Heaven or Hell

by Scarabeye3000

An Overlord of Death, and a Fallen Angel leads Nazarick into the New World. OC.

5. The Injustice of the Gods (rewritten)

Disclaimer: Not mine, nor yours. Bugger then.

Title: Heaven or Hell

Chapter 5 - The Injustice of the Gods Among Us

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Stellarum Nex - 30,000 feet above Carne Village

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"Do you think it wise?"

"What do you mean?"

"You did leave a witness-"

"-don't remind me."

"Of course there is also the Warrior-Captain and his men right?"

"-oh my god, please-"

"-just saying."

"-drop it, I beg you."

Sammael sighed at Momonga, or rather Ainz Ooal Gown as they sat across each other on one of the gazebos near the cathedral. With their current height and numerous precautions casts by the 2 Supreme Beings on the Batlle Barge, then they are basically invisible to the naked eye. It was a crisp afternoon day and numerous birds fluttered about on the trees lining the hedgerows of the simulated garden of Versailles. After securing Carne Village and posting concealed guards that were undetectable by no simple means, they retreated into the safety of the Stellarum Nex and discussed the previous events that happened on Carne Village. The first village they saved and their first foothold and contact on this world. Gazef, the Warrior-Captain of the Re-Estize Kingdom, ceded control of all the members of the Sunlight Scripture after a very firm insistence from both Ainz and Sammael. They concurred that they would interrogate the Scripture members themselves and send him the information back at the Royal Capital.

Gazef looked conflicted at that, but finally relented after being given a diary written by Nigun Grid Luin detailing the role of the Noble Faction on the Warrior-Captain's supposed demise. A matter not as simple as it seems since it included a prominent member of the Noble Faction, luckily with the handwritten letter and the words found in the diary, it would be enough to implicate the said noble in treason against the crown. The Scripture members were all secured by red-hooded servants of the Fallen Angel, servants armed to the teeth as he noted they carried swords, daggers, even long cylindrical tubes that do not look like spears. His mind protested as these prisoners could even implicate more and provide further proof that the Theocracy is working behind the various governments in manipulating their foreign policy, but he could not give voice to his protest. Undoubtedly, without the help of these Supreme Beings he could not even escape nor even breakthrough the ambush laid out before him.

He had no choice but to agree to the terms set forth by Ainz and Sammael, not that they were sent back empty handed or left to their own devices. The journal or diary was more than enough evidence including the fabricated armor and personal effects of the supposed knights from the Baharuth Empire. Among the evidence found was a stamped order that was conveniently in the things of the former Captain of the Sunlight Scripture detailing the plan for the supposed assassination that carried the signature and the signet ring of the previously mentioned noble and his allies.

And so after gathering all the evidence that he needed, less the prisoners of course, he raced back to the Re-Estize Kingdom to sort out his other end of the conspiracy. But not before ensuring that he had given his absolute word that he and his men would keep whatever they saw, that they could not believe with their eyes, against further discovery, or at least not getting the information from them.

"You know, a pre-emptive attack could turn 180 degrees and cause us more grief than we can handle."

"How so?"

"A pre-emptive attack on this Theocracy without enough information might not just ruffle a few feathers-" the Overlord turned to his feather winged friend, "-no pun intended though, but they could turn turtle and hide. Not to mention they could scatter the World Items around to obscure places we would be hard-pressed to find, or god forbid, unknowing of the power each item truly has they devolve into panic and use it without knowing the consequences."

"You do have a point Momonga-kun, but I just wish that we can ensure that all their World Items are neutralized as soon as possible," Sammael took a sip of his drink and sighed, "Though since the Theocracy is the first human nation that could oppose us, I can see other countries might be 'resistant' to our policies. What if we take them by surprise? A blitzkrieg if you must."

The Overlord shrugged his shoulders, "I'm not sure, again I will say that without much information we could not afford to be hasty in our military deployment. Though these reports-" he puts one of the reports that was given to them from the captured members of the Sunlight Scriptures, "-it gives us excellent insight, including feed back from their leader. Some of his descriptions of the items he saw were quite generic if you ask me."

"I think its good he was able to remember much after our 'constant prodding', though the music helps."

"Didn't he broke around the 20th repeat of 'Never Gonna Give You Up'?"

The Fallen gave a small laugh, "Well, he became a blathering idiot for a moment, but he did let slip that World Items are being used."

"Is that a certainty?"

"I believe so, he's a high-ranking officer, haughty, prideful, self-centered, but he's also broken. Our captive Captain says that the Theocracy possesses at least more than one of those World Items, considering there were Six Great Gods and what not," he gave a snort as he remembered a particular 'constant prodding' session he attended, "Its quite hard though, listening to him blabber and talk while sparsely singing 'Never Gonna Give You Up'.

"Hmm," Ainz cringed at that memory, "Is there a chance for him to regain his sanity?"

The Angel shrugged his shoulders and took a hearty sip of his tea, "To be honest, I am not really sure. Back in our world, the CIA used this 'interrogation' method back in their Guantanamo Bay, until the Cubans captured it in 2025 killing all army and civilian personnel. Its great that he's alive though, because we can get more from him. I suppose a reward based system would be best for him now, a breathe of fresh air, no shackles, he could clean the latrines."

This earned a laugh from the 2 of them, "Well, being strapped down by Neuronist and subjected to its ministrations would severely affect any man psychologically. You were right, if we sent him to the Great Tomb for interrogation, we might not get too much from him if your methods were not used."

"I surmised as much after hearing Neuronist suggestions, the wealth of information that we got from Nigun and so much more could be garnered."

Ainz nodded appreciatively, "Such information is vital to our operations, at least in their eyes we are Gods, misguided though they are, we can at least assume that the 6 Gods they spoke off clearly pertains to other players that came from Yggdrasil."

"But it seems so convenient," the Fallen quipped, "His description though seemed familiar in one way or another. I'm pretty sure that the Fire God was someone I knew before, maybe one from the 'Trinity' or some other heterophobic players that I should have destroyed before in the Reliqua Crusade. Though they are players just like us, they have interacted with the humans of this world who have a different understanding of the lore of Yggdrasil. Whereas we are simply playing about in it, they are living, breathing, and learning the knowledge of the arcane arts, which puts us above all human beings that we encountered so far."

Sammael shrugged his shoulders, "Though I must admit, it certainly feels a bit... absurd to have the one thing most men craved for all their life."

"And that is...?" the Overlord inclined his head towards him.

"Immortality of course! Our accidental immortality granted to us by our race. An Undead Overlord and an Empyrean Commander do not technically age in any way, yet here we are enjoying tea amidst the clouds. Both ageless and immortal in the truest sense."

"Hmm, is that my friend Sammael? Or is that hubris I hear?" Ainz gave a small chuckle, "Though it feels weird when you say it out loud."

"Haha, if you put it that way then I guess so."

"Getting back on topic though, what do you think we need to do now?"

Sammael looked down in contemplation as he puts down his tea cup, "Information, information is vital for any faction or government to succeed. Language, economics, social standing, politics, religion, the mood of the people, their staple food, including things as mundane as old stories and legends. This much knowledge must be needed in order for us to plan our next move."

"How do you think we should do this Sammael-kun?"

"I don't suppose you can infiltrate the Kingdom with General Azrael to document and study everything that can be done or can be garnered from the general populace."

"That is an excellent idea," the Lich nods in agreement, "I can bring one of the Maids of Nazarick to increase our party size."

The Angel nods in agreement, "Excellent, Azrael is an excellent spell-caster and has high level in the Monk Class-"

"Like Sebas?"

"-err, not as powerful a monk as Sebas, but I balanced it somewhat as he was a primary support spellcaster to begin with. I wanted to shift his class to Monk for as much as I can give so that he can still fight in the front lines."

