Tri'ade Twilight Lord of Nazarick

by Magnus56

[AU] This is the story of the Arch-Devil Tri'ade Lord of Nazarick. Set in an alternative history of the story of Overlord. A history where Momonga mysteriously left the guild before its collapse and Tri'ade took up the mantle of Guild Master. It is up to Tri'ade now to lead Nazarick in the New World after overseeing the decline of his Guild.

21. Volume 4: Re-Estize, Chapter 2: Six Arms

Volume 4: Re-estize, Chapter 2: Six Arms

City of Re-Estize-Ro Lente Castle

After the King left the room with the Warrior-Captain, both Tri'ade and the Princess discussed the attack against Eight Fingers. After they were done, Tri'ade had excused himself, telling Princess Renner and Climb he had to inform Darkness via [Message] to gather at the Palace with the other attack squads. Once Tri'ade casted a few spells to ensure no one eavesdropped on him, he informed Darkness of the rallying point.

He did this but while he had this chance away from the prying eyes of the Princess, Tri'ade contacted Demiurge. "Demiurge, can you give me an update on your mission?"

For a moment Tri'ade thought he could hear the devil's breath give way as if he was speaking in the middle of kneeling where he stood. "Yes my lord! I've been looking at some letters and other documents. This princess hides it well but these letters confirm what I've suspected"

Hesitating for a moment Tri'ade asked, "W-Where are you?"

"In the princesses royal chambers. She took off for a meeting with that bodyguard of hers. I took the liberty of investigating her room."

"Do you need more time? I'm the one she's been meeting with."

The sound of Demiurge's laughter rang in Tri'ade's ears. "Of course you were! I'm grateful for your assistance my lord. I should have known it was you that drew her away. But no, I'm done with these. I don't need any more time than what you have already graciously provided me with."

"Ah, good. Though there is something you should know Demiurge."

Tri'ade hesitated for a moment to say what he needed to say. Unsure how the astute devil would judge his choice to reveal Ainz Ooal Gown to the King. Demiurge asked with bated breath, "And that is?"

Trying to sound as professional as he could, Tri'ade stated the facts and nothing more "King Ramposa the Third recognizes the nation of Ainz Ooal Gown and it's claim over the Great Forest of Tob."

There was a long silence. The other arch-devil likely was attempting to process the ramifications of what Tri'ade had said to him. That after so long of stressing stealth and secrecy his master had just revealed the existence of Ainz Ooal Gown to a human monarch in a single night.

Breaking the silence Demiurge frantically spoke through the [Message] spell, "Brilliant! absolutely Brilliant my lord! Did you plan this since saving that human village? What am I saying? Of course you did!"

Tri'ade was relieved to hear that from Demiurge. If he was this excited about it there shouldn't be anything terribly wrong about what he did. "Glad to see you approve. I hope to tell you and Albedo more about it when I get back home."

Sounding pleased with what Demiurge said told his lord as much. "Really? Then I'm looking forward to that, my lord."

Pressing onto other matters Tri'ade tried to curb Demiurge's enthusiasm with more troublesome news. At least it was troublesome in Tri'ade's mind. "But there is a more pressing matter. The Princess is bold. She plans to attack Eight Fingers tonight."

That would only leave them a few hours at most to plan their own assault on Eight Fingers. Part of Tri'ade regretted not telling Demiurge immediately after finding out about it but he wanted to get more information from the Princess. Demiurge for his part didn't sound concerned at all. In fact he sounded amused by what Tri'ade told him.

"I thought so. These markings on this map I found must show their targets."

Demiurge has the map they were using to plan their assault?! Just to confirm Tri'ade asked "Eight Targets?"

"Yes, Lord. How did you know?"

Before he answered, Tri'ade looked around the room he was to check again that he was alone. "Darkness is taking part in the assault as the 8th team. We need to take over Eight Fingers tonight."

"Well done, my lord. With your leave I will assemble a team from Nazarick."

Thinking back on his promise to King Ramposa about protecting villages from monster attacks, Tri'ade immediately knew how this attack could bite him in the ass if it were ever connected back to him. "Only your subordinates. I leave you in charge of the operation. Remember that we are now a nation. We must be careful not to incriminate Ainz Ooal Gown in what we do tonight."

Hearing a wicked chuckling form Demiurge he replied to his master in a low tone "As you wish, my lord."

Somewhat disturbed by Demiurge's chuckling, Tri'ade cut off the [Message] and went back into the room with Princess Renner, Climb and Narberal inside.

"You were gone for awhile. Is everything alright?" The princess had the appearance of concern upon her face as she looked in Tri'ade direction with her big blue eyes.

Calmly Tri'ade explained himself as he walked back to his chair at the table. "Ah, no. Nothing like that. It just struck me I ought to tell Albedo what happened. I'm sorry if I inconvenienced you, your highness."

Princess Renner waved off Tri'ade's apology. "Please, there is no need to be so formal. It was no trouble. Though I must say I am curious about your steward Albedo but that will have to wait for another day." Standing up from her seat at the table Princess Renner moved to leave the room.

Their original guide and escort in the palace, Gazef Stronoff, left with the King so Princess Renner and Climb took his place. Tri'ade and Naberal followed the Princess to the door to her room where she wish both Tri'ade and Climb luck in their mission. Apparently the Princess was retiring for the night and had left Lakyus of Blue Rose in charge of actually leading the operation against Eight Fingers.

As Renner closed the door to them Tri'ade could only hope Demiurge was long gone and had enough time to hide what he did. As the Princess didn't make a noise about her room being ransacked Tri'ade had to assume Demiurge hid his tracks well. As Climb led them away into the courtyard, Tri'ade breathed a sigh of relief.

In the courtyard were several tents and a large assembly of armed men gathered all around. At one of the larger tents Tri'ade could see the golden locks of four armed women. There were two twins identical in nearly every way save for the ribbons in their hair. One had a blue ribbon, the other red. The woman these two stood side by side with had what looked to be a circlet with a blue rose attached on the side of it. The fourth woman stunned Tri'ade. She was a gigantic she-hulk of a woman clad in adamantite armor. For a moment Tri'ade had mistaken her for a man but her rather comically designed armor with its stylized breastplate revealed her true gender. It was obvious this was the adamantite group he had heard so much about, Blue Rose.

It was also clear to Tri'ade they weren't the only ones whose reputation preceded them. When Climb led them through the courtyard he could feel the eyes upon him. It was not an unfamiliar feeling given how his armor stood out among a crowd of people. Its quality wasn't something anyone in the New World had seen before in their lives. But this was different. Tri'ade could hear whispers of Fire Lord and Beautiful Princess, the nicknames people gave the both of them.

Climb introduced the both of them to Blue Rose. "Lady Lakyus." Motioning to the both of them Climb continued, "This is Tri'ade Nazarick and Narberal Gamma of Darkness. Princess Renner has accepted their help for tonight.

Upon hearing the name Lakyus, Tri'ade got a bit excited. She had interested him for awhile now. She was the wielder of a Sword of Darkness, a weapon likely wielded by a player within the Thirteen Heroes. Tri'ade had also learned from the Sunlight Scripture that Blue Rose had defeated them once in order to save an innocent beast-men village. That suggested a remarkable tolerance of non-humans. Tri'ade thought that given Ainz Ooal Gown was mostly non-humans, Lakyus could, if handled correctly, prove to be an asset.

Taking off his golden mask Tri'ade revealed his face still under the illusion of the [Veil] spell he used earlier. "It's a pleasure, Lady Lakyus. I've heard so much about you. The rest of Darkness will arrive shortly."

"Yes? I m-mean, likewise! It's good that you have come."

Lakyus blushed and Tri'ade noticed how pretty she was. Lakyus was more like how he imagined Princess Renner should have looked like when Lukrut kept gushing om about the beauty of the Golden Princess. While the Princess was cute, it was hard to call her a woman given her age. Beautiful in the way a porcelain doll was but Lakyus was definitely slightly older, more mature. You could say her flower was in bloom while Renner's hadn't yet.

"Eight Fingers will never know what hit them!" The large she-hulk of a woman hit her fist in the palm of her other hand. "With your team we can assault all eight targets at once."

"You can thank Gazef for telling me about this." Staring at the massive woman, Tri'ade was still in slight disbelief of the existence of this woman. Is she a half ogre? "But who are you?"

Gagaran placed her hand over chest and said, "I'm Gagaran. The twins are Tia and Tina. Try and figure out which is which." The twins looked annoyed. They obviously did not appreciate their friend's joke. The twin wearing the blue ribbon called herself "Tia" and the other named herself "Tina" while pointing at themselves.

"Nice to meet you," Tri'ade said then he shifted his vision to look again at Lakyus. "Regarding tonight's attack, Darkness will need to be assigned to the warehouse. We got a job to rescue a prisoner held there for a client."

"A client? Well that shouldn't be a problem. We can reassign the Warrior-Captain to another target. I'm sure he won't mind."

Surprised Tri'ade had to ask "Gazef's also a part of this?"

Laykrus nodded. "His majesty can't put his full backing in this but he has lent the Royal Select to aid us."

