Arwintar Council Hall
Draudillon sat at the circular table, she was feeling quite good considering they were on the eve of the biggest war this world has ever seen. Perhaps it was because her nation's safety was more or less secured or maybe it was because she now knew without a shadow of a doubt that her faith was the one true faith. It was a comforting feeling to know that your gods are indeed looking down on you and that they will not watch in silence.
Sitting around her were her trusted aides, there was Amica Marks her prime minister, General Gunther the commander in charge of what remains of Draconic Kingdom's forces. She noticed she had the smallest retinue among the gathered nations. Looking across the table Draudillon could see Queen Renner flanked by the lords of the marshall houses, seated with them was the Lakyus the leader of the famed Roses and Marquis Raevan famed great noble that has found his house rise to new heights in the light of the golden queens ascension. She also had a few nobles accompanying her, however it could be easily seen that they were less important based on the seating arrangement.
Looking to the right Draudillon saw the bloody emperor seated with his trusted secretary Roune Vermillion and his four knights. Seated with them was the famed Fluder Paradyne, the greatest arcane caster on the continent or more accurately the best caster native to this world on the continent. There were much bigger fish in this pond now. The empire also had several nobles in attendance although their number was much lower as compared to those of the Re-Estise. Not surprising considering the bloody emperor has had three purges of the nobility and priesthood so far. There probably wasn't that many noble houses left, the empire was surely now dotted with empty estates.
All those seated had stern expressions with the exception of the golden queen who as always had a gentle smile on her face. Somehow as Draudillon looked on there was something off with that smile…
"My queen, why are we waiting? Is this some crude show of power to make the rulers of our nations wait for their grand entrance?" Gunther said quietly
"Quiet general, this is no power play. The members of Eden need not resort such petty methods, a dragon's power needs no demonstration before sheep." Draudillon replied
"I have heard the stories your majesty, I must confess I find them hard to believe." Gunter said
"What have you heard?" Draudillon asked eyebrows raised
"Armies fully equipped with enchanted armor, entire divisions of flying mages, metal war golems. All seems like tavern rumors to me your majesty." Gunter said
"Where did you hear that general?" Draudillon asked
"I overheard some of the maids talking about it." Gunter replied
At those words Draudillon looked around the room and saw the numerous maids standing at the sides. Indeed the maids were always around the nobility, most treated them like air ignoring their existence until needed. She made a mental note to ask Judge Balthasar about this potential information leak. At that moment, lost in her own reflection was when she heard the door open. She looked up and saw Maeve enter along with a pair of soldiers wearing the red greatcoat of the Ordo Malleus. She recognised them as Colonel Weiss and Lieutenant Colonel Serbyakov. Behind them followed Judge Balthasar and another gentleman in a white variant of the Ordo Malleus uniform. The five each took their seats and removed their hats placing them on the table before them.
"We apologise for the delay, we were held up by important matters." Maeve said
"We meant no disrespect." the white dressed soldier said
"Before we begin, I think it would be best if everyone introduced themselves." Maeve said
Draudillon watched as Renner rose after a moments delay and introduced herself. This followed along the table until finally it landed back at those from Eden. The white dressed gentleman was introduced and Custodian Barca. She looked around and saw a mix of emotions on the faces of those who were seeing them for the first time. It was clear these soldiers did not bow and scrape before royalty. They adhered to the protocol and decorum perfectly but you could clearly see they were just going through the motions. She could see some of the nobles present seemed slightly offended. The sharper ones however betrayed nothing on their faces.
"Now that everyone is acquainted we will now move on to why we have called this meeting. First off I wish to reconfirm with the three sovereigns attending, everyone you have brought here today you trust." Maeve said
Draudillon confirmed her confidence in her retinue along with Renner and Jircniv. Privately she wondered what great secret has brought this gathering to be?
"The reason we have called this meeting is that we would like to reestablish the Ordo Malleus Militia on this world. We will be setting up two training camps one in the Re-Estise and the other in the Baharuth Empire. The expenses and manpower needed for this endeavour will be provided by Eden, we would like the host nations to allow their citizens to enter the program." Barca said
"What part will the Draconic Kingdom play in this?" Draudillon asked
"We understand the battle lines has stabilised in your home nation, I am sure you understand as it stands it would be too costly to attempt to decisively drive the beastmen back." Barca replied
"Yes the beastmen are numerous and they thrive on the open field. My kingdom is the perfect terrain for these invaders." Draudillon said bitterly
"We wish to form a new fighting force comprised of the members of all nations and we will give this new force it's first taste of combat in the Draconic Kingdom." Barca explained
"How will this force be organised?" General Nimble asked
"The command will be granted to the Ordo Malleus officers. This force will work in concert with local soldiers, their number will be limited but will grow over time. Eventually we hope the nations will fully integrate their military into this force." Barca said calmly
"That's outrageous! You can't expect us…" one of the Re-Estise nobles said
"Quiet." Renner snapped her warm gentle demeanor freezing over in an instant.
"So this is the second son of House Stultus, pity the first one died…" Renner thought to herself as she gazed at the skinny figure.
Philip Stultus disliked the strangely dressed individuals sitting across the table. They looked like a bunch of upjumped peasants, not worthy of sitting at the same table as true nobility. He was disheartened when the queen silenced him. If the gathered nations all acquiesced to this outrageous request the continent will eventually be defanged. The queen must not be able to see this, she must just be a pretty face with the right family name. If he was king he could run this country better than her of that he was sure.
"Good sir, I share some of your concerns, won't that mean we would handing the security of the continent to Eden?" Nimble said with a strained expression on his face.
Renner caught him giving her an exasperated look, she herself withheld a sigh. It was a false question intended to help break the awkward atmosphere that would surely have been caused by the outburst. Renner silently gave General Nimble her thanks with a slight nod, she looked to Emperor Jircniv who merely rolled his eyes at this pointless question given to those less intelligent in the room.
"Yes you would, I am sure are aware that with the way the political climate is changing the Theocracy and Holy Kingdom would soon become more and more antagonistic towards your nations. By adhering to our conditions you will have the full might of Eden behind you, no longer will the Theocracy be this spectre hovering over your shoulders threatening you with war." Barca replied
"Then won't we merely be replacing one tyrant for another?" Philip challenged
Renner felt her blood pressure rise as she listened, these nobles had been briefed on the state of things. The only reason she brought this idiot here was because his father's domain was the second largest producer of wheat in the kingdom. They should know what the national policy is, this idiot was essentially acting in defiance of her national policy.
