Chapter 17: Operation Hellfire Begins
Lucifer Dracul sat on a throne Demiurge had brought with him at the end or the room. He would've brought Cocytus but he was still battling the Lizardmen. In his hand was the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown.
I really need to think about renaming this damn thing. Ainz Ooal Gown is nothing but a memory now.
On Lucifer's left was Albedo, Demiurge was at the side of the room between the door and the throne, Victim was at his right, and on the side of the room opposite Demiurge was the aspiring vampire Avenir, who he taken with him to give her some real experience as to how things worked under his rule in Nazarick. Like Nigun, her eyes had turned red and her skin became pale. However, she kept hurting herself whenever she tried to pray to the Six Gods out of habit. Apparently it was frowned upon to have an unholy creature pray to a holy entity. When she had asked him what she should pray to he had responded with:
"Pray to me. I am your god now." He had said to that further intimidate her, but she had actually started praying to him in earnest. Apparently, she found it more satisfying then praying to the Six Gods, but that could be because of her new undead nature.
Well, I guess it's better for them to worship someone who actually answers back. Not to mention exists. I could really stamp out religious extremism and other examples of people taking it too far if people started seeing me as, not just their ruler, but their god.
He had employed her to run constant surveillance over his agents, such as Corvo and Sebas, in order to make sure they were safe. She kept sneaking in peaks at Ruvik however. He had been informed by Demiurge and Solution what had transpired with some former sex slave named Tsuare. It was because of Avenir that they knew more details about what Sebas had been doing these past few hours. Based off the combination of the evidence they had acquired, it didn't look like Sebas betrayed Lucifer, but it was still best to air on the side of caution. The door he was facing slowly began to creak open as Solution opened the door allowing Sebas to enter the room with his head down as he approached Lucifer.
"That's close enough," Demiurge said curtly. Sebas stopped and looked up to his master in fear. Lucifer internally cringed. If there was one thing he legitimately cared about, it was Nazarick's NPCs.
Their creators who abandoned us all in the end, damn traitors, can go rot.
"I am sorry my lord," Sebas spoke up. "I have no excuse for my late arrival."
"I hadn't told you that I was coming so it is not a concern," Lucifer said dismissively. Sebas seemed to relax slightly at this statement. "Now Sebas, I believe you have picked up a human girl. Why did you not report its existence to me?" Sebas gulped and started sweating profusely. Lucifer rolled his eyes. Sure, he cared about the NPCs but he also wanted this done in a hurry. "Avenir, would please give Sebas a handkerchief?" Avenir nodded and trotted over to Sebas who, after raising an eyebrow as if noticing something familiar about her, accepted the handkerchief she was offering.
"Thank you, Ms. Avenir," Sebas said with slight bow. Avenir smiled before walking back over to her original position. "I apologize for showing you my unbecoming side, my lord," Sebas said in his usual manner.
"I'll ask again Sebas. Why is this the first I've heard of this human girl?" Lucifer cut to the point. "Did you intentionally go against my orders?"
"No! My deepest apologies Lord Dracul. It was foolish of me to think it wasn't important enough to tell you," Sebas declared. No one made a sound.
"So you're saying it was an oversight on your part?" Lucifer asked calmly.
"Yes my lord. I am deeply sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused you," Sebas said as he kneeled. Lucifer turned his head to Solution, who had remained at the door.
"Bring me the girl," he ordered. Not even a minute later, Tsuare entered the room with shaking knees as she stared fearfully at the monsters around her. "You didn't try to flee despite the fact you are surrounded by monsters. I'm impressed human."
"Kneel huma-" Demiurge started.
"Silence," Lucifer said as he stood up from the throne. He walked towards Tsuare and Sebas. He stopped a little more than one foot away from them. "My name is Lucifer Dracul, Sebas' master."
"I-i-i," was all Tsuare was able to choke out.
"You don't need to say anything," Lucifer said in a calming manner. "Sebas!" Sebas stiffened as his name was sharply called. "Because of this woman, you allowed this situation with the Eight Fingers to emerge. Correct?"
"Yes."
"Then kill her." Sebas winced as he received that order. Slowly Sebas straightened up and raised a fist. Tsuare simply closed her eyes in acceptance. The moment Sebas threw a punch that would take her head clean off her shoulders, he felt someone intercept his punch. Lucifer had reached forward and grabbed him by the arm.
