Authors note: I don't own overlord
first, I will be posting on Royal Road some time today or tomorrow. Then I tried to put up a poll you should be able to see on my profile, but no doubt anyhow have seen it that didn't work at all, and no one has gotten back to me on how to make it work. So unless someone wants to request what I brought up in the poll, tell me in a review. Same with the swords of darkness. With that out of the way on to the chapter.
Chapter 19 When your teacher is an archdevil!
-The Dragon Kingdom Secret Pass City-
Clementine giggled at the burning village of a wolf beast-men clan. Turning to the large cavern lake, which was the only obstacle keeping her from her next mission, given directly from her only Master. Licking the blood off her blades before offering a hand gesture to the vampire brides, then diving into the water.
Not having to breathe made it easy to swim through the lake quickly, seeing through the dark cavern. Clementine Found her way up to the cliff sides, scanning over the massive stone walls spotting a few beast-men patrolling the walls and cliffside with a dock for boats, gaining a wicked smile. Reaching for her blades on her belt as she crept up to the beast-men guard, her hair quickly entangled around his limbs and mouth. She giggles at the muffled scream before biting and draining the tiger man of blood.
Wickedly killing several other guards singling to a few of the vampire brides to take care of the bodies. Swiftly moving through the hallways of the wall crossing into the city hidden in the mountain valley. Licking her lips, this was going to be fun.
'Stop messing around and find Ritana! Or your ban from playing with Shalltear or me for five years.' Clementine grimaced at her Master's irritated voice. Smelling the air and picking up the fiery redhead's scent, stealthily moving through this section of the city. Suppressing her sadistic urges, her Master would not tolerate her being late. Silently walking through the dirty streets and misery around her as none dared oppose the beast-men tribes.
Passing through the walls to the second-lowest section of the city. Which was divided into seven parts with high walls and watchtowers. Watching beast-men spar and talk passing through a wooden gate where there was an overwhelming smell of blood and suffering. Spotting the old fortress where Rita was being kept.
-Ritana cell-
Ritana's eyes jolted open in the darkness of the cell as she heard something outside. Dreading it was another lesson of pain Jaldabaoth either making her watch him work or fight some of his demons. Moving her shoulder, she winced at the lingering pain she had not fully healed yet.
She regretted brushing off Brain's and Evileye's warning about Jaldabaoth after being stuck here for many days. Forced to endure the demon emperor tormenting her in new ways every time. She had learned not to trust anything about this place. He would purposefully leave openings. Which where traps every time she doubted, she could really take him on even if she had the element of surprise.
The only thing which had kept her going was Jaldabaoth wouldn't leave permanent damage for his future tool. This time alone had given her time to think and plan, but without power, something to even the field, she was stuck unable to escape. Her only hope was that lord Kettor would show up soon.
Then a loud scream and giggle-filled the air, seeing flashes of light from under the metal door. Rita allowed herself guarded hope letting her body go limp to appear asleep. Waiting for the door to open. [Aspect of Lycancat: beastly senses] the smell was different than any beast-men clan or even Jaldabaoth. Even the footsteps where lighter and quick, oddly she didn't hear breathing.
Hearing a loud bang before the door cracked open. As the strange scent walked up to her. Rita Hears, this person lick something off metal before giggling.
"You can stop pretending we don't have all night."
Beaming at the familiar face of lord Kettor's assassin, her living hair waving around her.
"Lord Kettor sent you how close is he when will he arrive?" Ritan quickly shot out several other questions. Joy filling her heart.
"Hold up, and he will explain."
Rita gave Clementine a confused look watching as her posture and stance shifted even her hair jerked oddly. When Clementine opened her eyes again, she looked depressed by Rita's state before rushing up and hugging her tightly. Clementine was not the romantic type or one to show empathy, so it was a little weird when she kissed her. Throwing Ritana's brain through a loop only partly returning the kiss.
"What?
"Sorry I could not come in person sooner, but Jester has found something unsettling. These last two months have had the army moving around a lot. Jaldabaoth hasn't hurt you too bad, right?" As Clementine's lips moved, lord Kettor's voice came out Rita recognizing the way he carried himself, it was very disconcerting seeing Clementine do this.
Tears welled up in Ritana's eyes as she was held close by Clementine/Kettor, pushing aside the matter for now. "I'm fine now that you're here you can break me out and help me stop Jaldabaoth. How close are you, and where are we?"
Clementine's body pulled back, looking away with clenched fists. "Ritana, you should know I can't come there right now. More pressing matters have come up. I can either have Clementine extract you or lend you the addition of her assassins to help you free the city."
Rita's heart dropped at this news, finally openly letting tears run down her face. She had let her emotions get the better of her, and she didn't know if she could take on the demon. While she had not broken, she gained a fear of facing Jaldabaoth, who could wipe the floor with her without trying even with her two new martial arts and unique skills of Aspect of Lycancat. She was no match for Jaldabaoth when he got serious and showed her his true form.
Remembering it still gave her nightmares at the large muscles scaley form. Helpless as Jaldabaoth used her body like a weapon to kill humans a few times. It was only thanks to her new martial art [Blazing Fortress] and this new power [Aspect of Lycancat; crimson fur] she had come out alive with only a few bruises, cuts, and broken bones.
Her body was shaking just thinking about facing that monster, her breath quickened. Unable to look at her emperor's eyes, she felt useless, unable to stop or hinder this monster. She gritted her teeth, loathing herself for being so weak it was her job to save and protect others. She couldn't even help the supreme being in fighting Jaldabaoth.
