Overlord: The Exiled
Disclaimer and Notes: Overlord is the property of Kugane Maruyama and licensed by YenPress. Support the official LN releases. Speaking of which, VOL. 13 in April . . . ish? Woot. Longest volume he's written by his tweet, we shall see. Shall you redeem the past few volumes with something in this one Maruyama-dono? Waiting like Igor in Persona . . .
Back to Draconis everyone . . . Read and Review!
Chapter 10: Double Dragon
Dragon Kingdom Capital Castle
Draconis stood at a balcony overlooking the fields to the east as he sipped on a glass of juice. The night had come and gone with little incident after the conclusion of the duel between him and Cerabrate. He had exchanged a few words with Draudillon before retiring for the evening. Breakfast had been a simple thing and he took the time to take in the crisp morning air.
Yet despite this, he could not feel good about it. He had gotten the tragic news from Chronos via a message from Gareth. His real world brother-in-law, Yoshitsune had passed away over two hundred years ago in this New World after establishing a clan and having a family. What did that mean for others in his Guild Bakamatsu Genpei?
When he had tried to get in touch with Artorias, she had been weeping. Yet despite of her sadness, she insisted that he remain there and keep helping those in need.
"I have our friends here. I am not alone and just knowing that you are still being you. Helping those in need is enough to keep me going. We can mourn him together later. Our people and those of that Dragon Kingdom need our help now. I love you."
Her words and strength of will never stopped impressing him. They knew each other well enough to know when one of them was on the edge and needed the other. If she couldn't take it anymore, she would call him without fail. He respected and loved her too much to go against that. He knew Gareth and Mordred and Lancelot would care for her. The Arcology War hadn't broken them or their bonds, this would not either. It would only strengthen them further.
Yet he still felt the loss. She was right, they would mourn him when they were together again, but now he felt like paying silent respects for the morning and stared off at the rising sun.
He was dressed in mourning robes of Japan. Pure white with little embellishments. A katana that he had been gifted when Yoshitsune had joined the game and met up with them lay before him. It was nothing terribly impressive. Only High Tier with few enchantments, but the sentimental value was great.
A presence walked up to him from behind and took a knee. He did not need to turn to know that it was Hazuki. She had been created as a being who hailed from the region that Bakamatsu Genpei had, but was not a part of their society. Being an Tenko, she was keenly attuned to her master's state of being and those around her. News that their master's brother-in-law had passed long ago had shocked them all. She could feel the immense sadness within him and knew as a being of power, that grief could kill a person just as easily has swords and arrows could.
She did not doubt that he would be able to move on, but things were too hectic now. They could only do so much to help this kingdom they had found themselves new neighbors of with their numbers. If she could help him find solace and peace sooner, she would.
"My lord. Might I speak with you a moment?"
"Hazuki. I don't mind. Have a seat."
"Thank you my lord."
As she took a seat opposite of him, she gazed at the katana. It was elegantly crafted and a beauty to look at, yet her simpler katana in appearance held far greater power. It was a weapon not to be wielded in actual combat, but displayed as a work of art.
"Is Queen Artorias alright? I know this must be a sudden blow for her."
He sighed and nodded slowly.
"She is grieving as a family member should. I offered to return to her side and comfort her, but she insisted I remain here and help those in need. That she has a many times descendant niece is some comfort to her. I have a feeling once she is over her brother's passing, she'll be doting on her relatives a bit."
He chuckled with a wry smile at the thought.
"She won't go overboard, but she won't ignore them either. This Alkaid woman is quite accomplished in this world if what Gareth told Chronos is true. I wonder what happened to the rest of his guild?"
"Perhaps one of them still remains with us in this New World? Certainly some of them had to be non human."
He nodded at that. There were a few grotesques in Bakumatsu Genpei, but did their longevity account for these hundreds of years that separated their appearances in this world? He didn't know. He also began to wonder what kind of woman his brother had managed to win the heart of. He had always sworn that he would remain single for his life, yet now he had a lineage he could have lorded over them if he was still with them.
He laughed at that idea. It made Hazuki smile politely at his improving mood.
"Good grief Yoshitsune. You go and have kids and descendants before Artorias and me. That's a frightful revelation. I'd never hear the end of it if he was still around."
Draconis looked to Hazuki and nodded to her.
"I know what you just did. Making me think of other things and better times to be happy about remembering his life. Thank you, I feel a bit better."
She bowed to him and smiled, glad to be of help to her lord.
"You're welcome, but I only do this as any true vassal would."
"Hazuki, you are more than just a vassal or subordinate. Have I not told you all before? You are like family to me."
A faint blush crossed her face, but she smiled and nodded.
"I am honored and blessed to no end by such a compliment. Then it is only natural to help those close to us." When he nodded, she continued. "I know that you yet grieve, but as your wife has said, we have people here who need our help now. Yoshitsune-sama would wish for you to help those in need as well."
A smirk played across his face before he started chuckling, then laughing out loud. He threw his hands up in defeat.
"Okay, alright! You have me! I'm amazed by your determination and motivation. You are right. We have people in desperate need here and now. He is too much like his sister in that regard. Time to get to work. I can pay tribute when this is finished."
Standing after he took up the katana in hand and placed it back into his inventory. Changing back into the armor he wore the previous day, he took a deep breath and nodded to Hazuki. The two left the room provided to him by Draudillon Oriculus and proceeded to walk down the halls of the castle. Servants and what few soldiers stationed around the castle either stepped out of his way and bowed, or stared in reverence. He quietly acknowledged them with nods and waves as he passed. Hazuki . . . who had not been seen until now, was stared at.
She wore her usual armor and attire. The katana at her side rested peacefully in its saya. They contrasted sharply. His knight's armor and raiment with her japanese styled regalia, yet both of them appeared immaculate to those passing them. Even though one or two of the servants in the halls managed to rummage up enough courage to ask if they could be of any assistance finding their way around, the two politely refused.