"My lord?" Sebas was, understandably, confused.
"Stand down Sebas," Lucifer ordered. "That blow definitely would've killed her," Lucifer announced to the rest of his minions. "We will now consider the Trial of Sebas' to be over! I hereby proclaim that Sebas is not guilty of the crime of treason!" once he finished speaking he turned around and stared at Sebas. "Because your mistakes have actually led to some progress I will let you keep Tsuare. Sebas, this woman is your responsibility from now on. Her achievements are you achievements and her failures are your failures. Now both of you get back to Nazarick immediately!"
"Yes my lord!" Sebas exclaimed. "As you command!" with that relieved declaration, Sebas and Tsuare walked through a [Gate] summoned by Lucifer. Under normal circumstances, he would've dragged everyone back to Nazarick to sort this mess out and decide what Tsuare's fate would be. However, with the Eight Fingers still running amok with knowledge of Sebas' it was best to remove them from the equation immediately. As for Tsuare, If she really had been a sex slave for half as long as he thought, then she had nowhere to go and it was obvious that she was devoted to Sebas.
That girl looked a lot like Ninya. Not really important at the moment, however.
"Demiurge!"
"My lord!"
"We will commence with Operation: Hellfire ahead of schedule in order to cover up what has happened. No loose ends. Avenir, inform Narberal that she is to prepare appropriately!"
"Yes master!" Avenir nodded.
"Yes my lord!" Demiurge smirked evilly. With that, everyone in the building teleported away to prepare for the coming of Jaldabaoth.
Ainzach had finally finished dealing with those shitty nobles. Once again, they thought that because of their high status they could override guild rules and try to hire adventurers for the coming war with the Empire. After politely reminding them of guild policy to stay out of international affairs and telling them to go fuck themselves, he had sunk into his chair exhausted. It wasn't even sundown yet and he was so tired. Maybe just a quick nap. The moment his eyes began to close, he felt someone grab him from behid and cold steel press against his neck. He was tired anymore.
"Pluton Ainzach?" a cold, distorted voice came. Ainzach couldn't see who it was but he did get a glimpse of a metallic skull-like mask.
"Yes," Ainzach replied unshaken.
"I have some questions for you," it stated.
"I'm not going anywhere," Ainzach said he stared at the blade.
"I need to speak with Momon. I believe he frequents your guild here?"
"Yes, but Momon left E-Rantel and headed towards Re-Estize a few hours ago. He said he was tracking a lead on a demon he's been hunting. You're shit out of luck," Ainzach growled.
"I see. Thank you for your time Ainzach," it said, sounding like it was satisfied with Ainzach's answer. Before Ainzach could say another word, the intruder delivered a quick elbow strike to the back of his head knocking him out instantly. The intruder turned around and jumped out the window and started running across the rooftops. This was all so unnecessary, but he needed to leave a trail of breadcrumbs for the Theocracy to follow if they tried to verify his work. After dropping down into an unpopulated part of the area, he removed his mask revealing the face of Corvo Attano and made his way to the inn he was staying at.
Momon stood on top of Hamsuke, His arms were crossed and his cape was billowing in the wind. He looked every bit a majestic hero. Too bad there was no one around to see him. Why? They were flying. How was Hamsuke flying? Nabe was under him. Momon had decided to make Nabe suffer like this for two reasons. One: He had to be stingy with money until Operation: Hellfire was complete. Two: Nabe was being punished for all the attention she called to them back in Arwintar with her rude comments.
"My lord," Nabe moaned. "How much further"
"Hmm, I'd say another hour. Maybe two," Momon shrugged.
"Sorry for this, I am Lady Nabe. This one is-" Hamsuke started
"Shut up, rat!"
Climb, a youth in white armor with blonde hair, and Brain Unglaus, an older man with blue hair and a katana. Brain, for the first time since he had met that monster, Shalltear Bloodfallen, was glad to be alive. Shalltear had crushed his hopes and dreams causing him to fall into a pit of despair as he thought that she was a creature humanity couldn't surpass. Then he met that old man, Sebas, who reignited his hope by showing him just how powerful a human could really be. He had formed partnership with Climb and they were currently staking out an Eight Fingers hideout. Assisting them was Lockmyer, an orichalcum ranked rogue.