Clementine's hair pulled her chin up. "This is weird. Look at me, Rita; you survived that is all that matters to me. If you don't think you can take him, tell me, and you can spend a few days at a gentle hands center in the Empire. I will take care of Jaldabaoth. No matter what you decide, I'm proud of you and will support your decision. You are my fiery rose, and my humanity, nothing will change this."
Rita broke down again on his shoulder, gripping Clementine's cloak tightly, calming down after a few minutes. Rita struggled to calm her breathing at those words thinking of her changed view of her father. As much as she hated Jaldabaoth, he helped her sort out her feelings about her father. If he could stand up to one of six arms, then she would not run from Jaldabaoth.
"Kettor-sama, I want to, but I'm not strong enough to beat Jaldabaoth."
Clementine grinned, patting her shoulder. "Your smart Rita, remember we are here to help the people of the dragon kingdom. A city is more than buildings and walls; A city is empty without its people. save them, and this city will be free."
"What about Jaldabaoth if I face him again… Rita couldn't say it out loud as her body trembled, thinking about what horrors the demon would put her through.
Clementine hummed in thought rather than giving a fanged grin. "I have a plan to deal with Jalbadoth. All you have to do is tell Clementine and Jester what you need from them. save all those you can when you are ready, I will take care of the rest."
Rita relaxed a little but the dread of being caught by the demon. She shuddered and looks away, unable to imagine what he would do.
Clementine frowned deeply in the Corner of her eyes. "Ritana listen Jaldabaoth knows how to break people. If at any point you think he finds you say the word and I will pull you out. I won't allow him to touch you again, even if I have to destroy this whole city."
Rita gave a weak smile at this even if she would hate to see the city destroy. Better he uses something like [Kingdom of Ragnarök] then allow these poor people another day, hour or second in the hands of the demon.
Then Clementine's body jerked again, returning to her usual posture with a scowl. "You don't tell anyone he made me act like that, or you will regret it!" She hissed at Rita before pulling out an item unlocking the chains.
"Agreed! Let's go before the guard's next shift you don't have a sword for me, do you?"
"Nope not to worry; I got you covered," Clementine answered with a sing-song voice holding her stilettos.
Rita sighed, "[Aspect of Lycancat: silver claws] [Aspect of Lycancat: wild grace] I'm not helpless, you know! I would just rather have a sword in hand." Rita grunted as her arms shuttered her hands, changing into a mix of human and catlike red paws with long retractable claws. Her legs shifted and changed. Looking like cats' hind legs covered in red fur like her hair ending in catlike paws. With her cat tail doubled in length to match.
With her sharpened senses, long silvery claws (not actually silver), along with her legs and tail. Both Clementine and Rita were able to stealthily kill off several patrols of beast-men and free many of the humans being held in cells like Rita's. Rita had to leave any who couldn't walk or were too slow. She couldn't risk being caught, and they still had to get away from this section of the city.
Once out of the castle, they quickly and stealthily move through the beast-men camp, killing as many beast-men or demons as they could. Rita was a little surprised how quickly she and Clementine could deal with them. After so many lessons with the demon emperor, she had forgotten just how weak the rest of the beast-men were in comparison, even other demons were easy prey. Realizing why Jaldabaoth wanted stronger minions, she didn't need her other two Aspect of Lycancat skill or any of her magic or martial arts to dispatch them.
Coming up to the wooden walls brought up the big issue, how to get around it without alerting anyone. Glancing at Clementine, who grinned back much to Rita's confusion. Before something jumped off the nearby mountainside landing in the middle of the encampment. Followed by screams of horror and the smell of fresh blood and death.
"That will keep them distracted while we sneak through the gate. Do you want to steal some weapons from the fourth great forage or fight and move through the five fates pass where most of the humans marked as food are kept?"
Ritana bit her lip as she glanced back to the people following her. Most of them weren't in any condition to fight, but if they had weapons and armor, they could at least defend themselves. "let's go to the fourth section at least then we can start fighting back."
-Command Tent of The Empire Army-
Kathrin closed the flap of the tent, seeing the large table with the map of the dragon kingdom. Kettor, Shalltear, three of the elite knights, Magla, and Demiurge in his imp form were seated around the table.
Kathrin let a pleasant smile show their imperial legions represented by odd pieces had claimed all but five cities and six fortress towns left along with a handful of villages to clear out of beast-men. With losses Under 3000, who had to be resurrected and retrained due to the cost of bringing them back. The undying guard legions created by the beast-men corpses doubled their legions numbers. Not only was the test successful, but it had also surpassed her expectations, beaming proudly as she took her seat.
"Good, you came, my Queen now we can begin. First, I would like to introduce someone who will help us in the final battle. Demiurge, the defense strategist of the Sorcerer Kingdom."
All three of the elite knights gave dirty distrustful looks at the frog-like form of Demiurge. Clad in his vermilion suit, even in this imp form he looked very similar to Jaldabaoth. She knew if Demiurge was willing to risk showing up here, the matter was grave news.
"Emperor Kettor, why does this d..uh…person look like Jaldabaoth."
Kathrin watched her love look her way after talking about his lack of proper communication. They had been talking openly every night for the last two months after Oasi. To Kathrin's joy, she had learned much about him even if he played at not knowing as much as he genuinely did. She greatly enjoys this added private time alone with Kettor. This is why she knew by that look, he wanted her to explain.
