In a small tavern in the Fortress City of E-Rantel, things were quiet, minus the minor chatter from the patrons. Most of them were low level Adventurers relaxing either after a particularly difficult job or having one last drink before embarking on one. Brita was once such Adventurer. An Iron Plate, she was above the Copper Plates that were in the tavern, as well. She was extremely happy, today, as she finally got a hold of the potion she's been saving up for months to get. This was will be a big help on her next job. Her musings were ended when the taverns doors opened, causing her-and everyone else-to see who entered.

It was a tall man. He was decked out in black armor from head to toe with gold accents, a red cape draping over the right shoulder and two large swords on his back. He was wearing a helmet, so it was impossible to tell what he looked like. At his side was one of the most beautiful women they have seen, with long black hair in a ponytail, black eyes, and a stern expression. Most of her body was covered up by a brown cloak, but the sword on her hip was still visible.

Everyone stared at the newcomers were interest, especially at the woman. Brita scoffed at that. Lecherous jerks. The duo seemed to be ignoring the stares as they sauntered towards the counter.

"Need a room? Cost you five Bronze pieces each. Meals are-" the innkeeper started, but the warrior caught him off.

"I'll only need one room, thanks. Forget the meals" he said, his voice deep. The innkeeper finally looked and scowled.

"Oh, you're a low-level Copper Plate. This place is gonna be-" the warrior, once again, cut him off. He really seems to like doing that. Brita was more surprised a man wearing such fine armor was a Copper Plate. Usually, only Gold or Silver Ranked Adventurers had that sort of armor.

"It's our first time registering. Unfortunately they you start at Copper" the warrior said. The innkeeper, obviously getting fed up, slammed his fist on the counter.

"Now, it's seven Bronze Pieces! Payment due up front!" he said, causing Brita to frown. While she really shouldn't be surprised, it still kind of irked her when the innkeepers increased the cost of rooms based on Guild Rank. Especially when it happens to her.

"That's not a problem" the warrior said, calmly, placing seven Bronze Pieces on the counter. The innkeeper instantly calmed down.

"Room is upstairs in the back" he said, pointing to the stairs. The warrior and his companion made their way towards the stares, but stopped. Brita could see one of the men sitting at a table ahd stuck his foot out in front of them. Likely as a joke to the new guy. Happened to her, a few times. She heard the warrior's voice, likely muttering something, and simply brushed by the foot. The man didn't take kindly to that.

"Hey, watch where you're going, you big oaf! How can I work with a busted ankle?" the man exclaimed, getting up, and standing in front of the warrior. Brita, once again, scoffed. One little nudge ain't gonna break someone's foot.

"Perhaps your little vixen can kiss it and make it feel better" he added, having laid eyes on the woman. She couldn't blame him. That woman was quite the beauty, possibly rivalling even the Golden Princess, herself. The warrior started chuckling, as if he just heard some funny joke.

"Not even in your dreams. Your uncivilized behaviour is quite amusing. I couldn't be laugh" he said and, before anyone could react, grabbed the man by the scarf around his neck, and easily hoisted him off the ground. Brita smiled at seeing the idiot lose his attitude in a mere instant.

"Look at that. You're not so funny when you can't breathe, are you?" he asked, rhetorically. In a swift motion, he threw the poor sap across the room and he slammed, face first, into the table Brita was sitting at, trashing it and the potion. She gasped in shock and glared at the warrior as he seemed to be addressing the man's pals.

"Hey! You just spilled my potion all over the floor! Do you know how much that costs?" she exclaimed, marching right up to the warrior, who had his full attention on her. Being so rude and confrontational with someone this big, armored, and strong maybe isn't the best idea, but she was too miffed to think straight. Beside, he's owes her a new potion.

"Potion?" he asked, curiously. She really couldn't see what his expression was because of his helmet.

"Yes. Those things are really expensive and I've been waiting a long time to buy it. I had to skip meals and even stop drinking for months so I could afford it. And since you broke it, it you means you have to pay for it. Understand?' she asked, glaring up the warrior. He didn't seem phased by her outburst, but his companion was sending her a not-so-subtle death glare.

