Overlord: A Wyvern's Tale
Summary:
What happens to the New World when instead of Ainz Ooal Gown being transported there, an Admin faction full of spawned-in cheat-items and powerful Wyverns? Will they save Carne Village? How will they react when the Theocracy targets them?
Author Note:
This is just something I have had on my computer for a very long time, so I figured I'd upload it. I wrote a half dozen chapters, if people are interested in it I will upload the other chapters. Those of you who are reading my 'Arpeggio Effect' story, do not worry. I am writing upload four now! Anyway, please let me know how you thought I did on this, if the response is good, I will release the next chapter.
Chapter one
Ekrinzaa, self-proclaimed Wyvern Queen of the Wyvern Hive 'Purgatory', sat on her throne watching the seconds tick away. Before her sat the twenty Wyvern 'Champion' NPCs she had built to guard her secret lair (A/N: Basically, floor guardian type bosses), though these were only the custom-made ones. Years ago, when making the base, she had spawned in and stashed dozens of cheat items that could spawn hundreds of Wyverns if she chose, though the other admins would notice if she used them.
The base was quite literally unconquerable, at least she built it to be, but with it being her secret little base she had never had a chance to test that theory. Perhaps it was childish of her to build her own little god base using her Admin powers, but she didn't care, it was hers. Her place of solitude. Looking out over her children, she recalled building this place, all those years ago, how she spent hundreds of hours using 'appear offline' mode to build and shape her Wyvern Hive.
Lying on her gigantic 'throne' carved of gleaming black stone, cushioned with the finest cushions and flanked by two massive Wyvern statues that she had spent many hours trying to get right. The Wyvern statues looked as if they had been frozen mid-roar, raised up on their hind legs, wings outstretched and mouths parted in silent fury. Carved out of the same black stone as the throne, these Wyverns stand like silent guardians, with blazing red eyes of ruby, as if ready to bear down on any who approach the throne uninvited.
Even with twenty massive Wyverns in the room, there would still be plenty of room for ten times that number. The high ceiling and surrounding walls were a predominantly grey, but were intricately carved and coloured with minerals, metals and gems, making the carvings look almost as realistic as the statues flanking the Wyvern Queen. The several chandeliers which hung from the ceiling at equal intervals were made of precious stones of all colours of the rainbow, emitting a fantastic radiance, lighting up even a room made mostly out of grey stone.
Leading down from the throne is a flight of stairs about ten steps high. A huge black banner hung down behind the throne, proudly displaying the symbol of the Hive; A crimson Wyvern in flight on a black background. At the bottom of the steps was the main floor, where her Champions now stood, heads bowed in respect. The main floor, made of a much lighter grey, was carved to look like diamond stone paving, but was really just solid stone, with carved lines of solid gold between each 'stone' to further reinforce the impression of paving.
Ekrinzaa sighed, closing her eyes, she would be in trouble if her boss found out she wasn't at the world spawn, setting of fireworks, but she would be out of a job shortly after the servers shut down, anyway. With her eyes closed, all she could see was the HUD, she watched the last few seconds tick away, burning the image of the throne room and her Champion 'children' into her mind. 'It was fun. Farewell my children.'
23:59:57
23:59:58
23:59:59
00:00:00
'It really was fun.'
00:00:01
00:00:02
Eyes snapping open, Ekrinzaa looked around in shock. She should have been forcibly kicked from the game at midnight. 'Did they delay it? I better call a GM, if there is a problem, they will want me to fix it'. Ekrinzaa hurriedly worked to open the message panel but she stopped halfway. There was no command console!
'Wait, the function has probably been shut down. Just try the other way'. Ekrinzaa took a breath before opening a forced connection to the GMs she knew to be online.
None responded.
"What on Earth is going on!?" Her angry shout, almost a roar really, echoed throughout the giant hall. The servers should have been shut down, so even if none of the functions were working, she still should have been kicked from the game.
Irked that her plans to meet the end in honour had been dashed, she looked around the room furiously, 'This better not be one of the other Admins playing a prank, if it is I'll-'
The thought died in shock at what she heard next, "Your Majesty, is there something wrong?"
Immediately turning her furious gaze to the source of the words. 'Impossible… I must have been hearing things-', under her angry gaze, the Wyvern Champion of the fifth level seemed to shrink.
"My Queen, have I done something to displease you?", the Wyvern asked again, his mouth moving as it formed the words.
Her thoughts in complete disarray, she stumbled over her words, "N-no… just the servers are not shutting down…", 'He spoke… she didn't program them to do that, and for the mouth to be moving to form the words? That was impossible!'
Although she knew that the Wyvern was just an NPC, she could not help but be dumbfounded by his realistic expressions and movements.
"Forgive me, my Queen. I do not know of which you speak. If you would honour me with the knowledge of these 'servers', I would be forever grateful".
They were talking. The two of them, a player and an NPC were talking! Ekrinzaa was shocked into silence, just staring at the NPC she had built all those years ago. Shaking her head, both to clear it and to dismiss the question, disappointment flashing across his face as he once again lowered his head.
'Disappointment? That was disappointment, they shouldn't be able to simulate emotions!'
"Odrax", she called, regaining her voice and addressing the NPC with whom she had just been conversing. The dark Wyvern raised his head, looking… hopeful?
"Yes, my Queen?"
"Come closer." She said simple, partially as a test and partially because she wanted to speak to Odrax up close.
"Understood.", he responded, rising of the ground on his two back legs and using his folded wings as his forward legs (A/N: This is normal for Wyverns, if you do not know what I am talking about, google it). He slowly approached the throne, looking every bit like a child who thought he was about to be scolded.
