Chapter 4
Tokyo, the 26th Floor looked like Tokyo if it had gone through the apocalypse, but mother nature had seen fit to spread across the city. Some buildings were covered in vines, and greenery. Trees tore through buildings like Tokyo Tower, the roads were broken with there being a large beautiful lake, and rusted cars were occasionally seen though most had vines or moss on them. In a way it was beautiful. To see the pollution creating machines, and buildings in ruins was beautiful. To be in the city he once lived in, and to not have to wear a gas mask was something he'd only dreamed of.
The floor itself was massive as evident by the city being surrounded by water, and there being a sewer system. Needless to say figuring out what to do with it would be difficult. There were a few guardian material NPCs, but they all had their own jobs. Being a guardian meant a lot of pressure, and a specialty that the actual guardians had been created with.
"I'll leave this floor to Zooey, and her forces." Naruto said. "The 27th floor is basically a bunch of massive white towers surrounding a floating castle so I'll have the Hoshidan squad watch over it." – "I miss Corrin."
"Alright, we'll negotiate once they stop being assholes!" Naruto exclaimed in anger. "Seriously how can you want to negotiate after—"
"This fight is ridiculous, and based on a giant misunderstanding not to mention it's best they not discover how many world items we have." Corrin said. "Let's negotiate before killing them."
"Fine, but I won't like it."
Thank you, but, don't think that I'm not upset by what they did to Tamamo-no-Mae." – "If they attack then I'll gladly cut them down myself."
"Uh, you might get your wish." Gudako said. "They're invading as we speak."
That had been the day Star Genesis faced it's first invasion, and took down a force of 67 players who thought that they were tough. The memory made Naruto smile. Corrin was the diplomatic one that would call him out if a plan was to risky, it was frustrating at times, but she wanted to win as much as he did. Just without unnecessary losses. IRL they had some chemistry, and now he regretted never taking a shot. So many hints that he hadn't picked up on until it was to late. Hell her adopted family liked him despite the clear difference in wealth, and class.
The feeling of longing pulled at his heart. He hated Earth, but there were people who he cared about. Now he would never see them again.
"Hm that's unfortunate." He felt sad, but this sadness didn't seem to slow him down. "Wait they were all signed out right?"
He wasn't actually sure.
"I sent out the invitation for one last meeting, some of them replied about coming to plan an IRL party, but I never checked to see if they actually logged on." He frowned. "Careless, stupid, how could I make a ridiculous mistake?!" – "Damnit!"
He stomped his foot on the ground, sending out a powerful shockwave, and creating a large crack in the ground. After a minute he was able to calm himself down.
"If they're here then I'll make it so they know I'm here as well." He took a breath.
A part of him hoped that they weren't in this world. They weren't like him, they had an actual chance to make a change on Earth, they could help people while he had opted to simply leave the country. He gave up on helping people, but maybe here he could actually make a change.
"My Lord."
The kitsune turned to see Hassan kneeling.
"I apologize for interrupting your private time, but there are what appears to be enslaved humans fleeing from other humans." He said. "They are headed this way."
"I'll deal with this myself." He said. "Tell Horror Nurse that he has patients coming."
Star Genesis Base – Forest – Nighttime
During his usual midnight stroll Naruto had intercepted the fleeing humans only to find that they were indeed slaves that were being secretly trafficked through the Re-Estize Kingdom, some were even citizens; the poor that nobody would miss. It was truly disturbing to know that this was happening. The humans were clearly scared with most being injured, and malnourished.
Naruto cast [Message, and called Hassan. A gate opened, and the undead stepped out much to the horror of the humans. This creature towered over them while letting off an aura of complete despair.
"This is Hassan, he's going to take you to safety." Naruto stated before taking off his mask and hood. "I'm not human, but I promise that I'm not evil like the ones who hurt you." – "I'll keep you safe, and while I won't force you inside against your will, I will kill your pursuers."
They didn't know why, but they felt like they could trust him. Like he meant what he said, and wouldn't go back on his word despite not being human. Something about him made them hopeful. So, they did what they believed was right, and went inside the portal.
"Take them to the Medical Center on the 16th Floor then get them properly settled in."
"Bathing, clothes, food, and shelter in the Residential Area?" Hassan asked.
"That's right, and have a few of the maids manage them." His gaze went to where the other humans were, they were much closer. "I'll decide on what to do with them later."
"You show much kindness to them in a time when I'm sure others would've turned them away." Hassan said. "It's good to see that you're benevolent to those who've been all but abandoned by the world."