Looking to Lakyus the mythril clad lad named Climb join the conversation. "Would it be possible to re-assign me to Darkness's group?"

"Huh?"

"I want to help! Their client is the man who saved my life. He's in trouble now. " Climb referred to the way Sebas saved his life after nearly getting killed by Six Arms's Succulent at the brothel. The young lad apparently had a great deal of respect for Sebas and was no doubt earnest in his request to help.

"That would be up to Tri'ade. It's his team." Lakyus gave Tri'ade a sidelong glance.

Bowing low to Tri'ade Climb begged him to take him along. "Please Tri'ade. I know Sebas has already hired you but I still want to help."

"Your help would not make a difference. In fact your needed more with the other targets. An entire admantite team being assigned to single location is already overkill." It felt cruel saying it but it was the truth. Plus, if Climb was at the warehouse it might cause certain unforeseeable complications. Safer to only have his people involved in it.

Climb stood up straight and looked sullen. He couldn't refute the facts even though he didn't like them. "I understand."

"We wouldn't mind some help at the other targets." Garganan suggested. Blue Rose had split itself up between multiple squads. Garganan and Tia being in the first while Lakyrus and Tina in another. It wasn't an unreasonable request but it wasn't one Tri'ade could accept. He wanted to see for himself how strong Darkness had became after being infused with the soul of the Great Demon Tree.

Tri'ade shook his head. "We expect what remains of Six Arms to be at the warehouse. It's obvious Six Arms wants revenge for Sebas killing Succulent. Kidnapping his employer is only a means to lure him into a trap. "

"That makes sense and it's good news if your right, things should be easier for the rest of us." Lakyus smiled.

"Only Oni leader can be happy about someone being kidnapped" Tina said presumably to herself but everyone else around heard her.

Oni? Isn't that some sort of demonic ogre? Tri'ade thought trying to recollect what he knew of folklore.

Lakyus wasn't pleased to be called Oni by her comrades. She gave what could only be described as death glare at Tina. It seemed this might have been an recurring issue between them or something.

"Scary." Tia said sympathizing with her twin's predicament.

Before things got out of hand they heard someone above them yell. "Yo!" Looking up Tri'ade saw it was a small child like figure flying in the sky. She wore flowing red robes and had a strange white mask which had a red gem affixed to it.

The mysterious figure flew down to Lakyus and spoke to her. "Sorry If I'm interrupting leader. But I got the potions you wanted."

Leader? I did hear they had a powerful caster with them called Evil-Eye. How old is she? She's as small as Shalltear and Aura are!

Wanting to see if she really was a powerful caster, Tri'ade silently cast [Mana Essence] on this new arrival to see the size of her magical aura. He did this while she handed out the potions she acquired and named them to Lakyus. But he didn't see any mana emanating from this masked individual at all. This might not mean anything. This might not be Evileye at all. She could be a non-caster using a fly amulet to use flight magic to assist Blue Rose in running errands.

"So your the Fire Lord. Your armor is certainly is something else. Even if a bit worn out." The masked figure said to Tri'ade interrupting his thoughts. What she likely referred to was how his armor's robe which was part of his outfit was ripped and torn in places close to the ground. This wasn't due to damage but was a visual aesthetic of the armor itself.

"I could say the same about you. Miss?" Tri'ade asked the masked figure. Her robes were odd as well. While they were a solid red close to the ground they were tattered like his. What made them odd was two wraps of cloth that appeared to levitate above her shoulders and the fact Tri'ade could see metal chains. Connected to exactly what he did not know but there were no shackles on her hands.

"Evileye". She said all but confirming Tri'ade's suspicious about her identity

"I see. Nice to meet you." Tri'ade said out of courtesy but his mind was elsewhere. He was certain he heard that Evileye was a magic caster! But he saw no magic coming from her.

"You too" Evileye said returning the courtesy.

Climb bid his farewell to Blue Rose and Tri'ade as Gazef Stronoff entered the courtyard. Being the Warrior-Captain Gazef was leader of one of the eight squads. Behind Gazef appeared Darkness and Sebas. They appeared delayed since Climb looked to be talking to Sebas but Tri'ade from where he was couldn't make anything out.

"Captains gather round! We are going to go over the plan." The leader of blue rose said in a loud voice that carried throughout the courtyard. Gazef left Climb to talk with Sebas and the other squad captains who Tri'ade didn't recognize did as they were told. Tri'ade didn't need to move of course.

Not that he planned on listening to Lakyus. He had heard of the rough plan earlier from the princess and his team's job did not deviate from what they had already planned to do. Her words were more meant for the other squad captains who didn't know Darkness would be participating or were not informed of the plan yet.

As she talked Tri'ade thoughts lingered on Evileye. There were non-detection and aura masking spells of course but those had short duration so they were only used in combat. With the New World through one could never be certain of anything. It could be Evileye had some sort of rare talent or something that preventing him from using detection spells on her.

But It might be something as simple as using a magical item to hide her aura. Tri'ade himself hid his aura from magical detection using a Epic Ring of Non-Detection. The ring offered general protection against all high level divination magic. But it was a high level magical item. Not something Tri'ade would think a native of the New World to have in their possession not even an adamantite adventurer.

Now that he could guess what was blocking his detection spell on her he had to begin wondering. Why? Going over what he knew and found out he began to list it in his head.

She's the size of a child, a powerful magic caster, hides her face using a mask, and even goes as far as to mask her aura. Evileye is likely an alias.

I can't imagine anyone naming her child Evileye. If she was some sort of young magical prodigy I doubt she would go to such lengths to hide her identity. Her size alone gives away her age so she's not hiding that. So… why go to such lengths?

Looking at his Epic Ring of Non-Detection on his hand Tri'ade realized something. He hid his aura and used a mask just like Evileye. If he was more serious in hiding his identity he would have used an alias. The reason he hid himself was because he was an inhuman monster and a player.

Without the ring he found members of Darkness would recoil from his passive aura. Not to mention the trouble it would cause if ,in this world where anything above six tier magic was considered god magic, it was revealed Tri'ade could cast Super-Tier magic. People would freak out.

Evileye wasn't human. Or If she was she certainly wasn't a native of this world. Was she a player? Or a monster with a item that allows her to hide her inhuman nature among humans? Both?

The item itself probably was from YGGDRASIL. Ring and Amulets which granted protections against detection were high level equipment after all. They were difficult to acquire even in YGGDRASIL so they should be even rarer items in this New World. It wouldn't make much sense to go through such effort to acquire one to hide one's aura unless she was abnormally powerful or of an inhuman race like Tri'ade was.

Doubt rang in his mind. However unlikely it might be possible Evileye didn't know the true nature of the item providing her with protection against his detection magic. She might have inherited it or was given it by someone else. It had been at least six hundred years since players started to emerge in this world after all. Lot could have happen to the items transported to the New World from YGGDRASIL. They could have exchanged hands between dozens of owners.

Tri'ade looked to Evileye who was now standing beside her comrades. Was Evileye looking back as well? It was impossible to tell with her mask on. As an adventurer Tri'ade was well known for using fire based spells. It was always possible just like Tri'ade did with Evileye she cast detection magic on him as well. It was impossible to tell If the same thoughts that Tri'ade tangled with did not reside in her head in this very moment.

When Lakyus was done speaking the other squad captains dispersed leaving to join the rest of their squads. The new mystery that was Evileye would have to solved another day. It was pointless thinking about it further and Tri'ade knew he had to be careful around her in case she was another player.

Walking over to where Darkness and Sebas were situated in the courtyard. Sebas bowed slightly. 'Sir Tri'ade."

"Sebas." Tri'ade quickly replied as he didn't want to drag this greeting out. Even if he called him Sir rather than Lord Sebas was being a bit too respectful towards him in public by bowing.

"Was that Blue Rose?" Peter asked as he tried to get a better look at the group of female adventurers. Tri'ade had informed him via message that Blue Rose was heading up this operation.

"Yes. The one flanked by those twins is their leader Lakyus."

"Whoa she's a beauty! As expected of a noble lady. Those twins aren't bad either." Lukrut said as he lecherously sized them up. While Lukrut may have given up the chasing Narberal it didn't mean he had given up on women. Naberal ignored him. If Lukrut wasn't pestering her it seemed she didn't care in the least what he did to other women.

"Please stop. What if the Golden Princess heard you?" Ninya jabbed Lukrut in the side with her staff.

Rubbing his hurt side Lukrut looked around. "Is she even here?"

"She retired to her room for the night."

"Of course she needs her beauty sleep." Lukrut began looking up into the windows of the castle thinking of the Princess.

"Do we have time to see them?" Dyne asked. This piqued Tri'ade's curiosity and when he didn't immediately answer Dyne explained. "I want to see her Sword of Darkness"

"Right! Mr Beleare did say Blue Rose had one of the swords!" Peter grew excited when Dyne mentioned the Sword of Darkness. Considering it was their dream of acquiring the Swords of Darkness, the opportunity to see one of the swords in prison was incredible for them.

"Oh could we meet her? If it isn't too much trouble that is." Ninya asked carefully. She didn't wish to sound ungrateful after having her sister saved from Eight Fingers.

