Overlord: The Exiled
Disclaimer and Notes: Overlord is the property of Kugane Maruyama and licensed by YenPress. 200 reviews? Neat! Thanks to everyone dropping a line. Thanks to all of you reading in general.
I apologize for the time taken to update and post this chapter. I have recently started a new position and work and so am adjusting to the new training and change in work locations. So writing has been a little difficult this past few weeks. Thanks for all of your patience!
Chapter 19: Dual Missions
Artorias stood before her chest of arms at the far end of her office. The massive piece of furniture was magically sealed to only open for her unique signature. The doors lay open, revealing a seemingly small selection for its size. At least from an outsider's point of view. In reality, she was mentally rifling through her immense collection of arms and armor. When she and Lancelot had gone to collect their things from the Royal Armory, they had transferred their select pieces to their personal chest of arms in their quarters and offices.
She switched one of her weapons. The holy sword by her side gifted by the Lady would stay with her no matter what. It was too good of a weapon to not make use of. Her off-hand was debatable dependent on the scenario. She selected her second sword with care, her eyes comparing the pros and cons before nodding confidently in her final decision.
The [Skyward Mirrorblade of Rending] was a standard length double edged blade made from Living Blue Soul and level 85 Elder Lightning Elemental clusters. An abnormal weapon, the blade glowed with a faint, pulsing azure aura that trickled bits of electricity up and down its length. The blade was jagged and zigzagged like a bolt of its elemental affinity.
Behind her, Evalyn nodded with approval as her mistress sheathed the blade in its magical container. The sheath warped and adhered to the blade like a second skin. Melting away when the hilt was grasped with the intent to draw. The queen's armor sparkled and disappeared before re materializing into a beautiful, aqueous form.
The armor was a flowing, form fitting armor that looked like the flowing scales of dragons of blue, yet they shifted colors to violet and sea green dependent on the angle in which they were beheld. The embellishments were like water currents and sea foam as the surcoat tails billowed like water cascading down a waterfall. A small circlet of gold with a sapphire adorned her head and her white and gold cloak materialized around her shoulders as well.
"The Roiling Armor of the Seas. A wise choice my Queen."
Artorias nodded as she double check her adjustments. It had a strong resistance to water based damage, but that wasn't its biggest asset. It was the ability to allow the wearer to breath under water and swim unimpeded in armor. The worst case scenario of anyone wearing armor was to get dragged into a watery grave.
Retrieving a blue emerald ring, she was pleased when a knock at her door met their ears.
"Enter."
The doors opened and a woman dressed in the vestments of the Church of Bahamut entered in. White and silver adorned her clothing and her outer robes were more like a long coat and dress slacks tucked into heeled boots that were equally white. Her soft chocolate brown hair was styled into a braided bun with bangs covering her left eye. She held her healers staff in her hands as she bowed to Evalyn and Artorias.
"Your Majesty, I, Maribelle of the Church of Bahamut have arrived in response to your summons. How may I be of service?"
Her voice was very well articulated and precise. She was of a noble house like Cecilia, but had gone to the church as her calling in life. She helped those in need of advice and wisdom. Her knowledge and patience served her well as a Maiden of Bahamut. Well versed in magic as well, she was more a healer than her peer, Cecilia von Houten, but still could double as an offensive mage if dire enough.
"It is good of you to come. My thanks for answering my call for your presence." Artorias spoke with a soft smile.
Maribelle giggled a bit before smiling in return.
"Oh, not at all my Queen. You and yours have always been good to us at the Church. We have never feared for persecution by any of your knights or their families. Though we pay tribute to the First Sire's son Bahamut, and by extension, the First Sire himself, we believe that others should be able to worship whatever powers that be so long as it does not bring strife and conflict to our neighbors. How could we not answer your call should you feel the need?"
"You have my thanks for your presence today regardless Maribelle. Have you been informed of why it is I asked for your presence this day?"
Maribelle nodded firmly, her countenance became solemn and business like.
"Indeed Your Majesty. The sea serpent which has caused conflicting issues between Avalon and our new neighbors of the Holy Roble Kingdom. You mean to either drive it away or ensure that it does not cause problems in the future, yes?"
Artorias sighed and nodded, but set her own jaw firm.
"As loathe as I may be to admit it, we might not be afforded the luxury of simply driving it away. We may need to slay the creature outright." At the Maiden of Bahamut's crestfallen expression at such an admission, she continued on. "If there is a way to drive it off, then we shall do so, but I fear that a reprisal from it may come at a most inopportune time if not permanently handled. It has already caused the Holy Queen of Roble issues that have lead to a gross misunderstanding resulting in the build up of an armed force set against us."
Maribelle's expression traversed the gamut of saddened at the prospect of killing the creature, to concern, then to appalled at the mention of armed forces being set against Avalon over a misjudged tragedy. As opposed as she could be to killing, she would not hesitate to defend Avalon and anyone else in need when they were innocent of wronging their assailants.
"I see. That is unfortunate, but I understand the reasons. I shall accompany you and your group. May I ask who will be joining us?"
"Ser Lancelot, Lady Gareth and Claire, Dean Lucretia, myself, and you. Ser Mordred will be keeping hearth and home ready should the forces gathered upon the shores take actions in our absence."
Maribelle swallowed nervously. Such a line up was remarkable and she was honored to be counted among them. When Artorias offered something to her, she started slightly, having zoned out a bit.
"M-my apologies! I was taken off guard with who would be undertaking this mission. I am honored."
She looked at the ring in Artorias's hand curiously.
"Take this and wear it during the entirety of this undertaking Maribelle of House Lyndwyrm. It will help greatly with this encounter."