With that said Hassan left, and the humans arrived minutes later to see Naruto standing there although his mask, and hood were back on. There were 30 in total, and he had no reason to listen to anything they had to say. Scum like this didn't deserve to live. To steal away the freedom of others was a sin in his eyes, a sin which demanded punishment.
With speed they couldn't follow, Naruto tore through five of them with his now elongated claws. Their blood stain the ground, and their corpses fell to the ground with bloody thuds. What happened next was nothing short of a slaughter. Gore littered the ground, and the grass had been painted crimson with blood. Whatever stress Naruto had been feeling was gone.
"Killing these humans, I feel a tiny bit bad, but only because they were someone's kids or might have kids of their own." He noted. "Aside from that I don't feel guilty or disgusted or anything, just neutral."
He guessed that this was for the best. He didn't need his conscious weighed down by constant guilt. The blonde was about to open a gate to go back, but paused when his senses picked something up. Turning around with glowing blue eyes he saw nothing there. Carefully looking around he made sure that there really wasn't anyone around. He didn't plan on getting ambushed by anyone.
The Next Day – Star Genesis Base – Naruto's Office
The former slaves had been scared of the monsters they'd seen which was understandable considering how terrifying they were. They were still nervous from what he'd been told, but they were happy to be treated like people, and not property. He would let them gather their bearings for a little while before actually going to them.
At the moment though, Naruto was looking over the most recent reports from the spies he had sent to investigate the nobels in E-Rantel. He wanted to know as much as he could, but they also had orders to retreat if things got real bad as he didn't want to risk losing them.
"The items I gave them allow them to teleport into the castle entrance so things should be fine." He said hoping to reassure himself that they would be fine. "But what about everything else?"
He was referring to the changes that had occurred a few days ago when the base expanded. He was now able to see the status those in Star Genesis along with the inhabitants of the NW. It was detailed with all the stats being available to him along with their gear, and abilities. The guardians and the generals could do the same. Then there was the level cap, and the world balance being broken. The level cap had been increased, but he wasn't sure by how much. Everyone level 90 or over had gone up by 25 levels. The exp not used had kicked in as if they were still in YGGDRASIL so now the guardians were much more powerful along with the generals. This applied to everyone in Star Genesis which begged the question. What effect did this have on the actual natives of the NW as the voice had said that it was being adjusted accordingly.
'I'll have to find out for myself.' He silently said. 'Huh, I wonder if Shard of the Heavens would've increased the level cap for everyone in YGGDRASIL?' – 'If that's the case then the devs must've been pissed since I never used it.'
He smirked at the thought of the devs complaining, and becoming frustrated by the fact that their special item hadn't been used.
'All that unused exp brought me up to level 150, and I can literally feel the power inside of me it's like creation itself given form.' He lifted his right hand. '[Create Greater].'
A perfect sphere materialized in his hand, it was jade green and white, and gave off a powerful energy. Prismatic ore specifically celestial uranium, but 100x more potent. It was by all means priceless, but if he had to put a price on this by NW standards it would be worth in his opinion; 10 platinum coins. This was ore used to create world items after all, but much better. Therefore it was worth a lot. Thing is this took no magic to cast, [Create Greater] was a skill that came in five ranks. Greater, Legendary, Divine, World, and Celestial; the latter took complete concentration to perform.
He handed the prismatic ore to the bunny maid who would take it to the Crafting Center, they would know exactly what to do with it. He would need to go there as there were many ideas he had in store. Back on Earth he specialized in vast development, and engineering. From vr, advanced computers, buildings, and technology that the middle class would hear of but never see.
'Cyber-Netic left some plans here.' He reached into his item box and pulled out a few large pieces of paper. "I'll make sure your ideas become reality."
Cyber-Netic was smarter than him in technological development at least in the sense her ideas could only become reality in the realm of fantasy, and with the assistance of magic. Well now they were gonna become reality because this wasn't Earth, and what's impossible there is very much possible here. As long as he didn't go overboard. His eyes went to a certain schematic, it was for a weapon that had no business existing in this world.
"Something like this, well I'm glad it can never be built." She said. "God only knows what they would do with it."
A gun capable of mass destruction comparable to that of a hydrogen bomb, it truly had no business existing in this world. The very existence of this schematic in particular was dangerous. So without hesitation he set it aflame and let the ashes fall into the small garbage can next to his desk. This confused the maid, but she didn't dare question his actions. If he did that then it must've been for a good reason. Unknown to her, her master had just prevented what would've become a stain on Star Genesis, and a scar on this continent forever.