"Wouldn't that have weakened him?"

"Not really, he has full class on spell and support casting, the Monk class was only for his personal defense at best," Sammael waved it off, "Anyway, don't think about him too much. So, while you infiltrate the Re-Estize Kingdom I would use my power and the rest of the General Angels to boost the scanning power of our sensors. This would help us pinpoint the World Items and their locations, although the power of our scrying might ruffle a few feathers."

"You mean the Theocracy?"

Sammael shrugged his shoulders and gave a small smile, "They could be, I mean, there is precedence that they would be looking since the battle against the SS, someone or something was practically scrying the whole area and it is because of the spell that you and I activated that they're probably crying their eyes out in pain."

At that even the Overlord gave a small laugh, "You're so cruel Sammael-kun, casting [Delay Ethereal Blindness]."

"We will never know who or what is looking at us back then, better they see the Light in its unobstructed and painful glory."

"But perhaps you should put your battleship in reserve, as a precaution at best."

"That has merit, by lying low we can approach enemy territories more and see if we can get some listening post in the surrounding Kingdoms," Sammael stood up and stretched his back, "Though nothing can beat the Stellarum Nex in the tactical sense since, well, it is a flying ship. Cast a large-scale invisibility spell on it and we're good to go, they can fart right into their noses and they wouldn't even hear it. If worse comes to worse they would have to use dragons before they can see us from above."

"What about our acquainted Captains?"

The Fallen cocked his head to the side, "You mean Nigun and Gazef? What about them?"

"I suppose we can let go of the Re-Estize Captain for now, I mean he seemed honorable, and he did give us his word-" The Overlord took a sip of his tea and sighed contentedly, ever since they discovered that the in-game feature of miscellaneous action can also be replicated, it was just sincere joy for him. They simply concentrated on what they wish to do and they find their body moving autonomously. If they wished to clap, their bodies would simply clap energetically like their in-game avatars would, if they thought of doing the taunting moves in Yggdrasil then their bodies followed suit, doing every rude gesture their avatars used to do. Both find that their bodies also stop at once as soon as they willed themselves to stop it, like interrupting an action by clicking or moving to a surrounding area back in the game.

Dancing was also thought about and both their bodies twirled and gyrated with comical results, thankfully, without any of the NPC observing them.

Though eating on the other hand is a skill or ability that their in-game avatars have done, and much to Ainz's great joy his first taste of food for a long time could only be described as glorious.

"I don't suppose activating the whole Skitarii Legio could hurt, I mean from the pathetic display of the Knights we just fought, the Red Army would simply sweep any opposition everywhere they would march. Even reinforcing the fallen wouldn't be much of an issue, every enemy that falls with a relatively intact body can always be mind-wiped and then integrated to the Legion. Others too far gone can be revived to be Death Knights."

Ainz shook his head, "Sammael-kun, the premise of war is the last thing that we should pursue. Though we are superior beings now in a sense, we should not forget what our governments used to argue with in justifying such actions. We must not be aggressors in this world, for we are not natives and have recently arrived."

"You mean a 'casus belli'? the Fallen sat down and laid his back on the reclining chair, "Well, we need to give them a reason first to jump on us before any 'cause' can be used so our 'bellies' don't get handed to us."

"Wow, was that an attempt at dry humor?"

"-I try Momonga. Does it need more work?"

"-definitely needs more work," the Overlord seemed to ooze a bit of humor and said, "Very well then, let us both do our ideas, our forces will search and try to find any traces at all of any World Items wherever they would be, while the two of us penetrate the Re-Estize Kingdom and the Baharuth Empire at the same time."

"Agreed, we will seek to undermine the Kingdoms of this New World and build our own above them."

Momonga puts down his cup as he remembered something, "What about Nigun though?"

Sammael grins as he stroked his chin and looked at the clouds, "I have a 'cunning' plan."

.s

Deep in the bowels of the secured bulkheads of the battleship 'Stellarum Nex' a prisoner shook his head as the darkness almost suffocated him from its thickness. All around he could hear numerous noises, boots marching, someone striking an anvil, the fires of industry roaring all around as Nigun took solace in his solitude. His captors were like the terrible foes described in the annals of the Gods back in the grand library of the Holy City. It has been approximately a day and a half since his last session of torture, these iron-men were getting more and more creative with their torment, not that they were hurting him physically, but the horror they replaced it with could not be forgotten.

Nigun shivered in the darkness as he remembered the dreaded dance called 'twerking' by the false blonde daemonette with its tongue horribly wagging at him called Miley Cyrus. Singing ghastly songs about 'ball wrecking'and all such nonsense he could not understand. Suddenly a loud bang could be heard outside of his door as he quickly understood the sound of a locking bolt being retracted, locks and pulleys giving way as his cell door swung open. He sat upright, fearing the worst of the tortures once more, the nightmarish music, the hellish dancing, and his iron-men captors. The masked human approached and looked at him with green glowing eyes, it seemed to scan him, scrutinized each and every inch of his face. Its iron grip held his face tight as he tried not to fought it off, well, its not like he could resist at all. It carried a cylindrical weapon that seemed to shimmer in the darkness, a magic weapon no doubt, but he would need to see first the efficacy if he would judge it an excellent one.

Heavy footfalls followed and another human, this one has an intact face of flesh, but its numerous gadgets and knickknacks adorning its head gave it a strange appearance. Its lower face was covered in a rubber gas mask as it towered over him, once more coming under scrutiny he looked at the two soldiers with him as he watched the officer nods its head.

'Torture,' was the only thought that Nigun had as the two guards grabbed him under his arm and manhandled him awake.

"Wake up meatbag, it would do you no good to continue sleeping."

'Is it talking to me?' the captured Captain simply stood up and dared not move, but kept himself from slouching off.

The Magos looked at him intensely and said, "My scans of your brain indicates your mental alertness has somewhat returned to normal and our methods did not seem to affect you too much. Mentally of course. That is good because you will need all of your mental fortitude as the Warmaster deemed you fortunate to meet with him."

"Warmaster?" Nigun was pushed out of his cell as one of the Skitarii soldiers puts an overcoat on his shoulder, "Where are we going?"

"So much questions meatbag, you will need the coat for the cold because you might freeze to death since your so vulnerable as it is," the Magos turned and started walking, the 2 Skitarii soldiers pushed him forward as he tried to quickly follow the deceptively long and quick strides of the Magos.

"What do they want with me?"

"My sensors are correct then, your inquisitive thoughts are a byproduct of your increased mental alertness- though it is not in my programming to question the eternal logic and arithmetical solutions of the Supreme Beings in general, and what-" the Magos looked at him from head to toe under its maroon robe as it shook its head, "-do they even see at you to even deem you worthy of their audience. Thus, it merely proves of the unfathomable insight of our Lords and how unworthy we are to be called Adepts of the Deus ex Machina."

The former leader of the Sunlight Scripture's heart skipped a beat as he remembered the crushing pressure of these so-called Supreme Being's aura. Now that he had calmed down somewhat, he had tried to analyze and remember the situation he had back then. Unlike what most believe, of him having such an antagonistic behavior, blind ambition and misplaced pride. He was actually quite intelligent, analytical and logical. Their family was a long line of zealots, soldiers faithful to their beliefs, holy warriors conditioned to never falter in battle and hold the teachings of their God to heart. He became the Captain of the Sunlight Scripture, not just because of his familial influence, he was actually the best at what he does. Though his pride in blood and hate towards non-humans makes him blind at times to the dangers that would seem evident to most people, thus the result of his previous altercation with the Mithril-ranked adventurer group of Blue Roses. He desperately remembered up to the point of the 2nd Angel appearing before them and choking him into unconsciousness-

"You will make yourself presentable in the presence of the Supreme Beings," the Magos stopped in front of a steel door as it opened ominously on its own, "Your dress has been destroyed during your foolish skirmish with the Supreme Beings, hence you will be clothed and bathed before facing them. This will not be gentle."

