Author's note: I don't own overlord!
This will be posted by 2/18/2020 I think I am finding a grove to this turns out I didn't have to turn in a full research paper only the thesis. This allowed me time to write another chapter. Until May 17/2020, I don't know if it will stay way but hoping I can keep this up, only two chapters away from the 2/3 thirds way done with this story. This story will be completed in chapter 30.
Chapter 18 The better part of valor
- Azerlisia Mountains-
The Quagoa clans didn't oppose him or his group as they moved through the tunnels. He was still trying to think of what the best use for them would be. They were not dwarfs, and his original plan was out still Bardic lived among humans, so there had to be more somewhere else.
The white-furred Quagoa, Kazu was leading them the last bit of the way through the tunnels. To the old dwarf city, they renamed Ru Yozune after the hero, who led the charge to wipe out the dwarfs. It had taken a day's travel to get there, which gave Ainz time to think about what he would demand of them. Learning the relatively new Zo Agrmos clan lived near the entrance with only about 7,958 total; the other nine clans lived in Ru Yozune with one clan living close to the dragons.
'The dragons are the most useful with their bodies having had many uses along with their treasure hoard. Once I have those how much use would they have to Nazarick alive.' At the very least, he needed to earn their respect, but these Quagoa only seemed to respect strong warriors and the rare ores which they eat as a young age determining the strength of their claws and fur. They might not even know how to make armor or weapons, let alone magic weapons? Which would take more of an investment then he would need with the dwarfs. At this rate, he might have to gain them like the lizardmen with an overwhelming show of force.
Glancing at Zayusu as they walked down the dark tunnels, Cocytus had done an excellent job so far, and it would be a start to his idea of having humans and demi-humans close to each other. Plus, he doubted he could trade them much of anything they didn't already have. At least until he imaged them using armor or shields, they must have some weakness. Which he could have armor made for them or exploit if they tried to attack them again.
Then they came before the fortress city of Ru Yozune, finding further proof the Quagoa would take a lot of work. they had not even repaired damage to the fortress. "Albedo, how soon do you think it would take to repair the walls. Along with getting a school and tradesmen training center going here."
Albedo yellow eyes gleam, yet it took her only a few seconds to answer. "Three months for a few Alpha Havens and training center. The walls would take at least a year; this may take longer to get a few trainers and trained teachers to come here."
Ainz hummed another idea that came to mind. Perhaps they could be a testing group for some of his ideas.
"What are Alpha Havens?" Zayusu asked as the gates opened for them.
"A place for all people to learn knowledge of present and past. Which will help them and a haven for offered children or those affected by disasters like the demon emperor's attacks. They are named after a demon maid I captured and free from Jaldabaoth in our last battle."
"So even powerful demons are no match for you, lord Ainz."
He resisted urging to correct Zayusu taking in the city. The inside was in even more need of repairs. With holes and damaged structures patched or weakly reinforced. Proving they would be a potential ally in the future, but for now, he would have to force them into submission. Building them back up from scratch would be the best route. Letting out a sigh as they came within sight of what was once a grand council building, now like most of the rest of the city without lights aside from a few glowing crystals.
"You must be the skeleton who frightened them. Is your master the dark elf child or the dark knight to your side."
Leading them to the meeting room where Pe Riyuro has golden fur and wears a brown loincloth. As a leader, he was wearing a cloak and crown with a nearby cage of lizards in it.
Ainz watches the king of the Quagoa clans; he pulled out a lizard from the cage to eat. Riyuro was the only one he had seen wearing clothes of any kind so far. The king didn't show fear of him as the guards around the room block their exit.
"They told me you were strong but only saw one of you fight. I killed them for such cowardice. Your pursual of this goal to fight the dragons is foolish. Apologize for killing them, and I might decide to only enslave you both. Before ending your skeleton," Riyuro glared switching between Aura and Albedo.
"It seems my thoughts about you were correct."
"If you mean that I would not bow to a skeleton, a dark elf child, a lizardman, and some strange human without a show of skill, then yes. I will not risk my people's survival on weak invaders."
Time to start off strong, Ainz unleashed his dark halo over the room, making Pe Riyuro drop the lizard he was about to eat. Frozen in fear as he was forced to his knees by this overwhelming pressure.
"Aura, please use it on everyone in this city. I want them to see the despair they will face if they refuse my terms a second time."
"Yes, lord Ainz" pulling off the scroll on her back aura, unrolled it painting the brush. As the king and every one of the clans in the city found themselves in a mist-filled cavern city. Now saw the familiar home nowhere in sight. Around them was a lake of blood as bodies of unknown Quagoa lay all around them. Some of them rising as undead staring and encircling all 80,000 people with overwhelming numbers.
The Hanzros were already watching the exits in case they tried to escape. He left Zarusu outside with Aura in case a player was hidden in here somewhere now would force them to strike. Albedo stood by his side, ready for battle time to show off his practiced acting skills.
"You have refused and proven that your scouts where liars. However, as the other clan did not oppose me, they shall be spared."
Allowing Albedo to step in front of him her ax ready, he had restricted her to not using magic unless necessary. "To test your worth, you may pick 10,000 to fight my queen. She is still upset with your slight. After this trial, you will hear my requests, or I shall cull this city's numbers down to 15,000. If you try to run, I will take it as a second slight to our kindness."
Pe Riyuro's eyes shrunk to pinpricks at the sight and smell of the horror around him, realizing he should have listened. Ainz would have changed his approach, but his theory proved correct. Waiting for the Quagoa king forces, but he was shaking as he picked a selection to attack Albedo.
