Chapter 26: The Dwarf
A caravan of undead creatures and monsters trekked through the Azerlisia Mountain Range. Skeleton Dragons flew overhead, acting as air support and searching for any possible hostiles from the sky. The caravan's vanguard were made up of Death Knights, Dark Paladins, Hanzos, and Skull Knights riding on Soul Eaters. The being they were guarding were Vampire Brides, Aura, Shalltear, the lizardman Zenberu, and Lucifer Dracul himself. For almost five hours now they had been riding with Zenberu as their guide to find the Dwarf Kingdom hidden with the Azerlisia Mountain Range. The scenery was breathtaking. Lucifer was enjoying a faint sense of nostalgia, journeying out into the unknown, hunting for a lost city, it reminded him of times with his old friends from Ainz Ooal Gown. Unfortunately, his sense of nostalgia became one of bitterness upon the thought of those traitors.
Forget them already. They abandoned you and Nazarick. The NPCs are my army, my responsibility, and my family. Thanks to Albedo, they're my family in more ways than one now.
"Zenberu, how much farther are we from the dwarven city?" Lucifer asked.
"I'm sorry your majesty, but I am unsure!" Zenberu called back. "They are very secluded and the path to their country is one not often traveled! It has been so long that I am uncertain in my ability to direct us accurately!"
"Very well," Lucifer responded, masking his irritation. "We will continue on this route until nightfall, at which point I will attempt my own methods to find it."
Queen Hope barged into the infirmary, closely followed by Minister Roman, and rushed over to the priest in charge. She grabbed him by the shoulders and, with tears in her eyes, she started shouting.
"Where is she? Where is my sister?" she demanded.
"Y-your holiness, please calm down," the priest pleaded. "Your sister is alright. She has had severe injuries that not even we can heal, but….." Hope didn't let him finish and barged past him and toward her sister. The moment she saw her, Hope let out a sound that was somewhere between a gasp and a sob. Her sister's beautiful wings were gone, torn off as if by some wild beast.
"Angela," she breathed as tears flowed down her face.
"Hey," Angela muttered weakly.
"Jaldabaoth will pay for this!" Hope swore.
"He told me to tell you something," Angela groaned. "He said that he would attack the Holy City and slaughter our people. He wants to snuff out every human life in existence." Hope's eyes narrowed at the thought of this demon attacking the Holy City, HER Holy City.
"Roman, inform the guards that we are expecting a demon invasion like the one in Re-Estize," Hope ordered. "Prepare the Holy Relic. It may be our only way of killing this monster."
"Yes your holiness- wait, wait, wait," Roman suddenly interrupted himself. "But your holiness, remember what the Six Great Gods said! If you use that item, you'll die!"
"If it means the annihilation of this demon then so be it!" Hope declared. "Bring me Loginus!" Although Hope was unaware of this, the moment those words left her mouth, the Shadow Demon that was watching her immediately messaged Demiurge. This information must reach the Supreme One.
"[Create Fortress]!" Lucifer chanted, creating a mighty tower where there had been nothing moments ago. "We shall camp here for the night. The undead shall stand guard outside. Aura, Shalltear, the Vampire Brides, and Zenberu come with me." Now that everyone had their orders, they went where they were directed. Lucifer held the fortress's door open for those who ordered to go in before he activated one of Draculan abilities. "[Lord of the Night]." Once those words left his mouth, the sounds of wolves howling reigned of the entire mountain range, rats scurried out of their holes, and swarms of bats covered the sky. Lucifer held out his hand and, after a few seconds of waiting, a bat came and landed in his open hand.
[What is thy will, my lord?] came a small voice telepathically.
[I desire the location of the dwarven city. Find it for me and I will reward you with transcendence.]
[This humble servant will complete this task with haste, my lord. Is there anything else you require of this humble servant?]
[Spread the news of my coming to all creatures of the night. Their god has arrived.]
[As you decree great one.] having been given its orders, the bat flew off into the night.
"Father, are you coming in?" Shalltear asked from the door Lucifer had left open.
"I'll be with you in a few minutes Shalltear. Go back inside," Lucifer replied dismissively. Shalltear pouted but did as she was told. They always did. Lucifer didn't have to wait long however. The bat came back quickly and flew back into its master's hand.
[My lord, I have uncovered the location of the dwarven city, just as you requested.]
[Good, you have earned your reward.] "[Create Vampire Bride]," Lucifer said calmly as he cast the spell on the bat. The bat slowly began to morph and grow into a humanoid figure. Once its transformation was complete, a woman in a white dress with crimson eyes stood in the bat's place. "Go inside and mark the location on the map," Lucifer ordered.
"Yes my lord," the vampire bride said in a new ladylike voice with a bow before walking inside the fortress. Lucifer glanced around one last time before entering the fortress himself and slamming the doors shut behind him.