He shouldn't have understood that order. The test was to see if he would respond to orders outside what was programmed since his conversation and behaviour showed non-programmed responses.
As Odrax stopped, just short of the steps up to her throne, she looked over him to the other Champions in the room. They were all looking at her expectantly, with what appeared to be a hint of concern in their eyes.
Looking back to Odrax, who was once again bowing before her, Ekrinzaa opened her mouth to speak. Wait. She raised her folded-up wing (that classed as her hand when using terminals in-game) to her mouth and touched her jaw with her wing's vestigial talon. It was open. She had opened her mouth to speak. But that was beyond the mechanics of the game! Touching her jaw, she realised that she could even feel her jaw, while in-game you could tell where you were being touched, this just felt like she was touching her jaw. Something was wrong here.
Seeing Odrax once again look at her with concern, she snapped out of her thoughts, "Odrax, take an Element of your best out and scout the skies and grounds around Purgatory." (A/N: See end of chapter for Element size).
"As you command, my Queen."
'Should I really be ordering them around? They are seeming very real… No time to be thinking about this, I need to know what is going on.'
Ekrinzaa watched as Odrax hastily exited the throne room, obviously eager to complete her instructions. Once he was gone, she looked back to the remaining Champions. Sitting in her throne, light reflecting off her golden scales, she truly did look like a holy being looking down on her children.
"Champions, return to your designated areas and be ready to defend against possible intruders." She paused, her gaze softening, "My children, make me proud and stay alert."
All visibly lighting up at being called her children, they deeply bowed before making their way out of the throne room. Leaving her alone in contemplation.
'Assuming that I am not just completely insane, how could this even happen? This is too complex to just be a prank, the servers should be shut down and the responses of the NPCs are at a complexity that we spent years trying to reach, but never could.'
'I don't really want to consider this, since I may be giving in to insanity, but am I in Yggdrasil? No. I can't be… can I?'
She paused on that thought. She had a way to confirm it, after all. She would have to meet with Odrax as soon as he came back. Wait, assuming that she was somehow in the game and the NPCs were really alive, maybe she could just use a message skill? Waiting ten minutes to give Odrax a chance to look around, she gave her idea a try.
"Message. Odrax, can you hear me?", Not really expecting a response.
"Yes, your Majesty. Is there something else I can do for you?", came the immediate response.
She was shocked. It had connected! There was no way she would have been able to do something like this with an NPC, she must be in Yggdrasil. But how? "Odrax, can you confirm our surroundings?"
"No, your Majesty. We are not where we were."
'wait, what?'
"Odrax, return to Purgatory. You will go and inform the other Level Champions to meet me at the main entrance and have their Area Champions take their places for them, understood?", if she really wasn't where she thought she was and if she was also somehow with her NPCs, does that mean both her and the Hive are not in Yggdrasil, but somewhere else? But where? She needed to find out. (A/N: The twenty Champions are made up by five Level Champions and fifteen Area Champions. Each Level Champion has three Area Champions under their command).
"I understand, your Majesty."
Time to figure out what the hell is going on!
Ekrinzaa arrived to see that none of the Champions had arrived yet. Stomping up to the edge of the outcrop that served as the landing area for the Hives main entrance, she peered over the edge and down the mountain that the Hive was situated inside of.
The view took her breath away, Yggdrasil was pretty, but this… this was something else. The mountain that the Hive was within was on the edge of a mountain range, with dozens of giant mountains stretching off either side of the one she was on, and likely stretching out behind her too. But what was ahead of her was what stole her breath. Directly ahead was a massive forest, stretching for miles. A canopy of green stretching as far as she could see.
Hearing movement, she turned around, just in time to see the arrival of Ranna, Champion of the Armoury and Training Level of the Hive. By Wyvern standards Ranna was a beautiful female specimen of a Fire Wyvern, her dark crimson scales shining as she stepped out of the entrance. Seeing her Queen, Ranna immediately bowed her head before approaching to a respectable distance.
"Your Majesty, I have come as ordered.", she said, bowing once more.
"Yes, Ranna, thank you for coming so quickly."
"But of course, your Majesty, I will always respond as soon as you require me.", Ranna replied as if it was obvious. "It was, after all, why you created us. We exist to serve."
'Exist to serve', she had said, 'You make me sound like an evil dictator. Well, if this is all real, I guess that is what I am since they are no longer NPCs. If this is another world, should I try to return to the real world? There were doubts in her heart, though. If she had family members to care for, or a boyfriend... No. If this is a new world, I'm going to stay.'
"Very good. I have called all Level Champions to gather here, I have an announcement to make. The Level Champions will then inform the Area Champions under their command of what I have said.", Was it really okay to order them around like she was there god? 'Well, I did make them, so I guess I am their god… or mother'.
"Of course, your Majesty." A short pause, "I will eagerly await your words of wisdom."
'Words of wisdom? What am I, a sage or something? Ha, I'm just a programmer, but I guess they don't know that.'
Over the next several minutes, the remaining Champions arrived.
"Your Majesty, we have all assembled." Receiving a nod, he turned his head to his fellow Champions, "Now, then. Everyone let us renew our pledge to the Great Wyvern Queen of Purgatory!"
A chorus of 'Yes, sirs' stopped Ekrinzaa from stating how that was unnecessary, so she decided to just let them get it over with. They all moved into a line before her. Odrax stood at their head, while the other Champions were in a line behind him. All the Champions respectful expressions.