"Jaldabaoth is a shape-shifting demon of many appearances. That demon likes to take Demiurge-san shape because he is the child of his friend he killed."
"What's this beastie's true face then?" Bardic growls, still upset that Rita was out there alone somewhere.
"We don't know Jaldabaoths true form."
Leinas came back into this conversation with another question looking at Demiurge."Why is the sorcerer kingdom sending help the beast-men will be cleared from the dragon kingdom in just another month or two? The only reason it will take that long Is the march there."
Kathrin would agree with the statement the only reason they had not ended this farce of a war. Was her loves dedication to saving as many of the dragon's, no the empires new people as possible. Otherwise, Kathrin could just teleport above each remaining city and town and obliterate it with one of her tenth tire spells.
Jester chose this time to project her shadow into the meeting bowing before taking a seat on the chair. Kathrin had to wonder if she couldn't touch anything was Jester just standing like she was sitting.
"I have been tracking the black Scripture movements. You were right; they are headed to the capital of the dragon kingdom. Worse I can sense Carnival there. I could not get close without alerting her. I don't know what she has planned, but they have the downfall of the kingdom and country with them."
Kathrin narrowed her eyes, letting out a loud hiss her mind was already working on what else the enemy of Nazaric could have in store.
Taking in the rest of the reasonably dark tent, the elite four tensed up at the administrator. Magla bubbled with cheer at the chance to serve. Demiurge frowned as he glanced at Kathrin, most likely thinking about how best to deal with this.
"Does Carnival have any players with her, did you sense any other world items?"
Kathrin watches her love question the shadow, but Jester didn't have those answers. Which meant she would have to alert lord Ainz again she would not risk her lord, her love, and creator for his pride. She would bring down this enemy without mercy or compassion. For siding with their enemy, they should know not to threaten Nazarick.
"My Empress." She snapped out of her angry thoughts to give a questioning look to her love.
"Sorry, I was spacing out what did you say."
"I asked you to gather our scrolls for information gathering. Have a few sets ready. I want to know everything about the enemy. Then gather up some spies to send in I will have six of my own ready to help."
Kathrin beamed, watching that tactical mind come alive as he gave out orders to the others. Shalltear would take eight legions and take all but the two cities close to the capital. Growing their army, taking out the beast-men while making them appear active as if they knew nothing. Demiurge would talk with Ainz while going to help Ritana out and speed up her escape of the secret pass. While She would be in charge of gathering information on the enemy. Then Jester brought up something Kathrin was unsure about.
"It would seem Blue Rose wants to see us."
All of them turned to see Lakyus leading Blue Rose into the room, all of their eyes landing on Demiurge. Kathrin was starting to see why having Jaldabaoth cause so much havoc among these sheep would cause more problems than it solved. As her love defused the situation and began to explain the discovery to the team along with their role in the new plan.
- Fourth portcullis of the city four days after Escaping-
Rita ran her red paw/hands over the black and gold dress with upper layers of leather and pieces of metal armor. Using [Aspects of Lycancat: wild grace, silver claws, Jaguar's strength, crimson fur, and beastly senses], she could blend in and walk the streets of the fourth forge section. So long as she steered clear of Jaldabaoth or his demon maids. Rita would be fine at least that is what she kept telling herself.
If her fearful heart would stop beating so fast, and her paws would stop shaking. As her eyes and ears kept scanning around her for danger expecting Jaldabaoth to appear. To confirm this was all just another elaborate trap to make her taste hope only to crush it with glee.
Glancing back at Clementine to distract herself from the injustice around her. Her face was hidden by the cloak and hood. They would have to do this job alone while most of the vampires under Clementine were busy causing havoc in the 5th and 6th sections, which is where most of the houses and central parts of the city where.
"Halt, what are your orders!"
Seeing the guards, Ritana rushed at them. She couldn't afford to be spotted. Unlike the demon, she was avoiding these demi-humans were nothing with two [twin fold slash]. Using both her claws for weapons, they couldn't even block before they died.
Clementine grumbled at being left out, but Rita had more significant worries wondering if she was even human with all her aspects; she was resistant to non-magic weapons. She could turn her nails into long claws, she could move with the superhuman speed and strength. Which Rita could only do before if she was using all her martial arts. If she stacked them on top of her aspects, she was no match for any other humans she could think of.
This was just the price of surviving Jaldabaoth. Maybe Brain was right. But if he was, she would just have to break those limits if it meant she could protect others. She would bring back honor to the Enruos name.
When no other dangers came like the first two times. Much to Clementine's dismay, this would be another quick supplies and arms run. Once they packed all the supplies, armor, and weapons, a small cart could pull. They quickly left without being spotted, but something felt off even if Rita didn't know what it was.
All the way back to the hideout, she felt like she was being watched. So, they took the long route back to the sanctuary, which was mostly an abandoned home of one of the dead blacksmiths.
Carefully opening the door, she was greeted to the site of many relieved faces of the few thousand she had saved. It still didn't feel like enough as she when around handing out food, healing potions to the sick, and mostly light armor and short swords to those that were in better condition to fight.
"Ok, that mission is done now; can you please give me something to break already." Grumbled, Clementine, crossing her arms.
Rita, as much as she didn't like the cruel assassin's ways, was still right. She has to do something more than training, gathering supplies, and hiding. Her paws still shaking; she was being far more careful to avoid being caught seeing what that demon would do. That her choices were starting to limit her options.
But she didn't know if she could even succeed as strong as they where they had lost the true blood paladin in the distraction. It was stronger than both Rita and all the other vampires Clementine brought with her. Yet it was still gone after fighting Jalbadaoh.