The throne room within the Draconic Kingdom's capitol city of Lux was an absolute mess. Reports, bills, and other documents were scattered about. Queen Draudillon was leaning over a balcony that connected to the throne room and was watching in despair as the Beastmen finally began breaking into her city. On second thought, she wasn't really a queen anymore, she couldn't be a queen without a country to rule over. The Beastmen had finally made broken the Draconic Kingdom, the sacred country founded by the Brightness Dragon Lord himself. The Draconic Kingdom had practically worshipped the dragons for their strength, not that it had gotten them anywhere. Today, the Draconic Kingdom was no more and if the Eternal Empire didn't hurry up there wouldn't be any civilians to save either.
"Your highness," Arken called out as he approached her. "We have received as update from the Eternal Empire. They will be making their landing near the shrine of the Brightness Dragon Lord. Cerebrate and the rest of Crystal Tear are holding back the Beastmen but they won't be able to hold out for long. Cerebrate, as usual, is demanding that he gets to have his way with you once this whole thing is decided."
"That damn pedophile," Draudillon sighed. "What I wouldn't give for him to just die before this is all over. Do you know how many children he has assaulted while evacuating the villages and fighting Beastmen? He disgusts me. I might even kill him myself seeing as I no longer have a country to rule."
"You majesty, surely there is a way to bounce back from this travesty?" Arken asked.
"Are you crazy?" Draudillon cried out exasperatedly. "We are in the worst financial crisis in our country's history. Our economy is practically a worthless I.O.U. at this point, our army has less than 400 soldiers left, and we're about to practically hand our country over to the Immortal Emperor. You think Lucifer is helping us out of the goodness of his heart? No! He knows how weak we are and by having his troops secure the region that no longer has a functional government he will put his own government in place and effectively absorb us into his empire."
"Could you not use Wild Magic to repel them once they've defeated the Beastmen?" Arken offered.
"No," Draudillon sighed. "I'm not sure if there would be enough sacrifices left to use such a spell and attacking soldiers from the Eternal Empire that were sent to help us would just provide the Immortal Emperor with a reason to turn that terrible magic he used at Katze Plains against us. Either way, our country is doomed" Arken sighed and hung his head in defeat. The Immortal Emperor masterfully cornered them. Offer them the solution to a problem they must solve even if they had to give up everything and make the price of his solution be exactly that: everything. Arken raised his head just in time to see numerous dragons begin to descend upon the city near the Shrine of the Brightness Dragon Lord.
"It appears our "saviors" have arrived," Arken commented stiffly.
"We might as well go greet them," Draudillon stated as she and her royal guard made to leave.
The people of the Dragon Kingdom didn't know what to expect when forty dragons began landing in the middle of the capitol. They had heard that their queen had received a pledge of support from the Immortal Emperor, but they definitely hadn't been expecting dragons. What was even more surprising were the Death Knights that dismounted from the dragons after they landed.
"What are those things?"
"Monsters!"
"The Immortal Emperor wants to kill us!"
"Meh."
"I thought we were being evacuated, not invaded!"
"I don't wanna die!"
"Run!"
Every group of eight Death Knights had a Skull Knight leading it, making each team have nine undead creatures in total. Twenty of these teams were marching past the citizens of the Draconic Kingdom without even glancing at them. The people, who had always been told that the undead hated them and would take every opportunity to slaughter them, were confused by the fact that these monsters were ignoring them. Still, the guards and adventurers who were gathered to protect the civilians were not going to simply ignore the undead monsters that were being dropped off.
"Weapons ready! These undead freaks may turn on us at any moment!" a commanding voice called out. A man with messy blonde hair and green eyes equipped in full plate armor bellowed. In his hands were a sword and a shield and he looked every bit the part of a noble knight, which is a shame since his outward appearance masked his inner ugliness. This was Cerebrate, a "hero" in the fight against the Beastmen and also a repulsive pedophile. His entire reasoning for taking part in the war against the Beastmen so that by the time it was over he would be a hero and his "eccentricities would be allowed because he saved the country. However, now that the Draconic Kingdom was no more, he was looking for a way out, preferably with little girls for him along the way. "It's okay!" Draudillon called out as she ran up. "The legions of the Eternal Empire will not harm us! They are here to cover our escape and beat the Beastmen back!" The peasants didn't know what to think so they just chose whichever option was the least likely to kill them. However, they knew they could trust their queen who, despite everything that had happened, did her best to keep her people safe.