Odrax bowed first, "Odrax, Champion of the fifth level. I once more vow that my life, body and soul belong to the Wyvern Queen Ekrinzaa for use as she sees fit."
Ranna bowed next, "Ranna, Champion of the fourth level. I, also, once more vow that my life, body and soul belong to the Wyvern Queen Ekrinzaa for use as she sees fit."
The line was repeated by the remaining three level Champions; Ingrik of the third level, Bruktak of the second level and Irriag of the first level.
'Well… that was… something. I guess I better get in character with the sort of person deserving of their loyalty.'
Raising up to the full height achievable on all fours, she looked down proudly on the five Level Champions before her.
"Very good. Raise your heads."
Immediately and in sync, they raised their heads to look at her. Ekrinzaa looked on the Champions with pride visible on her face, but inside she was worried with the weight of being a leader bearing down on her. Not to mention, any orders she gave would affect her relationship with them, she had to be strong and become the leader they deserve. The worry her heart vanished as she looked upon the eager faces of her Champions. The golden radiance of the Yggdrasil still remained and would remain as long as she had them, the embodiment of her hard work. It filled her with joy.
"Although I do not know what has caused what I am about to tell you, Purgatory has been transported from its place in the mountains of Yggdrasil to a new mountain range overlooking a great forest." She paused, noting no change in their expressions. "Odrax has scouted out the area and will now inform us of what he has found."
"As you command, your Majesty.", turning to face his fellow guardians, but not turning his back on his Queen, he spoke again, "The Great Wyvern Hive of Purgatory now finds itself within a mountain on the edge of a mountain range that goes back behind us for many miles and I was not able to survey more than a fraction of what I could see for lifeforms. The great forest in front of us is full of sounds of animals, but no sentient creatures were spotted in flyovers due to the canopy. I did, however, spot what appeared to be a Human settlement not too far from the edge of the forest, but it was very small, no more than two dozen houses."
The Champions' faces were still stern, and there was no trace of surprise on them. This information confirmed it to Ekrinzaa, she was no longer in Yggdrasil, she truly was in another world with her creations. The only question was, was she the only one that came to this world? She did not know why they had come here. But she was concerned since for all she knew, this might be someone territory, and they might be attacked for being here without permission. There were only about a hundred active Wyverns within the Hive and little over fifty Lycanthropes that maintained the herds of cattle on the second level, not exactly an army. She would have to fix that.
"Thank you, Odrax.", Ekrinzaa came out of her thoughts to see all five Champions looking at her expectantly.
"No thanks are needed, your Majesty." He smiled, well as close as a Wyvern can get to smiling. "I simply did my duty."
"Now, it is as you heard from Odrax. We are in new lands, as such we may be in danger without realising it. Now this cannot be allowed to remain the case." At her words, the Champions' faces grew stern, it was obvious they knew the potential danger, "We have little over a hundred Wyverns active at the moment, but this cannot really be called an army just yet. So, I will make us an army!" A grin that would put fear into the hearts of most spread across her muzzle.
A series of gasps spread through the Champions, not knowing how, but realising that she was about to create and army. About to create the army of Purgatory!
Realising now was a perfect time to put on a little show, she looked into her inventory and prepared to activate one of her cheat-items.
"And now I, Queen Ekrinzaa of the Wyvern Hive Purgatory, summon forth an army. Behold, the new troops of Purgatory!" She announced while simultaneously activating three one-hundred wyvern spawners that she cheated in.
As she grinned at her awestruck Champions, the sky overhead seemed to tear open, pouring forth wyverns in the hundreds. Three hundred to be exact. Immediately after pouring out of the tear, they all formed up into four wings, with the leftovers landing at different points on the mountain and taking up sentry duties. Near constant gasps and shocked murmurs coming from the Champions only served to make her smile grow. She had several items to spawn in more cattle to feed such a larger force, as well as items to spawn Lycan carers for the increased amount of cattle, but she would use them later.
Proud of her little show, she cleared her throat to get the attention of her Champions who were either staring at the hundreds of wyverns above them or staring at her as if she were the most holy thing in the universe.
Breaking out of his stupor of staring at his Queen, Odrax spoke up, "My Queen, you once again prove how supreme of a being you are, one truly worth of the title 'Wyvern Queen'". The remaining four champions nodded their agreements.
Leaving several area champions to settle in the new Wyvern army and to take care of the logistics, Ekrinzaa sets off for the Human village. In order to attempt to speak to the Humans without scaring them too much, they were posing as simple Wyvern Riders. Ekrinzaa was riding and armoured up Odrax in her humanoid form, while wearing full-plate armour of her own to hide her head horns and vertical-pupiled golden eyes. A black armoured Dark Wyvern being ridden by a black full-plated female rider, accompanied by two fellow riders on their mounts, which were actually Ranna and Ingrik riding Bruktak and Irriag, they must have been a very imposing sight, but it seemed better to talk to the Humans as Wyvern Riders and Wyverns. Some Humans can be very prejudice against non-humans, after all.
Nearing the Human village however, see began to see that things were not going to go as she had intended. Below her she could hear screams and see the villagers being wither cut down or rounded up in the centre of the village by two dozen armoured knights. Spotting two young girls being chased out of the village by two armed knights, she was shocked by the sheer and senseless violence of it all and she began to grow angry.
"Lady Ekrinzaa, what shall we do?", using the name she had ordered them to call her in front of the Humans, Ranna called over to her.
"We intervene of course!", she nearly shouted, "Ranna, you and Ingrik are to take out the knights in the village, but be very careful using breath attacks, we want to save these people and not destroy their village. Understood?"