"Lord Stultus may I remind you that you are here to observe, if your input is required it will be requested." Renner said coldly
"I… yes your grace." Philip replied disgruntled
"I will make this clear, this arrangement is in your best interest. A single army is easier to maintain and it will be able to tap into the strengths of all nations. This will defang the nations but create a sword to defend them. In the past there was a different system but we will be changing it slightly." Barca said as he looked to Keeno
Keeno rose wearing the red of the Ordo Malleus her red eyes glowing fully showing her vampiric nature. It was common knowledge that the Ordo Malleus and the faith of the 41 historically did not discriminate among the races.
"In the past about 500 to 600 years ago there was the Ordo Malleus Militia the order was relatively small. Now this force will be split into two forces, the majority will be Ordo Malleus Militia, a smaller group will be chosen to be Ordo Malleus Guardsmen. The Guardsmen will be an elite force, the training will be harsher the missions more dangerous. Lastly this force will be volunteers only we will take only the physically fit, the mentally fit and those who's resolve is of iron." Keeno explained
"We hope the nations can cooperate in this endeavor in the interests of mutual security." Barca added
Draudillon looked around and saw Renner and Jircniv both accept the proposal. She let out an internal sigh of relief as the hour of her nations liberation comes ever closer.
Carne 1 month later
Genji Aico carried grabbed an armful of farming tools from the short red dressed dwarf. His robes were ornate made of fine fabric. However what caught most people's eyes was that his right arm was made of metal. His face was scarred with a greying beard and he had small beady black eyes.
"Aye there ya go young man." the dwarf said
"Thank you Gimrom, 41 bless you." Genji said gratefully
"Don't mention it laddie, forge father's blessings upon ye." Grimrom replied cheerfully
Genji gave the dwarf one last nod as he tied the handles of the tools together and walked off tools under his arm. He looked around at what once was Carne village, it was now rapidly being turned into a small town. Apparently at first it was the alchemist guild from the capital setting up a branch here, then it was some Lizardmen traders. Soon strange craftsmen from the nation of Eden turned up and started to produce special goods for some unknown purpose. They were extremely skilled smiths, at first they mostly kept to themselves but soon they started helping out with metal works in the village. Once that started it opened a whole can of worms because it turns out they were really good at making metal tools. This attracted a lot of merchants to come and purchase their tools for sale. Their tools fetched highprices but the craftsmen always kept the price low for the locals.
As Genji walked back to his home, he had moved here after the disaster at the capital. It was one of the better decisions he has made. He found there was no discrimination towards the followers of the 41, infact he was welcomed with open arms. Grateful for their acceptance Genji worked to the best of his ability and his work ethic has earned him the respect of his neighbours. On his way home he would usually go past the town square to see if there was anything new on the notice board. When he approached he noticed there was a crier shouting something strange.
"New force now recruiting! Military service term for a minimum of two years pay is a minimum 2 silvers a day. Find out more at the board!" the crier shouted
Genji paused as he listened 2 silvers a day is good pay, he's earning 50 coppers a day now doing farm work and did he say 2 silvers at a minimum? Curious Genji approached the board and saw a large poster printed on fine paper explaining the proposition. There was a recruitment centre set up a few blocks away for those that were interested. His curiosity peaked he decided to detour to the recruitment centre.
As he approached the house he noticed it was much larger than the surrounding buildings, when he opened the door, he noticed the room was massive, much larger than the size of the house should have allowed. He stood there stunned as the looked around the impossibly massive room.
"Oi you stop standing there it's just their magic." a voice said
Genji turned to see a young lanky fellow, he looked to be just 15 summers old.
"How old are you young man." Genji asked
"Me? I'm 16 next summer." the boy said
"Isn't that a little young to be a soldier?" Genji asked
"Aren't you a little old?" the boy shot back
"Next! You two!" the man at the counter said cutting the pair off as he gestured to them.
Genji looked up and saw there was a slew of counters in front of them, a pair of the counters was open and the man gestured for them to approach. Genji walked over and sat down at the counter next to the boy.
"How can help you sir?" the man asked
"I wanted to ask about the job, the one that is offering 2 silvers a day." Genji said
"Are you aware this is a job as a soldier, you will risk your life on the field of battle far from here. We need those dedicated to the cause not those who come here for the gold." the man said
"What will I be fighting?" Genji asked
"Beastmen as of now, after that... well that's for high command to decide." the man replied
"You mentioned a cause? There's no war now, what reason is there to create an army? Will the Re-Estise be going to war soon?" Genji asked
"The cause is simple really the Re-Estise, Baharuth Empire and Draconic Kingdom will pool their citizens into this common army to ensure mutual security. This armies first task will be to repel the beastmen invading the Draconic Kingdom." the man explained
Genji continued to ask about the details of the job, overall it seemed to be a fairly good offer. There was the condition that he had get accepted, the thing was he had to go through a physical check to ensure he was fit to be a soldier. He was still unsure about it, it was quite scary to go off to war even if the pay was good. Deciding to go home and sleep on it he left, as he stepped out the door he heard a voice behind him.
"Hey old man, did you sign up?" the boy said from behind him
Genji turned to look at the face of the young man before him, some would call him a boy. The lad probably didn't even have hair on his chest yet.
"No, I have a family. It's a big decision you know to go off and risk your life when you have three little ones waiting for you back home." Genji replied
"Ah I see, well I wish you all the best old man, the final date for the first enlistment is in a fortnight anyway. If you change your mind you can sign up before then." the boy said
"I'll think about it, I assume you signed up?" Genji asked
"Yea, it's my childhood dream to join the Ordo Malleus. The legends from ages past say they were an order of valiant warriors who defended the innocent." the boy said with a grin
"What's your name boy?" Genji asked
"Varian but everyone just calls me Vary." the boy said
"Varian? You a follower of the 41?" Genji asked
"Yep, you one too? Most people don't know Varian is a name based off Variable Talisman sama." the boy replied surprised
"Yes I am, my names Genji." Genji said
"Ah named after Genjiro sama. Well then shouldn't you sign up? We have been suppressed by the faith of the six now finally we have a chance to fight for our place in this world. You should be jumping at the chance." Varian said earnestly
"Hahaha, I suppose you're right but… maybe you will understand one day, when you hold your first little one in your arms the world seems to melt away around you. After that all you want is to make sure they grow up healthy and happy." Genji said
"Well I don't have children but I would like to think that if I do have kids, I want them to come into a safer world." Varian said
"Well I suppose it's just how you see things then, anyway it's getting late I should be heading home. I wish you all the best Varian, 41's blessings upon you." Genji said with a smile
"See ya around old man, the 41 protects." Varian said as he waved goodbye.