Ainz could see they didn't use magic, favoring only rush tactics with large numbers. None of them showed any extraordinary skills or tactics, along with no weapons or armor. Leading him to the conclusion, the dwarfs of this region must have been weak. To fall to simple overwhelming numbers of demi-humans with weapon resistant hides and sharp claws. Guessing lightning or fire might be their weakness.
It didn't take long at all for Albedo to return to his side her armor clean of blood or guts. Watching the Quagoa King fall to his knees, splashing blood around him.
"Here are my demands. You are now vassals of the sorcerer kingdom. My laws are your laws, and everything the dragons have will be divided as I see fit. I will send one of my guardians here to watch you as he is tasked with governing the lizardmen. Do you submit or should I.." Ainz left the question hanging.
Pe Riyuro raised his head to look deep into those flaming red eyes. He had lost the chance to bargain and struggled to speak. "Yes, we submit your rule, your majesty, please no more Kazu shall lead you to the dragons."
Even as they were transported back into the center of Ru Yozune, where the body parts of the fallen had been piled up. Ru held back tears before he could morn the dead or bury them.
[mass create undead: low tire]
Black goo swarmed over the mass of bodies creating hundreds of towering death golems. With tower shields, deadly giant swords, and clad in dark armor like the other five they had seen. Any hope Ru Yozune felt was crushed by the sight of so many monstrous golems of death. If each one of them could do even a tenth of what Queen Albedo could, they would never be able to break free of this monster.
"These death knights shall protect you and keep watch over your city. Zarusu will stay here to explain the rules when Cocytus arrives, I expect you to obey him as you would me."
After a quick message to Cocytus to come to greet the Quagoa. Kazu continued to lead them deeper into the tunnels to the three trials. Pass them is where the dragons holding up in the old dwarf capital.
-Dwarf Capital City-
Ainz was a little surprised at how quickly the first dragon surrendered to them. Though he was rather thin and weak for a dragon. Albedo and Aura met back up with him, and Kazu, after the last Quagoa clan, refused to side with them too fearful of the dragons. The lead dragon himself had been far too arrogant and died with only one [grasp heart]. Now, he needed a way into the vault taking in the mountain of treasure hoard the dragon had with gems and gold, which didn't compare to Nazarick's vault.
As the three female dragons left to go gather the other dragons, leaving the trio alone with the dragon body. Before he could think more of the matter of opening the vault without a unique item, the area darkened. Which was an odd choice if someone was going to attack, considering all of them could see in the dark.
"Greetings, Lord Ainz, might I bargain for that dragon lord's body."
Aura and Albedo went on alert at the shadow projection of Jester. Bowing to him before coming closer to the group halting between the dragon corpse and them.
"Jester Troop, I presume. Why would I give you the dragon's body."
Shalltear had told him of this admin,' so he knew what to expect. This was his first time meeting her shadow in person. More to the point, what reason would she want the body of a dragon she couldn't even touch. Unless there was more, the Admin was hiding from Kyuketsuki. What did she mean by dragon lord? Was that a class of dragons in this new world?
Jester giggled at him as if reading his mind. "I can't read your thoughts like my champions. But I'm guessing you are wondering what I could give in return. I assure you it will be worth the trade. I can even give processed items of every part of this dragon. Double if I must please, I will even unlock the vault behind the throne."
Hearing the offer what Jester was putting on the table made her sound desperate to get this dragon body. She wasn't even waiting for him to think about the proposal before adding more on. Already it sounded like he was gaining more from this deal then she would.
Which put him on edge, there was no way Jester would be going to such lengths unless there was something special about dragons. Was something about dragon lords special? Would he bee trading away a dangerous weapon if he agreed.
The only way to find out would be to watch what she did. If she turned on him, he could cast either a large fire spell or lightning spell and dispell this darkness zone. If need be, any future dragon lords or dragon corpses would need a high priority to be watched. He would not let some secret weapons fall into the hands of Nazarick's enemies.
"Aura and Albedo stand down, but stay alert."
"Before I agree, why just this dragon."
Jester's red mouth smiled as she approached the body. "Shalltear told you of world gem shards yes. They are pieces of this world's WCI, even small pieces hold tremendous power Equal to other WCI's. But this is only a fraction of the world gems' real power and ability."
Ainz stared at Jester, trying to figure out what this had to do with the dragon's body.
"What you don't know is the shards are hidden within the souls of this world's original magic users. Even this false dragon lord keeps a small one hidden watch."
Before Ainz could react, Jester was already doing something.
Jester held out her hand at first nothing happened before the blue scales twisted and morphed colors shining brightly as a draconic scream of pain could be heard. Ainz could see the dragon soul being pulled into a dark unseen vortex as it sucked in the soul.
There was a colossal pulse of blinding darkness as in place of the dragon lords' body was now a large pile of items Ainz knew where products created with the dragon parts. Near Jester was a small, shining crystal shard Jester stepped back with a wave of her hand. The massive vault doors opened Jester fell to her knees, panting.
"This shard I leave to my champions friend beware of those…" Jesters projection fades out of view with a wide smile. As the [darkness zone] disappeared out of sight with the administer.
Ainz wearily walked over to the pile, bending down to pick up the gem. Hearing whispers of the dead dragon's voice tell him of its power. The old dragon had lost all his pride or anger now speaking like the death orb. He knew now why Kyuketsuki was so secretive seeing firsthand the power of an administrator to bend the world around them. Neither Albedo or Aura saw what had created this shard, but its capabilities, even if limited, were dangerous.
