*A/N: Since this'll be a fight-heavy chapter, here's the Playlist of all tracks to be used when the action starts...
(/playlist?list=PLv8nECLLwDXj3OT2nGupKJuqbv2X60wXo)*


Chapter 21-The Odyssey:Final

Re-Estize Kingdom
-2-Days Later-

Silence.

That was all that was heard as a cloaked figure looked over the ruined remains of the Capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom from a perch high atop Valencia Palace, the former home of the Kingdom's Royal Family. From this perch, a sigh of satisfaction broke the silence as he crouched down to survey the devastation, and reveled in his work.

"Aaaaaah... A job well done is simply the best. Hehe... Too bad my newly remade 'Black Roses' couldn't participate, but there's always next time..."

Two days ago, he captured the adamantite-ranked adventurer team Blue Rose, and "detained" them within the confines of a dimension created with the [World Item] called, [Depiction of Nature & Society]. It was one of the many spoils from Navagraha's campaign against Nazarick, and one that he "borrowed" during his "reconditioning" of the adventurers.

While it had the power to alter the environment of its pocket dimension according to the will of the user, one surprising discovery was that it also had the power to alter the flow of time within itself. So in the time he had them in his grasp, 2-years had passed when compared to that of the outside world. A devilish smirk crept over his lips as the memories came floating up to the surface of his mind.

Lakyus was ironically the first to break under his tender "care". Then Gagaran was next to fall, and then the twins. Evileye was the last and the one that held out the longest. It was quite the surprise to find out that she was actually a vampire, which meant he had to find new and "creative" ways to break her will, so that he could mold her as he wished, like her friends.

In the end, he dyed them in his colors, and the heroic Blue Roses that protected and defended, became his Black Roses death-squad. Amongst other things. Oh, how he wished to have them at his side right now. It was rather vexing at times to be beholden to The World Eater, but she had a task for his newest recruits, and he was hardly in a position to refuse her.

So he sent them back to Nazarick, along with the [World Item] he used to condition them, as he now eagerly waited for Rahu's impending fight with the surprise meddler that stole his prey from him. While he was forbidden from interfering, he would watch this with interest, and no small amount of enjoyment as he pulled out two scrolls, invoking their spells.

"[Clairvoyance]. [Crystal Monitor]."

As the spells took hold, the image of Gabriel, Akemi, and his personal NPC Charon came into view, with the former two sitting across from each other in chairs he could tell were made from the spell [Create Item]. The NPC stood next to Akemi like a bodyguard with its arms folded, while they quietly sat, as if waiting. They were in an isolated plain near the boundary of a thin forest, well away from civilization, making little to no attempts to be hidden. The mysterious cloaked figure rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he observed and quietly mused aloud to himself.

"Well, well... What're you up to? They can't know that Rahu's en-route to ruin their day, but they're just sitting there... Like they're waiting on something. Huh... Whatever. Just makes things easier... Now then, let's see how this plays out... Heh. I can't wait..."


Unknown Location

Gabriel pensively sat with his arms folded as he wearily sighed. For the past two days they had moved from one location to another, taking shifts in watching their surroundings. Although if both he and Akemi had to be honest, sleeping was not foremost on their minds. The World Eater's presence in this world was hardly a small thing. It was felt everywhere to those sensitive to it, bringing a feeling of wrongness and disquiet.

Shaking her head from those thoughts, Akemi looked upon the alt-version of her friend, and now savior Gabriel. He looked calm and stoic, but despite the subtle differences in the men, she could see through that. He was as nervous as she was, and if she understood his explanations, his new connection to dragonkind made it even more so.

They have spent the last couple of days coming up with plans in preparation for their eventual departure via [Message], knowing that they would be spied upon, but nothing was absolute. Not with Navagraha in the picture. Sighing wearily herself, and wanting to try to pass the time in a way that allowed her to address her lingering concerns, she inquisitively spoke.

"Say, Gabriel-san? Do you really think that The World Eater wants to win you over to her side? I-I know you said as much, but it's just so hard to believe from what I've seen."

"Yes, I know what you mean. I was having a hard time coming to grips with it myself, but between my [Soul Sense] and [Dragon Sense] passives, there's no mistaking it. There was a... hunger from her. An obsession that I can't really put into words. She wants me for something. I don't know why, and I'd rather not know what her plans are, but I suppose we'll jump off that bridge when we come to it." Gabriel replied in a fatigued manner, the memory of being confronted with the world ending existence still fresh in his mind.

"I see... Still, any thoughts on how she found us?" Akemi inquired further.

"Mm-hmm... I've a pretty good hunch that it was my using my [Emerald Flames], when I cremated the remains of that Frost Dragon, Rochar. Dragons are sensitive to each other after all, and since my flames are draconic in nature, finding me was easy for her, once she knew of my existence through my fight with Rahu."

"Wait, what do you mean by that?" Akemi asked in confusion.

"You remember that dragon-scale amulet that Rahu was wearing? I've got a hunch that wasn't just a simple magic item, but one of her own scales. It matches the look and draconic power of what I felt off of her when she came knocking. From the way she spoke, I can take a guess that she was watching things unfold via that scale." Gabriel replied in sincerity.

"But you can't be sure?"

"I can be sure enough. What I felt from her, I won't soon forget..."

Gabriel's voice trailed off as he recalled the experience. The overwhelming power and terror of even being within her presence eclipsed everything he had experienced before. Still, before he could lose himself in the memory, he pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head as he sighed and relaxed his posture.

Akemi was quick to pick up on how the encounter affected him, and the revelation after of how he had a dragon's soul within him. A rather awkward experience to be sure, but it also brought up a number of questions. One of which was the possibility that his armor in the game was a type of [Sentient Item]. A notion that he quickly dismissed and deflected, saying they had more immediate concerns.

Although she accepted that for the most part, it still left her wondering...

'Where'd that dragon soul come from?'

A question she would see answered at a later date, as another more pressing one came to her.

"Fair enough. But what about her claims to her purpose?"

"Hm? You mean her line about being some sort of 'cosmic custodian'? I honestly have no idea. For all I know, it could be little more than a glorified justification. I didn't sense any deceit from her, but at the time I was dealing with a bit of sensory overload, so I can't be sure." Gabriel said in a bit of uncertainty.

"..."

Both were at a loss regarding Navagraha's motivations and intentions. In YGGDRASIL's lore, she was supposed to be a dragon of destruction that brought about the End of the Realms with her hunger. Yet some of her words and actions contradicted this to a degree.

Yes, she and her minions were spreading death and destruction. However, Gabriel sent Charon to investigate some of their activities, and upon closer observation, it wasn't a blind, wholesale culling. It was methodical. Almost surgical in many respects. Entire cities would be leveled true, while villages here and there would remain untouched. Even in the cities that were annihilated, some people were "deemed worthy" of survival.

While both Gabriel and Akemi knew in varying degrees that NPCs transferred over can change and grow beyond their initial settings from the game, Navagraha's changes were far more drastic. She was like an enigma wrapped in a paradox. Still, soon these lingering questions will no longer matter. In nearly an hour they would leave this world behind, for better or worse...

"...!"

Suddenly, Gabriel's alertness sharply rose as he swiftly shot up from his seat and turned to face the opposite direction. Akemi likewise stood up, with a focused and determined countenance as she invoked the [Message] spell, silently communicating with Gabriel and Charon, the latter of whom remained as still as a statue to her side.

[Gabriel-san, do you sense something with your passives?]

[Yes. I can feel a presence closing in on our position rapidly. It's not Navagraha though... Just as I thought. It's Rahu. And if my [Soul Sense] passive is right, he's stronger than before.] Gabriel replied in a somber tone.

[W-What? But that can only mean...]

[...That the curse Momonga likely placed on him has been removed somehow.] Gabriel calmly interrupted Akemi's shaken voice that came through the [Message] link.

[Please be at ease, Lady Akemi. This does not alter our preexisting plans by any significant margin. What are your orders, my master?] Charon stoically interjected.

[We already took into account Navagraha pulling something like this. Let's see how things play out, and adjust things accordingly. All right, Akemi?] Gabriel said in a calm, authoritative tone in the link.

[Don't worry about me, Gabriel-san. I'm ready. I'm just more worried about...]

*BOOOOM!*

Before Akemi could complete her sentence, a massive form dropped down from the sky, landing over 5-meters in front of their position. As a dust-cloud hovered, massive wings unfurled, blowing the obstruction away, revealing Rahu's massive form. His maw and lips contorted into a devilish smile as he saw his objective remained without trying to run. Seeing this, he then spoke in an aloof, mocking manner.

"Hah! Look who I found. The tricky, fast weakling who got away."

Gabriel remained calm and stoic as he stared down the supremely confident former [Raid Boss]. Now that he was so close, he was able to use his passives to confirm beyond a shadow of a doubt that not only has Rahu's strength increased, but the odd feeling that restrained him before was now gone.

In this regard, he was somewhat thankful for this turn of events. This allowed him to gain more of a firm understanding on the use, application, and sensory inputs of his [Soul Sense] passive. Of course, there was no reason to share this information, so he decided to press on to the main topic. Namely...

"Why are you here, Rahu? I still have time before I am to give my reply to your master."

"Hmph! Don't be so full of yourself, weakling. The master grows impatient. So until you make up your mind and serve her, I'll be playing with you until you do."

Both Gabriel and Akemi could guess where this was going. Rahu was sent to force an answer out of him. His massive presence weighed down on them, just as Rahu's anti-teleportation territory exerted itself. Something they had anticipated and were prepared for. Still, the odds were definitely not in their favor. Especially with Navagraha's warning that he was not to use his [Emerald Flames]. Which meant that almost half his strength was inaccessible to him.

The situation now turned into one large delaying action. They had to buy time in order to leave this world with his [Gate Key]. As Gabriel realized this, he looked over his shoulder at Akemi, who gave him a simple, curt nod in reply. An action meant to say, "I trust you". With that in mind, he decided upon their next course of action, and spoke in a neutral tone.

"And what of Akemi? Is she to be part of your 'games'?"

"Bah! I care not for the weak elf. The master has deigned that if you want to bring her along, then so be it. But! Make no mistake. If she interferes and spoils my fun, she'll feel my wrath." Rahu stated with a deathly finality that clearly implied his intentions.

