Chapter 9

Near the outskirts of E-Rantel on a lonely road a carriage rode, pulled by horses. The moon shone and inside the carriage beings of unimaginable power sat.

"...and so the corrupt carriage driver will lead us straight to the bandits. Clearly a remarkable plan of the Supreme One." Shalltear explained as Sebas, Yuri and the vampire brides listened in anticipation. "Demiurge really is good at interpreting the will of our Lord, oh to think that because he suggested we travel together part of the way we could draw greater attention of those lowly bandits, who wouldn't love a being as wise and powerful as Anzio-sama !" Shalltear spoke reverently. Her voice filled with admiration and a slight bit of lust.

"Indeed Shalltear-sama, our Lord's plan is flawless." Sebas agreed and decided to ask a question to pass the time.

"Shalltear-sama may I ask you a question ?" Sebas bowed slightly.

"Sure." She replied brusquely, curious what the Butler of steel would ask.

"Why do you and Aura-sama seem to not get along ?" Sebas inquired.

"Oh that, well I don't hate the Shorty, it is because my creator Peroroncino-sama decided I should tease her. You know my creator and that Shorties creator, Bukubukuchagama-sama are in fact siblings and they used to tease each other in the same way." Shalltear explained and the rest of the carriage was in silent awe. Any new information about the Supreme Ones was a valuable gift.

"I recall that the Supreme Ones talked about it once." Shalltear recounted her memory of Peroroncino and Momonga talking.

"Excuse me Shalltear-sama but what is a voice actress ?" Sebas asked, not understanding that word from Shalltear's story.

"It is a job where one uses their voice to impart a soul into a nonliving thing. Essentially it is a job that creates life." Shalltear spoke

"Thank you for sharing this information with us." Sebas and Yuri bowed.

Just as they were about to continue their conversation the carriage stopped and a loud banging could be heard on the doors.

"Open up! If you cooperate we won't kill you !" A voice yelled and Shalltear decided to open the door.

The bandits looked at her with lust gleaming in their eyes.

"Sorry, little girl, if you don't scream you'll live. But you got some nice goods there." The man moved his hand to her padded chest but before he could as much as lay a finger on the fabric of her Victorian dress the man's arm was cut clean off. He screamed but the scream was cut off as Shalltear decapitated him.

The rest of the bandits stared at her in shock as Shalltear's vampire brides appeared behind her and began massacring the bandits.

The fight was short as all of them were killed but one.

[Charm species]

"Tell me where your base is ?" The man, charmed, answered right away.

"Is there a martial arts user among you ?" She asked and the man replied.

"Yes Brain Unglaus, he fought against Gazef Stronoff once." The man replied and Shalltear remembered the name Gazef 'I remember the Supreme one saying good things about that human.'

Shalltear killed the man as all the blood spilled began forming a ball above her. Shalltear knew her blood frenzy could be activated but she held it under control.

She sent her vampire brides to clear the base and she followed. Soon she caught up with her vampire brides. "Is this human so powerful that you haven't killed him yet ?" She asked and the brides bowed.

"No milady, he just talks a lot." One replied

"What is your name, human ?" Shalltear asked.

"Brain Unglaus." He replied and Shalltear smirked. She found him.

"You're the one who knows martial arts, is that correct ?" She wanted to confirm it.

"Yes I do, and do monsters not have names? I introduced myself, what about you ?" He retorted.

"Shalltear Bloodfallen." She bowed politely. "Now show me those martial arts of yours, I'll wait until you get ready." Shalltear smirked as Brain got into position.

"Like I'll need martial arts against someone like you." Brain retorted and swung his katana but found it stopped by Shalltear's fingernail.

"You really should use some martial arts, you know." She reprimanded him and he stepped back.

[Field]

[God flash]

He activated his martial arts and Shalltear noticed an area marked by one of the martial arts. She smirked and stepped into the field and at that moment Brain swung his sword at speed which no regular man could follow. A strike that should have sliced the monster's head off was stopped by two of her tender fingers holding the katana in place.

"M…my ultimate technique stopped by a little girl…" Brain fell to his knees as if he lost all the will to live. Then he remembered. 'No, I need to live… I need to catch up to that man.'

Brain stood up and began scurrying away and Shalltear sighed following behind him. The vampire brides killed all the other bandits. "Uh this is getting annoying." She complained.

[Hold species]

Brain was frozen in place.

[Charm species]

"Wait here until I deal with all the other scum." Shalltear ordered.

"Yes mistress." Brain responded.

Shalltear noticed another group of humans nearby. Her blood frenzy threatened to erupt at any moment but she held it in. She shot towards them at high speed.

