In the Hall of Pillars, 39 of the Supreme beings were gathered save for the siblings Bukubuku Chagama and Peroroncino.
"Hmmm she figured it out faster than we thought…" muttered Tabula Smargadina as they gazed into the projection before them
"Indeed I was expecting her to catch on to our little trick once she was in the realm." Ulbert said lazily
"A bit overkill don't you think Ulbert san? If the spell hits Jaldaboath he will be irreversibly damaged." Touch me said as he cupped his chin
"Good. Let him be a lesson to all mortals. Let them know the price of treason." Ulbert said as he revealed a fanged smile
"Cuel as always Ulbert you do your title justice." Takemazuchi growled
"Well I am the keeper of catastrophes and world disasters…" Ulbert replied
"I wonder how long those two need its been about two hours." Lucifer said his head resting on his palm clearly bored
"Well lets contact Chagma san, we'll let her inform Peroroncino." Momonga said
"Why not just tell Pero yourself?" Yamaiko asked
"I don't want to know or interrupt whatever it is Peroroncino is doing with Shalltear." Momonga said calmly making a light attempt at a joke
"Ah I see…" Yamaiko deadpanned
"That's why you're the leader Momonga san." Punito Moe replied with a sigh
"Well eldest must take responsibility for the younger sibling." Momonga replied
And a mixture of sighs and laughter reverberated within the great hall.
Without the rest noticing Tabula gave Punito Moe a grim look who in turn looked at Momonga. Noticing this Momonga gave quiet sigh. Unbeknownst to the other supreme beings these three considered the greatest minds of the 41, were very...very troubled...
In the domain of Bukubuku Chagama
If there was one word to describe Aura in this moment it would be contented. She was currently being cradled by her creator Bukubuku Chagama while the pink slime fed her the most delicious cakes she had ever eaten. Idly she wished that this moment would never end, however all good things must end. Aura thought back to what Blue Planet sama said
Beauty exists because there is imperfection.
"Why yes it is little one, I see Blue Planet sans words struck a chord with you." Chagama replied
Aura covered her mouth with a blush of embarrassment realising she had subconsciously muttered out what Blue planet sama said.
Bukubuku Chagama let out a giggle stroked Aura's head.
"Blue Planet san is right you know, beauty fades that is why it is beautiful." Chagama said gently
"You two don't want to leave." Chagama stated
"Mmm Hmm" Mare said with a sad nod
"This place is paradise Bukubuku Chagama sama…" Aura said
"Did you know there is no such thing is paradise? Paradise is a place of perfection, but perfection by its definition cannot exist." Chagama said
"But the supreme beings are perfect." Aura replied
"No little one we are not, how I wish it were so…" Chagama said sadly
"Bukubuku Chagama sama?" Mare asked confused at the sudden change in tone
"Oh it's nothing little one just some bad memories." Chagama replied
"Why is perfection impossible?" Mare asked
"Well you see Mare perfection is not a fixed standard, it changes as you improve. You can always do better you see. Perfection is ever changing you can chase it but you can never catch it." Chagama replied
Aura at that moment was confused, to her the 41 were the greatest beings, the supreme beings. How could they not be perfect? They stand above all, all kneel before the 41 how could they possibly do anything wrong?
As Aura was lost in her thoughts she noticed Bukubuku Chagama's form shift. She felt herself being pushed away from Bukubuku Chagama and set up right into a standing position.
"Bukubuku Chagama sama?" Aura asked confused at the sudden actions of their creator
"Well our time is almost up little ones but first I have gifts for you two." Chagam replied
As she said this Chagama reached into her slime form and pulled out two necklaces, the first was made of a platinum like metal with swirling patterns formed into forms of clouds and the moon. The necklace was symmetrical with the moons depicting the lunar cycle. At the edges it showed the lunar eclipse with smooth black gemstones and as they approached the centre the black gemstones started to be replaced with a clear shining diamond in segments. The diamond seemed to glow with light the gem was almost dazzling. Finally at the centre when the two sides converged it showed a large cut diamond representing the full moon surrounded by smaller cerulean sapphires. The other was made of the finest gold displaying flames, light and the process of a solar eclipse. The edges had twin circular smooth rubies and as you got closer to the centre the rubies started to be covered by the same black gemstone until finally at the centre there was a large black gemstone surrounded by glowing red ring of single ruby.