So, what could she do against the demon even if she used every martial art, all her magic spells, and all her aspects at once it would still end like the last lesson with her unable to be little more than a weapon to kill the people she was protecting? She had to hold back a shiver of dread rethinking her plan of what to do.
"I don't… then she realized what was wrong. Her shadow felt weird, glancing down at it seeing it shimmer.
"Clementine, do you or Kettor have a shadow demon watching me?"
"Nope, why?"
Rita started to pale as her catlike nose picked up Jaldabaoth scent nearby. Reacting with fear and trained reflexes [flaming sword] coated her claws. Hearing a screech, she saw the shadow demons red eyes and two-dimensional body jump out of her shadow. It was to slow to escape her as she stabbed it through burning it away to the shock of onlookers.
"Everyone, we need to move!"
Before turning to warn the others but it was too late as the front door and wall were ripped apart. As greater hellhounds rushed into the room, this was bad. They were personal pets of Jaldabaoth, so he was not far behind.
Rita froze up before willing herself to move despite her fear she couldn't risk using her spells. It would give away she was here instead of rushing at the large fiery heck hounds. Dodging their burst of flames or bites sliding up on beheading it slashing out her other hand and deeply cutting two on the right.
Clementine was leading the survivors out the back as Rita moved quickly to avoid being injured and cutting down all ten greater hell hounds. Seeing several wolf and lion beast-men coming up next, she didn't have time to be subtle.
Raising her shaky hand, this would be a risk, but she didn't have time to fight them all. Rita doubled the amount of mana for a huge [grand fireball storm] not staying to watch as her spells flames quickly destroyed the building's structural integrity.
Rushing out the back to join the others, she had gathered stopping in shock. Barely raising her arms to catch Clementine's body flying at her. Seeing what had injured the assassin, two of Jaldabaoth forms stood there waiting the first was the scaled muscular monster form with flaming wings and long claws. Long fangs sticking out of his mouth in a rage fill scowl turning into a twisted grin upon seeing her.
Standing over the bodies of most if not all, those she hoped to save burned or mutilated beyond recognition. Into one small hill of blood and gore, the demon was standing over. The other was a more handsome human-like one with eight red eyes, his chest exposed with shoulder guards and pants holding, a war scythe. This other demon only had wings gazing at Rita with dark intent.
Her pupils shrinking with her hope she could not keep her body from trembling the horrible images of what he might do came to mind. It was only thanks to her will power that she stayed standing. Hyperventilating as she tried to calm herself down to fight, but she couldn't force the dread back, which sapped her will power to run or move.
Clementine said something, but she couldn't hear it with her heart beating so loud. 'I'm strong you can do this.' she repeated in her head, but nothing she could think of could get her body to move. Only managing to step back to the blazing building behind them.
"Hello, my pet, I see we need to have more lessons. Tell me, did you think I wouldn't notice how naughty you have been. Killing my other tools, stealing from me, and running away." The demon's voice boomed with twisted glee and rage shattering what little will power she had left.
Ritana shut her eyes, turning away to run as fast as possible, carrying Clementine in one arm while cutting down any beast-men which tried to stop her. Before she could get away, her path was blocked by the greed demon holding up his scythe.
"Stop running pretty surrender. I promise to be gentler than Jaldabaoth." Greed gave a possessive grin, and desire filled glint in his red eyes. Rita didn't want to find out if this demon was telling the truth.
"No! I won't go back. Please, lord, Kettor save me!" Screaming as loud as she could as much as she hated it, she knew she couldn't last much longer being stuck here.
"Kiyohime!" The loud wrathful cry of her supreme being made didn't stop Rita from trying to get around greed, even jumping high over the greed demon. But he was only a few feet behind her flapping his wings.
Before the Greed demon could touch her, he screamed as a wave of bone-chilling cold pushed back greed. Before Rita could ponder where the attack came from. Something strong grasped at her legs, her body went rigid with fear as Clementine rolled out of her arms.
Rita could only watch in total dread; she wanted to claw at Jaldabaoth grasp hesitating as she remembers being smashed into the ground the last few times, she tried that. Feeling the hot breath and hearing this hateful fiend in her ear.
"Good, you at least learned some of my lessons. Now, let's go hunt down the rest of these humans."
Clementine stood up despite her injured leg as if not feeling the pain. Her face showing utter rage at Jaldabaoth. "Put her down now, Jaldabaoth, do it quickly, or you will be pushed out of the new lands of the Baharuth Empire." Lord Kettor's voice boomed in the streets Rita could practically see a phantom of his true form snarling from where ever he was controlling Clementine's body from. As a huge dark blue, almost black scaled three-headed, three-tailed dragon shook the ground, landing behind him and holding out its wings with a roar.
"No, I like this new toy too much besides look how well trained she is acting as a weapon should." Jalabadaoth holds out Rita, who was trembling with tears in those fear-filled yellow eyes, silently pleading for help.
Before Rita could contemplate what, her supreme beings plan was a huge flaming rock from above came down, creating a shock wave as smoke pillars rose from the wall to the cauldron valley. Even from this far away, her beastly sense picked up the distance sounds of metal hitting metal and the smell of blood.
"The lure worked, it seems, but I will be leaving with this servent."
Before he could teleport away, Rita began to claw at the evil hand, holding her legs trying to break free, she wouldn't go back. Oddly she noted he didn't teleport hearing [Dimensional Lock] along with a cutting sound as something with wings landed behind them.
