Authors note: I don't own overlord
As I said on AO3 should I bring back the swords of darkness? Please tell me if you think I should and a passable reason why Ainz would bring them back I have one reason I might be able to show them alive already. (This does not change that they will be minor characters in my story. still with what I have planned for the next chapter I might be able to work it in.) This said I don't know if I should or not and your comments may direct the ultimate decision so let me know or don't if you don't care.
As always, no flames if you have any questions or want to tell me what you think to feel free to comment and review.
Chapter 15
-Phovine-
Rita used [twin fold slash] to cut through two more monsters with her flaming sword. As she glanced back at the people behind her. This had turned into a mess after the parasites, lady Kathrin had sent them to wipe out change tactics. Before they were hiding, making her and bardic stealthily have to track each one down, then find a proper place to end them.
Everything was going fine, and velvet had tracked down the main hosts for this cell to the head priests of the main temple of the city. Then tonight, everything changed; the parasites quit hiding and started to bring out everything they had. Infecting as many as possible and Rallying demi-human slaves to rise up.
In response, Rita and bardic gathered up every adventure or magic caster proficient in fire magic to burn out these monsters before everyone in the city got turned. Velvet had gone to investigate the walls after hearing a boom.
'I hope lady velvet does something soon; otherwise, we might have to wipe out the whole city to keep this contained.' Rita bitterly thought to herself as she dodged and cut another group down with several [twin fold slashs]. Seeing a larger one come into view, this one was at least four times as big as the others. With a large group behind it marching her way. There was no way if they got close that she could protect everyone they had gathered.
Glancing over bardic was still busy dealing with a group as the voltaic adventurers helped him hold them back. Rita had a frown form on her lips, looks like she would have to deal with this one alone.
Rita took a breath gathering the mana needed for this charging up a massive fireball in front of her watching it grow. This spell she had been working on after the battle with the wolfs. Sweat rolls down her body as Rita tried to cast this new spell for the first time. Hoping it would work better than on the altered version of [fireball], she called [Rapid fireball barrage].
Now she had perfected it as a whole new spell, which was costly and was ten times as destructive as the panic wild magic she instinctively used in the heat of battle. Refine into something better for large groups of enemies something more potent than the fifth tire[Grand fireball], her first 6th tire spell.
[Grand fireball storm]
As the magic eye opened in front of the ball of flames launching a deadly hail of boulder-sized fireballs. Concentrating, Rita kept shooting flames until she was sure there would be nothing left of the wave.
Panting as she let the spell fade seeing the absolute desolation of scorch stone road and burning buildings as flames blocked the path. She didn't have time to worry about this. As Bardic came over whistling at Rita's power. "Sweet shot, is that the new spell you have been working hard on?"
Rita nodded yes before gathering the crowd's attention along with the other adventures. "Alright, this part of the city looks clear Voltriv, your group take point and get them out of Phovine. Bardic and I will go searching for others who need help."
The leader who had a bandage over one side of his face came forth. "Ok, stay safe! let's move out."
Rita took the lead as they ran through the streets, focused on saving as many as possible. She didn't know how they managed to infect so many with no one noticing before now. Still, one thing was bugging her why did they change up plans. They could have taken over the city despite her and bardic hunting down so many. If they kept up the past way of spreading.
Cursing her lack of focus as a tentacle arm grabbed her once she cleared a corner. Something bites into her skin as she hissed in pain, stabbing the monster with her burning sword. Making it back up, glancing at her arm to see a small parasite. She was worried at least till she felt a pulse of energy through her.
The green worm squealed and dropped off her arm. Withering away on the ground, Rita turned to the monster seeing it just as confused as her.
'Thank me later, little kitten, I will not allow such weak parasites to control one of my pack!' Rita heard lady Kathrin's voice in her mind. Rita then launched a [fireball] at the parasitic monster watching it burn.
As bardic came rushing around the corner. "You ok, lass got ambushed by one myself."
"Yes. We need a better plan; otherwise, this whole city might be lost."
Before Rita could take off again, she got an image in her mind of the gate she entered the city in. with a clear order from lady Kathrin. {Save Arche Eeb Rile Furt and team Foresight! Then regroup with velvet and head to Arwintar.}
Rita felt conflicted about the new orders for mistress Kathrin her hands shaking before sighing. Her shoulder slumping in defeat, her mission had been to save this city. Had she failed almost feeling well up tears before her tail shifted as mistress sent emotions, not of disappointment but understanding and joy?
"Rita, what's wrong."
Rita turns away for the other route pushing down her mixed emotions about these orders.
"I am feeling drained is all. Let's go I think I know where a few more people are."
She couldn't disobey orders even if it hurt a little, taking in ruins and burning buildings. This felt like a loss, and failure to her still mistress Kathrin would not give her those orders without good reason. All she could hope was that she had saved enough lives.
Running into a few more groups of the infected monsters before they came upon the main road to the gate. There were a few monsters here, but one caught Ritana's attention. It had a cloak on with that same owl mask over its face and war scythe in one hand with the other hand shooting black spines at a group of guards. The inadequate city guards were cut down to ribbons in pools of blood.
Rita calmed her fear, scanning the area for Arche or Foresight. Turning to bardic silently telling him to wait. She didn't see the person mistress wanted them to save, so they must be hiding gathering her strength of will she gathered every last ounce of magic she could muster.
[Maxzamize penetration widen Magic: Grand fireball storm]
She hailed the area with fire, hoping Arche wasn't nearby because she didn't know if she could take on the mastermind responsible for so much death. With the element of surprise, she hoped to take him out. She didn't stop casting the spell until all her mana was gone. Panting hard to get air as her [flaming sword] spell faded. Covered in sweat still, she had her martial arts she could use if it came down to it.
