CHAPTER 13-INTERLUDE BEFORE DISTURBANCE
*CLANG*
The ring of metal-on-metal echoed in a darkened cavern, along with the flash of sparks that had briefly illuminated the area. The darkness posed no issues for the Dragon Lord Dy'vom, as he watched the recently revived Black Knight, and the former Leader of the Thirteen Heroes, spar in the same cavern where he once fought Madara. (A/N:CH.6)
The former leader of heroes, now calling himself "Benkei", back-flipped away as his comrade "Dorian" deflected his sword strike with his newly bequeathed twin greatswords. The former bore an excited grin as his comrade chuckled, propping one of the greatswords on his shoulder with his right hand, whilst he held the other at ground level. For a moment they stared each other down as they maintained a distance of about 15-meters away from each other.
Benkei's grin widened as his body glowed with a slightly bluish hue, indicating the silent use of self-enhancing buffs, before swiftly launching himself into the air without even moving his feet, and spinning like a buzzsaw as his invoked an YGGDRASIL [Weapon Skill]...
"[Double Aerial Circle]!"
In response to this, the Black Knight Dorian lifted his weapons, "clapped" them together with a resounding metallic *CLANG*, before spinning with both greatswords held together to meet his friend's blow.
*CRASH!*
A shockwave of air was displaced as the ground beneath them shook and broke apart from the meeting of their blows. Dorian himself sank in the stony Earth, fighting with all of his being to not have his guard broken. The only thing that worked to his advantage was the fact that his old friend was hanging in the air, whilst he had solid footing on the ground. So, shifting his weapons ever so slightly, he positioned them at an angle that allowed him to better deflect the attack.
*CLANG!*
The maneuver barely managed to work as Benkei bounced off his new, extremely formidable weapons. Truly, the strength of his friend barely changed since the old days. He only had a second to mull on this as his friend counter-attacked whilst being blown back.
"[Shield Toss]!"
A dome-shaped, silver-colored round-shield materialized on his left-gauntlet as he spun in the air, lobbing it toward Dorian with a speed and force that would have been invisible to the average individual. Though the former Black Knight could track it with his kinetic vision, he was a fraction of a second too slow as it struck dead-center upon his armor's chest-plate.
*CLANG!*
"Ooof!"
*BOOM!*
The attack struck him with the force akin to a cannonball as he was violently blown back into a rock formation behind, demolishing it. Benkei gracefully landed back on his feet as the shield bounced back to him. He merely lifted up his arm as it reattached itself without prompting. It then shimmered and disappeared from view, as if it faded from existence.
He waited a moment before Dorian launched himself out from the rubble, landing less than 10-meters from him. There was a moment of silence before he hung the weapons on his back, and Benkei sheathed his own sword.
"That should do it for today." Benkei casually said.
"Hm. Agreed. I've more or less grown accustomed to how this body feels and moves." Dorian stoically replied.
"Same here. Although, it still feels strange, not feeling a beating heart or the rush of my blood in a battle. But I cannot deny that the perk of infinite stamina in this new body make up for that somewhat."
"..."
There was a moment of silence as the duo contemplated their new situation. It has been less than a month since they were "summoned" back into this world, and after sharing all he knew about "Ainz Ooal Gown", Benkei suggested to Madara they be given time to adapt to their new circumstances and practice in these unfamiliar bodies. His new "master" readily agreed, which took him by surprise.
He half-expected the powerful stranger to interrogate him about how he knew the things he did. No such interrogation came as they were then given the means to freely teleport between their base, and the underground domain of the Deep Darkness Dragon Lord. All Madara told them afterward was to periodically report their progress. Despite pledging his sword to Madara's cause, he still knew next to nothing about the man. He was an enigma to be sure.
Of course, that paled in comparison to the shock he received upon learning that Momonga of Ainz Ooal Gown has appeared in this world. That, and with his NPCs no less! The reason why he took on the name of his guild became apparent to him; it was a means of letting others of YGGDRASIL know that he was here. At least, that was the impression it gave him.
