Aura hadn't wanted those two girls to know they were there but it had gotten rather close. For a low level demon maid CZ Delta was top notch. And Neia was pretty keen as well. It would be impressive to see the two of them grow and learn together.
{I wonder if the Supreme One will pair us off like that, as couples?}
"Hiiiiieee!"
"Lizard Tail what are you doing here!"
"Ahh. So one such as I have snuck up on you is that it?"
"No way! Hmm. I'm Impressed. Well if that's the case. Then…tag! You're it!"
And in a flash Aura was gone among the many trees of the Wise King of the Forest's old home.
"Hunt you I will Aura-sama. For that is our game of tag that our master has invented. For our pleasure it is to be."
"Well if that's so, then I'm in. Let the game of tag begin."
Aura spoke from a mysterious location to Hamske. But that did not scare the giant Jungarian hamster. He knew that serving his master would one day lead to saving his species. This game of tag would prove his value.
"The master has given me many servants you cannot hide from. Orb of Death, [Summon Undead]."
From out of nowhere a Death Knight appeared.
Go forth and distract the dark elf for me Hamske said telepathically.
The dark knight roared and ran towards Aura.
"Woah! This is fun. Well see ya Death Knight."
Aura's whip swung maliciously at the death knight crashing it into a tree nearby, which cracked in two on impact. But in that fraction of a moment Hamske had disappeared completely from Aura's senses.
"Impossible this should be. Hamske knows it is what you are thinking. But marked you I have and now you will feel my strike."
The death knight got up but was promptly shot by an arrow and disappeared.
"Your next move is what I am wondering for that I truly do not know."
Aura might not know where Hamske was but her bag of tricks were far from exhausted. She could call for her magical beasts but that seemed excessive, plus it was no fun. Surely help wasn't needed for this overgrown hamster, but how had it hidden so effectively? That wasn't a skill she could remember it having before.
"Did Ainz-sama help you in some way Lizard Tail?"
"Ehhh? Uwu, you…know my secret! It seems hide I cannot."
"No way! That is so cool, he must have given you an incredible item to hide so well."
"Indeed he has. I will tell you….Now!"
And in a flash of blinding light a hamster was hugging Aura, as if there had been no space separating them at all. While surprised by it, Aura wasn't scared at all only happy.
"It's not common that someone sneaks up on me. I'm sure Momon-San could but who else? Demiurge maybe."
"We will play a great game I can tell already. Perhaps one day even other friends will want to join."
"We could only hope so. Say, what is the item you have?"
"A cloak found by the master somewhere he would not say. Mysterious powers it has, magic did not seem to identify. Truly odd it is."
"This cape you are wearing now? I can't see it."
"Visible to you it is not, but visible to me it is. It looks like a ghost pirate's cape, scary it is. I should not have worn it if the master had not given it to me."
"Huh. Is that all?"
"One more thing he did say, muttering he was. A jackpot item he called it. Like it came from a lottery game or something. Strange it was. Like he thought it was funny, he laughed so when I put it on. Promised not to take it off I did when he asked. Funny it looked he said. Then he said something about it being completely unreliable, no useless."
"But how could he see it?"
"Know the answer I do not. But ever grateful to the master for such a fun toy while exploring. And if I learn its secrets I would be most happy. But then now I'm ready to try the cape again. And then it will be your turn to find me."
Hamske disappeared and Aura couldn't track him.
Secret mission, tell Aura I cannot. To create gifted enemies for his majesty to fight we shall. But first a game of tag.
"Nyahh nyahhh can't catch me Aura! Nyahhh Nyahhh!"
"Hmmm, I don't understand how you can be so difficult to find. I hear you but it seems to be coming from everywhere at once!"
"Then chase me you shall, and taunt you I will!"
.***
"…An archery tournement. Would be too easy."