Bukuku Chagama extended her slime limbs and placed the silver necklace gently around Mare's neck and fixed it in place.
"Mare you are calm, tranquil and constant in all things you do. Although you do not shine bright like the sun without you all things are made more difficult. You make the darkest nights brighter by your presence, without you there is no light in the darkness." Chagama said as she stroked Mare's stunned face.
Bukubuku Chagama then turned to Aura and gently placed the gold necklace around her neck
"Aura you are passionate, fiery and brave in all things you do. You shine bright, brighter than almost all things. You bring warmth to those around you but with the power and will to bring destruction to all. You are and will always be the light that pushes back the darkness." Chagama said as she wiped a tear from Aura's eye
"Mare you always support your big sister, that I know. Words cannot describe how proud I am of both of you. The moon shines because of the sun's light reflecting off its surface, Aura helps you shine as brightly as you possibly can." Chagama said
"Aura you burn bright just like the sun. The sun brings mana to all life but without the moon life cannot sustain it self. The tides and waves an essential part of the cycle of life, this depends on the moon. So as you fearlessly charge Mare is always behind you. The sun is bright and all under heaven are at its mercy. However once every few centuries, the moon will cover the sun and bring forth something truly spectacular. A solar eclipse, it reminds the world to treasure the sun for in that brief few minutes the moon reminds the world that what happens if there is no light. An endless dark and freezing cold, a glimpse into the endless night." Chagam said
Aura stunned felt the tears trickled down her face she turned to the sound of Mare sniffling. She saw Mare with his lips pressed tightly together trying to hold back tears. Aura reached out and clasped Mare's hand and pulled him into an embrace. Aura felt Mare's chin on her shoulder and finally the dam broke. Aura embraced Mare a little tighter and felt her twin's form shaking with sobs.
Bukubuku Chagama looked at the twins and felt a pang of sadness as she thought of how she was sending her precious children into harm's way. She thought of all the children she has lost over the entirety of creation. Even eons on she could still clearly picture the face of all of them in her mind and her heart ached. In that moment she once again felt that old quote from Momonga that was uttered all those millennia ago.
Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown
In that moment of self reflection she sensed a message come in.
"Ah yes Momonga san...Oh is it time already?...Get Pero?...Why don't you just message him?...Ah I see…" Chagama said
"I'm sorry little ones, time is up. You two need to get going." Chagama said as she stood up
"B..but C...chaga..ma sama…" Mare sniffled.
"No buts little one, your duty calls." Chagama said as she wiped the faces of the twins
"First I will tell you what these necklaces do. Aura and Mare both your necklaces give you powerful buffs to your already considerable abilities. Your necklaces can cast one spell per day each but there are two spells you can choose from. Aura your necklace has the spells "Solar Blessing" and "Solar Eclipse". Solar Blessing greatly increases your allies offensive power while Solar Eclipse robs your enemies of their offensive stats. Mare your necklace has the spells "Lunar Blessing" and "Lunar Eclipse". Lunar Blessing will buff allies defensive stats and Lunar Eclipse will debuff your enemies defences. There is an additional trick to it if a target is hit with both Blessings or Eclipses the buffs and debuffs will be greatly increased. That's the gist of it." Chagama said
"Will we see you again?" the twins asked mournfully
"I will see you soon I promise." Chagama said as she stroked their hair
"Now then off you go." Chagama said as she teleported them away
Chagama let out a quiet sigh as she thought of whatever it is her younger brother was doing. A lot of things probably...too many things...most of them should not be done in most circumstances...well no actually all of them in all circumstances…
In the waiting area
Cocytus was showing off his gift from his creator Warrior Takemikazuchi, in his hand he displayed an ornate Nagamaki. It has the curved blade of a katana about the length of a Nodachi however its handle was very long, about as long as the blade itself. Cocytus was very pleased with his gift as it handled very similarly to some of his halberds. His creator had mentioned the blade was made of one of the hardest materials in all of creation tempered abyss steel. The greyish black metal was apparently folded over and over to increase its strength and flexibility, how many times it was folded Cocytus does not know but the effort that went into this blade he knew very well. His creator said he had commissioned this blade from Amanomahitotsu himself once word of Jaladaboath defection had reached the 41. Decades was what it took for the god of smiths to create this blade, it truly deserved the title of legendary blade. Cocytus watched as Albedo took a few practice swings with the weapon. The blade hummed and hissed as it flashed through the air, the blows of the level 100 guardian overseer were not to be taken lightly.