"The enemy is probably a vampire, use the silver." One man spoke as they began covering their weapons in alchemical silver.

Shalltear swatted them away, her blood frenzy finally activating.

"You'll beeee dessssseeeeeerttttttt." Shalltear looked at the cute redhead adventurer as she killed all the others first. The redhead named Brita held a potion vial in her arm and as the monster approached her she threw it at Shalltear. Shalltear guessing it was holy water swiped it away causing some of the fluid to spill over her face and sting a little. She looked at the broken bottle. It was one used by the Supreme Ones to store potions.

'This one was given orders by the Supreme One ?!'

She calmed herself as she managed to calm her blood frenzy. "Bring me that woman alive." She ordered and the vampire brides obeyed, capturing her with ease.

"Look into my eyes." Shalltear ordered and the ressisting adventurer had no choice but to look as she succumbed to the charm of a vampire's eyes.

"Where did you get this potion from ?" She held the broken bottle.

"An adventurer gave it to me in an inn at E-Rantel." She replied.

'Anzio-sama probably wanted to forge friendly relations, I shouldn't kill her, it might hinder the Supreme One's plans.' Shalltear decided.

"Why did you come here? What was your objective?"

She was no longer in the mood to dance around the topic. She had to find out as much as possible, and so she stared at the female warrior with eyes that were now bloodshot for a completely different reason.

"Yes. Our job is to protect the city, so we came to investigate when we heard there was a bandit's nest nearby. In the end, we found something strange, so we split up our team. Our party was responsible for a reconnaissance in force, which brought us here."

"You split your team?"

"Yes. We didn't know how many bandits were present, so we decided to split up and draw the enemy into a trapped area the other party was setting up."

"So there's another team," Shalltear muttered. She clicked her tongue as she realized that this meant more trouble for her.

[Summon household]

"Kill every human in that forest !" She barked the order.

Moments later a flash of light could be seen from the forest

"They were defeated ?!" Shalltear growled in rage once again succumbing to her blood frenzy. She rushed through the forest towards those that killed her household but then she remembered the orders of her lord. 'Tch this is something I should report to Albedo or Demiurge, well I don't want to ask that old hag for help'

[Message]

(Demiurge some humans defeated my household, I've already found the martial arts user and I am moving in to kill those bastards myself now.) Shalltear reported

(Calm down Shalltear, if you have found the martial arts user your mission is complete, this is an unnecessary risk.) Demiurge countered.

(If they are powerful enough to defeat your household I'll send a Hanzo to trail them and gather information about them)

(You're right, I shouldn't have rushed so blindly,) Shalltear replied. (I am certain our Lord will be pleased.) Demiurge spoke and ended the message

Shalltear begrudgingly went back to fetch Brain. She dropped Brita off near Carne after erasing the last few hours from her memories and took Brain back to Nazarick.

Anzio yawned as he exited the guild building. "Orichalcum huh… not bad." The Nephalem player remarked.

"My Lord, those worms should have given us at least adamantite for our achievements." Narberal complained but Anzio shrugged it off

"We did a lot in a short amount of time, getting adamantite directly would draw remarks. Now let's get back to Nazarick. We'll send doppelgangers to replace us for now." Anzio decided.

The trio arrived at Nazarick. Mid tier doppelgangers copied their appearances and relevant memories and went to fulfill their mission.

Anzio was greeted by Demiurge and Shalltear who were waiting at the entrance of his office there to give him their report. "Please come inside." He invited the archdevil and True Vampire.

As Anzio sat down in his chair the pair kneeled. "Please rise and tell me how it went." He ordered. He wanted to resurrect the rest of the Swords of Darkness and check up on Ninya but decided to let her sleep for a while longer.

"My Lord I have exterminated the bandits, I have found a martial arts user and successfully captured him…" Anzio felt she wasn't fully finished so she motioned for her to continue. "I ran into a redhead woman with a potion from Nazarick." She spoke. "I decided to spare her, unsure if it might compromise your plans my lord ! I did erase her memories of those events though." She bowed ready for a scolding.

"Oh… that Brita girl, it's alright, she wasn't a bandit so glad to hear she's alive." Anzio smiled but it looked like Shalltear still wasn't finished then Demiurge continued.

"There was a group of humans on the other side of the forest that defeated Shalltear's household, after consulting with me we decided to end her mission and send a Hanzo to track them." Demiurge finished the report.

"Well done, you made a good call, Punitto Moe would be proud." Anzio complimented and the two Guardians were seemingly more relaxed and happy.

"Now what did the Hanzo gather about those humans ?" Anzio asked curiously.