A knock on the door caught his attention.
"Enter."
The door opened and Majorita walked inside.
"I take it there's news?" he asked only to get a nod of affirmation.
"Our agents were able to gain information on where those humans came from." She said. "They had taken a simple detour after they finished their quest, they weren't sent by anyone, they entered the forest by their own volition while being guided by their own greed." – "We were able to end the investigation into their disappearance via using their equipment, and a few of their bones."
"The location?"
"Far away from here, we even made sure to alter the memories of those who seemed a bit to persistent." She explained. "We're safe."
"Good job, the last thing we need is attention that leads to people discovering us before we're ready to reveal ourselves." He said. "Anything else?"
The rest of her report was the same as last time so she'd gave a simple, and quick report in order to avoid wasting her master's time. When she left, Naruto had the maid call for his dinner to be delivered. He would let the chefs choose what he ate, then he would take a nap before heading back to E-Rantel with Mordred. They recently became platinum rank, and were ready to take on the more difficult quests. Three and a half months was a record according to the guild master, funny since that's how long they'd been in the NW.
6 Hours Later – E-Rantel – Adventurers Guild Building
Brita was fond of Kurama and Mordred, the duo who'd taken on the group name, The Hallowed Vanguards. At the moment she was staring at the present that Kurama had brought her. A sword with a pure white blade, and a handle of black with a white jewel on the hilt. Brita could feel the power coming from it, so much power that it felt like it would overwhelm her. It was like something from legends.
"This is amazing, where did you get it?" Brita asked.
"A dungeon that no longer exists, it was extremely difficult to get to you know." He said. 'I mean I was a level 35 when I went into the dungeon so it had been extremely difficult.' – "It's a personal treasure of mine, my first, but I feel that you need it more than I do."
"No I can't take something like this from you, it's way to much." She said.
"It's fine plus you're our friend and we'd prefer that you live rather than you know, die." The blonde said. 'It's fine giving her a legacy-class item that I've upgraded right?'
Brita stared at the blade, it was fit for someone like Gazef, not someone like her. Taking a breath she sheathed the weapon not seeing the 10 runes on each side of the blade. She had no idea just what the weapon was doing to her.
Someone suddenly knocked on the door.
"You can come in."
The door opened, and speak of the devil, it was Gazef.
"Gazef?" Naruto said in confusion. "What're you doing here?"
"I've come with a request, one that will pay very handsomely."
"If you're coming here in person then I assume that this request is something that involves the royal family?"
"Yes specifically Princess Renner, I've been tasked with guarding her during talks with Queen Draudillon Oriculus of the Dragon Kingdom." Gazef explained. "However Beastmen Country has been constantly harassing them, and they might try something during the meeting."
"This is more than 'they might try something' isn't it?" the blonde said. "They're going to try something which might result in the queen and princess being killed."
"Exactly which is why I'm coming to request your help, it shames me to admit, but my men and I won't be enough."
Protecting the princess during a meeting with a queen from another kingdom. This was an opportunity that he'd be a fool to refuse. The group, Hallowed Vanguards would gain popularity when it got out that they'd been asked by Gazef himself to help protect the Golden Princess.
"Don't worry." Naruto stood up. "As long as we're with you, there won't be anything to worry about…probably." – 'Really hope I didn't jinx us.'
The Next Day – Re-Estize Kingdom Territory
Brita didn't know why she had been brought as a temporary member of the Hallowed Vanguards, but she wasn't complaining. Her current position was simple, sit in the carriage with the princess who dwarfed her in looks, grace, political power, admirers, and everything else minus battle ability. Once more she felt small, but this didn't affect her fighting ability nor did it make her irrationally jealous of the princess. After all she had a freedom that the princess would probably never know. In that sense she pitied her.
'I hope this meeting goes off without a hitch, coming all the way out here is a pain in the ass.' Princess Renner silently complained.
The only reason she came was because of her brothers, they'd pushed it onto her believing that such a meeting was unnecessary. The Dragon Kingdom was worthless in the eyes of the nobles who convinced her brothers that her time wasn't exactly worth anything. A kingdom being constantly sacked by beastmen had a limited lifespan, and had nothing to do with them. Truthfully she didn't care either, but the beastmen were a definite threat to the kingdom and therefore her life. Especially right now.
'At least those two are here so the odds of me surviving have gone up significantly, I'm not sure why they brought this one.'