"I think not Jaldabaoth; you have done enough. On behalf of the sorcerer kingdom alliance with the Baharuth Empire, you shall not get away with your prize."
As Jaldabaoth turned to look at someone who looked like what Jaldabaoth first and commonly appeared in front of her in the same vermilion suit and sparkling diamond eyes under those glasses. Along with the same metal tail swaying as it trailed him.
Rita looked closely, trying to find a deception some clue that this was all a dream or trick. Sweating under her deep red fur not allowing her aspects to fall if she was swung at something, she had to be ready to activate her two defensive martial arts in an instance, or she could be severely injured or worse.
It was proven to be a good move as her body was used against her will on instinct using [flaming aura shell] and [fortress] creating a [blazing fortress] while her crimson fur could lessen most physical damage and was resistant to normal weapons. Because of how strong Jaldabaoth was, she blacked out after hitting the ground once. After a few more lessons, as Jaldabaoth calls his torment, she found only [Blazing fortress] was strong enough to counter most of the power the demon emperor used in every swing.
Grunting out as her body slammed into the ground burning the pavement and creating a crater. Dazed from the impact, she almost didn't notice as Clementine attacked Jaldabaoth's arm, her hair trying in vain to weaken the demon's grip. Stabbing the arm with a frenzy and rage lacking any of Clementine's usual glee.
"You will let Rita go now or be destroyed along with this city! you shall not harm one of the only Five lovers I have chosen to marry for eternity till my death!"
Rita was taken by surprise at the claim of the emperor. He could have chosen more. Though she had not heard him say his mind on it being busy a lot of the time trying to be a good leader. Rita could not explain this rush of energy, wanting to help him more even if it would hurt a lot putting all her effort into this next attack.
[Four flames shell cracker strike] panting as sweat rolled down her body at the heat and fatigue quickly filling her, she swung down with her claws. A bright flash of multiple colored flames filled her vision. Hearing Jaldabaoth screaming, not in joy but pain for the first time, his grip slacked.
Rita panted as her five Aspects of Lycancat lessened, regressing her back to her normal human state. She was falling as Clementine moved quickly, catching her and moving back and away out of reach from the demon.
"I did it I finally hurt hi..." She passed out in Clementine's arms once she was out Kettor lost any notion of following this façade any longer as Clementine's body trembled as it was overflowing with rage radiating out through the link. Walking to wrath, who lost his fanged grin, taking a step back.
"Demiurge! Jaldabaoth fled, and no one knows what he looks like. You are not him and shall be remembered today as help sent by the sorcerer kingdom. Am I clear!"
Demiurge bowed to him with a smile as he rose. "I do lord Kyuketsuki. Is there anything else you need of me before I go?"
"NO, now hurry! I need a few moments with the evil lord wrath you summoned." Clementine's body glared with nothing but hate at the evil lord. Ignoring Demiurge as he got to work, they would only have a few hours to straighten this out.
"My supreme one, have I done something wrong I only did as you asked." Kettor might laugh at the fear the demon was showing if he wasn't struggling to contain his pure outrage. His blood lust silenced any further prattling. He was in no mood to be gentle.
Kettor shared Clementine's sadistic joy for the first time in his utter wrath her face gaining a twisted smile. An ideal punishment came to mind, one that would express his distaste for daring to even think about using his fiery rose Ritana like a morning star!
"OH, I understand wrath it's not your fault. I wasn't clear in my orders of not killing or trying to kill Rita when training her!" jumping up and kicking the evil lord to the ground.
Knowing Clementine's body was not high enough level to do much of any damage to him. Sadly, he didn't have time or mana to waste by going in person. In case Shalltear ran into the Black Scripture, no matter how strong he was, carelessness could endanger the others.
"Please, I am sorry what must I do to atone."
Clementine's emotions bloomed with joy at his idea, unable to express it with him using the shard to reveal his will.
"Kiyohime, you are to use this evil lord wrath like a mace as you see fit till he vanishes. Use him and your strength to help my army and eradicate every last beast-men in this city. This is their punishment for their sin against me of hurting the knight of my humanity and my chosen follower. I want him to know nothing but pain and shame that he showed Rita."
Kettor added one more bit before leaving wrath to his punishment. "If he dares fight back, smash him into things harder."
Turning away as Kiyohime wrapped his tail around wrath flying off. Kettor used Clementine's body to hug Rita's unconscious body tightly. Blood tears running down her cheek as shame filled his heart for not coming sooner. If he were not so bad at communicating and corrected Kathrin on what he wanted, she would not have been hurt so badly.
He didn't even want to begin to ask what kind of mental and emotional scars she had gained from this. He kept telling himself it was for her benefit, but he knew it was a lie. Why could he do nothing right every time he thought he could relax something went wrong.
Gripping Rita's body tightly; he would not mess up with the capital this time, everything would go according to plan. Seeing a portal open as Kathrin stepped through gently, taking Ritana. As he let go of the link allowing Clementine to deal with the beast-men of this city as she pleased.
He would need time to gather his thoughts and plan how best to deal with Carnival and any surprises she had in store.
-Evileye-
Keno took in the extensive grassy planes of the cauldron glancing over at Gagaran as they traveled. She might ask what her warrior friend's thoughts were of this mission, at least if she could speak. Rubbing her throat Kettor said he was working on a cure, but she didn't know if she could trust him.