While he had reinforced what the Dragon Lord Dy'vom nearby had said, that YGGDRASIL was another "realm", the whole truth was far less glamorous. As well as his beginnings as a level-1 Player that came into this world, who came back to his once-favorite VR game for its shutdown, after he had deleted his previous account a few years prior. Again, he was puzzled why this Madara didn't push for more details, but counted his blessings that he did not seem entirely interested.
"You're doing that again, leader."
"...!"
Benkei's musings were cut short by Dorian's stoic voice as he spoke with a weary sigh.
"You're thinking too much on things. That was always a problem of yours. Simply accept what is and move on. Neither of us have enough information to simply divine the answer. If Akemi-chan were here it might be different, but she's not, so give it a rest."
"...Hehehe...Yeah, you're right Dorian. Best to focus on what's in-front of us right now."
Benkei simply chuckled at his gruff friend. He made a good point. He wasn't smart enough to figure it out by just thinking about it. Although the reference to his friend from his YGGDRASIL days made him feel rather nostalgic if he had to be honest. As Dorian curtly nodded and turned on his heel to walk away, a feeling of regret then filled his being as he spoke in a matching tone.
"Listen, Dorian... About last time..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Dorian swiftly turned and held up his hand to forestall any more words from him.
"There's no need. I know. Like I said, it's all in the past now, so leave it be. We've been given a second chance by our latest benefactor. Let's not waste it."
"Heh... Yeah... Indeed... Then let's get moving then." Benkei affirmed with determination as he joined his friend's side.
As the Deep Darkness Dragon Lord watched them depart for whatever other task, he wondered what their next plan of action would be. The information provided by Benkei about Ainz Ooal Gown and this "Nazarick" weighed heavily on his mind. It was beyond dangerous, and he felt some sort of action must be taken, but Madara oddly seemed unfazed. In fact, he seemed excited by the knew information. A fact that was disturbing in-of itself.
'Grmm... Perhaps reconnecting with my old comrades would be prudent in the future... Perhaps that is what that cunning human wants me to do...'
Dy'vom rested in the darkened cavern as he concentrated on restoring the energy reserves he lost in his battle with Madara (A/N:CH.6), and contemplated his next move. Disregarding the distasteful and newfound feelings of loyalty towards Madara that was budding within him, he knew any action taken would need to be done carefully, regardless of Madara's involvement. After all, disturbing a Dragon Lord that had chosen solitude without careful planning could very well lead to disaster. Particularly the troublesome ones he knew...
...
Back in the underground compound that served as Madara's base of operations, he calmly strode forth as he approached Lottus' laboratory. He had spent most of his time either creating more [Edo Tensei], often with mixed results, or training and meditating. The incredibly powerful panoply of YGGDRASIL gear he bore continued to empower and boost his abilities at a fairly consistent and acceptable rate.
Although it didn't come close to the power granted when he carried the Ten-Tails within him, it gave him what he needed to develop the pair of trump-cards he felt he'd need in the future. In light of the recent information passed on to him by "Benkei" regarding Ainz Ooal Gown, resting on his laurels was the one thing he could not do. Still, if he had to be honest, the potential of such a challenge excited him as a subtle, toothy grin spread over his lips.
As he came upon Lottus' laboratory, he straightened his grin as he saw the undead conversing with the recently raised Damar Tvenstrup. Thanks to the YGGDRASIL tomes provided by the Deep Darkness Dragon Lord, they had made great strides in their research on [Tier Magic]. Now he wished to hear what breakthroughs they have made. The pair noticed his presence and quickly took a reverential bow, with Lottus speaking as they rose from it.
"It is good to see you, milord. Mayhap, your arrival is fortuitous indeed, as we were both to send for you."
"Hm... Then I take it you've something to report?" Madara asked with a perked brow.
"Indeed, Lord Madara. We've two topics to bring to your attention. The first, this extraordinary realm of magical power I've been exposed to! Never in my life did I suspect that the mythical 8th-tier of magic and beyond were actually real!" Damar excitedly exclaimed as he rose from his own bow.