"Ladies and gentlemen," a voice that could be best be described as heroic called out. Everyone turned to see a massive man in impressive black armor standing up on top of one of the dragons. Draudillon instantly recognized this man as the Immortal Emperor's personal bodyguard, Momon. At his side was a woman that made several men standing at attention in more ways than one and he was carrying some furry thing in studded armor over his broad shoulder. "Please proceed onto the dragons in groups of twenty. The dragons will transport you to the Baharuth Annex. The undead and I will cover your escape. Move!" Being enveloped by the aura of a hero, most people looked at him in admiration. Cerebrate, however, did not. He glared at Momon and found himself already hating the Dark Knight.
This bastard is trying to hog all the glory for himself. I'm the only hero here, not him, ME! I'll follow him until we've pushed the Beastmen back into their own country and then I'll kill him.
"You say you've found something, Yvon?" the Cardinal of Fire asked.
"Indeed," the Cardinal of Light smirked with a sense of superiority. "We received an anonymous tip regarding Lucifer Dracul thanks to Windflower Scripture."
"What have we found?" Maximus demanded.
"After looking through all of the Theocracy's records, there was no mention of Lucifer Dracul," the Cardinal of Light began. "However, we received a tip telling us to look for a different name: "Momonga".
"Strange name," the Cardinal of Darkness muttered.
"We still didn't find anything, but then I thought back to what Dracul said at the diet about him knowing our Six Great Gods so I took this from the Shrine of the First Miko," the Cardinal of Light announced as he held up a black and gold book covered in a strange writing.
"That is the Roleplaying Journal of the God of Earth, Lord Hexel!" the Cardinal off Wind gasped.
"You did NOT have permission to move one of the legacies!" Maximus fumed.
"I am aware and I apologize, however the writings of Lord Hexel have given us the fruit of knowledge we so desperately craved," the Cardinal of Light declared.
"What have you found?" the Cardinal of Earth demanded.
"Once again, no mention of the name Lucifer Dracul, but this "Momonga" was in it," the Cardinal of Light announced as he flipped through the pages. "Here he is, Momonga. The passage reads as such: Once again, my comrades and attempted to lay siege to the heart of evil, the Great Tomb of Nazarick. We have allied with many Human and Demi-Human races for this task. Although I found working with some of these creatures to be unsavory, I believed it would be worth it in the end. We all knew that Nazarick's defenses were formidable and the armies of Ainz Ooal Gown to be relentless, but we felt we had prepared accordingly. However, there was one thing we hadn't taken into account. The master of Ainz Ooal Gown's unholy levels of intellect and strategic maneuvering were beyond what we expected. This vampire, a Dracula, the Father of all Vampires, called his forces back into Nazarick to retreat. We thought we were winning so we chased after them. How foolish we were. We knew stepping foot into Nazarick was like stepping foot into hell, but that day we learned the true meaning of hell. We didn't even make it past the 6th Floor. Between the traps, the guerilla warfare style attacks, and Momonga's unholy ability to lead the evil forces of Nazarick we were overrun, outmatched, and out maneuvered. The last sight many of us saw was that floating pink thing, Victim is what I believe it was called. I now understand why Momonga is called the Antichrist of Yggdrasil. We failed to kill him and I can only hope that one day, someone will be able to finish our noble work for humanity. As long as Momonga continues to pollute this world, there will be no peace, freedom, or prosperity for the human race. The Antichrist must die." The cardinals were completely silent when they heard the Cardinal of Light finish reading. They were pale and looked like they were going to be sick.
"So it's true," the Cardinal of Water wheezed out. "He really is an entity that even our gods couldn't kill. Momonga is Lucifer Dracul, all the titles match and even his lair: Nazarick."
"The Father of all Vampires. He was telling the truth at the diet," the Cardinal of Darkness said with a look of despair on his face for the first time. "We should've known when he mentioned Loginus. Very few people know of its existence, but is he aware that it was stolen from us by the Holy Kingdom when they seceded from the Theocracy?"
"Don't you realize what this means?" Maximus interrupted with a mad look in his eye before the pity party could go any further. "It all makes sense now. Humanity being chosen by the gods, the legacies, the holy artifacts and weapons. Don't you see?" The Cardinals shook their heads at the Archbishop, not sure where he was going with this. "We were chosen to take up the mantle of our gods! To finish the noble work they started! They left us all the tools and information we needed to kill this god of evil named Momonga who has now taken up a new unholy name: Lucifer Dracul. Ainz Ooal Gown has returned to plague the world again under the guise of the Eternal Empire and it is our duty as the safeguards of humanity to finish our gods' work! To finish what they started! We will kill the ultimate evil! The original vampire, the Antichrist, the master of the heart of evil known as Nazarick, the ruler Ainz Ooal Gown, Lucifer Dracul!"
Lucifer and his entourage had finally reached the small cave that his newest Vampire Bride had uncovered for them. It was less of a cave and more like a crack in the rock. Nonetheless, Lucifer couldn't detect any life in the immediate area unless he counted unintelligent insects.