"From the intelligence we've acquired, the Six Arms are in that building, the top enforcers of the Eight Fingers," Climb said in his usual stern manner, full of concentration. Brain raised an eyebrow.
I get being devoted to someone, but the way he's devoted to that princess is borderline obsession. Then again I wasted a good bit of my life running around with bandits so who am I to judge?
[My lord, my forces and I are in position.] Momon grinned as he received that message from Demiurge.
[Excellent work Demiurge. Begin Phase One and destroy the targeted areas. Phase Two will commence after we ensure there is suitable witness to our clash.]
[As you decree my lord.]
There were six Stygi, more commonly referred to as demon dragons, flying towards Re-Estize at frightening speeds. Each Stygius had light gray colored cracked skin. Molten material flowed in between the cracks and large rib shaped spikes grew out from random spots on their bodies at awkward angles. They flew side by side and, as they flew over Re-Esitze, they began breathing fire into the streets bellow. They continued to breathe fire into the paths Demiurge had designated for them: important markets, areas that generally had heavy foot traffic, guard barracks, buildings where food was stored from harvests, places that were frequented by high ranking nobles, and criminal strongholds that belonged to the Eight Fingers. Before anyone even knew what was happening, the infrastructure of Re-Estize was crippled. With their task completed, the Stygi turned around to fly back to Nazarick. But that had only been the first step of the demon blitzkrieg. Already, demons were swarming the Market District and butchering the citizens who lived there while Shadow Demons robbed the markets, shops, and homes of Re-Estize blind.
The people of Re-Estize had no idea that this was only the beginning that would forever be cursed in the history books.
The adamantite ranked adventurers, Gargan and her teammate Tia, raced through the burning streets of Re-Estize hoping to find survivors. So far they hadn't found any, just corpses. The best way to describe Gargan would "muscleman shaped woman" while Tia was a ninja.
"Anything Tia?" Gargan asked hopefully. Tia simply shook her head.
"No, but these ones weren't killed by fire," she said.
"That's because of the special properties of that comes from a Stygius' fire," a voice interrupted. Gargan and Tia spun around and looked up to see a man in an orange suit wearing a sinister mask was standing on the roof of a burning building. He jumped down and gave an exaggerated, mocking bow. "My name is Jaldabaoth. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Now, if you would be so kind as to lay down and die like the vermin you are." Gargan an Tia didn't need to be geniuses to figure out that this man, or demon judging by his tail, was involve in what was happening and was clearly hostile. They each took a battle stance and stared at Jaldabaoth, who seemed to be patiently waiting for them. With a war cry, Gargan rushed forward and swung her war pick down at him. Jaldabaoth sidestepped, grabbed the upper part of the handle,, and then brought it back to smack her in the face. As Gargan stumbled back gripping her face with one hand, Tia made several quick strikes with her Vampire Blade from the side. Jaldabaoth dodged every strike with infuriating ease as he simply tilted body in response to her strikes. While he dodge her thrusts, Gargan made another attack which Jaldabaoth dodged and, at the same time, delivered a brutal smack to her side, sending her crashing into a half destroyed building. Tia continued to attack out of desperation and the moment there was a short pause in between her strikes, Jaldabaoth grabbed her by the throat, lifted her up, and started choking her.
"[Acid Javelin]!" a new voice shouted. A pale green spike made of a disgusting liquid struck Jaldabaoth's arm causing him to drop Tia. A small figure joined the fight wearing a black dress, a red hood, and a weird mask.
Impressive. Being able to hurt a being such as myself. Still, she is still very weak in comparison.
[My lord, I have found you a suitable witness. I'm sending my location to Narberal.] Jaldabaoth heard his master chuckle before he replied.
[Excellent work, Demiurge, I will be with you shortly.]
"Don't move demon!" the short one yelled. Jaldabaoth turned to her and gave his mockingly polite bow.
"You are an impressive magic caster by human standards. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Jaldabaoth, Demon King of the great demon hordes," he said as he stared at her as if she was a piece of meat.