The flyer was there on the wall outside creamsoup bakery. Was that permitted? And what's more, is that graffiti on the wall? A scrawl of a lewd Albedo with her rump not at all befitting a prime minister proudly displayed. Neia had seen drawings of all the known servants of Ainz. She had looked more dignified in the drawing.
"..Umu. Go with me. And call me Shizu-san."
Oh god that pouty face was amazing. She felt like warm butter. Was this what having a crush on a girl was like? It felt different than a boy crush or was she just imagining? Grass is always greener, sort of thing. She didn't know but it wasn't romantic between them or anything, just warm and friendly, loving even. Like good friends would be. Romance wouldn't be exactly ideal, unless someone fell in love or something but that wasn't going to happen on a misison. Not that she wanted it to but a part of her mind wondered what that would be like. If she couldn't have Bone Daddy, would Shizu be a nice comfort?
"Yes Shizu-san."
"This will be our training. But I want something squishy first."
"Squishy Shizu-san?"
"Yes. You will do, come here."
Her hug was pretty warm and even though her hands was soft it felt like a bear was crushing her. She was ridiculously strong for her frame. Remedios wasn't that strong. Grand King Busar's green turtle-shelled armor wouldn't have saved her from this.
"Haha, Shuzu!"
"…Shizu-San."
"Pff, more like Shizu the milkshake fiend."
"…I am a demon maid."
It took a while, but later as they moved towards the archery tournament a man flew by in armor. He had a bow and arrows on his back. As he looked back at them you could tell he was super attracted to one of them. But Neia could not tell which, but those eyes he used suggested their clothes had disappeared.
Neia stole a glance at Shizu who was predictably neutral to it all as if not even noticing.
The entry charge was ten gold, which seemed steep but then she realized that it had attracted people from out of town. It seemed the Sorcerer Kingdom was becoming something of an attraction for people. If this little archery tournament was bringing people in power armor, what kind of tournout would a big festival bring? Her demon maid friend paid it one smooth gesture.
"…Neia. Win. For him."
She nodded. "I will do it. Haha this will be easy."
Her mad eye flashed beneath the visor.
"…Maybe"
This put Neia on guard. What did she know and wasn't sharing? It pained her to know so little still about her. The girls was such a complete mystery in so many ways she had at first just accepted it. A level 150 demon maid should have lots of secrets. Otherwise their trump card may be exposed unnecesarily. Shizu-san was smart, but more than that, she was a perfect observer, calculating a result and relaying that with the finest elegance. She was like a walking genius but in an inhuman way. What was a computer? She had tried to explain but they hadn't had time and Neia wasn't too sure that was the best place to start unpacking the truth. For starters, Neia wanted to know a lot more about that spell gun.
"If I win, could you uh do something for me?"
"…You are cute so I will allow"
"Thanks Shizu, you really just call me cute now huh? That's fine. I want to try your weapon, show me how it works."
"…When you are strong enough."
"Am I not strong enough? Okay, then I will work to get there, let me know what I am."
"…Show off the rune bow."
When Neia's turn came the hundred or so people, plus the audience of three hundred that had come for the tournament were in awe of her accuracy which was only matched by a man wearing a suit Shizu had called a power suit. He was a great shot but the Mad Archer had this tournament in the bag long before this day. Neia shot a perfect ten and split several arrows. Such a feat might have seemed nearly impossible but she was not terribly far off from being a Platinum adventurer, although Riraryu had only issued them silver plates. And with the special equipment she had on she was even stronger. The braces improve her agility and accuracy, Winning was easy, but in her mind she thought about how it was nothing like real combat.
She knew this because for two months Neia had instructed her in the ways of being a sneak and charge combat maid. They had hunted their own food, fought ogres, wolves, and killed several theives one fateful night before crossing the border to the sick, which was slang for the Sorcerer Kingdom. These stupid thieves and their slang, should've tried to steal from someone else. Cutting their heads off. Burning their bodies. If running around with this damn crazy maid didn't level up her skills nothing would. And it hadn't been enough to shoot arrows, she had had to practice sniping, assasinating, stalking, hunting, knife fighting, and strength training. At night she read books teacher CZ-san took out from her inventory. CZ2I28 was part machine, so she couldn't teach that part unless Neia wanted to augment herself, "…Would be possible."