When the heat and smoke cleared away to reveal most of the area covered in ash and flames. She almost sighed, seeing the monster gone. Then fear and shock rose to see the leader still standing his cloak burned and scythe missing, revealing his green and blue tentacle form. Looking closer, he almost looked more like a plant than a person. He stands under a shimmering blue barrier that fades shortly after.
She grimaced as they took notice of her and Bardic.
"Impressive for a mid tire spell. Still, I won't let you have Arche. I owe that true vampire for what he did in Arwintar." Its voice was gruff and annoyed vines shifting and snaping around it.
Rita knew this was out of her league still. They appeared to be a magic caster, so if she could close the distance, she had a better chance. Holding her swords out, looking past the monster to the gates as mistress was sending signals to her tail that Arche was just outside the gate.
"Uh, lass, are you sure you want us to fight that one. As much as I love a good fight, this one is stronger then I would like."
Rita shot an annoyed glare at bardic she wouldn't let this chance slip by charging at the monster. To her surprise, it was like time jumped ahead, having to dodge left than to the right to avoid two hails of spines. Spotting the mastermind was standing on a half-burned building looking down at her.
'What was that I should have seen him move. Or heard or seen him cast those spells.'
"You look confused. Do you even know what I did? Does that true vampire not train his tools properly. Maybe you are just a pawn?"
Rita growled, analyzing what just happened. It had to be magic of some kind. But she had never seen anything like this before. Not even when Kyuketsuki was fighting shalltear. Putting the matter aside, she put away her swords and pulled out her bow and one arrow. Getting ready with a new strategy
'If I can't get closer, then I will go for a range option. Till I can figure out how to stop it.' Activating [ability boost] and [greater ability boost]
"You think being fast will help. Allow me to prove you wrong." The mastermind taunted vanishing again as Rita felt lady Kathrin's gift alert her that time had jumped forward.
Jumping back as the ground where she once stood exploded. Her eyes spotting the mastermind shooting off two quick arrows boosting the damage it would do with [heavy strike] twice.
Rita again felt the flow of time jump. No, it was like it skipped a few minutes. Dodging and getting two more shots off, only again, the flow of time skipped as the mastermind was standing a few feet in front of her now.
She fires an arrow with heavy blow impacting before having a vine pierce her shoulder. Biting back a scream of pain, Rita used her good arm to quickly pull out her sword and activating [twin fold slash] twenty times in a row.
Stopping to pant for air, her muscles burning as she felt fatigued catching up with that gamble. She wouldn't be able to use many more martial arts before she was out cold.
Yet her attacks didn't make the monster drop her or entirely cut through his limbs or body. Finally, the beast lashed out with another tentacle grabbing her other arm, stopping any further attacks.
"Very spirited that even hurt a little. Still, you should stop soon, ahhh!" The mastermind dropped her as his vines penetrating her shoulder withered.
Rita smirked, jumping back, cradling her shoulder blood dripping down from the wound. Quickly pulling out two healing potions and drinking them. Sighing as it took a few minutes for them to take effect. In this time, she glanced around to see bardic subtly waving him on to go ahead.
The mastermind took notice of this mumbling a spell as a wave of gas consumed bardic. Once it cleared, he was out cold on the ground.
"I see now your no true lycanthropy. You just have some automation slime mixed in your blood. Here I thought you and that maid where a werecat. Even though I can't turn you against your master. You're out of your level and out of mana and getting tired after all those martial arts in a row. How do you plan to get past me to your friend alone?
Rita scowled, holding the sword with both hands glancing at the bow on the ground. Though she preferred to use her sword and short sword, she didn't want to drop them, and she could use one sword faster and with more force than two.
She needed to get past this monster, and with bardic down, she would need a plan to get both of them away. Which would make it impossible to complete her mission? Despite the fear in her heart Rita steadies her rapid breathing as another message from lady Kathrin came to her mind. {Stall him! Lord Kyuketsuki and I will arrive shortly.}
She beamed circling the monster slowly before rushing at the beast, feeling time pause again. She stumbled forward as her target vanished.
"You just don't learn. Still, your loyalty is admirable, something I would expect no less from my own followers. In just a few more minutes, my drones should be finished killing the guards and Arche along with her team. How does it feel to know that you were so close only to fail your masters."
Rita turned back to him growling. He was trying to get under her skin. Still gloating in the middle of a fight would be his downfall. She kept trying to cut him down as he sidestepped or deflected the cuts with his vines. Finally, slapping her blade out of her hands, entangling Rita's wrists.
Rita glared up at the monster of vines with hate trying to pull her arms lose.
"Times up looks like you failed. How does it feel? Knowing tomorrow, I will march on Arwintar and end him along with my master."
Then a ripping sound gained both their attention as lord kyuketsuki stepped out; first, blades were already drawn, with lady Kathrin's army of royal guards carrying a new royal banner (Kyuketsuki's flag style from Nazarick). Fluder was close by studying the [gate] spell writing down notes. Students of his close by looking ready to act.
The mastermind couldn't help but notice that every human had a similar appearance to Rita with the same color eyes, ears, and tails. He turned to glare murder at Rita, who was smirking hotly back.
"Yes, your time is up, and it looks like you fail." Rita taunted back, throwing back his own words at the monster.
Kyuketsuki kept his glowing eyes locked on the parasitic monster. "Kathrin contain this mess put out the fires. I want every single infected cleared of this city. Heal or revive those that can be saved give a quick and painless death to those who can't."
Kathrin turned to the crowd casting a few buffs to them.
"At once, my love. You all heard the emperor hunt down the invaders, put out the fires, and reclaim this city. If your empress sees even one infected host not cleaned, you will be punished."
