 Back to reality:

Lina: How unlucky can a young lady like me get!

 Pof! Lina falls back on her bed and starts to get dressed.

Lina: The journey to Atlas city takes 9 days.
	Within this time I'll have to face him every single day... Heavens! 
        Every single day!!
	And not only that..
	Why should a well-brought up girl like me journey with him?
	Mnh! He fights well, so I won't complain then! He can protect me if
	there is danger.
	Oh well, I'll just have to put up with him for 9 days.

 The doorchimes rang as Lina and Gourry entered.

Gourry: (A magical-supplies shop?)
Lina: Hi! I want to buy artifacts with cash!

 Gourry examined the shop's wares, and his eyes wandered over to a basketful
of magical ingredients.

Gourry: Whichever way I look at them, they look just like fruits.
Shopkeeper: Welcome! Wow! This is real cash.
Lina: Yup!
Shopkeeper: Where did you steal this from?
Lina: Man, there you go again, cracking your jokes.
Shopkeeper: Seeing that you're quite cute, I'll charge you less.
Lina: Thanks, please do!
Gourry: Miss, does this place sell food too?
Lina: Oh please, Gourry! Those over there are fruits of the fruit god, used in
	shape-shifting magic.
	And by the way, those next to them are enchanted Karma roots.
Gourry: Aye... You're really knowleadgable.
	Could it be, you're...
	A mage?

 Lina smashed her head in on the counter, much to the shock of the shopkeeper.

Lina: Humph!

 Lina stood upright.

Lina: It must be silly asking that! My garb is very self-explanatory.
      Does it look like the uniform of any other occupation?
	Could it be that I look like I sell fish, or serve in a restaurant...
Gourry: Truly it does!

 Lina smashed her head in frustration into the counter again, much to the
detriment of the shopkeeper.

Gourry: Excuse me, please don't over-react like that okay... I'm just joking.
Lina (Head still in counter): ......
Shopkeeper: Even if you're just joking, don't destroy my wares in the process!
	    I demand payment for the damages!!

 At an inn, Lina bit into some dumplings in a rather irritated mood. People
all around her stared at her as she stacked up plate after empty plate on her
table.

Gourry: Heavens! Miss, you really can eat.
	But eating that much won't make your breasts grow,

 The fire of Lina's ire sparked.

Gourry: When you were stretching out of your window this morning I noticed!
	(cheerful) That shopkeeper was quite craggy, just a little damage,
	and he demanded payment, makes me laugh.

 The fire of Lina's ire came alight.

Lina: You, even if you work as a mercenary for 10 years, wouldn't be able to
	pay that kind of money.
Gourry: Oh, really?
Lina: Didn't you notice that when I paid up then?

 Lina started carving up a steak.

Gourry: Apologies, over a certain limit, I'm unable to discern an amount of money
	anymore.

 Lina snapped and bent both knife and fork. She pointed the bent fork at Gourry.

Lina: Tell me, why did you want to be my travelling companion?
	It couldn't be because you wanted to listen to my unhumorous jokes?

 Lina mangled her utensils.

Lina: No such thing right!?
Gourry: I was only concerned for your well-being...
Lina: You must be trying to get a share of the stolen treasure!
Gourry: Stolen treasure?

 Lina thumped her fist on the table.

Lina: Forget that I said that, okay?
	If you're truly concerned about me then act like you're concerned!
	If you can't do that, I'll decline your offer to escort me to Atlas
	City!
	And! My name isn't miss, nor is it girlie, it's Lina! Understand?
Gourry: Understood.
	Miss.

 Lina fainted out of frustration.

Gourry: Hey, girlie, surely you know how to use a fireball, wouldn't you?
	From your clothes you look like a black mage.

Lina (head on the table): Does this sound like he understood?
	My dear man, you are thick.

 On a track through the woods again:

Gourry: Miss! Miss! You haven't answered my question.

	(Eventually, I'm still unable to decline his offer.)
 Lina avoided looking directly at him.