If it was ever cold at night she had an item that made a structure, but she also given her a wilderness survival course.
Neia hadn't resisted the idea at all when they stalked humans in villages, shot them with paralyze darts and then practiced assasination methods. Nobody had died from it.
The most thrilling had been the one on one knife fighting with her, seeing how fast and agile her teacher was totally inspired her. CZ-san had insisted on her carrying a kit of darts from then on on that would augment her abilities. Using a ring given to her by CZ, she stored them with the spell [Pocket Space], which she could activate up to ten times a day and it could store up to five items.
She loved it when Shizu would talk about level caps and job levels, it was this whole system of building your skills, she explained. When asked for more, she always just said, the Library of Nazarick has it. "…Umu…if you're lucky you'll be good at your job."
.
She fingered the pommel of the combat knife at her waist as the audience cheered and congratulated her. An old man gave her the winnings, a hefty bag of gold. Seems this tournament was backed by some significant contributer eager to find the best archers around. Whoever was sponsoring these things, throwing around that kind of money was bringing money into the economy here, that's why the town seemed so lively, and why there were many out of towners like them. And while there had been three or four pretty good shots, only the man in power armor and her were shooting on a different level. If she had not been training everyday since recieving the Sorcerer King's Rune Bow, Ultimate Shooting Star Super….
Two months ago when Shizu had come back to see her in the Holy Kingdom to say goodbye, all she could say was, "Don't go!", but that didn't even garner a response. So she said, "Fine! I'll go with you, I don't even like these people anymore, what this country's become since Jaldabaoth. I hate it here! I hate being confined into living as a squire for a Kingdom that just wants to tear itself apart. And I don't believe Caspond is worth a shit!"
Shizu had reached out with her hankercheif and wiped away Neia's tears and said, "…Take this and work for me." And that was all there was to it. If she had minded the tears like she had snot in the past, she didn't anymore. Neia cherished that tiny change in her personality.
During the tournament she used her Visor Mirror Shade's Snake shot ability a few times and the crowd oohhed and awwed. When she won everybody let out a big applause. It had been sorta close even still.
"…Neia. People are talking about the Rune Bow. Good job"
Even now with loads of people around, Shizu pet her. Hah, that was fine with her.
Her former opponent loomed over her with a grin that said, "fuck me, i'm great!"
"And might I ask who you are? I'm a better shot than anyone within three countries. While I thought I would win, you sure came in with an unbeatable hand. Whatever training you have received in archery exceeds my own."
He was handsome and that was something for this lecher. If a bit older, he had a nice clean look about him. Rich, powerful adventurer, can get anything he wants type. As if this sort of thing was normal, and picking up chicks was not his intention. But that look while flying by had given his hand away. Remedios would've hated him.
"I'm Neia and this is Shizu."
"I'm Azuth. Shizu, are you…Are you as good at archery as Neia is?"
"…Better."
"Is that so, then would you show me?"
"…Hmm. Why?"
"Tell you what. If you are a better shot than me. Drinks are on me."
"…Not good enough."
"My you are a tough one aren't you. Alright, shoot better than me and I'll give you this bow."
Neia's eyes widened a bit. It was a nice bow. Not as nice as hers but it looked enchanted.
"…No."
"Shizu maybe we should."
"…Shizu…-san."
Azuth suppressed a chuckle.
"…You lose and the bow is mine?"
"And if I win the two of you owe me a favor. Yeah, so are you in?"
"…yes."
"Hot shot! Hot shot over here!"
Somebody who had lingered on in the crowd and listened in to their conversation was now hawking the upcoming performance. A stocky build, could it be a dwarf, or perhaps a short fat human? It strode through the crowd but it voice could be heard above it.