The Skitariis shoved him inside and he almost lost his footing, though the hold they had on his arms prevented that from happening. He could feel his arm numbing from their hold, but he dare not complain. He was led in front of a chair surrounded by brown robed humanoid beings. He was pushed down on the chair as the Magos stood on the door and said out loud.

"Magos Biologis M4314, initiate Protocol: Sigma 6R."

4 sets of yellow eyes lighted up under brown hoods as they activated from the command of the Magos. Nigun could hear a horrible grinding sound as the four humanoid creatures shambled towards him. Their brown cloaks casting a perfect shadow over their faces as two extra metallic limbs sprouted from their back. It unsettled him yet now he had an inkling why the Magos had such a heavy pack under his cloak. It wasn't a pack at all, but the covered limbs that moved magically on their own. He reeled back from the shock and a gut feeling of unease, but the Skitarii warriors prodded him forward with their spear. Finally, the creatures took hold of his arms and began dragging him towards a tub of water that appeared from the bare floor. If he had a guess then he knew what would happen next, sure enough the second creature grabbed hold of his clothes and began taking it off one by one. With a few wayward limbs he was finally exposed as a babe and unceremoniously dropped to the cold liquid. He spluttered to the surface as the hooded creatures began brushing him from head to toe. Not gently mind you, but almost peel your skin on skin brushing. They scrubbed him clean until his skin was almost red and raw, then they quickly dressed him in fresh woolen overalls. One of the creatures that was helping him dress up had its hood slip away and he looked horrified. It was the Captain of the men they paid to act as knights of the Baharuth Empire that was tasked to slaughter civilians. He had a rubber hose coming out of his right neck, his eyes were glazed over and there was a savage wound on his chest that was seemed to be sewn together and held in place by metal pieces. His breathe caught on his throat as he unsuccessfully tried to call out to the man behind the mutilated body, yet there was no look of recognition, he was met with deathly silence, the cold logic of a machine replacing the once breathing human's mind.

He was horrified at what they did to him, but he could not contemplate it further as the Skitarii soldiers dragged him outside as they continued to half-lead and half-carry him to their destination. The Magos led the way as they reached a large metallic corridor, Nigun noted that ever part of the building they were in was made of metal. These walls, ceiling, floor, support beams and doors were all made of metal.

It didn't make sense at all.

'Why were they wasting precious metal and iron for building? Do they have such a large surplus of the material that they can squander such things?' the former Captain tried to analyze the situation, if the enemy was using such expensive materials for building their fortress, then would it be safe to assume that their industrial output is greater than the Baharuth and the Re-Estize's combined output. 'That would be absurd! There has never been a nation or anyone as powerful as that except during the time God's walked-'

He stopped contemplating as Nigun was shoved outside of a door and his eyes saw a vision too absurd beyond his reckoning.

They were on top of a cat walk overlooking a very large room below, far larger than the great Citadel of the Gods on the Holy City. It was like a man-made valley, as they were situated several feet above of the spacious cavern. What is even more surprising is that the whole place was mode of more metal. But that was only a fraction of what he saw, he could see legions upon legions of soldiers that was lined up smarty into formation lines. They were doing drills as the obvious commanders, who stood on raised platforms, looked at their soldiers with a critical eye. He didn't mind the deathly grip on his upper arms as he saw their assorted weapons, their numerous flags and markings, he also saw their mounts. Numerous metal beast that walked on 2 legs like a horse, including a greater metal beast that carried 3 soldiers on its back that walked on 4 legs.

'They could outfit even the Theocracy's magic knights armor and weapon with all the resources I have seen.'

"You will keep moving meatbag, the Supreme Being has waited too long for you," the Magos reprimanded him as the Skitarii that half-carried him, pushed him forward again.

He grits his lips, but couldn't help, "Is the Supreme Being you were talking about the one with the inverted wing?"

"Very astute, yes you are correct-"

"-does he command you and all of 'this'?" he gestured everywhere as the Magos looked at him with a critical eye.

"By 'this' you mean everything you see?" the former Captain nods, "Then you are correct meat bag, the Warmaster Sammael commands all you see before you. Now, keep moving."

He was prodded forward again as they continued walking through the cat walk. As they crossed a different part of the cat walk, he could see rows upon rows of metal boxes with multiple wheels on the sides like a large cart. Then he saw large cylindrical tubes, larger than houses, they occupied at least half of the space and they were elevated from the floor. He was still trying to take everything in when another forceful prod almost made him lose balance again.

"Keep moving!"

They finally reached the end of the catwalk as they entered a dark room, once more he was shoved forward and was led into a dark room. Once inside he was joined by the two guards on his side as the Magos stood in front of him, there was a sudden lurch and the whole room moved as Nigun knelt on unsteady legs. The Skitariis with them made sure he didn't go far as they took him by the armpits and raised him up.

"Step lively and listen well meatbag," the Magos did not face him as he speak, rather he kept looking forward as the elevator trudged upward, "Lord Sammael, our glorious Warmaster, has bestowed upon us a great responsibility to bring you in one piece to him. As such, you will hold your tongue unless our Lords would talk to you, failure to do so would bring forth the wrath of his Generals. I do not need to remind you of your previous actions against them, you would do well to be humble in their presence. Understood?"

He meekly nods his head as light filtered above the moving elevator, he kept silent as he saw sunlight for the 1st time ever since he was captured and brought into the darkness of their prison.

Momentarily blinded by the light, his eyes adjusted quickly and he was next assaulted by the buffeting wind. For a moment, the wind was overwhelming yet it did not seem to faze the Magos nor the Skitarii with him. As they stepped out of the elevator, the buffeting wind immediately stopped as he gasped at what was laid out in front of him. A sprawling garden spread out before him that could not even be compared to any garden he ever seen before. Native birds fluttered everywhere, tasteful marble artwork were positioned in measured intervals that lined the cobblestone streets that started where they stood, up to the large cathedral-looking building on the end. He kept looking at the decorations and scrutinized the monuments, all the statues were life-like, humans and demi-humans in various poses showcasing immense beauty. The ascetic of the place was not lost on Nigun who enjoyed the beauty of things as his gaze kept shifting to the numerous flags fluttering about.

"W-what do those flags represent?"

The Magos regarded him for a moment and continued walking forward, "If you must know, each and every one of those flags represent every single army, every single champion that the Warmaster and his army have destroyed. We, members of the Red Army, have been his hammer that smashed any opposition Lord Sammael has had the notion to contend with."

"A-are you telling me that he fought others like him?"

"Yes, it is for the betterment of all his friends. Our Warmaster led us all into battle alone, without any assistance from the other Supreme Beings. Each and every enemy he fought and defeated he took a trophy," the Magos mechanical voice actually held a little bit of elation, "The wargear he got was used as materials for the Crimson Skull Throne, a true effigy that showcases his overwhelming victory against enemies of the guild and of course, their eternal supremacy from beyond the heavens."

So, the enemy he fought, nay, struggled against was a truly mighty one. For to command such a vessel, acquire such riches, and have the respect and loyalty of so many men. Only those that have gone beyond the limits of humanity could have done so, but to say such things mean only one thing. That is to admit that these beings are God, but are they truly Gods like the 6 Gods, or merely things that define as such. He put everything behind his mind for now as even though he was refreshed from the bath that he just had, their walk- or rather trek was still tiring that when he reached the top of the grand staircase he could only gasp at the brightness of the vast sky stretching before him. The sprawling garden lay before him as he tried to grasp where he was, looking around he could see that they were parallel to the clouds. That's strange were they located perhaps beside a mountain, but this is impossible. The only mountain that is near enough would be the Azerlisia Mountain range and that would take 3 days of hard riding on horseback to reach.