She respected the new blood emperor in a way he was not behaving like any of them expected. He was different then Ainz Ooal Gown in an odd way. He quickly became an Adamantite rank adventurer supposedly died at some lost ruins. Then reappears alive as the new emperor of the Baharuth Empire, and in every bit of information, Tin and Tina could gather. He was always saving lives or protecting others. With only a few negative rumors or theories floating around.
Even the adventurer guild master Plunder spoke very highly of Kyuketsuki despite some disagreements. In truth, she wondered where the emperor came from or what he was like before the change. He seemed too human to have always been a vampire.
Like Keno, he had spent most of his time doing good, even going to war with the beast-men over town peasants. Even when he went to demand them back, he didn't attack them on sight. Like the rumors said he would thirst for blood and death. If this was all they had known, Keno might find him charming like Momon.
But Kettor Minx was personal friends with Ainz Ooal Gown; he kept maids like Entuma the demon maid before Jalbadaoth had turned them. It might just be bad blood, but she could not see that monstrous spider ever being kind. His empress threatened them with unimaginable pains should they displease him and kept calling the rest of her team sheep. Everyone Kettor was close to that Keno had met was powerful, threatening, and/or unhinged in some way. The only ones who were not are nimble who feared him too much to turn against him and Velvet, who didn't same much in the brief meeting they had.
The former she knew was with Jircniv before he was killed. The latter was polite and was still stronger than all of Blue Rose. Gritting her teeth as her mind wander back to that demon maid. Somehow that spider had stolen her voice every time she tried to speak; it was like some dark hand tightening around her throat, making it hard to breathe. She couldn't help but wonder why the spider had not used it before in their last encounter.
"Shorty, are you sure you want to go. I know you agreed to come with us. You only began learning that silent casting thing."
Keno glanced over at Gagaran, turning away to look towards the mountains ahead of them. Her warrior friend was right if Kettor was secretly evil; why teach her to cast spells silently? Making a hand signal, Tin had taught her it was still a little strange to have to talk like this.
Gagaran grunted, not fully accepting her answer. Carefully finding the words to say. "look, I know I didn't have a good reaction about your nature…but I saw how much harder casting that is besides who knows what kind of deathtrap we are scouting out."
Tin chimed into the conversation, "I still don't know how they have any spies here every town the beast-men have brought nothing but ruin. The beast-men are even working with Jalbadaoth, so how did they survive unnoticed?"
Tina grimaced with her thoughts on the matter. "They gained complete control of the underbelly in the Empire. It's not surprising they can pull this off after that."
Keno had to wonder about that as well unable to decipher, which was the real Kettor minx the cruel and cunning leader of his followers or a kind kindred soul leading dangerous people.
"We can worry about the ruler's secrets later. From what little the empress told me, something strange has happened in the capital of the fallen dragon kingdom. our major concern should be sneaking past the beast-men patrols and villages."
Keno nodded in agreement to Lakyus as they trekked through the long dry planes around them. Which would make it hard to hide but also allow them to see others coming their way?
Gagaran shifted her hammer with a frown. "You have your doubts about this, too, right Lakyus. They haven't even needed our help much with this whole war."
Evileye saw Lakyus stop before turning around at them with a very concentrated gaze.
"I do Gagaran, but Kettor strikes me as a man of his word. For now, if we just scout out the place. So far, he has kept his word this is Better than being at Nazarick now let's get moving again we need to get close enough to use this teleportation scroll."
Keno stopped mid-step her heightened sense picking up ash and blood nearby. Spotting a small trail of smoke not far off, they might have moved to avoid it if not for the odd creature rising out of the shadows. It was covered in thick leather straps bound together into clothes that covered most of its tall, lean body, except for the shroud of mist covering the head, obscuring all its details. Keno couldn't pick out its gender by the androgynous look of its body hidden under all the thick leather.
It raised its dark long-fingered hand to stop them. Even its voice was indistinguishable of its gender.
'Magla has cleared the path ahead. My summoner permits you to rest there before continuing.' The creature didn't speak a word aloud, yet they heard its words. Keno gazed at this odd creature that did not leave but moved to follow behind them. Not saying any more than needed, she wasn't sure if this creature was a demon or undead. But it radiated a powerful aura of negative energy.
Though Keno was a little wary of it to not even sense it before now, she moved closer to her sisters of Blue Rose. They were careful to only whisper or debate with silent looks and hand signs about what to do about this thing. All the while, the odd shadowy creature stood unmoving just watching them appearing so slothful it didn't even breathe or speak. Yet its gaze was filled with lust intently staring at all of them.
Lakyus urged them forward eager to complete this mission, and hopefully, the final task of lord Kettor's term. Once this was done, all of them would have to decide what they were going to do. Keno knew that it would be much harder with how much the Baharuth Empire and the Re-Estize kingdom changed in almost one full year.
-Rita a Day Later-
Rita slowly opened her eyes. Her body was still a little sore after...she tried to shoot up panicking hoping to get a clue of this new area only to grunt and feel a hand on her shoulder. Pushing her back down, looking up at the canvas of the tent roof and lady Kathrin smiling down at her with pride.
Rita fought off the grimace and vial, filling her heart with regret about passing out. Looking away from lady Kathrin in shame, knowing the only reason she stood a chance was by learning from Jaldabaoth. Not that she had an option in the matter, but it tainted her knowledge. The kind of knowledge one only gained from immoral and twisted sacrifices
Lady Kathrin reading her thoughts, smiled gently, lifting Rita's head to look in her eyes. With nothing but praise, pride, and joy.