Kyuketsuki hears them move out of range throughout the city. Shalltear aided by the blood knights, and vampire brides should be able to help if needed. He would not move his gaze from this enemy and let them slip away again.
Just in case Kathrin was hidden nearby, if he tried to run, she had orders to fry them.
"At first glance, I would say you're a death vine. If not for those powers which belong to an Adrofine parasite caster class. So would you mind telling me how you have that class before I erase you?"
The monster of Vines let his plant exterior wither to show the green-skinned worm-like creature underneath. Standing on four tentacle legs with four tentacle arms. Its head had four eye stocks and a round serrated mouth. Still holding Rita's wrists with two of its tentacle arms.
"If you attack me, you will be hurting your tool."
Rita tried to warn him of the time magic before she felt time skip again. Only this time, her lord had the monster at sword point, and the things around her have frozen in place, not a sound could be heard; her arms were free as well.
Looking over to see the copy of lord kyuketsuki pointing to her chest, which had an amulet on it glowing blue.
"Sorry, I didn't give you something sooner, Rita, but I didn't think he would know [time stop] or at least some variant of it."
She got up and retrieved her sword and bow before turning back to the two.
"You are quite impressive. I am to assume the moment I drop this spell, you will kill me."
Kettor gave a fanged smile shifting to his original appearance his now clawed hand's inches from the monster. He didn't speak, watching to see what his enemy did. The moment he moved, he would follow if this Adrofine had a delayed spell; he had a wide range, delayed counter ready. No matter what the moment they drop, he would end them.
"Why are you against me? You should know the humans will never accept those like us. Or my master. Killing me won't change this. My master will be waiting for my return even if you kill me, he will come after you."
Kettor was silent, glaring at him. He couldn't hold this forever. He wouldn't be tricked or allow them to one-up him anymore. Even if their master came after him, he would just kill him too. He only wanted to know one thing. "What is the artifact you stole from my ruined supply keep."
The worm twitched, realizing part of the reason he was going to die. Before laughing much to Kyuketsuki's confusion.
"I see you want revenge as well. Ironically, I heard your little maid died. What was her name Jade? You know that keep had an item I have been looking to revive my master I believe it was a world item. As he called it able to revive anyone no matter what killed them. Too bad, I already used it to bring back my master. Once I was done, it vanished from my hands. It is funny if you think about it."
Rita fell to her knees at the over welling hate rolling off lord Kyuketsuki. It was suffocating watching as he gripped the worm's neck tightly. Growling yet despite his long blade fingers, the green worm was not hurting.
"I am Rediavine Eed Markshack! Though I am to die, I die knowing my master will avenge me!"
Just as the world began to move again, it was like lord kyuketsuki went crazy, stabbing and slicing the blue worm to deep gashes in the ground as his claws thrashed Repeating die over and over, he genuinely seemed like a monster at that moment, at least till she noticed the blood tears freely flowing down his face. It took several minutes for Rita to work up the nerve to approach him in this state.
Seeing the pain in those madness filled eyes, Ritana ran up to him, hugging his back, trying to pull him back.
"It is over. He is dead!" She yelled, hugging him tightly, feeling nothing but rage and pain.
When he did calm down, the green worm was little more than a blue smear in a crater. Rita felt overwhelming tiredness and pain, although she didn't let go. Even as this dark bloodthirsty air tried to crush her flat or push her away. Rita knew she needs to comfort lord Kyuketsuki before she lost him to this madness.
Throwing her off, he turned to her his claws inches from her face and chest. Still, she didn't show fear knowing it was just the pain blinding him. It was almost like something was building up inside him. As the light of the nearby flames dimmed around them.
Growing darker and darker with only Kyuketsuki still in view. Rita didn't edge away from the blades letting it cut her cheek and body. As those blood tears didn't stop flowing, dropping on to her armor and clothes.
"It is ok, lord Kyuketsuki. I'm here. You need not fear. I know it hurts. I still miss my mother and father, but we have to move on." Rita gently rubbed his face despite the long tongue around her throat. Smiling gently at the person she cared so much for.
It took a few minutes before he seemed to snap out of it, changing back to usual backing away from her. As the cold darkness faded, as the world and light returned into view. Fear plain in his eyes. "Rita, I almost I'm so sorry I was just so angry."
Rita, unfazed by the change, only beamed brightly, walking up and hugging him happy to have him back. "It is ok, Jade is gone. I know how hard it feels to let go, but you have to move on. It will only hurt more obsessing over it."
She felt at ease as Kettor hugs her back easing into it even if the pain lingered. It wouldn't vanish all at once. She knows that well enough, but it can become tolerable in time.
-Arche-
Fear filled Arche as she backed up a few steps huffing glancing over at the others none of them wanted to get close to this strange monster. Sparing a glance at the two burned corpses of the infected guards.
Hesitant to with the idea she could just go around, she needs to get back to her sisters. At the same time, she stared past the walls of the city where smoke was rising out in massive columns. Clutching her staff as she cast [fireball] once more at the mass of tentacles.
"Arche I think we need to go around there is nothing we can do here." Roberdyck patted her shoulder, pointing to the walls going around the city.
Arche widened her eyes at him; he would be one of the first to say they should stay. Then again, her spells and Imina arrows were only slowing it down.
"No, we need to stay and fight! all we have to do is hold it off, and help will come."
Arche stared at both Imina and Hekkeran with a shocked look did they not see they couldn't beat this thing. If it got close, they would be infected like the guards. Ranged spells and arrows weren't working just like at Lograth.
"You can't be serious. If this thing gets close, we will turn out like those guards." Arche panted as she edged into the forest casting another [fireball]
Staring into both Hekkeran and Imina's eyes, she could see them shaking, yet they didn't follow Arche and Roberdyck standing there ground. She then sent a pleading gaze to Roberd, who looked away before tossing her his bag of coins. "Go, Arche, we will hold it here."