Genji headed back home and walked in the door, immediately he felt something latch onto his leg. He looked down to see Buku happily clutching his leg, he looked up and saw Sena and Take standing in the living room smiling. Genji put his new tools aside and squatted down and pulled the three of them into a hug.
Sena was so quiet when they first arrived, she refused to speak with anyone she didn't know. It wasn't surprising considering what happened in the capital. Now a few months in she seemed almost back to normal, still there were times he would see her sitting alone quietly lost in thought with a sad expression on her face. She must miss her family dearly, Genji had resolved himself to try his best to fill that void. It was no easy task he knew but as his august lord, the first among the 41 Lord Momonga once said, nothing worth doing has ever been easy. Good things always have a price, Genji mulled over this as he held onto his childrens small forms.
He had a suspicion conflict was coming to this world, the world was changing rapidly. With change comes uncertainty, uncertainty creates instability, instability creates conflict. Now the Ordo Malleus was being reformed, that old order from ages past was being reformed. No doubt this was initiated by those two champions of the 41, they must sense a war on the horizon. Perhaps they were messengers from the gods themselves, come to shepard this lost flock into the light. He wondered what his lord above had in store for him and his family…
Carne Military Base
Sebyakov sat in a plain room surrounded by her wing, they were elites all ace of aces. The lowest kill count on the wing was 57 airborne targets of reasonable power. Serbyakov herself has downed thousands of airborne combatants. Her spell rifle nicknamed Rosa was a personally modified tool of slaughter. On the left side of the rifle was engraved the words,
In death they bloom, like a scarlet rose
Those who know her personally know although she seems bubbly and happy all the time. Some would even say she was kind and carefree, those who truly know her knows she has a liking to high explosive spells that rarely leave behind a body to bury. She seemed to like the sight of spraying blood, her spells reduced bodies to fine red mist, her bayonet cut arteries and flung the blood into the air in beautiful arcs. She was more than a soldier she was an artist on the battlefield creating things of visceral beauty on the crimson field of battle.
Her rifle was engraved beautifully in swirling floral patterns, it was truly a fine piece of art but those close to her know this set of engravings was done in a rather unique way. There was this culture among the Fallschirmjägers, when they got a worthy kill they would carve a notch on their rifle. Lieutenant Colonel Serbyakov has engraved a piece of art using the notches she had gotten from her kills. She has had a lot of practice, she would swap out her rifle when the engravings were completed much to the chagrin of the Ordo Mechanicus who view this as a waste of resources. However, being the commander of the prestigious Elysian Fallschirmjägers does comes with it's perks. So here she was with her 9th rifle which was almost done with it's engravings. All her rifles had a different name, they were always named after a type of red flower in what must be a sense of twisted poetry.
Right now she had her feet on the table and was happily polishing her rifle, she looked to the right and saw her second in command Major Sioux, a short petite woman with blonde. She was currently picking her nails with her combat knife as they waited for the signal to move out.
"I don't like this commander." one of her men said
"Don't worry, we'll make it in time, it's like only one click out." Serbyakov replied cheerfully
"Yea it's overkill to send us anyway." Major Sioux grumbled
"I just don't like using civilians as bait." the man said
"Bait is such a strong word, I prefer unknowing collaborator." Serbyakov said with a giggle
"I believe it's pronounced acceptable casualties." another man said with a laugh which was echoed by the soldiers in the room.
"But… all jokes aside, we need to move fast once we get the all clear. Remember the 41 are watching this world with great interest. We cannot be good we must be perfection," Sebyakov said seriously
"Yes Ma'am." the soldiers sitting around the table said in unison as the sounds of rifles being cocked echoed around the room.
"Let's see how these little rats choose to scurry." Serbyakov said with a smile which was matched by her wing.
Re-Estise Throne Room 1 Week Ago
Priestess Fiora stood before the queen of the Re-Estise Kingdom proudly, she was an envoy of the holy Slaine Theocracy come to give a divine proclamation to this young Re-Estise has made some questionable decisions and is clearly seeking to put themselves against the Theocracy. She was here to deliver their ultimatum, if she still refuses to turn back to the light then her citizens will have to suffer the consequences.
"Queen Renner I am an envoy of the Slaine Theocracy I come with a choice." Fiora declared confidently
"And that is?" Renner asked atop her throne he eyes as hard as steel.
"The Re-Estise will cancel it's alliance with the Baharuth Empire and the Draconic Kingdom. You will also reopen your borders to our people. If you do not the Church of the Six will recall the priests in your kingdom and leave your nation without divine magic casters." Fiora said
Fiora smiled as she looked at the faces of the priests in the throne room, she could see their eyes light up and they looked expectantly at the Queen. No doubt these poor men and women have been subjected to treatment below their station as servant of the six great gods. At last they will be restored to their proper station. She had heard of the head priest of the water temple in the capital being hung for false charges of treason. Now at last the gods justice can be done.
"You will recall all the priests in this kingdom unless I agree to your terms?" Renner asked her eyes narrowing.
"Yes every holy man and women will be recalled to the Theocracy to serve the faithful." Fiora replied confidently
"You know some of the priests are born in the Re-Estise Kingdom I doubt they will all willingly uproot their lives because of your summons." Renner said calmly
"If they don't they will be excommunicated, all the priests here have been trained in the Theocracy. They will follow the gods directions regardless of the hardships." Fiora replied
"Very well." Renner said calmly
"So you agree to our terms?" Fiora asked smugly
"No, if you think this thinly veiled threat will move me you are far too naive." Renner said coldly
"Then we shall remove the priests, your nation will be without healing magic." Fiora challenged
"No remember the border is still closed, that means no one is allowed in and no one is allowed out. The only priests that are going to cross the border will be going over as a corpse." Renner said as cold smile crossed her lips.