Yet here they were, in the middle of a sprawling garden that would put the garden in the Central Cathedral to shame, looking at a vast mountain range.

He couldn't keep his emotions in check, his face was a mixture of shock, disbelief and bewilderment. It was an impossible information one after the other, he was still out of it when they finally reached a nearby gazebo as the Skitarii released the grip on his upper arm as the adept slowly but surely stepped up to the stairs and bowed low to the master of this army. He was prodded by the soldiers as he relented and finally looked at the Angel he fought awhile ago.

The same angel now who nonchalantly sipped on a cup of hot tea while sitting leisurely on a cushioned lounge chair.

His great wings were folded neatly behind him as he looked at him with an appraising eye. Nigun stood up straighter and approached him full of apprehension, now that he had the luxury to do so, he noticed that the Angel had distinct human-like characteristics. The angel had the face of a human, golden almond shaped eyes, long silky hair, skin of bronze that glowed, a strong jawline and quite the presence. The fallen Captain expected a fearsome face, worthy of the demon mask that now rested on the table right beside where he sat.

"You look well Theocracy Captain, considering of the reception you have- erm... endured," the Angel gave a small chuckle and sparkling white teeth showed behind the lips for but a moment, "Come, sit and converse with me."

Tentatively, Nigun sat down on one the chairs and tried to relax, well, considering a being of enormous power was also sitting on the other side of the table, it was quite a feat then to do so. A being that could crush you to shreds with their strength, command legions upon legions of superlative soldiers and rumor has it, the ability to fight and kill hundreds of Gods in his wake. As proof he displays their flag on his garden, atop of his castle floating in the sky. Suppose that sums it all up, now what did he even get himself into anyway?

"Be at ease Nigun, I only wish to talk~" he felt his stiff shoulders immediately slump and relax, "I know that you have performed your duties to your- country. Orders of misguided old fools that let you fight battles that you yourself cannot knowingly win. I... I understand~"

Some familial feeling seemed to well up out of Nigun's heart as he heard those words,

"Share your thoughts with me Captain, I do enjoy my banter with mortals~"

'Why do I feel such emotions when he lowers himself in my eyes? Can he not honestly see-' he tried to master his emotion and maintain his calm demeanor.

"I-I do not believe it so My Lord-"

"Oh? Found your tongue finally? But let me ask, why do you not believe it so?"

"Y-you are a God-like being, to possess such powers that could rival, nay, exceed that of a demon lord,"

"Come now Nigun, I most certainly do make mistakes- and I admit it, thus I am not perfect."

Nigun still bowed at the fearsome Angel and said, "Be that as it may Lord, I am still humbled by your presence. Your generosity of letting me keep my life and speak with you- speak much of your mercy."

Sammael stood up and walked towards a side of the gazebo and looked beyond the clouds, "Mercy huh? I could snap you like a twig of course."

"Yet you did not My Lord, as such, even for a lingering moment I would like to extend my gratitude," the Captain of the Sunlight Scripture seemed meek now, cowed by the overwhelming presence he is now feeling. So foolish, why did he not felt it sooner?

The Fallen gave a small laugh and gestured to a tall glass of yellowish liquid in front of him, "You are thirsty of course? Have a drink first before I discuss with you the reason why you still breathe."

He bowed his head once more and picked up the offered drink, it was cold and he found his throat was parched, "I shall help myself then My Lord."

As soon as the liquid touched his lips, a very pleasant feeling of contentment spreads from his lips and putting his active mind into a more subdued state. This made Nigun confused even more, as the victor of any battle, he would have been made to endure countless hours of torture until the only mercy was a quick death. But now he was being served a strange, though utterly tasty beverage, and he still hasn't found out why.

"I know what your thinking, being treated kindly? Surely this is a trick right~" Sammael sat down on his couch again and smiled at him, "Did you really think I would let your transgression of raising your hand against me go unpunished? I was trying to parlay with you, yet you treated me unkindly and disrespected me in front of my subordinates and my friend, surely you know this warrants death right~?"

"I can only ask for your pardon my Lord, I was-"

He stopped as Sammael raised his hand to ask for silence, "I know you are merely exercising your duty and fulfilling your mission in accordance to the orders of your country. Thus, as a fellow soldier I cannot bring you to blame for such actions are also warranted in some clandestine operations, am I right~?"

"Y-you know of such things My Lord?"

"Of course, how can I lead a large army if I am not able to understand all manner and aspects of warfare," the Fallen took another sip of his drink and said, "You must be wondering why you still live?"

"My offense against you was great, to even had the gall to assault a God-"

The human stopped as the Fallen gestured for him to shut up, "Stop calling me a God, I do not see me as one. If you wish to do so and treat me as such then you may do so, but please not in front of me. Now I have a need of your skills Nigun.~"

"The servant of your paltry Gods have squandered your skills and sent you to the unknown, as such, you would have no idea that confronting me will bring forth your demise. As I have mentioned, your God, who is a mere survivor of a genocide I have inflicted on their ranks before does not merit your skills," Sammuel stood up once more and approached a side table, he took out a journal and found that it was their holy catechism, the book of faith for all holy warriors of the Theocracy, "The name of your Gods are familiar to me and I was right, they are survivors from my genocide.~"

Sammael looked back at Nigun and saw the horrified disbelief in his face, "Yes, you heard correctly. I visited violence and destruction before on your Gods and they all scattered before me. I suppose after the crusade I made and after I retired they all thrived once more, unfortunately, according to your book, other Gods seemed to have slain them too."

Nigun's mind was in overdrive, all manner of doubt and confusion has been washed away by this recent revelation he heard from the Fallen Angel. The people that escorted him here could not have lied about what he saw, the thousands of soldiers falling in line and formation. The might of his servant can only be eclipsed by the Master and judging by the way he was treated by the other Angels, they were all subservient to him. He could not stop his shaking as he realized if he had antagonized directly the master of this army, what would their world come to be? Hastily he stood up and knelt in front of Sammael, he could not control himself as he babbled incoherently, the implication and statements finally sinking in as the shock of the experience has slowly began to wear off.

"M-my Lord, forgive me, please stay your wrath against humanity- I-I will serve as much until my life is snuffed out, I will give everything though insignificant it may be-"

"Nigun, calm down and drink, I will need you to focus," Sammael stood on the other side of the gazebo as he gestured for him to approach, "Have you ever wondered how the Gods looked down from above?"

The Captain of the Sunlight Scripture hauled himself up and gawked at the view he was shown, it was the afternoon sun and they were high above the clouds.

"You are in my flying Battle Barge, the Stellarum Nex," the Fallen gave small grin as the Captain looked at him blankly without any emotion, "You are speechless and no words are forthcoming I presume? Well, that is to be expected. What your feeling right now is shock, unbearable shock and disbelief in knowint that whatever you were fighting for is but a lie. It is the feeling of your unshakable faith torn asunder, and the knowledge that the source of your prestige and power are all based on a lie. You are shaken to know about the truth of your 6 Great Gods, the truth that in their weakness sought refuge in this world. And though you cry out their name, in battle and in despair, you know in your heart that they are false, products of humanities misguided concept of a God."

A gentle hand was placed on his shoulder as Nigun's eye looked at the golden one looking back at him, "You will never see your God, nor attain even half of their power. Yet here I am before you. Willing- willing to bless those who would simply kneel and accept the truth that I have opened to you today."

He clenched his armored hand as Sammael spoke with passion and allure no mortal could ever resist, "I command an army that could burn the world, every soldier that will fall bolsters our ranks, every hero that dies a new champion fights for me, thus their glories are unending, yet now I extend the offer to you. A human champion that can go further than any powers your country can offer you."