Draconis knew where he was going. He was letting his sense of smell guide him. It was mid morning so he doubted that Draudillon would take breakfast so late. As they approached the throne room where her scent was currently the strongest, hey could hear the voices on the other side of the guarded doors despite their massive thickness.
"I understand your concerns lords and ladies, but Draconis does not strike me as the kind of individual that would take advantage of his position for greed."
It was Draudillon speaking with her nobility? Draconis motioned for the guards to halt when they motioned to announce his presence. If they could not hear what was being said, then all the better. He did not like the idea of eavesdropping, but this information would help him better understand the situation with her higher ups and more influential groups without having to directly play the talking game with them.
Hazuki seemed to have the same idea as he noticed her stance had become more alert and she had closed her eyes to further concentrate on the words being spoken.
Throne Room Interior
Draudillon frowned as she continued to speak with a gathering of her remaining nobility and what few merchants had managed to remain in business. They spoke in concern to the display Draconis had made yesterday against Cerabrate. The one sided victory and mercy at one of Crystal Tear's own request had traveled swiftly throughout the whole of the city. The common folk spoke feverishly about the crimson haired knight who repulsed and reproached The Fierce Flash with ease. Nobles who had actually witnessed the spectacle hailed him as an ominous arrival. The church saw hope and salvation. Adventurers who had taken the news back to the guild headquarters respected the man's prowess at the very least.
"Your Majesty, where did he come from? Someone who is that powerful doesn't just help for no reason. He has to have some aim."
The man who spoke was an older aristocrat in the nobility who had made his gains through careful planning and taking advantage of changes in the economic sphere. He was always a hard bargainer and it made him believe that no man could be trusted a hundred percent.
"Lord Karlyle, I do not believe that to be the case. The man possesses knowledge as well as martial prowess. He is also well versed in magic and social etiquette. A man so well versed in so many things would stand little to demand recompense in terms of monetary compensation of our nation."
She did not have to emphasize how they also could not afford to with their nation in such dire straights. Lord Karlyle did not back down.
"He could demand other things that are not monetarily related! Unreasonable treaties or a position in the court!"
A man younger than Karlyle, but also of the nobility stepped forward with a scowl marring handsome features chiseled by time in the fields of battle. His dark black hair was a rarity in the nation, but he was not of the far southern kingdoms. He was the least fancily dressed as he had been defending his lands from invading beastmen. He was one of the few who could fight them with his forces as he fought with wit and strategy rather than head on clashes.
"And what would he do that for? What would he gain by such a play? Our queen has told us that he holds a considerable position in a queendom far stronger than us. He has offered us aid against a menace of no small threat. We have not even met the man yet and you judge and doubt him. I bore witness to the duel between the Fierce Flash and this Lord Brightblade. Cerabrate was disparaging the man as you are now before being handled like a rabid dog. Yet he spared the adamantite at the behest of his own teammate. Their scout, the Lady Deidre."
Karlyle bristled at the younger noble.
"Still your tongue Whitepeak! The only reason you hold any of your lands is because you pay tribute to those infernal wyvern riders from the north! Not to mention that lizard riding whore of a chieftain."
Other nobles frowned and nodded in agreement. House Whitepeak was situated close to the eastern and northern borders of the kingdom, yet had held onto their lands due to assistance rendered from wyvern rider clansmen from the northern mountain ranges. Many called their arrangement treason, yet they consistently sent aid and portions of harvests out to the neighboring villages and provinces. The beastmen had not been able to take over and invade their lands due to the arrangements held with the wyvern rider chieftain. A woman who was rumored to also be the man's lover.
It was cause for much headache, yet Draudillon saw fit to raise him from lower nobility, to Baron despite his age. He was only twenty-two. Far past coming of age, yet young in the political realms, he thought with level head and pragmatic views due to the active role he took in the defense of his lands and its people. It chaffed with the nobility present. Whitepreak gnashed his teeth viciously in response.
"You dare?! Lady Lucia has ever agreed that the threat the beastmen invaders pose is something that is a concern for all surrounding areas. She has worked hard to build good report with our people and has created a vital bridge for our societies. I will not have you speak ill of someone you refuse to work with Lord Karlyle."
"That is ENOUGH!" Draudillon roared in frustration. The mass of people quieted immediately. They were all still adjusting to seeing her adult form and began to remember that she held dragon blood in her veins.
She calmed herself a moment before glaring at Karlyle.
"Lord Karlyle, you will remain silent in concern to Baron Whitepeak's lands, people, and alliance with the wyvern riders of the north. His holdings still stand and what little aid that does make it to its destination is graciously appreciated."
She gave the young noble a serene nod that he bowed in response to.
"Baron Whitepeak, you do your lands and its people a great service. Asking for aid is difficult, I know. Continue to protect our people."
"Your Majesty."
"Lord Brightblade will only be a threat to our people if you make him one Lord Karlyle." Her eyes bore into his. "Hope and pray you do not. I have spoken with him at length and he is unfathomably powerful. I would rather have him as a friend and ally than antagonize him and make him an enemy."
The group murmured among themselves at her firm stance on the matter. No one was so deluded that a strong ally would be scoffed at, but the costs were their concern. A guard at the door entered and cleared his throat.
"Your Majesty. Lord Brightblade wishes to be granted an audience."
She nodded firmly and the nobles swallowed. The guardsman went back and bowed briefly before opening the doors fully to reveal the man that was the subject of all their discussions.
The man entered and all those who had not witnessed the duel of Cerabrate and Draconis either stared, gawked, or flinched as he approached the throne. His steps were measured and sure. His posture was immaculate, something that many present worked hard to attain, yet it seemed natural to him like breathing. His stature was above all of them. It was like looking to a giant of a man. He stood easily several inches above the tallest present in their number. An aura rested over him that bespoke confidence and there was no way one could miss the regal bearing.
Despite his incredible armor and raiments, he made so little sound that it was hard to believe he was really there. The woman who entered just behind and to the left of him made almost no noise at all.