Lina: Eh? Oh! That fireballs are a part of Black magic?

 Lina looked dubiously at Gourry.

Lina: What kind of mage would boast of her basic spells?
Gourry: The mage near my home would.
Lina: Well, since most mages are just tricksters out for a fast buck.

Bandit Leader 3: Hey babe! You killed my brothers.

 Lina looked at Gourry.

Lina: Ah! what a babe...!
Gourry: Eh? (Does he mean me?)

 The bandit leader drew his sword and struck the unfortunate bandit next to
him in mistake.

Bandit Leader 3: Spare me your sick jokes will you!
		 Hey! What're you all doing standing around!!
		 Go get them!

 Lina and Gourry glanced at the fallen bandit.

Lina: Bandit leaders are bandit leaders.

Bandit Leader 3: The leader you killed yesterday is my elder brother, I'm the
		 third! You killed him and left with the treasure, humiliating
		 us no end!

Gourry: What was that all about?
Lina: He... he's bluffing!
Bandit Leader 3: What bluff?

 The leader brandished his sword.

Bandit Leader 3: Shut your mouth!!

 Gourry threw his backpack into Lina's arms and blocked the leader's sword
with his own.

Lina: Wha!? Gourry!?
Gourry: Miss, help me look after my backpack!
Bandit Leader 3: Damn fool! Don't stop me from having my revenge!
		 The girl you're defending stole my treasure!
Gourry: If she stole you treasure she must have had her reasons!
Lina: Eh?
Bandit Leader 3: You believe in her?
Gourry: Yes! I am her protector.

Lina:	(This feeling is so hard to bear.)

Gourry: Okay! Come all at once if you like!
	Miss! Stick closely to my back!
Bandit Leader 3: Humph!

 The leader struck.

Bandit Leader 3: Then I'll just send both of you to hell together!!
Gourry: That is-

 Gourry shattered the leader's sword and struck him all in one stroke.

Gourry: Not possible.

	(Wow! Couldn't have known that he's a master swordsman!! Having the
 patience to look after someone else- it can only be you, not me.)

 A bandit came at Lina from behind.

	(I'll take care of this one with a spell.)

Gourry: Watch out!

 Gourry swung backwards and took out the charging bandit, then stalked off to
take out more.

	(This time it should be my turn.)

Gourry: Watch out!

 Gourry rushed back and took out another threatening bandit. Lina didn't look
to happy.

Gourry: Phew! That should be the last of them!
	You alright, miss?

 Lina hid her face.

Lina: A.... a bit... agitated....

 Back on the road later:

Bandit Leader 4: Hey! You two! Thanks for taking good care of my 3 brothers!

Bandit Leader 4: Aye! Don't give me that pained look!
		 I'm the youngest brother, the last one there is.
		'Slaying my brothers and taking our treasure, I won't let you
		get away with it...'
		I should be saying that, but- I'm truly indepted to you.
		You helped me get rid of those hindersome brothers of mine.
		 Eavesdropping on my brothers to find out your whereabouts,
		 and chasing you from behind, that is what I do as the
		 youngest of the brothers.
		We were fighting among ourselves for the treasure, then you
		came along.
Lina: It seems as if you're the one who desires it the most.
Bandit Leader 4: To tell you the truth, I'm given too little of the share.
		 So! If I'm not cunning I wouldn't survive.
Gourry: Uh... How civic...
Bandit Leader 4: Shut up! Hold your tongue if you have sense!
		If we were to take on you all by ourselves, we won't win.
		So, I've called upon a helper who can go up against socery 
		and master swordsmanship!

 The leader snapped his fingers and a huge shadow instantly appeared from afar.

Gourry: Ah! A Green Dragon!?
Lina: How can this beast be..!?
Bandit Leader 4: Ah, how my elder brothers used to bully me, and sold me to a
		 strange mage. There, I learned this little skill to protect
		 me: that if one wishes to control a dragon, he must wait
		 until it is old in years and has lost its will.
		Funny how this trump card appeared only after all 3 targets
		of my revenge have been slain.
Gourry: Miss! Let me defeat this beast, you take this oppurtunity to flee!
Lina: Hey! What are you saying!
Gourry: I want to protect you...
Lina: Don't just hog all the 'chance for appearance's!