"Hanzos," Lucifer spoke up, making said ninja monsters stand at attention. "Go inside and verify the situation. Preform a cursory inspection focused on the central region and administrative centers. We will investigate the tunnel systems later."
"Yes my lord," the Hanzos said with a bow before sprinting into the tunnels.
"Shalltear, Aura, at my sides," Lucifer ordered. "Vampire Brides, protect Zenberu." After about ten minutes of waiting, the Hanzos returned.
"My lord, we found the dwarven city, but it appears to have been abandoned. There are no signs of life," one of the Hanzos reported. "There were no corpses, no signs of battle, and no household products. It appears they abandoned the city of their own will."
"Yes, but why?" Lucifer muttered to himself. "Lead us to the residential area."
"Yes my lord!" the Hanzos chanted. Lucifer motioned for the Death Knights and Dark Paladins to stay with the caravan and guard against any intruders as Shalltear, Aura, Zenberu, and himself headed inside. Awaiting them was a vast cavern full of what appeared to be two-story buildings but it was unclear whether or not they were because dwarfs were, obviously, smaller than people. Surprisingly, there was no issues as far as being able to see went. Not because of Lucifer's vampiric nature, but because there were crystal-like deposits in the ceiling that glowed, illuminating the cavern. Just like the Hanzos had reported, the city was empty.
"Hanzos, search the tunnels for anything that may provide us with more information," Lucifer commanded. "Shalltear, you and the undead act as our lookouts. Aura and Zenberu, search the city for any clues as to why the dwarves may have left this place." As the group split up to do their jobs, Lucifer cast a spell in an attempt to lure out any hidden enemies. "[Bloody Body Double]," he said as blood seemed to rise up from the floor and take the form of Lucifer himself. [Bloody Body Double] sacrificed a small amount of HP to create a temporary clone of the caster. In this case, since he had only summoned it to lure out any hidden enemies, Lucifer had only sacrificed 1HP to create it so it would be killed instantly by any substantial hit that wouldn't be negated by High-Tier Nullification. Controlling his body double, Lucifer sent it to float above the city to see if anyone would attack it. Unsurprisingly, nobody did. After dispelling the effects, Lucifer sighed and simply waited.
This sucks. I hate just waiting around. Shalltear seems much more vigilant than usual. Is it because she's guarding me or because she thinks that this may be her chance to redeem herself for her failure to control her blood frenzy? I'll have to keep an eye on her for the duration of this little adventure. If she proves her worth, I might just give her back her sex toys. Maybe.
"Lord Dracul!" Aura shouted as she ran back to her master. "Zenberu and I found something!"
"Report," Lucifer demanded.
"We found footprints near several buildings that aren't dwarven in nature," Aura informed her emperor.
"It's true," Zenberu added. "These footprints imply that whoever was moving around here was barefoot. Dwarves never go barefoot and generally wear metal-soled boots."
"I see. So the dwarves aren't the only creatures residing in this mountain," Lucifer mused.
Come to think of it, that adventurer, what was her name… Ninya! That's it. She mentioned that there were dragons up here in the mountain range. So I should be on the lookout for dragons, dwarves, and whatever the hell these things might be.
[Master] a Hanzo messaged.
[Yes? What is it?]
[We have detected noises coming from one of the tunnels. We believe it to be the sound of someone digging out an ore vein.]
[Send me your location and keep an eye on the digger but do not allow yourselves to be seen. I will see to this personally.]
[Yes my lord.]
Freddon and the other rebels entered the former estate of Duke Kado within E-Pespel. Since Kado's entire family was killed off there had been no one to inherit the estate and before the nobles could finish arguing over who would take possession of it, the rebellions began. The other rebels were hesitant to let them in because of the undead that followed them but considering the fact that they had gone to get support from the Immortal Emperor they decided to just take things as they come for now and let them in.
"Who are these guys anyway?" one of the rebels asked.
"I know this is going to sound crazy, but members of Zuranon actually support our cause and have been sent by Lucifer Dracul to help us," Freddon said tiredly. "I'm tired as a motherfucker so for now all I want is to report in to the old man and get some shut eye alright?"
"Yeah, yeah. Sebas is up on the third floor with Marquis Raeven. It sounds like shit is about to hit the fan," the rebel informed Freddon as he opened the doors.
"Great," Freddon grunted as he headed up the stairs. The entire mansion had been modified in order to accommodate the rebels. Windows were boarded up, furniture had been moved in order to make more space, an area for the rebels to unwind was set up in what looked like the old living room, an infirmary had been built in the library, and the old duke's office had been converted into a command center of some sort. Sebas was seated in the office looking over a map of Re-Estize as he waited for Freddon's group. Raeven was with him pointing out certain spaces near the Royal Palace.