"Perhaps these men could pay you back, instead?" he asked, but in a tone that implies he simply looking at other options instead of trying to weasel out.

"Do you think these drunks could me back? I doubt they've seen a single gold piece in their lives. You, on the other hand, are wearing some expensive armor. I bet you have, at least, one potion on you" she said, a little smugly.

"I do, in fact. Here" he said, pulling out a potion. She grabbed it and found it was, surprisingly, red instead of blue and in a rather fancy bottle. It was a bit surprising, and was wondering if this was a fake.

"That makes us even, right?" the warrior asked.

"Yes, for now" she said, walking out of the tavern. She has a potion to appraise.


Momonga couldn't believe that worked. That crabby woman had accepted the potion, though her tone implied she may come back if she doesn't like what he gave her. He was also quite proud and impressed by Narberal's composure during the whole thing. He was sure she would snap, forcing him to intervene before things got out of hand. Her training with Solution has really paid off. So has Sakuya's, as the Pleiades have, indeed, become stronger. He believes Narbel is around Level 70, now, and has been investing her skills in her Magic to further serve him. She won't be using anything before 4th Tier, but that should be enough.

They had finally put their plan to action. As agreed, Momonga and Narberal Gamma went undercover as the warrior Momon and Spellcaster Nabe. Sakuya teased him relentless, for picking such uncreative names when she told her. As per their orders, Narberal took her lessons with Solution too heart. While she was very, very, VERY reluctant to refer Monga as simply "Momon", she eventually got into her role, albeit with a few relapses with she lets her temper lare. As whenever Momonga was unavailable, Sakuya was now in charge of Nazarick until he returned. And she agreed to contact him in case of an emergency.

The duo headed upstairs and into their newly purchased room, where they could converse privately.

"Lord Momonga, we shouldn't have to stay in such a small and disgusting place" Narberal said. Momonga removed his helmet, confident he wouldn't be caught in the room.

"It's not that bad, Narberal. But, the guild doesn't seem to set any member standards. Hopefully, not all Adventurers act like hooligans. Then, again, when you're fighting monsters, brains are much of a requirement" he mused.

"What shall we do about the woman who took your potion?" Narberal asked.

"As an Iron-Level Adventurer, she currently outranks us in this city. It's best to leave her be, for now. Besides, handing that potion was part of my plan to meet with Nfirea. Due to the potion's unique properties by this world's standards, he'll likely grow curious about it and seek me out to learn more about it" Momonga explained.

"Understood, Lord Momonga" Narberal stated.

"Now, I expect you to use your training and control your hostility towards Humans while we are in public. Remember, we are Momon and Nabe in this city" Momonga stated. While he's confident Sakuya spared no effort in ensuring Narberal would be ready to interact with Humans, he made a note to remind her of this, at different intervals.

"Of course, Momon" she said.

"Now, I believe it's time we begin planning" Momonga said. Narberal nodded and, rather than bow like she would've done in Nazarick, sat on the bed opposite of her master.

"Our main objective in this city to gather information on this world we have been transported to. As me, Sakuya, and Boldric discussed, we will go undercover as low-level Adventurers. We will gain experience by completing quests. With our skills, we should quickly reach the highest ranks of Mithril, Orichalcum, and Adamantite. Once there, we will be assigned harder quests, which should allow us to access the most useful intel" Momonga explained.

"A flawless plan, Momon" Narberal stated.

"You're wrong, there is one flaw: our currency is worthless. The majority of our is gold from Yggdrasil, we can't use it. It would be publicly announcing we came from somewhere else and if there happen to be other Players living in this city, there is no guarantee they would friendly towards us. Therefore, our first goal is to make ourselves some money. Let's find a job!" Momonga stated, with utmost seriousness. Internally, he was really glad Sakuya wasn't here to hear that. He'd never hear the end of it.


Brita walked through the streets, in search of her destination. The sun was beginning to set, so the street was empty. That deter her. She was an Adventurer and can handle a few muggers. She managed to find the shop she was looking for and entered, looking for the shopkeeper.

"Welcome" a young said as he climbed down a ladder.

"Are you mr. Nfirea Bareare?" she asked.