"You dare threaten your own priests?" Fiora asked outraged
"I am the queen, my voice is absolute within this nation. Tell your cardinals that it seems they will have to excommunicate every priest in this nation. I wonder if the righteous and just Theocracy will wrongfully excommunicate an entire nations worth of priests for something beyond their control." Renner said
"There will be divine retribution for this." Fiora hissed
"Good, I wonder if your gods will descend to smite me and my nation. Right now I have my own nations armies and the Legions of the Empire at my back. If you invade you will find no easy prey here, your nation will bleed for every inch of ground you take." Renner said her tone dripped with venom
"You will pay for this heretic." Fiora spat her eyes bulging with rage
"Come and collect the debt if you can. I think we're done here, guards please escort her out of the throne room. Honoured envoy you are dismissed from my presence." Renner said coldly
Fiora trembled with rage at the blatant blasphemy before her. She looked to see a pair of guards approach her, she shot the queen one last hateful look before turning and leaving.
Carne outskirts Present day
A group of mounted troops were approaching the small bustling town with the setting sun at their back. Amongst them was a priest of the six, they were coming on their yearly inspection on the health of the faith in the Re-Estise. Many years ago there was a treaty signed between the Re-Estise and the Theocracy with regards to the state of the faith in the Re-Estise. The agreement was simple, the Theocracy was permitted to send priests to inspect the state of the faith in the kingdom and in return the Theocracy wouldn't invade the Re-Estise Kingdom on charges of blasphemy. Since this was a legal binding treaty they were allowed to go pass the closed border. This treaty hasn't been acted upon in decades, in the past King Rampossa has always tried to maintain cordial relations with the Theocracy thus this measure was never seen as necessary until now.
The troops looked like your typical Theocracy soldiers but they were the replacements for the Sunlight Scripture. The Sunlight Scripture has been hastily reformed after the Black Scripture vanished in the Great Fforest of Tob. They knew that thousand Mile Astrologer couldn't see anything a few miles past the border, the agents in the Re-Estise Kingdom has also gone missing. There was something very wrong going on in the Kingdom, it was like a dark hand has covered the nation shielding them from the eyes of the Theocracy.
The soldiers here were elites but they were not nearly good enough to be considered a scripture under normal circumstances. They were all talented but lacked experience in the field, there were a few veterans from the Holocaust and Windflower Scriptures here but they were mostly here to help lead this green troup of soldeirs. All things considered this was supposed to be an easy mission, ride to Carne Village to investigate the place where the original Sunlight Scripture vanished then investigate the Great Forest of Tob. Their priest was just a cover to allow them to enter the nation. For this mission they were officially under the control of the priest, that in of itself was a problem. According to protocol when a priest is dispatched to inspect a foreign nation to root out heresy it is called an inquest. For an inquest a special type of priest is used, it uses a type of priest known as an inquisitor. These inquisitors are trained in rooting out heresy and the eradication of blasphemy. Which does make this mission rather complicated considering Carne now holds the largest concentration of 41 worshippers in the kingdom. Of course the higher ups in the Theocracy had no idea of that fact when they dispatched this mission.
As the troops approached Carne they were none the wiser that there was wing of 15 soldiers floating high above them in the clouds watching their every move. Optical spells were active on several soldiers as they tracked the movement of the mounted troops.
"Remember we need them to start the violence first and keep the leader alive if possible." Serbyakov said
"Yes ma'am." her troops echoed
Down below the Theocracy troops reached the border of Carne and met with the guards at the border. The captain of the guard has been persuaded to put some demi humans at the border to greet the Theocracy soldiers. Not so coincidentally the one to approach the group first was a lizardman that has come to work at Carne. As expected the inquisitor bristled at the sight of the demi human before him. Luckily it was one of the soldiers that were sent out to speak with the guard, so the group passed into the town without incident.
Inquisitor Giovanni sat atop his horse and looked haughtily around the town. It looked like a rundown hovel for degenerates, not surprising considering the guard would hire demi humans. As they made their way to the town centre they were approached by an old man, a young blonde woman and young man with brown hair.
"Good day friends from the Theocracy I am Gregor Bastonne the Town Mayor." the old man said
"This is the next Town Mayor in training." Gregor said as he gestured to the young woman
"I am Enri Emmot." Enri said with a small curtsey
"I am Nfriea Bareare the Head Alchemist to the crown of Re-Estise." Nfriea said with a bow
"I am Inquisitor Giovanni, mayor your town leaves much to be desired. You would allow your guard to be staffed with lesser creatures such as demi humans?" Giovanni sneered
"They are hard workers inquisitor and they have excellent night vision." A voice said
Giovanni turned to see a man wearing a blood red uniform, his eyes widened as he looked at the man's garb. He felt a bubbling of rage as he looked at the man, he wore a blasphemous garb of the highest order. A uniform of an order that his gods have personally eradicated, the Ordo Malleus, the worshippers of the Old Gods.
"You dare to wear that blasphemous attire?" Giovanni roared
"I do, I am Ordo Malleus from a faraway nation. I heard of what your nation did to my brothers and sister here 600 years ago. We have come to bring the light of the 41 back to this continent, we know of the hate your gods preach." the man replied coldly
"You… men seize him, I shall drag you back to Kami Yamaiko in chains heretic!" GIovanni shouted
At this point a crowd was starting to form around the commotion. People started to crowd around and tried to see what was going on. The scripture members looked around hesitantly and didn't move, the last thing they wanted was to cause an international incident. They looked to the frothing priest and started to feel a mounting sense of dread. They had no idea there would 41 worshippers here, weren't they all in the north? Why was there Ordo Malleus here?
"Did you all not hear me? SEIZE THE HERETIC!" Giovanni shouted as spittle sprayed form his mouth
"You will do no such thing inquisitor." Enri said coldly shocking everyone around her.
Enri looked on in cold fury as she looked at the rabid priest she personally was now a believer in the teachings of the 41. It was the fanaticism of the six gods that killed her parents, she swore she would never pray to the six ever again. If she had it her way she would ban the religion of the six from Carne but a part of her knew if she did that she wouldn't be that much better than those who attacked her home.
"What did you say girl? I am an inquisitor to defy me is to defy the gods." Giovanni said shaking with rage
"You are not in Kami Yamaiko inquisitor, you are in the Kingdom of Re-Estise your laws do not hold sway here." Enri replied coldly
"We are here because of the treaty, we are empowered…" the inquisitor began
"You are empowered to enter our nation and inspect the state of the faith in this nation. You do not have the right to take anyone back to the Theocracy against their will." Nfriea said
As they were speaking none of them noticed a single hooded figure cast a silent spell on the group from the Theocracy. [Antagonise] it was a simple 4th tier spell that would put the victim into a rage. The Ordo Hereticus loved to use this spell when they wanted to provoke a fight at just the right moment…
As the spell took hold the passersby felt the air change rapidly as the group seemed to get more and more furious. Fury turned to murderous intent as soon the point of no return was reached.