"Yes, Lady Ekrinzaa," A short pause, "What about you?"
"I spotted two girls being chased into the forest, I'm going to help them."
With that, she split off from the two others 'wyvern riders' and directed Odrax down to where she could see the two girls, on the ground beneath a knight with a raised sword. Odrax let out an earth-shaking roar.
Leaping off Odrax's back as he neared the ground, she flipped over the two knight's landing between them and the two girls, raising her Elven scimitar above her head, she swiftly brought it down, splitting the one knight from shoulder to hip. Just as the other knight turned to run, Odrax landed on him, quite literally squashing him under his hind. Knowing that he just killed a knight by sitting on him, Odrax just sat there, smirking to himself.
Turning around, she saw the two girls staring at them with the same fear as they had the two knights that were about to kill them, the looks in their eyes made her heart hurt. Seeing their eyes flickering between the pitch-black knight and their pitch-black Wyvern that were now before them, she knelt down before the two girls, lying her scimitar down beside her.
"Don't worry, we're here to help." Ekrinzaa said in her softest voice, looking to the older girl, she spoke again, "you are injured, stay still a moment."
She raised her hand palm out towards the girl, making her flinch. "Heal" and with that one word, a green glow spread across the girls and healed the nasty looking wound on the older girl's back. "I just healed your wound, are you alright?"
The girls simple sat there dumbstruck for a moment, eyes occasionally glancing between Ekrinzaa and her 'mount'. It was several seconds before the older girl spoke, "Y-yes, I-I am f-fine, thanks to you. Thank you for saving me and my sister." After a short pause, "W-who are you?"
Smiling beneath her helmet, relieved that the two girls were okay, "I'm here to help this is my mount and dear friend, Odrax." Seeing the question in their eyes, she answered the question that they were no doubt about to ask, "He's a Wyvern, but don't worry, he's a friend who would never harm innocents."
The two girls visibly relaxed at her words, but still looked very nervous. "Then are you from the Empire?"
"What makes you ask that?" Ekrinzaa's curiosity was peaked, there were other Wyvern riders?
The girl simply replied, "Supposedly, there exists a tribe that specializes in taming and riding things called Wyverns near the Baharuth Empire."
She shook her head, "No, we're new around these parts." A thought came to her, "Barrier, wall of protection from arrows, circle of health." Upon stating this, a blue bubble surrounded the two girls, making them startle, "This bubble will keep you safe for about five minutes, when it shuts down, come back to the village, we will have cleared it of knights by then. Also, I'll give you these, if you blow them a group of Lycans you can command will appear before you. Use the items to protect yourselves." She tossed two small horns into the bubble.
As soon as the girls nodded their understanding, she turned to leave, but was halted when she heard the eldest girl call out.
"Wait!" Called the girl, making Ekrinzaa turn around to see the two girls kneeling in thanks, "Thank you very much for saving us."
"Thank you very much" Called the younger girl this time.
"Don't worry about it, helping people in trouble is its own reward." Was the simple reply from Ekrinzaa.
"May we know your name?", the eldest asked.
"But of course, it is Ekrinzaa.", Ekrinzaa turned and mounted Odrax before the girls could respond, she wanted to make sure several of the attacking knights were captured alive for information. Odrax leapt into the air, leaving the girls just staring after them.
It took only seconds for Odrax to complete the brief flight before touching down and allowing Ekrinzaa to dismount. She took in the scene before her. The remaining villages, about three dozen of them, were all huddled in the middle of the square, surrounded by the attacking knights. Ingrik riding Irriag was attacking the knights from one direction, on the ground using teeth and talon only to prevent hurting the civilians nearby, while Ranna riding Bruktak attacked from the other side using teeth and talon as well. Although the knights were clearly were filled with fear, none of them ran. This was not courage however, the grinding of their teeth and shaking of their knees could attest to that. If they could, they would run as fast and as far as they could. The true reason none of them ran was because they knew there was no escape.
The knights were falling quickly, she needed to act soon.
"Wyvern Riders, that's enough!", her voice roaring over the scene before her. Making Irriag and Bruktak stop immediately and drawing the gaze of all the villages and knights to her. She waited a moment for dramatic effect, before replying "Nice to meet you all, my name is Ekrinzaa, leader of this merry little relief force."
The only response was silence. So, she continued.
"Lay down your weapons. If you do so, you will be taken as prisoners, but your lives will be spared. Unless you would rather keep fi-" Ekrinzaa stopped, there was no need to continue.
One sword was dropped to the ground with a clatter. It was shortly followed by a dozen more clatters. Several of the knights even dropped to their knees, heads dropped in defeat.
"Ranna, collect their weapons and gather them together, then you, Bruktak and Irriag will see that they do not move from where you tell them to stay." She turned to Ingrik, "Ingrik, see to the wounded villagers, you should have enough potions to heal everyone."
Two 'Yes, Lady Ekrinzaa's filled the air before all four went about their orders. Ekrinzaa resisted the urge to sigh, thinking 'acting sure is hard work, before walking toward the villagers. As she approached, she could see the unease on the villagers' faces and once again, her heart began to hurt. 'They don't trust me at all'.
"You have been saved. Be at ease." Ekrinzaa called, from ten meters away, not wanting to startle them by getting too close, they looked like they were torn between peeing themselves and fleeing. "I saw the attack on this village, so I came here to help."
As she said this looks of relief appeared on most of the faces of the villagers. But even so, they were still not be completely at ease. Noticing this, she tried again.