The man had gone through a rather dramatic shift in the last few weeks of his service to Madara. Thanks to his status as an [Edo Tensei], things like food and sleep were more or less luxuries than necessities. Like Lottus, he spent countless hours upon days pouring over the tomes provided. Plumbing depths of magic he hadn't thought possible with a near fanatical zeal that he had not felt since his youth. In this regard, he and Lottus were kindred.
"I am pleased that this has proven to be a rewarding experience for you Damar, but focus in delivering your findings." Madara instructed in an almost bored tone of voice.
"Ahem! Pardon me, my lord. Thanks to the guidance given by Benkei, Dorian, and Dy'vom, we have achieved a greater understanding of the powers commanded by the one calling himself, 'Ainz Ooal Gown'. In particular, the spell he used to freeze the Great Lake where the lizardmen tribes were situated, was confirmed to be of a kind beyond the... 10th-tier. I... I never would've believed such a thing possible." Damar said in a mix of awe and consternation.
"Benkei referred to this as 'Super-Tier Magic' milord, and does not use any actual mana in the casting. It is instead an innate skill or [Talent] for those from this 'YGGDRASIL', and can only be used a few times a day. According to Dy'vom, the Slane Theocracy seems to be aware of it, and refers to it as the '11th-tier', or the 'Magic of the Gods'. We are positive that this is what Ainz Ooal Gown used. Thanks to Benkei we have achieved a greater understanding of what this undead Overlord is, and what he is capable of." Lottus added with awe and trepidation.
"..."
Whilst Lottus and Damar silently stood by a sort of tension, thick and cloying, filled the air, and despite not needing to breath, it felt suffocating. As Madara processed this new information, he could not deny that, combined with what they had previously learned about the hidden powers of [Tier Magic], an eagerness to test his might against it grew.
The [Tier Magic] used by the rest of this world seemed so pathetically weak by comparison, that it was quite disappointing in many respects. Even the Baharuth Empire's Fluder Paradyne could only use magic up to the 6th-tier, and THAT was after 200-years of study. However, Madara had attributed this to how certain types of Jutsu were lost or became dramatically weaker as time went on in his original world.
This was especially true when entire villages and nations were wiped out. Which happened to the Uzumaki clan, with its bloodline, and its extremely formidable sealing Jutsu becoming all but lost to time, with only a few exceptions. Even the strength and powers he and Hashirama commanded became the stuff of fairy tales.
The parallels between those situations and this new world's legendary figures in the "Six Great Gods" and the "Eight Greed Kings" were not lost on him. Though the details were muddled, the Deep Darkness Dragon Lord was able to confirm these legends as real. The same went for the fact that many countries had been lost in this world. The Downfall of Gatenbarg, which created the general distrust towards the [Message] spell, immediately came to his mind. Though a part of him wondered whether or not that event was "arranged" by forces unseen.
Regardless, as the pieces fell into place in his mind, he lessened the presence he was giving off, as he noticed his eagerness was getting the better of him, and then calmly spoke with a sigh.
"Very good you two. Continue your research. Now, you said there were two topics."
"Ah! Q-Quite, milord. We have studied the capabilities of an [Edo Tensei], and confirmed a few interesting pieces of information. As you suspected, despite them being around only 89% of their peek strength, they have near infinite stamina and mana at their disposal. Why, Damar himself could cast [Fireball] seemingly without end. Only brief pauses were necessary for him." Lottus informed with fascination clear in his tone.
"Umu... I suspected as much, yet I suspect that there is more you would like to share."
"Quite right, milord. Despite the many advantages, we have discovered a possible weakness in the [Edo Tensei]. While Damar here has been able to learn and use new spells during our time studying, we've discovered that the overall strength and power of an [Edo Tenseit] remains the same, regardless of training or newly gained abilities. While we shall continue our tests, I am fairly confident in the voracity of our conclusions."
"Hmm..."
Madara cradled his chin with his left-thumb and index-finger as he hummed in thought on this piece of information. It frankly did not surprise him, and indeed he was expecting it. Though as he thought on the matter, an idea crossed his mind as he spoke.