"Embrace me as your Lord and Master and I shall grant you more power than you can ever thought possible. Embrace me as your Lord and Master, and I shall give you command of a great army, only lesser than my Angelic Generals. Embrace me as your Lord and Master and you will have the power to destroy all your enemies and tore their high places asunder."

The Fallen gather power in his hand as Nigun stand rooted on the spot, his eyes unblinking, taking in the wondrous and terrible apparition in front of him, "I have seen your heart Nigun and you desire power, however, you have served False Gods and their false promise of power. Your Gods kept you at a distance, your elders teach you none of their words, they give you none of their blessings. Instead, they give you a facsimile of the power too weak to even wipe the dirt off of my feet."

Sammael snapped his fingers and a roaring flame erupted near them, "Behold the true Summon: [Archangel Flame]"

The roaring fire reformed and remade itself continuously, until it began to take a solid shape. From its ashes, a being of gold and white armor came out. A Corinthian helmet with dark menacing visors and fierce glowing eyes looked back at Nigun. Steel like, individually feathered wings, and a long blade lance with a cylindrical implement on top was the Archangel Flame's weapon. Nigun can only stare dumbfounded at the sight in front of him, no human, not even a Cardinal could summon a sentient Angel, much less an Angel of this caliber. All those years of learning turned insignificant in but a single moment-

"Supreme Being," his voice trembled at the hurt he was feeling, his weakness that was now showcased in front of him, "What would you have me do My Lord?"

The Fallen gave a small grin as he walked towards the edge of the gazebo overlooking the magnificent view of the Azerlisia Mountains and said, "I will need you to go back to the Theocracy. You will go back as an agent of chaos, to sow discord among the servants of the 6 Gods. To weaken them without force of arms, but with force of subtlety and ways of subterfuge. They must embrace our coming with much singing and dancing or the alternative would be most distressing to all concerned."

"B-but My Lord, I am only one man... what can I do alone?"

"Foolish human! You cannot accomplish such a feat ALONE!" a loud thud came from outside as a blue plate armored angel landed on the stone floor, "You are weak human, blind with pride and above all things foolish that you are worthy of such power and such a master."

Ramiel, the Angel of Storms and dubbed as the 'Thunder of God' stepped up and entered the gazebo. He removed his ornate winged helm revealing a handsome face with no marks of battle at all. Placing his helmet at the lavish table he sat on one of the chairs and poured himself a drink of juice, "You had the gall of raising your hand against our Lord and against me. To think you are so foolish to believe that you can scratch my paint job- hwahaha!"

His laughter was full of spite and the barb on his human weakness was personally insulting, but the Captain took it silently. If he learned something from his new God, then it is humility. It would be truly foolish to rise and try to fight, he would be simply smothered with the power of this Angel and his body would be destroyed without even any of them lifting a finger.

"-and yet he took your insults in stride?" another Angel landed with a loud 'THUD" on the stone floor and followed Ramiel inside the gazebo, "Perhaps he is not so foolish after all. Give him a chance eh? If our Master Sammael deems him to be worthy, who are we to judge anyway."

The Angel of Storms scoffed once more, "That is your view point Baraqiel, quite frankly I would prefer if it were someone else. If not stronger, then at least have the respect reserved for our Lord."

"That is enough my brother," Leliel also followed suit, his steps were silent and a dark miasma suffused him like black smoke. His black plate armor did not help at all and his war scythe clipped behind his back gave the allusion of a harbinger of death, "You are countering our Lord's words by continuing this path of conversation, and by countering his words, thus I can only see it as blasphemous."

Nigun reeled back as the presence of 3 Angels that can level cities was pretty nerve-wracking. The power displayed by the blue armored one called Ramiel was already beyond comprehension, now though he is joined by two others who obviously share the same abilities and powers. It's just mind blowing to think there could be more than these 3 and all of them are under the direct command of the Supreme Being.

"Enough all of you, we will prove if he is truly faithful or not," Sammael stood in front of the Captain of the Sunlight Scripture and looked into his eyes, "Nigun Grid Luin, I will ask you one more time to affirm your commitment to the cause. If you do not wish to go through with this, when you next wake up you will find yourself on the outskirts of the Theocracy Capital. You will be left alive and well, but keep in mind that I will still descend down on your precious Theocracy and wipe them from the face of his land if they resist me. Or you can serve me. Forever."

The Fallen stood his full height and looked down at the kneeling human. His face was framed by the afternoon sun and an angry halo of red and orange hue formed on his head, "Nigun, would you embrace me as your God?"

The Captain's forehead touched the gazebo's marble floor as he breathed desperately, "Yes. Yes, I will My Lord."

Strong hands hauled him up to look at the Fallen Angel as he saw Ramiel standing in front of him blocking him from view. He looked confused and was about to voice his protest when Leliel and Baraqiel also stood slightly behind the 2nd Angel as he found the two of them were the one who hauled him up to face their Lord."

"Don't be foolish and just relax," from behind another Angel popped up as Zadkiel gestures to the Supreme Being who had donned his horned demon mask, "Keep in mind that Lord Sammael will need to unleash his full might in casting this specific spell. The pressure alone would slay you where you stand and the heat coming from him would sear even your soul to cinders."

Nigun nods his head to show that he understood when suddenly a great tension came from the Supreme Being. It was utterly impossible, but he could feel the air suddenly froze up as all noise from the wind stilled and all manner of movement stop. Suddenly a powerful presence enveloped them in quick succession, it covered them, converged and engulfed them in its embrace. It was simply stifling as he felt himself getting hotter and hotter, while the mana in his body threatened to explode or implode, he felt nothing else aside from the anxiousness washing over him as he felt the Supreme Being's full might crash upon them like great wave from the sea.

"Testimonium meum ascendit," red flaming wings sprouts from the Supreme Being's back, individually feathered, but unlike his Generals before where the wings were white a snow and glittered with golden flecks of fine powder on the edges. It was now a mixture of obsidian black and red, foreboding like the red moon trailing through the night sky as ash and brimstone constantly fall from each and every feather. His ancient armor and runed gauntlets had turned into clawed fingers, and every exposed skin glowed with numerous runes of power and warding. A golden halo that formed a second ago, burned with such intense fire and heat, he felt that a blacksmith's furnace was actually colder than it is. As such, Nigun can only look on in fright as his new 'God' revealed itself in front of him.

Fear gnawed at his heart as Sammael's eyes focused solely on him. His horned mask was now riddled with numerous writings and runes too ancient to read or understand. Feeling he was ready, the Supreme Being took a step towards them. As soon as his boots stepped towards them, all of the Angel's around him knelt one by one as they all fell into their knees at the sheer might gathered before them. All three of the Angels were bowed down and only Ramiel was the one left looking eye to eye with his Lord. A firm testament to the 2nd Angel's own might, but as their Lord approached them he saw Ramiel gradually bowing down in the end. This brought mroe fear on him as he remembered the single moment when he felt all the powers of a Supreme Being up close.

"Nigun Grid Luin, I mark you as a servant of Nazarick," Sammael raised his left hand as the kneeling human saw malevolent energy gather upon the raised hand, the power clashed mightily against the wall of Angels as he felt a single tear roll down his cheeks. How could he deny that such a vision of raw power brought such a profound happiness inside of him.

"Potentia ad sacrificium et doloris," the Fallen slowly begins to extend his left hand towards him and the sudden realization of him being imbued with power was finally absorbed by his brain.

"Quod universum remunerator fit promptus est... sanguinem funder potest promissionem."