He stopped short of the throne by several paces and bowed respectfully. The woman accompanying him did the same, though hers held a different form than his.
"Queen Draudillon Oriculus, I would ask permission from you to walk among the city and see for myself what needs be done to restore and reinforce your capital to act as a staging point to drive out your invaders and protect your people. With your permission I would also like to deploy a number of my forces to reinforce yours and provide training to those who wish to defend themselves and their loved ones."
Before Draudillon could grant him permission, Karlyle pointed a finger at him. Sweat soaked his brow and veins seemed to bulge under his skin. The noble was in no way overweight, but he was heavier set than some of the others present.
"Why should she allow such a thing? You claim to want to help us, but I see what you are up to! You would go out to see the costs it would require of you so you can demand compensation later."
The woman beside him stepped between them and glared, an aura of malevolence engulfed everyone in the chambers and the pressure was stifling. Golden amber eyes seared the hearts of those looking upon her. An imposed image of some kind of lithe canine creature with nine tails fanned out around her frame shook their souls. Her voice was cold as ice and razor sharp.
"Do not project actions you would take onto my lord you pompous human. Despite my lord's power and wisdom, he deeply respects humankind and admires the good as much as he loathes the evils your kin are capable of. You would bite the hand that feeds you given the opportunity. Those of you present for my lord's duel against that pedophile would have heard his speech. You can't even respect your own ruler. Be silent."
Baron Whitepeak had indeed heard Draconis's speech before the duel the man had with Cerabrate. He agreed to an extent, but what could he have gone through to harbor such a radical view? This woman had called them out as 'humans' so did that mean that these two were not? Were the Fierce Flash's accusations of impersonating a dragon actually his arrogance denying the truth that this man before them was in truth, not human, but dragon?
Perhaps this man . . . dragon . . . made a pact with Her Majesty's great grandsire, the Brightness Dragon Lord? It would make sense. The Brightness Dragon Lord did have a fondness for other races unlike other Dragon Lords. Perhaps they made a pact due to similar views?
His thoughts were cut short as Draconis sighed and shook his head.
"Enough of that Hazuki. Calm yourself. You cannot force change upon people when they shut their hearts and minds. Do not waste the effort."
"My lord. I apologize." She turned and bowed deeply to him. He smiled and nodded in acceptance.
"Apology accepted. Now, to move on. Your Majesty?"
Draudillon nodded.
"I do appreciate your asking my permission before setting out. It is granted. I thank you for your assistance."
He bowed again and whistled once. It was a short, sharp note that made a few of them wince. A dark portal opened and Samael stepped out of the void. His presence made everyone step back a few feet.
He stood just as tall as Draconis. His gray hair framed an angular face. Scarlet breastplate mail reinforced by scale mail was rimmed in gold. He wore no weapons, but held a set of scrolls in clawed gauntlets. His cloak flowed freely as he stepped through and bowed to his master.
"You called my Lord?"
"Indeed." He motioned toward Draudillon. "This is Queen Draudillon Oriculus. I would like you to assist her in awakening and growing into her dragon blood as I have with you."
The man bowed to the queen. His voice was deeper than Draconis's and a bit rough, but fully understandable.
"Your Majesty. It is a honor to meet you. I will work my hardest to ensure that you better understand and control the power that flows in your veins. I understand that you are not as combative as we are, but I believe that your desire to help your people will more than make up for that."
Those gathered were shocked at his words. Draconis nodded firmly to Draudillon when she looked to him for confirmation.
"Much of the training he will be providing is lessons in awakening the potential of your heritage. With its awakening you could do something along the lines of this."
Draconis closed his eyes for a moment before a burst of power let loose a shock wave that passed through everyone in the chamber. The wave pushed a few back a couple of paces, but many of them took an additional step or two back. The crimson haired knight before them had changed, transformed!
Crimson hair remained, but an elaborate helm-like horn had wrapped and protruded from his forehead. It wrapped back and down around his ears. They protruded like the wings of a raven with scales of glittering gold mixed with a smattering of crimson ruby like gemstones. A single lightning bolt shaped horn extended from just above and centered between his brows a fair foot and a half.
His eyes shined and glowed prismatic colors that swirled like a whirlpool as they shifted like a rainbow. He smiled and fangs protruded where incisors would be. Spikes of dragon scale and bone stuck out from his elbows, yet the armor and raiment had morphed with his form to prevent damage and seemed to flow around his new form like it was in tune with his physiology.
It appeared like he had gained a second cloak until it unfurled into a pair of wings with a wingspan that took up their whole field of vision. His wings were nothing like a dragon's! Instead of leathery stretched skin supported by muscular humerus and other wing digits, they were astounded by rays of luminous screens of gold light.
A long tail flicked back and forth behind him with scales to match his horns and wings. It was finned at the very end and was almost three and a half feet long. It was thinner than expected, but appeared to be quite limber.
"Whether or not you are able to perhaps attain a full form, an awakened form like this is possible. I dare not fully transform for it would not end well for your throne room."
His voice fairly resonated through their bones rather than their ears as he spoke. His bearing had become unbearable, a few fell to a knee. Draudillon gulped as she nodded. This was incredible to behold. He was willing to help her achieve such a thing? Even if she never became as strong as this man before her, just attaining an "awakened" state as he called it would be such an amazing boon!
If this was a partial transformation, then what was his full form like? She shuddered to imagine it. The man folded his wings back and his power faded, his normal human form re-established itself and the nobility sweat at the implications.
Draconis glanced in their direction.
"I trust this settles questions to my heritage at least? I would rather not have to repeatedly clear the air of that matter."
Quick and frenzied nods went around the whole group with no exceptions. Baron Whitepeak stepped forward and bowed.
"Lord Brightblade. If I might ask a question of you, Dragon Lord."
A curious brow lifted slightly on his face.
"Feel free Baron Whitepeak."