"Do not worry, we do not ask anything in exchange for this, since we lost nothing in saving you. It is our way."
"We cannot allow that, you saved us, let us repay you." Called the one who appeared to be in charge, "Consider it our way."
Ekrinzaa considered this for a moment. These villagers were not well off, so she did not want to take any of their money. After a short time, she had figured out what she could ask for, "Hmm, then perhaps you would be willing to give us information, my people are new to this land and know little of it."
Smiles spread across the faces of the villagers, "That we can do!"
The Village Chief had a small house near the village square. She had to get as much information as possible, so they had spent nearly two hours around the table, talking about the state of the country they were in, the; Re-Estize Kingdom. The reason she wanted so much information was that once the local lords found out about her rescuing the village, they would begin making their way to here. If they discovered that she knew nothing about this world, she would likely become a target for manipulation, maybe even become a target for annexation.
Ekrinzaa first asked about the neighbouring countries, and the Chief responded with many names that he had never heard before. Although she had expected this, so it was no surprise. The nearby countries were the Re-Estize Kingdom, the Baharuth Empire, and the Slaine Theocracy. The Chief had said that the attacking knights were wearing armour from the Empire, but the prisoners had admitted to working for the Theocracy, so it appeared that the Slaine Theocracy was trying to create tension between the Kingdom and the Empire.
The Re-Estize Kingdom and the Baharuth Empire were on different sides of the mountain range that Purgatory now found itself in and to the south of those mountains was the sprawling forest called the 'Great Forest of Tob', and at the edge of that forest was this village called Carne Village, and finally, below this village was the fortress city of E-Rantel. Several other cities and towns were pointed out, but seeing that Ekrinzaa was having trouble memorizing them, she was gifted the map.
From what she had gathered relations between the Kingdom and the Empire were bad, and they would fight a battle near E-Rantel almost every year. If this was the work of the Slaine Theocracy, then she should probably start working with the Kingdom side, as she should have accumulated some goodwill with them for rescuing their village.
She also found out that much like Yggdrasil, this world had many, many monsters in it. The nearby forest was filled with monsters, there were also Dwarves, all sorts of Elves, Goblins, Orcs, Ogres, and the like. Apparently, some demi humans had even built their own nation not to far away. There were people called adventurers who drove off these monsters, and they counted many magic casters among their number. Apparently, these adventurer guilds had guild halls set up in all the big cities.
This world was rather complicated.
'Perhaps I should join this 'Adventurers guild'? It would allow me to both pick up a lot of information, as well as have a bit of fun at the same time.'
After they had finished discussing the world around them, the villagers had held a small burial for their lost friends and family. It was short, but nice. She spotted the sisters he saved among the other villagers; Enri and Nemu Emmott. Their parents were among those that would be buried today.
The villagers were just about starting to repair some of the damage done to their village when the chief came up to her, he seemed on edge.
Concerned, she asked "Is something wrong chief?"
His concern was drifting off of him in waves, "Lady Ekrinzaa, well you see, there are several mounted knights approaching the village and we are not sure who they are."
"Ah, I see. Leave it to me. Gather all of the survivors into the Village square and I will have my two fellow Wyvern Riders and their mounts protect them, my mount will also join them. Chief, you and I will remain here. To meet these unknown soldiers."
The villagers did as she had requested and were soon safely in the village as she and the chief waited at the edge of town, facing the approaching horsemen. After a while, they finally sighted them on the road to the village. Getting nearer, she could see that they were not wearing the armour of the Empire as the knights earlier had been, so either these were the Kingdom's soldiers, or the Slain Theocracy had dropped their plans for stealth.
The riders finally slowed as the arrived. There were around two dozen of them and they formed up neatly in two lines before Ekrinzaa and the Village Chief. A man stepped forward from the rest of the force. Although the man looking at her seemed to be the sort who made the military his life, Ekrinzaa stood still and proud. He was a very tough looking and somewhat handsome man.
They stood in silence for a very long minute before the man finally spoke, "I am the Chief Royal Warrior of the Re-Estize Kingdom, Gazef Stronoff." A short pause, "I have received orders from the King himself to hunt down the Knights of the Empire that have been wreaking havoc in this area by visiting all the villages."
"Royal Head Warrior…" stated the Chief, as if struggling to believe who it was.
Gazef Stronoff turned to the Chief, "You must be the chief of this villages…" he turned to Ekrinzaa, "But who is this armoured woman besides you, your wife?"
"Ah, n-no, of course not. This is-", began the chief.
"Do not worry. Nice to meet you, Royal Head Warrior. My name is Ekrinzaa, a simple magic caster who happened to see this village under attack and came to help." Ekrinzaa interjected.
An almost shocked gasp came from Gazef Stronoff before immediately dismounting his horse. He gave a short but deep bow once he was on the ground.
"If that is the case, then I thank you for saving this village. I have no words that can adequately praise your kindness." It was easy to tell Gazef's character from the way he was ready to bow to her despite their difference in status. No doubt an honourable man, a rare find.
It was clear that Gazef Stronoff was about to say more, but one of his men came up to him, "Head Warrior! Unknown figures have been spotted around this area, it seems they have surrounded the village and are closing in as we speak."
Silence prevailed over the large gathering for almost half a minute before Gazef grabbed an archaic looking telescope from his saddle bag and pointed it to the horizon, where a figure could be seen.
"You're right, there are people." Was his simple response.
Ekrinzaa immediately turned to the village chief, "Return to your people and tell them to get inside their storehouse and tall my own people that I have asked that they place a magical barrier around the building to keep you safe." She spoke in a commanding, yet soft tone. "Also, inform my people to form up, I want them to check and double-check their gear."