"Yes, and how may I help you today, miss?" Nfirea asked, politely.

"I need you to appraise a potion for me" she replied. She showed him the potion and, despite his shock at its color, led her to a back room where an elderly woman was working.

"Grandma! You've gotta see this"! He said, excitedly, placing the potion on the table.

"It's… red" she said, not quite believing what she was looking at.

"What do you know about it?" Nfirera asked.

"First, I need to examine it, properly" the woman said.

"So, this is Lizzie Bareare, the famous pharmacist?" Brita asked.

"She's the best there is, though I may be biased" Nfirea replied, modestly.

"I'll use my Appraise Magical Item spell. It should detect any enchantments" Lizzie said, holding out her palm towards potion as it glowed green. She gasped in shock a few minutes, later.

"So, what's up with it?" Nfirea asked, noting her expression. His questioned was met with a short laugh from her.

"Tell me, Nfirea: the modern manufacturer process causes all potions to turn blue, corrects?" she asked.

"That's right" he replied.

"Well, this is something I've never seen before. It's made of pure Magic, like something out of a fairy tale. A true potion of healing, resembling God's own blood. I never believed it actually existed. You are one lucky lady. This is equal to a 2nd Tier healing spell, easily worth 8 Gold pieces" she said. Brita's heart nearly stopped. Eight Gold pieces? That potion? What kind of money did that warrior have to have access to such a valuable item? And why did he give it up, so easily?

"But, there are risks with having such a rare item. There are people out there who would kill to get their hands on a potion this powerful" Lizzie continued, making Brita gulp in fear. Sure, she was decent with a sword, but she was no Gazef Stronoff. She'll quickly meet someone stronger than her and that would be the end of her.

"I can help, though. You wouldn't have to worry if you sold it to me" Lizzie said, suddenly. Brita stared at the woman, wondering what she should do. She's right, selling the potion would remove the target it put on her back, but what are the chances of her getting her hands on another one in her lifetime? The only reason she got this one was because that warrior owed her one, but she doubts she'd run into that guy, again, let alone talk another potion out of him. She tried to speak, but Lizzie's glare actually made her flinch. Who knew she was so scary?

"Alright, I another proposition for you" she said, seeing she won't budge on selling it.


"Wow, check out that guy's armor"

"Looks quite expensive"

"I mean he's just a Copper Plate"

"Typical rich kid playing pretend"

"Shiny present from daddy"

Momonga was really starting to regret this decision. It would seem his hope that not all Adventurers were hooligans was unfounded. The second they walked in, everyone was whispering insults at him, thinking he was wealthy due to his rather ornate armor. He didn't let these get to him, since he was kind of expecting this sort of thing from the start. It's the frequency that annoyed him. Thankfully, Narberal was keeping her cool, as well. She was also silently thanking her sister for her side-lessons on managing her temper. Perhaps she'll reward Solution with a private lunch, together, some time.

However, the biggest problem, right now, was reading the actually posts. They were in a language not found on Earth or Yggdrasil. He didn't have items that automatically translated languages on him, and Narberal couldn't read any language to save her life. He really wished Boldric was here. His All-Tongue ability would've been useful. Thankfully, he had an idea. He grabbed a random posting and placed it on the desk.

"Consider this quest done" he told the receptionist. Hopefully this plan will work.

"I'm very sorry, sir, but you're a Copper Plate, and this quest is looking for a Mithril" she said, apologetically. So far, so good. It also seemed there's a rule against taking on a quest that is a higher rank than you. He'll need to remember that, from now on. For now, he'll play off her response.

"I'm aware. You'll find me more than qualified" he said, confidently. And he isn't wrong, as his skill with weapons, while mediocre at best, was still above anything this world had to offer. His statement also caused several Adventurers to gasp, likely in response to his, perceived, cockiness.

"I have to follow the guild's rules" the receptionist countered, a little firmly. He really isn't surprised. He'd say the same thing if he were in her position.

"The rules are wrong" he said.

"Guidelines are set for a reason. Without the requisite experience, you could someone heard or worse" the receptionist said. A pretty motive behind a rule and one Sakuya would agree with, if she were here.