"Yea but let's keep it quick." Tri'ade relented to their enthusiasm. But it wasn't just them that wanted to see the blade. Tri'ade did for his own reasons. He wanted to inspect it to figure out if the Black Knight was a cursed knight or not. If the blades held the cursed knight abilities they were reputed to be capable of.

Motioning over to them Tri'ade had the group to follow him. As they neared Blue Rose he waved over to them to get their attention.

"Hey! Can you spare a second?"

"What is it?" Lakyus asked with surprised and concern over her face. She thought something might be wrong.

"It's nothing much. Just the other members of my team wanted to meet you too." Tri'ade pointed his hand towards the rest of Darkness.

"Really? Well we can spare a moment." Lakyus looked relieved, her previous worries disappear. As an famous adamantite adventurer she was used to meeting people like this.

Blue Rose introduced themselves to the rest of Darkness and Peter and his friends did so as well. Lukrut though was especially enthusiastic in meeting the twins Tia and Tina. "Whoa! Am I seeing double? Ladies. Lukrut is the name. If you wish I'll ensure you'll remember it."

Responding to Lukrut's advances Tina said only one thing. "Perv"

"You guys sure are well equipped. Didn't you guys just reach adamantite rank?" Gargargan said looking over Peter and Lukrut's adamantite armor. Peter was wearing full plate while Lukrut's had chain-mail on. While Dyne wore leather armor it was wyvern leather and not immediately familiar to Blue Rose.. All their equipment were magical items too.

Most of Blue Rose wore mythril armor, custom made mythril armor to be sure but mythril all the same. Gagaran's Gaze Bane was the sole exception being made from Adamantite. These of course were enchanted so the main difference in their eyes was the material their armors were made from.

Peter looked to Tri'ade. He did not know how to answer the question. He knew Tri'ade had his secrets and wanted to keep them. Though he didn't know Tri'ade had recently revealed the existence of Ainz Ooal Gown to the royal family of Re-Estize.

"I gave it to them." Darkness was surprised at this simple answer and it drew curious glances from Blue Rose as well. It was only a matter of time now the wider world would know of Ainz Ooal Gown so Tri'ade didn't need to hide the fact he gave an amory's worth of magical items to Darkness.

Evileye's head seemed to move about as if scanning Darkness but she nearly jumped back as she looked at Sebas. Pointing at him she said "Is he another one of yours too?"

"Huh? That's just Sebas our employer." Tri'ade looked back at Sebas confused at Evileye's sudden shift in behavior. Gagaran put her hand on Evileye's head" You gotta forgive short stuff here. She can be a bit odd at times." Evileye stood still and silent.

"So your the one who saved Climb. Thank you! " Lakyus didn't want to think what would have happened to her friend the Princess if Climb got himself killed for her sake.

"You give me too much credit. The young man is quiet strong. He was still standing when I found him with Succulent."

"Is that so? I'm sure Climb would disagree."

"Too humble." Tia muttered to herself.

"Is it true you have one of the Swords of Darkness?" Peter asked the excitement in his voice clear even beneath his adamantite helmet.

"Huh?" Lakyus was taken back by Peter's question as she wasn't expecting it.

"Peter's a fan of the Black Knight." Tri'ade explained.

"He's not the only one!"

"Can we see it? Ninya instinctively drew closer to Lakyus.

The leader of blue rose raised her hands up. "Alright Alright. Calm down. I'd be happy to." While Lakyus was used to people wanting to see Kilineiram she wasn't so used to people being so forward about it as Peter and his friends were. Normally they'd be more coy about it respecting her adamantite rank and noble status.

Kilineiram was a sword of legend, an actual relic coming straight out of the saga of the Thirteen Heroes itself. People that aspired to be adventurers often grew up hearing the saga often dreaming of becoming a hero too. Before they realize the reality of being a monster slaying mercenary that is. When children role-played the heroes in their games the Black Knight was often children's favorite with the sole exception being the leader of the band of heroes.

She drew it out of its sheath and held Kilineiram the Demonic Blade aloft for everyone to see. It was the size of a bastard sword (a one and half sword) and its blade was as black as the night sky itself. It possessed a beautiful grip inlaid with a black sapphire on the pommel of the weapon.

Peter and his friends awed at the blade finally seeing the blade they had heard so much of since they were young children.

"Whoa."

"Amazing."

"It's just like I imagined."

Naberal wasn't that impressed with it and remained stoically silent. But Tri'ade was curious. He wanted to cast appraisal magic upon it to get a better idea of who the Black Knight was.

"Could I hold it?"

"Yes- I mean no! Sorry but you can't." Lakyus blushed red. It was a rejection Tri'ade found strange. He didn't really understand it but he didn't want to press the issue. There were other ways to get what he wanted after all.

"We really should continue our preparations for tonight." Evileye chimed in trying to hurry things along.

"The midget's right. We can talk more at the tavern after tonight. I wanna hear about how you guys captured an Elder Lich. That's wild." Gagaran laughed merrily.

"I'd love to. If that's alright with you?" Tri'ade tried putting on the charm ever so slightly. At least by what he a previously thirty year old neet could muster. At his point It was obvious that she was attracted to him even to Tri'ade. He might be able to use that to get a hold of Kilineiram and know more about Evileye.

"What?" Was Lakyus's reaction to Tri'ade using the word love. "Oh! Yes, Yes it's alright with me. We'll see you tomorrow then."

"See you then. Let's move out Darkness. Six Arms wont defeat itself."

---

City of Re-Estize-Warehouse District

Darkness and the rest of the attack squad reached the address that was in ransom letter. The address stood apart from everything else in the warehouse district. It had a fifteen foot high stone wall surrounding the place with a large steel gateway. One could see trees and other foliage within the property. Whoever owned the property was wealthy and valued their privacy.

The rest of the squad that followed darkness were parts of Gazef's Warrior Band who were assigned to their group to help capture the Eight Fingers hideout. These warriors with them were a liability. In terms of combat power and keeping what happens in the hideout confidential to Ainz Ooal Gown. They had to be dealt with before the assault began.

Turning to face them Tri'ade addressed them."Now here's the plan. As my team attacks this place, you warriors will form a perimeter. Any exit you find you will secure it. Those trying to flee will have to contend with his majesty's finest! Understood?"

The band of warriors stood at attention and many of them responded. "Sir yes Sir!" Soldiers are about the same anywhere you go it seems. Tri'ade thought that but he failed to realize how high his persuasion was given his high charisma. Even without mind control magic he could probably convince most people to do anything if he tried. Tri'ade turned to who he was told was the senior officer of the band. "Good. I leave you to it."

Tri'ade and Darkness went to the gateway into the hideout. What looked to be a guard spotted their approach. "What? Bastard!" The thug hightailed back deeper into the compound. Feeling subtly was lost Tri'ade cast what was becoming one of his favorite spells [Twin Telekinesis].

With the magic he gripped both parts of the gate and tore it off its hinges. Both sections of the gate hung in the air before he fling-ed them at the cowardly thug. The first one he missed slamming in behind the thug as he ran for his life. The second gate section hit With a loud crash of metal it slammed right on top of him. Before he perished the thug issued out a blood curdling scream as his body was flattened between the metal bars of the gate. Blood and entrails splattering across the ground from the violent impact.

Lukrut wore a grim smile as he drew his elven style composite longbow "Hey boss. Save some for us why don't ya? I'm itching to try something."

"Don't worry. You'll have Six Arms all to yourselves." Tri'ade said coolly as he turned to look to the ranger and the rest of Darkness.

"Ha! That mouth of yours will be the death of us." Dyne teased Lukrut for his over eagerness. The druid grabbed his heavy mace and his light shield from his back as he readied himself.

Peter already having his helmet on and his weapon out the warrior was ready for combat since they set out from the palace. With his admantite full plate and shield he looked like the very image of a dark knight. Ninya in her blue wizard robes and hat followed in behind him.

Darkness walked over the fallen thug along the garden path into the complex following behind Tri'ade. They eventually came into a large training area. Two other buildings laid adjacent to it in this Eight Fingers compound. Standing torches were arranged around the area to provide illumination.

Around three dozen armed thugs like the one Tri'ade had just killed surrounded the buildings. Four people though stood out from the rest. They stood in front of the main entrance to the main building away from the common thugs.

There was one with dark skin with an outfit that reminded Tri'ade of a belly dancer. A zombie like individual with a rotten face wearing blood red robes and beside him was a man covered head to toe in dark full plate. Lastly there was a man whose look screamed swashbuckler in the most stereotypical fashion. The man's outfit looked like how Tri'ade would imagine a bullfighter would wear and he had a rapier slung around his waist. These were four members of Six Arms no doubt about it.

Dark skin caught his eye. It was the first time he saw a human with dark skin in this world. This along with her getup suggested she was a foreigner to Re-Estize. Her outfit wasn't one Tri'ade expected one of the notorious Six Arms to wear the others were fairly typical. Was her outfit magical?