"R-right, right away!" The village chief ran off, towards the village centre.
"So…" Ekrinzaa said, turning back to the Head Warrior, who had silently watched the exchange of words, "Who are they exactly?"
The Head Warrior looked at her for a moment longer before sighing, "Only the Slaine Theocracy could field this many magic casters at once."
"That makes sense, the knights they sent beforehand were dressed as Empire soldiers, but after a bit of intimidation they admitted to being from the Theocracy."
"Sadly, that isn't surprising." He said, looking actually saddened, "The ones approaching the village look like special ops. Likely hear to find out what happened to their forces. They are probably one of the six scriptures."
"I see, well, we are wasting time. Let us walk and talk, I must see to my men." She said, as he turned and walked towards the village. Gazef Stronoff jogged to catch up with her before walking at her side.
"Your men? You said that before, how many did you br-", the words died on his lips as they turned the corner into the village centre where three large Wyverns in heavy black armour stood before two equally menacing figures in full black plate. After a short gasp, his hand went to his sword.
Ekrinzaa couldn't help but giggle. Drawing a strange look from Gazef. "Relax, Head Warrior, these are my two companions and our three mounts.", She had heard from the chief that Wyvern Riding was almost unheard of, but his reaction was just brilliant.
"M-mounts?" He stuttered, before regaining his composure. "I see."
"So, Royal Head Warrior-" She began, but was cut off.
"Just Gazef is fine."
"I see, Well, Gazef, does this village hold much value?" She asked, "Why would the Theocracy go through the trouble of sending special ops?"
"If you have no idea why they are attacking, then it is most likely because of me."
"It seems you are disliked, Gazef."
"Hah, yes, so I am." His face grew serious. "Miss Ekrinzaa, I would like to hire you if possible. I will be sure to reward you handsomely."
"Royal Head Warrior, I afraid I must decline." Gazef's face dropped, but she continued, a smile appearing on her face, not that he could see it. "You see, I have already decided to save this village and require no payment." This surprised the Head Warrior, but she wasn't done yet, "So, Gazef, I would like to ask that you and your men surround the village storehouse and make sure that if any enemies get past me, they do not get the villagers."
"B-but-", Gazef started, no doubt wanting to insist of fighting.
"That is my condition, Gazef. You will see to the safety of the villagers, I will take care of our 'guests'". The way she said it left no room for refusal.
"I see." He paused, clearly still wanting to fight. "Then, I ask only that you take care Miss Ekrinzaa."
"I will." Not that she needed to, the silhouettes above the Theocracy casters indicated Archangel Flames. Weak.
Ekrinzaa now stood alone before a dozen Theocracy magic casters, the leader and his guards, it seemed. She had sent her people to deal with the casters surrounding the village, while she dealt with the leaders. She had teleported in front of them, giving them quite the fright.
She stepped forward, "I am pleased to meet you, gentlemen of the Slaine Theocracy. My name is Ekrinzaa. I'm afraid I have a bit of a bone to pick with you over your decision to surround this village. I would like to make a deal with you. Might I have a moment of your time?"
The leader looked down his nose at her before responding, in a very arrogant tone that irked her, "Have you come to beg for the lives of the villagers?" He didn't wait for her to respond, "Well, allow me to stop you right there, I intend to dispatch of you and then massacre that village."
"Oh? Then I guess there is nothing more to take about." Ekrinzaa replied simply, drawing her scimitar.
Nigun considered himself a powerful individual, a veteran of many battles who had stared death in the face countless times and had taken many lives. Yet, he could feel the sheer strength radiating from the mysterious armoured woman. Though he was sure it was his imagination.
Ekrinzaa took a step forward. Pulling Nigun out of his thoughts, "Have the angels charge her! Don't let her get close!"
Two Archangel dashed forward in response to Nigun's command, launching an attack. The angels flew straight up to her and stabbed at her with their flaming swords. However, the blows did nothing. Just bounced off her armour.
A faint giggle could be heard from Ekrinzaa, "How rude." She raised her hand above her head before clicking her fingers and saying "Combust". A fraction of a second after the word left her mouth, the two angels exploded, leaving nothing behind, not even scrap.
Nigun could not comprehend the sight before him. "I-i-impossible…" one of Nigun's subordinates stuttered, giving voice to the words in Nigun's heart.
"...There must be some sort of trick."
"Ah, definitely, how could anyone be fine after being run through by a sword!?"
Panic was beginning to spread through the Theocracy unit. This was a sight they had never seen before. Not even the angels that Nigun could summon were capable of such a feat.
"All right, I'll wrap this up quickly. Since it looks like you aren't willing to accept the deal, then it shall be my turn."
At her words, a sudden spike of cold pierced his spine. Nigun, the hardened killer who had presided over many slaughters, was now feeling something that he had never felt before. Fear. However, Nigun shook that feeling away. He had cornered his prey, he wasn't about to let Gazef get away now.
Not willing to let Ekrinzaa attack first, he gave the order, "All angels, attack! Hurry!". Immediately following his command, all the Angels surged forward.
"How tedious." Came the calm voice, she raised her hand once more, "Chain Dragon Lightening!", A bolt of pure electricity shot forth from Ekrinzaa's armoured palm, shooting forth in the roaring form of a dragon, before ripping though each of the Archangels in turn. The electricity dissipated, leaving nothing but ashes.