"BURN THESE HERETICS, BURN THEM ALL!" Giovanni screeched his eyes bulging face purple with rage.
[Summon Angel 3rd Tier: Archangel Flame] Giovanni intoned as an angel appeared wielding a flaming sword. Seeing this the other soldier did the same and summoned their angels. The civilians seeing the summons panicked and ran off screaming.
Enri looked on as the angels appeared she felt a hand grab her shoulder and she was pulled off. She looked to see black clad soldiers pull her and Nfriea down the street before turning into a side alley. Enri looked on stunned as a whirling vortex opened before her, she turned just in time to see the soldiers in black behind her shove her into the portal.
Genji was sitting at home having dinner with the family when he heard the screaming. He sprang to his feet and threw open the window. He looked out to see an angel swoop down and rake it's flaming sword over the roof of a nearby house. The thatch roof caught fire immediately and the fire began to spread. He was about to shout at his family to run when he heard a sound above him and saw a flaming sword pierce through the ceiling. He felt his blood run cold as he watched his roof catch fire.
"Okay ladies and gents it's time to earn our pay." Serbyakov said cheerfully
Giovanni fired off a spell known [Sunlight Spear] at a running civilian, the spell produced a lighting bolt that shot towards the civilian and pierced him through the chest. His body twitched as the electricity coursed through him and he collapsed onto the ground. Giovanni could feel his righteous rage seething, it burned within him calling for the blood of heretics. He looked around to see his soldiers have fanned out in the city and started to slaughter the populace. Fires burned throughout the town as the light of burning homes lit up the night sky.
Giovanni smiled as he looked up at the angels flying overhead, then he heard an odd whistling sound. He saw a streak of light fly in from above and strike one of the angels, there was a flash of light then he heard a loud explosion as a fireball emerged where the angel was blasting it into motes of light. He saw figures speed out of the clouds and scattered around the town blasting the angels right out of the sky. He saw the figures were all wearing the blood red of the accursed Ordo Malleus, in his fury he didn't notice one of the figures had landed in front of him.
Giovanni only realised when the figure landed a few metres in front of him kicking up a cloud of dust from the mud road. The two soldiers next to him readied their spell as they watched the smoke dissipate revealing a thin figure. It wore a strange mask that covered it's face, it's eyes were circular with glass lenses over the eyes. From the mouth extended a tube that ran over its shoulder and connected to a backpack. It wore a helmet that covered it's head and the back of the neck. In its arms it clutched a beautifully engraved spear, it was silver with numerous engravings the blade on the end was single edged and shined to a polish.
"Hello I'm afraid you'll have to come with me." a feminine voice said from behind that mask
"Kill it!" Giovanni shrieked
The two soldiers both drew their swords and channeled a spell in their other hand. Soon a pair of angels joined the group having being resummoned. The figure looked on calmly unfazed as an aerial battle raged overhead. Giovanni saw another angel be blasted out of the air by a passing flying soldier. His soldiers must be constantly resummoning destroyed angels, he had no doubt they would triumph after all the six were watching over them.
He gave the signal and watched as two angels flew towards the figure, she gripped her spear and let loss a spell at one angel blasting it to pieces. The figure then deftly dodged to the side from a swing by the other angel and brought the spear up in slash. The blade cut clean through the angel causing it collapse and dissipate into motes of light. Giovanni could see that the blade was glowing with a faint blue light, so the spear was enchanted.
[Fusillade Rondo] the figure intoned as she twirled the staff with one hand and fired off shots in quick succession. Giovanni panicked when he realised what was happening, he had never seen someone cast spells that quickly. He raised his hands in an effort to protect himself, an explosion went off right in front of him. He felt a searing pain in his chest and felt himself tumble along the ground as his consciousness rapidly faded.
Serbyakov shrugged as she expelled the concussion cartridges from her rifle. She calmly walked over to the smoking priest, that probably broke half his ribs and ruptured his eardrums. Nothing to be concerned about, they'll just heal him when they get back to base. She loaded a pair of kinetic rounds into her rifle a fired one into each of the other soldiers smoking bodies. When the shot struck their bodies their flesh exploded into a red mist as the force pulped what remained of their flesh. Her orders were simple, save the town after it was attacked, capture the priest and kill the rest.
"Ladies and Gentlemen I have the HVT, feel free to mop up the rest." Serbryakov said through a message as she kicked the priest onto his side so he wouldn't choke on his own tongue.
Elsewhere in Carne
Genji ran through the streets with the rest of his family, they have somehow managed to escape the angel but they could still hear the screams around them. Genji turned a corner and felt his heart drop as he saw a pair of Theocracy soldiers exit a nearby house holding blood stained swords. The soldiers looked up and caught sight of the terrified family, they raised their swords and ran at the family. Genji panicking took off running in the opposite direction, as he ran he looked up and saw something odd. An angel that was flying overhead suddenly exploded in a ball of fire. Then he caught side of a figure fly across the night sky high above him.
"Buku!" Genji heard her wife cry
He turned to see his daughter Buku sprawled on the ground, he stopped and approached to try and pull her back up but noticed the soldiers were almost upon them. He tried to think of something, anything to save his family but found nothing.
"Get away from them ye bloody bandits." Genji heard a voice roar from the side
Genji turned to see Grimrom charge out from one of the side streets brandishing a bloody warhammer. Grimrom got in front of Buku and took a wide swing with his hammer forcing the two soldiers back.
The soldiers dodged back avoiding the hammer, they both readied their weapons. Genji was hopefully initially but noticed their hands glow with a magic light and two angels flew from above the buildings and hovered in front of the two soldiers shielding them.
"Bah always hated divine magic, I suggest ye don't run off there. You won't be able to outrun them anyway." Grimrom said
"Can you win?" Genji asked
"Wouldn't be standin here if I didn think so laddie, I've been swinging hammers all my life a few angels ain't gonna stop me." Grimrom replied with a laugh
The angels charged Genji watched as Grimrom spread his legs apart and shouted [Forge Fathers Brand], the veins in his body started to glow red with heat and his hammer started to glow as well, giving it the appearance of red hot metal. The angels reached him at the same time but he stood his ground and swung his hammer in a wide arc slamming both angels away. The angels flew back from the force, their breast plates had a melted dent but the angels otherwise seemed mostly undamaged.
