Like she had been instructed Talia was the one walking in front, Alucard was just a few steps behind her with Touka to his right. He wasn't sure, but Talia seemed to have lightened up since their conversation, he hoped that to be the case because by no means did he want one of his Brides to be carrying around a useless burden. According to Talia they weren't too far from the bar when they crossed paths with Albedo, at first Alucard could swear she seemed surprised, and not in a good way, when she saw him not wanting to think too much into this he ignored it.

"Alucard-sama. I'm glad to see that you have awoken." she said, with a bow

"Thank you, Albedo." giving her a nod, he motioned Talia to continue walking

"Alucard-sama, if I may speak, I have a message from Ainz-sama." he stopped and turned to look at her

"Go on."

"Shortly before the…incident, Ainz-sama captured a female martial arts user. Her name is Clementine and she's being kept in the Frozen Prison, Ainz-sama said that he wanted me to inform you because he wants Alucard-sama to be the first to speak with her."

"Then you are saying, that she has been kept down there waiting for me?" Alucard asked

"Correct."

"At least tell me she was being feed?"

"Of course, Ainz-sama did not want her to die before Alucard-sama got a chance to speak with her. According to him she is a powerful martial arts user, however she is also a criminal that being the reason why she is looked up and under heavy surveillance. Her health also should not be too bad, she is being feed and her injuries from her encounter with Ainz-sama have all be healed. But more importantly, from the information we got from those you have brought in, we know that she is a former member of the Black Scripture."

"What kind of crimes has she committed?"

"According to Ainz-sama, she is a murderer that takes pleasure in making her victims suffer." she sounded lovely

"I see. Then I will go see her after I speak with Shalltear. Thank you, Albedo."

"If I may, I will take my leave now, Alucard-sama."

"Do as you wish." taking another bow she left

"Touka, head out to the Prison, speak with Neuronist. Have her tell you anything of interest that may have happened with Clementine since she got here. Also, if she is being feed make sure they delay her next meal till I get there." Alucard ordered

"I'll do so right away, Alucard-sama." now only Alucard and Talia remained

"Let us continue then, Talia."


Like she had said, it didn't take long for them to arrive at the entrance to the bar, Talia stopped to the left of the entrance letting Alucard walk pass her, as he did so he stopped and looked back at her.

"You don't mind staying mind?"

"Of course not, Alucard-sama. I sense this is something you wish to do on your own."

"You do know me well." he smirked

"Please do not flatter me. I am one of your Brides, I'm simply fulfilling my obligations." with that Alucard walked in

"Welcome." Someone greeted him

Looking at the counter Alucard saw Sous-chef standing behind the counter and Shallter seating by the counter with her head resting on it, to her side was a spilled glass.

"Oh, Alucard-sama. You honor us with your presence, please allow me to serve you something." Sous-chef said cheerfully

Shalltear's head rose, like the dead rising from its grave, it was a slow and awkward motion as she looked up and then turned around to see the newly arrived customer. Alucard recognized the look in her eyes, she was drunk he was unsure if she could actually get drunk, but he could recognize that expression anywhere.

"You've awoken Alucard-sama…" she said, stumbling for her seat towards Alucard

It was a rather pathetic sight, so he couldn't help but help her keep her footing, when his hands came into contact with her he could feel an unnatural heat spread through her body, looking down he found her to be blushing, in his mind he hoped that she wouldn't speak.

"Have you come…to give me my…punishment?"

"…Let's get you back to your seat first." trying to ignore her words, he began to help her walk to her seat

"You are too kind with me, Alucard-sama…A failure like me is not worthy of such affection…"

"Failure?" he mumbled

Not wanting to waste any more time he picked her up, placed her on her seat and then sat to her right since the spilled glass was to her left.

"Yes, I who failed to protect Alucard-sama cannot be called anything else but a failure. Or when Ainz-sama instructed me to fight you, I once more was unable to carry out my orders because of my weakness."