"Im-Impossible…" The angels… over forty of them had been annihilated by the attack. Nigun's opponent had not used dispel magic to neutralize the Angels. In other words, she had destroyed them all through damage. Forty Angels destroyed by a single attack. Nigun could not help but tremble.
Nigun knew that the members the Black Scripture could also eliminate this many Angels. So, basically all he had to do was treat this woman as an opponent on their level. He had numbers on his side, he could win!
But his men were panicking.
"…Holy Ray!"
"…Poison!"
"…Shockwave!"
"…Fire Rain!"
"…Confusion!"
"…Charge of Stalagmite!"
"…Open Wounds"
"…Fire!"
"…Blindness"
Dozens of spells were being fired her way, but Ekrinzaa was bored. The low tier spells just hitting her armour and doing nothing. Yet the spells themselves were spells from Yggdrasil, so it seemed that this country, at the very least, knew of Yggdrasil. She would have to take a few of them alive.
The barrage of spells subsided.
"Captain Nigun!" Called one of the soldiers.
"Calm yourselves!" He turned to his Angel, "Principality of Observation, get him!", in response to orders, the angel propelled itself forward. It held a mace in one hand and a round shield in the other.
As the angel drew up in front of her, it raised its mace, before bringing it down on Ekrinzaa. While it was a relatively powerful strike, she simply pushed the incoming mace aside with a flick of her wrist, the mace striking the ground.
"Napalm", the simple world left Ekrinzaa's mouth, causing the Angel to explode in flame.
"In just one hit… Im-Im-Impossible!" Nigun shouted in anger and fear. Nigun had never seen anyone defeat it with just one spell, not even the Black Scripture! "Nobody can defeat a high tier angel with just one spell! What kind of monster are you? It's impossible that nobody has ever heard of one so strong! You must have lied about your name, what is it?!" Nigun was basically screaming.
"Very well then, since you will not be returning to your people, I will tell you who I am." Ekrinzaa responded in an even tone. "I am Ekrinzaa, Queen of the Wyvern Hive 'Purgatory', as for you? Well, you have earned my wrath, little Human."
Despite her introduction as the Wyvern Queen, Nigun was not listening as he was on the edge of hysteria.
"Captain Nigun, what do we do?!" Came the shout from one of his men.
His mind cleared slightly, remembering the gift he received before setting out. A smile spreading across his lips. "We summon the highest-level Angel!" He shouted, while pulling out what appeared to be a sealing crystal.
Seeing the crystal, Ekrinzaa tightened her grip on her sword, but made no other moves. Seeing it as a sealing crystal that could seal any and all magic spells and creatures, except to tier spells, she began taking this more seriously, getting ready to dodge at a moment's notice.
Nigun was still shouting his nonsense, "Look, the shining form of the highest of Angels! Dominion Authority!" The arrival drew wild cheers from the soldiers. A gigantic angel floating above them, everyone could feel its sheer power bearing down on them. Everyone, that is, except Ekrinzaa.
"Dominion Authority, you say?" She sighed, "And here I hoped it was going to be something good."
"What?!"
"How lame."
Nigun's thoughts were going crazy, 'Could it be that this woman is more powerful than this mightiest of angels?'
"I-It can't be… No, it's impossible! In front of an existence which mankind cannot defeat… you're bluffing!" He was screaming once more, he looked up to the Angel. "Use Holy Smite!"
In response to its summoner's wish Dominion Authority shattered its sceptre. The fragments rose up and slowly orbited its body.
"This is seventh tier magic that no human can go up against. This is the power that annihilates demons, the judgement of God!"
Yet the Ekrinzaa stood still. Her calm attitude on served to push him further into his hysteria. The spell was cast, and a pillar of light broke through the sky, slamming right into Ekrinzaa. Cause a laugh to leave Nigun's lips. It was over for her, now he just needed to go to the village and-
Giggling, was he really hearing giggling? It was coming from the pillar of light, from the silhouette of Ekrinzaa. Nigun froze.
"Hehe, it tickles." Came the amused voice of Ekrinzaa. The pillar of light dissipated, the attack over. Leaving her unharmed.
Nigun was silent for a long moment, before he began… laughing. Nigun was laughing hysterically, "I know it… I know your true identities! Demon Gods! You must be Demon Gods. That is the only thing that makes sense!", his hysterical voice booming across the hill, "No other being on this earth could withstand such a thing! You are a Demon God!"
"Believe what you will," Ekrinzaa replied simply, raising her hand again in the now dreaded way, "death".
As soon as she said it, Dominion Authority cracked and broke apart, having turned to dust before even hitting the ground. The hill was silent, none daring to move.
Ekrinzaa just had one more thing to say. "Wave of Pain", and upon saying it, a shockwave emerged from her, knocking down all of the soldiers. Many died of impact from the sheer pain, while a few managed to survive, but were knocked unconscious.
Suddenly, cracks appeared in the sky, shattering, before the sky returned to normal.
"Oh, seems someone wanted to watch the battle, but failed. Interesting. Well, guess I'll have a few of my men come and take the still alive ones back to Purgatory."
The look on Gazef's face as she approached the village storehouse, which he and his men surrounded, was priceless.
"Yo, Gazef." She called out, breaking him out of his stupor, "sorry I took so long, they seemed intent on talking my ears off!"
As she reached Gazef, he simply shook his head with a smile. "I have no idea how you took on that many magic casters and honestly, I'm not sure I want to know. Nevertheless, I am grateful to you for saving this village." He shook his head, as if trying to shake away his disbelief, "Amazing. Please, look for me when if you ever come to the Royal Capital. I will welcome you with open arms."