"Do not worry about that Lottus. I trust in your evaluation, and I may have a possible solution to that issue."
"R-Really, milord? I... Ahem! Well, hayhap you can share with us what you have in mind?" Lottus asked in surprise and curiosity.
"Not right now. I'll need to confirm whether or not the method I have in mind will work. Until then, continue with your research."
"A-Ah... As you wish, milord!" Lottus acknowledged as he hurriedly took a bow, with Damar following suit.
As Madara nodded in acknowledgement and walked away from them, Damar watched with a look of wonder on his face. Something Lottus did not fail to observe as he spoke up in an inquisitive tone.
"Is something the matter, Sir Damar?"
"O-Oh! It's nothing... I am simply amazed is all. My whole life I studied magic. Even as a snot-nosed brat studying tomes with my mentor, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be exposed to powers reserved to that of the gods themselves." Damar replied with awe and wonder clear in his tone and on this expression.
"Aye. I understand completely. Though I was ready to be destroyed by his hand when we first met, his foresight and cunning in choosing those whom serve him is most formidable... Ah! Speaking of which, a certain young lady recently caught the attention of one of his clones." Lottus mused to Damar as he rubbed his chin.
"A certain young... Oh-hoh~! To think she would catch the attention of one so mighty."
"Let that be a lesson to you mine good sir. Even if ye' be a weakling, he can look beyond that to find one of use. Especially when it's her... Well, let us dispense with the idle talks. Milord gave us our tasks to fulfill after all."
"Indeed. I am eager to return to those fascinating tomes. Almost as eager as to meet my children in person again, instead of simply watching them afar with magic." Damar said with a now more somber tone.
"Ah, worry not my friend. I can assure you that will happen all in due time. They grow stronger by the day after all. When they've ripened to a certain point, Lord Madara will bring them into the fold. Until then, take heart that the avatar of the Deep Darkness Dragon Lord watches over them whilst we continue our tasks." Lottus reassuringly said as he turned back to his work desk that was positively stacked with books and scroll racks.
"Hm... Indeed. Thank you for reminding me my friend. It means a great deal." Damar replied with a smile as he likewise turned to the same stack of books, and with a renewed sense of purpose.
...
It was midday in the Capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom's Adventurer's Guild, as the vast majority of people in the city were either busily performed their jobs, or took in midday meal. It was not that much different in the Adventurer's Guild. While its layout was similar to the one found in E-Rantel, its size was larger. Not surprising given its larger member count, and the fact that an adamantite-ranked team called this city their main-base. So naturally more of the higher paying jobs would gravitate here, and thus bring in more coin to finance the guild's operations.
As the adventurers present went about either checking the board for jobs or eating their meals, the front doors to the guild swung open. While it might have been an unnerving experience for the average person to see an entire lobby's worth of varied, and heavily armed individuals suddenly stop in their tracks to look at the entrance, the group of four that strode forth were not perturbed in the slightest as they calmly walked towards the front desk.
The leader Nigel Tvenstrup was first, and despite his youthful appearance, carried himself like a battle-hardened veteran. Upon his head he wore not a helm, but a one-piece forehead guard and facial circlet that would easily remind those of what the Warrior-Captain wore as part of his famous [Guardian Armor]. A sword/shield-type warrior, he wore bronze-colored armor with green-colored vestments underneath. While his armor was unremarkable at initial appearance, the more experienced saw the torso's suit of half-plate as quite utilitarian, and it concealed a magical amulet underneath.
It consisted of overlapping angular pieces that provided reasonable protection towards vital areas, while allowing for greater mobility that full-plate armor normally does not provide without magical enhancements that would become quite costly. The cuisse plates were heavy, thick, and overlapping to prevent the common thigh cuts that lighter troops and men-at-arms suffer. The green vestments seemed durable, though unbeknownst to them, chainmail was woven underneath to provide additional projection. Though they could not see it underneath his one-piece gloves/forearm guards, he bore magic rings on each of he fingers.