The man wondered for a moment if Draconis had overheard their arguing earlier for he hadn't introduced himself.
Of course he heard! We were not quiet about it and he just proved his dragon blooded heritage. What's a set of heavy doors to a dragon's senses?!
"The Lady Lucia of the wyvern riders has shown a similar power before." The words shocked those present and a few let loose indignant cries. "Her followers claimed that she was blessed, but we believed it to be elder magic, not something blood related."
"Oh? That's intriguing. Does this Lady Lucia have a full name, or banner which she rallies?"
"Her full name is Lucia Ignis Thundercry of Phantasmagoria."
Draconis nodded sagely. Inwardly though, he was sending a [Message] to Chronos. Panic Mode was a good way to describe his current feelings . . .
"Yes my Lord?"
"We have a situation . . . Set up as many wards as you can and do NOT skimp on the countermeasures before looking for Lucia Ignis Thundercry of Phantasmagoria."
Chronos choked on the other end of the message, but acknowledged them and performed his preparations. After a few tense moments, he choked again and his voice wavered for a moment.
"My lord?"
Draconis didn't have to guess what happened and sighed internally. He knew already, but answered.
"She found you?"
"Apologies . . ."
As he was in the process of apologizing, Draconis felt a powerful aura above and behind him and immediately shifted stance and drew his strongest blade, the weapon crackled with power and virulent purple lightning even as it chilled the air and snow began to form in the air. His shield appeared on his left arm and Hazuki and Samael immediately back off. They had only ever seen him draw these two weapons once and it had been in the immediate defense of The Lair from someone who had pierced its defenses to the the innermost chambers.
The air sizzled and crackled with black lightning and white fire as a figured hurtled through the cataclysm of energy. A long spear of overwhelming energy shot straight at Draconis. His swing met the weapon and thunderous echoes clashed through the chamber. Deafened by the exchange, the onlookers screamed and covered eyes or gaped and stared in mute terror and awe at the powers clashing.
Draconis followed through with his swing and yet the spear barely stopped its assault and shot forward again, this time a figure landed with a flying kick into the perpendicular handle that rested just before the spearhead began up the haft. Spear tip collided with shield point this time as Draconis punched with the shield's pointed tip. Already working on his next maneuver without pause, he came up with a rising slash as he retracted his punching attack. The sword clanged against the pommel of the spear haft as the figure kick flipped her weapon as she somersaulted backward, the weapon spinning clockwise in a deadly rising strike that matched his own.
His attack sent the weapon skyward and back as the figure landed, nonplussed and caught her weapon behind her back like it was a part of her. Twirling the weapon flashily behind her back before planting it blade up to her left. She put a hand on her hip as she smirked at him.
Heterochrome blue and orange met prismatic as Draconis planted his blade in the floor tip first. Ice and snow radiated across the floor from the blade's point of impact and violet lightning radiated through the formed ice and snow, stopping short of everyone else. The woman's spear spread smoldering embers and charred the floor ash white like charcoal as black lighting skittered along the embers and clashed with his weapon's violet bolts.
He had a similar smirk, though he chuckled at the chances of this happening. She spoke first, her voice resonated like his did when he was displaying his half form just moments before.
"Draconis Brightblade, imagine my surprise finding you arrived here . . . good to see you've not rusted since our last meeting."
Her two toned eyes glowed at him as soft lavender hair wisped around her face. A dragon head fashioned headpiece adorned her crown. Her armor was sleek and stylized to mimic that of dragon scales. Spines adorned the shoulders and blades rested on the gauntlets she wore. Each fingertip was clawed and underneath the armor and arm guards one could see skin tight scale mail. She wore a battle skirt knee length and a underlying surcoat possessed long tails that draped to her ankles. Her greaves were fashioned like talons at the toes and had inch high heels reinforced to stab if she desired it.
The whole ensemble was dark night blue and violet with traces of crimson peaking out here and there. The spear she wielded was jet black and gold with glowing crimson runes along the entirety of the haft. The pommel was fixed with a sharp dagger like end that could be used to reverse stab and slash if she so desired it.
He answered in kind, his own voice emanating power.
"Lucia Ignis Thundercry. The last time we met, it was during the Dragonsong War. We were fighting against Nidhogg: The Wrathful Fallen of the First Brood."
Those listening shivered. Dragonsong War? A war of dragon kin? First Brood? What were they speaking of? Draudillon could feel the sheer power and value of the gear that Lucia Thundercry wore. She was like Draconis when he first met the man. Wreathed in overwhelming magic and magical items! Was this the upheaval of power that the man had forewarned her about? Were the gods preparing some kind of cataclysmic event that required being of such power? She wanted answers for her people's sake, but dared not interrupt these to titans of power.
"Indeed it was chosen of Bahamut and Rototosker."
"Humph. I could say the same of you chosen of Tiamat and Hraesvalgr. Lucia, the Lucent Dragoon of Phantasmagoria."
He smiled as she did. It was best to play at her mind game for a bit as he let Samael and Hazuki move to protect those in the room. They would be a great help, but the people in the room to precedence. The supreme tension in the chamber was broken by the Baron.
"Lady Lucia, what is the meaning of this?! You know Lord Brightblade?"
Her intensity nearly cut completely off as she looked to the man with the expression of a surprised chipmunk.
"Oh? Baron Whitepeak? What are you doing here?"
Draconis sighed internally. Dodged a bullet there. God's she's still over the top intense!
"What am I . . . ?" Baron Whitepeak was stunned at the question. "This is Her Majesty's throne room! What are you thinking?!"
She appeared sheepish and bowed toward Draudillon. The queen was flabbergasted at such power suddenly fizzling out like a sail without wind.
"My deepest apologies Your Majesty. Draconis and I are acquaintances and it has been quite a long time since we have talked, much less sparred. I became overeager."
Understatement of the century? Draconis deadpanned in his mind with sarcasm at full bore.