"Gramps," Freddon said with a smile. "Good to see you and the others made it out of Re-Estize okay."
"I'm glad to see that you're alright as well," Sebas said as he looked up at the group. "What did the Immortal Emperor have to say?"
"He has pledged unofficial support to our cause. Apparently, they have a few things to take care of before they can join us in eliminating the monarchy. For now, they've sent us these guys from Zuranon," Freddon replied as he gestured towards Zur.
"Good evening. I do not believe we have met. I am Zur, founder of Zuranon. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Zur said with a polite bow. Sebas raised an eyebrow in order to act as if he wasn't not expecting this before shaking his head and looking back at the map.
"Undead or not, I'll take whatever we can get," Sebas said.
"What are you and Raeven up to?" Freddon asked.
"With the death of King Rampossa, Zanac has taken the throne and the nobles are in a state of panic," Sebas reported. "The nobles, led by Count Ritton, have forgone taxes and have started taking everything of value from the people in order to continue to finance their mercenaries. Although this is unfortunate it has also driven many more to join our cause. Zanac, however, is endeavoring to greatly damage our efforts."
"How?" one of the rebels asked.
"As you know, Princess Renner's policies and ideals align with our own morals," Sebas stated. "From what Raeven has uncovered, Zanac seeks to demoralize us and secure his own powerbase by having his sister assassinated."
"What?"
"That bastard!"
"How could he do that to his own sister?"
"She's such a good person. She doesn't deserve that!"
"Meh."
"She's the only member of the Royal Family who ever treated us like actual people!"
"We can't let them get away with this!"
"Isn't killing her a bit too much?"
I wonder, if they knew what she was really like, would they still think so highly of her? I might've been fooled by her too if Demiurge and Albedo hadn't informed me of her true nature.
"Thanks to Raeven, we have been able to plan a snatch and grab operation within Re-Estize," Sebas explained. "Having Princess Renner on our side will get even more people to join us in order to protect the Golden Princess and we may even be able to organize an attack on the Royal Palace itself in the coming weeks."
"So what's the plan?" Freddon asked.
"Princess Renner and her bodyguard Climb are planning to visit an orphanage tomorrow evening," Raeven spoke up. "Zanac wishes to make it look like they were attacked and killed by rebels so that he can pin it on the National Liberation Party in an attempt to turn the public against you."
"Damn nobles," someone mumbled.
"We will set out for Re-Estize in two hours. I recommend you get some rest while you can," Sebas advised.
So that's this world's dwarf? Not very impressive.
After turning himself invisible with the spell [Perfect Unknowable], Lucifer had sent Aura forward to open initial talks with the dwarf since, as an undead, Lucifer would most likely scare the hell out of him. Of course Aura, being a child, couldn't help but to screw around a bit. Aura got right behind the poor dwarf and breathed in deeply.
"HI!" Aura said loudly.
"DAMMIT!" the dwarf cursed as he spun around to look at the giggling Aura. "You're a Dark Elf right? What are you doing here? I thought most Dark Elves lived near the Holy Kingdom."
"I came to find the dwarven city but it was an empty shell," Aura shrugged. "I'm Aura Bella Fiora from the Eternal Empire of the Immortal Emperor Lucifer Dracul."
"Eternal Empire? Immortal Emperor? Is that a new Dark Elf country?" the dwarf asked as he raised an eyebrow before shrugging. "Sorry. My name is Gondo Firebeard of the Dwarven Kingdom. Nice to meet you," he introduced himself as he and Aura shook hands.
"Nice to meet you Gondo. But weren't there dwarves living here about five years ago?" Aura asked. "A Lizardman who visited you told me."
"Yeah, but about three years ago we all moved deeper into the mountain," Gondo responded. "Did this Lizardman have an incredibly thick arm?"
"That's him!" Aura replied with a thumbs up.
"I see. I'm going to take a guess here and assume you want me to lead you to our new city Feoh Ger, right?" Gondo guessed. "Still, who sends a child down here into the tunnels alone? That's just irresponsible."
"Oh, I'm not alone and I'm not defenseless either," Aura grinned. Gondo raised an eyebrow at her before shrugging as if to say "if you say so". "Why did you guys evacuate this place anyway?"
"We sighted some Quogoa near the city so we decided to temporarily abandon Feoh Raido."
"What's a Quogoa?"
"They're underground dwelling jerks who will try to kill dwarves on sight."
"Oh. I think we found traces of them in your city."
"The Quogoa have turned it into a nest?" Gondo asked with his eyes wide.
"No, they just sent some scouts by the looks of the place."
"Oh, well that's a relief," Gondo sighed. "We fully intend to take it back once our armies are ready to beat back the Quogoa."