The glowing left hand thrummed with power as it penetrated the protective cocoon of the four Angels, its heat radiated outwards and a cold dread gripped Nigun, the glowing hand would scald him and surely scar him more, "Let this scar signify your allegiance to me and the sundering of your old vows, let none strike you again, while you carry my Immortal Favor~ [Radiant Hand of Blessing]."

The hand easily pierced through the protective shield that was put up by the Angelic Generals as a cold hand touched his right cheek.

"Do you fear death Nigun?" Sammael voice softly asked.

Power coursed through him as the Supreme Being's hand held half of his face, bravely the human looked into the eyes of his new God. His heart was filled with renewed courage as he grits his teeth and replied with confidence.

"As long as I am under your service my Lord, I do not fear death."

Pain exploded from the right of his head overwhelming him, a sharp ear-splitting pain splits Nigun's mind as he tumbled again into the arms of unconsciousness.

.

.

Baharuth Empire

.

Nine carriages raced through the country side as they made great progress towards the Baharuth Empire's capital of Arwintar. The carriages were large, made of sturdy black wood and pulled by six great horses as the sound of hooves thundered through the road. Each and every carriage was heavily laden with merchandise and men as the country road as the caravan seemed to fly through the dusty trails. The drivers wore red hooded cloaks and the escorts beside them carried exotic weapons, repeating crossbows, longbows, spears and numerous variations of swords. Flags were saddled as they flew in the wind nestled between the driver and his companion, a double headed eagle flew mightily from the flags as they thundered through the country uninterrupted.

Inside the first of the carriages, Sammael, the Fallen Angel sat with his feet raised on a cushion. Zadkiel in normal human clothing sat across from him as Leliel drove the carriage while Baraqiel rode shotgun.

From behind, the other carriages kept up with their speed as they make excellent time on their schedule to penetrate the Baharuth Empire. Suddenly, Baraqiel's head popped up on the window as he climbed down from his perch and looked at the Supreme Being.

"My Lord, we have just crossed the territory of the Baharuth Empire. We should reach their nearest city before nightfall."

"Good work Baraqiel, " the Fallen yawned as he sat up and stretched himself, "Keep me posted."

"Aye sir," and the General returned to his seat.

Zadkiel looked up at him as he finished reading the documents he had on hand, "My Lord, how should we begin to subdue this Empire if it rivaled the size of the Re-Estize Kingdom? Also, would it not be simpler to bring our military might to bear? By my estimates, it would shorten our campaign's timeframe by at least a year, or less if certain protocols are removed."

Sammael smiled as he looked at his General, the way the NPC's are thinking for themselves is truly astounding in his eyes. Their certain traits and values occasionally surface when they make decisions, yet the underlying tone is that their experiences are not enough for this world. Momonga was right, it seems like the NPC's might do harm if they are left on their own devices, but that can be easily addressed, "Zadkiel, you and all your brothers are made to focus on your military strengths and to resolve every issue with a military mindset. By doing the most efficient and effective means to a solution. However, there are issues in this world that demands you exercise prudence, critical thinking, and of course, discretion. Think of this as one big exercise for all of us."

"What do you mean My Lord? Like a training exercise?"

The Fallen nods, "Excellent comparison... now imagine that world where 'I' do not exist-"

"I dare not My Lord!" Zadkiel looked hurt and pained, a fearful facade descended on his face as he was almost close to tears, "We would not let any harm come to you My Lord, we would die before it comes to pass! Such a world may not exist since we would not have any direction and I fear such a chasm in our hearts and mind would be too much for us to handle. We might even devolve into fits of destruction- to hold such power like us and no direction to follow, but oblivion."

"I understand," he puts a comforting hand on the distressed servant's shoulder and squeezed, "I am not saying that we would go away. But then again, no parent or creator wishes its creation to remain stagnant. Both Momon- Ainz and I wishes all for our creations to learn about this world, to see what the people see, to adapt, to judge fairly and appropriately. Both of us would like to see all of you grow, understand and at least, develop the personalities and thinking that your creators have imparted on you. I want you all to have a personality that is distinctively you while still retaining a part of me, and thus I attain immortality through you."

Zadkiel nods slowly as the lesson of the Warmaster is quite compelling, especially those things that is not pertaining to warfare. Such instances are rare to begin with, as such each and everyone of them relished the thought of their creator imparting a nugget of knowledge for them to keep forever.

Baraqiel's face came up to the door again and said, "My Lord, the first fortress city of the Baharuth Empire is in our sights. Shall we try to establish trade?"

The Fallen nods his head, "Head for it, it is best if we can secure the local Lord's cooperation and endorsement before pushing forward to the Capital."

The horses were reigned in as they slowed down to more perceptively human-like speeds as they raced forward before augmented with their own powers. The Friesian Steeds were the warhorse of the legendary 'Einherjars' in Yggdrassil, from the in-game lore they were tireless horses, able to run for a week without food or rest, incredibly intelligent and perceptive. Their brown red eyes allow them to see well in the darkness, while it reduces glare from the bright rays of the midday sun. Normally, they are faster than 'Sleipnirs', but then again the Friesian Steeds looked like normal horses albeit a bit larger.

Reaching the main gates, the guards gestured for them to stop as two burly guards stood in front of the barricaded gate.

"You have reached the Frontier City of Solsticium, what is your purpose here?"

Baraqiel made a show of exhaustion as he smiled while calling out to the guard who spoke, "Greetings, my name is Baramus, servant of Samuel. Merchant of spice, wares, exotic weapons and the occasional magic items."

A hand was extended and the guard looked at it, but took it after awhile, "I am Krogan, Captain of the Solsticium Militia. And from where do you come from?"

He bowed and said, "We have come from the lands beyond the seas, past the Azerlisia Mountain pass, through the outskirts of the Forest of Tob and finally we are here."

"Did you say Azerlisia Mountains? Did you not pass the Re-Estize Kingdom first?"

"Certainly, we did pass the city of E-Rantel and took a roundabout route going here because we heard disturbing news about the Kingdom."

"Oh?"

Baraqiel's fingers deftly produced two gold coins that did not escape the notice of the Captain, "Yes, we heard there was a disturbance near the borders of their Frontier city. Now as Traders ourselves, we took prudence and circled around. A marching army or a plague, or any complication might not be good for business anyway, so we went straight here. Also, we heard that the Empire's bureaucracy and military is very much friendly to new... business opportunities."

Nobody could have seen it, but as soon as Baraqiel reached for the Captain's shoulder. He stealthily slipped the two gold coins in between the armors of the soldier as their eyes met knowingly, the man also reached for his shoulder, took the coin into his hand and squeezed. It was malleable and yielded to his touch, it could be silver, or it could be gold, either way, it was not iron or any hard metal, as such the coins are indeed made from valuable materials. Sensing that he was well-compensated, the burly Captain's expression softened as he said, "Welcome to the Fortress City of Solsticium. Would you require escorts to the estate of the Magistrate?"

"Of course, we would be obliged to accept such generosity."

"The pleasure is all mine," he then signaled to a soldier who run up to him, a scroll was produced and it was sealed with wax, "Bring this to the Magistrate, this will mean that I cleared you as a merchant. If you have a scribe then I can have your name instilled on the parchment, if you need a scribe then I can arrange one for you."

"Such graciousness, but this is already enough good sir, We do have scribes travelling with us however, about that escort that you have offered?"

A soldier approached them as Captain Krogan taps him in the shoulder, "This man will take you to the Magistrate's house, good luck, and may the grace of the Gods be upon you."

"And also upon you good Captain," the hidden Angel and headed for the carriage, he reported their status to Lord Samuel inside the carriage and watched as their soldier guide got up and sat beside Leliel as all three of them now occupy the front seat. The horse reins were slapped across the rearmost horses as the convoy rolled forward briskly. Passing through the main gates and its accompanying garrison, Captain Krogan watched as their flag held his attention for a full minute. He noted that their insignia flew on all the carriages as they kept in perfect line, like a parade of soldiers marching through a city, their banners flying proudly.