"It's very well balanced...surprising considering its length." Albedo stated clearly impressed with the blade
"It is a creation of the supreme ones after all!" Aura said enthusiastically
"Albedo can I see?" Aura asked
"Yes Aura...here" Albedo said as she handed Aura the blade
"It's so light! Here Mare you try!" Aura exclaimed as she handed it to Mare
Mare nervously took the blade, everyone knew Aura was much stronger than Mare in terms of physical strength seeing as Mare was a druid. Mare clasped his staff under his shoulder and reached out to take the blade, but when he took the blade a look of surprise appeared on his face. He let go with one hand and grasped the blade close to the hilt. He flipped the blade vertically and placed the butt of the handle on the ground as if it barely weighed anything. Which was surprising as the blade and handle combined was almost as tall as he was.
"Wow...I..its so light…" Mare said in awe
"Yes Takemazuchi sama said this blade contained a substance known as the abyss. It apparently weighs almost nothing but it greatly strengthens the metal when used in forging. " Cocytus said proud to show off his gift
"Does it have a name?" Mare asked curiously still looking at the tall blade
"Yes Takemikazuchi sama called the the blade Godwind Deus." Cocytus replied proudly
It was at that moment a portal opened behind the group and out stumbled a very happy and exhausted Shalltear who was walking just a little bow legged. What was amazing was that the state of her legs was so obvious considering the puffy nature of her dress.
"I take it you enjoyed your time with Peroroncino sama." Demiurge asked with a strained expression on his face.
"Oh yes Demiurge Peroroncino sama's gift was...divine…" Shalltear said as she let out a wet sigh and her face flushed scarlet
"Oi Shalltear what did Peroroncino sama give you?" Aura asked impatiently
"We'll...explain another time Aura." Demiurge interjects
"Now why don't you tell us about that necklace of yours we haven't heard what it is exactly." Demiurge says as he hastily tries to move Aura away.
Cocytus looks on at his fellow guardians and sees the herald reach over and take the blade from Mare. He sees her take a stance a let loose a few practice swings, the attacks chain nicely into one another. Her form and speed were both excellent, clearly this girl had experience.
Then he sees she takes a different stance, she holds herself low, left foot forward right foot back, knees arched as if to spring forward and lastly she bows forward face parallel to the floor. The blade was held to her left side the butt of the handle was facing the floor with the blade pointed straight up. Cocytus looks on and thinks back to what his lord had showed him during their audience. He recognises that stance... a draw stance that can be used with a long handled weapon, it was demonstrated by his lord on a piece of unknown metal. Cocytus couldn't cut through it using Godwind Deus but his lord sliced it in two using that strange stance. Of course he had inquired about it but his lord had said there was not enough time to teach him. Cocytus knew the concept behind it just by looking at it, it turns the body into a spring to be coiled and released to unleash devastating power. The Takemikazuchi form four "Whistling Wind" was a form that used quick burst of speed to capitalise on the weapons long reach, deadly to the unfamiliar.
His lord has said few knew the true potential of his hundred forms, none survive to see them twice when used against them in earnest. Of the hundred forms Cocytus was proficient in form two, "Hurricane" this form was best used with multiple weapons in a duo or quad wield style. The core of the style demanded different weapons in each hand of varying reach designed to keep your opponent off balance luring them into a decisive strike with a flurry of blows. Effective against both single and multiple opponents. The form is devastating to a weaker opponent leaving no room for respite, but it loses its effectiveness the more skilled your opponent is.