"Evileye," was all she responded with as she prepared another spell hoping to keep the demon's attention on her and not on Tia who was starting to rise. Unfortunately, Jaldabaoth didn't even regard her as a threat and when he noticed Tia starting to rise, he swiftly pushed her onto her back with his foot and stomped on her neck, crushing her throat and taking away her breathing privileges. "No! [Crystal Lance]!" Evileye cried as light blue spike was hurled as Jaldabaoth. He slowly walked forward until [Crystal Lance] was right in his face, then he smacked it away with ease.
"Wait up, shorty!" Gargan yelled as she burst through a burning wall of the building that she been sent crashing into.
"You're still alive? How delightful. Most humans don't survive a single one of my attacks," Jaldabaoth said politely. Evileye furrowed her eyebrows at the way he completely disregarded them as a threat.
He's way more powerful than any of the Evil Deities I fought with the Thirteen Heroes! I might even be on equal footing with the Platinum Dragon Lord!
"Gargan, run! His power is on a completely different level and we have no chance of beating him!" Evileye exclaimed. Gargan looked like she was going to argue, but Evileye didn't give her the chance. "Once you're at a safe distance I'll teleport away! Now go!" Gargan grimaced and started running away.
"Now, now, that won't do will it? [Dimensional Lock]! [Hellfire Wall]!" Jaldabaoth exclaimed. [Dimensional Lock] prevented teleportation in the immediate area. [Hellfire Wall] on the other hand…..
Evileye felt intense heat from behind her in the direction Gargan had ran. She turned around just in time to see Gargan's charred corpse hit the ground, covered in black flames.
"I merely tried to stop her from leaving but it would appear that she was far weaker than I had surmised. My deepest apologies," Jaldabaoth said in a voice dripping with sarcasm. "How unfortunate. Dying from such a weak attack. Clearly you are a cut above from such vermin so why do you surround yourself with those who are weaker then you? It isn't a stupid reason like "We are comrades and our bond makes us strong" is it?" Evileye was absolutely fuming at this point.
"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SAY SUCH THINGS!" she roared in pure hatred. Jaldabaoth seemed to smirk at her from under his mask before adding:
"Might makes right."
That was the final straw. Evileye charged at him in a rage while filling her hands with magic power.
"[Maximize Magic: Shard Buck Shots]! [Enhanced Maximize Magic: Crystal Dagger]!" she yelled as a hundred small crystals were launched at Jaldabaoth as a crystal dagger was summoned into her hand.
"[Aspect of the Devil: Archdemon's Wrist]." Jaldabaoth said calmly as his fist grew exponentially and he threw a punch that would turn Evileye into a paste.
"[Translocation Damage]!" she cried as the fist collided with her, sending her flying through the air but, surprisingly, not killing her. "[Enhanced Maximize Magic: Crystal Dagger]!" this time instead of using it as a melee weapon, she created a dagger that was bigger than herself and hurled it at Jaldabaoth who punched it with his overgrown fist, shattering it into a million pieces.
Nothing works….. Is he here to begin the end of the world? Is humanity doomed? If he kills Lakyus then we won't stand a chance!
"[Aspect of the Devil: Razor Sharp Claw]," Jaldabaoth stated calmly as his claws extended more than 80 centimeters. "Goodbye little worm. Take solace in the fact that soon the rest of your species will follow you into oblivion!"
"Beautiful," Momon muttered as looked down upon the burning city. Because Nabe had gotten tired of carrying Hamsuke and her master, he had equipped a necklace enchanted with the spell [Fly] and had flown ahead. He locked onto the target area, drew his swords, and began his descent. He landed in between Jaldabaoth and some midget in red with tremendous force, cracking the street underneath his feet.
"Hello Jaldabaoth," Momon's calm voice reverberated off the walls of the destroyed buildings.
"Gramps, have you found anything of use?" Jircniv Farlord el Nix asked as his purple eyes turned to the only real friend/mentor he had ever had. Flufer grinned in response as the other officials gathered around the table looked at him.
"I have discovered the location of Lucifer Dracul's home deep within the Great Forest of Tob," Fluder replied. "However, because he was able to keep me from finding the exact location with my usual spells and when I did finally find this "Great Tomb of Nazarick" my spell backfired, we can assume that he is a magic caster who is as powerful as me or is even more powerful than me." Everyone's eyes widened. It was one thing to be an even footing with Fluder, but to surpass him was unheard of.