"You see my companion, here? She's a 3rd Tier Magic user. I have the skills to fight comparable to her. It would be a waste of our talents to accept a mere Copper-plate quest" he said, earning more gasps in surprise. Narberal silently noted the Tier, knowing she will need to keep from casting anything higher, now.

"I understand, but the rules are very clear. I simply can't allow it" the receptionist said. Momonga felt he kept this up, long enough.

"No problem. You're just doing your job. Sorry if we came across as pompous. Please sign us up for the most difficult quest available in the Copper Plate field" he said. She nodded.

"Yes, of course. Just give me a moment" she said and walked off. Momonga felt satisfaction surge in him as his plan worked without a hitch.

"Hey, mister" a voice called. Momonga turned and saw four men looking at him.

"You two can join our adventuring group" one of them, the leader probably, said.

"Really?" Momonga asked, curiously. They lead them upstairs and all sat at a table.

"Allow me to introduce everyone. We call ourselves the Swords of Darkness. I'm Peter Mauk, the leader. Over to our left is Lukrut Volve. He's our eyes and ears in the field" Peter said, gesturing to a blonde man with a rather peculiar smile on his face… and was looking towards Narberal. Narberal, being the blunt and Human-hating woman she is, ignored him, much to his disappointment.

"Our capable Druid uses magic to heal us and manipulate nature, Dyne Woodwonder" Peter continued.

"Nice to meet you folks" the largest of the four said with a friendly and kindly smile. Momonga was sure he'd get along great with Sakuya.

"And last, but not least, is the brains of the operation, Ninya the Spellcaster" Peter finished, gesturing to the small brunette sitting next to him.

"Hello there. Peter, stop it. I keep telling you that nickname is embarrassing" Ninya said, glancing up at Peter.

"Why? You know you should be proud of it" Peter said.

"Our Ninya, here, is a Talent Holder" Lukrut said.

"Seriously? That's impressive" Momonga said, remembering what their Slane Theocracy prisoners had told them.

"Ninya has a Talent called Magic Affinity: He's able to learn spells twice as fast as the average Caster. Isn't that right?" Peter asked, causing Ninya to look embarrassed.

"That's amazing" Momonga said, sincerely.

"It's not like I did anything to deserve this. I'm lucky. Part of me feels like this is an unfair advantage" Ninya said, modestly.

"Such modesty. He's a famous Talent Holder. We're proud to have him on our team" Peter said.

"Well, here in E-Rantel, there is an even more famous Talent Holder" Ninya said, bashfully.

"That would be Master Bareare" Dyne said.

"Ah, yes, I've heard that name, before, but don't know much about him. Oh, how rude of me. This is Nabe and I am to have you all watching our backs. Now, as I said, I don't know much this Bareare guy" Momonga said.

"There's no way you're from around here, then. And that would explain a lot" Peter said, sitting down.

"You're correct. We just arrived yesterday" Momonga said.

"Well, his name is Nfirea Bareare and he's the grandson of a well-known pharmacist in E-Rantel. He was born with talent to use any and all Magical items without training" Peter explained. That lines up, perfectly, with what Sakuya told him, but it never hurts to make sure.

"Now then, I'm sure you're wondering why we need your help. Our objective is to destroy all monsters that have wandered too close to the city" peter said.

"You were hired to hunt monsters?" Momonga asked.

"Not really. It's actually an off-the-books expedition that we decided to take on, by ourselves" Peter said.

"What does that man?" Momonga asked.

"We weren't exactly hired to do it, but the guild will receive money based on the strength of the monsters we defeat. We just have to collect our reward from the guild" Peter replied.

"It's a dull, but necessary task for us Adventurers" Dyne chimed in.

"The job is easy and we get to keep people safe while also bringing home the tasty bacon. It's a total win-win situation for all parties involved" Lukrut said.

"So, you interested in joining us? Our plan is to start clearing out the forest just South of the city and working our way North. What do you say?. The experience will help you rise above a Copper Plate" Peter said.

"Sure, we're happy to come along" Momonga said, making them happy.