"But what if she doesn't directly take part? What if she is allowed to provide basic support in the form of healing and buffs? That wouldn't spoil your 'fun', would it?" Gabriel asked with subtle sarcasm in his tone.

"..."

Rahu opened his maw briefly to speak before closing it, cupping his chin with his left hand in thought. Indeed, it wasn't a bad idea. Now that he was at full strength, unencumbered by that weak undead's curse, the strange smelling human before him would stand no chance against him. That was most certainly the case now, since his master decreed that he couldn't use those bothersome, and strangely oppressive green flames.

A gleeful, sadistic grin spread as he realized the irony. The more she healed and buffed him, the longer he could last, and the more he would suffer for humiliating him. It was perfect! While he did think it strange that the weakling himself would make such a delicious suggestion, he simply attributed it to him wanting to continue to protect that elf as he did before.

"Hah! Very well. She can heal and buff you to her heart's content. Anything more than that, and she and that pest next to her dies." Rahu declared with a growl.

There was only a moment's pause on Gabriel's part as he resolutely replied.

"Hm. Alright. I accept your 'terms'."

The massive frame of the dragonoid [Raid Boss] shook in anticipation as Gabriel drew the [Divine Class] sword on his back, and stepped forward a single step. He then invoked the same buffs he used in their previous encounter (A/N:Ch.19), just as Akemi lifted her staff, and began casting a number of buffs on him.

"[Infinity Wall], [Magic Ward-Profane], [Greater Full Potential], [Freedom], [See-Through], [Greater Resistance], [Mantle of Order], [Indomitability], [Greater Luck], [Haste], [Blessings of Nature], [Nature's Ward: Aspect-Dragon Slayer], [Greater Hardening], [Heavenly Aura], [Attack Up], [Absorption], [Greater Strength], [Greater Reinforce Armor], [Greater Magic Shield], [Nature's Blessing-Rejuvenation], [Nature's Blessing-Regeneration]."

The multiple spectrums of color died down as Akemi finished casting her buffs and lowered her staff. While her outward expression was the picture of calm, resolute willpower, inwardly she was conflicted as she clenched her teeth in frustration. Despite this was one of the possible scenarios they discussed, the fact that Gabriel had to fight this thing alone did not sit well with her at all.

As he calmly walked away from her and Charon, with an eager Rahu following, the implications were obvious; he had to hold out for almost an hour before they could leave. She could only hope that their previous preparations had been enough.

Meanwhile, Gabriel walked at a deliberately slow pace to the open field nearby to help buy them as much time as possible. It was why he maintained an air of cooperation, despite how, as his friend Jon would have put it, "stacked" the deck was against him.

'Heh. I may suck at card-games, but if there's one thing I know how to play, it's something like this...' Gabriel mused to himself in grim humor.

Just as he walked 10-meters out from his original position...

*THA-WHAM!*

Rahu's tail slammed upon the ground with such force, the vibrations could have easily been mistaken for a mini-quake by the average individual. Gabriel sharply half-turned as he gave the NPC his undivided attention.

"Graaargh! This is FAR ENOUGH!" Rahu impatiently growled.

Gabriel silently nodded in agreement as he took his stance with his right hand gripping his sword next to his face, and his left hand reaching over and across his chest to hold the hilt below his right. The blade was level with the ground as he spread his feet, giving Rahu only his side-profile. His steely gaze was as ice as he looked upon his soon-to-be-opponent with utter contempt.

He had not forgotten that it was this creature that killed the alt-version of Shalltear Bloodfallen in this world, but he had to reluctantly numb himself to those feelings. Between their brief conversation, buffing, and walking to their current position, he had only bought them a meager 9-minutes. A drop in the bucket compared to what they needed. Rahu smiled and his Waraxe materialized into existence. With a pretentious flourish, a gust of wind blew out in all directions as his toothy grin spread ever wider.

Back at their previous position, Charon reached into the portal of his [Inventory] and brought out his master's [Music Box]. Much like before, it would serve as a way to distract and unbalance their foe, as well as appeal to his master's aesthetic tastes. Akemi noticed at the corner of her eye and sighed in annoyance at the act.

'Gods, I can't believe Gabriel-san~! He always wants that thing brought out, no matter the situation!' Akemi internally complained.

Her version of the man had a similar habit that frankly got on her nerves, but in this case it brought about a whimsical chuckle of nostalgia. Charon tilted his head in confusion as jets of steam were ejected from his helm, but Akemi shook her head and waved at him to continue as the first piece of music started playing...


Shiro Sagisu-DragonSlayer


Rahu growled in irritation as the music started playing clearly and loudly, despite their distance. Then he seemed oddly pensive as he found himself actually liking what was playing. Then suddenly...

*BOOM!*

In a burst of speed akin to a fired bullet, Gabriel sped towards Rahu in his moment's distraction. It was an opportunity to press the advantage that he was not going to miss. Especially given his mindset of a good offense, being a good defense in of itself. In the moment he leapt forward and up, he swung his sword [Krysseatheum] in a downward, diagonal arc towards Rahu's head.

However...

*CLANG!*

"Tsk!"

Gabriel clicked his tongue in annoyance as Rahu's right-wing blocked his strike, and turned his head back to face him with a wide, mirthful grin.

"Not this time, weakling. I will pay you back ten-fold, NO! A hundred-fold for the humiliation I felt before my master."

*WHOOSH!*

In that instant, Rahu's tail snaked around and thrust towards Gabriel's head, barely dodging it by a hair's breadth as he leaned down and sideways. That turned out to be a mistake, as Rahu swung his hip and unfurled his wing to bat Gabriel away as if he were a fly. He tumbled and skidded over the ground's surface for a few meters before forcefully planting his left-gauntlet down to halt his backward momentum, mentally chastising himself as he did.

'Dammit! He was ready for me to try that! Looks like he's learned a thing or two from our last encounter...! SHIT!'

In a speed burst that took him by surprise, Rahu launched forward with a single mighty flap of his wings. There was little to no time to dodge, so he planted his feet and crossed his arms as he curiously dropped an ornate dagger that mysteriously materialized in his off-hand, and invoked a defensive [Skill].

'[Greater Fortification]!'

*SCRA-TOOM!*

In that moment, a mighty swing of Rahu's waraxe launched Gabriel skyward. Despite him floating helplessly in the air, there was no follow-up attack as Rahu boisterously laughed and smiled at his handiwork. Oh, how marvelous it felt for him to be at full-strength again. To no longer be under that infernal curse that served as a black mark of shame to him, his brother Ketu, and his other compatriots. Especially the collaborator that mocked him...

His inner reverie was interrupted by the sudden disappearance of his quarry in a burst of light. He was so distracted in the moment that it took him completely by surprise. His senses then picked up the human's presence behind him as an ornate dagger flew by his head in a blur. He ignored the object as he turned and saw the human named "Gabriel", who stood firm with a calm, stoic expression. Rahu eyed him down suspiciously as his inner-dragon Reconyx spoke.

'Be careful in using that [Blink Dagger], Gabriel. It will only be an advantage as long as you keep some charges, and this creature doesn't realize its power.'

'Yeah. I know that.'

The named item that was referenced, allowed the user to instantly teleport to the item's location in order to quickly change positions. Although those items had a ten-use limit. While certain rogue and magic caster classes could utilize it without issue, someone like Gabriel needed a paired item in order to make use of it. His was in the form of an earring on his right-ear, which was hidden underneath his draconic, open-faced helm.

"Hmph! More of your tricks. Well, you can teleport all you wish, worm. You're within my 'territory'. I can follow after you no matter where you are." Rahu aggressively growled.

"Indeed... Then follow." Gabriel said in an empty tone as he disappeared again.

"Graaagh! Fool!" Rahu balefully roared as he became airborne with a thunderous, *BOOM!*.

Gabriel reappeared about 30-meters away where the dagger landed, and quickly stowed it back in his [Inventory]. Within a few minutes, Rahu appeared in the sky above, and landed not 2-meters away from him. There was fury in the massive dragonoid's eyes, but something else that caught him by surprise; caution.

"What trickery are you planning, worm?" Rahu growled suspiciously.

'Tsk! I should've expected this. He's learning.' Gabriel mentally admonished himself before replying.

"Only this."

With a snap of his fingers, a curious feat given his gauntlets, over a dozen beings teleported onto the battlefield. These were Greater Elementals, with a mix of lightning, water, and earth-based versions of these summons. Rahu's draconic, slitted pupils narrowed at the scene as he spoke with a throaty rumble to his tone.

"Bah! That elf will now pay for this interference."

"Not quite. She didn't summon these creatures. I did. You're not the only one who gets to 'play' in this 'game' of yours." Gabriel cheekily replied with a smirk.

'Well, that's a half-truth. She summoned these things a little while ago and had them on standby in another location...' Gabriel thought to himself.

Both Gabriel and Akemi put their heads together, and came up with a number of plans, just in case something like this happened. One of which was to lay a trap using Charon's abilities to place [Switch Figurines] in the ground like mines. Though it was a relatively cheap [Cash Shop] item, when used correctly, it can be quite useful. Like calling in reinforcements.

Just then, Gabriel swiftly backed away to create more distance as the summons all charged at Rahu, bathing him in their respective elemental attacks. While the combination of lightning and water seemed the most effective, the earth-type Greater Elementals seemed to keep Rahu distracted with football-sized projectiles that fired from their mouths like bullets.

However, to Gabriel's eyes, and both Akemi's and Charon's who watched via [Crystal Monitor], something seemed amiss. He shielded himself with his wings and tail, but made no effort to move or counterattack, even though they knew he could. Especially in this stronger state. Then their answer was given as Rahu glowed with the dark-orange aura of his flames.

[Gabriel-san! Get back! Rahu's preparing something!] Akemi exclaimed over a [Message] link.


Hirasawa Susumu-Zodd II


While Gabriel was already in the process of following her instructions, it was still too late, as a massive roar violently displaced the air around them. This was followed by a shockwave of Rahu's infernal flames that momentarily stunned the Greater Elementals. As he spread his wings wide, he lifted up his waraxe, bellowing a chant that carried over the air.

"Ashes in the end, Ashes to all, burn the [Worlds' Tree] to cinders... [RAINS OF RAGNAROK]!"