The next was the only woman, magic caster, and the sister of the leader, Suvi Tvenstrup. Like her brother, she wore similar head-gear, while she wore a type of dark-blue, light-armor that consisted of lacquer-plates and guards for the shoulders, forearms, knees, shins, chest, and hips. A surcoat flowed gracefully behind her as its inner, dark-red color was revealed. The staff she held in her right-hand was dark-red with an amethyst-colored jewel at the tip. Each of her gloved fingers bore rings that they could easily surmise to be magic items. As well as the amulet and earrings she bore.
The third party-member Denys Shkoda, was easily identified as a thief/rogue-type by his dark-gray gear that likewise sported lacquer-plates, and the same style of head-gear of the previous two. He had a short-sword sheathed on both sides of his hips, and had pouches strapped to the small of his back, and each of his thighs. Decorating his upper torso in many places were dark-colored throwing knives that looked as sharp as they were numerous. Like his comrades, he had rings on each of his fingers and an amulet, all of which were magic items.
He sported a confident, yet mischievous grin that frankly unnerved most of them. He developed a reputation for being a bit of a trouble-maker. Especially when it came to his more "intimate" escapades.
The final member of the team was unlike all of them. Simply named "Mortis", he wore a set of full-plate armor, whose dark-green coloration hinted at mythril construction, and used a sword/shield style like Nigel. None ever saw what he looked like as the single, narrow slit of his helm was barely enough to see out of, let alone to catch a glimpse of the man beneath. What most thought to be the most usual part of this equation was the fact that he wasn't the team-leader. He who towered over most people at 6-feet tall, and striking a most imposing figure.
Indeed, the gold-ranked adventurer team of "Unity Four" was most unusual in a number of ways. Their composition of two warriors, one rogue, and one arcane magic caster to start. Many wondered how they managed to swiftly complete so many dangerous quests without a healer. And swiftly carry them out they did. Ever since moving from E-Rantel, their star was ever on the rise with nary a hint of slowing down. Most of the guild pegged them for promotion to platinum-plate before the next moon.
Before any murmuring or gossiping could start, Nigel handed the guild receptionist a brown piece of paper with a bright-red stamp on it as he spoke with a professional tone of voice.
"I'm happy to report that this request was successfully completed, with the requester more than happy with the results."
"Oh~! Excellent! As expected of you and your team. Another fast completion. We'll log this down immediately. If you'll please step into the back, your earnings will be waiting for you." The beautiful blonde-haired, brown-eyed receptionist said in a happy tone.
"Certainly. Thank you." Nigel said with a graceful bow.
As the team gave similar courtesies via head-bow, they silently followed their team-leader as he stepped behind the desk. Denys being the next to last gave her a toothy grin and a wink, which made her furiously blush and nervously gulp for a moment before she recomposed herself and set about processing their paperwork.
As they leisurely walked down the hallway, the first two visibly frowned as Denys grinned, and Mortis in his armor seemed indifferent. Unbeknownst to all within the guild, a telepathic conversation was taking place between the trio, with Suvi mentally grousing at her teammate.
"Ugh! What the hells was that about, Denys?!"
"Oh? Hehe! Jus' a lil' bit o' fun a few days ago wit' that pretty receptionist an' 'er husband. I can read her lik' a book. She's lookin' forward to another 'bout." Denys mischievous said via mental link.
"Oh, for gods' sakes... So that's why we felt so... Hmph." Nigel responding in an exasperated manner as he stopped short and facepalmed.
"Hah-hah! Yup! I bet you two went at it dogs in heat that night." Denys jovially said.
"Oh... Shut up. Please, just... shut up." Suvi replied as she facepalmed herself, sharing a scarlet-red blush with Nigel.
"Hahahahaha~!" Denys mentally laughted, sporting an even wider grin.
It was after leaving E-Rantel and coming to the capital, they discovered something about the "Ninshu" Rite they received from their savior/benefactor Madara (A/N:CH.7). When they were within a certain distance of each other, they could communicate with only their thoughts. Even apart some types of strong feelings would "bleed" through. It has been both enlightening and embarrassing in a number of ways, but it truly brought a greater understanding of each other.