It was at this time that the village chief came up to them. "Lady Ekrinzaa, thank you! Thank you so very much. I do not think we can every repay you for all you have done!" He paused a moment, "But you have no doubt made an enemy of the Theocracy, I beg you to be careful"
A warm smile graced her face, seemingly putting the old chief at ease. "I thank you for your concern, but there are quite a few of us, we can take care of ourselves. It is you all that I am worried about. Should ever you need our help, simply use this," She handed him a horn, larger than the two that she gave to Enri Emmott, "It will alert me that you are in danger."
The man seemed nearly moved to tears, "Thank you, Lady Ekrinzaa, truly. Thank you."
Author Note:
Below are the formations I am using, I know that they are not correct by official standards, but these are Wyverns and not fighter planes, not to mention are based in a fantasy world, so please just roll with it:
Element – 3 Wyverns
Flight – 4 Elements – 12 Wyverns (One of the Element leaders will be assigned as Flight Leader)
Squadron – 2 Flights – 24 Wyverns + Additional Assigned Squad Leader
Wing – 3 Squadrons – 72 Wyverns + Additional Assigned Wing Leader
Types of Wyverns will be listed below, but the list may be updated as time goes on if I think of any others I want to add (suggestions are also welcome):
Grunt Wyvern – The standard and most common wyvern, but mostly the weakest. They are pack creatures that behave in ways similar to wolves and only attack when they need to feed or in defence. The usually can caves and mountainous/hilly areas home and can be identified by their lack of an ability to breathe fire/acid/water/etc and attack using talons and teeth only.
Fire Wyvern – The second most common wyvern variant. These are the closest to their dragon relatives as they breathe fire in much the same way. Fire wyverns can be identified by either having crimson scales or having dark scales with an almost pearlescent red shine. They usually live alone or in mated pairs and attack all that come into their territory. They mostly make their homes deep in the mountains where few dare venture, a few have also been noted making homes in and around active volcanoes.
Ice Wyvern – Often mistaken for water wyverns, are smaller than most wyverns but have an above average intelligence. They live in arctic areas and within snow-topped mountains but do so alone or in mated pairs. They have extremely low body temperatures and feed either on birds or small animals. They are swift and elegant and often pacifistic, choosing to intimidate rather than kill, but will defend their homes if needed. In fights that do not affect them, they are sometimes known to be cowardly, but will fight if they think they can win, not willing to die for something that does not affect them.
Water Wyvern – Water Wyverns are pensive, yet vain and live solitary lives and only mate long enough to have young before they go back into solitude. They are found living in seaside caves and feast of fish and large aquatic animals. They are not known for attacking humans and prefer to scare them off rather than kill them. They have the ability to shoot water out of their mouths at high speeds and at varying temperatures (from cool to boiling) and can breathe under water for short periods.
Nature Wyvern – This wyvern is a rare-type that prefers to live deep in lush forests, forming small hives and family units. They feed rarely and hibernate for years at a time but are known for killing those who do excessive damage to the forest, but also understand the need for humans to cut down a few trees every so often. They are very social and have even been known to take strolls into small human villages for a chat on occasion, often scaring the villagers half to death in the process. They can breathe small amounts of weak fire, but almost never do.
Dark Wyverns – Also known as Death Wyverns, these creatures are largely feared as evil-tempered monsters that are obsessed with death and killing. They are abusive, quick to anger and malevolent. They can be identified by their pitch black, almost slimy, appearance. Has poisonous saliva and can shoot streams of sticky acid or choking black smoke at will. They are more active at night and prefer sneak attacks on weaker prey. Their natural habitats are found in dying swamps where the stench of decay and death are prevalent.
Golden Wyverns – Wyverns so rare that few in Yggdrasil even believe they even exist. Golden wyverns are revered by all other wyverns and often form gigantic hives in remote areas made up of wyverns of all types. They are highly intelligent and very kind to those they find to deserving but have no reservations about treating criminals badly. They are the lawmakers, law enforces and rulers of the wyvern society. They will eat anything, including vegetation. They can also mate with any wyvern type, they breed often and in large numbers of around twenty eggs, but only one in ten of those will be a golden wyvern with the rest being the type of the other parent. They do not mate with other golden wyverns. Golden Wyverns do not breathe fire, but instead can fire out golden streams of lightening. (This is the type of wyvern that Ekrinzaa is).
Level Champions:
Odrax of the fifth level – Dark Wyvern – Level 100
Ranna of the fourth level – Fire Wyvern – Level 100
Ingrik of the third level – Ice Wyvern – Level 100
Bruktak of the second level – Nature Wyvern – Level 100
Irriag of the first level – Water Wyvern – Level 100
Level Descriptions:
Fifth level – Guarded by Odrax and his Wyverns, this floor houses the Throne Room, Queen's chambers, treasury, rooms of the Champions, a canteen, several relaxation facilities designed specifically for wyverns and the great library.
Fourth level – Guarded by Ranna and her Wyverns, this floor houses the armoury, blacksmith, storerooms and guest rooms.
Third level – Guarded by Ingrik and her Wyverns, this floor contains enough housing and facilities for several hundred wyverns as well as a few hundred humanoids.
Second Floor – Guarded by Bruktak and his Wyverns, this floor is the agricultural area of the Hive and houses many Lycanthropes who take care of the plants and animals that feed the population of Purgatory.
First level – Guarded by Irriag and his Wyverns, this floor is purely defensive, containing many fortifications, traps large caverns and twisting labyrinths.
Wow, this end of chapter note is almost a thousand words by itself! Sorry about that.