The skies above were painted with red and orange hues as numerous, giant molten fireballs bombarded their immediate area. The firestorm and explosions it created were so intense that even in the distance they lit up the horizon and echoed throughout the area like the crack of dozens of thunderstrokes.

Minutes passed, and as the dust settled, the green plains upon which they were fighting had been scorched bare. Akemi's summons had been annihilated to the last, and Rahu stood smug as he surveyed his handiwork. Gabriel was nowhere in sight, and for a moment Akemi's heart skipped a beat in worry for her friend and savior. Until Charon's left hand fell on her right shoulder. He should have unnerved her, but it was oddly calming as he spoke.

"Worry not, Lady Akemi. My master is fine."

As she refocused on the [Crystal Monitor], she saw Gabriel climbing out from under a layer of ash and soot that clung to his shining armor. As he coughed and choked on the debris, a blur passed over their eyes as Rahu's left-foot launched Gabriel into the air and propelled him ever further away. His body rapidly twisted and spun like an American football Akemi had seen in vids before. But with her friend being the figurative football, she held her breath.

'Stay alive Gabriel-san. I won't forgive you if you die before we can put our plan into motion...'

*CRASH!*

Making landfall, Gabriel tumbled and twisted across the ground's surface until his momentum was halted by his back slamming into a rock-formation the size of a 2-story house. The impact shattered it as steaming blood flowed freely from his mouth and nose. Going to all fours he hacked and coughed expelling the burning crimson vitae from his airways.

As his blood fell onto the ground, it bubbled and sizzled as if burning on a skillet, though the sight did not perturb him. Ever since the Transfer, he noted how his blood would literally burn and destroy itself if it was no longer making physical contact with him. A consequence of his merger with his armor and the [Blood Magic] in his veins still being at odds with each other, and one of the many reasons why his "adjustment" after the Transfer was so grueling for him.

Catching his breath, he mentally noted just how much stronger Rahu had truly become. His own regenerative healing, further boosted by the healing of his [Ring of Pinga's Benignity], and his aforementioned [Blood Magic] in his body, were able to deal with it. Though Akemi's buffs and his wearable [World Class Item] boosted his defenses further, he felt his brain and bones vibrate like a gong struck by a sledgehammer. Truly, Rahu at his maximum was fearsome.

'Hang on, young one. I know you can make it through this. You have survived worse...' Reconyx within reassured.

'Save the pep talk. We're going to need more than that...' Gabriel mentally groused back as he got back to his feet.

Suddenly, Gabriel's rattled senses detected Rahu hovering above his position as he looked up and saw the creature grinning triumphantly. He only had a fraction of a second to mull on this before the [Raid Boss] NPC then spat out a sickly, dark-purple mist upon him.

'Shit! Poison!'

It was far too late, as Gabriel breathed in enough of the substance to contaminate his insides. He doubled over and collapsed upon the ground, hugging his mid-section as he was wracked with pain. He clenched his teeth as he felt as if his insides were being torn apart, yet amazingly, despite the agonizing pain, he nary uttered a sound.

A thunderous booming sound shook the earth as Rahu landed in front of Gabriel. His voice vibrated the air as he heartily chuckled in amusement at Gabriel's silent pain and agony, and spoke in a matching tone.

"Haheheh... How do you like my poison breath, human? Brings most living beings to their knees as their insides are being eaten away. Don't worry. Even if you didn't breath it in, it wouldn't have mattered. Contact with it is enough... Hmm?"


Yugo Kanno-Un'altra persona


Rahu paused as he reveled in Gabriel's pain and agony. A satisfied, toothy grin spread over his features as he spoke in a mocking tone, spreading his arms as if to give a comforting embrace to his prey.

"Grmm... Why remain silent, eh? I know it must hurt, having your insides being torn apart. Go ahead. Cry. Scream. Let it out. There's no shame in it."

Gabriel's body spasms and trembles as his right hand moves up and clenches onto a patch of grass. He coughs and vomits up a foul-smelling black substance as his right eye glares up at Rahu. What pleasure the massive dragonoid took from Gabriel's pain cooled as the defiance he saw in his gaze told him that his fighting spirit was far from being extinguished.

A feeling that was more than confirmed as Gabriel spoke up in a strained, yet willful tone.

"Gak! I... would rather die... than give you... Hak!... that... satisfaction..."

A displeased growl rumbled in Rahu's throat at Gabriel's defiant words and attitude. This was not what he wanted to see. After the humiliation he suffered, he wanted to ground this human down into nothing. His body? His spirit? his will? He wanted to destroy it all! Only the will of his master kept him from delivering the finishing blow.

No matter. He still had time to make this human suffer before he submitted to his master's will. Lifting Gabriel by the mane of his long blond hair with his right hand, he brought him level with his face as he smiled. Within an instant, his massive left-fist crashed into Gabriel's midsection, launching him straight up into the air. He hung helplessly in the air as Rahu's tail snaked up, wrapping itself around his neck.

Pulling him back down, a cracking echo reverberated throughout the air as Gabriel's back came crashing upon Rahu's elevated right-knee. Gabriel's mouth and eyes widened as more black and crimson fluid was forcefully expelled from his mouth. And yet, he remained silent.

Rahu then grabbed onto Gabriel's limbs with his hands as he stretched his bent form over his knee, applying ever increasing amounts of pressure. Despite the popping and cracking sounds that echoed from his armor and bones, he remained silent. The excruciating pain was plain to see in his expressions, but true to his word, he denied Rahu the satisfaction of hearing him cry out.

"ROOOOOOOAR!"

Growing ever frustrated with his defiance, Rahu's fury took control as he bellowed. Taking Gabriel by the legs in his massive left-hand, he wildly swung him onto the ground again, and again, and again, and again like he was a ragdoll. Still, Gabriel remained silent, even as spittle, blood, black-vitae, and teeth flew about the air.

While Rahu raged about with Gabriel's limp form, in his poisoned delirium he went in and out of consciousness. A wry grin spread over his bloodied lips as his face was rammed into a nearby boulder, and his thoughts filtered through.

'Heh... The irony is rich, thick, and creamy. Without those damned flames that cause me so much pain on a daily basis, I don't stand a chance against this piece of shit... What a sick joke...'


Hiroyuki Sawano,Mika Kobayashi-Bauklötze


As Gabriel lamented the irony of not being able to use his [Emerald Flames], lest he called down Navagraha's wrath upon them, he once more fell into unconsciousness. In that instant, he began to dream of the last time he saw his beloved Alisha alive. The night that everything went to hell. (A/N:Ch.2)

With his mind and body contaminated by Rahu's poison, the vision of Alisha's death became more visceral and twisted. Every time Gabriel's head collided with the ground in the outside world, the vision of Alisha's death played out again, and again, and again, in a cruel cycle that was meant to break Gabriel's mind. It was as if Rahu's own malice permeated the poison that ate away at Gabriel's insides.

However, the visions had a distinctly opposite effect on him. As they continued, the despair that should have eaten away at his will, fed into his anger, rage, and hate in a great furnace of vengeful wrath. Whatever doubts he had about continuing this journey after they escaped were burned away within the depths of his mind and soul, from which Reconyx's voice echoed.

'Is this the end of your journey, young Gabriel? Will you let your beloved's memory die here with you? Or will you continue? Let us see your answer...'

Gabriel's mind stilled like the surface of a lake on a calm spring morning as his consciousness returned, yet kept his eyes closed. He knew that he couldn't lose his cool. Not now. Not yet. He and Akemi still had cards to play. How long had he been flailed about? He could not tell in his delirim, but when Rahu's use of Gabriel as an impromptu club ceased, the dragonoid held him upside down by his feet as he calmed his draconic fury.

"Grumph! I cannot have you expire yet. I'm still not satisfied."

As the creature groused in disappointment, he flipped Gabriel's form right-side up, holding him by his hair as he surveyed the area and nodded, pleased at the sight. Large swathes of land had been utterly decimated in their battle, and his rage at Gabriel's defiance. Boulders were reduced to pebbles, entire forested areas were laid to waste, and plains were deformed either with craters dotting about, or segments scorched bare.

Giving Gabriel's motionless form one last look, he then roared to the sky.

"ELF! Teleport here now! If your friend dies before I've had my fill, I won't hesitate to resume my original chase for you!"

Watching events unfold via [Crystal Monitor], Akemi took a deep breath at his proclamation. While she was frankly horrified by how the fight progressed, she knew that this was still within the bounds of the plan they had mapped out. She steeled herself for what was needed to be done for the next phase as Charon gently took hold of her shoulder.

"[Greater Teleportation]."

Disappearing, and then reappearing not 10-meters away, Akemi kept her expression hardened as she looked upon Rahu's face. The creature held Gabriel up by his hair like the prized catch of the day as he impatiently spoke.

"What're you waiting for? Heal him, elf!"

"..."

There was no reply as her sight then shifted to Gabriel's bloodied visage. She swallowed hard at the sight. At the knowledge that her previous buffs did little more than ensure he could survive a beating from a fully powered Rahu. Her inner turmoil was halted as Gabriel's eyes opened.

The whites of his eyes were stained crimson with his own blood, yet his emerald-colored irises still shined through as he winked at her once. It was the prearranged signal for her to continue as planned, and so with a stiff nod she did as instructed.

"[Maximize Magic: Greater Heal]."

As Gabriel's body shined with a bright-green, his external and internal damage healed, even if the effects of the poison continued to rip him apart from the inside out. His form began to steam as Rahu released him and he fell to the ground in a slump. The smell of contaminated, burning blood filled the air with a thick, nauseating aroma that more than encouraged Akemi to back up nearly 20-meters via [Dimensional Move].

Rahu looked pleased by Gabriel's condition. Even if the burning blood seemed a surprise to him, the misery of the human that humiliated him was almost euphoric. His broad, toothy smile almost glistened in the light of dusk as he contemplated what he would do to him next. Several different thoughts came to mind. Including ripping his sword arm out from its socket...

'Hrm? Where's his sword?'


Susumu Hirasawa-Aria


It was then Rahu noticed that Gabriel's sword was missing. It didn't take long for his draconic senses to pinpoint the location of the [Divine Class] weapon laying in the grass not a few feet from them. That hateful weapon that somehow had the power to nullify his regenerative healing, even if temporarily.