He had to think carefully about what to do with this situation. Clutching the gem in his hand first he had to sort and transport all this then mark up what to share with the Quagoa
-Arohdrun -
Ritana followed Evileye as they patrolled the streets waiting for the impending attack, which would be the excuse to wipe out the beast-men. Then Rita could go help Kettor save those under there care in the fallen dragon kingdom. The waiting put her on edge despite lord Kettor trying to calm her down. Her instincts told her Jaldabaoth would be waiting; she had to be ready for it her hand, never leaving her sword handle. Eyes scanning the crowd for any sight of trouble, her ears listening for any odd noise and her nose taking note of every scent around her.
"You seem tense is that demon on your mind."
Rita jumped at Evileye's question, sighing, realizing maybe she was a little too high strung. How could she not be she had to be ready for that demon she would show that weak swordsmen. Any threat which came her way would fall to her.
"Don't worry that demon will fall to emperor Kettor. I will slay him myself if I must."
Evileye stared at her before shaking her head. "How can you be so naïve?"
"What is that supposed to mean! Do you doubt lord Kettor or my strength?"
She stared down the vampire caster, daring her to say more, only getting a sad sigh. "I faced him and one of his demon maids. Jaldabaoth, Ainz, and Kettor are all monstrously powerful far beyond us. Ainz could not best that demon alone just to save the kingdom. Even Kettor seems wary to fight him if both of them are this cautious what do you think you can do."
"I will fight him and win; he must have some weakness. Even if I can't, Kettor will crush him without trouble."
Evileye stopped and locked eyes with Rita questioning the warrior's sanity. Then again, she had fought the war troll Go Gin alone. Perhaps she was already mad enough to have no fear. Shaking her head and resuming their patrol.
"You just don't understand looking at me like Brain did. Questioning my supreme being Kyuketsuki and questioning his chosen knight. He chose me for my strength and unwavering sense of justice. Why can you two just have faith in this fact? I heard my father talk like both of you before, defeated and bending the knee to monsters like Eight Fingers."
"Maybe your father was smart and saw a battle he couldn't win."
Ritana moves like lightning, slapping Evileyes mask. Huffing in rage at those words, she might still love her father, but he was a greedy coward.
"Don't you dare! My father could have chosen the harder path he should have thought of his family! Instead, he spent his nights doing Eight Fingers' dirty work and took their money. He traded his honor and respect for greed and murder even after my mother grew sick and died poisoned by his 'friends'. Even after I saw him get killed by that stupid belly dancer bitch. Even after our noble family vanished overnight, and I wandered the streets penniless, I never once considered trading my morals for coin or comfort. I have sacrificed a peaceful life and noble titles for my honor, and I will not start now!"
Marching ahead, Rita tried to calm down, but her father had forever lost her respect the night he let mom die. She would reforge her family name and redeem the dishonor her father had brought the family name. Ritana had a promise to her mother to keep. Demon or not, she would be better.
Catching up, she glanced at Evileye before sighing. "Sorry about that. My father is a sore subject for me."
…
When Rita got no answer, she tried changing the subject.
"So how did you become a vampire."
Evileye looked away before sighing. "I just became like this one day, and everyone I know was an undead. Many blamed be for it before I joined the thirteen heroes that came to my kingdom one day."
"Landfall?" Rita whispered her father had a family member who lived there before it vanished. Truth be told, none of her books she read said much about landfall even their appearance was a mystery. Giggling at her imagination at what Ritana envisions the vampire looking like. A blonde girl shorter then Ritana was not one of those options.
"I'm a little surprised you know that name. Don't repeat it, please."
"I only know of the name our family Archives had some relative-
Rita snapped her ears to the sound of clashing swords and screams rushing off down the road finding the beast-men. Seeing most of the animals getting butchered by blood knights and vampire brides. Eivleye caught up, ready to fight shooting off [Crystal Lance]. Seeing almost no need.
"No need the undying guard has this covered."
Ritana focused on searching for anyone in danger, not seeing many she just kept alert. Before hearing two screams looking over, she saw two cloaked figures rushing away. Running at full speed, she could not catch up, only seeing them vanish over the wall gritting her teeth. Even with [grasshopper legs] and all three ability boosts, they were too fast to catch up to the three. Rita wears a weak smile; if nothing else, she would get her chance to prove herself.
They must have a fly spell, and stronger speed-boosting spells lady Kathrin had told her about. This was all the proof she needs to know that the twisted demon must be involved. Too bad lady Kathrin had forbidden her from telling any of the Blue Rose team before they could run away.
-Outside Arohdrun the Next Day-
A vast army of eight legions of humans, elves, and demihumans along with two legions of undead in total 100,000 troops stood before kettor with Blue Rose and his elite four standing behind him. Next to him stood lady Tearus (Shalltear) and Clementine with her head showing the rest of her body hidden by the cloak.
" Today the new beast-men kingdom has shown they care not for borders or boundaries. As much as it pained me, I was willing to leave them be so long as they didn't attack your homes and cities, which I protect; however, they have just attacked though my guards kept most of our people safe A mother and her young daughter. Where taken."