"So that's why you're so excited, huh gramps?" Jircniv smirked.
"Yes, it has been centuries since I knew of anyone who could rival my magical prowess," Fluder said although he knew it was a lie. Lucifer didn't just rival him, he surpassed him in ways that made Fluder look like nothing more than an insect. "It would be wonderful to meet a fellow pioneer in the magical arts."
"Indeed, that's why we need to bind him to our side," Jircniv said. "Oversee preparations Fluder."
"As you command your majesty," Fluder responded to the man who had no idea that he had been replaced in terms of who was Fluder's master.
To Evileye, it was as if a giant unyielding wall had appeared before her. He was massive. Evileye carefully scanned him in order to discern his identity. Blazing red cape, dark armor, and massive swords infused with holy magic. It was the Holy Hunter, the Dark Knight, the Savior of E-Rantel.
It was Momon of Darkness.
"Dark hero! I am Evileye of Blue Rose! As a fellow adamatite ranked adventurer I ask for your assistance!" she said hopefully before immediately regretting her words. What was he going to do against a monster like Jaldabaoth?
"You didn't even have to ask," Momon said as he flourished his swords stylishly. "After all, I've been hunting this demon for years. It would be a shame to let him go now."
"You're the human who killed poor Valeda Tepes. Whatever have I done to invoke such animosity? Why do you hunt me human?" Jaldabaoth asked mockingly.
"Because I know what you'll do if nobody puts you down," Momon responded calmly as he pointed one of swords at Jaldabaoth. Even though he was constantly being mocked by Jaldabaoth, he wasn't baited and kept his cool. Evileye found that to be impressive.
"At least humans here that are worth the effort," Jaldabaoth gave a sinister laugh as he dropped the façade of false politeness and drew his claws. Momon readied his swords and, at the exact same moment, the pounced at each other becoming a whirlwind of swords and claws.
"Incredible…." Evileye breathed. That was all she was capable of coming up with at the moment. Her heart that hadn't budged in over 150 years seemed to beat once again as she prayed for her dark knight's victory over the existence of pure evil he now found himself locked in battle with. After another few moments of viciously assaulting each other, the demon and the dark knight backed off.
"Not bad for a human," Jaldabaoth seethed, seemingly trying to put on a façade of mocking politeness again but unable to suppress his wrath. "But would be able to keep up if I went all out?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing," Momon responded coolly.
"I've never met a human capable of holding his own against me, but how will you handle this? [Aspect of the Devil: Tentacle Wings]!" Jaldabaoth exclaimed as tentacle like wings sprouted from his back. He took to the air and sent a hail of razor sharp black feathers that were headed straight for Evileye. Having no more mana to summon a [Crystal Wall], Evileye clenched her eyes shut and waited for the inevitable.
Well….. I'm fucked. I guess I had a good run.
Instead of dying, she heard the sounds of metal clashing against metal. She opened her eyes to find Momon ascting as a human shredder as his swords cut through every single feather that came close. Even Evileye with the enhanced sight and reaction time she had as a vampire was barely able to see his swords that were moving faster than the naked eye could see.
"Are you alright?" Momon asked calmly as he continued to furiously slash at the feathers that would've cut though meat and bone. When he cut the last of the feathers, Evileye noticed a half cut feather stuck his shoulder pauldron.
"Your shoulder!" Evileye exclaimed, almost freaking out. Momon looked at and shrugged.
"Attacks like this are nothing to be concerned about," he said with a friendly chuckle. Now Evileye was freaking out for different reasons. Momon looked back at Jaldabaoth who was slowly getting farther away.
"You are an exceptional warrior human!" Jaldabaoth proclaimed with legitimate praise. "I look forward to finishing this Momon!"
"Then why don't we finish this here and now?" Momon asked as he scooped up Evileye with one arm. In her mind's eye, she saw herself being carried like a princess from one of Lakyus' romance novels. In reality she was being carried like a sack of potatoes, which she did not appreciate.
"I'm in no rush," Jaldabaoth shrugged as he continued to fly away. "Prepare yourself, Momon! My forces and I shall turn a portion of this city into hell on earth! Once I have completed my objective, rest assured I will send you to hell atop a pyre of unholy flame!" and with that he flew off.