"Tch tough bags of mana aren't ya?" Grimrom growled
Then there was a flash of red and the angels were cut in two, in their place was red clad soldier holding a spell rifle with a massive bayonet. To the onlooker it looked more like an axe head than a bayonet with its large crescent shaped edge. The figure turned to the two soldiers and fired a single shot at the pair blasting them into red mist with a single shot.
"So that's why the angels came over here." the figure said softly in a feminine voice
"I had them you know." Grimrom grumbled
"Yes I am sure, are you wounded forge priest?" the figure said calmly
"Nay Major thanks for the help." Grimrom said as he looked at the rank sewn into the sleeve on her left arm.
The figure paused for a moment and pressed a finger to her ear for a moment.
"Yes Ma'am… Well good news, the bandits have been put down." the figure said
"Well that's good to hear." Grimrom said gruffly
"Thank you miss?" Genji asked
"Mia Siox, I am Major Siox Scarlet Wing, Ordo Malleus Elysian Fallschirmjägers." Siox replied as she pressed a switch on her chin and the mask disassembled itself revealing a young feminine face with light blonde hair and emerald green eyes.
It was only then did Genji realise that her height was rather short, she looked no older than 16 summers. A child so young thrust into the chaos of war, such is the cruel world that he inhabits.
"The gods must bless you for one so young to be so formidable." Genji said softly
"Perhaps… perhaps Lord Takemikazuchi saw fit to bless me for war, perhaps it is the bloody path I have chosen for myself but it doesn't matter, I will do what needs to be done." Siox replied
"Well I do know the gods do look after my family, this is the second time we have been saved from the jaws of death." Genji said wearily
"You should learn how to defend yourself, you may not get lucky again." Siox said
"But I am just a humble farmer, I cannot imagine being able to fight as well as you." Genji replied
"You think I was born this way? I started out like her." Siox said as she gestured to Buku who was hiding behind Genji's right leg.
"The Major's right you know laddie, me father once told me something. If ye want something, go and get it because if not you who else? So I ask you laddie if you won't fight to protect your family then who else?" Grimrom said as he hefted his hammer over his shoulder
"I…" Genji began
"No pressure on you laddie, this is the way we have been raised you see. To live is to be virtuous, a man dies as he has lived, so live the best life you can." Grimrom said with a grin behind his bushy grey beard
Genji looked to the strange pair and thought back to when he was a child. Once he lived in a poor poverty stricken village in the north of the kingdom. Tucked away and swept into an obscure like a dirty rag no one bothered to clean. One year it was his 10th summer on this world so his father killed one of the chickens they have been raising in celebration. It was the first time he had ever eaten an entire chicken leg by himself.
Afterwards he remembers sitting on one of the hills that overlooked his village and looked up at the stars above in the heavens. He remembers reaching up and trying to grasp the gleaming stars, his father laughed when he saw what he was doing.
"Dad what are stars?" he remembers asking
"Stars are jewels, the 41 created them to adorn the heavens. Only a cloak encrusted of the finest jewels may cover their great creation." he remembers his father saying
"Dad why are we born, why did the 41 create us?" he remembers asking as he thought about the jewels in the sky and powers beyond his imagining
He remembers his father pulling him into his arms and saying.
"The 41 created this world, created us because it's beautiful. I grew up here in this village I met your mother the most beautiful women in the world. There's beauty in this world Genji never forget that. If one day you feel despair grip your heart think of me and what was said here. One day Genji you will leave this world behind, so live a life worth remembering because that's all that's left in the end, memories." his father said as he held him.
"A life worth remembering…" Genji muttered to himself
"Aye lad a life worth remembering, do what you feel needs to be done no matter how hard it seems. When you grind your body to dust you can kiss the dirt knowing you did all you can. " Grimrom said
Nazarick
Enri sat on the comfortable and plush red couch, in front of her was an ornate table and on it sat a cup of stone cold tea. To her side sat Nfriea and on the other side lay a sleeping Nemu, Enri trembled as thought of what she has just done. Before her was a magical projection of her home, some of the buildings were still burning but she the assailants were dead or about to be. Enri watched as one of the red clad soldiers approached a groaning theocracy soldier and speared him with his bayonet. She looked back around the room and once again felt strange that she sat in the same room as these individuals. In the room was Queen Renner, Emperor Jircniv and Queen Draudillon who had been teleported to this place to ensure everyone was on the same page going forward.
"You did well girl." a butler named Sebas said from the side as he took away the cold tea and replaced it with a fresh one
"How many people did I just kill…" Enri said softly
"Quite a few but it will save more in the long run." Maeve said from the side as she sipped her golden drink from a crystal glass.
Enri looked to the short blonde girl, she seemed so thoroughly unconcerned with the situation.
"Doesn't it bother you? To condemn people to their deaths." Enri asked softly
"Of course it bothers me." Maeve said with a grimace as she proceeded to down the remains of her drink and place it back on the table.
"Unfortunately I have been blessed with a conscience, as some of my colleagues have so helpfully pointed out emotions can be more of a hindrance rather than an asset." Maeve replied coldly
"How do you do it then? You look so unperturbed…" Nfriea asked himself a little green in the face
"Well for your case you can just tell yourself if you didn't do it for us we would have found someone else to do it so your personal decision changed nothing. If you want to go further we asked you to do this because if you didn't recruitment would be slow and more people will die. The people need an enemy and you just gave them one. Theocracy soldiers attack and burns innocent village, I can already imagine the criers in every town square shouting the sins of the Theocracy." Maeve said as she poured herself another glass
"A priest attacks and burns an innocent town, attempts to slaughter the populace and of course the brave Ordo Malleus saves the day." Renner said her voice cold and clinical
'
"The people now have a cause and an enemy to hate. This should push the less war inclined people of the kingdom into action." Jircniv said as he cupped his chin
"I assume recruitment in the Empire is going well?" Renner asked
"Very, we have already hit capacity for volunteers. The empire has no shortage of volunteers and patriots. My Ministry of Education has made sure of that." Jircniv replied smugly
"I should consider setting up one in the Kingdom." Renner said
"It's expensive I will say that but it does pay rather large dividends in the long term." Jircniv replied
"I believe we can handle that, the masters desire that the faith of the 41 be reinstituted to the continent. I hope you have no qualms about this decision?" Maeve said
"Of course not after we have seen there is no issue." Renner replied calmly
Enri looked to the group quizzically, if she felt out of place before now she definitely did. She didn't understand much of what they were saying, she wondered why she was even allowed to sit here with them.