It was a black double headed Palatine Aquila, or a double headed eagle. Its wings spread wide, one of its head was blind folded while the other head stood vigil and ever at the ready. Its claw clutched bolts of lightning while the other one carried a branch of olive. Somehow it bugged him a bit that the merchant flag seemed to be a battle standard of some sort, but he dismissed it as he walked back into his office. He would need to go home early today as he would need the services of the Trade Guild today, with the 'gift' given to him by the merchant he would be able to give his wife a gift for their anniversary, he scoffed at that as he thought that the Magistrate should be handling them now.

.

The soldier who acted as their guide pointed to a row of trees that hugged the road as they finally reached the house of the Magistrate. It was not too far from the city's citadel as Leliel took note of the natural defensive barriers of the property. Considering there was a sharp incline and a small wall that led up to a higher bluff leading to the house, any attacker would be exposed unless they would be willing to crawl and swim through the muck and sop of mud that he can clearly see right now. Anyways, it certainly made explaining easier as the soldier himself signaled to the guards on the small gate and they were immediately waved through.

Inside the carriage, the Fallen grinned and inspected the piece of parchment and shook his head, "Everywhere we go- greed always rears its ugly head huh?"

"My Lord?"

"It was nothing Baraqiel- though I was surprised that our 'little bribe' would have worked wonderfully, did you charm the guard captain by any chance?"

Zadkiel shook his head, "Baraqiel nor Leliel ever used any form of mind magic. In any case My Lord, I don't think it was ever needed."

"Since we have precedence that bribes are still useful in this world, I leave to you with the gift in dealing with the local Magistrate," Sammael fixed his tunic and said, "I almost forgot to mention, see if we can give him samples of the wares that we have for him that we would take to the Imperial Capital. Additionally, once we reach the estate, I would like to talk with the Magistrate as soon as possible."

"Yes, My Lord."

.

Magistrate Tibian looked down on the piece of parchment which was part of the requisition request that he would be sending to the Capital in a few days time. It has been quite messy these few days on top of his desk considering he was a frontier city and a Fortress city too at that. The recent disturbance within the Re-Estize Kingdom and the numerous shakedown that came from the compromised security that even went up to the Royal Faction is truly worth noting since his city falls under the same category.

Mainly, a frontier city or the first city within a certain section of the Empire. Which has its own Fortress for its own defense and as a shield to the Empire to prevent any army from bypassing their territory. Any enemy or army that would come from the lands beyond the Empire would need to lay siege to his city first before proceeding inside the Empire. As such, his position is a prestigious one and only reserved those that have been former Generals or military men that have retired. Now, Tibian knows that their new Emperor is not just wise politician, but a cunning monarch as well. He took into his confidence old generals that have quite some weight within the military in their youth and tasked them to the edges of the Empire. They were sent back to their hometowns and deposed of the corrupt noble-born Magistrate as the Emperor sat these retired generals and made them Magistrates.

Thus, he not only secured the loyalty of these retired men. But also made sure that they would make sure and endeavor to protect the place where they came from. Their hometowns that they left on their youth, the Emperor brought them back to defend it and if possible delay any attacks to the Empire at large.

Tibian gave a small chuckle, "A wise politician indeed."

He was shaken from his reverie as he heard horse hooves thundering through the country lane. Standing up and putting the scroll he was reading back to the table, he walked over to the window and saw a convoy of carriages laden with products and numerous crates obviously full of merchandise.

"A visitor?"

He saw as the lead carriage peeled off and headed for his house, while the other carriages parked themselves on the grounds.

"An envoy or a trader?"

He took note of the mercenary soldiers riding atop the carriages and their complete and expensive equipment. The manner upon which they moved and of course, the lead carriage who actually carried one of the guards under the command of Captain Krogan. He was still analyzing the carriage when his eyes fell unto the banner it flew.

"A double headed eagle?"

.

Arriving at the steps of the Magistrate's mansion, numerous maids lined up to greet the new arrival as Baraqiel jumped down from the carriage with their soldier guide not far behind. A butler rushed up to them and whispered hushed words, who then ran to the door and directed man servants who approached Leliel while another took hold of the door of the carriage and opened it with practiced professionalism. Zadkiel alighted from the carriage as he approached the soldier guide and handed him a lesser sized gold coin and dismissed him. The soldier's eyes widened and bowed respectfully at their generosity as he went on his way.

The butler took note of the coin that was given and deemed it prudent to be cordial considering they were spending gold coins just like that.

"Good afternoon to you sirs, may I have the name of the merchant so I can properly address them and of course, his esteemed company."

Zadkiel bowed and said, "Greetings, my name is Zadicus. My colleagues are Baramus and Lily, we three are the direct assistants, scribe and adjutants of Sir Samuel of Cadia."

The butler bowed once more and hurriedly went inside, as he left them another maid who looked more senior than the others bowed and said, "My name is Maria, governess and head maid for the Magistrate Tibian. Please follow me to the receiving area."

Zadkiel bowed in acknowledgement and turned back to the carriage, knocking on the wooden panel he called to the inside of the carriage, "My Lord, we are being invited inside."

Someone cleared their throat inside with a slight cough as Sammael or rather Samuel came to the door and lithely stepped down from the carriage's steps into the stone floor of the villa. The numerous maids lining up outside tittered loudly and gasped at the man who just alighted. Being an Angel, his face was still the same as ever, but what actually held them all was the golden eyes and long silky hair he had. For a woman who held his eyes, he looked aesthetically pleasing, with high cheekbones and an aristocratic nose. Broad shoulders and matching shirt and pants, he looked around and took note of the admiring gazes the maids and servants were giving him.

"Lily," he addressed the driver of his carriage who replied with a 'My Lord' back at him, "We require an appropriate gift for the Lord of the Land."

The driver of the carriage passed the reins to another red-hooded servant and turned towards the compartment he had behind where he sat, as he began to rummage objects left and right Samuel nods to the governess who took the cue and led them inside. Samuel took note that the estate wasn't too big, nor was it opulent in a sense. It was actually, very quaint and rustic, plus there does not seem to be too much objects of high value unlike the Noble Houses that they have actually staked out in E-rantel.

They were led into a large room with couches and tables with a large view of the grounds where his numerous carriages were parked side to side and ready to leave in a moment's notice.

Samuel was still contemplating the design of the house when the butler returned and crisply declared, "Magistrate Tibian welcomes thee, Sir Samuel from Cadia."

A man in his late 50's with a head full of white hair and a limp in his gait arrived with a flourish. The way he moved was not that of a frail old man, but rather a man with a purpose. Though advanced of age, he carried himself with the authority and power of an old military man. Though he looked frail and most of the muscles from his youth has gone away eaten by time, his eyes though still held the hardness of steel and the fierceness of an old wolf. His shoulders were still straight and strong, like any military man would carry himself, a man of pride and dignity. Sammael's eyes was taken as he looked at the old warrior in front of him, he had seen men like these before in the old world. Eyes that had seen the sufferings of war, the pain of loss and the joy of life. Even from old videos at the PPV website Youtube where the old documentaries were still being run by state media, he could not forget the eyes. It was like the old Magistrate was a reflection of the old world, where the old problems are the same where ever he goes. Where one does not simply 'switch' off the reins and discipline of the military and sometimes its hard to separate the two at all.

"A pleasure it is to meet you Magistrate Tibian," Samuel walked over and offered his right hand while bowing slightly, "I am Samuel from the distant land of Cadia. A travelling merchant of all things exquisite and noteworthy. Procurer of knowledge, amateur cartographer and historian of civilizations."