Then a thought occurred to him as his smile turned perverse. How ironic would it be if HE was blinded by his own weapon? And what kind of effect would it have on him? He casually walked over to the weapon as he noted Gabriel was not moving a muscle, and licked his teeth at the thought of making him suffer with his own weapon as he picked it up.

As he briefly examined it, he was forced to admit that it was a fine weapon, and much like Gabriel's armor, was draconic in nature. A fact that forced him to realize how and why it could have such debilitating effects on him, as well as its offensive power. Just as he mused on those things, the weapon began to hum and vibrate loudly in his hand. And then...

*FA-WOOSH!*

"ARRRRRAAGH!"

Suddenly the silver/emerald-colored weapon burst into a fireball of [Emerald Flames] that traveled up the lengths of his arm, baking his scales and hide from the inside out. It was like thousands of white-hot pokers were stabbing at him from within and without! The pain was worse than when his master freed him from that infernal undead's curse!

He promptly released the weapon from his grasp as it hovered momentarily, and then flew to Gabriel's right-side. Its flames fizzled out as he weakly took it in hand, and used it to prop himself back up to a standing position to face Rahu again. His fangs ground on each other as his wrathful gaze bore into Gabriel's stoic countenance.

"YOU! WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?! MY MASTER WARNED YOU THE PRICE OF USING THAT POWER!"

Gabriel coughed black sputum as he calmly replied to Rahu's baleful inquiry.

"Hak! Yeah, she said that I couldn't use it, but I never did. My sword did, and my sword alone."

"W-What?!" Rahu exclaimed in disbelief as he cradled his charred right-arm with his left, just for Gabriel to reply in a relaxed, casual fashion.

"My sword [Krysseatheum] is very particular about its wielder. There's wards and pacts placed upon it to prevent the unworthy from wielding it, via a sort of 'karmic backlash'. Any unworthy of it tries to use it without my permission will get hurt like you did."

"Y-You! You planned this?!" Rahu hatefully asked.

Gabriel cough/chuckled as he replied in dry amusement.

"Heh. Not a chance. It was just a 'happy' coincidence. But it seems to have used up the charge of [Emerald Flame] that it absorbed from me. So it'll have to find another way to hurt you. Hehehe..."

"Grrrrargh!"

Rahu could not believe what he was hearing! This half-dead human, who should have been at his mercy, was laughing! It was little more than a weak chuckle, but still it was an affront! Then he realized that this tricky human was doing that on purpose. The "collaborator" oft mentioned something about "getting inside your head" in battle, and only now did Rahu understand the meaning of those words.

Yes, this human was weak. He was just trying to unbalance him and "get inside his head". Just another one of his weak tactics. The pain in his arm was just starting to fade, even if the healing itself was momentarily stunted. He could still move it despite the damage, though he was not going to use his weapon in it for the time being. Yes... He still had the... advantage?

"...!"

Within an instant, Gabriel's form shifted with several afterimages, before charging straight at him. How?! He should have been under the effects of his poison! He did not have time to mull on it further as a barrage of attacks rained down on his arm. Rahu used his right-wing to block the attacks. As before, that strange sensation of multiple attacks for each swing of his blade came. Gabriel backed off to his previous position as his whip-like tail counterattacked.

"...!"

"Glaaarrg!"

Rahu would have charged forward, if not for the surprising spectacle of Gabriel vomiting an almost endless stream of black and crimson vitae. He kept himself from doubling over by leaning on his weapon as he did. After a few minutes of this he seemed to return to normal as he wiped his mouth and chin clean with his gauntlet. He spit the remains from his mouth as he stared down a perplexed Rahu.

"You seem confused. The long and short of it is, I have a passive that allows me to adjust and build a tolerance to poisons. Ugh. Took me longer than expected though. Tsk. Whew... Just glad I've been exposed to hundreds of poisons like yours. Would've taken longer otherwise." Gabriel matter-of-factly said as he caught his breath.

The passive that he spoke of was simply called [Adaptability]. As the name implied, it allowed him to quickly adapt to whatever poison, toxin, and/or disease he was exposed to. It was one of the perks he attained from leveling-up his [Methuselah] racial class, and the reason why he did not wear any items geared towards protection from those elements.

The downside however, is that until he adjusted, he would feel the full-effects of whatever he was exposed to, no matter how painful and debilitating. Because of this, he made it a point to deliberately expose his avatar to almost every known contaminate in his version of YGGDRASIL. A process that took years, but it seemed to have paid off. He chuckled at that thought. His due diligence in a game of all things ensured his prompt recovery and survival.

While Rahu's poison was especially potent, between the other immunities he had built up, and the [Blood Magic] in his veins giving him an additional boost, he was fairly confident he would survive long enough for it to work. If not, Rahu's own sadistic nature would ensure that he would not be allowed to die so easily.

As Rahu's waraxe materialized in his left-hand, Gabriel stole a glance at the thin, curved, silvery sky-blue metal plate on his left-wrist. It was an YGGDRASIL item simply called a [Wristwatch]. Its numbers would fade in and out, depending on its settings and the will of its wearer. Checking to see how much time had passed, Gabriel's brow twitched as he saw the time.

'It's been 39-minutes since Rahu's arrival?! How long was I out from his poison?! Dammit!... [Greater Dodge]!'

Gabriel's inner confusion was interrupted when Rahu opened with a [Breath] attack, which he swiftly avoided with an YGGDRASIL warrior movement [Skill]. The dragonoid followed this up with a swipe of his waraxe that Gabriel barely avoided as he rolled to the side. His evasive was thwarted by a combination swipe of Rahu's tail and the buffeting of one of his wings. This created enough of an opening for Rahu's weapon to bear down on Gabriel's back.

*CRASH!*

Dirt and dust was explosively expelled from the force of the impact, creating a small crater. At the bottom of said crater, Gabriel was seen, having guarded against the blow at the last moment with his left-side, and the hasty application of [Fortification]. However...

*CRACK!*

The moment that sound met his ears, he swiftly threw his [Blink Dagger] outwardly away from them. It wasn't a moment too soon, as Rahu's weapon created an explosion that rocked the area. Despite reappearing a few meters away, the shockwave violently carried him away even further.

Landing on his feet, he had mere seconds to notice the cracks and fissures covering the left-side of his armor. This made him grimace as he used the momentum of the explosion to his advantage to launch the [Blink Dagger] to another location, and his thoughts raced.

'Dammit... Somehow, in the time I was incapacitated by Rahu's poison, he used some sort of equipment sundering ability on me. Since my W.C.I.'s defense boosting power is bypassed when an enemy holds onto me for more than 2.5 seconds... This isn't good...'

"[Ragnarok's Tear]!"

A molten fireball descended from the heavens as Gabriel tried to avoid it. It locked onto him like a guided missile, giving him little room to maneuver, before he was forced to escape again with the [Blink Dagger]. Gripping it with his left hand, he was about to launch it in another direction, when at the corner of his right-eye he saw Rahu flying towards him.

"I KNOW YOUR TRICK NOW! THERE'S NO ESCAPE! SUBMIT OR DIE!"


Elsewhere...

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! This is too much! Oh, what I wouldn't give to have been the one to put the little green man in his place. Heh... Ah, no matter. Watching him suffer like that is enough for me. All I need is some popcorn. Hah!"

The cloaked figure watched and laughed with glee as Gabriel struggled against Rahu throughout the fight. Although, as much as he enjoyed watching the struggle, something felt off about the whole exchange. It was like the meddler was fighting not to win, but to stall for time.

He had to admit, the idea to clue Rahu in on this had crossed his mind, but curiosity overrode that impulse. He wanted to see what clever scheme Gabriel had cooked up, and what he would do next. And to derive some amusement at the dragonoid brute's expense. A thought that made him smile as he watched on...

"Hehe... Let's see who embarrasses whom..."


Great Tomb of Nazarick, 10th-Floor: Throne Room

Navagraha sat upon the [Throne of Kings], watching the exchange between Gabriel and Rahu with great interest as their battle continued to play out upon the [Crystal Monitor] summoned by Nigredo. The NPC in question sat next to her mistress, sipping on a cup of tea as she watched the spectacle with mild indifference. She was merely a spectator after all. Whatever the outcome, it only mattered to her if it served the will of her master.

"Hmm... My, my. That young man is doing well in holding out against Rahu." Navagraha hummed as she watched.

Reclining comfortably on the throne-type [World Item], she glanced at Nigredo and smirked at her lack of a reaction as she spoke in amusement.

"You do not agree, my dear~?"

"Oh. It's not that mistress. I simply wonder if he will be worthy of your interest is all." Nigredo almost innocently replied.

"Oh, ha-ho-ho! You need not worry, child. He is very much worthy of my attention. He's clever, resourceful, willful, tenacious, and even without borrowing from the draconic power from the soul he carries, quite strong... Yes... So much potential..."

Navagraha's tone became almost eager as she smiled, exposing her draconic incisors. The irises of her orange eyes glowed brightly like a pair of suns as she saw that the battle seemed to be nearing its end. She knew that Gabriel was fighting not to win, but to delay, and was most eager to see what the clever child had in store...


Hiroyuki Sawano(feat. Laco & Mpi)-Apple Seed,Remix


*CLANG!*

Gabriel barely managed to guard with his sword as Rahu struck with his weapon, blowing him away by several meters. He managed to correct himself in midair, only to find Rahu had sped his way back to his position again. This back and forth continued on for several minutes as the Boss-type NPC gave him little room to breathe or maneuver.

*CRASH!*

Rahu's tail whipped around and followed up on his weapon's attack, sending him back down to ground level. His massive foot came rushing down, missing Gabriel's face by mere inches as he rolled out of the way. A gust from Rahu's wings created a reverse pressure of air, drawing him back in as the creature readied his waraxe again in a horizontal sweep.

'[Ariel Circle]!'

Using the momentum to his advantage, Gabriel invoked an YGGDRASIL warrior [Skill] as he spun like a buzzsaw in midair. The clash of attacks had the desired effect as it bounced him away from the relentless monster that smiled broadly at his domination of the "fight".

Panting heavily, Gabriel was thankful for the changes his body had gone through after the Transfer. Back in YGGDRASIL, one of his little-known weaknesses that he kept under-wraps, was the fact that after acquiring his armor, using [Skills] consumed gargantuan amounts of stamina. Since YGGDRASIL employed a stamina/fatigue system, this became a problem in some battles.