"Then I believe that's my cue to introduce myself," Lucifer said in his typical cold voice as he dispelled [Perfect Unknowable]. When Gondo saw Lucifer seemingly appear out of thin air, there was only one thing he could do: scream.
"IT'S A MONSTER! A VAMPIRE!" Gondo yelled in a panic as he started to run away. "HIDE!"
"[Vampiric Grip]," Lucifer sighed causing Gondo to be dragged back over to him. "Fear not Gondo. I am…"
"How do you know my name!? Did you use magic!?" Gondo cried as Lucifer released him from his spell. Although he was free, Gondo was too afraid to move.
"Incorrect. I merely overheard your conversation," Lucifer said as he summoned up his false charm and pleasantry. "I am the Immortal Emperor Lucifer Dracul of the Eternal Empire."
"The- the Eternal Empire? Is the Eternal Empire not a nation of Dark Elves?" Gondo asked with wide eyes.
"No. It is a country of many races that all acknowledge me as their absolute ruler," Lucifer corrected.
"But- you're a vampire. An undead. Don't you hate the living?"
"Hey, it's just like Lord Dracul said," Aura interrupted. "I'm a Dark Elf and the story about the Lizardman is true too. Like I said before, I didn't come alone. Lord Dracul has been with us this entire time." Gondo took a few deep breaths to calm himself down before looking back at Lucifer.
"Could it be that you were once a human who was turned into a vampire and thus somehow managed to retain your humanity?" Gondo asked.
"No. I was the first vampire to ever exist," Lucifer lied and nearly grimaced since Gondo's guess hit a little too close to home. "There is no need to be afraid of me Gondo. Humans, dwarves, elves, all have good and bad members of their species. Similarly, there are undead who hate the living and undead who do not. Although I won't claim to have any great love for the living, I do desire to remain on good terms with them."
"The first vampire huh? Still, the thought of a relatively friendly undead is about as unthinkable as a compassionate demon."
"Really? I once knew an angel who fell into darkness and a demon who aspired to do what's right," Lucifer smirked. The angel he was referring to was from that stupid fictional story called the Bible and the demon was from Yggdrasil named Mephistopheles who was basically a hard-shelled softy.
"Really? To think such things existed," Gondo muttered as pulled himself back onto his feet, apparently having calmed down.
"I understand your caution, but I have no intention of harming you. In fact, I came here with the intention of forming an alliance with your country," Lucifer said pleasantly, masking his inner grimace. Conquering the dwarves would be unwise since they knew these mountains better than anyone other than the Quogoa, who held very little interest to him. The best course of action would be to become allies with them and slowly, as time passed, take control of the country's leadership and begin dissolving their nation bit by bit into his own with extreme subtlety.
"Well, I guess it's alright by me," Gondo sighed. "I can take you to our current capitol."
"Wonderful, and if I might ask, what can you tell me about runic characters and the craft related to them?" Lucifer asked, simply making conversation as his mid drifted back to that sword that weird man from Baharuth had shown him.
"What do you wanna know?" Gondo asked as he narrowed eyes for a few moments before they suddenly widened as if he had an epiphany. "You said you were the first vampire right? That means you've been around a very long time. Ageless. Eternal. Lost knowledge."
Okay, what the fuck is going on here? Did the dwarf I met just so happen to be some kind of maniac with a sob story?
"The runes I know of are 50 lesser runes, 25 middle runes, 10 upper runes, and 5 top runes," Gondo supplied excitedly. "Unfortunately, many runes have been lost through the passage of time and there are very few left."
"I see. Although the runes I know of may differ, they look like this," Lucifer said as he traced a rune from memory into the ground. "Does this one look familiar?"
"Ah, this is one of the middle runes: Lagu," Gondo grinned.
So they have runes that match the ones from Yggdrasil.
"I see. If you would please tell me what you know," Lucifer inquired, trying to discern any secrets that may tell him about other players' involvement in this world. "About 100 years ago, dwarves exported rune-carved magical weapons to the Baharuth Empire. However, the weapons suddenly stopped coming. Why?"
"Well," Gondo scowled. "This may take a bit of explaining. Let's talk while we walk." Lucifer gave magnanimous nod in response and followed Gondo. "First of all, my friends call me the rune developer. Dwarven magical items have always been made with runes, but about 200 years ago we were attacked by the Demon Gods. A lot of tech flowed in from the outside when some of our heroes left to join the fight and runecraft became outdated. People started becoming mages so they could just enchant a weapon in order to mass produce magical weapons. But it's foolish! Runecraft still has its merits. For example: you don't have to spend any money on it!" Gondo didn't notice, but up until now Lucifer had only been half-assed paying attention. "A standard enchantment cost a lot of reagents and supplies but rune empowered items have almost no material cost!" Lucifer's eyes practically became dollar signs and his face twisted into an evil grin when he heard that. This could be exactly what he needed to upgrade Nazarick's forces cheaply on a massive scale.