He shifted to his true form letting his blood lust aura wash over the crowd. "They dared take those under my protection, so I must go to save them as your emperor. I will go alone if I must as I would hunt down injustice done to any of you under my protection. But I will not ask you to throw your lives away in a war for me. I ask you to fight these gluttons beast with me for the future safety of your loved ones, friends, and children they will target next if we don't show them we are not weak like the dragon kingdom. If you believe like me that such atrocities should not be allowed to happen. Step forward and join me in showing them our fangs."
Evileye was surprised by the speech he had gathered them here, but unlike any other king, she knows. He wasn't telling them to fight. He was asking them to fight for what they believe was right. She felt a shiver run down her spine by the power he commanded watching in shock as with one tremor, all of them stepped forward without hesitation.
Kettor smiled at their dedication and the trust they placed in him to lead them into battle.
"Very well then once Kathrin opens the gate follow me, and we shall show them if they step into the empire, they shall respect our laws and people, or they shall be bled dry."
A rush of courage filled Evileye as the army of the empire cheered without an ounce of hesitation or fear. As he shifted back, a massive vortex of darkness open Blue Rose followed Kettor and his people through the [gate], which appeared.
Kettor stepped through it to the almost bare and harsh mountains seeing Kathrin and beyond her was the city walls of Oasi Casemar. Rage boiled unseen as he saw the city they had threatened those under his protection worse, these beasts had no care for life. Hearing from his shadow demons how they ate humans of any age, almost making a game of torturing them. He marched forward with a bloodthirsty gleam in his eyes his loyal army following him forward, stopping as he raised his hand to stop the march. Looking up at the beast-men on the wall, he saw tiger men and a few others before spotting a small demon on the wall, hissing.
'Something is not right the beast-men don't work with demons did they summon it.' He had yet to meet any demon summoners or infernal casters; he would have to be cautious most infernal caster or summoners were at least level 50.
"Open your gates, surrender, and let us talk peacefully. Refuse, and it shall be an act of war with the empire for threatening our safety and violation of our laws of conduct."
A caster tiger woman stepped forward, throwing a [fireball] down at him. The low-tire spell was blocked by his high tire immunity to weak spells and attacks. Smiling up at the beast-men tribes feeling his blood lust rise as he shifted to his true form.
"Very well, we shall not stop until you agree to stop any further attacks on our people or until every single savage is captured or wiped out from the dragon kingdom."
[endless shadow hands]
From his shadow, uncountable numbers of hands reached up above the high walls which the beast-men thought protected them, grabbing them and pulling hundreds down. Bodies being crushed as they impacted the ground at terminal velocity, those who were not pulled down watched in horror casting spells or shooting arrows at him. None of these weak attacks hurt him in the slightest.
As the blood of the fallen gathered in his blood pool waiting to be used, he draws out his saber. [triple Plasma style: death dragon rising] the ground trembled as three huge crimson dragons burst out from under a section of the wall causing many more beast-men to fall to their deaths as a large opening in the towering walls of the city fell.
"Charge! Kill any beast-men who does not surrender!"
"Kathrin and Shalltear, you are acting commanders. Clementine, I want the top of those walls cleared, then help below. Blue Rose and my elite four follow me."
They all rushed to act, but Kettor didn't have time to watch them; this was war now but a necessary one. He would keep his promise to Jircniv; he would make the Baharuth Empire prosper without having to worry about constant raids of beast-men. Despite his show of power to force a surrender, they attacked. Kettor had no mercy for any who could not see they had lost already.
So far, the battle was somewhat one-sided as his army washed over the shocked and scattered defenders. They could do nothing to stop Kettor as he really didn't need Blue Rose or his four at this moment. Though once they spread out further away from the main fighting, they started fighting as Kettor cut a path through tiger and bear beast-men to the castle linked to the wall towards the enormous domed building where his tactical mind told him the leader would be.
Cutting through all who blocked his path with ease, hearing the fighting spread out. Across the city, he would have to depend on Kathrin and Shalltear to lead them. The lives of those they led were in their hands. Once, he had the leader, who, like most demi-humans, was probably the strongest they should break easily.
Smashing down a door with a dead tiger man into a training area with a sparring ring. Glancing up, he could see he was close once Kettor was inside; he could just let Blue Rose and Ritana pick off guards and warriors while he crushed the leader and paraded the body and or head around to break the morale of the enemy fully.
Before he could think about this plan, all of Blue Rose gasped and took a step back while his four elites jumped in front of him.
His eyes looked forward to four maids with pride masks and Demiurge standing there in his vermilion suit with a pride mask of his own his razer claws out. Staring at his group. His mind ground to a halt; what was Demiurge doing here?!
"I see you have come for these two sooner than expected."
Demiurge waved to the mother and child behind him, chuckling, earning a growl from Ritana. Drawing her swords out, stepping closer to the maids and Jalbadoth, the other three followed hesitantly.
"Jaldabaoth, you might have succeeded in destroying my world, but you will not take this one!"
"Return both of them now, monster!" Rita screamed out, barely holding herself back from charging.
Kettor trembled as he struggled to think up a plan, which would include either having to fight Demiurge and the Pleiades or risk showing his connection to them. "Blue Rose, go back and circle around to clear out the beast-men ahead in the main building."
Demiurge chuckled darkly, "Don't make a promise you can't keep. Or did you fail to tell them about how I got my demon maids?"
"Rita, stay back, wait?"
Before Blue Rose could pull back as he ordered, the four Pleiades were moving to intercept them. At the same time, Ritana was charging with his elite four to deal with Jaldabaoth. Remembering Ainz telling him about Evileye having a spell, Entuma was weak too. Cursing Rita stubbornness with [time factor], he rushed ahead, blocking Solution then as gently he could grabbing her arm and flinging her back. Before charging Entuma as she attacked with her talismans careful to keep her distance from Evileye.