Cocytus knew why he was gifted with this form, his task was to guard against lesser beings who dared to enter Nazarick, his opponents would also be exhausted after fighting their way through Shalltear and suffering debuffs from his floor. Making this form with its relentless style perfect for destroying a weakened enemy. However Cocytus knew he was no master and idly he wondered how skilled was this herald as he saw her seemingly disappear and reappear a few metres forward with a sharp whistling sound following her strike...
In the Hall of Pillars
"How long have you known…." Yamaiko replied gravely
"About an hour before we were scheduled to send the herald to Nazarick." Momonga replied
"Why didn't you tell us?" Touch Me asked
"Momonga wanted to...I persuaded him to hold off on telling you all until we reconvened after our private audiences." Punito Moe replied
"Why?" Chagama asked a clear edge in her voice
"We can't afford to let them know the gravity of the situation, it might make them hasty,desperate,reckless…" Punito Moe replied
"Yes yes we get it Punito Moe." Peroroncino replied fatigue clear in his voice
"I don't like this deception. Those hours that just passed was probably the last time we will get to see our children privately if the reports are true." Chagama said angrily
"Which is exactly why this information was kept from you all. I know how some of you all are when it comes to your creations." Punito Moe replied giving Touch Me and Bukubuku Chagama a pointed look
"Oh that's rich coming from you Punito Moe considering your creation in Nazarick is a suicide bomber you heartless potted plant." Chagama replied scathingly
"Sister thats abit too much…" Peroroncino chided apprehensively
"I don't wanna hear it Pero, quiet" Chagama snapped as Peroroncino visibly wilted on his throne
"Indeed, I agree with Chagama san every time we lie we incur a debt…" Touch Me began
"Yes yes and one day that debt is paid we've heard it a million times. Thank you for your wisdom God of Truth, Justice and Valor." Ulbert replied sarcastically
"Hmph I expected nothing less from you Ulbert." Touch Me snapped
"Oh get off your high horse Touch Me, the realms are built on lies. The mortals can't handle the truth, even these forms are lies. We only take these forms because mortals can't look at us without their minds shattering. Lies and truths are just tools to achieve an end but more often than not lies work alot better. I agree with Punito Moe, the fact is there are some among us that can't handle the Truth." Ulbert replied with a sneer on his face
"Watch your tone Ulbert Alain Odle." Touch Me warned
"Is that a threat Touch Me san" Ulbert replied a savage grin on his face
ENOUGH
The voice of Momonga rumbled out not from his form on the throne but from the air itself. The white fog turned black and a cold chill swept the great hall. The other forty could hear it... smell it...taste it...feel...IT...the abyss speaks…
wE ALwaYS HAVe oUR DifFERenCe oF OPInioNs
But ThIS iS NO TimE TO ARguE
The eldritch otherworldly voice rang out, chilling the other forty to their cores, instantly silencing them. Momonga rarely releases his essence, he is usually able to hold it in... when he's in a good mood. It seems however this is not one of those times.
As quickly as it happened the chill disappears, and light returns to the great hall. The fog returns to white but the tension remains…
"We will proceed with the plan, none of you can deny it is the best course of action. I will not leave another world to burn. The plan stands. Objections?" Momonga said cooly as if his display of power never even happened.
Silence was his answer
"Now then pull yourselves together it's time for the briefing." Momonga said
As Demiurge found himself once again in the great hall of pillars he immediately looked up to gaze at the forms of the supreme ones. Everytime he gazed upon them it was like the first time, they were perfect, divine, the true rulers of all creation. As he looked he noticed that contrary to the previous meeting they seemed more divine and each god had attendants by their side. He looked at the forge god Amanomahitotsu and saw beings of wrought metal wrapped in red cloaks attending to the endlessly operating machine that was his throne. At Tabula Smaragdina's side were two strange creatures each was what appeared to be a large eldritch purple eye with purple tentacles extending from the back. These beings floated in the air with eyes constantly darting back and forth scrutinizing everything within sight. He looked to all the pillars and saw each attendant clearly demonstrated their respective lords dominion from the angelic paladins of Touch Me to the burning visages of the demons of Ulbert Alain Odle. All of them had one thing in common… power, power to be worthy to stand at the supreme beings side. Strangely however the supreme one above all Momonga had no attendants. He sat alone atop his plain pillar, all the other supreme ones had something to their domain. Substance to fill the space, a dominion over an aspect but Momonga had nothing...he almost seemed empty…
"Our creations I hope you have enjoyed your time with your creators." spoke the noble voice of Momonga
The guardians immediately prostrated themselves so lost they were once again in the sights around them. It is an exceedingly rare thing after all to see all 41 supreme beings gathered.