As she took the ring with a shallow bow and placed it on her finger, the others arrived at the doors. Lancelot Du Lac wore his sterling armor of Starlight Gold, not a prismatic ore, but still powerful and rare. A level 90 ore that one could only obtain by farming Star Elementals during one of the Christmas Events. It provided Light and Dark Elemental resistances and provided a few other neat perks. The cloak he usually wore was replaced with a deep ocean blue and gold half cape that draped over his left shoulder pauldron. He was not wearing his World Champion gear. He did not feel the need to with this particular mission. Only if the chips were down would he don his World Champion regalia in this New World.
Gareth wore her mid-weight armor with her winged cloak of flying should she ever be unseated. The loose wings folded comfortably on her back. One of her usual rings was replaced with a similar one to the ring gifted to Maribelle by Artorias. The woman also had gifted her subordinate, Claire with one as well.
Lucretia's manner of dress and garb had not changed in the slightest. Her magic would do as would her gear. The Dean of the Magic Academy was ready as she always was for a good adventure, seeing as her background was one from a foreign land before finding Avalon and settling down.
Mordred was here was well, but mainly had joined them in order to properly send them off before assuming his post as a guardian commander of Avalon.
"You will want to discuss any concerns with fighting this Leviathan with the merfolk we have made allies with. Being water dwellers, it would make sense that they should know something more about this creature than those on land do."
The group nodded and began to file out, when Mordred stopped Artorias with a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to her friend curiously.
"Yes Mordred?" There was a small frown on his face.
"Rules of engagement should they make a move?"
Her eyes hardened at the old question from their days during the war. During the war, they were rarely followed due to the brutality and total war nature of the conflicts. No one had bothered keeping to the RoEs about half way through the second year of the war. By the end of the third year, there had only been one Rule of Engagement: Survive.
This was NOT that war.
"Talk first. Engage only if engaged first. Make use of what your Judges have learned. Protect the people first and foremost. Defend yourself as you would me. If they do something so wrong that it demands blood . . . make them bleed. Do try to keep fatalities to a minimum though Mordred. Make use of Cavall if you need to."
Mordred nodded as Cavall rose from his bedding and padded over to the Dark Knight of Avalon. The Hoarhound bumped his head into Mordred's shoulder. The huge winter wolf nodded as he acknowledged his mistress's order. The man scratched the guardian pet of Artorias behind the ears, earning pleased panting before vigorous shaking out of his pelt.
"Understood my Queen. Avalon will not fall while you are gone. Good hunting."
Artorias nodded once and departed to catch up with the others.
Rimun
-Delacroix's Office-
Pavel Baraja frowned openly as he stood before Governor Albert Delacroix. The man sat at his desk with heavy expression. To his side, stood Alicia Delacroix. Both of them gave him deathly serious looks of their own.
"What do you mean by this governor?"
Albert was not quailed by the stern expression of Black. In truth he half expected this kind of reaction.
"You did not mishear my words Black. Queen Calca does not wish to antagonize this Queendom off the coast. Her Majesty has expressed the desire to step out of her cocoon and begin to lead the people of both our Northern and Southern halves in earnest. However, the actions of White are running directly counter to that goal of our Holy Queen."
Pavel frowned deeper if that was even possible.
"What of the rumors that we hear whispered among the gathered paladins? That this Queen of the Crystal Tower is the spawn of a demon dragon and rules over her people with fear?"
Albert slammed a fist down on his desk, rattling everything on it. Even in his stint with the standing military of Roble he had not been so foolishly blind!
"Tell me Pavel Baraja, and tell me true . . . . do you really think that White is capable of reason? Calca Bessarez merely described the Queen of Avalon's physical appearance and Remedios immediately brands her a 'demon dragon spawn'?! If that was all that was needed to label things, then your own color should decry you evil!"
Pavel had enough grace and sense to not comment on that. Albert pressed on.
"Assuming that Remedios was actually correct in this and we all agreed upon this action, do you really think that a force this size would truly take such a grand walled city with such a massive structure at its very heart? We have no air forces to speak of. I am sure that they are well aware of the risks of archers and mages as well given they admitted to having a dedicated Mage's Academy! An institution like that of the Baharuth Empire. They have already made allies of the merfolk, do you really think that they would allow her to lead armed forces by ship to that island? You'd lose who knows how many just to the roiling waves!"
Pavel sighed heavily. This is not what he had expected when summoned by the governor. From all his time at the Wall, the man could not help but be skeptical. A woman with dragon blood leading a city-state of demi-humans that lived peacefully with humans? Was she from the Argland Council States?
"I will verify that information with my own eyes governor."
"At what cost? One cannot simply wave off a military incursion and simply wave it off like a poorly brewed cup of tea Pavel Baraja. Heavens forfend if any of you harms one of there number that is a civilian. Then what? Any retribution they would hash out against you would be justified!"
Pavel sighed heavily. This was getting no where and the man was adamant. Now what? It was obvious that the governor was greatly concerned with the possible retribution that could come from this move, but organized demi-humans were even more a threat than disorganized mass rushes. He personally merely wished to see the truth of the matter before finally coming to a conclusive decision. Yet it sounded like the governor was certain that waiting for such a thing was a surefire death sentence.
"Governor, I believe that you are overreacting in this regard. Queen Bessarez may have been impressed enough by this place's delegation, but they came in the night yes? That shows that there is something they do not wish the everyday person to witness. Such subterfuge for a first meeting is sketchy."
Delacroix scoffed at the man's reasoning.
"Oh, and so I suppose that it would be better to have their Queen, who is of dragon blood, paraded around the town to come under scorn and possible attack for her appearance when her political savvy during the meeting would make veteran politicians and nobles green with envy. I tell you this now Pavel Baraja, the ruler of that island nation is beyond us. Her eyes alone feel like they see right through you. Her contingent also gave off the same piercing presence. These are not the rabble that you faced at the Wall, mark my words."