"Enfi, why are we here?" Enri whispered to Nfriea
"There is someone we need to meet, I believe there are plans for you and I." Nfriea said as he reached down and grasped Enri's hand.
Enri blushed as she felt Nfriea's hand over hers, recently they had starting to become intimate but it was still a very new and surreal experience for both of them. Usually Nfriea was shy and bashful but now he seemed confident, as if he knew something she didn't.
"What aren't you telling me?" Enri pouted
"You'll see." Nfriea said with a smile
Nazarick Throne Room
The room was filled to the brim, at the front was the Floor Guardians of the great tomb Nazarick. Behind them stood the leaders of the various units currently on world. Alongside them stood those born of this world who were chosen to attend. Behind them stood in neat rows were the soldiers of the Militarum already deployed to this world. The number was small as of now a mere 5000 troops were now deployed on world currently. Not nearly enough to pursue any significant military action but there just might be a solution to that.
Enri stood uneasily clutching Nemu's hand as she looked around at the glorious throne room. At the forefront of the throne room was massive throne made of gold that towered up high above her. On it sat a strange grey figure, it looked to be a clay sculpture with no discernible features. There was one thing though, across the service was inscribed countless glowing runes even she a peasant could tell it was an absurdly powerful artifact. Just by looking at it Enri could feel a pressure on her very being, it was like gazing at a raging inferno as it beared down on your small wooden home.
"All kneel before the master." a voice announced
Enri instinctively knelt and looked up at the throne, she looked around and saw the others were also gazing eagerly at the throne. It was then did Enri feel the temperature in the throne room plunge and she could see her breath forming mist. She held Nemu's hand a little tighter as she felt her sister tremble at the change. She watched a wave of darkness seemed to creep out of every shadow and it coalesced at the throne. The clay sculpture glowed with arcane energy and there was a flash of black light that drowned out all light in the room for a moment. When Enri returned to her senses she looked up at the throne again and felt her blood run cold. On the throne now sat a skeletal figure wearing the most magnificent robe she has ever seen, it was a sable robe with gilded ornaments. On his shoulder were two massive shoulder pads made of white bone, it's skeletal visage was made of the finest ivory bone and within it's eye sockets glowed a pair dancing red flames. As she looked on in awe and fear something clicked in her mind, she tried to refute this fact in her mind but try as she might the truth called to her like a sirens song.
"All hail Lord Momonga god of death and the abyss, the first primordial." a winged white dressed woman said reverently
"All hail Ainz Ooal Gown." thousands of voices echoed in unison
"So it seems I have arrived, now then first my commendations to all of you who have worked diligently here to prepare for the reclaiming of this world. The hour is soon at hand, we will soon force Jaldabaoth's hand and bring the conflict into the fore." Momonga declared
"Previously, you have expressed your concerns with regards to our numbers Demiurge and for that I have brought someone who may be able to remedy that." Momonga said as he cast a spell a portal opened and from it stepped through a skeletal figure.
It unlike Momonga had cold frost leaking from it's jaws and a blue light glowed within it's eye sockets. It's skull was horned with two curved horns curving up form it's forehead and two slanting to the side from it's cheeks. It's ribcage was exposed and within held blue frost energies that glowed ominously. It wore a regal gold shoulder guards with a large gold collar. It's legs were covered with long strips or ornate cloth tipped with large gems.
The lich knelt before Momonga like all the others at the side of the throne before rising and joining the guardians at the bottom of the stairs.
"This is one of my most trusted servants the Lord of the Necropolis Naxxramas, the Archlich Kel'Thuzad." Momonga stated
"I live to serve great one." Kel'Thuzad said reverently
"Tell them what you shall do to the usurpers and false kings." Momonga commanded
"I shall turn their dead against them, their friends and families shall rise from the grave to scourge them from this world. With every foe we kill our numbers will be strengthened, the damned shall triumph in your name great one." Kel'Thuzad declared
"Good, now that I am here we begin the scourging of the false gods from this realm." Momonga said
"It will be as you command Lord Momonga." Albedo said fervently
"Let none bar your will." Demiurge said
"The Ordos as always stand ready." the various leaders echoed
"The restless dead will drown your enemies in oceans of blood great one." Kel'Thuzad said
"Your child stands ever eager." Maeve said
Enri looked around the room and saw powerful warriors, brave soldiers, terrifying monsters and the accursed undead. Creatures from all corners of creation now knelt before the lord of death as it should be. For all that draws breath and all those whose hearts have long stilled owed their existence to the father of creation. The Lord of Death himself Momonga.
"Bring forth the prisoner." Momonga commanded
Enri turned to see a man was being dragged in chains by an undead soldiers as it approached the throne from an aisle left empty running down the centre. She recognised the man as the priest that had brought death and destruction to her home. She looked hatefully and gleefully as he was dragged naked before the throne of a god.
Giovanni looked on in mute horror as we dragged past monster after monster and heretic after heretic. The sight before him confirmed to him that the six were right, to stray from the light was to court damnation. Here he saw human stand beside elf, elf beside lizardman, lizardman beside monster and monster beside undead. This was truly the home of evil…
Finally he was tossed at the feet of the great throne. Giovanni tried to rise but was thrown back onto his knees, he raised his head and looked upon the golden throne and saw a god. Not one of mercy and deliverance like the glorious six. No this was a deity of foul portents of the darkest of powers, of a power most profane. He watched as the dark god rise from it's throne and slowly descend the steps before at last standing right before him.
Draudillon looked on in mute fascination as she watched her god raise his hand and the body of the priest rose as if held up by puppet strings. She watched as the foolish priest tried to defy her lord strings but what can mortal flesh do against divine power?
"Demiurge, Kel'Thuzad rise." Momonga commanded
The pair rose and turned to their lord awaiting his command.
"I believe your talents will complement each other, you both have a talent for weaving schemes. For now both of you can learn more about each other by getting every drop of value out of this disgusting creature." Momonga said contemptuously
"It will be my honor my lord." Demiurge said with a deep bow.
"I will enjoy breaking him in your name great one." Kel'Thuzad said
Giovanni trembled as he felt cold chains wrap around his body, looked down and saw chains being created from a spell within the Lich's hand.