While Gagaran was taking on Lupusregina and Lekyus was fending off CZ. The ninjas' twins were probably dealing with Solution excellent this might be easier to pull off rushing forward he grabbed Entuma's arm before she could throw more talismans twisting her arm behind her back, as gently as he could without making it look like he was going easy on Entuma. Pinning her to the ground in a trained takedown position.
Messaging Entuma. [don't fight me too hard and play along.]
[Please, my lord, let me take that once voice as she took mine.] hissed Entuma through the link. Revealing her real voice, not the sweet cute one of her lip bug.
Making a show of holding Entuma down, he glanced up at Evileye, vengeful, petty hate bubbling up. Entuma was one of his favorite Pleiades, so her being hurt deserved a rebuke back. He could deny the request that would be the right thing to do. But his heart wanted to make Evileye hurt.
'Don't be weak you want to sell this fight; just say you slipped up. Besides, the little vampire is getting ready to cast something that will hurt Entuma if we do nothing.'
He let loose a deep growl at this unable to suppress his desire hiding a dark smirk as he 'wrestled' with Entuma.
[I will give you a window but no killing the vampire, only main her.]
"Entuma fight Jaldabaoth's control. I know your in there."
"I shall not betray my master. [Spine beetle swarm]"
Entuma freed one arm aiming as if to target him. He gave a fanged grin that only Entuma could see. Silently casting [redirect evil] and [silence curse].
"You will be free of his control with this 'refresh mind'!" Kettor yelled, forcing Entuma on to her back, knocking off her mask and looking into those beautiful red eight eyes.
[Call off your insects and act like your knocked out for a few minutes. Once I call your name. Wake up and join my side. If Ainz needs you, have him message me so we can work around each other's plans.]
[Yes, my lord, thank you for this kindness.]
He gathered his thoughts, looking up with a horrified gaze as Evileye tried to scream or cast a spell. The beetle had cut up the casters close badly, her arms reaching up to a cut on her neck. No sound left her lips as she silently screamed in pain, the curse taking effect around Evileye's throat as she passed out.
Glancing over the rest of Blue Rose, Tina and Tia were indented in a wall passed out. Lupus had Gagaran pinned and badly hurt, and Lekyus was holding off both CZ and Solution herself.
He rushed at Solution first, holding back as much as he could, throwing only a few hits and knocking her away. Before turning to CZ blasting out a powerful [Slime jet] even boosted up to fourth, it still did little damage only pushed CZ into Lupus, giving the last to conscious members of Blue Rose time to get up.
"Are you two, alright?"
"Hardly, we need to pull back and regroup."
Before they could talk more, a loud scream was heard, gaining all their attention at his four knights. Three of them were bloodied and knocked out on the ground. Demiurge had Ritana impaled through her right shoulder. Both her swords shattered on the ground with her armor dented and with gashes in parts.
"Such a lovely sound your follower makes. Too bad, they were a little too headstrong. Maids fall back." Demiurge called as he held his claw to Ritana's throat.
CZ pointed her rifle at the mother and daughter quivering.
Kettor had thousands of conflicting emotions about this, but he had to keep up the act. "Entuma return to your true master."
Lekyus and Gagaran were frozen with shock and horror as Entuma did not return to stand with the other maids but stood by lord Kettor's side.
"Oh, you undid my control over her, an interesting trick you picked up. But now you have a choice save these two humans you protect and allow me to leave with my replacement toy or watch CZ kill them, and I shall leave your dear knight."
Kettor's body trembled as he looks at Ritana fearful amber eyes before turning to the mother holding her ten-year-old daughter close with pleading eyes. His heart and mind where being ripped between his promise to his people and his lover Rita growling in building aggravation. Why did Rita not take his warning more seriously?
He couldn't blow his cover that would ruin Kathrin's dreams, he couldn't reveal his connection to Jaldabaoth. He was trapped unless he could unravel Demiurge's plan. 'I should have paid more attention to what Demiurge was doing dam it.'
"Stop stalling behind hostages and fight us, you, coward! We took back one of my dear friend's children! Stop changing the script!"
Darkness swirled around Kettor like sand, his claws twitching enraged at his lack of foresight. Panting heavily as his tail thrashed, his slime wings wide. Red eyes glaring and pleading with Demiurge to explain what he was supposed to do.
"This is all part of the plan lord Kyuketsuki. All you have to do is decide who needs to be punished and reeducated."
Pointing to the mother and daughter hugging each other. "Your foolish Faithless new people."
Then bringing his claw to Ritana's neck, making a small red line on her kneck as she grunted in pain. "Or your rebellious knight too foolish to listen to your warning."
Sitabus resisted the urge to gulp or show fear. He would not show concern even as he realized what Demiurge was asking. His people under his protection who still had doubts or Ritana. Understanding Kathrin helped plan this event. Or was he just being coy for their audience did it matter would he risk the lives of the many on the knight of his humanity?
Wouldn't doing that just show how much he lacked it. He would lose what little amount of humanity he had left. Trading one life for so many others, no matter how much it hurt, was not Right. Even if every part of him screamed to let them burn. Giving a sadly disappointed frown at Ritana.
[Rita, I'm sorry, but I warned you, survive till I find you.]
"Fine, have CZ lower her weapon, Jaldabaoth. but know I will find you and stop you this time."