"Names Biyarp and my bet's on you missy, you look like one hot shot, uh if I don't mind repeating myself. Hot shot! Get your tickets if you wanna bet on Armor guy, he almost won the tournament! Come on and get your bet!"
It appeared it was in fact a dwarf with some personality. This went on for a few minutes and people from the nearby shops even came out to watch. Their crowd had increased from a minute ago.
"…We should use the same bow"
"Uh yeah, I'll agree to that. So which bow should we use?"
"…Don't care."
"I can't let you use mine. It's a gift from his Majesty the Sorcerer King"
"Ah I see. Then let's use mine."
While the crowd might have turned out from Biyarp's efforts, there were a lot of people staring at Shizu. Neia could tell their travels together had not gone unnoticed even though they were not people of the Holy Kingdom. {That doesn't matter. People care about strength. That's why Shizu is an inspiration to them}
"Pope Neia is going to try to best the guy from Red Drop! Get over here!"
The armored guy did not seem pleased to be called out but he shrugged it off.
Biyarp had become anxious for even more clients and there were several death knights watching them from across the venue. What were they worried about? Beings like that could only have been made by the Sorcerer King, right? Maybe there's a criminal here they are looking for. And what's this talk of Pope Neia? I'm not a pope. But I would be if Lord Ainz-sama were to ask me to. Ohhh, my stomach feels like I swallowed rocks, it's been so long since I've seen him. I miss the days of being his squire.
Azuth and Shizu alternated and took ten shots, all of them were bulls-eyes. Shizu shot ten that looked exactly the same pattern as Azuth and by the last shot the crowd was laughing in awe. The way she looked shooting wasn't awkward. Her delicate fingers didn't look like they should be able to hold the bowstring that easily, but Neia knew better. She is much stronger than I am. And I don't mind her sticker so much now.
The fact it was a draw immediately broke out in a dispute. Biyarp butted into the middle of them audibly growling at each other, their fists clenched. Neia rolled her eyes, Remedios would've said he probably just wanted to smell her perfume.
"Since you two seem evenly match I say we double the distance of the targets. And whoever wins will recieve this fine Runic Dagger, a gift from the Adventurers guild, and an advertisement. We need adventurers! Spread the word! There are many dangerous monsters in his Majesty's land. Would you not serve the people by exploring this world in search of information to aid our noble king in his quest to er…well E-Rantel is pretty great, right?"
There was general mumblings of yeahs, and the then some clappin and whistling. So they set the targets very far away and cleared the streets.
"So the Sorcerer King isn't that bad, if he's funding projects we like. Plus can you imagine knowing what the world is like? Wouldn't you like to visit foreign countries in style? Successful adventurers got it made!"
This time there were louder yeahs of agreement.
At this further distance after the first few shots, Azuth seemed to have an advantage and Shiza was hard pressed to keep up.
"Come on Shiza!"
"You got it girl!"
It was so close by the end, both shots an almost perfect bullseye. When Shizu didn't quite beat Azuth's last shot everyone threw up their hands.
"Awwww!"
"No!"
"We wanted Shizu to win!"
"You'll get him next time!"
"There's no way she lost!"
He turned and gave what looked like his most devastating handsome look, his long blond hair with red streak whipping slightly in the wind.
"I'd have been proud to lose to you. In fact it was an honor just to participate. By the way, what did the Socererer King say to the disciple? You're magically delicious!"
That was a dark joke, but it wasn't funny at all. Neia glared under her visor. And then he bowed. It was a bit much but maybe the guy was just trying to impress them or something.
"So meet me at the Inn out by the northwest edge of town later tonight and we'll discuss the favor."
Biyarp shook the man's hand and handed him the knife and then he just kinda wandered off talking to himself like he was telling a funny story. As he sauntered off Biyarp the bookie handed out winnings. But his eyes kept hovering back on Shizu.
"Say I couldn't interest the two of you in a quest could I?"
"…quest?"