That thought had to wait. He could feel the barely contained hostility the dozens upon dozens of thugs encircling them as Darkness drew closer to Six Arms. It didn't concern Tri'ade. They weren't a threat. But they didn't know that.

"We've been expecting you","He's brought friends." This'll be fun" Said some random thugs in the crowd but they didn't move to attack.

"Aren't there…. Supposed to be five of you?" Sebas questioned the remaining members of Six Arms in front of them.

"You were told to come alone. The girl will suffer for that you know?" The elder lich cracked smile on the half of his face that remained.

"Don't be mad. I saved you the trouble of finding me."

"And you are?"

"Sebas's master" Tri'ade said as he crossed his arms.

"I hear that old man is strong, for a butler. To think he killed Succulent." The dark skinned beauty mused out loud so that her compatriots could hear her.

The swashbuckler had his hand resting on top of the hilt of his rapier. "I don't care if he is a has-been, having one of Six Arms defeated like that in front of a client, is embarrassing beyond words. " The swashbuckler adopted indigent tone to his voice as if it wounded his own pride to have had his comrade killed in such a way.

"Maybe he had more help than we were lead to believe?" The dark knight dryly implied Tri'ade and the others of assisting Sebas to defeat their comrade.

"Either way, that old man is the one who started all of this trouble. Give him to us and maybe we'll let the girl go." The undead mage stressed the word "maybe". He had no real intention of letting anyone go at this point. The man was clearly toying with them thinking they had the upper hand.

Tri'ade responded in a mocking tone. "So generous of you. But I have other plans."

"Brave but foolish. Look up there." Glancing upward the undead mage drew Tri'ade's attention to the second floor of the main building. It had a large balcony lit up by lights and people in fancy attire were sitting down at tables overlooking everything.

"We going to break you and then murder you and your friends. If we don't we'll be in a tight spot."

"There are bigwigs from all over sitting up there. They're here to watch us torture the old man Because of you they'll have see a brawl instead like a bunch of Imperials."

"Interesting. Where is your fifth member? Zero I think his name was." Looking to the undead mage as he spoke Tri'ade addressed him as the lead member of the group

"What If I said he was enjoying your woman right now?" A wicked grin came across the undead's half rotten face as he said it. Naberal stepped forward in anger at the thought of these bugs toying with Solution but Tri'ade held her back.

"He's a dead man. As is everyone here." Tri'ade looked over to the assembled group of thugs. "Your all dead men. You just don't know yet. "

"Listen to you, human!"

"I'm sure he must have not met anyone truly strong before." The surrounding thugs laughed as the woman said that. They still thought they had an overwhelming advantage. Tri'ade was amused by that. He wondered what kind of look they would give him as they realized how fucked they were.

Drawing his rapier the swashbuckler challenged Tri'ade. "Well okay, We'll take you on."

"You won't be fighting me." Tri'ade held his hand up to stop the swashbuckler in his tracks. "That wouldn't be fun. So the four of you will face four of us." Motioning back to Peter and his friends Tri'ade indicated who he wanted to be fighting against Six Arms.

"Maybe just maybe if you kill them then I'll step in to settle things with you. But as my wife would say you gotta earn that privilege."

"Oh you are one cocky bastard. You must not know who you are facing!"

"Neither do you."

"Malmvist, of the Thousand Kills." The swashbuckler began the introductions with an ever confident look on his face. He brought his rapier to his face in a fencing salute.

The dark skinned girl twirled around the jingling sound of her bangles resounded in the air. Tossing up one scimitar then another there appeared to be a cycling whirlwind of scimitars in the air orbiting all around her. "Edstrom, of the Dancing Scimitar."

Whipping out his weapon the dark knight swung it around him. He wielded what appeared to be a long metallic whip. "Peshurian, of the Spatial Slash."

"And me, Davernoch, the Undead King." Opening his free palm a ball of fire emerged.

Undead King. What a ridiculous title for an petty thug. Besides the girl their all ridiculous.

Tri'ade did a bow with his hand across his chest in mockery to Davernoch. "Oh your majesty. Pardon my manners for not introducing myself sooner." Sebas and Narberal stood wide eyed at this shocked at the Supreme Being bowing to anyone but Tri'ade continuing his own introduction getting into the act.

Seeing these petty thugs flex about like some cartoon villains made him want to do the same. Tri'ade raised his hands in the air as he proudly proclaimed for all to hear. " I am Tri'ade, of the Four Million Kills, the Lord of Nazarick, Master of Divine and Arcane Magic, the Last of the Supreme Beings, and the Future Ruler of the Entire World!" Lowering his hands to his sides he continued. "Though you might know me as the Fire Lord."

The assembled crowd of thugs and those up on the balcony seeing everything began to laugh. Even though everything Tri'ade had said was true they didn't know it. They were ignorant of that. So they laughed at how absurd what he had said was. Sebas, and those with him didn't laugh of course. They knew the truth.

[Firestorm]

Laughter turned into screams of searing pain. As Tri'ade cast the spell sheets of roaring fire engulfed the area where the three dozen thugs of Eight Fingers stood burning each man or woman alive in magical fire. The only laughter that could be still heard as the thugs burned was Tri'ade's.

[Protection Energy - Fire]

The so called Undead King used a spell in the hope to protect himself from the flames. This despite clearly not being the spell's intended target. As an Undead he was vulnerable to fire and always had this spell ready to be used at a moment's notice. Davernoch took a step back from the horrific scene unfolding before him.

The firestorm stopped spreading at the entrance of the main building. The people above on the balcony could only see a wall of fire as people burned alive below them. These rich and privileged people gasped in terror as those below them burned, they feared the flames would spread to them as well. They could feel the ferocity of the flames from where they sat at their tables.

But the fire did not spread to burn down the building, it did not even burn a single blade of grass besides the places where those who burned once stood. Having learned from the fight with the Demon Tree Tri'ade tamed the magical flames to burn only that which he wished it to burn. He could do this with the Firestorm spell since it allowed the caster to select who to target within the spell's area of effect.

So as quickly as it came the flames dissipated leaving only ash of its victims and the stunned faces of Six Arms in its aftermath. Tri'ade took a sort of glee watching their previously smug expressions turn into panic.

Davernoch struggled to comprehend the level of magical might necessary to call forth such powerful flames with such precision. The confidence in Malmvist's face was gone as he realized they had lost any semblance of an numerical advantage against those he faced.

"W-what was THAT?!" Edestron asked her comrades with her voice aquiver. She stumbled as she looked behind her to see what remained of the thugs that were there moments before.

"I don't know! Nothing but flesh burned!"

"You cannot be Lord of anything if you lack control." Motioning over to the people assembling now on the rails of the balcony, all in order to get a better look at is going on. " Now I believe you promised these people a show? I think I'll watch alongside them."

[Fly]

Floating above Six Arms and everyone else he hovered for a bit before looking over to Darkness and Sebas.

"Come along Naberal. Oh and Sebas?"

"Yes my Lord?"

"Go get Solution and find Zero. It'd be a unfortunate if he managed to escape our trap." Sebas bowed to his master and moved to one of the nearby buildings.

At the mention of a trap by Tri'ade Edstrom began looking around her and using her talents for heightened awareness to try to spot any means of escape. Whatever this magic caster had planned she wanted no part in it. She spotted movement in the shadows, and whatever it was drawing close to her flank. Growing scared she attacked the movement in the shadows with her flying scimitars.

Whatever it is she targeted evaded the attack but in doing so came closer to the light of the torches. Even in its radiance it the shadow remained. It looked like a living silhouette of an emancipated child. The shadow quickly drove back into the darkness from whence it came. Edstrom didn't know what it was but Tri'ade looked at her with interest.

"What was that thing?"

"One of my little friends."

He didn't care to elaborate. It was best left unsaid. Tri'ade didn't plan on anyone here escaping but it was better they knew as little as possible regarding the Shadow Demons. He had these demons watching over those here and ordered them to assassinate any human that tried to flee. Shadow Demons on top with being very stealthy had a number of levels in classes granting them the ability to sneak attack anything that wasn't aware of their presence. The less Edstrom knew the better.

It surprised Tri'ade that Edstrom managed to detect the Shadow Demon at all. But It was clear given her lack of action that she lost track of it once it returned to the shadows. Otherwise she would have followed through on her initial attack.

Flying over to the balcony those assembled there drew away as Tri'ade and Naberal landed among them. None of them were fighters or even armed so their caution to stay their distance from the two magic casters was entirely justified. Even if they did not comprehend what exactly had happened they feared what might happen. And those myriad of possibilities began to spring forth in the minds of these quote bigwigs of Eight Fingers.

Turning to address Six Arms and Darkness from the balcony Tri'ade spoke loudly as to project his voice clearly. "Ladies and Gentlemen. Tonight we will witness a fight between Four Arms and those of the adventurer party Darkness! Any outside interference in the fight will be eliminated. Any who try to escape will be killed."

"You can't threaten us. Do you know who I am?! You arrogant-"

[Finger of Death]

Tri'ade pointed with his index finger at the corrupt noble and upon casting the spell he knelled over in pain screaming as their flesh began to violently rot away. The noble clawed at his clothes clutching himself as moaned and groaned as the process transformed him into a mindless husk of a zombie. Tri'ade could feel the mental connection between him and the undead a sign it was now under his command.