"What fun we shall have together. [Sleep]" Kel'Thuzad said as Giovanni blacked out into oblivion
When he awoke he found himself chained against the wall naked, he looked around and found himself in a dark room. He struggled against his bonds but found that they didn't even budge under his resistance.
"Ahh your awake." a feminine voice said
Giovanni looked up and felt his heart sink as he beheld a mass of grey flesh that looked like an oversized drowned corpse. The head was a mass of tentacles and a pair of asymmetrical eyes sat on top of the drooping bloated flesh. He watched in mute horror as the monster seemed to sashay towards him.
"Welcome to my humble home, I have one question for you my dear." the vile creature said as it sidled up close to him
"Do you know what are kidney stones?" the creature said
Demiurge walked along the corridor towards Neuronist's playroom, beside him floated the Archlich Kel'Thuzad. He had been speaking to the Archlich and he found that like him he was guardian of a realm. He ruled a realm of the dead from his dread fortress of Naxxramas, a master of necromancy and the dark magics he has been sent here to command the dead in the war to come.
As they entered the room they heard a shrill scream of pain, it appears that their guest has awoken. The pair approached the chained priest and looked to the numerous wounds on his flesh.
"The light of the six protects me, the light of the six protects me, the light of the six protects me." he heard him pray on and on as Neuronist gave him a brief reprieve when she noticed the two of them enter the room.
"There is no light here puny human." Kel'Thuzad said as he reached out and grasped his chin. Frost spread from where his fingers touched his flesh turning the skin black and dead.
"Your false gods can't save you now, the light can't reach you down here, welcome to the darkness. Your soul is forfeit and you will betray all that you have held dear before finally your flesh will join the ranks of my restless host to aid in the destruction your dear nation." Kel'Thuzad said
"The light of the six protects me…" the priest groaned out as the frost spread across his face
"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll come to see things my way in time." Kel'Thuzad said as he released his hand
Carne
Enri stood at the front of 16 new graves and read out the rites of the dead. To her the words tasted like poison, she was why these people were now in the ground and what's worse the rites of the dead she was speaking was taken from the faith of the six. She was now reciting the rites for those that followed the six but four of those deceased were followers of the 41. Another crime added to the long list of atrocities committed against them.
One of the graves held a small form of a dwarf, it pains her to see one sent to help her home felled before his time. Deep in her breast she felt the flames of vengeance flicker there a grudge was born that would have dire consequences in the future.
Enri reached into her pocket and took out a small book gifted to her by one of the followers of the 41 who lived in Carne. She opened the worn and weathered book, no doubt this small book was older than she was. Though old and weathered she could tell this book was cared for with a religious reverence. She opened it where a small red cloth held partitioned a page and began to read
Almighty 41, source of creation and virtue
Take our fellow souls who have passed from this world into your embrace
Our lords in the thereafter, grant mercy for their trespasses and take them into your glory
Though we may live in this sinful world we seek to emulate your greatness in all ways
To those who remain behind may these words grant you wisdom
Seek not to escape misery in death, the 41 that is most mighty gathers not the selfish dead to their side
Lament not your fate, be content to serve the 41 in your virtue however humble your station
A morte perpetua
Domine Libra Nos
"41 deliver us" the voices of the worshippers echoed
As Enri stepped down and gave the friends and family of the deceased time to grieve. She walked stone faced to the back and pinched the bridge of her nose once she was no longer standing at the forefront.
"You ok lass?" a gruff but kindly voice asked
Enri turned to see Grimrom standing there, Enri reached into her pocket and returned him the book.
"Thank you lass, but you haven't answered my question." Grimrom said
"I… a lot of people died here, I'm just worried about what comes next." Enri replied
"Aye I heard they made you chief or perhaps mayor seeing as this place seems to be growing quite rapidly." Grimrom said
"I'm not sure if I can do this." Enri said as she pinched the bridge of her nose again
"I'm sure you can lass, no one is born a leader. You showed great respect to our ways for that I thank yee." Grimrom said with a slight bow
"There will be more fighting won't it?" Enri said softly
"Aye but such is the way of the world lass, one must fight for one's future. We the Dawi learned that a long time ago." Grimrom replied
"How do you handle it all? The death, losing those you cared about, those that trusted you." Enri asked
"Let me tell you something lass we dwarfs hold our grudges for a long time. Me friend Rockar the one you buried will not be forgotten. Many children of the theocracy will be burying their fathers by the time I'm done. We Dawi do not forget and we do not forgive." Grimrom growled
"So you use vengeance?" Enri asked
"Aye a debt incurred a debt paid, those welps slew my friend, there's a blood price to be paid." Grimrom said as a cruel smile crossed his face
"I think I can get behind that, I hope I get the chance to burn a few villages." Enri said
"You never know lass, the 41 works in strange ways." Grimrom replied
Crescent Lake, Royal Palace
A young girl in her teens stood at a balcony overlooking the capital of the Elven Kingdom. She had long hair that reached to the middle of her back. On her head sat the tiara of the crown princess, the first in line to inherit the throne. The girl however had several strange features for an elf, she had blakc hair of the left side but white hair on the right. Her ears were also shorter than your average elf indicating she was a half elf. She had heterochromic eyes with a white iris on the side with black hair and a black iris on the side with white hair. In her hand she fiddled with a strange toy called the rubix cube, it was on old relic left behind by the 41. It was said that the cube has 43 quintillion possible combinations with only one being the correct one, that's 43 quintillion with 18 zeros. It has never been solved by anyone, it was a relic granted only to the royal family. The girl looked wistfully at the enigmatic cube, she has been trying for decades but still she could barely get more than one side of the cube to match.
The girl heard a knock on her door and heard the voice of her mother through the door.
Zesshi are you there?
Authors Notes:
Hey guys sorry again for the long wait I'm glad to say I am now fully back to normal. For those that didn't know I got a nasty lung infection and just got better recently. Hope you like this chapter it's went through a few rewrites since I had so much time to brood on it.
I was originally planning for Momonga to command the dead personally or maybe Arche and Maeve. But the more I thought about it Arche and Maeve seemed more like commando's and a god shouldn't be doing mundane stuff like this himself so I thought who would be a good commander of the dead that fits this story's theme? So I chose the majordomo to the Lich King himself Kel'Thuzad. I feel he would get along well with Demiurge schemers that they are.
Anyway hope you guys liked the chapter, leave a review if you have any encouragement or criticism. See you guys in the next chapter!