The overly fed but well dressed dwarf really looked like a man about town. A big bag of coins in one hand, and unhappy losers looking anxiously at cash they no longer had, really rounded out the picture that this fellow was wheelin and dealin.
"Yeah see, I'm not just here to win bets, eh heheh, I also work for the Adventurer's guild and they've got a quest that nobody seems brave enough to handle. I figure with the two of you on board though, we've got a chance!"
"But you lost the bet. Shizu lost."
"Yeah but I've lost before, eh but anyway this time being a bookie made up for the loss, see. See I'm fine with losing, it's not betting I have real problem with. But I think this time I want to bet on you two. And if we succeed then I'll make sure you rank up at the adventurer's guild. I just need protection, easy stuff. Some spiders, bats, what have you. You two should be able to handle some ogres, barghests, maybe even a troll right? Everybody's heard of Shizu who fought to save the Holy Kingdom. So that means you must be Neia, the other half of the team that killed a Vah Un."
How did this fellow know so much about them? Bloody bards singing bloody ballads. It was just a fact, the people were making up tales of the twisted sisters slaying evil, and it was being woven into the fabric of this very kingdom's soon to be rich history. It didn't hurt that Shizu had become that rarest of commodity. Such a legendary figure, yet so elusive, and cute to boot!
"…Neia we should do it."
"Eh? …Umu, why would you say that sort of thing? Aren't we supposed to be going to that base place?"
"…No. My orders changed."
"So you're not supposed to go now?"
"…We will go when Domo-san says so."
It felt like someone had put out the lights in her eyes. Neia sat down. The world was a blur. She had been looking forward to at least visiting the tomb, even if King Nazarick wasn't there, she could get to know the place he called home.
"…Don't worry Neia-san, you'll see your friend Domo-san soon either way."
They were sort of undercover. If anyone directly asked them, they'd say they were working for this Domo-san, one of the many underlings of the Sorcerer King. Shizu thought it better if people didn't think they were important enough to deal directly with the big cheese. Though it wouldnt take a genius to figure out this was the Neia, the pope of the Supreme Ruler of this land, and one of the saviors of the Holy Kingdom, and squire to the Dark King. That's what she had heard grumbled in Kalinsha, the Dark King.
"What did the Naga rank you, silver plate? Yeah he ranks everybody silver, don't be flattered. Your both at least gold plates if not platinum. I may not be a good aventurer, but I know how to weigh up an adventurer."
.***
The adventuring guild of E-Rantel it turned out was quite magnificent. It had been retrofitted to include a nearby building which greatly expanded its space. Rooms had been added for vendors, as well as for parties to use as a mission home base of sorts. Someone had poured a lot of money into this place, probably hoping to get more adventurers. They must've expected an uptick of commerce, but most people here weren't ready to use the facilities. Supplies of items, weapons, and armor were all sold at discounted prices to those that signed up for a mission or had earned an adventurer's plate in the new system or had redeemed their old one.
There were at least several hundred villager types wanna-be adventurers that had probably been displaced by the war. But there weren't a lot of groups there. More like, people just looking around, enjoying the free refreshments, thinking gee whiz mayyybe I wish I had the skills to really go make some money. But I don't want to die.
There were demihumans too, Lizardmen, bug-like Zern, horse-like Horuners, Beastman-like creatures called Zoastia, ape-like Cabens, and rather human looking Spriggans as well. The demihumans were not intermingling or getting to know the villagers, but the Horuners were talking with the Zoastia. She recognized them, some from the Holy Kingdom war, others from the book on demihumans Shizu had lent her.
Where had Shizu wandered off to? Neia spotted her talking to a Zern. The wriggling blue with hints of green wormy fellow seemed to enjoy her company so much it had let her hug him. It seemed to be in distress though because of how tightly she squeezed.
"Shizu isn't really going to hurt it is she?", said Biyarp. "So this Domo-san you're working for, they uh, don't mind if it's a dangerous mission do they?"