Draudillon numbly nodded her acceptance of the apology before sobering a bit and growling in aggravation at both of them.
"What is your relation with Lord Brightblade? Was such a violent spectacle truly necessary for a greeting if you knew each other?"
Lucia looked to Draconis for help and the man face palmed. It was so strange seeing such a noble man act in such a way. He put on a stern face and growled at the woman named Lucia.
"Don't look to me for this offense! Her question is valid. Gods you are such a battle maniac!"
"Sorry . . . You're right Draconis." She straightened and bowed formally. The weapon disappeared into some kind of void, much like what Draconis had done. His own weapons disappeared as well, which set everyone at ease . . . though the effects on the floor still remained.
"I am Lucia Ignis Thundercry . . . Dragon Ascendant of Phantasmagoria, a realm known of old as one of the strongest legions in the world. Ancient times, there was not a one who did not know of us." Her proud voice matched her smile, but faded into melancholy. "Though time is the unbeatable enemy of all no matter how powerful and knowledgeable one becomes. Time claimed the majority of us, and now I am all that remains."
Draudillon and the rest swallowed at the admission of dragon blood like the man beside her that she had sneak attacked to a stand off.
Draconis winced internally, having learned about his brother's death so long ago in this world. He would have to question Lucia about when she and her guild had been transported to the New World as well. Though he would have to be tactful, she was rather sensitive about losing friends.
Phantasmagoria; a guild that ranked number 4 in all of YGGDRASIL from its second year running to the end of the servers. Held the max number of players at 100 members with 95% of them being level 100. Outrageously powerful at everything they participated in. Hardcore players . . . the whole lot of them. They took advantage of the war between rank 1 Trinity and Rank 3 2ch Alliance and put the hurt on both. She was the one who informed me of the requirements to attain Dragon Ascendant and claimed that I was her "Eternal Rival" as a fellow Dragon Race player and Dragon Ascendant herself. They tried to recruit me a few years ago . . . Gods, this is going to hurt . . .
"That being set aside for a moment Lucia. Did your legion know of Lord Draconis's homeland of Avalon?"
She looked to Draconis and smiled.
"I do. Avalon is quite powerful and yet peaceful. Whenever the wars raged in the past, they were like a peacekeeping force for those caught up in the fighting who wanted nothing of it. We hold them in high regard. Draconis is an ally of ours."
"Are they as powerful as the two of you?"
Lucia glanced at Draconis before speaking.
"Is Lancelot Du Lac with you?"
He lifted a brow in intrigue. He knew why she was asking. Lancelot was one of the few players of YGGDRASIL who could take on almost anyone and win. He wasn't a World Champion for nothing.
"The Knight of the Lake is here. Yes."
She whistled and nodded respectfully.
"Lancelot of Avalon is a man of peerless skill and power and can give Draconis and I a run for our money. He is a human paragon."
That admission from Lucia and confirming nod from Draconis made them all flinch. Dragon's acknowledged a human as just as powerful or more so than they were?
"Regardless, I have obviously interrupted something quite important . . . Draconis, it was good to see you again. We will have to talk later."
He held up a hand to forestall her departure. Turning to Draudillon, he motioned to Samael.
"Samael, carry out your duties as a mentor to the queen. Should anything happen, let me know immediately. Hazuki, assist the commander if you would, I will send Tod to you in order to provide additional assistance. The scrolls he carries contain the instructions I made last night."
The two NPCs bowed and he nodded at their response.
"Lucia Thundercry, we should talk, I have a feeling meeting you again like this is portents of something far greater that meets the eye."
She squinted at him with concern, and nodded in agreement.
"Please wait a moment Sir Draconis."
Draudillon's voice drew their attention.
"Would their be a method to contact you directly if needs be. I trust in your subordinates abilities, but should they be occupied?"
The two dragons looked to each other and nodded. Draconis reached into a black void before him and drew forth a pearl like earring.
A [Link Pearl]. An artifact item that was useless at higher tiers with [Message], but useful for private communications not wanted in public chats. He motioned Hazuki over and she took the item respectfully and brought it to the Dark Scale Dragon Lord. As she presented it to her, he spoke.
"You make a valid point Your Majesty. This is a [Link Pearl]. An artifact that allows for direct and private communication to the one it is given to. You need not fear divinations and spies listening in. It will connect you directly to me. No one will be able to interfere or spy on your words. Merely think them and they will reach me."
She focused on the item and could feel its power. Is this true?
"Indeed it is Queen Oriculus."
His answer in her mind was surprising and she glanced down at the item in shock. How potent! She looked to him and nodded firmly.
"My thanks for such an item. I will make sure to treat it with appropriate care."
"indeed. If there is nothing else?"
She shook her head negatively. The two being bowed and departed rather humanly through the doors of the throne room. As the throne room doors closed, a man with black hair streaked with white and gray materialized at the doors. Those present tensed until Hazuki spoke.
"Schwarzer Tod. You received our Lord's message?"
"Indeed I did Lady Hazuki." He approached them all and stopped an appropriate distance from the throne and bowed to Draudillon. "Queen Draudillon Oriculus of the Dragon Kingdom. I am Schwarzer Tod, Archmage of The Lair."
Draudillon nodded and allowed him to rise. Her thoughts braced her for new revelations from the subordinates of Draconis.
Introducing himself as Archmage means that he is a magic caster of great power. If Dragonis admitted to me that he could cast magic beyond mythical realms, then what of this man? He bears no weapons of martial standard, yet that could well be a ruse after seeing his lord draw forth weapons from the very aether itself.
"Well met Archmage Tod. Out of personal curiosity, are you like your peers? Something more than human?"
A soft smile met her inquiry.
"No Your Majesty. I am quite human."
Shock rippled through those present.
"I see. Commander Samael, may we see what assistance Sir Draconis has graciously provided us within the scroll you carry?"
Samael nodded and opened the one with blue ribbon adorning the corners. Last night Draconis had drafted these orders and instructions. The details were very specific and after reviewing them with Chronos and Tod, he had memorized them in its entirety. But for the sake of redundancy, he read from the scroll.