Black shook his head sadly. This was definitely not a good start to this whole situation. He had not expected the retired soldier turned governor to cow so easily to some random nation that only consisted of a single city. Regardless of it's massive size compared the Rimun, it was still only a single refuge.
As he walked out of the room, Albert groaned in frustration and irritation. His wife squeezed his shoulder in support. This was not going to end well. Perhaps it was time to get in contact with Alkaid at the Adventurer's Guild and prepare for the fallout.
In her loaned office, Calca stared out the window toward the Crystal Tower and found herself thinking of what she could do to counteract this foolhardy decision by Remedios. Kelart had already begun to take measures to prevent certain reprisals against those she had any sway over. That was mainly the churches. The issues that would inevitably arise from this were her concern. Several pieces of parchment on the desk had a series of missives inked upon their faces that were not for delivery, but to help her better organize her own troubled thoughts.
Even though she could probably stop a fair portion of the troops from participating in this fool's errand with her words alone, many more would still follow Remedios given how she was playing up Queen Artorias's heritage as some grossly mistaken demon dragon spawn. Granted, she had no clue about the dreadful implications of someone having dragon's blood in any measure. It was unheard of other than Queen Draudillon and her parent via Brightness Dragon Lord. She feared that if Artorias knew Wild Magic it would be all of their ends.
She could already feel many individuals in both the standard standing army and even a handful of the Paladin Order who did not wish to fight a battle against the forces of someone with a dragon heritage. Dragons were creatures that humans could not beat unless you had someone of the legends like the Eight Greed Kings or the Four Great Gods. There was no telling what powers or gifts that the Queen of Knights could bring to bear.
Nevermind that she had humans as part of her inner circle. What kind of skill and power did they possess to hold positions of power when their certainly had to be demi-humans of superior natural abilities among their populous? In particular the ones named Gareth and Mordred seemed to be especially unique as the others save the Queen of Knights herself had been beneath them in their apparent hierarchy.
A knock at the door drew her attention and she acknowledged the visitor. Kelart entered with a heavy expression. The younger Custodios sister walked over and took a seat opposite from Calca and muttered darkly under her breath. Not understanding her friend, she tilted her head to the side a bit.
"Kelart? Is something troubling you?"
"I just finished speaking with the church branch here in Rimun to not participate in my elder sister's current blind venture. I had several high ranking priests and clerics attempt to assist me in divining a few things about that Queen of Knights you met."
Calca nodded as she followed along with Kelart's words. However, judging from the younger woman's expression, the outcome was unfavorable.
"We came up completely blank. None of our attempts so much as offered a glimmer of knowledge. Two of the younger, but more promising members helping in the attempt were struck dumb. They are in recovery chambers, but the sheer amount of magical backlash from whatever they encountered has rendered them comatose. I've never seen such magical defenses."
They had used the ritual Tier VI spell [Scry] and received precisely nothing. No images, sounds, or anything regarding this Queen of Knights. Kelart knew her way around her magic, and the only ways to counter that extremely powerful spell were either the mythic magics that could ward someone against it, or to have such a strong force of willpower that they resisted it of their own mental fortitude. She was direly hopeful that it was magic and not this Queen's willpower alone that stopped their attempt.
"I see. With the manner of armor and finery that the Queen of Avalon and her retinue were regaled in when they made their visit, I cannot say that I am terribly surprised by such a development."
Both women sighed heavily. They had both tried to convince Remedios to give up this escapade, but the elder sister would hear nothing of it. So utterly convinced that they were right and on the side of justice was she that in other situations one might have found her conviction admirable, yet this was not one of those times. Kelart could feel it in the air, this was one opponent they did not want to face.
Avalon
-Waterfront Docks-
The docks were only recently completed, having never been near a source of water so large as to require them. Created by a combination of earth and stone shaping spells from druid class NPCs and further built upon by the craftsmen with the help of their new merfolk allies, it was a mark of pride for both parties.
Both merfolk and Avalonian citizen alike bowed as Artorias and her group walked by. Lywellen bowed as he greeted the Queen and her party.
"I was informed via a messenger that you would be coming to speak with us. How can we assist you?"
Artorias nodded once and decided to get straight to the point.
"Sea Friend Lywellen, I assume you have heard of Leviathian Oceanis. We seek to find and drive it off, or otherwise prevent it from causing further issues between Avalon and Roble if possible. Is there anything you and yours would be willing or able to share?"
Many of the sea natives frowned or shuddered at the thought of Leviathan. Lywellen knew of Leviathan Oceanis and it was a mighty, unassailable creature they called Lord of the Tides. They wanted to face it? Just from what they had seen and how they had interacted with the people of Avalon, he knew they were strong, but this was fool hardy. Yet to refuse the Queen herself could possibly cause horrible damage to their friendly relations.
"Your Majesty. I can, but Leviathan Oceanis is a Lord of the Tides and is not to be underestimated."
"I am not Sea Friend Lywellen, it is why I am not sending my military, but those you see with me right now along with my own person. I will not risk the men and women under my authority without proper naval combat training."
Those that were all gathered around paled a bit.
"Just your group? I must beg you reconsider Your Majesty! Leviathan Oceanis is many, many meters long and supremely powerful. All other forms of predatory sea life give way to it."
She nodded in understanding of his words but he could see that the steel resolve in her eyes did not waver in the slightest. Nor did the same forged, unified front that those with her. They were set and determined. Observing this, he twisted his hands together in nervous paranoia.
"I see that you are determined and set in this course. Very well. Please follow me. I cannot speak of Leviathan properly without one of the other elders present."
Lywellen made to dive off the pier, but stopped before looking back at them. Nearly all of them were in armor. As if reading his thoughts, Artorias spoke.