"No need to feel shame, my dear kitten, one of the greatest things we can do is learn from our enemies. You have followed lord Kettor's wisdom, which kept you alive. Besides, you have finally made progress in your pack training." Kathrin hummed in deep thought before looking back at Rita. "I am curious why only use aspects instead of a full transformation?"
Rita tightly gripped the blanket gritting her teeth at the vile memories as her failure to change quickly. Jaldabaoth had tortured her for her struggles by making her watch him kill other captives until she finally gained progress. Ironically watching that demon use his aspects gave her the idea of using aspects. Instead of wasting more time and lives trying a full transformation like lady Kathrin.
"I tried, but every time it was like my body was on fire from whatever Jaldabaoth gave me. It was only by using aspects of Lycancat I could overcome that burning sensation. If I was stronger, I could have done something or stopped Jaldabaoth. Instead, I..."
Lady kathrin stretched a hand behind Rita's cat ears before rubbing her head as the regret and pain in her heart lessens. Allowing Rita to hold back her tears, she could not even give words to how horrible the memories of being in that demon's clutches had been. "My kitten, do not let that demon fill your mind any longer you are safe now. Though let this be a lesson in caution, I fear what would have happened had we not gotten there sooner."
Rita stared up at lady Kathrin in awe with warmth filling her being as the crystal-clear image of the demon's face hazed before leaving her mind for now. Still, she was hesitant to let the matter drop altogether. "What if he comes back, surely Jaldabaoth wouldn't just back off after one defeat?"
Before kathrin could answer, the flap of the large tent opened as emperor Kettor walked in with Leinsa, and a winged frogman with glasses in a vermilion suit who seemed vaguely familiar Rita couldn't think of why as she racked her brain. Only thinking of the blurry image of Jaldabaoth but unable to remember what his face looked like under the blue and gold smirking mask.
As lady kathrin kept patting her head with a content smile. She remembered the demon emperor's original form was that hulking monster pushing away the absurd idea that this frogman looked similar to what could very well be a stolen form. Another crime in the long list of injustices Jaldabaoth was guilty of.
-thank you Leinas, now organize the supplies and keep me up to date. You are dismissed for now." Kettor waved the elite knight away outside the tent, Rita could hear the happy cheers and what sounded like a celebration.
"You don't know how relieved I am to see you awake, Rita. There is no need to get up most of the fighting should be over for now."
The frogman bowed his metal tail curling behind him. "Hello, it is a pleasure to meet you in a more formal setting, my lady, and chosen knight of lord Kettor. Tell me how soon shall I expect an heir?"
Rita blushes and fumbles with her hands at the erotic thoughts of lord kettor. Staring at the ground, regathering her thoughts like most of the women in the army, she was taking a unique magic herb mix. So, it should not be possible to get pregnant pushing the ideas away; for now, she didn't have time to settle down yet maybe after a few years.
"Demiurge, we will have time for those kinds of talks later. Besides, Rita is still recovering from her ordeal, and we still don't know what Carnival is plotting in the capital."
Rita's heart froze in dread at the mention of the admin', which she still didn't understand what an admin' was, unable to hide her shock. She had thought they had already taken the dragon kingdom by now. But not only was Jaldabaoth here, so was the other monster.
The emperor, upon seeing her shaking, walks up to Ritana's bedside, taking her hand. "It's ok, Rita; you can stay here if you want. But we won't act till I know what they're planning, and this time Demiurge can assure we will have the sorcerer kingdom's help."
Rita noticed Kettor's gaze switch to Kathrin's watching their faces as they silently spoke through a message spell. They were debating something which gave Rita the time to go over the choice in her head. She didn't feel as confident in her abilities to face Carnival, which was possibly an even more significant danger than Jaldabaoth.
Taking a deep breath, allowing mistress kathrin to keep giving her head pats as Rita gathers her thoughts. Remembering her mother and father, remembering to be more careful this time.
As lord Kettor's words came to mind by letting her emotion get the better of her, she had put her life in danger and failed to save anyone. If she had calmed down and focused on why she was fighting him. Her choice would not have led to watching so much death and suffering for that demons amusement. Still, no matter how much she felt like folding over and enjoying this soft bed and forgetting about such worries
She was a warrior, her honor, and duty to protect her husband, and the emperor demanded she faces this threat with him. Jaldabaoth would not hold her back no matter how much she feared the hulking demon's true form. Carnival was just another evil that threatened Kyuketsuki's dreams and her own of a world without monsters like the demon emperor, the covenant of crows, or eight fingers.
"I want to help with this, my emperor, if you give me a few days to recover and let me talk with one of the gentle hand's healers." Rita couldn't help but smile, resolving herself to not allow the fear to stop her from doing the right thing.
-Fallen Temple –
Simmra takes up the pen she created and began writing in these strange scribblings they called their written language of this new world. Which if she ever got back home, she would be using it in one of her future books. She determined to herself that if she was going to be stuck here. She might as well practice her writing until she got back home. Plus, the last few meetings where just the admin' trying to get them to work for her while Delight and HK kept arguing about every little thing. She even noted they seemed to be butting heads every time they met now.
Sighing as she put those morons out of her head as she began to write down some of her ideas into a short story. Relaxing as she blends into beginning writing, nothing too elaborate just simple gestures of the story idea. Already these odd ciphers that were her practice writing looked better than the last one hundred tries once it was done.
What made it slightly easier to write was the ciphers where similar to Japanese. If not infuriatingly different in small ways was making it harder to learn. It felt like she was just scribbling lines on paper, which were not translated like spoken languages. So she had to physically remember each written word. Once she felt she had vaguely written out an idea, she put down the pen.