Arche caught it, staring in horror at her team. They were going to die here if they stayed.
"Run all you would like. You will all die." Roared the monster charging them.
Arche stared as their backs thinking of her sisters if she died what would happen to them. Then again, if she left now, she had no illusion they would die, not that she could do much to change this.
Arche turned to run with tears in her eye, hearing the cracking of a tree as shambling slithering vines drew closer. Hearing Hekkeran shout out something, she turns to see the monster a few feet away from her.
Arches teary eyes widened in shock shaking with fear if the tendrils touched her what would happen. Trying to jump back time slowed as she saw the outstretched arm inching closer even as Hekkeran slashed away at it again, and Imina loosed a few more arrows.
[Holy punishing chains] a voice echoed as bright flaming chains burst up out of the ground stopping the monster in its tracks. The monster Screaming as it burns trapped and unable to move, allowing Arche to fall back on her rump.
Watching in numb shock and relife as two spike balls on chains Shotforword eviscerating the monster into chared vines. As a red-haired battle maid stepped out of the shadows
"Sorry, it took a little longer than expected to get here."
Arche's attention was drawn to the battle maid, one who should be dead. Confirming something else, Kyuketsuki was alive. Here they were saving her again, taking out a monster in two hits. They struggled with for several minutes just to stop.
"Glad you showed up when you did." Hekkeran thanked Velvet, helping Arche up to her feet.
"Please follow me we are gathering all the survivers to [gate] to Arwintar till this mess with Phovine is cleaned up. Also, Arche, your sisters are waiting for you at the royal palace."
As Arche followed Velvet down the halls away from the courtyard, doubt and fear lingered in her mind. How had her sisters end up here, or where is Kyuketsuki chief among her many questions?
As the grand doors to the throne room opened, she took in the broad place, walking up the red carpet to the thrones. In one seat was Kathrin, no longer dressed as a richly decorated armored noble. Kathrin was adored in a long white and gold dress with black gloves and boots a crown of her own.
Across from her was kyuketsuki adored, not in his battle gear, but a new gold and red gown which was befitting an emperor with his own crown. His head resting on his open palm, smiling at Arche. To either side where two of the famous elite four with to replaced two she had heard of but not met till now.
What kept Arche's attention both Ureirika and Kuuderika giggling with big smiles. Sitting around a table with a board of some kind with small pieces on them. Lady Tearus moved her piece to three spaces.
"Oh, you landed on my square now you have to pay up to stay at my inn." Ureirika giggled, reaching out a hand.
Lady Tearus leans forward, pulling a cookie off a tray a servant was holding nearby. "Couldn't you let my poor piece stay for free pleas for a friend. I will even give you a Cookie."
Ureirika giggled "OK lady Tearus.", taking the cookie Kuuderika pouted cutely. "That's the third time you did that sis. This is not how you play this game, right mister Kettor."
Kyuketsuki chuckled, waving the servant to step back. "It may be played differently, but so long as you are all having fun, that's what matters. Still, Tearus, Kuuderika has a point you are using that trick a lot. How about a punishment."
Arche watched as kyuketsuki created a magic eye over his palm [slime jet]. He spoke as a blast of green and blue slime-covered Tearus' white and gold dress, even her hair. Earning a giggle of both girls at sight. Strangely Tearus didn't get angry as she would expect most nobles too.
"Now, play the rest of the game like that, and I will wash it off with you after the game is over." To which Tearus agreed without complaint.
Finally, kyuketsuki noticed Arche and velvet."Hello, Arche, it is good to see you again. I hope your road back wasn't too stressful."
Both sisters dashed over to their sister with large hugs. "Arche Onee-san your back, we are so happy to see you!"
Arche enjoyed the hugs and warmth from her sisters. "I am glad to see you two what happened while I was away. Why are you two here."
"These wicked people came and killed papa and mama. Then they took us than miss Kathrin, and Kettor came and saved us. Since then, Kettor said we could stay here at the palace, miss Kathrin and lady Tearus have been eating with us, teaching us and showing us these cool games. Even some magic look! [Bunny ears]" They both cast the first tire magic. It didn't do much besides create bunny-like ears over their heads. It only lasted a few seconds before vanishing both of them sweating but smiling proudly.
"I'm glad to hear that you too. Still, I would like to talk to mister Kettor alone." Arche stared at kyuketsuki with hesitant eyes.
"Tearus change of plans, why don't you play tag with them. then go to the library and read them a child-friendly book." Kettor warned her he didn't want another awkward conversation with the twins.
They watched them all leave the room before Arche glared at Kyukettsuki. "What happened to emperor Jircniv!"
Kettor sighed. He knew this was coming. It didn't make it any easier to say, entwining his hands together. "He is dead by the wind flow scripture's hands. I couldn't leave the empire in the state. It is without a leader. So I took his place and as I promised you Arche and your sisters are free to live here as long as you wish. All I ask is that you help Kathrin with some tests."
Arche narrowed her eyes try as she might kyuketsuki don't show any sign of deceit. thinking about it, he only seemed to do right by her keeping her safe and alive. "What kind of tests. Is this about my talent?"
Kyuketsuki nodded, waving over to Kathrin to explain. "We wish to test the limits of your talent and see if it might be blood transferable. Should you agree, along with personally teaching all three of you a full education. We, of course, will not fully begin to train your twin sister till age 15 if they wish with your permission."
Arche trembled hesitantly to agree even if she found little reason to disagree with the deal. "What if I want to leave here and take my sisters with me."