She'd never heard of Brita only Kurama, and Mordred. Frankly she didn't care about Brita, and only knew her name because she perfectly acted like she cared when they first met. Truly she didn't care.
Outside the carriage Naruto found himself a but confused.
"Am I the only magic caster?" he asked. 'Thinking about it now, I'm not even a full on magic caster considering my sword skills, and fighting style.' – 'Thank you years of self defense classes, and street fights.'
"Sadly yes." Gazef said. "I don't suppose you can use healing magic?"
"Of course I can, you really think I would've become an adventurer without learning healing magic?" the blonde laughed. "I'm not suicidal or a complete idiot." – "I had a friend of who was worse, he would barrel into fights without thinking, and I'd struggle to keep him from getting his head taken off."
"He sounds careless."
Naruto laughed once more.
"Oh he was, sometimes he accidentally run off cliffs or stumble into a horde insect monsters." Naruto said. "I miss those days."
"What became of him?"
"He's gone into another profession, he's starting a family so it makes sense though I'm not sure what he's doing now." He stated.
"What was his name?"
"Zenamazi."
"That's an interesting name, I've never heard one quite like it." Gazef stated. "I don't want to presume, but I take it you and Mordred are not from the kingdom?"
"Nope, my homeland is a cesspool of corruption, decay, and despair to all except those of high class and those in power." Naruto said. "Leaving became my plan a while back, but I never thought that I'd end up here." – "Mordred is from a destroyed nation, but she doesn't talk about and I don't pry because it's none of my business."
Gazef agreed of course, but he was still curious about the duo who saved the kingdom. They were mysterious yet he felt no I'll suspicion towards them, although there a little bit of admiration.
3 Days Later – Dragon Kingdom – Capital – Castle
Entering the capital had been a hassle due to security reasons, and the guards were extra vigilant. So much so that it had them worried about an actual attack happening. After that they'd been escorted to the castle, but discreetly so nobody saw them. After a bit more inspections they were finally allowed to meet her, Queen Draudillon Oriculus. A young girl of about 12 with shoulder length silver hair, silver eyes, and a rather adorable face. She had two guards on either side of her, and gave off an air of absolute authority; something Naruto respected. Not to mention he could tell that this wasn't her true form, it was hard to trick a kitsune after all.
They bowed to her.
"Presenting Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself of the Re-Estize Kingdom." An aid announced.
"It is an honor to greet you, Queen Draudillon Oriculus, I come representing my kingdom." The Golden Princess stated. "I'm to understand that these are simply peace talks?"
"Correct, the Re-Estize Kingdom was supposed to deliver the correct amount supplies we agreed on, but 85% of it is missing and the rest is useless." The dragon queen stated.
"I see, well the supplies you received were provided by the nobles of the kingdom so there's really nothing we can properly do about that since those are their supplies that they're giving to you." She said. "We can't demand that they hand over different quality supplies, as for the 85% that hasn't arrived, please give us more time." – "4 weeks at most."
The dragon queen gripped her throne in anger, they couldn't afford to wait this time, they needed supplies now. They'd recently lost a city and the capital was going to start feeling it. This was unacceptable!
'She's pissed.' Naruto silently said. 'She's probably sick of the Re-Estize Kingdom pulling stunts like this.'
The nobles were a problem and why the king didn't do something about them was clear. They were weeds deeply rooted in the kingdom, and doing whatever they wanted. They were corrupt and hid it very well unless you were unlucky, and caught someone's attention or got into a bad situation.
"I can get you five times more of what you were promised." He saw an opportunity here albeit a very delicate one.
"Excuse me, could you repeat that…"
"Kurama, my name is Kurama you majesty." He looked up. "I can have it all delivered within four days maybe two at best."
The entire room was silent as they tried to understand his claim. What he was saying was insane, he couldn't provide what the dragon queen had been promised. Not unless he was a miracle worker.
"And why would I believe you, an adventurer from the kingdom that's currently screwing my kingdom over?"
"Well I'm not actually from the kingdom or these lands for that matter so I have no reason to lie to you or trick you in any way." He explained. "Even if you don't trust them, please trust a neutral party like myself, and my comrade."
The half dragon was now considering the adventurers offer. They needed the supplies and couldn't afford to be picky so if there was even a sliver of a chance that he was being truthful then she had to take the chance. Even so he would likely demand some kind of compensation, and they would cross that bridge when they got to it.
Chapter 4 End