"I'm not really that powerful. I'm only a squire. But I've acquired some skill with this bow so I should be able to hold my own. Her, on the other hand, well, she's better than me."
I can't really tell him how powerful she is, that would be awkward for both of us.
"Well let me introduce you to the rest of the party. Huto is a dwarf from the Dwarven Kingdom just like I am. But he is a stout warrior. Me I am just a lousy merchant. But I spent years doing hard digging in the mines so I'm a tough bastard too ya hear!"
"Say Biyarp. Umu, is it possible you could tell me what's this is about, and what do you mean about a dangerous mission?"
"I'll handle that boss. Neia is it, well if Biyarp says you're strong I'll take care of you no problem."
The stocky dwarf flexed his greatshield like he was blocking a massive hit. The muscle bulging in his big arms was palpable.
"Of course, if you truly are strong, perhaps you'll save me from time to time too, eh? Ah, enough of that. Our mission is simple. A dungeon has been discovered below the demolished city of E-Rantel and we are to investigate it and report our findings back to Ainzach, the leader of the adventurers guild here. He will decide what to do with it from there. But the best part is, we get to keep any treasure we find well that is if we find any."
"The dungeon
"…Shiminopnopfu would join us as support."
"Shiminop…Uh…Shi is it? Well if you're a friend of Biyarp's then it's fine by me, I'm Huto." He shook Shi's little arm.
"I don't know this one. But I see you have a silver plate, so you must be a decent adventurer."
"Yes I was rated highly by the Naga-san. He says my skill as a magic caster were excellent."
"And are you female, bug creature?"
"As a Zorn I am female, however I am one of the rare female Zorn that can also cast second tier spells. And I prefer Nopfu for short."
"Alright Nopfu. We don't have any magic casters so I think taking her would be a good idea."
"In that case, it is just a you say Neia-sama. And on that note, we'd like to ask you to lead this group. So what do you say Neia, are you up to the task? If you are, what should we call ourselves?"
"I don't mind leading the group Biyarp if that's what you want, but I don't have ideas for our group name."
"There's a rumor many dwarves seemed to have heard of a stash of books related to everything in the world, including Runecraft that Rampossa the king had kept hidden. Maybe they are in the dungeon and will show up? I had heard that such a book might contain the secrets that had allowed one to imbue up to five runes.. And as such why not call ourself Five Runes? Plus Neia has that Rune bow!"
"…A good name"
They all nodded.
"Then that's it, we'll be Five Runes. Before we head out, let's all state what our strength are, that way even though we're just getting to know each other, if anything comes up, we'll know how to work together."
"Right Neia, good call. I Biyarp am a merchant trader from the Dwarven Kingdom. But as I love my country and want to see it prosper, it is my duty to promote the great artform known as runecraft. If I succeed in even making it a little better known throughout the world, my life would be a success. Although I don't have combat skills I will do my best to be useful in our journey, even if that just means I supply some gold coin."
"I Huto am but a simple warrior from the Dwarven Kingdom, sent here to drink Ale and cut down anything that gets in my way! I have known Biyarp a long time, and was proud to be called on him after our Capital was retaken by that mysterious magician. I don't know how an undead being could even be so powerful but, he saved my people from the Quagoa, gave my runesmith friends hope, and even helped us regain our riches and power as a nation. Plus his wine is so good even if I die, I'd still have fun trying my hand as an adventurer. Plus those stinking Death Knights don't have half the brains Biyarp does!"
"I too know of the powers of that Sorcerer. I am alive today because of his efforts, although really it was you two who saved our King. I can't believe you killed that Vah Un and saved my species. So I'm here to fight for the Zern's honor…and work for the guild to make money."
Shiminopnopfu was a pretty-looking lump of mottled azure and hints of moss.
Neia took her visor off. A woman screamed and shrieked, "Oh god it's a demon!", and passed out.
Then some guy tried to wake her up by slapping her, "Get a hold of yourself, there's demons everywhere!"