"Oh no! If we don't get after him-" Evileye started.
"He would be among allies and would fight with all of his might. Currently we are in no condition to handle such an engagement," Momon sighed.
And I would be dead weight.
As Evileye realized this, she furrowed her eyebrows in aggravation over her own weakness. She immediately regretted how she had berated Climb for his weaknesses yesterday. As she was think that, a giant fur ball fell out of the sky.
"Owie," Hamsuke cried as it landed on its head.
"Quiet gerbil," came a woman's voice. Evileye turned to see the most gorgeous woman she had ever seen.
"Nabe, I'm glad you and Hamsuke could join us," Momon said to the woman. Evileye narrowed her eyes. So this was the "Beautiful Princess" Nabe? As vain as she thought the name was, she had to grudgingly agree that it fit. This woman could even give Lakyus a run for her money.
"That was the demon we have been hunting, Sir Momon?" Nabe asked.
"It was definitely him," Momon replied.
"Sir, how long do you plan to hold that overgrown mosquito?" Nabe asked as she indicated towards Evileye.
"Oh! My apologies," Momon said hurriedly as he set her down.
"I-it's fine. I understood your intentions," Evileye stammered. Now that he wasn't concentrating on the show he had just put on with Demiurge, Momon noticed something. Although her stature was that of a young boy, she smelled female and was apparently excreting a high ammouht of hormones.
We just met and she's already having those kind of thoughts in her head? First Albedo now this! WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING!?
Although there was a more important detail his senses had picked up. He knew a fellow vampire when he saw one, but now wasn't the time to ask about that. He had to make sure this operation went smoothly. Evileye, on the other hand, wasn't thinking of anything serious at all.
HE'S SO COOL HE'S SO COOL HE'S SO COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!
"Are those your comrades over there?" Momon asked. Evileye whirled around and looked at Tia's blue faced corpse and Gargan's burnt remains. "I understand your leader Lakyus can use revival magic. Will they be alright?"
"As long as Lakyus can get here, yes," Evileye responded while frowning under her mask. How did he know Lakyus?
"Good. Would you mind telling me what exactly happened here?"
Down in the Humanika sewers, Nigun sighed as he sat down the last squeaking crate. He stood behind it, pried it open, and released the plague rats that had been loaded into it. The sewers were now clawing with ravenous plague rats and the only reason they left Nigun alone was because, as a vampire, he had the ability to command them. He turned around to head back to surface, but ended up face to face a lich. Nigun froze. Did it serve his master? How was a lich in the heart of the Slane Theocracy?
"Nigun," the lich rasped. "I represent an organization who would to speak with your master, Lucifer Dracul." Nigun stiffened. Had he been found out? Still, these creatures were undad like his god, so they could be trusted to an extent.
"Lead the way," Nigun sighed. For about 20 minutes, he followed the undead creature through the mazelike inner workings of Humanika's sewers before coming to a concealed door that revealed itself when the lich pressed on a mossy brick. Nigun's eyes widened as he found a large underground structure laid out before his eyes. Everywhere he looked there were vampires, liches, men in red robes, elves, even a Death Knight with a purple cape.
"Grandmaster Zur is waiting for us," the lich said as he motioned for Nigun to follow him deeper into the catacombs.
Countless adventurers had gathered inside of the Royal Palace, which had part of its roof destroyed during the initial attack. Some turned their gaze back to the Market District which was now surrounded by a ring of fire and had a massive dragon-like creature in the patrolling it. They couldn't the beast itself as it was too far away but they could see the large rib-like spikes tower over buildings and sometimes it would raise its head over the building to peer around on its long thick neck. The Warrior Captain Gazef Stronoff, Brain Unglaus, Climb and Princess Renner were gathered on a stage in front of crowds of adventurers. With them on that stage were the remaining members of Blue Rose, the Re-Estize guild master, and Momon, who had taken his helmet off. Nabe was taking a nap on top of Hamsuke since she had carried both Momon and Hamsuke well over halfway from E-Rantel to Re-Estize, but Momon had told Evileye that they were doing a quick sweep for survivors. Climb and Brain had posted a massive map of the city to the wall. Once everyone became quiet, the Re-Estize guild master spoke up.