Kettor gave a gentle smile at her hostility. "Then I will personally give you an item to summon a bodyguard and enough supplies and money to take you where ever you wish. If you want to stay, we shall pay you, and the palace shall always be open to you so long as I remain alive."
Arche went through everything she knew about kyuketsuki, or was it Kettor now. Settling on her decision, he had yet to harm her or her family. In fact, his followers had saved her more times than she ever cared to admit. "Alright, as long as my sisters and I are happy, I will take your deal. But I want to be at the arena when you make the announcement."
This statement caught both kyuketsuki and Kathrin by surprise, Arche could see the gaping mouth of kyuketsuki turn to a forced smile eyes narrowing. "Alright, when we publicly announce ourselves as the new king and queen, you shall have a front-row seat."
-Arena one Week Later-
Kettor smiled to himself in the mirror of remote viewing over the crowd settling on Arche's seated among the masses. A slight frown on his lips checking over the area around himself and Arche for illusions or something hidden.
"How do you think she found out even she could not have guessed where we planing it." Kettor dismissed the mirror adjusting his shirt and royal trench coat for the hundredth time.
Kathrin beamed brightly, twirling around him in her royal dress, pulling his hands away. "Perhaps she guessed. Please do not worry, my love. If anything should happen, we have our undying guard ready to move. I even personally have my pack mates hidden among the crowd should they try anything."
Kettor scowled lightly, staring into Katherine's golden eyes. 'Still, this demon deity has not once shown himself we should have found him by now!' recalling the reports every single remain of that Adrofine parasite should be dead.
Sighing and taking Kathrin's hand in his own walking down the halls of the arena, they were quiet. Giving him time to think he almost wants to laugh, Sitabus told himself he wouldn't get involved with politics again so soon, yet here he was. About to take the reigns of a monarchy for himself.
No, this would be for Nazarick and Kathrin glancing back at the new Four Imperial Knights Leinas Rockbruise in her new dark red armor made to be easier to fly in but still defend her. Nimble Arc Dale Anoch's gaze was set at the ground in his new red armor as well. Ritana Enruos, finally finding out her last name for this ceremony, beaming proudly adorned in her new reddish armor with a handed short sword and long two-handed sword at her side. Carrying a shield and bow on her back. Last was Bardic Tamber, the shortest of the four in similar armor talking to leinas about something.
"Tell me, Kathrin, this will reach all of the Baharuth empire at the same time as we agreed?"
Kathrin pulls his arm closer, rubbing her hand over his sleeve. "Of course, and yes, our project paper walls should work, so stop worrying. Should we postpone for an hour to release stress?"
Kettor calmed some relenting as they approached the entrance to the arena. Calming his breathing, he could only hope this would go well if not a lot of work would need to be done to manage the damage. As many tried to leave the empire, quite a few probably still would.
"Without further ado, I present your emperor and empress and their elite four Leinas Rockbruise, Nimble Arc Dale Anoch's, Ritana Enruos, and Bardic Tamber." Osk waved over to them.
Crossing the threshold of light out into the cheering crowd, which grew quiet upon seeing there new emperor was a vampire. Despite the gloomy cloud cover, his eye shined, and he gave a fanged smile.
All eyes were upon him; this would be his moment of truth. He could still back out. He could say it was a joke. Gazing deep into Kathrin's bright eyes full of expectations. Kettor gathered his courage remembering the speech they, mostly Kathrin, prepared.
"Hello, good people of Baharuth. I am Kettor minx. I stand here happy to be your new emperor with my love, Kathrin minx, your new empress. I stand here before you with joy to see so many alive and doing so well despite the parasites which threatened to devour the Baharuth empire to bring back one of the demon deities. Which brings me to why we are all here today."
Waving shalltear over in her mask, teleporting to Kettor's left from the emperor's private balcony. Looking right at Arche, Kettor could only hope this show of sincerity eliminated any negative thoughts she had about him being undead.
"I first came here under the name Kyuketsuki leader of the vultures by request of lady Tearus Bon Shellder to hunt down a dangerous cult that unleashed the demon tree seed in Barune. Only to discover they had much deeper plans, which led me to find and help emperor Jircniv to save as many as possible. The way to Arwindar was filled with many who wished to stop me. The same parasites who would wish you all dead. But I could not have predicted the late bloody emperor would risk the Slane Theocracy's wrath when he found these parasites hiding in the very great temple that once stood in this city. A risky price he paid for with his own life by the wind flow scriptures themselves. For trying to save all of you here today."
Kettor pauses to let it sink in the gasps and shocked looked they still seemed to question him though not to be unexpected. It was not as bad as he was expecting no one calling for his death so far.
"I was there my self as are the only surviving members of the elite four Leinas and Nimbral. In his dying breath, he asked me to save this empire. Which is why I have spent the last week hunting down and destroying every last remnant of this parasite poison Adrofine. I won't ask that you forgive his rash actions, only that you ask yourself, does someone so selfless deserve your hate. I will let both of them along with eye witness of the battle of Phovine and two of the new members of the elite four as a whole tell you themselves. Question them ask them what my Undying Guards and I have done for the empire. Before we begin the usual tournament."
Once he was done, he used [create item] to make two chairs for both of them as they watched the crowd question all four of them. Keeping tabs mostly on Nimbral, he was the least trustworthy of them.
Kathrin whispered into his ear. "The speech was lovely and regal. Still Are you sure you can trust Nimbral, my love."
Kettor met Kathrin's inquiry gaze whispering back. "Yes, besides that is why we started the paper walls project, is it not?
Kettor knew that wasn't the reason at all, but Kathrin accepted it quickly, so she at least believes it.
Kettor laid his head on her shoulders as they wait for an hour until everyone had asked their questions. Even answering a few himself till it was time for the tournament to begin.