"By order and advice from my Lord Draconis Brightblade. The Queen Draudillon Oriculus of the Dragon Kingdom shall henceforth be rendered aide and succor in her nation's time of need in the following capacities:
1) The aide and succor to the weak and infirm. Elderly and child in need of sustenance and shelter shall receive it with no requirement to be compensated in any form or fashion.
2) In light of the need for shelter and sustenance, construction of homes and housing to provide such aide will be conducted by the builders of The Lair and the venerable Master Craftsmen Biggs and Wedge.
3) Those of able body and mind who desire to defend their loved ones and homes shall receive martial or magical tutelage and training ONLY upon voluntary request. No person shall be forced into service against their will.
4) In the defense of the capital and its outlying villages and cities still under the control of the kingdom, soldiers will be provided in the number of 50 in possession of martial and magical prowess of the standard of The Lair and Avalon. This number shall not decrease below the stated number, but shall increase dependent upon the size and nature of the city or village.
5) These defenders will provide their own sustenance and shelter and will not demand, seize, or con any citizen of the Dragon Kingdom into providing said amenities unless gifted of their own volition. Violation of this point shall be met with severe reprimand appropriate to the offense.
6) Liberation of any city or town or village under beastman possession shall be done in the name of the Dragon Kingdom and shall not fall under the possession of The Lair, Avalon, or Draconis Brightblade himself. Survivors rescued shall be given all due aide and healing and succor for terrors experienced under thrall of the invading forces.
7) Enemies captured and not slain during the course of this alliance will be dealt with on a situational basis. Punishment of the wicked will not be a blanket event and as noted in the defense of Tildeus, there are select few beastmen of note that may yet learn and better themselves from mere mindless savages. Such individuals shall be given due consideration for rehabilitation and teaching for better relations in the post conflict."
Cries of outrage and indignation filled the room as he read the seventh point.
"What utter rubbish!"
"Balderdash and a blight on the beastmen! We were not given mercy so why should we grant such?"
Draudillon frowned, but not at the cries of her nobles. She could clearly see the long term benefit of such actions and what Draconis was trying to accomplish, yet she knew of a few of the leadership of the Beastmen Kingdom's clans. They would never change unless subjected to powers so great that it would annihilate them to a man. She understood that by utterly destroying them, they would be sinking to the very level of the beastmen, but they were not about to subject them to being eaten! Despite her fury in the fact that her people were not being killed, but eaten . . .! She sighed and pinched her nose.
"Silence. I understand your Lord's intention with that point, but the leadership of the Beastmen Kingdom will not succumb to anything but raw power."
Many nodded and even Samael his peers did as well.
"We understand you and your people's sentiments. However, our Lord wishes to avoid outright genocide Your Majesty. He fought a war that engulfed twenty nations and caused multiple civilization ending losses. He wishes to avoid such tragedies if possible."
She nodded for she could see and feel the sincerity and truth in their eyes and presences. They were not lying. Her blood surged at such a thought. Twenty nations at war with each other at the same time in the same region?
"Very well. Though I would ask that we have a say in such decision making."
"We will let our Lord know."
She nodded and motioned for Samael to continue.
Castle Spire Rooftop
"So . . . that's how long you've been here?"
Draconis muttered as he grimaced. Lucia sat against the spear she had planted in the roof. Her legs were pulled up to her chest in a rare moment of vulnerability. She nodded mutely to him. He took a seat and leaned back on his hands beside her.
"Two hundred and forty years . . . you were there during the final moments of the servers after everyone else logged out save the guild leader and then found yourselves in the mountains to the north. Most all of your NPCs and the Guild Leader himself died of old age and the NPCs children, and their children's children continued to serve you as the sole survivor of Phantasmagoria . . . I can't imagine it. I'm sorry."
She had cried as she told him. He had let her. He then realized he would go through the same thing with his friends who played human characters and non long lived races unless they found a magical or legendary solution. It also proved a frightening theory of his true.
They were here to stay.
"The guild's base is still functioning after all this time?"
"It is. Well hidden behind our Guild Weapon. No one has ever found it in all this time. The wyvern rider tribes found me when I ventured out one day and since then I've been coming and going to their lands so I don't go mad with solitude."
"What of the NPCs?"
"The numbers reduced drastically, but the PoPs still operate. There are around forty NPCs, but most of them are descendants and not any where near as powerful as their progenitors. The strongest one is level 50. He's a commander class. The only NPC left from the originals is Tsubasa, and she's in stasis."
He looked at her with a curious expression. Lucia smiled.
"My personal NPC. A Machine Spirit Race. Combat Songstress with a full 100 levels. She's a powerful support member."
He nodded and smiled.
"I see. I can't imagine the life you've lived since the server shut down, but knowing that there are others that have come before is both telling and gives me a better understanding of our situation."
"What of you Draconis? Who came with you?"
He sighed and looked out on the horizon.
"I just found out that my brother-in-law was brought into this New World around the same time as you. His descendants just got in touch with my wife and her friends in Avalon. Though we are apparently separated by a large amount."
She understood what that implied. She didn't know which was worse, living longer than your friends and watching them pass you by . . . or finding out your family . . . your real family died long ago and seeing someone who is ages younger than you tell you that your are they great, great, great, great grand-aunt.
"Sorry to hear about your brother."
"Thank you."
They shared another silent moment.
"I have a proposal for you Draconis."
The man glanced at her clearly intrigued.
"I have lived for a long time here and learned quite a lot in that time. The Baharuth Empire to the north occasionally sends help, though it isn't much considering they fight an annual war with the kingdom of Re-Estize. The young emperor is actually very intelligent and pragmatic. I could go and try to convince him to send a bit more assistance to take some strain off of your forces."
"I'm sensing a condition coming on." he tensed.