Demiurge gave a bow looking him right in the eyes. "I look forward to seeing you try. Though I wonder if your knight will still be worthy of you by then. If you can find my hidden path."
With the clue and final words, they vanished from sight as Kettor rushed over, checking over them both. Aside from a few cuts and scrapes, they looked fine. "It's ok, I am here to bring you home. Your husband was worried."
"Blue Rose stay here and keep them safe if they die; you will be punished harshly.
Becking Entuma to follow as they moved to take the domed building. Not wanting to answer any questions until he could think up a proper lie to sell 'turning' one of the demon maids. "It is good to finally talk with you Entuma was that satisfactory to your request."
"Yes, Kyuketsuki-sama, thank you for such a reward. What are my new orders." Entuma summoned a mask bug to cover her face.
As they travel, it was much faster not having to slow down as Entuma could keep up with him mercilessly killing every beast-men they could find. Quickly finding their way to the center of the building, where Demiurge must have left notes. At least he prayed, so otherwise, this whole war was going to be very uncomfortable. Hopefully, they would be the worst of his surprises to find.
After the city was taken and most of the beast-men dead now came the harder part. The empire's army could only bring limited supplies. Being Middle Fire, they had four months to end this war, not just for his troop's food supplies. The city's of the fallen dragon kingdom had to resort to cooking the slaughtered beast-men army because of how little was left in the way of food.
He had taken 80,000 dead beast-men and turned them into undead or vampires to supply them with more troops so he could split his army to quickly take the fallen dragon kingdom and limit the strain on their supplies. He also wants very few casualties. So far, taking the city had only lost them, 100 good men and women.
After a [mass true resurrection], they were brought back and sent home to train back up what levels they lost after dying. Looking up to Kathrin, Shalltear, and Clementine gathered in one room that was used for the army near the trident gates, three of the five city gates which were close together.
"Shalltear you will go east of here with two living legions and six undying legions. Avoid losses of the living troops as they will take time to retrain and get back into the fight."
"I shall not disappoint your expectations."
Subtly nodding to Kathrin, she would explain what would be expected of Shalltear. It was a risk to give Shalltear command of an army. But he wasn't giving it to Clementine, Velvet needed to stay behind to keep order in the Baharuth Empire. Ritana needs to be found, and Kathrin was his link to the information of the overall army, so there just wasn't a choice.
"Clem-chan, we don't have time to hunt all these vermin, so you will go with Malga. Along with a small group of undead assassin save humans, you can mop up all the villages and cities we don't get to."
Clementine grinned wide with sadistic joy. Really the beast-men clans had themselves to blame. He offered them peaceful talks.
"Now both of you go talk to Leinas and Nimble. They will tell you who you will be commanding and leading. Shalltear, Kathrin will say what I expect before we leave tomorrow."
Once alone, Kettor gazed at Kathrin, contemplating how he should say this. He was furious about this turn of events. Even if he understands in some way why Kathrin had gone about using these methods.
"I know you didn't want her to face him my love, but the only way for her to grow is to learn the price of disobeying advice. I made it clear he is not allowed to kill her or leave her crippled."
Standing up with a glare at Kathrin. "I asked you to help! Not get demiurge involved why did you?"
"My love, I know you are angry; however, our gifts have changed her in ways I don't understand. A lot of her Heteromorphic potential remains locked; the reason remains unknown to me. Demiurge has a broader knowledge of the subject then I do; he will help her learn and find the answer."
Turning away from his queen, she always considered all the pros and cons of any choice. If she could break through her human limits, she would not die of old age or disease. Right now, she just had an extended life span above average humans, but If she didn't further that Racial class, she would still die in time as all humans did.
Would he want this kind of life for her it had many burdens which he didn't have to face yet? How would she react? What sort of mental effect would it have would it even be worth whatever hell Demiurge considered a punishment?
'She is our loyal knight and of our only loves, would we sit and wait for the day we see her take her last breath on a death bed?'
he felt his heart twist at the thought of losing another he could save. But he didn't want to see her suffer either. Demiurge happy farm he heard of was a living hell to humans and proof enough it would be dangerous to not give Ritan some amount of safety net. Through this trial, she faced.
"Kathrin put out the candles. Jester!"
[Yes, my champion, I hear you calling what do you require.]
"Why don't you use your projection. I want to see your shadowy face?"
Kettor furiously held up his hand at the lack of physical form.
[I helped your friend gain a world gem shard. The process takes a lot out of me; I need a few days to recover my energy.]
Grimacing, he didn't have time to worry about more things.
"Fine, I need you to watch over and help Rita if she needs it."
[I shall be her guardian shadow.]
"My love that is not needed, I can…
Kettor sent a glare Kathrin's way he had to accept this was a choice. He allowed her to make, but this didn't mean he wasn't angry.
"I left the choice of how to help Ritana to you. I am very displeased with the methods used. I trust you, my queen. But Ritana is the only one I can trust not to blindly agree with me. She is the one thread I have left of humanity, and I will not risk it. As much as I love all five of you equally, I need truth at times, even if it hurts or shows I'm wrong. Otherwise, how can I be a good leader! If you don't like something, tell me, talk with me, but you're always so swift and sure to act I…"
He swiftly moves to exit the command room stopping at the door. "I need time to think come meet with me only when we are ready to set out tomorrow. From now on, please consult big decisions like this with me before assuming I know what you're thinking."