"Fascinating," Lucifer said smoothly as his face returned to its usual cold smile and soulless eyes. "Are there any other flaws?"
"A few. Mostly they're just hard to produce," Gondo replied, happy to be able to discuss his passion. "They take a while to make and there aren't a lot of people who are suited to become runesmiths. There's more people suitable who are suitable to become magic casters according to the Baharuth Empire."
"What sort of runecraft are you developing?" Lucifer asked.
"Why are you so interested in runecraft?" Gondo answered with a question as he narrowed his eyes.
"I've lived a long time, Gondo. I have come to understand that knowledge is power," Lucifer answered, being honest but not telling the whole truth. "You never know what sort of information may prove useful in the future."
"I'm trying to reduce the time it takes to create a rune as well as find a way to mass produce them, but that is only a means to an end," Gondo said solemnly. "My true goals is to make runes essential and enable them to stand the test of time."
"That's an ambitious goal. I respect that," Lucifer said honestly. "How have you been progressing?"
"There hasn't been any progress," Gondo frowned. "I don't qualify as a runesmith. I don't have the necessary talents. I can carve runes but takes me way too long."
"Do all dwarves share this goal of yours?" Lucifer asked.
"No, just me," Gondo sighed. "Everyone else has given up and spends their time drinking and cursing about how runecraft is going to die with our generation."
Normally I wouldn't care, but I want my free upgraded army goddammit! Lucifer Dracul gets what Lucifer Dracul wants! Fuck, I'm starting to sound like some sort of narcissistic villain. Still, abandoned arts can be developed dirt cheap and an investment that works out in the end could provide extraordinary benefits. I wonder….
"Let me ask you something Gondo, what basis do you have that the techniques you speak of can be developed?" Lucifer inquired. "It sounds to me that these are empty fantasies."
"No!" Gondo cried. "My father and grandfather served the last royal, the Runesmith King! I've read the notes they left behind and I know it's possible! My father confirmed it on his sickbed!" Luicfer internally smirked. Borderline fanatical dedication to a cause that he could benefit from. If he was supplied with those who were actually skilled in the art.
"I have a proposition for you Gondo," Lucifer announced. "I do not believe in fate, but I think our encounter could be a tremendous stroke of luck for the both of us. Allow the Eternal Empire to provide financial support for your endeavors." Gondo spun around and stared at Lucifer, jaw gaping. "Because you aren't an actual runesmith, I think it would be prudent to recruit the runesmiths of your nation to this endeavor and bring them to the Eternal Empire. They will begin developing new runecraft techniques under your direction. Do you think it would be doable to recruit them?"
"Ye-yes!" Gondo grinned. "Although they have given up for the most part, they would jump at the chance to shine again!"
"Excellent," Lucifer smirked. "But you should know, you may be considered a traitor for assisting me in this endeavor. How far are you willing to go for me? Will you help me? Will you lie for me? Will you give your soul to me? Are you fine with me being an undead?"
"Pssh. I don't need my soul for runecraft! If you want it, take it," Gondo shrugged. "As for the undead bit, I don't care if you're undead, a dragon, or a demon god. If you can make my dream come true I'm with ya!"
"I like your attitude Gondo," Lucifer said with a genuine laugh. "I think we're going to get along just fine."
The groups that resided just outside the Holy Kingdom of Roble in Aberion Hills were usually at war with each other or trying to tear down the Holy Kingdom's wall. The fact that they were gathered here and weren't killing each other spoke something about what was going on, even if they themselves weren't too sure. Gathered in this clearing and eyeing each other suspiciously were three nations, if you could call them that. Of the Orc Settlement was Battlemaster Urk. He wore rough armor iron armor decorated with bones, had a thick gray beard, and a helmet that had decorative antlers. Out of all the orcs, ogres, and goblins that resided in his settlements he was the strongest and the biggest, that's why he was their leader. From the Dark Dwarf Slavers was Chief Khavrok, who had a large black beard, like a Dark Dwarves, and a helmet that gave him the appearance of having devil horns. His narrow eyes darted around looking for anything of value or anyone who might make a good slave. He was greed personified. Finally, of the Dark Elf Country, was King Vega Connard. He had heterochromatic eyes, just like his father, the Elf King Augustus Connard. He was a scarred man, a warrior. He wore armor that he had painted black and purple and wielded a club called the World Savior, which he had stolen from a Black Scripture member he had killed years ago. His shoulder length hair was silver and his left cheek seemed to have come off from a brutal wound, making him look like he was always grimacing and gnashing his teeth. His father had "convinced" the former queen of the Dark Elves to spend the night at his fortress. When she returned to her country, she had a baby Vega in her arms. They were all gathered on what they had agreed was neutral ground and waited for whoever had called the meeting.