"One thing: I should show you all my since we'll be working together. I hope it's not a shock" he said and removed his helmet. Instead of the skeletal face Narberal was expecting, it was instead of a young, and rather handsome man. Guess, he sued Illusion magic to disguise it.

"Oh, interesting. I heard of a country south of here where a face like yours is common, but you're the first that I've met in person" Peter commented.

"He's older than I expected" Lukrut whispered to Ninya.

"Don't be so rude" Ninya scolded as Monga put his helmet back on.

"I've been hiding my face since we came to town. Sometimes people have issues with foreigners and I didn't want to stir up any trouble" Momonga said. He wasn't kidding either. He was sure if everyone knew he was an undead skeleton, they'd cut him down on sight.

"Just out of curiosity: just what kind of partners are you two, exactly?" Lukrut asked, causing his teammates to groan in annoyance. Obviously, he's asked that before.

"We're allies" Momonga replied.

"That's wonderful, because I'm in love! Say you'll go on a date me?" he asked, gesturing wildly, then kneeling before Narberal, who looked pretty annoyed.

"No. And if you ask me, again, I'll rip out your tongue" she said, bluntly. Her original thought was much harsher and involved comparing him to a dog, but decided to something more tact, but still go her point across. Sdaly, this didn't seem to deter him. In fact, she was sure it made him happy.

"That kind of honest criticism is so rare, these days! You're right, we should just start as friends, for now" he said, still making wild gestures.

"You disgust me" she said, as bluntly as possible.

"That cool gaze really does it for me" Lukrut said, still not giving up. Before he could go on, peter up and elbowed him in the head.

"I'm sorry about my friend's advances" Peter said, apologetically.

"Yes, I'm sorry as well" Momonga said, though he was glad Narberal kept her cool, there. With that out of the way, the group begins to descend the stairs.

"If you and Nabe are ready, I think it's best we head out, immediately" Peter said.

"Agreed" Momonga said. Then, the receptionist from earlier met them at the bottom of the stairs.

"Mister Momon?" she asked, catching his attention.

"Some specifically requested you for a job" she said.

"Do you know who asked for me?" Momonga asked, though he had a pretty good idea of who it is, already.

"Yes, Mister Nfirea Bareare" the receptionist replied, shocking everyone in earshot. At that moment, the man in question appeared next to her and with him, to his surprise, was the Iron Plate Adventurer from before.

"Hello, there. I'm the one who specifically requested you" Nfirea said. The woman stayed quiet, but stared at Momonga with a interested look.

"I'm sorry to disappoint, but I've already accepted another position. Perhaps after we finish this job, we can help you" he said, politely. As much as he wanted to get a better understanding of Nfirea, he already agreed to help the Swords of Darkness, and he's a man of his word.

"Don't be ridiculous, this could be big for you" peter said, not getting his thought process.

"I already agreed to join up with your group. What kind of man would I be if I didn't keep my word" Momonga asked rhetorically. This surprised them.

"But, it's a personal request" Peter argued, and he's likely not going to give up.

"Okay, how about this: I will listen to Mr. Bareare's proposition, then make my choice?" he suggested. This satisfied them and they all headed back upstairs.

"My name is Nfirea Bareare. I'm a pharmacist here in the city. Your job would be to protect me while I harvest some herbs near Carne Village. Aside from escorting me there and back, I'd like you to help gather some medicinal herbs that I need" Nfirea explained.

"A bodyguard assignment?" Momonga asked. He wasn't so sure about this. He isn't equipped for this sort of thing.

"The reward for doing this is-" Nfirea started, but was cut off by Momonga.

"Question, Peter: How would like to come on as my hired hand?" He asked, surprising Peter.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I suggest we take these men along for this excursion. A Ranger such as Mr. Lukrut would provide security and it would also be smart to have the skills of a Druid like Mr. Dyne if we're going to be working in a forest" Momonga explained. He didn't spend all those as Guild Leader without picking a few things, and he planned on using them.

"Yes, you possess a keen insight, mr. Momon" Dyne commented.

"I definitely don't mind tagging along" Lukrut said.

"It would be an honor to escort you both" Peter said.

"More men equals more protection for m" Nfirea said.