"Anyone attempting to resist will of course be executed. Your only hope of survival is compliance with my desire." Tri'ade placed his hand over his chest as he uttered the words "my desire" to stress his point.

Unbeknownst to Tri'ade the man who just turned into a groaning zombie was Count Leon. A member of the noble faction and a noble that had profitable dealings with Eight Fingers for decades. The count was the noble of highest rank among these noble backers of Eight Fingers.

An immensely greedy individual he was feared by everyone else here for his hot temper and his tendency to hire thugs to kill those he disliked. And Tri'ade not only killed him but painfully turning the once feared noble into an undead abomination right before their eyes.

Some of the women fell to their knees and clapped their hands over their mouths. Others hung tightly to whichever man they were with while their male partners shook with fear. None dared even make a sound let alone speak a single word for fear of offending this man. These gentile men and women were accustomed to having their rank and privilege ignored in such a brutal fashion. They knew If the count was subject to summary execution they all were.

"Sit down at your tables." These corrupt nobles did not offer any further resistance and nervously moved to their seats.

Zombie Leon shambled over to where Tri'ade stood on the railing of the balcony. It having no other commands to follow the zombie was drawn to its master's side. From there Six Arms could see the rotting figure of the once feared noble for themselves.

Both Edstrom and Malmvist grew pale as they saw the count's condition. They knew even if they got out of this mess with their lives they wouldn't want to see Zero again. Zero would be furious at them failing to protect the Count and the rest of the nobility watching. Regardless of any excuses they would use, Zero would make them pay dearly for it.

Davernoch on the other hand began to maniacally laugh. Even since he awoke as an undead lich he had wanted one thing. To learn new magic. It was the reason why he accepted Zero's offer to join Six Arms. The man had promised him to provide him with magical tutors. Now in a single day he had the great fortune to see the results of two magnificent spells. The undead wished he could have been able to personally witness the Count's transformation into an zombie. Truly this man was a master of magic.

"Amazing! Truly amazing. You are no human. You cannot be."

"Fool. Master has already told you. He is a Supreme Being." Snapped Naberal, the very suggestion that Tri'ade was a human was reprehensible to her.

For Peter, Ninya, Lukrut and Dyne the zombie was a reminder of the day they joined Tri'ade. Of the undead uprising in E-Rantel. They knew their lord had undead servants and what that meant. Tri'ade even had one of his Elder Liches practice with them in preparation for their big job. The one involving capturing an lich in the Katze Plains for the Imperial Arena.

Peter and his friends had grown comfortable with the fact Tri'ade was a necromancer. Anyone after all can choose to believe anything if they wish to believe. Justification and excuses came easy to them as to why the Necromancer Khajhit was evil and Tri'ade was not. He saved them and many other people. Tri'ade believed in them and so they in turn believed in him. Tri'ade trusted them to keep his secret so they would. Tri'ade did not force them into servitude with their debt to him they choose it.

After all he promised they could refuse any order of his if they wanted to. Peter and the others simply did not want to refuse their savior, their benefactor, the person they believed in. And now that person asked them to fight four members of Six Arms the most notorious criminals in the entire Re-Estize Kingdom. Theoretically given Tri'ade's promise to them they could refuse to fight if they wished to. Tri'ade would likely kill them immediately afterwards with his great magic.

But they didn't want to. They were eager to fight. To test themselves against these new opponents. Peter and his friends felt powerful, they felt far different from the adventurers they used to be after being endowed with the soul fragment of the Great Demon Tree.

"Are there any questions about the rules before we begin the fight?" Tri'ade asked in a nonchalant manner almost mocking the tension that hung in the air among those present.

"Just one If you would permit it Supreme Master of Magic." Davernoch tried to appeal to his pride by giving him that title. The undead knew given the fire magic he saw earlier that he would likely stand little chance of surviving if things got serious. But to Tri'ade such flattery seems shallow and insincere coming from someone not from the Great Tomb.

"I did ask"

"If we win, what then?"

"Heh." Tri'ade was amused by the lich's confidence in his chances. "Those you killed will be brought back to life. After that? I could offer you a chance to serve me."

Six Arms took heart after hearing Tri'ade say that. There was slimmer of hope now. Zero might not forgive them for not protecting Count Leon and the other nobles but that wouldn't matter. Davernoch hoped for more than survival though. He hoped that somehow he could ingratiate himself to learn more about the magic he just witnessed. Six Arms were confident in their individual strength, do or die tests of strength to impress their superiors was nothing new to them.

For his part Tri'ade didn't plan on having any of them leave here alive. He did say they were dead men after all. The sole exception might be Edstrom she might have valuable as she was a foreigner to the Kingdom. "No more questions?" Tri'ade paused for a moment looking over Six Arms and Darkness. "Fight!"

[Fireball]

As his opening move Davernoch produced a fireball from his palm and hurled it at Darkness. But Ninya countered it.

[Mass Protection Energy Fire!]

Five scimitars flew in the air in a wheel pattern at Lukrut. Nimble as he was he dodged the scimitars as they cut the ground like a saw wheel before flying around in formation for another pass at him.

Grabbing three arrows out of his quiver Lukrut held all three between his fingers as he rapidly fired them off at Edstrom. One missed as she ran and danced around the battlefield, his second shot was expertly deflected by Edstrom with her sixth scimitar in her hand. The third hit her sword arm where it pierced the silk and its shaft broke. The tail end of the arrow fell to the ground while the arrowhead remained in Edstrom.

"Hey don't ruin her clothes! I want them" Tri'ade blurted out as he saw the silk being ripped by Lukrut's arrows. While Edstrom wasn't bad looking most of her appeal in Tri'ade's mind was thanks to her apparel than her body. Her exotic looks. Tri'ade imagined what Naberal or Albedo could do for him while wearing those revealing silk garments. He could probably convince Albedo to try to learn erotic dancing. Maybe those succubi he summoned knew how and they seemed eager to teach the NPC's all sorts of things.

"My bad." Lukrut smiled as he guessed what Tri'ade was thinking. While he may have given up pursuing Narberal he could always appreciate her beauty. His mental image of Naberal wearing Edstorm's attire motivated him even more to aim for her exposed midriff with his next three arrows. They were deflected by a wall of whirling scimitars.

Charging ahead Peter raised his adamantite shield in front of him as he rushed forwards. Drawing his Urumi Peshurian attacked.

[Dimensional Slash!]

His weapon whipped forward issuing a loud cracks as he attacked. Metallic lashes impacted on Peter's adamantite shield. Peshurian's Urumi sometimes curled around Peter's shield but it hit only hard adamantite full plate.

[Greater Ability Boost] [Multi-Thrust]

Peter's speed grew and when he got right in front of Peshurian he attacked him with six rapid thrusts with his magical long-sword Ramanus. Unable to get away the blade's tip punctured the armored foe before him and dark red energy flowed into the blade and up Peter's hand upon the hilt.

Ramanus was a special magical item. Tri'ade even used it himself long ago when he was at lower levels. Not that he told Peter or Narberal this least they treat it as some sort of holy relic rather than the low level item that it was. It held a life stealing enchantment on the dark blade and dealt increased damage to living creatures. That said it's enchantments were only useful at lower levels. That was because it was an artifact-class item tied to a quest you couldn't modify or upgrade it with data crystals.

Lore wise Ramanus was a special drop item in the lair of the lich Belnazar. It was a level thirty dungeon filled with traps and undead minions. Ironically enough though the lich didn't hide his dungeon regarding the lore but invited people to navigate its myriad of dangers baiting people into his home for the chance for gold and magical items. The town of Nezzle-Hielm took advantage of this offering rooms, and shops and the local churches were even taking advantage of the opportunity.

Supposedly Belnazar did this to gain test subjects for his variety of experiments and for his own amusement but it was just the developers way of putting a dungeon in the area supported by the nearby town. It was a beginner dungeon meant to be tackled by a party rather than it being capable of being completed solo in previous levels.

In one of the rooms of the lich's lair was a "Hall of Fallen Heroes". Filled with thrones sitting upon them corpses of would be dungeoneers the lich were impressed with or amused him enough for special consideration. Upon most were their former equipment and was yet another trap laid by Belnazar. Should someone take something off the dead in the room or disturb them in anyway the corpses would rise and fight the party.

One of these fallen heroes the Lich was amused by was Ramanus. A paladin of Tyr god of Justice and War. unlike other he had gone to the lair of the Lich not for gold or magical treasures as most did but to defeat the Lich Belnazar himself to end the bloody game he was playing with the living once and for all.

Obviously he failed but those who succeeded in killing his undead self in the room of Fallen Heroes had a 1% drop chance of getting the Longsword of Ramanus. Apparently as part of the Lich Belnazar's experiments in souls he trapped the paladin's soul within the blade and used it to power the enchantments upon it.

The paladin of course being reduced to being an inanimate object had no choice in how he was used. This coupled with the fact his only stimulus in his un-life is feeding on the life energy of those he harms, has had the effect of driving the former paladin into madness. Evident by the scripted dialog the blade has when its being used. At least that's how it was in YGGDRASIL.