For non-magic caster classes, there were two types of [Skills] that they could utilize; the limited use per-day types, and regular ones that operated on a "cooldown" timer. Depending on its tier, what level it was learned, and its strength, that cooldown could be as high as 30-seconds or more. They could easily be confused for [Martial Arts] if one did not know better. Of course, they still relied on the user having the appropriate stamina to execute the [Skill].

This is what prompted his refraining from using them in most fights; his armor increasing his stamina consumption to near ridiculous levels, and instead relying on his superior reflexes, fighting experience, and the overwhelming capabilities of his [Divine Class] sword. As well as his exploiting the [Critical Hit] system the game employed for some avatars.

Of course, now that he no longer had that deficiency, he was relying heavily upon those [Skills] to keep up with Rahu's onslaughts. As well as the [Sash of Megingjord] and the [World Item] he wore underneath his armor to greatly boost his stamina recovery. Otherwise, Rahu with his near endless stamina as a dragonkind would have overwhelmed him long ago.

'[Air Slash]!'

Gabriel executed a horizontal sweep with his blade as he invoked the ranged warrior [Skill], firing a blade of cutting wind towards Rahu. It was meant less as a means of harming him, and more as a means of delaying him, and pushing him further away as he used it in midair. Having a moment to take stock of the situation, he knew that he still needed to buy time before their plan could be set into motion.

Looking at the slender watch on his left wrist, he grimaced and mentally cursed.

'Shit! We still need 17-minutes! Come on, think! How to I drag this... out...?'

No sooner did that thought cross his mind that an idea hit him. To him, it was a long shot, but he needed to save his truly big [Skills] for the final stretch.

*BOOM!*

Rahu's form dropped from the sky not 5-meters from him, smiling confidently as he menacingly walked forward, and spoke with a matching tone.

"What'll you do now, worm? Grrhrm? Resistance is futile, and there's still plenty of time for me to play with you... Hm?"

The dragonoid's speech halted as Gabriel's form once again shifted with afterimages, before charging straight at him. Rahu laughed at this, expecting more from the human. His right arm was now healing, albeit slowly, and he still had plenty of power to spare. He has enjoyed humiliating this human, and was more than willing to obligeto more before he unleashed his full might, crushing this worm once and for all.

He lazily brought up his waraxe to humor the human, before something odd happened. His form shimmered and formed afterimages once again, before he felt an odd sensation of a half-dozen sword strikes falling upon his weapon. There was the briefest of pauses, before Gabriel's form shifted again, but this time...

"GRARRRGH!"

The sensation of numerous blade slashes tearing into his left-wing assaulted his senses. Reacting on instinct, his tail shot straight for Gabriel's head. It missed by a hair's breath, shaving away the left-side of his helm's material, as well as the skin on his face, creating a gushing shower of blood that quenched the sparks his damaged helm created.

Despite the near-miss removing the flesh from above his left-ear and from his cheek, exposing his pearly-white teeth, Gabriel remained unperturbed, as his form shifted again with a mental command invoking the YGGDRASIL warrior ability...

'[Phantom Blade].'

His form was a blur as he attacked Rahu's wings, keeping him off-balance as Gabriel became a literal whirlwind of combative exchanges. Whipping his head to and fro, he left streaks of blood hanging in the air as he continued to engage Rahu at a furious pace. Meanwhile, at nearly 20-meters away, Akemi looked at her own watch and grimaced.

'You're cutting it too close Gabriel-san... Time to start my part now. Please, hang in there...'

Suddenly there was a flash as a large dome of swirling light and runes encompassed Charon in the distance, signifying the activation of Super-Tier magic. A short distance away from him, Akemi activated her own. While the NPC was not a pure caster, thanks to his mix of classes he had at least one in his arsenal. Fortunately, it was not entirely impossible for an NPC to have Super-Tier spells, but it often required a mix of certain classes, and a bit of luck to pull off.

Rahu's sharp draconic senses picked up on the dual activation of magical energies, and tried to turn to investigate, when another barrage of blade-strikes took advantage of his momentary distraction. Since the two figures in the distance made no move against him, he disregarded their actions and focused on the pest before him, wondering how he was achieving these feats as he growled in anger and frustration.

The answer was in the weapon [Skill] he was deploying. Learned at level-25 in YGGDRASIL, [Phantom Blade] was an ability that was less about causing damage, than it was about unbalancing an opponent with fast, flashy attack maneuvers, keeping them unbalanced if they did not have a counter. It was more akin to a "showboating" [Skill] than one suited for actual combative use.

This was due to the fact that its maximum effectiveness to cause damage was "capped" at lvl-35, and did not "scale" with the Player's level like most others, since it "shifted" all of the user's stats into speed, rather than damage-dealing. This created multiple afterimages that mimics the last attack motions executed.

Normally, it does 50% damage for the first attack, with only 25% for the following attacks. In the game, it created spectacular flourishes that awed onlookers with "epic", fast-paced combat exchanges that resulted in the weapon-locking [Clash] mechanic. It was a popular choice with many Players to use in PVP/PVE for "showing off". Simply put, one attack looks and acts like three, which would further multiply into nine, then further multiplying into twenty-seven.

Between each attack exchange, Gabriel and Rahu were now essentially doing a kind of mental rock, paper, scissors, as the NPC relied on his own speed to keep up with, and counter Gabriel at every turn. Since the [Skill] could be activated once every 2.4-seconds, it was very well suited to Gabriel's "always attack" style of fighting. Especially since he could easily link different variations, while appearing to be going hyper-fast to onlookers.

Once the afterimages catch up, there was only a slight delay until he used it again. An exchange creating a shower of sparks that filled the area with hot-orange and white colors, as Rahu's weapon and armor met Gabriel's weapon. Of course, given the nature of [Phantom Blade], it would be understandable to wonder why he chose to use this ability to engage an entity as powerful as Rahu.

This was because that while its damage-output did not scale with levels, one could still increase its effectiveness with the weapon they used in conjunction with it. For Gabriel, it was the perfect [Skill], given the nature of his [Divine Class] sword, [Kyrsseatheum]. Its extremely high DPS made up for those short-comings from not only the damage dealt with each individual strike, but also from the fact that it already had a natural ability to multiply its strikes.

So instead of three strikes, it was twelve, and nine would jump to twenty-seven, and continue to rise as high as one-hundred and eight strikes! Since the [Skill] was one of the few that did not incur as harsh a penalty to his stamina consumption as his other abilities in the game, he used and abused it to quickly whittle down the Durability of enemy weapons and gear during PVP/PVE.

In other words, for Gabriel, using [Phantom Blade] was just plain wrong. A fact that his long-time friend Jon often pointed out, saying that its combined DPS was "retarded". Something that was reinforced as the air rang with the metal-on-metal sounds that made it seem as if an army of hundreds clashed, instead of two.

*CLANG!*CLANG!*CLANG*CLANG!*CLANG!*CLANG!*CLANG!*

"GRAAARGH! YOU FESTERING WORM!"

Rahu's frustrated, enraged shouts filled the air as his "Hate" built up. While it was a hidden value in YGGDRASIL, Gabriel was adept in drawing it out, so enemy NPCs would focus on him as the DPS/Tank hybrid and front-liner. Thanks to this, Rahu was now completely ignoring Charon and Akemi in the distance. Which is what they now needed if their plan would have any hope of success.


Shirō Sagisu & Mike Wyzgowski-Nothing Can Be Explained


"...!"

Just as the latest sequence of [Phantom Blade] ended and Gabriel was preparing to counter Rahu's next attack, he inexplicably froze up. His eyes widened in shock at this as steaming blood came dribbling out of his nose and mouth, and at the realization at what caused it...

'Shit! Rahu's poison! It's still not completely purged from my system! Move, dammit! Move, you triple-damned idiot!'

The expression of blanched horror on Gabriel's face filled Rahu with utter glee, as an upward swing from his waraxe launched him into the air. Thanks to Rahu's previous application of his armor sundering ability when he used Gabriel as a club, a large diagonal gash opened over the entirety of Gabriel's torso. Bringing with it a veritable fountain of steaming blood, and a shower of emerald-colored fragments as the front section of his armor completely broke apart.

"HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA! FOOL! WHAT DOES THE MASTER SEE IN YOU?! YOU'RE LIKE ALL THE REST! FALLING BEFORE MY MIGHT!"

"..."

Seconds seemed like hours as Gabriel hung in the air, motionless. The poison he thought he expelled was now shutting down his nervous system, and while his right-hand maintained a tight grip on his sword, it mattered not. He could not even move his pinky, let alone his body. For all Rahu's arrogance and overconfidence, the tables had turned on him, as he was the one that grew overconfident.

All thought ceased as his breathing started to slow to the point of stopping, and a singular regret filled his being; that he was left alive that night. His eyes grew heavy as the compulsion to just, let go, seemed too strong to resist. That was until a piercing roar from within him rattled him back to consciousness.

'ROOOOOOAR! DAMN YOU, GABRIEL! IS THIS HOW YOU PLAN TO LET THIS END?! TO LET THE WORLD EATER TAKE YOU?! MAKE NO MISTAKE, YOU'LL FIND NO PEACE IN DEATH LIKE THIS! AND WHAT OF AKEMI?! WOULD YOU CONSIGN HER TO A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH, AND YOUR CREATION TO UTTER ANNIHILATION?! GIVE UP NOW, AND THAT IS WHAT AWAITS! AND I WON'T STAND FOR IT!'

*BOOM!*

Gabriel's limp body fell back onto the ground as Akemi held her breath in the distance. She wanted to move to his side, but it was far too late. She could only hope Gabriel could recover in time. Indeed, while Gabriel's wounds were healing thanks to his passives, items, and her buffs, he still remained motionless as the fragments of his armor dissolved into emerald-colored motes of light, and were reabsorbed back into his body.

The poison did its work to paralyze him in a state hovering somewhere between life and death. Laying flat on his back, a gasp was heard as in his renewed delirium he saw a phantom image of Alisha staring back at him, with that same warm smile that never failed to soothe him in the past. Now? It felt like it was taunting him. If he fell here, then the justice he thirsted for his late love would forever be denied to them both.