-Simmra's Fallen Temple-
Since arriving here, she had been cursing her luck having to deal with demented Admin's and her stupid, if not dependable teammates. Delight was off training his personal army to save "the worldo" as he put it. Despite Carnival telling him Upper Water month was coming, which when asking one of her new disciples was the equivalent of winter. The fool didn't even know a control weather spell to save his life. Delight would be asking his troops to march through thick snow with sparse amounts of food to be found by the time he started marching.
Simmra being the smart one of the three had found a secluded spot in a ruined temple. She didn't trust the Administrator, and so far, all Carnival did around her was threaten her, boss her around and give her dirty looks. After some thought and helping some starving people, HK was going to kill for stealing food. She found several like those around her, which became her disciples looking for some hope to cling to instead of the harsh rule of HK or the madness of Delight set on being some great hero.
Many humans, after being freed by the beast-men, where left broke, broken mentally, hungry, and/or deeply scarred. After healing them, providing much-needed food and shelter. Then giving the downturn people a purpose by helping her turn the ruined remains of the temple into a grand place, they started to worship the ground she walked on. She simply gave them kindness and understanding, and they were all too happy to become her tools.
Carnival calls her gathering a cult, but she didn't promise them anymore then shelter, food, healing, and a place to find purpose in return for their trust and admiration. Listening to them finish their prayers to her, which did wonders for her self esteem.
Despite the admin's continuous threats against her and their general attitude, making her feel like the scum of the earth for having a brain. Simmra needs far more then what HK and delight ask to start ever blindly trusting this total stranger.
Before having them, all rise, so the business of the day could begin. "That was very good Edwin now I will be leaving my fallen angels to protect you will I meet with my fellow teammates. Please continue learning those spells and being excellent to each other."
She wasn't going to call those morons gods ever! No matter what her disciples thought. If they wanted to call her a goddess, that was their choice, not hers. She would not tell them what to believe she had enough on her plate. Like trying to deal with this new body any time she tried to sleep, her tail would hug her tight and make it impossible to find a suitable resting position. Not that she didn't love the praise; if nothing else, they would be useful until she could get home. 'Probably going to have to find a new job once I do. Doubt, I can say I gat kidnapped to another world excuse.'
Opening the 10-meter high doors and walking into the city street, her gaze locked on to their fallen guild base, which had, for some reason, lost the ability to fly and crashed into the ground. Her best guess was the lackluster amount of gold in the treasury. Frowning as she saw many she couldn't help on the streets, she wasn't as foolish as delight. She could only help those who could be useful and were willing to work. They would still be on their own once she found a way back home. Let her crazy friends try to enforce harsh laws and save the world whatever that meant to them. She just wanted to get back to her seven to ten job. Her nice comfy bed and a place where she could get back to writing her books and doing something enjoyable.
[What if there is no way back. Why not become a fulltime goddess of life.]
… Simmra halted spreading out her divine senses.
[They would flock to buy any books you make.]
Looking around, she could swear it felt like a message spell for a second, but she could see no one, and her divine and infernal magic could not pick up any magic-user nearby. Simmra clears her mind chalking it up to her mental exhaustion of having to deal with the craziness. 'Bad me no plotting giving into this madness.'
This is not time to get power-hungry. Even if it was particularly appealing though her old bosses or coworkers would never praise for making them kiss her feet to show their loyalty or look at her with the reverence of a divine being.
"No, I just need to get home." Simmra was unsure if she was trying to convince herself or the voice she just heard in her head. Knowing this place was starting to grow on her in some odd way. If she didn't hurry up, she would be late again, and then Carnival would lecture her again. Grumbling to herself about that clown.
Deciding to forgo sightseeing the almost empty streets in favor of teleporting to the base.
Already in the first five seconds of arriving, they were arguing again. Simmra face palmed as the nearby angel bowed to her. One of the few she had taken down and now called her like the peasantry did as a holy being.
"Hello, lady Haruna, sorry these two are disagreeing again."
"Beast-clans or saving cities or the food problem again?"
"All three, my lady, would you like to wait for the clown to arrive."
Simmra smiled at the insult to the administrator. She really wanted to say no, trying to hide her shaking as best she could. If she was back in the real world, she would have sued Carnival or gotten her fired, but here she had to tolerate the abrasive looks and death threats. Till she could get away from them.
Letting the angel lead her to a seat with Temra as she called her personal aid stayed close by. Waiting, she knew to try to argue with these knuckleheads when they fought like this was pointless. HK was like Touch Me firm believer in following every law no matter how nonsensical it was. Whereas Delight followed the spirit of justice, doing kind acts even if they didn't always follow the rules or make sense.
To Simmra, this is why they are both stupid. They should play the game and have fun, not spend hours in a philosophical debate, the spirit of justice vs. the ideals of justice. Then again, if she had logged off early, she wouldn't be stuck in this mess.
Then firkin delight had to try and drag her into this argument; they didn't want to talk about ascetics or cool costumes and clothes or even weapons. No, it had to be about justice, ugh it was exhausting. They could be talking about what kind of jewelry to enchant to look awesome and one-shot anything that threatened them but no.
"We should stop them from eating the dead beast-men tribes! It is immoral and injustice."
"What do you propose we feed them then. In case you haven't noticed, people have resorted to stealing what food they can because of how hungry they are. Simmra, you agree with me, right."
She stared at them both before sighing, turning to Temra. "Please gather some of my disciples and get them to start growing crops bless the fields to speed up the growing time. Plant as much food as you can. Then send out some of my scouts to see if other meats are available, if not keep using the Beast-men meat."