Combined with their ability to wordlessly warn each other of dangers, it also made the use of the [Message] spell pointless over short distances. Making their coordination in battle second-to-none was also of great benefit, and one of the reasons for their "rapid" promotion to gold-plate. As for the others...
*Knock*Knock*
Nigel gently knocked upon a closed door to the right and waited only a few seconds before a female voice answered.
"Enter."
Wordlessly opening the door, Nigel and his team were greeted by a rather spacious office with numerous desks, cabinets, and a metal, reinforced door behind the center desk. A female receptionist much like the one up front, but with dark-brown hair, greeted the team with a smile as she stood up from her seat.
"Ah, yes. It's good to see you and your team return Nigel. Please give me a moment to get your reward. Oh~! Before I forget, the guildmaster wanted a word with you when you returned." She cordially said.
"Oh? That's not a problem then. We can wait."
Nigel spoke with his now professional tone and demeanor as he did a head-bow. Turning to his team, he was about to instruct his team to take seats when the door to the room opened without preamble. Standing off to the side, the team turned to regard the newest arrival, and the receptionist bowed at the waist as she welcomed them.
"Good day, guildmaster. Nigel and his team had just arrived."
She was a woman in her 40s with a toned physique, and a vigor in her green eyes that made her look younger than she actually was. Her hair color was of a chestnut-orange color, and short-cut exposing her smooth neck. She wore light-brown leather trousers, boots, and jacket with a white button up shirt, which accentuated her firm and toned bosom. Much to Denys' veiled and enthusiastic approval.
She was the guildmaster of the Re-Estize Adventurer's Guild, Ameillia Grann. A former mythril-ranked adventurer herself, her position by nature gave her a measure of authority over the other branches of the guild in other locations within the Kingdom. She was known as a type of no-nonsense and pragmatic individual that would support her people, so long as they did not do anything to sully the name of the guild, and/or bring negative attention. Though rumor had it that there was a bit of tension between her and Blue Rose.
"Ah, Nigel. It's good to see you and your team return. I was hoping to catch you before you left again to gods-only-know where to." She said in a professional, yet cordial manner.
"My apologies if that has caused you any inconvenience guildmaster. My team and I prefer to remain active at all times, even between jobs." Nigel replied in a similar manner as a he a small bow at the waist in respect.
"I imagine so. I can tell that you and yours are hard workers. The improvements and progress the lot of you made in your last evaluation testing showed just how committed you all are. To 'lair-bellup' in such a short time is nothing short of miraculous. It speaks well of your potential."
"You are much too kind, guildmaster. We are simply dedicated to our craft. Nothing more." Nigel humbly said with a smile and head-bow.
In truth, he was hoping to divert the raised topic as soon as he could, since that was another surprising benefit to Madara's Ninshu Rite. They discovered that they also shared strength and their now tripled growth-rate with each other. So now a "lair-bellup", the spontaneous and permanent advancement of one's power and strength, was experienced by all three. Even their respective [Talents] were shared between them!
By all accounts, the trio was now strong enough to be promoted directly to orichalcum. With the exception of Mortis, whom Nigel soon learned was FAR stronger than the three of them put together. He was certain their mysterious fourth member was above even the famous Warrior-Captain of the Kingdom. Though how much stronger he could not guess.
"You're being much too modest, Nigel. Still, I have to admit it's a good quality to have. I've seen too many adventurers get full of themselves, but let us leave it at that. I wanted to personally share with you some good news. As of now, you and your team are being considered for an immediate promotion to platinum-plate. Congratulations." Ameillia said with a smile.
"Whoo-hoo! Nice!" Denys said with a wide and triumphant grin, whilst Mortis outwardly remained indifferent.
"Wha-? R-Really guildmaster? That's such wonderful news! Eh, brother?" Suvi cheerfully said as she smiled to her brother.
"I... I don't know what to say. Thank you, guildmaster." Nigel appreciatively said.