Gritting his teeth, he heard Rahu slowly approach, then stop, as his attention then went back to Akemi and Charon in the distance.

"Hmph! I can take you to the master later. For now, I'll see to ending whatever those two are doing."

Taking in a large huff of air, Rahu then expelled with a mighty roar, a giant molten-orange fireball towards Akemi's and Charon's position. Gabriel's eyes widened at the realization of what was happening, but was powerless to do more than turn his head as the attack rapidly came upon their position...

*BOOOOOM!*

A massive mushroom-cloud bloomed into the air, sending shock-waves throughout the area, destroying the plains and what trees were left from Rahu's rampage. As the dust settled, it truly looked as if it were the end times. The orange hue of dusk became more of a bright blood-red, mirroring the scorched clay unearthed by the blast. Rahu reveled in the destruction he caused, as the paralyzed Gabriel held his breath.

A breath of relief escaped his lips as it was revealed that both Akemi and Charon remained unscathed. To their front, a line of lvl-80 Cherubim Gatekeepers was shining with golden light as a protective field crumbled as if glass. Rahu growled venomously as he sensed their nature as holy beings, who were more or less his direct antithesis. A brief grin escaped the edges of Gabriel's lips, knowing from where they came from.

Before the battle even started, Akemi had summoned them through the Super-Tier spell [Pantheon], and were on standby in another location like her other summons. Their holy light revealed their full appearance, having the head and mane of a lion and four wings, with one pair stretched out, and another pair folded around them. Clad in shining armor, they were armed with a lance of fire in one hand, a shield adorned with eye patterns in another.

His grin quickly faded as he realized that there was no way for Rahu to be fooled now. A fact reinforced when he turned to Gabriel with a sadistic grin, and turned back to walk toward the pair in the distance to make good on his threat at the start of the fight.

'Goddammit! I've got to get out of this before they cast their spells! Think! There's got to be a way to neutralize the last of his poison in time!'

Struggling against the effects of the poison's remnants, Gabriel had a sense that it would take at least another 19-minutes to adapt to the last vestiges that latched onto his insides. He then suddenly remembered something important, as he recalled the nature of the poison, and then focused inward to address the dragon soul within him.

'Reconyx, can you precisely control the [Emerald Flames] to where they are contained within my body?'

'Hrm? Indeed I can, but why are you... Aaaaah... I see. Are you sure? The pain this will inflict is... Well, I'm sure the phrase "waking agony", should adequately describe it.'

"..."

As the dragon within Gabriel cautiously replied, both came to the same realization. The only way to break the effects of Rahu's poison in time, was to literally burn away its magical effects. Doing so in a way that it would not appear that Gabriel had not violated Navagraha's decree. Which means, containing his flames within his body without them, "leaking out".

'We've got no choice. Just do it!'

'Hm... Very well, young man... BRACE YOURSELF!'

Doing as instructed, Gabriel gritted his teeth. He felt that familiar sensation of thousands of white-hot needles stab at his insides with a greater, focused intensity. While it was burning away the poison, he howled in a voice of tortured rage...

"AAAARRRRRAAAGH!"


LEBROCK,(feat. Ultraboss)-Juice


As his body shined with an emerald-colored aura, the flames were contained within Gabriel's body as his form shot back up to his feet, stunning those present as all eyes turned to him. In his vision, the smiling phantom of Alisha burned away in green flames, as surely as if it were really happening in reality. At this guttural, draconic roars erupted from Gabriel. He charged at a stunned Rahu, who could not comprehend how this came to be.

"WHAT'S THE MEANING OF THIS-?!"

"GRAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Rahu's words were cut off as Gabriel's speed doubled in an instant, jolted by the combination of mental and physical anguish, with only one thought present...

'I WILL LEAVE! I WILL FIND MY WAY TO EARTH! I WILL AVENGE THEM!'

"[GRAND PIERCING STRIKE]!"

Air was explosively displaced as Gabriel's thrusting [Skill] caught Rahu in his mouth, creating an expulsion of flaming blood from his maw.

"GROOOOU!"

As the dragonoid reeled from the pain, Gabriel dragged his blade down the length of Rahu's tongue. Since the blade nullified regenerative healing, Rahu was now effectively silenced as he kicked off him. Gabriel's vision was clouded with the phantom images of Alisha, loved ones, and friends past and present catching fire as he roared to the heavens. He then took a stance with sword pointed to the sky as an inhuman voice rang out.

"CHARON! AKEMI! NOW!"

Without hesitation, the NPC activated his spell first...

"[Super-Tier Magic: Chains of Atlas]!"

Glowing gold/silver-colored chains of magical energies burst from the earth, throwing shards of the land everywhere and skyward with the tremendous force of their entrance. They wrapped around Rahu's arms, legs, tail, and wings, completely locking him down and restricting his movements.

Fully enraged, Rahu no longer cared for the pain it would cause his wounds as he invoked the full force of his power. His own flames burst forth cloaking his form, but it was to no avail. He struggled pointlessly as the binding power of [Chains of Atlas] was effective even on a [Raid Boss]. Now, Rahu was completely at Gabriel's mercy.

"[Super-Tier Magic: Judgement of Osiris]!"

A few seconds later, Akemi's spell was cast and a ghostly, shadowy figure with green skin and dressed in white and golden robes with hood appeared. Waving its hands towards them, it then disappeared. Suddenly, ethereal golden balancing-scales appeared over everyone's heads. One side held a heart, while on the other a feather. The scales pent down on the feather's side for Gabriel and Akemi, while they weighed downward on the heart's side for Charon and Rahu.

In that instant, the heart was devoured by a ravenous beast that suddenly materialized. While both Charon and Rahu were unharmed, their Karma ratings plummeted, reaching -700 and -750 respectively in an instant. In contrast, Gabriel's and Akemi's Karma ratings shot upward to +700 and 880+ respectively. The result of the Super-Tier spell Akemi used that manipulates Karma, reducing negative ratings, while increasing positive ones.

In the game, Karma affected the damage inflicted by certain [Skills] and spells. This effect carried over, even after the Transfer. The final stage of their plan was to intensify the effects of some of Gabriel's [Skills], which relied on karmic imbalance. Invoking one of his [Ultimate Skills], Gabriel looked more beast than man as he bared his teeth and elongated incisors to Rahu.

"[Skill: Shining Dragon-King Combo]!"

Bursting from his form was the ghostly, gigantic, glowing emerald-colored form of the dragon soul within him, Reconyx Cymarth, whom roared to the heavens. The [Skill] was a once-a-day trump-card that invoked a 5-stage attack sequence that rapidly increased DPS. With Rahu at his mercy, Gabriel now had free-reign to unleash its full might.

"[Dragon-King's Karmic Backlash]!"

The first sequence executed a two-move slash that extended a ghostly blade from side-to-side. It reduced the evasive abilities of foes with Karma ratings proportional to the amount of karmic imbalance. As the chains binding Rahu shattered, this effect was beyond useful. It also had the chance of briefly sealing their [Skills] and/or spells, which depended on one's Luck stat. Thanks to his high luck, boosted by Akemi's buffs and his [Ring of Bishamonten], this effect succeeded.

"RRRROOOOOOAR!"

Rahu's roars of fury were impotent wails of indignation as far as Gabriel was concerned, as the second sequence of his [Skill] activated.

"[Dragon-King's Retribution]!"

With a single, downward swipe of the sword, a burst of emerald-colored light erupted as his elongated sword struck dead-center on his target. The lower the opponent's karma score is, the more damage it does.

"[Dragon-King's Wrath]!"

A forward thrusting attack ran through Rahu's center with a ghostly blade, bypassing physical resistances. A new effect that manifested with the Transfer however, was the infliction of pain equal to what the enemy had caused the user, causing both paralysis and agony in equal measure. A fact that made Gabriel smirk as the dragonoid spasmed and wailed.

"[Dragon-King's Calls for Repentance]!"

Blisteringly swift attacks washed over Rahu's form as the [Skill] executes over twenty vertical and horizontal slashes in a grid-like pattern over the [Raid Boss] summon. This gave a Gabriel a monumental boost to DPS, which was further enhanced by his sword's abilities, multiplying the attacks to ridiculous degrees.

"[Dragon-King's Final Judgement]!"

The last sequence of the combo [Skill] saw Gabriel being taken into Reconyx's ghostly maw as they both ascended skyward, with Rahu being restrained in Reconyx's spectral claws and tail. They rose over 50-meters into the air before Reconyx's form released Rahu.

With Gabriel's sword pointing downward, both he and the ethereal form of Reconyx roared as they dove towards Rahu's floating body. Like a loosed missile, they slammed into him, with Gabriel's [Divine Class] weapon piercing his chest. With the force of a comet, they plummeted back down to terra firma, and then...

*BOOOOOOM!*

A gargantuan explosion enveloped the battlefield as the already scarred land was eviscerated even further. In the distance, the Cherubim Gatekeeper summons protected Akemi and Charon as the heat, air pressure, and debris released was akin to a 10th-tier explosion spell enhanced with the modifiers [Maximize], [Boosted], and [Widen].

As the violent aftermath began to die down, the angel summons faded into motes of light, and as the dust began to settle Charon and Akemi were revealed to be unharmed. Not even dirt had touched them as they strode forth, with Charon now putting away his creator's [Music Box].

Akemi's expression was blank as she surveyed the battlefield with a spell that cleared all obstructions from her sight. The battle fought could only be described as "titanic", as the land for hundreds of meters in every direction was decimated. Without magical intervention, it would need a century or more to even begin to recover from the devastation.

In the center of it all was a deep, scorched crater, still steaming from the friction with the air and the violent release of energies. Casting the 3rd-tier spell [Dimensional Move], both Akemi and Charon materialized at its edge, and saw Gabriel kneeling next to a motionless Rahu that was flat on his back.

Propping himself up on his left hand, he pushed off Rahu's waist as he was gasping and panting for air like he had run a marathon. His [Armor of the Emerald Dragon] faded into motes of emerald-light, revealing him to be wearing a simple, gray long-sleeved shirt with turtle-neck, but was torn open on the front. This revealed the wearable [World Item] that hung just below his neck, the [Amulet of the Divine Star]. (A/N:Ch.7)

In addition, he was wearing simple gray-colored trousers with padded sections, and tight-fitting white boots. A black sash with subtle silver-colored accents and patterns was worn around his waist. This was the [Divine Class] Artifact, the [Sash of Megingjord], along with the ten rings of different colors worn on each finger that were also [Divine Class]. Both of his ears bore [Legendary Class] earrings of a gold and green coloration.