"Does anyone know when this thing is starting?" Kharvok growled.
"How should I know?" Vega grunted.
"I RIP TWO!" Urk shouted.
"Now, now gentlemen. It is not so much that I am late that you are early," a sinister voice called out. They turned their heads to see a demon wearing a mask calmly walking towards them. He wore a black suit and had a cape that seemed to be made from the feathers of an angel.
"Who the hell are you?" Kharvok demanded.
"I am known as Jaldabaoth. I'm here to give you the offer of a lifetime," the demon sneered with a mocking bow.
"Yeah? And what's that?" Vega asked as he narrowed his eyes.
"I'm going to lead you into the Holy Kingdom and let you do whatever you want to the idiotic humans that inhabit Roble," Jaldabaoth informed them. "I am going to destroy the wall, you will swarm their country, and you will obey me if you want in on this."
"URK NO TAKE ORDERS FROM TINY MAN! NAME LONG! COWARD!" Urk jeered.
"I believe in your culture, whoever is the strongest is in charge, correct?" Jaldabaoth asked.
"YES! URK IS MIGHTIEST-" Urk didn't get to finish because quicker than anybody could see, Jaldabaoth rushed over to him and literally pulled his head off, dragging the stupid brute's spinal cord out with it.
"I believe you all serve me now," Jaldabaoth stated calmly to Urk's tribes as if he hadn't just committed murder. The goblins, ogres, and orcs may be stupid but they understood strength so they bowed immediately. "As for the rest of, there will be countless humans running about for you to enslave and riches to plunder." Kharvok grinned evilly.
"I'm in!" he bellowed.
"As long as there are worthy opponents to kill," Vega declared as he thought about killing his father and uniting the Dark Elves and the Elves before turning them ALL against the Slane Theocracy. How he dreamed of a world without humans.
"Good," Jaldabaoth said while he smirked under his mask.
The soldiers who had remained in the Draconic Kingdom stared with their eyes wide as they watched Momon mow down every Beastman that got near him. They had spent the past six hours fighting through the streets of Lux, trying evacuate civilians and push the enemy back. Momon had kept a steady pace the entire time. He never paused, never slowed down, and never stopped swing those massive blades of his. Nobody else had actually managed to kill anything because none of them ever made it past the Dark Knight.
"I can't believe this guy!"
"Is he a Godkin?"
"That guy is a badass!"
"I thought all those things they said about him were exaggerated rumors."
"Meh."
"Look at him go!"
"I think he might be invincible."
"I didn't think there was anyone more powerful than Cerebrate."
"This is crazy."
"Go Momon!"
Cerebrate growled as he glared at Momon from behind. He and that Nabe woman had done all the killing ever since they arrived. Cerebrate had tried splitting up from the group five times and every time he did, he either found Nabe frying Beastmen with [Chain Lightning], Momon shredding Beastmen, or some weird furry thing in armor slicing and dicing them with its tail. This team, Darkness, was absolutely nuts. They were also stealing all of Cerebrate's glory. How was he supposed to get that queen in his bed if he couldn't outshine Momon? There was no way he could kill him if they dueled, Cerebrate wasn't stupid. They were planning to push the Beastmen all the way back into their own country and force their surrender, so Cerebrate would bide his time and kill Momon in his sleep when they were far away from civilization, deep in the Beastmen Country. What he didn't know was what was going through Momon's head. He also wouldn't have understood it since he was thinking in German.
Mein Gott. How much longer do these idioten intend to keep fighting? The Unsterblicher Kaiser was quite clear. Kill the Beastmen in the Draconic Kingdom, force the Beastmen to negotiate, and then head norden into the Troll Kingdom and force them to attack the City State Alliance. I hope once we're done here I can see that niedlich vampire Evileye. We will have so much fun putting on that schauspiel in the Holy Kingdom. Mein lord is a strategisches genie to have had this planned. Too bad about the menschen we bring with us, they will all have to sterben.
After another five minutes of meaningless hack and slash, Momon's group, Nabe's group, and Hamsuke congregated in the residential area of Lux.
"It appears we have cleared out more than half the city," Momon stated.
"Yes, the cockroaches are scuttling away. They know they have taken too many losses," Nabe commented with her usual scowl.
"Pursue them we shall master!" Hamsuke declared, eyes full of determination as Momon and Nabe mounted him.
"If you a prepared to continue the pursuit, then let out a shout," Momon ordered. Every soldier raised their weapons and let out a war cry, even Cerbrate's team did besides Cerebrate himself, who was glaring at Momon. "Very well then, if we hurry we might interrupt their forward command before they start feasting on even more human lives!"
I would've had more up and earlier but shit happened with my computer's charging cord. It sucked.
HAIL AND KILL!