"Ah human blood! How I miss it so!" Ramanus told Peter telepathically as the sword delighted in feeding upon Peshurian's health. Ramanus had been used against undead previously in the Katze Plains, a type of monster the sword couldn't drink life-force from, so the spirit of the sword was glad to be drinking the blood of the living again Peter ignored the sword's yammering and continued to focus on his opponent in front of him.

Pershuian jumped back increasing the distance between them while clutching his side with his free hand trying to stop the blood. He was unaccustomed to seeing his own blood given the potency of his magical equipment he got from Zero. Those he fought in the past had little in the way to defend against his unconventional weapon.

Malmvist of the Thousand kills thrust his rapier Rose Thorn forward toward Dyne closing the distance with a martial art skills of his own.

[Lighting Thrust!]

Leaping forward he moved with lighting speed as he thrust Rose Thorn directly at Dyne's chest hoping to take out the healer of the group quickly so he could gang up on other members of Darkness with his comrades.

Expecting this Dyne had his light shield ready to parry the blow. While it was just a was a light shield it was made from celestial oak and enchanted with passive buffs. With it he'd acted as a front-line fighter with Peter in their previous fights.

[Fortress!]

Surprised at Dyne's use of martial arts Malmvist countered with another of his own.

[Rapid Riposte!]

In an instant he regained control of Rose Thorn and thrust it's tip in Dyne's right kneecap. The wyvern leather softened the blow but it was there Rose Thorn's dual enchantments went to work.

It was an insidious weapon suited for Malmvist of the Thousand Kills. As he was more suited for assassination work than a fair fight. It came with two enchantments. Grinding Flesh, the moment the rapier came into contact with skin, it would tear the flesh around it apart. If the sword pierced the skin, it would leave an even more massive wound with the flesh torn about.

And Master Assassin. It was an enchantment that would turn even a minor scratch into a serious wound.

Combined with the poison Malmvist coated on his blade ensured no matter how well equipped Dyne was he couldn't afford to suffer a single blow from his opponent. The scratch that resulted in Rose Thorn managing to pierce wyvern leather blossomed into large wound crippling Dyne's right leg. He had to shift his weight to his good leg even as the posien began to spread throughout his body.

[Gust of Wind!]

A tunnel of fierce wind began to blow pushing Malmvist back fifteen feet away from Dyne and extinguishing nearby torches. [Gust of Wind] was a tier two druid spell. Mostly defensive in nature it created a continuous tunnel of wind for up to one minute that pushed enemies away and slowed the movement of people moving towards the caster. It bought Dyne some time to recover from the crippling pain in his right knee.

Meanwhile Tri'ade watched the fight. Deciding to get comfortable and sat down at a nearby table with full view of the open field below. Narberal delighted in acting as a maid and fetched a serving tray. She poured Tri'ade a drink testing it for poisons ever diligent in her duties to protect her lord.

Next to him ,sitting absolutely terrified, was a noble woman in her mid twenties. She had long flowing blonde hair and blue eyes just like so many in Re-Estize. Though unlike most she could afford heavy makeup and endured wearing a corset with her expensive gown to draw attention to her breasts. A woman that clearly in her spent an inordinate amount of time on her appearance.

This was Countess Diana De Francia Leon, the wife or to be more accurate the current widow of Count Leon. The very man Tri'ade had so recently horrifically transformed into one of the living dead in front of her. She couldn't take her eyes off Tri'ade because if she did they would wander to her now undead husband standing beside him. This drew Tri'ade's attention as he sipped his tea.

"You look tense. Have some tea. It calms the nerves." Tri'ade looked over to Narberal who got the message to pour some tea for the woman.

"Thank you... Lord." Calling this brutal cutthroat a Lord disgusted the countess. But she feared making him angry as her husband did.

The fighting continued down below. Davernoch knew he couldn't continue using his fireball spell anymore. Not because of risk of hitting his comrades the so called Undead King didnt care about harming the living. Not even if they were the lives of his comrades. It was because it would be useless with Ninya's magic protecting her from fire damage.

[Lightning!]

The orb in his right hand glowed bright blue and lighting shot through his left hand fingertip straight at Ninya. The bolt of lighting penetrated right through her hitting her square in the chest. Sparks of electricity spread throughout her body as Ninya absorbed the spell's power but she did not flinch from it.

Ninya was surprised how little the lighting bolt hurt. Her resistance to magic attacks really had grown to the point that it amazed her. She couldn't have imagined wielding this sort of power back when she and her friends were still iron ranked adventurers. A surge of confidence overcame her as she realized the difference in strength between herself and her opponent.

"Is that the best you can do Undead King? Let me show you what a real spell caster can do."

In her hands she held a Staff of Power. It appeared to be made out of light colored wood. Along the shaft were runes and on top rested what looked to be a murky crystal ball. This staff excelled in aiding a caster to channel spells and could be used to cast a number of spells stored within it.

But she didn't plan on using any spell stored within the staff. Ninya wished to cast a spell she only recently learned. Holding the staff aloft the runes began to glow blue and the crystal ball filled with lighting.

[Twin Dragon Lighting!]

Sparks of electricity filled the air as two dragons made out of lighting spiraled out of the crystal on top of the Staff of Magi. As the Dragon Lighting rushed towards Davernoch screamed "How?! How does this little girl know this magic?!" Lighting engulfed the undead's frame and the smell of burnt flesh wafted through the air. Davernoch fell backwards his body burnt to a charred crisp.

Nearby Lukrut was dodging scimitars that were being hurled at him. Edstrom did not allow the ranger a moment's respite and he was getting tired dodging all these attacks. Nicks and cuts across his legs and arms dripped out small amounts of blood from the times he couldn't doge the attacks entirely. They were just flesh wounds.

He needed a distraction. Parrying one of the scimitars that were hurled at him out of the way with his bow Lukrut cast a spell. Another scimitar cut into his side before flying off for another attack run despite this he maintained his concentration.

[Summon Nature's Ally!]

A bright circle of light shown on the ground in front of Edstrom and a giant black bear appeared. The bear furiously roared as it attacked Edstrom. The nimble dancer dodged out of the way and used her scimitar to slit the bear's neck while three scimitars impaled themselves upon the large bear's black hide.

Grievously wounded the bear lay dying as Edstrom finished it off with another stroke of her blade. Lukrut's summons were not very strong. This was because he multi-classed in a few areas. Inspired by Tri'ade's use of arcane magic despite being a warrior he dreamed of doing the same one day. When he was unconscious processing the power of the soul fragment of the giant demon tree he didn't realize that dream became manifest in him becoming an Arcane Archer.

That didn't matter he knew he could make the shot to kill Edstrom now. During their little dance he managed to get a few more pot shots into her and she had lost a bit of blood dancing around flinging swords at him with her enchanted blades. He drew the string of his elven composite bow and imagined shooting through all of her defenses straight into that pretty head of hers.

[Piercing Shot!]

As his arrow left the bow it turned transparent ethereal, when Edstrom recalled her dancing scimitars back to defend her in a whirling wall of steel they didn't protect her this time as Lukrut's arrow went right through them.

Only when it entered Edstrom's forehead did the arrow become corporeal force of the blow launched her body back and Edstrom hit her head on the ground. All the dancing scimitars clattered to the ground with her.

Peshurian continued to lash with his umari, his metallic whip at Peter. The puncture holes in his armor were still visible when Ramanus earlier penetrated his armor to drink the warrior's life force. While Peshurian continually shouted Dimensional Slash as he attacked it didn't appear to Peter he was actually using a martial art.

Clad in adamantite, having a ring of troll regeneration and Ramanus Peter was an indomitable tank. Peshurian was more of an annoyance chipping at him doing nothing in meaningful damage. He had taken a bit of damage from Davernoch's fireball earlier thank to the fact his ring of Troll Regeneration lowered his fire resistance but he had long recovered from it using Ramanus.

Looking over at Dyne who was still crippled Peter wanted to finish this guy off quickly. Rushing forward at Peshurian he attacked.

[Full Throttle!] [Strong Tri-Assault!]

Moving like lighting Peter closed the distance between him and his opponent. He slashed at Peshurian three times in less than three seconds. Once at the side of his abdomen cutting and biting into his torso. The pain of this attack knocked his opponent off balance. The second chopped off Peshurian's left arm off. "Maim! Kill! Let the gods have him!" Ramanus urged Peter on to lay into his opponent with abandon through their telepathic bond, to feed him more of the warrior's life.

Peshurian screamed in pain at the loss of his arm. Peter dealt his third and final blow driving Ramanus his blade deep into his opponent's neck. The blade cut as it dived deep penetrating his unprotected skin severing the warrior's head from his shoulders.

Malmvist couldn't see his comrades fates. The [Gust Of Wind] tunnel was kicking up small bits of dirt which forced him to narrow his vision to avoid it getting it in his eyes. He could only hear the muffled screams of Peshurian as he died.