Simmra called over three of her disciples, handing them the script as they went over it. Nervously but bubbling with joy at being able to serve her. Simmra was still trying to get used to it but after a few days of thinking it over. Perhaps, the crazy voice in her head was partly right. She might as well practice her writing now if she could just write legibly in her disciple's language, she could get her first readers. Possibly even free beta readers.
The new girl spoke up, her voice quivering a little. Stumbling over her words as he tried to critique the work."Um, it's better your holiness but um…your symbols are still a little rough."
Gabriel was a bit more forward with his opinion. "The writing still needs a lot of practice, but the story is charming. My goddess, if you have some spare time, might I suggest some more personal tutoring with us. I know with just a few months, we will have it perfected."
Simmra smirked slyly Gabriel was cute when he was trying it helps, he was kind of handsome two claw scars on his shoulder and his nicely tanned skin, from working outside a lot. Though she had no interest in a serious relationship until she knew for sure, there was no way back.
Hanauma hummed before finally answering. "I still don't understand the point of the magic music. Why don't they just charm this villain."
Simmra sighed at Hanauma with her black eyes and dark hair, her skin tone was slightly lighter than Gabriel's with a different charm but really didn't seem to like stories. Simmra crossed her arms, trying to think of how to get Hanauma into them. If she could, it would be a great example of her writing skill to make someone fall in love with her stories.
Hanauma grumbling and Simmra thinking were interrupted by another disciple rushing in and bowing. "I am sorry, Lady Simmra. Some strange people from the Slane Theocracy are asking to see you. We told them you were busy as you asked, but they had knocked out our temple guards when they tried to make them leave and are demanding to meet you."
Simmra grumbled to herself as she told her three disciples to stay put. If it wasn't some annoying admin' it was something else. On her way to the front of her temple, she asked about this Slane Theocracy. A close neighboring kingdom separated by a body of water. This would be her first-time hearing about other nations, walking out of the temple, she saw six strangers, one of which had a white and gold dress. Which was clearly a WCI putting her on guard; she didn't have any way to counter it right now.
Preparing to teleport to the Alvanle city guild base the minute it looked like they might use it. Worse with her silent divining magic, most of them far outclassed any the other inhabitants of this new world. Sweating a little, this would put her in a tight spot if it came down to a fight.
"What is a demon doing leading a temple in the city?"
The woman with very light brown hair and orange eyes. She had on a female school uniform and purple-framed glasses. She also has a black hair accessory and has a light purple bag. Simmra didn't know what was in the small white handbag; she did sense some kind of monster was contained in the bag.
Simmra prepared several spells in her head to cast as she reached into her inventory, pulling out her daggers. Her tail uncoiled from her side, puffing up the scales as it withers around. it would be an extra weapon if it came to a fight. "Tell me why you have attacked my followers and what you are after here? Or leave."
"Do not mind the 7th Seat's rudeness. I am Quaiesse Hazia Quintia. I was asked to come here by our leader. We are hoping to meet with both you and the other two sent by the six gods in our time of need."
Simmra narrowed her eyes. They must have had a divine caster. Otherwise, they shouldn't know what she looks like. Fingering her spell ring, a little trap she created incase the admin' tried teleporting her alone into a battlefield again.
"Why has the Slane Theocracy sent you? Tell me this, and I will forgive you for assaulting my temple guard's."
Simmra could tell right away she didn't like any of them if not for the one leading them being polite. She would have used her prepared spell ring otherwise to trap them and call angels from the once floating city. Her eyes never leaving the woman in the white and gold dragon dress.
"We have a grave message to prevent a coming catastrophe, a powerful vampire who has taken control of the Baharuth Empire under his iron fist is headed here with his army of demons and undead. The Thousand leagues Astrologe saw the vision the other half of our team is already headed to get them. If you, my fine lady, would join us, we shall go to meet up with them."
Simmra looked over each of them with a critical eye, not trusting any of them. Though she preferred not to get in a dangerous fight with a strong unknown group. Glancing behind her to the nearby disciples inside watching ready to come to her aid. They would at least slow them down. Putting the idea aside, if they beat the nearby temple guards so quickly, more level 10 or 15 followers wouldn't do much good.
[Go with them, learn about this group before you fight them.]
Hissing at the idea of more people forcing her hand, though, the strange voice was right. She would need to learn about them before risking making more enemies. Plus, for now, she was still a higher level than all of them. If they turned out to be enemies, she would need to get that WCI away from them or find one of her own.
"What if I don't agree to come with you?"
"Quaiesse pleas tell the demon she doesn't get a say in the matter!"
The blonde gave an apologetic smile. "While I disagree with my rude comrade, she is right. We must unite against this monster before it comes for us all."
Simmra glared at the burnet, trying to hide her nerves. She knew looking weak would be detrimental to this situation. Still, she didn't know what any of them could do or if she could trust any of them; this could be a trap set by that clown.
"Please understand the six foresaw you helping us. We will explain more along the way if it eases your worries."
Simmra let out a breath relaxing her tail, curling it around her waist again for now. She would like to avoid life-threatening situations, but who knows they might be able to get her home or at least help her escape the demented admin'.
"Alright, call me Simmra, I can lead you there, but you're going to have to convince both of them to help."
Quaiesse beamed, as all six of them followed though not without keeping the WCI wearer in front of her at all times.
-End of Chapter-