"You have to come with me. I will send my forces, well the PoPs to aid your own here in the Dragon Kingdom. I can promise you that they'll be fine for a decent stint of time."
He gave the idea some thought. With his own PoPs combined with the forces from Phantasmagoria, the kingdom would be extraordinarily protected for the most part. The NPCs were nigh unbeatable as a team and he did have logistical and command roles filled by NPCs in his retinue. If anything did occur they couldn't handle, he had informed them to implicitly call him without hesitation.
He had given orders to Samael and Hazuki to see to strengthening the kingdom's defenses and fighting power. Samael was told to help Draudillon get a better handle on her bloodline's powers. It was something the dragon blooded warrior had taken an interest in.
Draconis had been mindful to tell them not to expect leaps and bounds in power levels. And they understood despite their shock in the difference in power they possessed. He trusted his followers to right.
"Very well. I'll go inform my forces, but why me?"
Aggravation covered her face and she fairly sneered at him.
"He's a bit too smart . . . overthinks things at times from what I've heard. Being from the Wyvern Rider region makes me kind of sketchy to his advisors and that mage of his."
"Who is this mage?"
She sighed and shrugged with her hands to the air.
"Fluder Paradyne. The most powerful mage known in the human kingdoms of the area. He can cast up to Tier IV, but I suspect that he can push himself a bit to gain Tier V. Not that it means anything to you or me as Dragon Ascendants. Oh! One piece of advise."
Her sudden seriousness made him put up his guard. He had known Lucia for two years during their time in YGGDRASIL. Whenever she got like this, she was deader than a doornail serious.
"Be wary of the Slane Theocracy. They have World Items."
"What. The. Hell?" His whole body went cold and a shiver ran through his spine. He knew to be cautious just from what he had learned of the Slane Theocracy from Aarik of Tildeus, but now he was well and truly troubled. "Do you know which ones? How did they acquire such things?"
"They were founded by a player with a guild that had them. As to which ones . . . I only know one of them and that was because they nearly got me with it." She shuddered at the memory. It was the one time she had fully dragon formed and incinerated the woman using it to ash without hesitating. She had garnered their ire and grudge in addition to the title of Lightning Inferno Dragon Lord. "Downfall of Castle and Country."
His tension was telling and she grimly nodded.
"I have another idea, but let's take things one at a time. The Dragon Kingdom does need true help, and I'm all for this. So, as a fellow dragon and foreigner in this world despite my time in it so far, do we have an alliance?"
His gaze steeled and he sighed.
"In light of what you have told me, I feel it necessary to inform you that Avalon and I were not the only ones transported. In thanks for informing me about the World Item threat, one of your opponents was transported here as well."
She frowned.
"Who?"
"I want your word you won't try something foolish."
She nodded slowly. Phantasmagoria had many enemies during their existence. Not many of them could actually do anything devastating to them, but it never hurt to be prepared. She respected Draconis enough and knew that he had friends all over the game.
"Ainz Ooal Gown."
She froze on the spot. The PK guild. Number 9 in their prime. She had fought them an several occasions. They were here?! She could only imagine the devastation if they got out of hand. Then she also remembered that not everyone in a guild was transported and that at the time of the last days of the game, their rank had dropped to much lower rankings.
"Who in their number?"
"Only the leader Momonga."
She sighed and shook her head.
"Only the leader? Momonga struck me as a player that was really good at memorization and clerical things and competent in PvP, but not something ridiculous like World Disaster Ulbert or World Champion Touch Me."
At that, Draconis laughed. It was genuine and his laughter caused her to join in. They both continued till tears formed. After a moment trying to catch his breath, he wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.
"That may be true, but he still has his own unique rare class, and before you ask: no, I'm not telling. Touch Me and Momonga are good friends despite disagreements. My concern is how the rest of the world responds to him and Nazarick and his own response in kind. He's a pretty dedicated and laid back person who panics easy but means well. I just visited ever now and then."
"I see. If you're vouching for him, I'll give it the benefit of the doubt, but be warned, racial traits affected my friends in strange ways. As an undead I can only imagine how that would affect his mindset. Perhaps you should visit more often?"
He nodded. He hadn't considered that point. He was an Overlord Class Elder Lich. That couldn't be good in the long run for his mental health could it? Maybe becoming like an anchor to his humanity would be necessary? He honestly hadn't even considered it.
Lucia could see his gears working and patted him on the shoulder.
"If you're really friends Draconis, I'd like to get to know him a bit more. Despite my time here, I still remember all those I played with during the heydays. Now let's get working! Time waits for no one."
He sighed and smiled.
"You're right Lucia. Good to see you again. Let's get started. I'll get in touch with everyone and we'll get to work."
The two shook hands and proceeded to leave the roof and head back down. Armed with this knew knowledge and a fellow dragon player, he intended to affect change where he could. The threat the Slane Theocracy posed still worried him, but now he knew something more concrete about what he was up against.
The Lair
Chronos sighed and slumped against his chair. At least Lucia of Phantasmagoria was reasonable and an ally for now. He feared a confrontation between the two at the capital of the Dragon Kingdom when she had found him via her protection spells, but his fears had been allayed by their talking.
He felt a bit bad and guilty for spying, but it was better to be prepared than taking things for granted. Speaking of which, he gazed back at the information he had garnered regarding said Slane Theocracy. He had found, with some disturbing images, that they did indeed possess the World Item Downfall of Castle and Country, but the owner was recently killed by Shalltear Bloodfallen of all people. Though she was affected by the World Item, he noticed that it wasn't full control.
His issue was that the captain of their group had blocked her attack. As knocked back as he had been, such a thing during her Blood Frenzy should not have been possible for standards of power in this world about humankind from everything they had learned thus far. That made the Slane Theocracy dangerous in his eyes. He was sure that his Lord would agree given the apprehension that he had shown when they had learned of the Theocracy.