He turned and looked up to Akemi and Charon, the former of whom smiled brightly, as the latter slightly bowed. His sash and W.C.I. restored his spent stamina, and he took only two steps forward before...

*CLANG!*

Without warning Rahu sprang to life again, swinging his waraxe and launching Gabriel out of the crater, whom barely managed to guard the blow in time with [Krysseatheum]. Flipping in mid-air, Gabriel landed on his feet as both Akemi and Charon teleported to his sides. Flying out from the crater with an ear-spitting roar, Rahu shook the earth under their feet as he landed.

All of his wounds healed within the blink of an eye as he stared the trio down with a maddening anger that went beyond the concept of rage. His eyes became black as all sense left his mind, entering into a berserker state that increased his abilities threefold. Despite knowing this, none present seemed concerned with this turn of events as Gabriel nonchalantly spoke.

"Oh, fer' crying out loud... You're one tough bastard, aren't you? No matter. You're a triple-damned idiot for trading in your intellect for increased power. And we were counting on it. Goodbye, filth."

Raising his left-hand, Gabriel snapped his fingers, and a crystal item lodged in Rahu's waist harness briefly shined before the spell within invoked.

"[Greater Teleportation]."

In a flash of blue-colored light, Rahu vanished, and reappeared in a destroyed village miles from their location on the extreme edges of Rahu's "territory". The area was already abandoned, making it an ideal location to set their last trap. Numerous explosions released a red-colored mist, flooding the area with the same concoction Gabriel used in his first encounter to scramble Rahu's keen draconic senses. (A/N:Ch.19)

Simultaneously, Gabriel's group teleported in the opposite direction of Rahu. Charon brought out the [Gate Key] from his [Inventory], and only after a moment nodded as jets of steam were ejected from his helm. He then turned to speak in a neutral tone.

"Master. Lady Akemi. The plan seems to have been a success. We need only wait for another 4-minutes."

With a fatigued sigh, Gabriel sits down on a nearby log as he wearily speaks.

"Let's hope that there aren't any more surprises."

"Agreed, Gabriel-san. Still, shouldn't you equip another set of armor in the meantime? I mean, in case something else happens?" Akemi firmly insists.

"Ah, I'd love to Akemi-chan, but my merger with the [Armor of the Emerald Dragon] has had a rather... unexpected side-effect. I can't equip many other sets beyond light-armor anymore. My body rejects them, much like how a magic caster can't equip certain weapons. Something I learned shortly before I fought my first battle after the Transfer." Gabriel casually replies as he lights and smokes a cigarette, recalling his fight with the Yogg, Bwynleah. (A/N:Ch.7)

"Are you serious? All that planning we did and I'm only hearing about this now?!" Akemi exclaimed in a worried and flustered pout.

"Oh, relax. I didn't want you to worry. It was important that we kept focused on the plan in case Navagraha sent her 'errand-boy'. True to form, she did. Despite some unpleasant surprises along the way, we came out the other side." Gabriel calmly said with a distant tone and expression as he continued to smoke.

"Oooh, you...! Hmph! I just... Alright, fine." Akemi said with a weary, defeated sigh.

As she looked upon Gabriel's countenance, Akemi could not help but wonder what happened during the course of that battle. The distant yet intense look in his eyes told her that something was different now. But after his fierce and trying battle as the front-liner, she felt it best to leave it be. They were still in hostile territory after all. Still, that distant look was one she knew too well. She saw it every time she looked in the mirror ever since her ordeal began; grief.

'Gabriel-san told me about Alisha-san's passing before he came here, but why does he look like that? What's he thinking?'


Meanwhile, back in the ruined throne room of Nazarick, Navagraha was positively glowing in delight, despite Rahu's failure. Nigredo to her side could tell that much, as the full-grin her mistress sported made it all too obvious. From her perspective, it seemed that the handsome human had proven his worth, and now more than ever, Navagraha wanted to add him to her "collection".

Nigredo herself began to see his worthiness too. Especially in how he could give her melancholy sister Albedo some strong babies. Surely that would be enough, right? After all, ever since she took Surya, Demi-God of the Sun and servant of Navagraha, as her mate and became pregnant with his child, she was filled with incredible joy. Which is what she wanted for her sister. To be happy, and to forget their former master.

"Aaaaah... It is almost time to collect my prize. Hoh-hoh-hoh... And that young man is a prize to be sure... Hm? What are they doing now, I wonder?"

The puzzled voice of her mistress took Nigredo from her thoughts as they looked upon the [Crystal Monitor] she conjured. The undead she identified as an Overlord, wearing polished chitin-like armor with hard edges, pointed a cube-shaped magic item to the group's front. Then there was a burst of light and electricity, forming a bluish-white portal similar to a [Gate].

This action puzzled her. After all, there was nowhere in this world her magic could not track them, and there was nowhere in this world her mistress couldn't follow. She tilted her head, still puzzled as they quickly entered the portal, but then suddenly...

"NOOOOOOOOO!"

"...!"

Nigredo was frightened out of her wits as her mistress' roar shook the very foundations of Nazarick to its core. Why would she react in such a way?!


"Huh... What the hell are they up to?"

The cloaked figure watched the same scenes as Navagraha and Nigredo unfold, and considered Rahu's loss to be... expected.

"That dumbass peon. I give him a bit of advice, he gets back up to full strength, and STILL lets them slip through his claws. Uuugh... Welp! Time for me to... Yeeeoouch!"

The cloaked figured stood up and exclaimed in discomfort as the incensed voice of Navagraha The World Eater rang in his skull...

"FOLLOW THEM! NOW!"

"Oh? Heh-heh-heh... With pleasure."

A sadistic grin of pearly-white teeth could be seen as the figure retrieved a single immaculate, obsidian-colored [Wand] with jewels from his [Inventory]. Pointing it at the [Crystal Monitor] to his front, he invoked the spell contained within...

"[Pursuit Portal]."

A purplish-black [Gate] emerged, taking the place of the [Crystal Monitor]. A 10th-tier spell, [Pursuit Portal] allowed the user to essentially "piggyback" upon the [Gate] spell of another and appear in the same location as the other party with their own. Though useful for "chasing" after an enemy, it was still vulnerable to teleportation disruption spells like [Delay Teleportation]. Meaning, if the opposition is aware of it being used, they can set up traps for the user. Making it essential that it's used without the other party knowing.

'Heh. Don't know why the queen dragon-bitch is so worked up. This should be... Huh? What the hell?'

Suddenly, the [Gate] he was using fluctuated with electrical sparks discharging about his area, before transforming into a nearly identical portal to the one Gabriel's group used. Though it struck him as odd for only a moment, the figure merely shrugged as he stepped into the portal, with it closing behind him.


Navagraha grumbled and growled at this turn of events as she clutched the armrests of the [Throne of Kings] with enough force to make them buckle. This development was far above what she was expecting. She knew that the young [Human-Methuselah] was up to something, but this?! Her rage boiled within at her own carelessness.

"Hmph! Clever lad."

Though her voice was a whisper, the tone full of fury still echoed across the throne room. As she stewed in her own indignation, a meek voice akin to a mouse squeak chimed in at her side.

"M-Mistress?"

Turning her head, Navagraha saw a confused and clearly terrified Nigredo look upon her with questioning eyes. Taking a deep breath and exhaling to calm her nerves, she then reached over and caressed the NPC's silky-black hair as she spoke in a comforting manner.

"Fear not, child. My anger is not directed toward you. Only myself."

"I... I don't understand, mistress. What has happened that would anger you so?" Nigredo asked, now feeling more at ease.

"Hmm... That young lad is a greater prize than I had originally assumed. I know not how he accomplished this feat, but he has gotten hold of the means to traverse worlds." She answered in a contemplative tone.

"O-Oh? Like how Nazarick and yourself were brought into this world?"

Nigredo's curious query elicited an amused chuckle from Navagraha as she answered.

"Ah, not quite my dear. That was a decidedly... different matter."

Nigredo did not quite understand this difference that her mistress implied, but she accepted it all the same as she asked a different question.

"Mistress, if I may, why send the collaborator to pursue that man? Could you not have followed instead?"

"I'm afraid not, child. Bah! As much as it vexes me, even I am bound to adhere to certain laws when intruding upon other realms. That is why I sent the collaborator. Whether or not my prize was aware of this or not, I cannot say. Though I must commend him. When the music played, he danced well."

A whimsical chuckle escaped Navagraha's lips as she spoke. Nigredo could tell that her praise for this man called "Gabriel" was genuine, despite being denied her prize. Although in her eyes, it only made it seem that Navagraha wanted him even more now.

"Ah, worry not, child. Though it displeases me to wait even further, there are still methods at my disposal. After all, I sense that the method he is using to traverse worlds is somewhat flawed. There are always consequences to mucking about with time and space. Even if that were not the case, the laws that cannot be broken, can surely be bent."

As a cunning grin spread over Navagraha's lips, Nigredo seemed to realize the implications as she smiled and lightly bowed to her mistress. Yes, things were not quite over. Not yet...


Dracon's Keep, 8th-Floor, Throne Room
-A few days later-

Gabriel pensively sat upon the platinum-colored [Throne of the Inquisitorius], once again in his full panoply as he reflected upon recent events. This place was from which he announced the passing of his love Alisha to all whom called the Keep home just a few short months ago, even though it felt like a lifetime. (A/N:Ch.9)

He gently tapped the armrest of the throne as he allowed its passives to wash over him. It was a benefit garnered from an event his guild participated in, where they and their allies saved a place called the [Shrine of Bahamut] from destruction during the "Lords of the Seven Deadly Sins" event, where the [World Class Enemy] NPCs were free-roaming over all of YGGDRASIL.

Upon saving the landmark that so benefited draconic Players, he and his allies present were gifted with many awards. One of which for his guild was [Bahamut's Favor]; a platinum scale that, when applied to a guild's throne, modified it to grant the guild-leader many buffs and benefits. It was strictly a stroke of pure, dumb luck that they managed to gain such an ultra-rare thing to begin with. Much like how he survived his excursion to another alt-world.