Dyne was on his knees now. The poison was taking effect and he was sweating. He needed to heal himself. Dyne couldn't stop channeling the [Gust of Wind] spell without leaving himself vulnerable to another lighting thrust from Malmvist and given how just a little scratch managed to open up his kneecaps he wasn't in the right condition to dodge an attack.

"You can't keep this up! Your a dead man". Malmvist yelled to carry his voice over the sound of rushing wind. He began to advance towards Dyne fighting the torrent of wind the druid was blowing his way.

"I don't have to. I have something you don't."

[Fire Wall]

"Friends."

Columns of fire sprung up between Dyne and Malmvist. As they formed the wind Dyne was blowing carried the flames straight towards the arrogant swashbuckler burning him in a cyclone of fire. His opponent distracted and blocked off Dyne stopped channeling [Gust of Wind] and tended to his wounds.

[Heal]

Dyne was showered in bright light and his crippling leg wound began to heal. The wound closing up and his shattered kneecap was restored. The poison running through in his veins was gone and so was his fever. And as Dyne recovered Malmvist realized he was the last one of his team left standing.

"Shit! Back off! This duel is between us."

The eyes of the combatants looked towards Tri'ade up on the balcony. Tri'ade made the "rules" before the fight started and anyone floating them would be executed. Though most of that was Tri'ade having fun he knew he was expected to a decision now.

"This is a fight not a one on one duel. It's not their fault that your comrades were weak."

"That's not fair." Malmvist was more of an assassination specialist than a fighter. He had his equipment specially made to ensure his opponents would die quickly and with little fuss. Of those he killed most died within the first few seconds by Rose Thorn's enchantments and with the speed of his [Lighting Thrust] martial art. He couldn't take them all at once!

Tri'ade chuckled. "That's funny coming from you." Clapping his hands together Tri'ade shouted "Continue!"

Malmvist could see wounds on Lukrut's limbs, but Peter and Ninya didn't even have a scratch on them that he could tell. The dam druid in front of him could even cast heal! Malmvist cursed his former compatriots for not even seriously wounding a single one of them like he did.

This was a nightmare. He was going to be killed for sure. Escape he needed to escape. But those shadow things were there. And the man…. No that monster orchestrating this all could kill him with a single spell. No escape, no hope of survival. If that was the case there was only one thing to do. Fight! Make these little punks remember the name of Malmvist of the Thousand Kills!

[Ability Boost!][Dull Pain!] [Lighting Strike!]

Malmvist sped towards his target Dyne the group's healer. If he could take him out there could be a chance he could inflict lasting damage to these bastards. Malmvist jumped through the [Wall of Fire] separating them once again taking fire damage. Thanks to his martial art [Dull Pain] he barely felt anything as the heat of the fire burned him as he rushed through the flames without hesitation.

"No you don't!" Lukrut realizing what his goal was drew back his bow string.

[Grasping Arrow!]

A glowing green arrow shot forth from Lukrut's bow towards the swashbuckler. While he was fast Malvmist's trajestory was easy for Lukrut to predict. He hit him square in the chest with his shot. From it grew brambles that grappled and constricted Malmvist's movements. The thorns dug in deep and from their pricks delivered poison into his veins.

This only served to slow Malmvist of the Thousand Kills down and he continued to lunged forwards towards Dyne. His hair on fire the swashbuckler looks more like a demon than a man. But this gave Dyne the time he needed to cast another spell. He met his fearsome opponent with an outstretched hand.

[Call Lighting!]

Storm clouds appeared overhead and in a flurry of blinding light three lighting bolts came crashing down upon the slowed Malmvist. Sparks flew as the lighting bolts struck his head and shoulders coursing electricity throughout his body towards the ground below.

[Call Lighting] was a tier three spell but could be cast at higher tiers to strike opponents with more lighting bolts. One bolt of lighting at tier three, two at tier four and three at tier five. It had a few drawbacks such as you can't cast it within confined spaces ( with exception to large indoor areas big enough to accommodate the cloud animation.) but the developers also added a perk. If it was raining in-game Call Lighting would do extra damage. It was an ideal evocation spell for druid players at mid tier.

Malmvist collapsed to the ground laying at Dyne's feet. From the burns, the poison and the shock of electricity flowing through him not even [Dull Pain] was effective in numbing the agony he was in. Dyne gripped his mace and slammed it down on Malvmist's head to end his misery. Malmvist's head popped like a watermelon under Dyne's Heavy Mace.

"Good Job!" Tri'ade said watching Dyne executing the last member of Six Arms.

Darkness's growth was impressive. Previously Ninya or Dyne could only cast around third tier spells. Now they've gone up to casting fifth and six tier thanks to absorbing the "soul" of the Great Demon Tree. Lukrut also surprised Tri'ade with his new archery abilities. A far leap forward considering Ninya could only cast second tier magic when they first met a few months ago.

If they had grown that much from the Demon Tree's soul fragment what would have happened If he had given them EXP boosting items before transferring the EXP to them? Tri'ade didn't think of it at the time as he was more focused on getting to Re-Estize but that might increased their strength even further. Or they might have hit a hard level cap. Tri'ade couldn't say for sure. He would have to train them in Nazarick against tougher opponents than they could easily find in the New World.

"Hell Yea! Did you see those shots I made!" Lukrut celebrated now that the battle was over.

"What were those brambles?" Dyne inquired curious about his comrades new skills.

"I can enchant my arrows with magic as I string them up. Cool isn't it? Think of all the money we'll save!" Lukrut boasted lapping in the adoration of the others. Certainly they would save lot of money using enchanted arrows could be an expensive prospect for adventurers despite their usefulness.

Most groups used what magic ammunition they had sparingly. But as an Arcane Archer Lukrut was now capable of making his mundane normal arrows have a weak magical enchantment upon them as he fired them.

"Speaking of magic Ninya you were amazing! You killed that lich with one spell!"

"As expected from one known as The Spellcaster" Lukrut chimed in.

Meek as ever Ninya felt very awkward receiving praise. "Stop. The magic just came to me! I didn't work to learn it. It's all thanks to Lord Tri'ade."

"She's right you know." Dyne kneeled and held his head up high speaking loudly so Tri'ade could hear him. " Thank you Lord for victory today against these villains." The rest of Darkness followed Dyne's example in thanking Tri'ade for the strength he bestowed upon them.

"You have all become a shining example of what humans can achieve with proper guidance. I couldn't be more pleased with you my servants."

"I could have swatted those bugs faster." It was hard to tell but it looked like Naberal was pouting. It appeared she was jealous that they were receiving such high praise from Tri'ade.

Answering her envy Tri'ade responded by patting her on the head. "I know you could." Naberal smiled but Tri'ade withdrew his hand. "But this was a test. The point isn't to confirm what you know. It's to find out what you don't. These humans provided a most excellent result" May Be Tri'ade thought as Darkness continued to serve loyally and got stronger some in Nazarick would reconsider their feelings towards humans. At least that's what Tri'ade hoped.

Sebas returned to the training area with Solution in her maid outfit following behind him. No one else could be seen with them, Tri'ade looked towards them and raised his voice so they could hear him from on top of the balcony. "Did you find Zero?"

Sebas nodded. "Yes we have my lord."

"Well where is Zero?"

Solution in her maid outfit provided the answer. "I have him Lord Tri'ade. Do you wish to see him? I made sure not to kill him yet."

Ah she swallowed him. It's easy to forget she's a slime monster.

"Kill him and put him alongside the rest of these corpses. We'll need to leave most of them here for the Kingdom." Looking over to Peter and the rest of Darkness he gave them his orders. "Loot their bodies and preserve Edstrom's corpse. We're going to take her prisoner."

Darkness went about looting Six arms and doing as they were told. Though Lukrut and the others were surprised when the body of Zero a giant hulking muscle bound man suddenly plopped its way out of Solution's chest and onto the ground. He was covered in acid burns and his neck was completely dissolved. Zero's head rolled onto the ground.

Countess Diana De Francia Leon feared what came next. What these brutes…. No these monsters would do next. She gathered her courage and use her only assets she had to try to get herself out of this horrible predicament. She was thinking about survival. Even if it meant Tri'ade would force himself upon her it would mean she would get to live. Unlike her dead husband.

Leaning forward she brought her shoulders together to press her cleavage together and to puff out her chest. She tried speaking in the most demure way possible. Her husband and other noble men had always found this alluring she hoped Tri'ade would too.

"Wh-What's going to happen to me?"

Cocking his head towards the Countess Tri'ade had a full view of Countess Leon's voluminous breasts tightly bound by her corset. The way they were pushed up extenuating their fullness. He knew what she was doing though after having experienced similar things from the Succubi he'd summoned.

Still if this noble woman was willing to put herself out like this to save her own skin she could be useful. Playing along Tri'ade said to the Countess. "You? Milady I would like you to join me at my home for a time. While we sort out this ugly business you understand. I'm sure you had no part in this illicit affair."

"O-Of course not! I would never! M-My husband always insisted in bringing me to these horrid things."

"Really? Where is your husband?" Tri'ade asked out of feigned curiosity.

"He… He…He is beside you."