"Oh, you don't have to thank me for anything. It was your own hard work that brought you this far. All I did was recognize your efforts." Ameillia dismissively waved.
"Nevertheless, on behalf of my team, I do offer our most sincere thanks."
"Then you're most welcome. Now, I've kept you long enough. Collect your earnings, and expect the official word to come down within the week. Complete another quest within your usual timely fashion, and it might come even sooner than that." She said with a subtle smirk.
"In that case, we shall rest for a few days before doing precisely that." Nigel replied with a confident smile.
"That's what I like to hear. Well, I'll leave you to it. Have a good day you lot." Ameillia casually said as she turned on her heel and left.
"..."
There was silence for a full minute before the receptionist at the desk cordially spoke up, with four coin-purses lined up in from of her.
"Ahem~ Here's your earnings everyone. And on a personal note, congratulations on the news~!"
"Ah, thank you, miss." Nigel appreciatively said as he and the others claimed their earnings.
"It's only in a day's work. Have a good day everyone."
"You too, miss. Take care."
As Nigel and the others took their leave, Denys tossed his own coin-purse up repeatedly as he happily hummed as the day's turn of events.
"Welp~! Looks like I've got something more to celebrate tonight with the married couple!"
"Oh, for gods' sakes, Denys! Have some shame!" Suvi mentally groused as she blushed.
"Hehe~! Shame? Don't kno' the meanin' of the word... Still, is this a good idea, Nigel? I mean, I kno' Team Darkness ranked-up crazy fast, but won't we draw a lot of attention to ourselves at this rate?" Denys mentally asked in an uncharacteristically serious tone.
Nigel wearily sighed at the question as he thought on it. Indeed, they were developing and ranking up abnormally fast when compared to the average adventurer. The last thing they wanted or wished for was any close scrutiny of their past and present. Already whispers were floating about regarding their quick rise, and while that alone wouldn't have been a problem, they remembered well Madara's lessons regarding secrecy and subtly.
To them, standing out too much was antithetical to those teachings. At the very least, their new gear didn't stand out too much, even if the quality and power of their respective panoplies was far greater than what their outward appearances belied.
"I know what you're saying Denys, but it can't be helped. At least we're not making a point of being famous like Team Darkness." Nigel wearily replied via mental link.
"Alright, that's quite enough of that, brother. Let's not worry over such things for now. I'm still ever thankful for Mister Madara's training and gifts." Suvi interjected.
"Yeah, agreed. Hmm... I wonder what he's doing right now." Nigel hummed in thought as he and his team emerged in the common area of the guild, and silently exited to rest for the day.
...
It was the dead of night as Princess Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself of the Re-Estize Kingdom, otherwise known as the "Golden Princess", made ready for bed after planting the necessary information to a maid through idle, seemingly innocent conversation. The poor fool had no idea she was being used, and once her usefulness saw an end, Renner swore in her heart that she would have her killed.
None may mock her Climb and rest well. The look of murderous, killing intent that filled her gaze as the maid left, which ran completely counter to her smiling face, would have been plain to see had the maid bothered to look behind her. Yes, her instincts were dull. The pampered life of a noble-daughter saw to that. So dull, and so full of herself. Becoming a maid to royalty through blood and connections, and not through any real merit.
As Renner made ready for her bath that was being prepared, her idle thoughts were filled with plans on how to go about killing her. The princess was well-aware of the maid's rather numerous illicit affairs in the palace. Despite her passable skills in discretion. A Knight here, a nobleman there, and even her older brother the crown-prince on at least one occasion that she was aware of.
Yes, it was both sad and convenient that the noble-daughter practically handed her everything she needed to ensure that her death could be arranged, and all without her hand being seen behind it. It was almost too easy. However, just as she hummed at the plans taking shape, her instincts then immediately told her that she was not alone.
She calmly turned to-and-fro in natural movements that made it seem she was preparing for bed. Nearly anyone would have been fooled if they didn't know any better. Though Renner hid it well, she was unsettled. She was sure that there was a presence here with her. Her skin felt like it was now prickling, the air became stifling, and her heart raced as an indescribable feeling of dread picked at her consciousness. Yet her composure never wavered...