"I would like to thank everyone here for being present at this emergency meeting," she began. "As you know, the Adventurer's Guild would usually never take part in national affairs…" everyone looked at Blue Rose. "However, if you have much as looked outside today, you know that this is an exceptional case so we have decided to cooperate with the kingdom in order to resolve the crisis we are faced with. Princess Renner will give you the details, so be quiet and pay attention or I'm demoting you down to copper plate." With that, she sat down and the princess took the stage.
"Thank you all for coming. I am very grateful," Renner said as she bowed to the gathered adventurers. As many of them sighed affectionately, Momon smirked, silently impressed how easy it was for her to get fools to blindly follow her. "Normally, I would render praise for your services to the Kingdom, but right now time is of the essence. Approximately four hours ago at sunset, six creatures flew over the city and obliterated much of it. These actions were shortly followed by the events of two hours ago when demons started turning up in the Market District and has been encircled by a ring of fire." The adventurers nodded in understanding as they had seen the destruction first hand. "The perpetrator of this catastrophe is the Demon King Jaldabaoth. Blue Rose has confirmed that the demon hordes on the side of the firewall are preparing for battle under Jaldabaoth's command."
"So cut off the head and the body will die. So all we have to do is kill Jaldabaoth?" one adventurer asked.
"That is correct, but it will not be that easy. He has his forces consolidated in the Market District while he searches for an item so getting to him will not be easy," Lakyus spoke up.
"How do we know what he's up to?" another adventurer asked.
"Momon will explain that later," said Renner.
"How strong is this demon?" yet another adventurer spoke up. Evileye walked forward.
"My teammates Gargan, Tia, and myself engaged Jaldabaoth ourselves," she said. "We didn't even qualify as a threat to them. He killed them each with a single blow." The adventurers started to panic. Adamantite ranked adventurers were the pinnacle of humanity, living legends. It was understandable that they would feel apprehensive about fighting a monster who ate legends for breakfast. "Do not be afraid! Jaldabaoth is powerful, there is no doubt about that. He is not a monster that a normal human can defeat. But there is a man in our midst who is capable of going toe to toe with Jaldabaoth!"
"What?"
"Who?"
"Whoever it is must be crazy!"
"It's gotta be Momon."
"Meh."
"Tell us already!"
"I believe the man with me needs no introduction," Evileye said. "He is our foremost expert on Jaldabaoth and has been hunting the demon for the past three years! The leader of Darkness! The Holy Hunter! The Dark Knight Momon!" Hearing his name, Momon stood up and walked to the front of the stage ignoring Evileye who became increasingly giddy when he stood close to her. She kept staring at his features. The slight frown he always seemed to have when he was on a mission, the eyebrows always furrowed in concentration, the eyes always filled with concern for what may happen if he failed those who were depending on him…..
Dammit brain! Kill demons now, figure out a way for a vampire like yourself to get pregnant later! Jaldabaoth is still out there after all! Okay, you can look at him five more seconds…..twenty more seconds….sixty…..
"Time is of the essence so let's make this quick," Momon said as crossed his arms. "Jaldabaoth is a demon who far surpasses the prowess of the Evil Deities immeasurably. He is searching for an item I believe to be in the possession of the Eight Fingers that he will use as the epicenter of a dark ritual he will enact to achieve his ultimate goal."
"What is that goal?" Lakyus asked.
"The complete annihilation of all human life," Momon stated. Everyone's eyes widened as they heard those words and Evileye was snapped out of her fantasies. No one had attempted something so horrible since the days of the Eight Greed Kings! "I trust you understand why failure isn't an option."
"You are our expert on Jaldabaoth, Sir Momon," Renner spoke up. "Do you have a plan?"
"Yes," Momon nodded. "As long as that creature, which is called a Stygius, remains it will tear apart anyone who tries to approach Jaldabaoth from the air. Our primary objective is to kill that creature in order to clear the path to Jaldabaoth. Will join the ground forces until we eliminate the beast and then I will go after Jaldabaoth himself. We should expect Gazer Devils, Hellhounds, Imps, Devourers, and Demon Swarms. If you have any questions I will be here until it is time for to move out. If not, prepare yourselves. We will engage the enemy in half an hour!"
This took a little longer to make than I would've liked. But I LOVE the Demonic Disturbance Arc!
HAIL AND KILL!