"Would you like anything, Alucard-sama?" Sous-chef asked

"Yes…If you can two buckets of water, or something of equal quantity."

"R-Right away."

"I want something too!" Shalltear protested

"She has had enough." Alucard growled

The Supreme Beings eyes went to the smaller vampire, his attention focusing on her right arm that had been healed, at least they were able to regrow her arm that was something, but he had read in the report that he had said somethings about Peroroncino.

"Shalltear, I apologize for the things I said and did. I want you to know I didn't mean any of the things I did." Alucard said

"I know that…" she replied

They sat silent for a moment till the bartender arrived with the two buckets, Shalltear did not pay much attention to them, Alucard gave him an approving nod and picked up the first bucket. Shalltear had no time to react as Alucard emptied the first bucket on her, when she was about to say something he dropped the second, ignoring the strange fact that her bust seemed to swell a little, she appeared to have sobered up.

"That's better." he laughed

"Alucard-sama…Why did you…" Shalltear gasped, stopping when her superior placed his left hand on top of her head

"What do you think you are saying!? Calling yourself a failure, what the hell is this!?" he shouted at her

"But it's true I wasn't able to help you…" she went silent when he slammed his fist against the counter

"No, you are wrong Shalltear. You placed yourself into a situation that neither of us could have dealt with, not with how things ended up. It is your fault for throwing yourself into an unknown information, it is my fault that I left you alone. Could I have left you behind when you were being attacked with the item?" Shalltear nodded slightly

"Wrong! By the time, I got there the mission was already over, if the ship was to go down the captain was going down with it, that would be me. No matter the way I look at it, I cannot bring myself to leave my men behind." he gave her an innocent smile

"Alucard-sama…"

"They always said I was too stubborn for my own good."

"I…am unworthy to hear such words." Shalltear couldn't take the fact he was placing part of the blame on himself

"So, you all say. Then, do you still wish to be punished?"

"Yes, Alucard-sama. Please serve a punishment upon me. This will also allow me to achieve joy out of loyalty."

"Then you know what that means, correct?" by her expression Alucard could tell she did not understand

"I will also have to be punished. If your mistakes were brought about by mine, it only makes sense. And a superior should lead by example after all, it will be quite the display."

"But, you can't Alucard-sama! For a Supreme Being to lower himself to that extent, it's unthinkable."

"Will just have to see, now won't we. I'll see you around Shalltear."

Walking away from the bar, Alucard had a satisfied expression on his face, even if he wasn't able to convince Shalltear to no request punishment, the fact he had said the he would go through it as well was an interesting turn of events. Taking into account the trouble he had caused, it was only fitting that he would give something back.

"Were you able to do what you desired, Alcuard-sama?" Talia asked walking behind him

"No. I tried to convince Shalltear out of requesting punishment but I failed."

"I believe it is for the best, through her you will be able to show the others the cost of failure."

"I see we think alike. I wonder what they will think when they see receive my punishment." Alucard noticed that Talia had stopped stunned by his words

"Is it necessary for Alucard-sama to do such a thing?"

"Shouldn't it be, the reason things ended up as they did was because I left her alone, I must take responsibility for my mistakes."

"I guess, it makes sense." she didn't sound too confident in her words

"But for Alucard-sama to lower himself to the level of a servant, it is undignified."

"It's not about dignity, it's about what's right and setting a proper example. If I made a mistake that could have costed us all greatly I have to pay for it." Alucard growled back, seeing the fire in his eyes Talia could see he was not going to change his mind

"As you wish. Alucard-sama."

"Now let's go. We have someone waiting for us."


"It's faster to ask someone about it. Was the prophecy of Thousand Leagues Astrologer wrong? The mission to defeat the Catastrophe Dragon Lord… something happened to them, right?" Zesshi Zetsumei asked, her eyes still transfixed on the Rubik cube

"... They fought two mysterious undead and retreated after six deaths and the loss of one of the artifacts left to us by the gods."