"You need not worry about us following you with difficulty. We have made preparations in regards to underwater movement."
Nodding once with a bit of unease, he dove into the waters. The entire group followed and people on both sides of the alliance looked to one another in concern.
They really did make such preparations. They are not as agile in the waters as we merfolk, but the fact that they are keeping up in heavy human armors and cloaks says much. What warriors of caliber!
Lywellen was impressed. Whatever they had done, they were keeping pace with him even with him slowing a bit to let them follow behind. The fact that they were breathing underwater was also very telling. The Queen of Knights led the formation with the man they called The Knight of the Lake beside her on the right. The woman known to them as Gareth was on her left and the rest of them followed in protective ranks. Deeper and deeper they swam until the waters began to grow dark.
Murky blackened waters were only illuminated by Lywellen's natrual bioluminescence. Small nodes on his person and any other merfolk of his like glowed a pulsed in a light sea green aura. The group behind him merely played follow the leader. They rounded some kind of darkened structure to reveal a giant coral like civilization encased within a giant air bubble. The spherical shield was wrapped in certain places by coral that glowed with odd colors and seaweed.
A group of trident armed guards stopped Lywellen short, gesturing aggressively to the group behind him. Artorias and the others glanced at each other with patient expressions. They expected this kind of reaction and when any of them thought about it, they really could not blame them. They were all armed and armored and followed one of their own down without any illumination of their own to forewarn them of extra oncomers.
Lywellen was let through, but they guards immediately imposed themselves between them and the opening that formed in the bubble of the their home. Merely giving them a respectful nod of acknowledgement, they figured that Lywellen was being brought inside to build his case for the non-merfolk followers he had brought with him.
As they waited, they began speaking to each other via [Message].
Coral City of Lumin
Lywellen walked under guard to the Elder Council chambers. He had expected this sequence of events and had thought through his explanations and petition well in advance ever since he began interacting with the island of Avalon.
As he was brought before the council, he took a deep breath to help calm his nerves and walked in as his name was called with confidence. The Elder Council consisted of six members, all of which were the wisest in their trades within the city. Each of them eyed him sharply as he approached the center speaking dias. They completely surrounded him, so no one could hide anything behind their backs without being noticed. Not that he had anything of the sort.
The leader of the council, a paling merfolk male of crimson fins on his elbows and legs spoke up. His voice was still clear and sharp, not matching his age well at all. It threw many merfolk off balance when they heard him for the first time.
"Lywellen, you are here before us today according to the guardsmen because those land dwellers of this new island wish council with one of our elders?"
"I never thought I would see the day that an ignorant land dweller actively sought out a merfolk's opinion on something related to the seas! Hah! Perhaps they finally see that they pose no chance upon the open wrath of the tides?" Another elder spoke with condescension in her voice.
Two of the other members of the council chortled in amusement. However, two of the other members frowned and vibrated their gills in disapproving noises. One of those two spoke up in aggravation.
"I heavily doubt that. I have heard from the younglings and others who have interacted with the people of this new island. They are extremely advanced in their society. They have members of many races among their number. Not only that, but they took strides to ensure that they did not pollute the foul the waters surrounding them with their refuse and disposed garbage even before we met with them."
His fellow disapproving member nodded in agreement with that statement.
"Indeed my friend. When they did meet with some of our kind, not a single blade was pointed at them. Rather, they had expected such an event to occur and asked questions requesting information about their surrounding waters and what to expect, and how to interact without provoking territorial disputes. What manner of society does such a thing by being 'ignorant'? Nay, I should say that the denizens of this island are extraordinarily savvy in the ways of diplomacy. These are obviously of a very different cut of cloth as they themselves would put it."
The lead elder raised a webbed hand to silence the group. After they had calmed for the most part, the split of opinion still making itself known with body language rather than words, he spoke again.
"Lywellen, you and your school of our city have spent the most time interacting with these land dwellers. What is your take on them?"
Recalling everything he had experienced thus far during his time at the surface, he could honestly say he had felt quite accepted and treated very well. The people of Avalon were grateful for the assistance they had rendered and in return had shared information freely. Of course, there was a limit to just how much, but even he could understand the need for certain details to be kept secret. No one told someone all their tricks of the trade or secrets. Some things were just not meant to be shared.
At the same time, nothing had been forced upon them either.
"Council elders. In the time that I have spent with the people of Avalon on the surface, it has been nothing like the incidents between the Holy Roble Kingdom. They have shown gratitude in abundance and a culture as rich as the blessings that the reef provides us with. The leaders of the island city are wise, powerful, and shrewd, yet more humane than most humans we've encountered. I believe them to be a people that we would benefit immensely from by maintaining good relations."
The lead elder thought on Lywellen's words for a time before nodding firmly.
"Very well. We shall hear what this group has to say. Bring them forth."
Lywellen bowed deeply before taking his leave to gather the Queen of Knights and her retinue.
It did not take long to retrieve the group as they merely bobbed in the waters outside under watch of the guards. They had taken up various 'sitting' positions as they glanced back and forth at each other, seemingly in silent conversation. Artorias 'sat' with her legs crossed and her arms crossed over her chest as she nodded at Gareth. Said woman imitated a reclined position with her hands intertwined behind her head as she slowly spun in place. Lady Claire merely bobbed beside her liege with an embarrassed look on her face, receiving sympathetic pats on the shoulder by Lady Maribelle. Ser Lancelot 'sat' cross legged with an amused expression.
When Lywellen approached, they all 'stood' to face him. It was a very odd feeling. It seemed like they were at home regardless of the situation underwater. Motioning for them to follow him, they nodded as they swam toward the bubble dome's opening "gate". The guards eyed each of them as they passed by, but none of them seemed to mind.