"Huh? Oh!" Tri'ade got her meaning. So the man was her husband! No wonder she had an empty seat at her table. Of course.

"We'll like I said we can sort everything out later. I wouldn't want a innocent beauty such as yourself to suffer needlessly." Tri'ade empathize the words innocent as he said them as he grabbed her hand and kissed it.

"Y-Your so kind Lord." A chill went up her spine as Tri'ade kissed her hand.

Placing his hand over hers Tri'ade kept close to the countess. Naberal was staring death glares at the countess, her jealousy building that this insect was getting her Lord's attention.

"Of course I'll need to ask a few small favors from you."

"Such as?" Countess Diana Leon asked with some hesitation.

"Well a lady like yourself, I'm certain you know how to dance. I have been invited to a feast held by his majesty, the King. I'm afraid I'm ill prepared for it."

"Y-you want me to teach you how to dance?"

"Certainly. We can discuss that and matters relating to your family tomorrow. I'm afraid my schedule is rather full tonight."

Those below them in the training area were still nicking the various gear Six Arms had and transported Edstrom's body for storage when Tri'ade went over by the railing with Countess Leon.

"Sebas, Solution. After your done I want you to escort the Countess here back to the Mansion."

"That woman?" Solution asked.

"Yes. I have something special planned for her so make sure none of the Royal Select see her leaving. Oh…. Don't harm her."

"Thank you Lord." The words came somewhat easier out of her mouth but she still feared for her future. Even if she made it out of Tri'ade's clutches what would happen to her if her husband's son Francis took over the estate. She was merely his step mother and they never got along. "What about my husband?"

"Tomorrow. Don't worry Ill be taking him back home."

[Gate]

Tri'ade opened a Gate to the Frozen Prison on the 5th Floor of Nazarick. The wraiths guarding the place had been informed to expect new prisoners and were waiting their new prisoners. Using his Command Mantra ability Tri'ade gave orders to the rest of the corrupt nobles on the balcony.

"Do not resist! Follow the zombie!"

Unable to resist the weak minded nobles got up from their chairs. This didn't stop them from displaying their horror at their realizing they could no longer control their bodies anymore. Many of them that could turned their heads to stare at Countess Diana Leon with pleading looks in their eyes. Even as they followed the zombie Count Leon through the obsidian black portal a part of them knew that wherever they were being taken wasn't a place they would wish to be.

There was nothing the countess could do though. While she may have escaped whatever fate the monstrous magic caster had in store for them the Countess still didn't know what he had planned for her. Dianna told herself she had to think about her own survival as she saw friends, other wives of the nobles aligned with Eight Fingers, enter into the yawning black void of the portal.

Most of them will be sent to Neuronist Painkill's torture chambers to squeeze every bit of useful information from them. And to judge their usefulness to Nazarick o at the very least the usefulness of their identities. Identities Nazarick's doppelgangers could use to infiltrate the Kingdom's nobility with.

Solution jumped onto the balcony of the building in front of the training area in a single bound.

"With your permission Lord I will be taking this woman with me."

"Of course." Tri'ade replied not knowing what Solution intended.

Countess Diana Leon couldn't look at Solution in the eye as beautiful as she was she could tell Solution didn't like her. "I-I'll be in your care."

A wicked smile came over Solution's face "Try not to struggle." Solution grabbed the countess's head and pushed her onto her breasts which soon seemed to turn to slime. The countess screams were muffled as she was being pulled into Solution's body face first. Countess Dianna Leon was fully enveloped by Solution yet Solution did not appear to be the least bit bloated by swallowing her whole.

"Don't harm her remember that."

"Of course Lord Tri'ade. None of my acids are touching her. She's kicking around and I made her an air passage to keep her from suffocating.

"Like a baby within a womb."

For the first time Tri'ade could see a red blush coming across Solution's face. He wondered how exactly that could be with her being a slime assuming human form. Perhaps she made it happen for Tri'ade to see or was it truly involuntary? Solution placed on of her hands over her stomach. "Yes. I suppose it is like that."

"Well it's all good then. I need to check up on something before we move on." Tri'ade sat down at the table he commandeered and pulled out a Mirror of Remote viewing from his inventory.

"Mirror of Remote Viewing. Search Lakyus."

Rather than being subject to a view of Re-Estize a list of names appeared on the Mirror of Remote Viewing.

Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra

Lakyus Myre

Lakyus Seral

Lakyus Sunderland

Lakyus Vallie

And so on and so on. It seemed the Mirror of Remote viewing was asking Tri'ade WHICH Lakyus he wanted to view. While he didn't know Lakyus's full name Tri'ade did know she was of nobility. Nobles as he had learned traditionally had four names with royalty having five. It was probably this reason why Trolls thought long names were the names of cowards.

"What are you doing?" Naberal inquired looking over Tri'ade's shoulder at the list of names appearing on the Mirror of Remote Viewing.

"I want to check on the status of the other teams attacking Eight Fingers. This is the easiest way to do it." Frankly Tri'ade wanted to spy on what that Evileye character was doing. If she was especially strong it might be further evidence of her being a player. But Tri'ade doubted Evileye was her real name so he had search Lakyus's instead and hoped she was with her. That and he suspected Evileye might have divination wards and other countermeasures upon her. Tri'ade didn't wish to trip them.

"Mirror of Remote Viewing, Search Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra." Tri'ade said hoping he got the pronunciation right.

The list of names disappeared and a new image took its place. A large building in what looked to be in the upper district of Re-Estize appeared. The acreage this place had was far larger than the mansion Sebas and Solution rented.

Large stone walls similar to the hideout Tri'ade was currently at surrounded the estate. Multiple carriages could be seen alongside the cobblestone road within the estate. Whatever this place was it was gathering lot of nobles. Considering the Mirror had not centered upon Lakyus she must be inside the main building.

As he continued looking upon the building he saw a large creature crash through the glass windows located on the upper floor. It was a large muscle bound monster with bat like wings, its body covered in purple colored scales with a goat like head. Its thick arms carried a massive stone maul. The creature flew back into the building and light flashed in the hole it created upon its violent exit.

A Scale Demon. What's it doing…..?

Tri'ade remembered how he told Demiurge to handle the takeover of Eight Fingers. Of course Demiurge's subordinates would fight with the other attack squads. He hadn't thought of the wider implications of his orders with Demiurge in his rush to give them.

Not that he cared much about the other teams. If It was a choice between some human lives and the future of Ainz Ooal Gown it was obvious which Tri'ade should prioritize. It's not like the humans would value his life nor the lives of his servants if they knew of his monstrous nature.

That said the leader of Blue Rose was different. She saved an entire village of demi-humans from the Sunlight Scripture just because she felt it was the right thing to do. More importantly Lakyus was the only one in the Kingdom who is known to be able to cast raise dead. If Gazef died in tonight's attack he could be raised by Lakyus but if she died. Well Tri'ade would be forced to lose an ally in the royal court or reveal his power as a divine magic caster.

There was also the possible side benefit that if he saved Lakyus it might endear him to Evileye. If she was a player that would prove important to getting information out of her about the anomaly that brought him and the rest of Ainz Ooal Gown into this world. The more time he spent in this world the more he became convinced the anomaly was the only true threat to Ainz Ooal Gown's supremacy in the New World. Any information about it would be vital to safeguarding the Great Tomb of Nazarick.

"Where is that?" Solution asked looking at the Mirror of Remote Viewing.

"Somewhere I need to be."

---

Afterword

Woot! New Record for chapter length! Makes up for it being late yes? Yes? Well this time I'll wont make a promise I wont keep. The next chapter will be done when it's done. It took me all day to review and do edits upon this chapter. Do not be surprised if this chapter is updated with further grammar edits in the future.

I really hoped I properly conveyed Peter and his friends character development and wrote their characters them well in this chapter. This is an important chapter for them. As it is likely one of the highlights of their careers serving Ainz Ooal Gown. Since as Tri'ade transitions from being an "adventurer" to a ruler they will likely show up less frequently in the narrative in the long run.

Also hoped I wrote Tri'ade's reaction to meeting Evileye properly. I wanted to make meeting her and Lakyus important to Tri'ade so his later actions make a bit more sense. In the canon Ainz's meeting with Blue Rose as Momon was very much a minor sideshow which I felt it could be so much more.

And Evileye before you might asked used magic like Health Essense of Mana Essence on Darkness which is why she freaked out regarding Sebas. This mirrors her freak out reaction to Demiurge when meeting him in canon.

The battle between Six Arms and Darkness could have been longer but the more I read about Six Arms the more I got convinced they relied more on their equipment than their skills to achieve an adamantite threat ranking. They also had no real evidence in the lore of working together to overcome opponents and in fact in the light novels they wanted to solo duel Sebas one by one so confident they were in their victory.

That and I kinda wanted to boost Darkness's power level more to make them more useful as characters in their own right. So I could use them in more situations going forward.

I hoped you guys liked the last chapter too. I know I'm spoiling you guys two chapters in a single month! Ehhe. Never worry there is so much more I want to write in this alternative timeline to Overlord. I won't be stopping anytime soon. Until next time.

Edited for spelling mistakes on 07/31/2019