Rises from his seat with [break item], making the chairs dissolve away, taking in the mood of the crowd. They were still subdued, noting the cloudy sky rain might make the tournament harder to see and enjoy.
"Before we begin, I have two other announcements first; I would ask my empress to clear up the weather, and second, my four will be the final duel after which the winner will fight go grin."
Kathrin clapped her hands together, clearing the sky to the crowd's amazement as clear skies showed through the clouds before casting mass fly allowing the emperor and empress along with the four to fly up to the balcony.
Once landing Kettor when over and fell back on to the couch, Kathrin was quick to snuggle up her tail wrapping around his right arm. With Shalltear on his left. Sitabus felt at ease for the first time since fighting Shalltear. He glanced over to Clementine near the balcony even from here he could tell clementine was bored by the way she kept touching her stilettos.
"Now that we are alone, Kathrin, let's go over the first topic, how is the slavery reform going."
Kathrin beamed, pulling out a few papers out of her inventory. Quickly reading over all the documents before putting them down on the table. "The prosses is slow, and resistance is slowing the development that said within six months to a year, we should have eight legions."
"What about your thoughts on the matter. Do you think there is any way to improve this time."
Kathrin scowled with a concentrated look before shooting down the idea. "No, morale and mental trauma of the trap battles on top of the losses. To get them back up to battle-ready level will take the paid downtime of six months at a minimum. Our undying guard shall cover them for now, even with only 5000 low to mid-level undead you created for paper walls. It helps that general, Coilin, along with two other generals, are backing you for saving him and his troops at Gramith fort and saving their families in Phovine."
Kettor couldn't keep the smile off his face. Maybe it was him telling Kathrin about his experience on earth. Perhaps it was his teaching her to go easy on beings of the new world; either way, this was a considerable improvement to how she would have treated them when they first arrived.
"Why would they need downtime serving the supreme beings should be enough! for that matter, why should we even pay them if they can't even take attacks like Gramith fort or the attack on Phovine."
The four turned to Shalltear, hissing at the standard concept to them. Kettor himself frowned. 'Great now, I need to teach Shalltear about the limits and needs of humans as well.' Bitterly thinking to himself, it took him weeks of talking to Kathrin for her to understand the importance of rest and mental health for living beings.
"Shalltear, if we openly break these fragile sheep, it sets a bad example and makes them useless. When with a gentle touch and training, they can be molded to full potential, and unceasingly loyal. The pay is not a reward, but the incentive to build stable family units through which young future servants can be created to devote their lives to our empire."
Sitabus hides his sincere regret under a proud, twisting smile. How did Kathrin always find some twisted point of view to justify being kind and respectful? Was it her negative karma score or her bio he could barely remember what he wrote? Pondering this, as he zoned out Kathrin, enlightens Shalltear about his wishes for the future of the empire
Leinas gave Kathrin a strange look before turning a pitting gaze to Kettor. Breaking him out of his train of thought.
Biting his lip as he coughed and move the subject along. "Anyway, moving on, how is Photio doing in his new leadership role with moving the lab to the ministry of magic."
Kathrin beames leaning close. "Exelntly, Flunder was overjoyed to learn and help expand his tower for our magical needs. They should have it fully set up within the next month or two. The red tanks should take longer about three months total to have them ready to start filling."
This went on for a while, going through subjects until it was time for the final rounds. This was calming and relaxing, if not a little frustrating as finances and politics had to be brought up a little before the last two rounds of the tournament. Clementine chimed in as any further matters where tabled mainly to see the full growth of the two adventures which he had become so close to.
-On The Main Arena Floor-
Rita steadies her breathing as she looked up at the war troll Go Gin. This would be a tough match glancing up at the balcony where the emperor and empress were seated watching her. Kathrin, most of all, gave her a proud, if not encouraging, stare. This would be a test of her growth. She had beaten leinas, nimble, and bardic in the four-way match.
For this fight, she chose to use her new two-handed sword, a gift from Kettor, for finding the leader of the parasites, with a round shield strapped to her arm. Despite the considerable troll's size and armor, all she needs to do was avoid the club and find the weak spots in the armor.
Rita bowed slightly to the troll out of respect. "Hello sir Go Gin, I'm Ritana Enruos strongest of the Four Imperial Knights. Let us have an honorable duel."
Ritana bites her lip nervous she was slightly stronger than this troll, but not by much and without her magic to fall back on against a troll's regenerative abilities even without the armor, it would be a hard fight.
"Let us have a fine battle, lady knight."
Ritana raised a brow at the respectful tone. "I am surprised you acknowledge my name; the last troll wouldn't do so before I burned him to ash with my sword."
"Yes, unlike most of my kind I have lived with, I have learned long names do not show a human's strength. I won't hold back for this fight."
Rita grins, raising her sword, activating [ability boost], and [greater ability boost] before shouting. "Then let us see which of us is stronger." Fainting a frontal charge before sidestepping the club by a few feet. Bringing her sword down with [heavy strike] and [twin fold slash].
To her frustration, she pushed the troll's arm down but didn't make him drop the sword or dent the armor. Retreating back out of range of the club, lady Kathrin and lord Kettor must know she had trouble breaking through armor like this on death knights. This would be a real test of her skills. She would not lose like the fight with Rediavine at Phovine.
Sheathing her sword and moving back as she pulled out her bow and arrows quickly shooting off five blunted arrows with [heavy blow]. At least denting the armor where they hit, forcing her to block with her shield grunting at the force of the hit.