Biyarp let out a bellowing laugh. "Seems we already know who you are! All hail our demon leader! Miss Baraja, I had a sigil ring made for the Five Runes ahead of time in case this happened. I figure it's only fair, I mean maybe that will keep this team in business. A lot rides on putting on a good show, am I right Baraja?"
Biyarp and Huto insisted on walking them back to their Inn. Just to make sure they were legit, she had checked in with the Adventuring Guild's admin. The quest was legit and someone was offering five thousand gold to recover certain books related to runecraft that were in the personal collection of King Rampossa.
(In Neia and Shizu's room at the Nut House Inn)
"…"
"I wanted to ask you something else. What's up with that visor, and why do you hide your face? Haha, I mean besides scaring people. I may be a dwarf but…would you take it off for me?"
"Eh? Why?"
"Don't worry, it's just us! I will explain after."
So she took it off and Biyarp studied her. Her face flashed with murderous intent.
"Are you a demon?"
"No, I'm human."
"That's good. Dont do anything to lose your humanity. It's going to hurt you know?"
"What?"
"Losing your humanity is dangerous, It's like, just a bad idea. I hear, if you do, beer doesn't taste as good!"
She didn't want to mention that CZ was an automoton.
" I wear the mask because it hides my gaze which controls people. It's stupid to say it like that, but I have a skill, I can give suggestions to people that are open to them. Umu..Thanks Biyarp. I like this ring by the way."
She had been admiring it and slipped it on her finger. It was made of iron, dark as charcoal, stamped atop was the shape of a fallen star from the heavens. The right word was she brainwashed people with her persuasion abilities, but she didn't like saying it the way CZ had explained it to her.
"That's good because I made it for you, Mad Archer! If you're a talent holder, maybe one day with it you too will be one of the thirteen heroes!"
"That's impossible, Biyarp. And I'm not a talent holder"
"Yeah of course it is. You'd have to travel back in time to do that. Could…That sorcerer guy, could he do that you think?"
"Umu…That seems so difficult to say."
"Well anyway, we're planning to leave very early tomorrow morning so be ready by the break of light."
"Right."
The two conferred and then Huto spoke. "We're lucky to have met you, even if you're not a talent holder, maybe one day you'll brainwash our captors to set us free." Biyarp and Huto bowed slightly and left.
"What the hey want some wine? I've heard good things."
"…Umu the wine? I could try"
.***
At the moment Neia awoke she felt groggy but that dispersed quickly as she remembered her dream. Something about making a fire while riding a flying board.
"…You are ready?"
The street was misting a light pouring rain. Not cold but breezy wet. Each gust was followed by a wet downpour. They settled into the two horse driven carts stocked with plenty of provisions, in fact there was hardly any room for everyone to sit inside. What were they planning to do with all this, outlast the end of civlization? They must've thought they could sell some goods along the way or something. Most if was just food and regular traveling equipment, but why was there five sets of crossbows, a rack of scimitars, and boxes and boxes of donuts, a delicacy that had popped up recently in E-Rantel that had Croussant berry, which were a sweeter version of a blueberry jam filling and a dark maple glazed exterior. And there were chocolate ones.
Not long after they passed through the gates of the city the fog seemed to linger all around them, and they watched a cloud came into view, the air was so dense it wasn't clear to anyone except Neia. She knew it could only be one thing. That ghost ship from when she had first come to E-Rantel begging on behalf of the Holy Kingdom.
They traveled at half speed through the mist and heard a ghostly wailing sound emanating faintly all around them. Suddenly Neia felt uneasy and ducked to turn around.
Her instincts were saying this ship might attack us. There might be hundreds of undead on it. If they did attack, would that mean there are still rogue undead that roam that katze plains? If the ship had come from there it might be a prize for his Majesty.
"Don't worry about it. I encountered a ship in the mist last time I was here."
She thought her voice was confident. The boom of a loud voice could be heard above the din of grunting and moaning undead.