As they proceeded through the coral merfolk city, those out and about either ducked out of sight or stared at the group following one of their own. Artorias led in the front behind Lywellen. Gareth and Claire followed behind her on either side as Maribelle and Lucretia lagged just behind them. Lancelot brought up the rear and maintained a watchful eye and ear.
"Humans? Here?"
"The one at the lead isn't human. What manner of heteromorphic is she?"
"Could they be from the island that formed from nothing?"
Such were the words and whispers that they could hear with their overtuned senses. Arriving at the council chamber, the guards posted there crossed their tridents across the entrance, thus barring them entry.
"No armaments are allowed past this point. You will all disarm here or be disallowed to continue past this point."
Lywellen made to object, but Artorias gestured to those with her and those with swords disarmed, relinquishing them to the other members of the merfolk guard who took them. One of the guard dropped the blade that Lancelot handed him. The sound of the weapon and its sheath and frog holder hitting the floor was deafening. The piercing half glare that the merfolk received chilled all present. Though they did not know that it was not his World Champion panoply, they all instinctively knew that a warrior prided themselves on their weapons.
This slip up would cost them dearly in the negotiations. Artorias had other plans. As the guards now uneasily approached her to relieve her of her swords, she lifted her chin in both indignation and slight defiance.
"One of yours has slighted my best and strongest knight and one of his choice arms. As recompense and balancing of the scales of negotiation, I shall keep my arms. I would not relinquish the signs of my station. Sacred treasures exceeding the symbolism of any crown or jewel. To ask such of me is akin to demanding your expectant to birth upon the shores."
The guards halted at her words. The saying of having their expectant to birth upon the shores was a damning, taboo phrase that implied that the children of a pregnant merfolk female would be doomed to land predators as they had not means of surviving out of water. It was too cruel a sentence. To make that comparison about a pair of blades was telling. They understood the symbols of station, but for a sword to outclass the crown?
A voice from within the chambers called out.
"Let them pass. She makes good points, and the slight we have made is a valid one."
The guards winced at the truth of their elder's words and stepped aside. Artorias nodded to them and then to her contingent before following Lywellen inside. The rest of her entourage followed closely behind, though none of them looked in the direction of the guards.
Entering into the chamber proper, the collection of Artorias and the others took in their surroundings, mentally making notes for forceful exit if it deteriorated to that point. Gareth and Lancelot could not help it. Their pasts making them very paranoid and cautious to such meetings. Past ambushes with countless soldiers and death honed that far too well into their minds.
From what they could observe, they did not sense an ambush prepared, but could see where armed guards could enter. Now though, their attention rested on the council members that sat on all sides. Lancelot could feel their surprise at Artorias, but his own personal instincts told him that councils that were effective were only those that held limited office status. Life long terms were horrible ideas, breeding nothing but festering corruption. While there were very rare exceptions, it was better to not hedge one's bets on such an individual at all. These merfolk seemed to hold their stations until they were deemed necessary to remove. That would be a problem.
"So you are the Queen of this island that has formed from nothing."
Artorias nodded respectfully to the merfolk speaking. She recognized his voice as the one from earlier.
"I am."
The merfolk scrutinized her for a few moments longer. Despite her stance, they could see no openings or weakness. Few beings could stand such silent observation from all sides, yet this scaled, horned, and tailed woman did. Her entourage stood at the ready, yet of them all the lone man at the back chilled them all. His eyes were focused as an archer's going for the kill. Though his eyes faced straight in front of him, they all felt like prey before the hunter in this man's presence. If this Queen was a solid rock, then this man was a furious storm encaged, waiting to be unleashed at but a word. There was only one word to describe what they felt at the moment.
Danger.
Danger at making further offenses. Danger at insulting this woman he apparently followed of his own volition. Danger at even trying to harm any of this party of land dwellers. Their instincts screamed to let them have whatever it was they had come for and get them out of their city.
As if reading their feelings, Artorias smirked.
"Ser Lancelot. Please excuse yourself from this meeting. You are setting them on edge."
"Your Majesty?"
"I have no doubt that should anything untoward occur, you would have little trouble rushing to our aide. Yet remember that Lady Gareth is also your peer. She will not allow anything to befall me."
Artorias spoke without once looking back to her knight. The man nodded once and bowed in acceptance.
"As you wish. Excuse me then."
He slowly backed out of the chamber, not once turning his back on his Queen. Once he was gone from the chamber, the council members began to relax. However as they did so, a different pressure replaced the one left by Lancelot's departure. This one radiated from Artorias herself.
"Do not believe that since my strongest knight has excused himself on my order that you may relax just yet. My knights do not accompany me just to protect me. They protect others from me. My aura is repressed by other mighty auras overlapping mine own. Be thankful I did not dismiss Lady Gareth as well. Otherwise my aura would be even more unbearable."
She gazed directly at the lead elder of the council and her eyes made him stiffen. Glowing rims around her irises seemed to pierce his soul. Never had he witnessed such a thing.
Gareth mentally shook her head and sighed when she noticed the central elder stiffen. This was one of Artorias's class abilities. [Charisma of the Divine Ruler]. One of the two capstone abilities Artorias had acquired when she maxed the Ruler Class with the Genius boost. Any diplomatic affairs that she handled in the name of her allegiance, in this case, Avalon itself and its people, she gained an aura that could influence those not of the same rank as her socially.
This was one of the reasons why the Judges had been created with the imperative to learn the laws and customs of foreign lands.
Gareth could not feel it at all because she held a position that Artorias personally held as her equal. Supreme Commander of Avalon's Air Forces. As much military as political, she was immune to the aura and as an equal in Artorias's eyes, could act as a buffer for those around them.