"They appear to be from the Slane Theocracy, they call themselves the Black scripture and appear to be the strongest unit they have. They also possess items of much higher qualities than regular humans. It is probable they got those items from other players."

Anzio nodded and sighed. "Do we have a visual on them ? I want to see if I can recognize any of them." Demiurge nodded then bowed and brought out a mirror of remote viewing displaying the scripture which was just making camp.

Anzio observed the individuals, recognizing a few mid tier items. He studied the mirror more closely. Suddenly his eyes widened and he gasped, the guardians jumping to his side in worry.

Anzio sighed in relief. "You two did well. Your decisions were perfect." Anzio stood up and bowed down before the two guardians. "But I put you at too high of a risk." The Guardians looked at him in shock, begging him to stand up as Anzio slowly did and then hugged Shalltear.

"Shalltear I'm so sorry." He hugged her tightly. She enjoyed the hug but was trying to calm her Lord.

"My Lord please don't cry and apologize to me, please stop crying !" She said, clearly shaken.

"My Lord, what has caused you such distress?" Demiurge asked and Anzio visibly calmed himself and pointed to the old woman wearing a white robe with a golden dragon.

"The robe that woman is wearing is a world item." The Guardians gasped, how did such low life forms get their hands on one of those.

"Its name is Downfall of Castle and Country." Anzio explained. "It has the ability to mind control anyone, even the undead. Only way to counter it is to have a world item equipped." Anzio explained and Shalltear was visibly distressed and angry at the humans, cursing them. "I would rather die than be mind controlled and used against you." She vowed and Demiurge followed vowing the same.

"I know of your loyalty but it wouldn't matter." Anzio sighed. "A world item is an absolute… we just got lucky that you made a good call." Anzio admitted.

"My Lord, I would have fought them if I hadn't remembered your order and contacted Demiurge." She admitted.

Anzio sighed, thanking his past self. 'This was a huge slip up, I got lucky, I must do better if I wish to be worthy to lead them and make the rest of the guild proud.'

"Demiurge, contact Albedo and go to the treasury. I will notify Pandora's Actor to prepare world items for each of the Guardians to wield. One will also be delivered to Sebas since he is outside of Nazarick." Demiurge was about to protest but he knew that his Lord made a good call.

"We shall strive to be worthy of wielding the items the Supreme Ones have gathered." They vowed and left.

Anzio sighed and contacted Pandora's Actor to notify him to pick out the world items best suited for each guardian.

'What the hell are you doing Asahi, you made a slip up, are you really good enough to be doing all this ?' A voice of doubt appeared in his head.

'I can't just do nothing. I must not fail but I can't hesitate or stop. My friends might be getting worked to death in that hellish world.'

Anzio shook the thoughts of doubt away and went to one of the guest rooms where Ninya slept.

A maid was at the door and bowed down when she noticed Anzio. "Has she woken ?"

"No, my Lord, she is still asleep, but she will probably wake up soon." She spoke and opened the door as Anzio entered.

'The sleep spell was really effective, must be because of the level difference.' Anzio concluded and dispelled its effects and Ninya began to stir.

Ninya felt weightless, like she was floating on water. She felt no pain and when she slowly began opening her eyes memories began coming back to her. She remembered the pain. So much pain. But she also remembered the comforting warmth as all the pain vanished and sleep took her.

She opened her eyes and found herself in a luxurious room. A room so grand even some nobles would be jealous of its greatness. She admired the room for a moment before remembering that it could be a room of a noble that took her. She looked at the door and there in front of her stood a man. A tall dark haired man in luxurious robes. She looked for any trace of hostility, but she couldn't feel any. The man's eyes drew her in but they felt odd. One red, one green. Both glistening with power but while one seemed to contain the depths of chaos the other seemed to contain only kindness and warmth.

"W..who are you ?" She asked hesitantly.

"One should bow down before a Supreme One, you human !" The maid which appeared behind Anzio reprimanded Ninya, but Anzio stopped her with a gesture of his hand. "She is a guest and a friend. You are being disrespectful, Foss. Please go wait outside of the room." Anzio ordered and the maid bowed, fear flashing across her face. "Forgive me for my insolence, my Lord." She exited the room.

"Sorry Ninya, they tend to be too defensive." He smiled. "My name is Anzio.. or well you might find this name and face more familiar." Anzio turned into the form of Asahi and Ninya was confused, but began understanding.

"So you're… Asahi?" She asked hesitantly.

"Yep, I disguised myself to learn more about the surrounding area since I just arrived here from a faraway place." He explained and Ninya nodded.

"W...what are you ?" She asked, still hesitant.