"Who died?"

"Kaire-sama along with the 5th, the 6th, the 8th, the 9th and the 10th seats of the Black Scripture." the Captain replied

"Those are some heavy losses…what a disaster, how did you lose so many?" her eyes slightly moved up to him, the number of deaths seemed to have gotten her interest

"Kaire-sama and Cedran were killed by the male undead's own hands, the rest were killed when they tried to approach it. The thing set up some kind of trap in the area, I believe it he uttered the name [Garden of Vlad]."

"What did it do?"

"When they got, close spears came up from the ground, impaling those who were near. We decided to recover the bodies and leave it alone."

"And I heard there were two of them. It must have been a big surprise to find two strong undead together."

He was unsure of what he should say, the fact that there were two of them was already unnerving, and seeing Zesshi show any kind of interest was also something rare.

"So, between the male and the female who do you think was stronger?"

"The male, I was unable to keep up with his speed." her lips curled into a smirk after hearing his answer

"Then, between the male and me. Who is stronger?"

He was unsure of what to say, he had concluded that the male was stronger just by his speed, but he had also taken a hit from the female her strength was also considerable, it was possible that then the male was stronger. However just because he was faster didn't mean he had the strength to match his speed, something else that concerned him was the fact that he had put up some strong resistance to the effects of the artifact showing great mental fortitude.

"You think he's stronger?" her voice brought him back from his thoughts

"I'm not sure, but with your equipment it is impossible for a monster to get the better of you." his answer was somewhat rushed in the face of her inquiry

"Then without gear…I would lose?" there was a strange glow in her eyes, one could mistake it for happiness

"I can't really say…" Zesshi raised her hand to silence him

"Let's leave it at that…to think I could know defeat…" in his opinion she was too happy about this

"Wonder if they will let me go out for a walk…" she mumbled

"You can't be serious?"

"I'm joking…mostly."


Alucard and Talia arrived at the Frozen Prison, the one that came to greet them was Touka, she was alone.

"The prisoner and her weapons are ready for you, Alucard-sama." she said

"Her weapons?"

"Yes, four Stilettos and a Morning Star."

"I see. Then lead the way, Touka."

"Anything I should know?" Alucard asked, as they walked

"Y-Yes. It seems she had the habit to bite those who were sent to feed her, which resulted in other methods of feeding to be adopted. But there is no need to worry, she is fully restrained and won't bite, unless you get too close." Touka replied

"I'll be cautious then." he chuckled

"Also, I will be going in alone. If she is as…pleasant, as she sounds it will be for the best."

"As you wish, Alucard-sama." both Brides said

Finally, they arrived at the door that lead to the cell, Touka opened the door and he walked in motioning both of them to stay by the door and look it behind him, even if they did not seem happy with the idea they agreed.

Entering the cell, Alucard took a quick look around, to his right was a wooden table with her weapons, the chamber itself wasn't too wide and was illuminated by a single light in the ceiling. The prisoner was strapped to the wall in front of him, bound by her arms, legs and neck, she was positioned at a point where her eyes could meet his if she was to look ahead. She was wearing little to no armor, some pieces of it seemed to be missing but overall, he could conclude that maybe she focused on speed and agility.

"Wake up, Clementine. You have a visitor." Alucard hissed, leaning against the door

The woman began to emit a low laugh, her head lifting slightly Alucard could now see the small smirk that decorated her lips, but her eyes were still hidden behind the mess that was her hair.

"What do I owe the pleasure?"

"I heard you considered yourself to be a strong martial arts user, I got curious." she laughed more openly this time

"Is that so? If you were hoping for a demonstration~ I am sorry to say I cannot oblige~ I'm a little tidied up."

"Good thing that, that wasn't my intention, we can work on that later. After all, I am the only reason you are still alive, so you can understand I am more than curious to see what you can do in person."