In other words, the more people around her that she personally considered a peer and equal, the less her [Charisma of the Divine Ruler] affected others around her. They truly were not protecting her per se, but protecting those around her from her own power. It was why she kept her friends close whenever she went on official business with other Guilds or leaders in YGGDRASIL. It forced her to become effective in negotiations and other equivalent exchanges without resorting to power. Though when she did have to make use of it . . .
"What is it you have come here for?"
"We have come to learn more of Leviathan Oceanis that we may prevent it from repeating another misfortune that may cause further misunderstandings with our neighbors in the future. Already we are in a precarious position and its latest rampage has only made that position totter dangerously to war. I will not see my people go to war over a misunderstanding that has not been directly related to us. Not just for my own people – despite the priority I place of them over our misguided foe - but for the lives of our supposed foes as well. We are not the only ones with families."
The lead elder nodded at her words. He could clearly see that this woman had seen much and lead a people experienced in national upheavals. This was a ruler who did not merely talk, but actually lead. However, some on the council did not see it this way.
"Foolishness! What kind of ruler does that? If you speak of that Roble Holy Kingdom, they are little more than an eyesore that touts a twisted version of another nation's religion! They cannot defend themselves effectively without that wall they claim to possess. They are isolated yet desire to be a part of the human's international stage but do not send messengers asking aide. They blindly label all like us, like you, a blight and would rather strike you down than listen."
Artorias kept her gaze directly on the lead elder as she responded, her voice filled with steel and her tone turned to one of cautious warning.
"You speak so ill of the Holy Roble Kingdom, yet there are a number who do not necessarily share that belief. You speak of their sins against demi-humans yet refuse to acknowledge that you are now doing the very same but in reverse. Even I am not immune to mistakes and prejudices, but I take great pains to ensure that make as few of them as possible, and when I do misstep, I take responsibility. Do not use this argument against me. I have heard it countless times over the many years I have ruled and it irks me like a thorn on the inside of a person's boots."
The elders of a more open minded persuasion nodded in agreement. One of them smirked openly at his peer for the sharp tongue lashing he just received at the hands of this Queen of Avalon. It seemed to all of them that she was no shrinking coral to aggressive politicking. She was growing on them despite the aura that seemed to push against them. One of the less bigoted members of the council spoke up.
"You speak truth Queen of the Island. We should better censor our opinions and words in official meetings. Despite our issues with the Roble Kingdom, you are not of them and should not be held in the same light. Especially," The elder glared at his peers across from him as he stressed his words, "when your people have shown nothing but friendship and concern for our mutual environment. Your people are to be commended. I for one am thankful for such considerate neighbors."
Her aura did not lessen, but he received a respectful nod of thanks. He returned the gesture before looking to the leader of their council.
"I believe we have grossly deviated from the undercurrents. I do believe that they required information about the Lord of the Tides?"
The elder leader hummed in thought as he closed his eyes. He did so to give himself relief from the glowing eyes of this heteromorph queen's piercing gaze, but in spite of his attempt, he could still feel her eyes upon him. Unwavering in their strength, and overflowing with both purpose and conviction, it was overwhelming! Her drive was not power hungry, it was not oppressive either. Yet her eyes drove through his being. Eyes that were set upon a purpose that could not be deterred. He could truly feel it. She was here for the sake of her people, not herself. Such passion and conviction in such clear, focused irises made him a bit ashamed to call himself a leader of elders by comparison.
"Indeed. While I have nothing against providing you with the information you seek, the risk you will be taking is your own. But you are obviously aware of that already."
He allowed himself a predatory smirk. Artorias merely nodded, though he did catch a glimpse of her lips tugging into a smirk of her own.
She obviously knows that taking a large force against such a beast is only asking for a whole sale slaughter of her forces. Thus she strikes out with only a small, yet obviously elite cadre of her forces. Though I am thoroughly impressed that she takes it upon herself to go as well.
Folding his hands together, he leaned forward.
"We shall call our archivist immediately to tell you about Leviathan Oceanis."
Artorias merely nodded with a minuscule smile crossing her lips. Yes, this was fulfilling, knowing you were dealing with someone who could think and make judgments without voicing needless personal opinions. She had a feeling that the merfolk of Lumin were of decently sound mindset, despite the few detractors.
Outside the council chambers, Lancelot Du Lac found himself taking in what he could see from the entrance. The guards gave him space as he looked about. Overall, he rather found himself enjoying the underwater view with the illuminating coral and aquatic life swimming about around the outer sphere barrier. Honestly he had wondered with their city had been fully submerged or existed in a bubble such as this one. The merfolk ability to walk on land despite the obvious discomfort many of them showed and the lack of running speed compared to even humans had made them all curious as to how their cities, if they even had any, were structured.
"Excuse me. Knight of the land."
He turned to see the merfolk that had dropped his sword earlier. Regarding him with a cool, but not spiteful gaze, he nodded slowly. Seeing that he was not being shunned or shouted at for his earlier error, he bowed slightly. It was an awkward thing, something done with no knowledge of how to properly address someone of a differing culture.
"I wish to apologize for my blunder before. I did not intend to insult you."
"The fact that you have mustered the courage to come to me in person and take responsibility for an honest mistake without making excuses says much for your character. Your name?"
"Mywellis."
"Mywellis," Lancelot tentatively sounded out. Nodding once, he continued. "I assume the sword's weight caught you unawares?"
Mywellis bashfully nodded in confirmation. When he had taken the sword from the knight, its weight was absolutely unheard of. He surely would have injured himself if he had tried to have scrambled to catch it. How did a man carry, much less wield such a weapon in combat? Never mind that, how did this knight even swim here with it?
Lancelot chuckled in his mind. He had brought the weapon because he felt the weight would help its edge against an opponent that could very well be very sinewy and slick. Such a thing would prevent lighter blades from getting a solid cutting area.