His high class divination had pierced their defenses and rendered his own existence a mirage, utterly untraceable. It was utilizing his magics that he encountered it . . . no . . . her . . . Zesshi Zetsumei,
"A tragic lady. Yet the higher ups of the Theocracy do not necessarily share the propaganda they spread . . . what a lot of hypocrites. Then again, they do seem willing to learn . . . No, I will consult Lord Draconis on such matters, though I daresay he would be interested to hear of Lady Zetsumei . . . Like a doll on the edge of the fence . . . which way will she fall? Good or Evil? Light or Dark? Or will she walk the line as we do?" A small smile crossed his lips.
"Chronos? What are you looking at? Who is she?"
Kurome popped into existence over his shoulder. He laughed as she looked.
"That is a descendant of a player, a Godkin as they call them in this world. Half-elven at that. Though I feel like this elven nation is lead by a despot and tyrant. Nothing like Lady Luserina. Are you and Akame ready for dinner?"
She nodded vigorously. He laughed again as he ruffled her hair playfully. As they left the room, he locked down all his divinations and information. He felt a prick at his defenses and lashed back, the presence shrieked and was driven off. He had not killed the offender, but whoever it was would certainly back off for a while. Actually, he had a good idea who it was, but he didn't hold it against her, which is why he didn't kill her.
After all, why kill what could be useful later?
Slane Theocracy
Thousand Eyes Astrologer shrieked as her attempt to divine was shut down even before it began. It was like when she found that Ainz Ooal Gown magic caster who had devastated the Sunlight Scripture's angel forces.
No, this one was different, this one didn't even allow her to see or even complete the spells! She had felt a pain like a needle being screwed into her skull. She was sure that if she hadn't canceled her casting that she would have died.
Pulling her black hair riddle with eyes across the brim over her face, she blushed a bit. Someone so powerful in divination that even she couldn't force her way through? What kind of being had pierced the veil of spells guarding their nation's secrets? Whoever it was, she was both curious and terrified.
Despite the pain she had felt, their was also an admonishing message that felt more like something a mother or father would do to a child getting caught stealing sweets before dinner. She still remembered the message.
"Now now . . . none of that my dear child. Time will reveal all, but not a moment before hand. Time marches ever onward. We'll meet eventually, Thousand Eyes Astrologer. All of the Slane Theocracy will meet us eventually. Take care little one."
"What have I witnessed?" She wondered aloud as she picked herself up from the floor. Her long unruly blue hair swished about. She couldn't tell the Cardinals that such an entity had learned of Zesshi's existence and past, much less the Six Great God's treasures! Yet, she had glimpsed, or been allowed to glimpse an image, a figure before being shunned.
An angel. The gods were looking down on them still! That would satisfy the cardinals for now. She left the write her latest report before dinner.
Character Profile 12
Lucia Ignis Thundercry
Grotesque
Position: Officer of Phantasmagoria, Lucent Dragoon, Lightning Inferno Dragon Lord
Residence: Headquarters of Phantasmagoria: All the World's Stage, Wyvern Rider Territories
Alignment: Lawful-Neutral (+100 Karma)
Racial Levels: Dragon = 15 lvs.; Dragon Lord = 10 lvs.; Ancient Wyrm = 5 lvs.; Dragon Ascendant = 5 lvs.
Class Levels: Fighter = 10 lvs.; Lancer = 15 lvs.; Monk = 10 lvs.; Martial Lord = 10 lvs.; Internal Chi Master = 5 lvs.; External Chi Master = 5 lvs.; Dragoon = 5 lvs.; Sky Dancer = 5 lvs.
Total Levels: 100 [35 Racial Levels/65 Class Levels]
Status: Comparative Ratio on a Scale of 100
HP: 88/120
MP: 30/55
Physical Attack: 95/105
Physical Defense: 80/100
Dexterity: 80/50
Magical Attack: 20/45
Magical Defense: 70/80
Resistances: 90/90
Special: 120/120
Like Draconis, she has a true form, thus her dual numbers. Yet the Slane Theocracy has already seen it once, and as such, she has been labeled a threat and named a Dragon Lord title as no one has ever seen a dragon in a humanoid form. Most of the New World doesn't realize this either as the Slane Theocracy has kept that encounter with her ultra tight lipped.
An officer in Phantasmagoria, she is lonely having lived longer than all her friends. This revelation shakes Draconis a bit and he resolves to be a friend to her. She's fought Ainz Ooal Gown during their heyday in YGGDRASIL and feels a bit negative about their whole "evil" PK mindset, though she knows that not all of them were like that.
She was in charge of the forum that provided Draconis with the information to become a Dragon Ascendant, and as longer player of the Dragon Race, was considered like a mentor and friend to him as fellow dragons. She is the self proclaimed "Eternal Rival" of Draconis to his annoyance and exhaustion. She is fully aware of his married status and is good friends with Artorias as well, though she hasn't seen them in obviously a LONG time.
Her personal NPC . . . well you'll find out in future chapters. Lol.
Reviews . . . Reviews . . . aaaaaaaaand reviews!
PervySageChuck: What?! *grabs adamantite baseball bat. Get out of the plot files! No, no, no! Bad Chuck. Gross! *punts. Ugh, where'd I put the pervert sealing spell . . . . ? Hrrrmmmm . . . . All things said, good to see you're still around.
Korraganitar the NightShadow: Wow! Nice to see one of my Code Geass readers getting into another one of my stories! Thanks for the review! I know it's been an age since I updated it, but I fell off kind of hard if you didn't notice. Life does that. Plus I lost inspiration several times when I came back to it. Heres to season 3 of Code Geass reviving my inspiration for it. In the meantime, I did see what you were talking about, yeesh, I'll need to fix that. Thanks for the call out and thanks for keeping with me!
Everyone Else: You all were pretty responsive about the bombshell I dropped last chapter. Good to see that it got you to you guys. I love characters that get loved by their readers. Thanks for the support to all of you!
Will Samael awaken Draudillon's dragon blood? What of Chronos? Read on to find out!