 Lina shoved both backpacks to Gourry.

Gourry: Eh?
Lina: If you wish to protect something then protect the packs!
Gourry: Miss!?
Lina: I've changed my mind, seems like I'll have to let you gape at a little
      of my true powers! Just watch and learn!
Gourry: Hey!?

 Lina turned to face the incoming threat.

Lina: I must credit you for having the intelligence to look for a green dragon
      to combat us!
	Unfortunately, I'm not just any other mediocre mage!
Bandit Leader 4: Wha-what are you talking about?
Lina: Did you know? There is a kind of magic that can destroy a green dragon
      in one go.
Bandit Leader 4: Ah? Couldn't it be, that you're...
		 No... it couldn't possibly be!
		That famous female mage, how can she be a tiny little shrimp
		like you?

Lina: Tiny little shrimp...

 Lina clenched her fists.

Gourry: (That famous female mage? What does this mean...?)

 A pair of bandits suddenly sprang at Gourry from both sides, and he turned
to face them.

Lina: Judging people by appearances only, humph! Just as classless as your
      elder brothers!

 Lina showed him her middle finger.

Bandit Leader 4: Stop comparing me with them! Green Dragon! Kill them!!

 The dragon dived in on Lina at great speed.

Lina: I'll make you pay for insulting me, regret it for the rest of your life!

 Lina dodged as its claws swung down at her.

Lina: Observe carefully, it is guaranteed to make you shake in your boots!!

 Lina raised her hands and began chanting.

Bandits: ...That spell! Could it really be her....

*Note* Original name= Dragonslayer, corrupted through time.

Bandit Leader 4: Wagh! The dragon is... that's not possible!
Bandits: Aaaah!
Gourry: Phew- the packs should be okay...
	Yikes! How can this be?
	One spell and the dragon is destroyed!?

 Bits and pieces of dragon remains fell to the ground.

Bandits: Able to freely exercise these powers, the bandit-defeating,
	 treasure-hogging female mage. It is her!

 Meanwhile, Gourry seemed clueless.

Lina: I am that robber-killer, champion of the free people: Lina Inverse!!
      Huh! Dogs! Repent or be slain!
Bandits: Uaargh! Run!

 A cloud of dust later, the bandits were all gone.

Lina: Aiya! Taking such pains to summon a dragon, they should at least have
      taken the remains with them.
Gourry: Miss, I didn't expect you to be a famed person.
Lina: So-so. Gourry, you okay?
Gourry: Me? Of course I'm okay. See! Even the packs are okay.

 Eh?

 Some furry legs are visible, sticking out of both packs.

Lina: What is that?
Gourry: Te-Teddy bear...
Lina: Oh! And the other one?
Gourry: It's... a stuffed bunny.

 Lina's hands crackled with mystic energy.

Lina: Who... who said that he was a protector?

Gourry: I- I'll go retrieve the stuff!

 Gourry ran off in an instant.

 Back in town:

Tied-up Bandit Leader 4: Hey! Let go! That woman is the real evil of all evils!
Jailer: Pacifist bandit garbage, shut up and move!
Lina: Ha,ha! Not only were the stuff retrieved, I've gained some bounty too.
	How LUCKY!!
Gourry: Hey!!

 Gourry caught up.

Gourry: How could you leave me behind like that!
      (And just when I was in the loo.)

Lina:	(Man, still want to tag along? Humm! I'll just let you then!)

 These fateful days, some amazing and unprescedented adventures seem bound to
happen.

Gourry: Right! That reward should be split fifty-fifty, hey?
Lina: Reward....? What reward?
Goury: Hey! Lina, you're not going to hog all that reward yourself, are you?
Lina: Ah! You've finally remembered my name.