The weapon was a Legendary Tier [Blade of the Graviton Titan] that he had grinded for a month to acquire. An utlra dense, Starlight Damascus Steel hand and half sword that required a ludicrous strength score to wield two handed, much less in a single hand. It gained bonus damage against anything lower than it altitude wise on the battlefield.
On the opposite side of the coin though, if he hit you with the [Blade of the Graviton Titan] from below and he succeeded in a strength check against you, well . . . you were taking a temporary flight whether you liked it or not.
A strange, and definitely unorthodox ability.
Put simply, was he taller than his opponent? Yes? Then prepare to be on the receiving end of a monstrous bonus damage attack that possessed tons of defense piercing. It had no elemental affinity, so it remained effective against any enemy with elemental resistances. Its massive weight made it also count as not merely slashing, but bludgeoning damage as well. Due to its weight, it had bonuses to disarm attempts, sunder attempts, and bonuses against being disarmed or sundered in turn.
It's critical damage was ridiculous, yet its critical rate was non-existent, relying purely on the player's ability to know weak points to exploit on their opponents. The base damage was high, its mobility was lack luster due to the weight and incurred an abysmal penalty to those not strong enough to wield it single handed. He had rejoiced to no end when he had managed to accomplish that feat. Draconis had been there for that moment and had immediately made him swear to not use it against him.
"Gods you're a freaking monster Lancelot. And I thought my Dragon Race was brutal, you're just insane! Please, please, please! Don't hit me with that thing."
Setting aside the fond memory for the moment, he refocused on Mywellis.
"That is understandable given that sword's properties. I imagine that there are not many who can wield it. In light of your character to come personally make things right, I find nothing to forgive you of. I do hope that our peoples can find more ways to co-exist with each other."
Mywellis had not expected such magnanimity from someone slighted in such a way. Yet it appeared that these people valued integrity and honesty despite the need for social etiquette. He nodded gratefully.
"Indeed ser knight. My thanks."
Avalon
-Command Barracks, Inner Walls Section-
Mordred stood with his hands resting upon the massive map desk in the center of the room. The Judges and Executioners that he had called to meet with him were also accompanied by officers of the main army as well. Members of the Gryphon and Pegasi flying branches were also present in the large meeting area. Each of them held serious countenances as Mordred traced the area of the island most likely to be landed on if the forces of the Holy Roble Kingdom made their way across the waters. He had already came up with an agreement with the merfolk to not interfere with the Holy Roble Kingdom if they traversed the waters. This was to remain an Avalonian and Roble affair, not drawing in the merfolk.
"Ser Mordred. If I may, how many of us should deploy with you?" A member of the regular army asked as Mordred acknowledged them.
"Given the numbers they have assembled and the differences in the powers of our nation and the people of this land as reported by Lord Draconis Brightblade, I'd say the commander of the First Judges section and Second Executioners section for my personal guard. I want those of the Gryphon and Pegasi corps to be on standby, but not overly visible."
The heads of those gathered around the meeting room nodded as they took in his words. The rest of them awaited his next words. Mordred tapped a section of the map. Drawing forth a set of military unit figures, he placed them around the area in a caving semi circular ring.
"Should they arrive here at this point to the east of the city, those at the extreme ends of the battle lines should remain under stealth spells until I give the word. You all will fully encircle their numbers after confirming that they have no stragglers either via [Invisibility] or otherwise."
The officers of the main army of Avalon looked to the Round expectantly.
"I want the men and women of 11th Avalonian Brigade with me on this."
The officers of the 11th Brigade straightened and saluted. The rest of the officers nodded and a few nearby patted their peers on their back in both congratulations and encouragement.
"Those of the rest of the sections of Avalon's main army will be on standby at their respective posts around the city proper and the castle. Let no strangers wander within our walls or without. Do not harm those who do not harm our people or your own persons. Defend anyone of our city as you would our Queen. Should anyone surrender, treat them humanely."
The men and women present saluted before beginning to file out in order to carry out their orders. Mordred himself looked back to the map in concern. Hopefully the would not have to draw blades and cast spells. But from what he had read of the laws and customs a handful of his Judges had managed to collect from their Divinations it was unlikely.
He selected a piece of parchment from the pile on the desk and looked it over.
He silently read over the document.
"A person of one of the Nine Colors has authority that may exceed standard military law and command should the need arise. Example mainly is always in the case of demi-human threats. Such a thing is considered a holy quest, and has the blessings of the nobility."
Placing it back upon the desk, he took up another piece of parchment and read it over out loud to himself.
"Gross incompetence of duties even by those born or elected into their positions shall be punished based upon the level of severity of the offense. Such a sentence can vary from monetary compensation to one's life via servitude or even execution."
They have these laws yet no concrete foreign policies. No contingencies for foreign powers meeting with those in power being of differing views. No there are no policies in place for really any national interaction. How isolated have they made themselves? None of them have thought to have runners seek out assistance from other nations to their north or south? They have a navy, but nothing?
Mordred sighed and shook his head in disbelief. Walking out of the command room, he was pleased to see military men and women of multiple races moving about with purpose as they carried out orders. A slight breeze told him someone had arrived behind him and he knew this feeling. Without turning around, he smiled.
"Greetings Cathari."
"I heard about the Queen's plans to handle the issues with Leviathan Oceanis. How shall I be of service? Should I take a number from the Roaring Cyclone Corps and infiltrate Roble? Should we spread out and contact other nations? It seems like we will not be able to remain isolated for much longer due to this Remedios Custodios's actions."
Mordred placed a hand to his chin in thought.
"Let us not be hasty. We shall see the results of these next few days before we come to that decision. I do not wish to make such a substantial decision before consulting with Gareth, Lancelot, and the Queen."