This left both of them gaping, apparently forgetting the angels of this base could use their blessing to grow food for the more human NPCs of what was left of the guild base. Or any who needed to eat, but of course neither of them had taken time to learn about this before rushing in.
Then again, this and the fact they were willing to work with her schedule is why they had gotten together in the first place. Then she straightened up as her senses picked up HER arriving.
Staring at the door as some woman walked in next to the admin' who was glaring at her like usual. Simmra kept quiet as HK listened to why Carnival brought this strange woman in with her. Queen Draudillon, Carnival, had brought back the dead queen after she had been killed and eaten. Why Simmira couldn't understand that would be a nightmare to live with knowing she had killed half of the survivors of this city only to fail to stop them.
Gritting her teeth really, she was guilt-tripping them now. She was doing the best she could and being talked down to by someone. Who teleported a firkin healer/support magic caster to the middle of a battle zone alone!
Simmra almost wanted to laugh when HK Sided with Carnival and delight spoke of his grand plan. Simmra kept quiet if the queen couldn't save her city before her death what changed it now.
Trying to hear what this admin' had to say before having enough and teleporting back to her temple. She wasn't here to save the world or be some powerful being; all she wanted to do was go home. Failing that find the right spot like this temple to live comfortably and sweet life helping those who came to her or were within her power to support.
-Ritana Unknown Location-
Ritana groaned waking up her arms and legs were restrained by chains looking around she was in some kind of stone room. Her armor and gear were missing grimacing as she remembered Jaldabaoth's claws melting through her swords. She appeared to be in her plain clothes, not her own style of clothes either she was not a skirt girl. Since age ten, she refused to wear a skirt no matter what her mother tried to do to get her to wear skirts or dresses. Noticing the wooden table nearby with a sword on it. Concentrating, she activated [ability boost] [greater ability boost] and [superior ability boost] straining to break free despite her sore shoulder. Hearing the stone holding her legs crack and break one leg free.
"Fascinating so magic chains don't affect martial arts, and you can break the walls if you pull hard enough."
Snaping her eyes over to the demon's vermilion suit and smirking blue and gold mask. Straining harder managing to get her other leg free being forced to stand on her tippy toes. Glaring at the demon with a snarl, her eyes changing color unknown to her.
"I would stop if I where you or this man will die."
Jaldabaoth's infuriating voice mocked, waving to the bound man in the chair. With a set of tools on a nearby table spotting the dried bloodstains. Grunting as Rita deactivated her martial arts with a scowl of pure hate at this demon. Remembering her lords warning about being careless if she had not been so zealous, she would not be captured.
"Thank you now. I can continue my work, then I can get to you."
Rita was horrified as the demon started skinning the man right before her eyes. Obligated to save him, yet if she acted, he threatened to kill the man. Shaking with rage and conflicting emotions. Lady Kathrin was silent; usually, she would send helpful hints to Rita's mind, but now she felt alone just like that night.
"A little finger told me about your family once a daughter of an adventurer and low noblewoman. Before, they threatened to kill his family if he didn't take their money and kill for them. Until his daughter found out. You really were a daddy's girl, I wonder what it felt like to see him die a disgrace? Knowing you where weak helpless and alone like now."
Ritana hissed straining against the weakened stone. "Shut up, he abandoned us; he forgot his honor and pride for blood money."
"Don't you mean he could have done the right thing even if it got you killed." Jaldabaoth practically read her mind struggling guilt bubbling up; she pressed it back down in a forced fury. She would not be weak again, breaking the chains off the fragile stone and grabbing the sword. Rushing forward to attack him with trained practice. But something was wrong; it was angled wrong, and Jaldabaoth was not screaming; it was the bound man.
Before she could pull back those gloved hands pinned her down despite her boosted strength, it was like a troll was holding her down; all she could do was ineffectively kick at the demon. As the demon grinned, pulling off his mask. Staring at her with those sparkling diamond eyes.
"You remind me so much of a person my master hated. I will enjoy breaking you, but let me ask you, do you know why you are here?"
"Eat a holy rod! lord Kettor will find me and stop you."
He laughed at her throwing her back at the wall as pain filled her senses. Walking over to her kneeling down to stare into her eyes as if seeing the terror, she was trying to hide behind wrath.
"Lord Kettor knows to not underestimate my plans or have useless pawns who can't even follow orders. Unlike you and by the time he gets here, your going to be my masters' loyal pet. Stuck here in your private hell weak and powerless to watch me experiment on your kind."
"Sit, remain quiet, and don't move or look away until I'm done."
Rita shivered, unable to move to attack this monster tears welling up in her eyes. Was this the kind of terror, her father felt facing eight fingers. A dread that froze her up, knowing she could not outrun this monster, she could not out-think him, and he didn't even see her as a threat.
Sitting in the corner as she tried to think of some way to beat this situation, unable to look away as the poor man screamed even louder like terrible music made of suffering. As he skinned the man, her body would not listen to her; she could not even yell at this horrible nightmare.
She could only hope lord Kettor came soon to save her like he always did from this hellish place. Every so often, Jaldabaoth would glance back at her locking eyes with a twisted smile. Which said this was her punishment for something she couldn't understand.
When he was done, and the man was dragged out of the room to be healed, he turned to her losing her grip of the shell of bravery she tried to keep up as dread and terror filled her heart.
"Now, let us begin lesson one, shall we."
-End of Chapter-