"Oh, I'm half angel-half demon, a Nephalem would be the correct designation of my species." He explained and Ninya grew more worried

"How do… those two fit together…" She muttered and Anzio did hear her thanks to his senses.

"Well not all demons are evil and I am definitely not evil." He reassured her.

"W...what about my friends ?" She asked, remembering the conversation they had after he healed her.

"They are restrained here. Do not worry, I will resurrect them and you can watch if you wish." He smiled kindly.

"I… How does that work ?" She asked.

"It's a spell and well.. also an ability I have thanks to being a descendant of both the angels of life and death." He tried to explain in a way she'd understand and she nodded.

"W… what should I call you ?" She looked at him a bit more trusting now.

"Well most people around here call me Anzio so I think that would be prefered." Anzio smiled and Ninya nodded.

"Are you a noble.. and why did the maid call you 'Supreme One' ?" She asked warily.

"I am not a noble… and well I don't really like being called that but most of the denizens in the Great Tomb of Nazarick were created by me and my friends so they worship us as gods." He was unsure how she'd take it.

"God… wait, even that maid ?" Ninya asked and Anzio nodded "All the 41 homunculus maids were created by my friends." He smiled

"Wait, did you say we're in a tomb ?!" Ninya was taking in too much new information. "Don't worry it's just called a tomb, it's much more comfortable and beautiful than any tomb." Anzio assured her.

"Now you should put some proper clothes on, and take a shower. The maid outside will help you and take you to the 6th floor where I'll then resurrect your friends." Anzio smiled and left the room and gave the necessary instructions to Foss.

Ninya took some time to process this before she called out to the maid. The maid was attending to her flawlessly even though it made Ninya uncomfortable. The maid helped her wash up, showing her how the bath and shower worked. Ninya did manage to persuade the maid to let her dry herself off and after she did the maid gave her some magic caster robes. The material to Ninya seemed flawless, soft and comfortable, breathable but in no way would she be cold. It was a blue color with some gold and silver rimmings along her sleeves, belt and neck.

"Asa… I mean Anzio-san or should I call him -sama ? Is he really comfortable with giving me such high class robes?" She asked no one in particular.

"The Supreme One called you his friend. His only other friends we know of are the Supreme Ones, you should consider it an honor." Foss spoke in her melodic voice and Ninya nodded, unsure how to feel about it all. She shook all those thoughts off and decided not to think about it.

"I'm ready, let's go." Ninya decided and Foss bowed then began leading the way. Of course the path from the ninth to sixth floor would take too long so Anzio arranged a gate.

Ninya looked at the crack in reality with hesitation, but since the maid leading her stepped through without hesitation Ninya did the same. Stepping through felt like passing through a thin veil of mist.

"Welcome to the sixth floor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick ! My name is Aura Bella Fiora." A dark elf child greeted her. "Anzio-sama is at the coliseum. He is finishing his preparations." She informed

"My name is Ninya… thank you." She bowed and followed the dark elf to a wide open space. "Wait… did you say 'sixth floor' but I can see the sky." Ninya looked up in confusion.

"My friend, Blue Planet, created that ceiling. He comes from a world where the skies were filled with pollution and no stars could be seen so he created this, a memory from the time his world was beautiful." Anzio said wistfully. Ninya noticed the amount of longing in his voice.

"Well anyways go and follow Aura to where the rest of the Guardians are sitting, since they all wanted to see my ability at work they decided to stay and watch," Anzio smiled and Ninya did as asked.

[Skill - Ruler of life and death]

As Anzio spoke those words runes and magic circles began swirling around him. His wings shot out from behind his back and then as if two scenes appeared behind him. Behind his white wing a lush forest teeming with life stood while behind his dark wing a scene of a desolate wasteland appeared.

The Guardians didn't pay too much attention to Ninya, they were too focused admiring the might of their lord.

Ninya watched with amazement.

"He truly is a god even though he denies it." She murmured.

Anzio smiled as the dome of light expanded and a scale appeared in his hand, one side symbolizing life the other death. The golden scale etched with various scenes both holy and infernal tipped towards death's side when pointed at the restrained zombies. Anzio sighed. This mechanic was different from the game but Anzio felt he knew what he must do.

He placed his hand on the other side of the scale symbolizing life. And so he began forcefully tipping the scale as no matter how heavy the weight of death pressed down on those bodies, his will was absolute and it tipped the scale into life's favor.

The zombies couldn't do anything but watch as the scale decided their fate. Their bodies began changing as if time itself was reversed and soon enough, Peter, Dyne and Lukrut were back among the living, surprised, shocked and tired but very much alive.