"Impressive, little girl. You pass the test."
A strong, masculine voice stoically commented at the other end of her quarters. As she turned to face it with a fearful expression, it was like the shadows came alive as a figure rose up from them. The shadows faded, and as the moonlight bathed his face, it revealed it to be the face of Madara Uchiha. Or rather, one of his clones that stared back at her.
"W-Who are you?" Renner fearfully asked as she clutched her hands together over her chest.
"..."
There was no immediate answer as Clone-Madara narrowed his vision on her and folded his arms in a dismissive, "Hmph". After a minute of scrutinizing her, he spoke in an impatient tone.
"Be rid of that fake 'face', girl. It won't serve you here."
It was like a wave of oppressive warmth bathed her, making her skin break out in sweat. Thick and cloying the air became, and all at once she realized what it was. It wasn't a [Talent], ability, spell, or even a [Martial Art] that weighed down on her. It was the sheer magnitude of his will and presence! She was no warrior, but she had heard of this sort of thing before.
Instinctively she knew that she was in the presence of a powerful being. There was no mistaking that. Someone so far above her, as she was above the worms in the earth. Knowing this, the fact that he could see through her "mask", came as no surprise. Furthermore, a certain thrill overcame her at she looked into the man's shining red eyes, and smiled as her façade faded.
'Finally... Someone more than worth my true self...'
It would have stunned the average individual to see the expression of the "Golden Princess" twist into a hideous parody of itself. Still beautiful, yet somehow "tainted" with an empty maliciousness, but also carrying with it an incredible intellect. This was the Renner's true self, and Clone-Madara nodded in approval as he spoke.
"Better. I thought as much. You are much more than anyone thinks you to be."
"Oh? And to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking~?" Renner asked as she fought with her own fear and excitement the man before brought out.
"Madara, Uchiha."
"My, such a curious name. Though you already know me, it is only right that I reply in kind. I am the Third Princess of the Re-Estize Kingdom, Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself." She said in a soft tone as she gave a royal courtesy.
"Hmph... Titles and positions matters not to me, little girl. I have been watching you. Studying your actions, past and present. You seem like a bird in a cage to most, yet you are much more. You play the part of kindly princess well, but you cannot fool these eyes of mine."
As Clone-Madara spoke, he slowly strode forth towards Renner. The red of his [Sharingan] shined brightly as he did, and every step he took seemed to crash like waves upon the shore in Renner's ears. And through it all, despite the fear and uncertainty this caused, there was still that ever-present excitement.
Never in her life was there anyone to look up to, and yet within the span of a few moments, she found herself doing just that to this man. Was he even human? As difficult as it was to believe, she was certain that he was. But for a human like this to actually exist? She nearly lost herself in her own thoughts contemplating the topic, but was drawn back to reality when she realized he was right in front of her with those curious eyes that seemed to pierce her soul.
"[Sharingan Genjutsu]!"
Those words seemed to echo in the air, making her brain tremble in her skull. As if something was forcing itself into it. In a strange way, she found it to be most pleasing. Such a thrilling and confusing sensation. To be under this man's thrall. He who stood over even the mighty Gazef Stronoff. Such curiosity and excitement! She willingly surrendered herself to his will, even before the genjutsu had taken effect. This paragon among the flotsam she barely tolerated...
"What you wish of me, o' Madara Uchiha?" Renner said with a twisted smile.
"Umu... You are quick to understand your place. Good. You will now become my subordinate, and will start by telling me all that you know..."
"Yes, of couse~ I can certainly oblige."
And thus, a new piece has been added to Madara's game board. Upon the eve where which demons will terrorize the land once more...
...
*A/N: Sorry for the LONG wait folks! If you keep tabs on my Bio page, then you know I've had some things going on. And to make sure everyone knows what the timeline is, Madara visits Renner before Demiurge does. If you follow the anime/manga/LNs, then you should already know where this is going; the Demonic Disturbance in on the horizon. Until next time true believers!*