Clementine's attention was now on him, moving her head so her hair wouldn't be in the way she eyed the vampire that stood before her, what did he have to do with her still being alive? The Lich was going to kill her of that she was sure, but then his resolve seemed to have weakened which resulted in him breaking her back in a way that it would not be fatal. Was it possible that he exited to kill her because of this being, and if that was the case was he stronger than the Lich to be able to influence him.

"Allow me properly introduce myself. I am Alucard, I work with the one who brought you here, the ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarik, Ainz Ooal Gown."

The name was not strange to her, while being carried to her cell and from time to time she would hear the name being spoken, it was easy to conclude that he was important, but she did not imagine that he was the ruler of this place.

"You see we at the time, were searching for martial arts users, and he says that you are worthy of note. Now, I have come across some myself, I've fought them, I've killed them and I have one working for me. That being said, I came here to see what you can do for us." she chuckled

"You sound confident~ But I have no reason to do anything for you."

"There is no need to say that right away, after all you are still young, Clementine." even if his voice did not sound threatening she couldn't help but feel a chill go down her spine

"And here in Nazarik, death is the last thing you have to worry about. So, you will listen to what I have to say, agreed?"

"If you insist."

"First of all, Gazef Stronoff and Brain Unglaus. Do you know them, or of them? If you do then in a fight who would win?" she chuckled once more

"I guess they would be able to put up some kind of a fight." Clementine pouted slightly

"I haven't fought Gazef, but I have crossed blades with Brain. If you are stronger than him, perhaps you are actually worthwhile, even if you are of limited use."

"I beg your pardon~? How can I am I limited?"

"I heard of your exploits, how you like to treat you victims. People like you are rather limited in what they are good for."

"What is this? A vampire with morals~ How cute."

Alucard couldn't help but let out a weak chuckled, leaning forward he began to approach her, his eyes began to emit a weak glow, seeing this Clementine wanted to run away they reminded her of Ainz. She squirmed and pulled but her restraints wouldn't give, the vampire stopped just a few feet from her his mouthed opened slightly within she could see his fangs, for a moment she was convinced this was it, but the he spoke.

"What's wrong? I let out a bit of killing intent and you already give up. I was expecting more." he then turned around and began to walk back and forth across the room

"As I was saying, the usages we have for you are limited, after all someone like you who seems to kill for pleasure can only do so much within an organization." even if the prisoner looked unnerved she had the courage to interrupt him

"To be fair~ I had a beautiful collection of trophies before I got sent here."

"At first I considering having a strong martial arts user in the place of a teacher, since we need someone to help us learn and possibly teach us about them. However, you are not fit for such role, then what should I do with you?" Alucard stopped near the table with her weapons, his gaze now piercing through Clementine

"I can do all kinds of things~ Like you said killing and torture are among them…I can also do lewd things…"

Alucard resisted the urge punch her, he needed to keep a cool head, even if force would work he did not wish to use such methods over something so petty.

"What about your loyalty, I heard you betrayed the Black Scripture."

"They weren't as persuasive as Ainz-san~ Now were they?"

"You should say sama when referring to either him or me, it is only proper. What do you think of working as an enforcer? Of course, I will be keeping you under a short leach, but it will give you better conditions than this." Alucard gestured to the cell

"Also, being under our protection is much better than living on the run, and while in Nazarik it will stop anyone from trying to eat you. What do you think?"

"…" Clementine was about to reply, but he spoke over her

"I will let you decide, after you have shown me your strength." walking up to the door, he knocked on it

Touka was the one to open the door, Talia was behind her, Alcuard walked out closed the door behind him and gave them a confident expression.

"Talia, go find Nyx and bring her back to my room. Touka arrange for her, and her things, to be move to my training room."

"Alucard-sama, if I may ask, why are you moving her?"

"It should be obvious. I'm going to beat the fear of god into her."