"Landlubbers…"
The voice trailed off. And there in the fog she could see at least a part of it. A lizardman in the birds nest. He had a telescope in his hands and was looking at them through it. And that was all they saw of it. The mist receded as they continued and finally withdrew into the distance. It truly was a mobile cloud unit, probably a batallion in his Majesty's army.
It had taken one sniff at them and said naw.
{For all I know he planned for this dwarf to meet me. I mean isn't he supposed to be ten steps ahead of everyone? The way he handled the entire battle with the Holy Kingdom was perfectly noble for someone being savagely honest about the costs of war.}
The three day journey to E-Libera, halfway to the ruins, was uneventful. They saw many peasants on the road, some looked like they were relocating. So not everyone was convinced an undead overlord really cared about them. Huto and Biyarp passed the time pleasantly discussing their upcoming business venture. Neia felt uneasy during this end of their privacy meant her lessons had stopped. What that really meant was training time was over for now.
During dinner around the campfire, the dwarves seemed happy regaling them with their schemes to get rich and retire early in the best dwarven style, running an ore mine. Nopfu was quiet but from what she had learned about the Zern, being apart from their family was difficult.
E-Libera was an important stop on the way for the dwarves, and while their trip thus far had been pleasant but mild, it would take a day or two there for the dwarves to be ready to continue. It had almost none of the strangeness that made new E-Rantel great. No Ainz statues. No Archery tournaments, or demihumans everywhere. It was a sad city, still repairing its walls and redefining who it was in a new Kingdom. Soldiers could be seen shuffling about, looking uncomfortably at the Death Knights and Soul Eaters. The creature who validated their entrance was en elderly human female, not a naga this time. But the rules were basically the same, except Shizu was given no preferential treatment.
The city was profitable however. The influx of cheap labor in the form of skeletons had boosted their strong manufacturing sector, textiles, fabrics, and farming. When they arrived the dwarves dashed off with the carts to see about some brew house called the Upsy Daisy. They took the two carts and decided to meet the girls and Shiminopnopfu later at the Nefanon Inn. The Inn it turned out had been recently destroyed, so staying there was hardly worth being called lodging, but they paid for rooms anyway.
It wasn't until much later that the dwarves returned. Huto was ecstatic and super drunk. "YOu are tHe BesT boSS! I've ever had. I made So MucCH Money!"
"Heh, not on front of our leader Huto, keep it together. Check it out Neia. We sold all that stuff."
The dwarves had produced a bag of gold coins.
"Heh with that gear we sold, we would've only made half. Good thing we brought donuts. Those sold out just to the ale houses in this town. Pretty clever move. We'll have to reward Isfie when we get back, she's a baker, it was her idea. We cleared a thirty gold in profit, with just two carts full."
"Boss if you give her three gold she'd be pleased."
There was a knock on their door. The dwarves opened the door at Neia's urging. The man at the door was unfamiliar.
"He says he has business with the demon maid."
"Alright, I'll call Shizu out of the bath, stall them Huto."
After a few minutes the five of them were staring at each other.
"Since you don't know I'll begin. My name is Olin. I was wondering if you might help me with a job. My organization was contacted by someone by the name of Domo. You work for him, yes?"
Neia nodded. The man didn't look good, very malnourished. His eyelids were dark and baggy.
"My job was to deliver some instructions but if you'd like to contact me, the Innkeeper here knows how to reach me."
"Who do you work for?"
"Just a a group who wishes to remain shadowy. Don't worry to much about it. Well look at the time, I've delivered my note and now I must go."
"…That is the stamp of Domo. Neia."
"Right, we will see you tomorrow Biyarp, Huto. Thanks very much."
After they had left Shizu spent several minutes studying the note, then told Neia to get ready for a mission, they been tasked with exterminating someone who had infiltrated this country to gather information. A spy. They spent the rest of the evening planning. Harian Master, a merchant who was here on business, was really an undercover agent for the Theocracy.