"And what of this woman that is with you?" Momonga asked, looking at her.

"Oh, she insisted she'd come with me when I mentioned I was going to meet you. She never told me why" Nfirea replied.

"My name is Brita, by the way" Brita said, finally speaking up for the first time since coming here.

"Very well, I see no reason to refuse your aid" Momonga said, though he felt she wanted another one of his potions, considering it might be worth a fortune in this world.

"Now, one last question. Why did you specifically request me for this job?" he asked, looking at Nfirea. This caught him off guard.

"I'm new to the area and don't have any acquaintances in the city. I'm very curious as to how a well-known citizen such as you came to know my name. How could you have heard of me?" he asked.

"Oh, Brita came to my shop and told me of what you did in the inn, yesterday. She told me how you took down several high-ranked Adventurers that accosted you and your partner. The person I use to hire as an escort moved away from E-Rantel, not too long ago. So, I'm in the market for a replacement warrior. And to be honest with you, it's a lot cheaper to hire a Copper Plate for the job" Nfirea explained.

"That's true" Momonga said, glancing at his plate.

"Does anyone else have another question?" Nfirea asked. Internally, Momonga was quite pleased. Not only has he come into contact with Nfirea, but may have found a few more people that could prove useful to him. Brita seems to be the type of woman Sakuya could test her Tomes on.

"No, we're ready to go when you are" Peter replied.

"Then, let's get going. There's no time to waste" Nfirea said.


Later that night, at E-Rantel's communal cemetery, a hooded figure strolled through the empty area and entered a mausoleum. The figure smiled and knelt before a stone slab. They pressed a face carved onto the slab and it opened to reveal a hidden staircase. The figure pulled their hood to reveal a woman with blonde hair and a deranged look in her eyes.

"I'm coming down" she said in a sing-song voice. She descended the stairs and reached a large inner chamber with several pillars surrounding a marble floor. But, no sign of who she was looking for.

"Khajiit! I need to talk to you, old man! Are you here?" she called out, her voice echoing. An old man in a robe came into view, looking annoyed.

"I told you to stop calling me that. It is disrespectful to the great name of Zurrernorn. So, tell me, why have you come here?" Khajiit asked.

"I thought you'd be interested in this" the woman said, twirling a strange circlet in her finger. Khajiit looked shocked.

"By God, one of the treasures of the Slane Theocracy! Our fabled Shaman Princess wore that Crown of Wisdom" he exclaimed, in awe.

"Oh, I know. A sweet little thing, but going crazy while wearing it. So, i did her a favor and snatched it off her pretty head" the woman said, chuckling madly.

"As a former member of the Black Scripture, you should be well aware that this item suppresses the soul of its bearer and turns them into a magical conduit. It's incredibly dangerous. Simply touching could've meant your end. Yet, you did it, anyway" Khajiit explained, scoldingly, not the woman seemed to care.

"Boring" she said and started rocking back and forth, for some reason.

"There is a one-in-a-million chance you could find someone who is compatible. And without true magic, it's just a very fancy piece of garbage" Khajiit said.

"That's why I came. As a fellow member of the Society of Zurrarnorn, you have to help me. Isn't that right, Khajiit Dale Bedantel?" she asked. Khajiit glared at the woman.

"I don't answer to Dale anymore. Now, what is it you want from me?" he asked, in an annoyed tone.

"I heard rumors of a Talent Holder able to sue any magical item, at will. Do you think he could make this crown work for little old me?" she asked.

"I highly doubt you need my assistance kidnapping that defenceless boy" Khajiit said, plainly.

"Normally? No, but I intend to cause a bit of any uproar in the process" the woman replied.

"So, you intend to use chaos to escape the city?" Khajiit asked.

"How's this? I'll participate in your ritual if you're a good boy and help me out. Pretty enticing, right?" she asked. Khajiit smirked.

"I'd be a fool to turn that offer down. Let's figure out to grab that Talent Holder"


Were you expecting another chapter, this soon? Neither was I, and I'm writing it! Yeah, Brita's joining the group, this time around. I have big plans for her and several other female cast members... but, I'm not telling anyone.

And feel free to leave your own ideas, if you want to.