Cathari nodded before leaving just as swiftly. She was one of the few NPCs in the Guild that could actually get strikes by Draconis's defenses from extraordinary ranges by their standards. It was one of the reasons why she garnered the moniker, "Invisible Howl".
He knew that Cathari and her subordinates would take up positions to cover those participating in this operation. He need not worry about sneak attacks with her on watch.
He just hoped that more sensible heads would prevail in this upcoming confrontation. Leaping to the top of the walls, he gazed out to the east. With the spy glass he held to his eye, he could see the ships being gathered by the Roble soldiers. He opened a [Message].
"Yes Ser Mordred?"
"Forgive my presumption. I have a request."
"I am listening Knight of the Round."
"Can you petition the spirits of the waters to force the ships preparing to approach to land on our eastern shores?"
There was a short silence before she answered him.
"I have spoken with them and they agree on the condition that they do no harm and are allowed to spend some time within the fountains around the city in leisure."
"That is a bargain my Lady. Thank you for your generosity Lady of the Lake."
He received a chuckle before the spell came to a close. He sighed heavily as he stared to the east. This was going to be interesting and stressful in equal measure. He just hoped that he didn't take things too far.
Character Profile 15
Cathari
Humanoid
Position: Officer of the Roaring Cyclone Corps; Member of the Executioners of Avalon
Residence: Avalon
Alignment: Lawful Neutral (100 Karma)
Racial Levels: N/A Humanoid
Class Levels: Ranger = 15 lvs.; Gunner = 15 lvs.; Sniper = 5 lvs.; Scout = 15 lvs.; Rogue = 10 lvs.; Spy Master = 10 lvs.; Shadow Master = 5 lvs.; Advanced Vanguard = 10 lvs.; Eagle Eye = 10 lvs.; Grassy Knoll = 5 lvs.
Total Levels: 100 (Class Levels 100)
Status: Comparative Ratio on a Scale of 100
HP: 75
MP: 50
Physical Attack: 85
Physical Defense: 50
Dexterity: 85
Magical Attack: 10
Magical Defense: 40
Resistances: 50
Special: 85
Character Profile 16
Lywellen
Heteromorph
Position: Trade Leader of Lumin
Residence: Lumin
Alignment: Neutral Good (150 Karma)
Racial Levels: Merfolk = ? lvs.
Class Levels: Craftsman = ? lvs.; Master Craftsman = ? lvs.; Trade Leader = ? lvs.; etc.
Total Levels: ?
Reviewer Responses
OverWarlord: Huh. Drunk reading. Hope that didn't take you too long. XD
MadDan90: Fair enough. I had to close that moment because leaving it open is not a good thing for my writing later on.
Zandaino-Nova-Ari: Good luck with your idea that you PM'ed me. Cookie for you if you can figure out where the Judges came from.
Awayuki: That seems to be opinion of all readers about Remedios.
RyuujiVantek: Leviathan is something I came up with so get ready to enjoy this encounter.
Loki98065: Mordred will be heading up the defense. A few things may change. I have to write the Lizard Man Arc.
Dimension Disorder: The Dark Puppeteer Dragon Lord will be playing a significant role in the future. Look forward to it.
Peroroncino: Here ya go.
Lets Write and Read: Thank you. That's always a concern for any fan fic writer, unless they are doing it on purpose. Keeping canon characters more or less as they were in the official content can be challenging, especially with side characters with not a lot of background.
Thank you for dropping in and I hope you continue to read this work.
Ilireanwri: Thank you and hopefully this satisfied you for the time being.
Thristan: That can be debateable.
Yoloith: Thank you for your honesty, though I find your dislike of military background character with a "sob" story a horrible thing rather off putting myself. Never once did I say he was a hero of the Arcology War, just a survivor. Traumas during war are horrible in the extreme. We are blessed at the moment that their isn't another World War, though that could change in a heartbeat. I have other opinions about the reason you dislike Draconis, but I feel like you didn't even read the later chapters to see where I went with it. I hope you find a fic you do like and enjoy it. I'll keep plugging away at mine.
NecroSerpent101: You shall see. You shall see indeed.
R.E.W.4: Yes, expect that.
Saliaskonstant: Well now . . . I am flattered, but I know that I am not the best out there with fiction writing on this sight. I draw inspiration from some of my favorite authors, like Final Fantasy Tactics' Legacy of Honor, Fire Emblem's Hammer of Terrascars, and others.
As for support, well, funny I had conversations with a few other authors and fellow writers on the site. Fanfiction is just that. Fan Fiction. We are writing our stories based upon something that is already canon. We do not, and SHOULD NOT take monetary gains for working on something utilizing properties that are not ours. They are not licensed by us and are thus subject to copyright and all the legalities thereof.
Despite the differences and leniencies in Japan with Doujinshi and side content at anime-cons, there are absolute nightmares and legal battles all the time with content like this. It is why this site despises and in the terms and conditions points out that such actions are NOT approved. also hates this and has the lawsuit filing options for those that have licensed and copyrighted content that may NOT be infringed upon without written, legally binding documentation.
Japanese companies are notorious for scouring everything concerning these infringements.
Biggest example of this is one of my absolute favorite series of all time.
Macross. We will NEVER see an English dub of the series outside iffy fandubs that Harmony Gold will 100% hunt down.
Point of this rant? As honored and flattered as I am that you would want to provide me with such support. I CANNOT and WILL NOT accept such donations. Your reading and reviewing is more than enough for me as I make nothing from this and write this fic out of my own desire to put my thoughts of the world of Overlord in "ink" so to speak.
Thank you for your time and dropping in. XD I hope you continue to do so.
Solarblaster: Everyone seems to enjoy seeing this for some reason . . . :P