Managing to stay on shaky legs with a grimace. 'I can only take a few more hits like that.' Redrawing her sword as she charged to meet the troll ducking under the swing. She needs something more to have a chance of winning this; she needs more. Digging deep, she would not be weak like phovine again this to be faster and stronger shouting out. [superior ability boost]
She brought her sword up with as much force and speed as she could muster, feeling the increase as her muscles burned. Hearing a loud clank and a grunt from Go Gin. Widening her eyes in shock to see the spot she had shot earlier dented in.
Seeing the arm let go of the club, she jumped on to it, flinging herself on to his shoulder, steadying herself. Spotting an open slot in the armor thrusting her sword deep with a [heavy strike]. Hearing more grunts of pain, sweating as she pulled back and jumped off the shoulder before she could be hit. Rolling to her feet with a proud stare, she could do this.
Watching as the troll removed the left arm of the armor. Seeing the damage heal, this still wasn't enough hissing in irritation, if Rita could use her fire spells, the damage wouldn't be healing.
"I have heard you use fire magic. If you had not agreed to avoid using it, those attacks would be far more effective. By the way, you keep dodging my blows, you must use your wings of magic and speed in place of defensive martial arts."
Ritana frowned, trying to think of some way to stop his healing without fire magic. Go Gin was right. Gaining a sly grin if nothing else this new martial art Rita had unlocked was helping, but the extra drain on her stamina was tiring her out quick. She needs to end this quickly.
Panting as she charged side-stepping the club again and ducking under the swing spinning with a [heavy blow] and [twin slash]. Forcing the troll to step back as ritana was grunting from the force on her arms. He must have activated a martial art. Still, she managed to cut through it seeing the blood as the wound closed.
Growlings she would not be weak again, she wouldn't fail again thinking hard pushing her body to the limit of its strength. Trying again and again to find another soft spot, Rita got more reckless and desperate to find a solution without her magic.
'Have my spells become such a crutch for me that I can't even beat this opponent without it!' Screaming in her mind as hse used her shield to tank another hit sliding back. Panting as sweat rolled down her head, her helmet knocked off after the last attack.
Feeling the darkness of her undead command voice screaming to be let out. Growling as her eyes changed, tinted orange feeding off her weakness.
"You are powerful for a young Knight to damage my armor and push me so much. Even still, without your magic, you will lose this match. You should stop before you die and come back when you are stronger."
Despite the respectful tone, ritana refused she would prove she was strong that all her training wasn't useless. " No, you said you won't hold back, so neither will I!"
Rita could not explain the rush she knew she should back down, glancing up at the worried eyes of Kettor. She needs to break her limit to reach farther, locking eyes with mistress Kathrin. Feeling her heartbeat race with a calling to keep going all out.
Seeing the club coming down at her instincts, screaming to move, she ignored them. Rita would show why she was strong without resorting to magic every time 'Don't die. Break your limits.'She heard a strange voice with a shiver of her body. Not noticing her sword alight with four colored flames along with a bright blue aura around her body, her now orange eyes glowing as sweat rolled down her body. Feeling pain as she pushed her arms to break this club. To not end with a defeat like Rediavine.
Instead of another [heavy strike] and [twin fold slash], she screamed out. "[Flaming shell aura] and [Four flames shell cracker strike]" Two new ones bringing with it a wave of fatigue and pain gritting her teeth forcing her self to move and stand her ground.
The force of the wind and heat flung her back, skidding on the ground, digging her shield into the dirt to stop her momentum. Hearing a scream of pain, forcing her self to look up at the sight of the magic club broken in four places and scorched. The troll's armor was sheered with four scorched lines. The trolled burned with dancing green, red, yellow, and blue flames.
Rita failed to rise hissing in pain; her arms felt like they were on fire. As did most of her body grunting, taking several minutes to stand on one knee. She didn't know what she just did, but go gin was cut clean through into smoking pieces his head, arms, torso, and legs.
"I said no magic casting! Go Grin!" Osk ran up to the fallen troll.
She didn't know how, but she had won she thought for sure she was going to die. Rita's body refused to move even as lord Kettor teleported down next to her with a proud smile. His gaze quickly scanning over her body for any severe injuries.
"Good job Rita. I thought I would have to jump in there for a minute." Kettor turned to the crowd as he walked to the troll Rita watches, wondering what he was going to do. Along with the audience in the arena with bated breath.
"This was an entertaining match. I think we can all agree, let us give a round of cheer for the elite four strongest Ritana Enruos."
Rita finally heard the crowd applauding loudly for her before quieting down. As Kettor motioned them to quiet down.
"However. I see no reason to see combatants die pointlessly with such skill and martial prowess. As a show of good faith that all who come here of any race may improve and show their talent. From now on, I shall have someone with revival magic to bring back all who die in tournaments in this arena from this day forward, starting with Go Gin." Walking up to the troll's body, many fearful of what kind of undead would rise.
Only to watch as he touches the trolls head softly speaking [True Resurrection} as Go Gin did not rise up an undead as they feared, but fully healed and alive. Earning shock and awe by everyone, Rita would give applause too if her arms would move.
Kettor walked back over, picking Rita up bridal style, making her blush. "You don't have to carry me. I just need a few minutes." Rita protested.
Kettor just kept walking to the entrance of the arena. "Rita, your lucky, that didn't kill you. You may be level 36, but your health is almost as totally empty as your stamina. I don't know what I would have done if you had…I felt like I was going mad watching you nearly kill yourself for a match!"
Rita looked ashamed for a moment seeing the fear evident in his gaze. Still, she had a confident smirk. She wasn't weak, and she won without magic. "I had to prove it to myself. That I could win without you having to save me every time like in Phovine."
He scowled before sighing, "Rediavine was almost double your level besides. You don't need to prove your self like Kathrin or Shalltear. I value each of you for your own merit. You are my ground when all the others just agree with me, Rita. At times I feel like I can't feel my humanity anymore. So long as I have you around to remind me, I still feel it. Being human doesn't make you weak or a bad leader; in fact, I respect your stubborn drive to be better. Just please don't scare me like that again."