"We sincerely apologise for our lack of respect." Albedo said on her knees
"No offense was taken child. Now rise we will now begin the briefing for your task ahead." Momonga said
As the guardians rose to their feet they found themselves teleported and rearranged in a ring pattern. In the middle centre of the ring a map projection appeared clearly showing the terrain, landmarks and population centres..
"The map before you will display the overarching plan on your task. If you have any questions feel free to ask, it is imperative all of you do not have any misunderstandings for the mission ahead." Momonga stated
"Now Punito Moe I yield the floor to you." Momonga said with a gesture of his hand
"Thank you Momonga. As you are all aware Jaldaboath has taken control of this realm, however our agents on world have discovered no evidence of demonic activity since his arrival 300 years ago. We believe he is hiding in order to execute some operation on world, so it is essential that all of you maintain secrecy as much as possible. We do not want to alert Jaldaboath to our presence until we have located him. So stay low and stay cautious. In addition, since this is a holy world as of last contact there are relics and area guardians on world to aid in its defense keep a look for those, they may be useful in the days ahead. However we do not know if those relics and guardians will be turned against you, one item of note is this article of clothing known as Downfall of Castle and Country. It is an item with a powerful mind control ability it can control anyone of you, yes even you Shalltear. Another is a legion of 100 area guardians known as the Abyss Walkers, they are all level 80 undead with decent combat capabilities." Punito Moe explained
"My lord what is the threat assessment of this realm." Maeve asked
"Category 1 for the indigenous inhabitants, Category 2 for Jaldaboath and his minions." Puntio Moe replied
"My lord what is this category system." Demiurge asked as he pushed his glasses up. His attentiveness clear in his gaze.
"Good question Demiurge, if anyone has any questions at anytime please clarify. The category system goes from 1 to 5 with increasing danger and risk. Category 1 means the beings in question have a level of 50 and below, category 2 is beings of levels 50 to 100 with no access to super tier spells." Punito Moe replied
Albedo continued to listen to the briefing with rapt attention, however she noticed among the denizens of Nazarick only herself, Demiurge and Pandora's Actor were clarifying and asking questions. Sebas appeared to be able to follow the contents of the meeting, the twins and Shalltear looked completely lost and she had no idea what was going on in Victim's and Cocytus's head. To put it bluntly she was concerned at Nazaricks ability to perfectly execute the supreme ones will.
"Now I will teleport you back to Nazarick, Maeve you stay behind we have words for you." Momonga said
As the guardians were teleported away Maeve walked into the center of the plaza as the map disappears. She calmly looks up at Momonga and says nothing. The other supreme beings say nothing as well, all eyes were on Momonga to speak but still he says nothing.
"My lord what is the real threat assessment of the realm." Maeve asked calmly
"Sharp as always child." Momonga said with a sigh
"You do not put world items and a legion of ash to guard a Category 1 world." Maeve replied calmly
"I'm not surprised in the slightest if I'm completely honest, the threat assessment was a dead giveaway. I'm more surprised only the herald noticed this, after all you do not use dragons to guard sheep." Punito Moe said
"Is the legion active?" Maeve asked
"Dormant" replied Punito Moe
"I'm assuming big brothers gift will come in handy for rekindling the legion?" Maeve asked
"Naturally" Punito Moe said
"So my lords what is the real threat level I am facing?" Maeve asked again
Category 5. Under no circumstances can you fail.
Authors Notes:
Sorry for the long update time the next chapter will be much quicker. Please feel free to leave a review if you liked it or you have any suggestions or criticisms. So once again see you in the next chapter!