The ordeal changed something within him. Despite the experience, he now felt compelled to return to Earth and mete out the justice that had been denied him. Of course, he discussed his plans with Akemi, who opposed the whole idea, despite owing her life to him. Although they discussed it at length, with him laying out his plan to take the spare [Gate Keys] with him as insurance, the conversation seemed to go nowhere. Thus, they agreed to meet up again in the Keep's throne room after a few days.

Just as he reflected on those events, the massive doors to the throne room opened, with Akemi herself walking down the emerald-colored carpet etched with gold inlay. She seemed to recover well over the past few days in a safe place. The NPCs loved her presence, and she them as well. Though Gabriel could tell that her experience still left her scarred. The fact that she still possessed her version of Shalltear's bloodied helm in her [Inventory] attested to that.

As Akemi approached the foot of the stairs that led up to the throne, a sour expression marred her beauty ever so slightly as she plainly spoke.

"So, you're not going to change your mind?"

He was not surprised by her question. She was always a sharp one, so Gabriel returned her frankness with an equally frank answer.

"No. I'm not."

"..."

Silence reigned in the throne room as the two locked eye contact. His answer was as swift as it was final, and the Wood-Elf Player found herself inadequate to the task of trying to convince Gabriel to give up on his quest. Not only because she understood it, but because she owed him a dept that she could never repay. In the face of that, the words just would not form. He would then be the one to break the silence as he spoke in a soft tone, taking her by surprise.

"Do not worry, Akemi-chan. You'll be safe here. The Keep and all that it has to offer will be at your disposal while I'm gone. In fact, there is something that I would like to request of you, if you're willing."

"O-Oh? Of course, Gabriel-san. Anything."

A kind smile spread over his lips as Gabriel opened the guild's master functions with a wave of his hand. Although the console from the game disappeared, he found that from the throne, the literal Heart of Dracon's Keep, nearly all of the guild's functions remained intact. A fact he took advantage of as he pressed a few translucent buttons. Then a glowing scroll materialized and floated in front of a surprised and confused Akemi.

Taking it in hand, she unrolled it, and after only a minute of reading its contents, her shining blue eyes widened to the size of saucers. Her naked surprised laid bare as she gazed up to a softly smiling Gabriel.

"G-G-Gabriel-san! This is...!"

"Yes, it is. I'm inviting you to join my guild. To become a member of the Dragon's Inquisition."

"I... Are you sure?" Akemi asked in uncertainty, unconsciously caressing the red/gold-colored [Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown] she still bore on her left-hand.

"Yes, I am sure. Besides meeting all of the criteria, knowing someone I can trust to keep an eye on things here will help to set me at ease... And I feel that you can find a place here, knowing that you'll be surrounded by people you can count on as well. Of course, it's entirely up to you. Whatever decision that you make, I will accept."

"..."

Akemi stood in place, stunned by the actions of this alt-version of the man she knew in her own world. Did she misjudge him? Here she thought that he'd be single-mindedly focused on his "revenge quest". Yet despite their disagreements, he still offered such a thing to her. Such kindness and consideration... How could she not take him up on such an offer? Of course, her sight drifted onto the guild-ring she still possessed, while considering on the offer.

'Ooooh... My dear Satoru... Would you be okay with this? Wouldn't you wish me to seek out safety and security, as well as happiness? Isn't that why you went against your own guild's policy, and made me a member? I... I love you, Satoru... I always will... No matter what...'

With eyes full of tears and complex emotions welling up within, Akemi took up the scroll, tracing her fingertip over the area acknowledging the invitation, and her acceptance into the guild of the Dragon's Inquisition. As before when she accepted membership into the guild of Ainz Ooal Gown after the Transfer, it was like a pin-prick pierced her fingertip as she wrote, and accepted the invite written with her own blood.

Gabriel was surprised when, upon her accepting the invitation, the scroll faded into golden light, and a bell rang out, echoing throughout the throne room. His surprise didn't end there, as a new banner came into existence, draping over one of the support columns with a unique design representing Akemi herself.

Rising from the platinum throne, Gabriel walked to Akemi with a kind smile. He then opened his palm, presenting her with the silver/blue-colored, [Ring of the Inquisitorius]. There was only a moment's hesitation, before she took it up, removed the [Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown] from her left ring-finger, and replaced it with the symbol of her new guild.

Taking one last moment to look upon the red-gold reminder of the past, she gave it a light, affectionate kiss, before offering it to a surprised Gabriel.

"Are you sure, Akemi-chan?"

"Yes. I am, Gabriel-san. This is my home now, and this is how I'll move on." Akemi replied with firm determination.

Gabriel silently nodded as he took the [Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown] from her and placed it within his [Inventory]. A part of him respected, and even admired her for those actions. An odd twinge of envy also sparked within at her ability to do so. For him, after recent events, simply letting go like her ceased being an option.

Smiling one last time, he caressed the top of her head like an older-brother, before softly speaking.

"Take care of yourself, Akemi-chan. Keep an eye on things while I'm gone."

"Mm-hmm. I will. Be safe in your travels, Gabriel-san."

"Oh, don't worry. This is me we're talking about." Gabriel nonchalantly replied.

"I know.~ It's why I do worry." Akemi retorted in a teasing tone.

The two share one last light-hearted moment chuckling at her subtle dig, before he raises his right-hand, invokes the power of his own guild-ring, and vanishes in a flash of blue light. Akemi sighs at this as she gazes upon Gabriel's now vacant throne. She knew that his next stop would be the [Worlds' Gate] within the Treasury, but a feeling that she could not shake told her that his goal to return to his Earth, would not come to pass...


Alternate New World, Elf Kingdom
-4 Months, 10 Days Later-

Gazing over the vibrant city below, Gabriel slowly smoked a cigarette from the veranda of the tower overlooking the Elf Kingdom's capital. It was peaceful and calm, and yet he was a whirl of conflicting emotions. When he began this journey, it was with the goal of avenging the memory of his lost love, but now? After months of effort, twenty-one alternate new worlds visited, and placing those worlds in danger through his actions, all the rightness of his cause died in his heart as he wearily sighed.

'I should've followed Akemi-chan's example... What has this "Odyssey" brought me but more frustration and grief? Aaah... What a fool I am...'

Gabriel clicked his tongue in self-deprecation as he reflected on his journey. How his rage fueled travels across time and space yielded naught but hardship, and how they did nothing but put the other worlds he visited, including the one he now resided in danger. Never once did he consider the consequences of blindly traversing the boundaries of space/time, until it had manifested into the form of stray Yogg, invading the worlds he visited.

In his single-minded Odyssey to return home, it attracted Bwynleah's race like moths to flame, and with each world he visited, he was forced to face each of those creatures in turn, before he could move on. But no matter how many times he cleaned up his mess, no matter how many worlds he endangered through his actions, he never found a way back home.

No, perhaps that was the price he had to pay, for his selfish actions. For his revenge was always an ultimately self-serving action. As one of his new friends in this alt-world pointed out to him, even if his late-love was the catalyst, it was never about justice, even if it was in the end. Now that he has given up on this Odyssey for revenge, he could only hope and pray that there weren't any more consequences to his mucking about with space/time.

As his thoughts drifted to all those worlds and people he endangered through his simply traveling to them, he heard footsteps approach from behind, and an impatient female voice rang out after a heavy, frustrated sigh.

"Hey... How long are you going to stay up here and sulk?"

An amused chuckle escaped Gabriel as he flicked his expended cigarette into the air.

"Hehe... I'm not 'sulking', Zesshi. I'm 'brooding'. There IS a difference."

"Oh? There is? Hmm... Could've fooled me. Still, if you've recovered, everyone's waiting. It's time to go home, isn't it?"

"Hehe... Yeah. It is time to get... home."

And that was the truth he ignored on this journey; Dracon's Keep, and all of its denizens were his home now. A fact he finally came to accept as he turned to face the heterochromatic Half-Elf Queen of the Elf Kingdom with a whimsical smile.

"Where's your husband? Isn't he joining us?"

"Ah, he should be here soon enough... Ah! There you are!" Zesshi happily said as a door opened in the room inside, and another set of footsteps were heard.

"Where have you been already?" Zesshi playfully admonished the approaching tall, male figure dressed in red and black, whom replied in a dry, amused tone.

"Well, someone decided to run off and leave me to do the heavy lifting."

"Oooh, well I need to make sure you don't lose your touch, now don't I? Still, don't worry. I'm going to make it up to you later on tonight.~" Zesshi teased in a sultry tone.

"Hehe... I guess it's hard being you. Eh, Al?" Gabriel teased with a knowing smirk.

"Ugh... First, lose the pun. Second, I would prefer it if you would call me, 'Alucard'."

As the tall figure dryly replies, he steps into the light, revealing his vampiric features of pale skin, long silver hair, and face-palming from Gabriel's casual antics.

"Hehe... Yes, I know. I suppose I had to get one last dig in before I left." Gabriel good-naturedly says with a chuckle.

"Hmph... I suppose so. Well, are you ready?" The man named Alucard asks.

"Yes, I suppose I am. Let's go." Gabriel calmly replies.

He unfurls a scroll, activating the 5th-tier [Teleportation] spell within, and the three of them disappear in a flash of blue light. Soon, Gabriel's "Odyssey" shall come to an end. But where his path will go from here, and what long-lasting consequences remain from his travels through space and time, remain to be seen...


*A/N: Alright! Now one Arc has ended, with another on the horizon. As for that OC-cameo, that was done with permission from author, pta917. You get a cyber-cookie it you can guess from where. Remember! Always get permission before using other fanfic-authors' work/OCs! There's been an unusual increase in plagiarism on the site lately. Especially in regards to Overlord-fanfics. So watch out for that. Also, the site's PM email notification STILL isn't working. So if you send a PM and I don't answer, just give me time. And please be sure to spread the word about that continuing problem. It seems a LOT of people are still unaware of that issue.

Now for the bad news. Due to some life-circumstance changes, this fanfic will soon be on temporary-hold. I KNOW! It sucks given the timing, but I've just got a lot on my end to deal with, as well as planning out the next Arc. Please be patient with me as I tackle that. Some CRAZY things are on the horizon. Until then, take care and have a good one true believers!*