Rita could see his shame he must have been thinking of when he lost it in Phovine. She would leave him like that smiling as she forced out a hiss reaching up a hand to lightly slap him.
"Alright, I promise to limit scaring you, but I will still do what I believe I should. So stop moping around about the past. I don't want to see you like phovine again. Ok?" Rita glances around the halls, not seeing any of the others.
"Where are we going anyway, and why aren't the others with you."
Kettor gently stroked her cheek. "Kathrin will handle finishing up the tournament and paperwork for me. Shalltear is taking clementine to make sure the slavery reform is inforced. The other three I gave the day off after how badly you slapped them around with your sword."
He stared into her eyes with concern and affection. As they neared the exit out of the Arena, holding her gently caressing her back and rump. His tail bringing up a healing potion to her lips. Finally, putting her down as the drink took effect standing on shaky legs.
"As for you, I am spending the rest of the day with. To make up for scaring me after being fully healed, that is. So show me your deadly womanly charms."
Rita beamed bring him into a kiss letting the exhaustion fade in the deep passionate kiss even if she was not back up to full health; it still hurt to move too fast. Feeling comfortable in his arms, which seemed afraid to let go.
"Alright, don't go wasting potions just for me though they are expensive." Ritana teased as she led him, holding hands through the streets.
"I thought my brave warrior woman wanted to walk not be carried?"
-POV change-
They giggled at each other's jokes walking down the street, not noticing Carnival watching them from the shadow of the arena entrance. Letting out a sigh of relief.
'If I had not broken Ritana's limit any faster that would have been disasters, just how much has jester altered his karma score.'
"I will have you know all I did was make sure he can't ignore it anymore. Besides, at some point, he will use it. You can't be everywhere at once. All I need is one more crack to corrupt wild magic enough in this area.."
Carnival turned to glare at the shadow she had gotten careless she was lucky, Rediavine the fool didn't push him more then he did. 'Perhaps its time to lift the veil.' Reaching out like she was going to attack only to be blocked hissing pulling her hand back.
Seeing a flashing [Invalid command: message block around Kyuketsuki still in effect till the change of turn counter.]
Carnival turned to glare at the shadow's red eyes. "What? Take your turn already!"
An evil grin showed on Jester face his flat dark red eyes practically glowing with malice. "Oh, why should I? You took so long last time. As you said, 'better they fumble in the dark to find their own paths."
"NO, come on, don't you want to attack me!" Carnival waved him to attack only to get silence.
Jester's 2D form lifted out of the floor with a mad grin. "You wanted Momonga to watch over? You got him. Now you want to play with my vampire. Pick one you can't watch both, or I will edge Momonga to embrace his darker nature as well."
Carnival screamed at the shadow, trying to punch it only to have it phase through him. "That wasn't part of the rules we agreed upon. It was those loyal to the NPC demons or the thirteen heroes."
Jester waved his finger rage showing in his eyes. "Then you ruined it by bringing the new arrivals into our game. Killing the demon deity yourself in the arena before you got another move. Between Kyuketsuki, Momonga, and your dirty tactics. My covenant of crows is down to two. I have had it! You went and lock me in here! You influenced my group without forming one of your own! Then you abuse the newly arrived players to your aid without informing them, as I did like we agreed upon!"
The shadows around them shimmered with Jester's wrath, the narrow red eyes glaring at Carnival. "We agreed upon those rules to be fair! Yet you have done nothing but cheat. I let it slide because I thought we where friends. You won't even let me out while you get to play around, do you know what it feels like to be unable to touch, smell, or taste anything, to fear touching light which will shove you back into total darkness!"
People nearby started to move away from the area at this overwhelming feeling of Jester's hate."Not anymore, we play by the rules from now on or no restrictions at all, so choose one or watch what I do next!"
Carnival could only watch the shadow vanish back to the admit realm with a clenched fist. It seemed she pushed too far again. "Dam it, Muketsu, Get back here! Please, I didn't mean to hurt you. But you have to let YGGDRASIL go this isn't a game anymore!"
She pleaded to Jester. The shadows burned her and the entrance forcing her to [teleport] out of danger, still seeing the red warning.
Only the words 'choose one month' burned into the roof near her. Feeling regret rise, she had screwed up again, trying to do the right thing. But her sister didn't see it; this wasn't a game anymore. These weren't just NPCs and Players. These people's lives were in their hands. They could either be like the eight greed kings destroying all they touched or like the six god players saving and improving the lives of others as best they could.
-End of Chapter –
Elite four ranking 1-4
Ritana Enruos level 36 Hero rank/ Bardic Tamber level 32 Hero rank/ Leinas Rockbruise level 30 adamantine rank/ Nimble Arc Dale Anoch's level 29 Adamantite rank
superior ability boost- Improved version of greater ability Boost that dramatically increases the total strength and speed past normal limits. May damage weapon or armor of both user and enemy if used on tougher materials
Flaming shell aura- channels the focus of the user to numb and absorbs damage that would usually kill them. Burns and push back anything, trying to hurt them for a massive amount of focus. Boost the destruction of [four flames shell cracker strikes] when used together. Doing so also damages the body if they can't take the combined strain of the two martial arts.
Four flames shell cracker strike- by combining [heavy strike], [two fold slash], and [Flaming shell aura] this martial art is created. Covering or surrounding their weapon with four-color flames. To cut through armor and weapons depending on their warrior spirit. These four strikes also block any kind of healing for a short time. Considerably demanding in focus and damaging to the user's arms if they can't support the stamina needed.