The eyes of the old wolf squinted at him, gauging if he was telling the truth until a small smile graced the wizened face, "Likewise, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Samuel of Cadia. Please sit with me."

Heading for a shaded veranda that overlooked the sweeping grounds, Magistrate Tibian gestured for them to sit as the Fallen took a seat across him. Leliel followed behind as he carried a small lacquer chest that he presented in front of the Magistrate. Samuel smiled and gestured to the old man to help himself and open the chest as he reached out and opened the chest. Inside, he was taken aback as the gesture was not missed even by the butler who stood behind the old man's back.

"Accept this gift as one of my first acquaintances here inside the Empire."

Inside was a breast plate made of a black steel with a complete etching of Celtic design giving the illusion of a glow to it. Leliel took another longer lacquer box and opened it in front of the Magistrate. This time it was a Roman gladius sword with three runes carved into it and its accompanying scabbard. Tibian was floored and rendered speechless it was a rare sight to see a rune weapon, let alone carved with three runes of power in it. In his youth he could still remember the skirmish with the Re-Estize Kingdom and the use of such exotic weapons could do to an opponent first hand. As such, he tried hard not to sound too pleased with the gifts he was given as he smiled and nods appreciatively.

"I am honored and glad to receive such a gift from you," the Magistrate smiled and said, "You have not given me due reason though on what you are currently doing on our borders and to what end do you wish to stay within our Empire."

Samuel sighed as he sipped on the hot tea they were served by the governess, "I am a wandering merchant Magistrate, I procure premiums items and some of the most unique inventory that is rare within the Empire and may I dare say rare from this continent."

"Aside from peddling my wares and items, I would love to go exploring ancient cities before the arrival of the 4 Gods in this world. Such forgotten knowledge is like honey for this bee and I would very much like to stay and gather data on it, it is like a hobby for me," Samuel said with a flourish, "Oh I also make maps on the side, but only for my personal collection and also for certain individuals who I believe would deeply appreciate such works."

"Oh? You make maps? Can I see?"

Samuel snapped his fingers and Lily came over with another box that is roughly 4 square feet in length and a width and height of about 2 inches. He opened it and the old man's eyes widened, it was a map that was rolled up and it showed great details of a certain continent in the old world.

"What is this place? A-asia?"

"Indeed, this is an old map that I have acquired on the continent where I came from. As you can see, it is a vast land that is home to neighboring nations that-"

"One second," the old man's curiosity got the best of him and said, "What are these details? And these partition on the map? Am I to assume these are all nations that are controlling the continent?"

"You are correct in your assumption Magistrate," Samuel pointed to the greater part of Asia and Europe and said, "This is the sovereign country of the Eurasian Soviet Socialist Republic or the ESSR, it stretches from the borders of the Greater Dragon Co-Prosperity Sphere, up until the borders of the Sovereign African States."

Magistrate Tibian stared as his mind began to compute the necessary manpower, military, trade, and wealth a certain Empire must have to control such a large amount of territory. And to think there were only 3 nations that divided a continent that would have swallowed up their own, it somewhat terrified him to think that the Baharuth Empire could not even stand against this army. Of course, in battle one must always judge the capability of his opponent, but when you are arrayed against a country of billions and an army of at least 1% of that. He couldn't shake off the dread he felt awhile ago and a new found feeling he would not have found possible with his new acquaintance.

"It is such a terrifying thought that there exists Empires that clearly dwarfs this nation, I am also inclined to think that you are a spy for said nation."

"Well, I can't say that I did not expect that Magistrate," Samuel sighed and gave a small smile, "I can assure you that I am no spy and as mentioned I only do maps. Also the three nations you saw on the map are no more."

"No more?"

"Yes," Samuel took out a silver tag that carried the 8 pointed star, "As you know, powerful nations tend to play powerful games and war is one of them. I don't even know who exactly fired the first shot or who attacked who first, but soon the war swept through the land. My family was part of a refugee that set sail on the last sea worthy ships on our continent, before a blockade of ships ultimately burned our coastal city and drove us away."

"That is unfortunate, how about other people from your ships?"

Samuel shook his head sadly, "Our fleet of 9 ships was ultimately lost until my own personal ship was the only thing that was left. We were only able to land on a desert landscape with only the Azerlisia Mountain as our landmark. We also lost a lot of my countrymen with the wild beast as we cross the barren landscapes on the East of the Azerlisia range. Not to mention those that we lost when we tried to cross through the Mountain Pass-"

Tibian also shook his head, "Frost Giants?"

"Yes, quite a lot actually. What you see right now are the remaining wares and craftsmen that managed to survive from our initial number that set out from our beach head."

"And yet you give me a very luxurious gift?"

"In truth, I really wish to rest and establish a Trading House within this Empire and I was hoping you could at least point me in the right direction. My people and I are craftsman by trade and we are weary not just from our travels, but also from the pain of memory from our lost nation," there was no lie in his eyes as Tibian watched him closely.

The Magistrate smiled, "Don't worry I can help you with that."

"Wonderful! If you don't mind, we would like to stick around so we can get a grasp of the products we can acquire here and hopefully bring it to the Capital when we push through there maybe in the next few days."

"Take all the time you need," the old man was quite pleased, with them staying for a few days, he can observe if there was an inkling of truth in what he said, "I can provide you and your adjutants lodging however, about your other men?"

Samuel bowed as he stood up with the old man, "Do not worry your Magistrate, our men are perfectly fine with pitching a tent and using your grounds as camping site. And we would also like to ply our wares for at least a few days also to test the market for our products, with your permission of course?"

Tibian smiled as the Fallen took his offered hand and shook it, "You will have it."

.

Sammael walked towards the market area for the Fortress City as 8 out of the 9 carriages now lined an open spot for travelling merchants and the like. The specific space given to them by Magistrate Tibian was quite large and it was near the entrance to the marketplace so they were on the prime location to peddle their numerous wares. The old general took a liking to their prototype repeating crossbow that employed a crank shaft system to load and pull back the bow string. Its range was not as far as a longbow, but it was accurate and the rate of fire was something else. Armors, swords, spears, shields, knives and all manner of weaponry could be seen as even Captain Krogan could be seen browsing through the goods they have. The numerous Magos that came with Sammael's caravan also peddled their crafted works, from low level Life and Mana potions, up to those that offered numerous buffs or enchantments. Wizards and mages lined up to check the magical tomes and books as they all lined up to buy useless knickknacks from Yggdrasil turned out to be very valuable items in the New World.

A good example would be a small Potion of Dexterity, once this potion is consumed, that person would notice an increase in his speed which would tactically tip a dangerous situation in his/her favor. Most likely done in the heat of a battle or to aid in an escape or evasion. Aside from a Dexterity Potion, there are other potions that enhance one's strength, or fortitude, or clarity of mind. They also sold numerous magical weapons, although very common, and very weak compared to those commonly used by the Skitarii and the Warders of Nazarick. They still sold it for large sums of money and the interest has not waned down one bit. Additionally, these weapons they sold could never touch a single hair from a Supreme Being with all their passive auras and resistances, but against a normal human though, its a different story altogether.

These magical weapons are swords that spew fire with every swing, or staff that shoot out a stream of black tar, or even a dagger that drips with a potent poison no Apothecary in this New World could hope to synthesize an antidote.

The people browsing through the wares felt this was like a caravan for the Gods. For not only are their weapons magical, but every thing they sold or peddled is a thing of wonder.

A few nobles that managed to cling to their wealth were a great fan of the spirits and tobacco they offered. Fine drinks like the Sparrow's Rum, or Barbossa's Whiskey, even Stalin's Vodka were a complete hit. Sammael gave a chuckle as he found several barrels of grog that was reserved for the 'supposed' human crew of the 'Stellarum Nex', but found them to be all Skitarii. As such, without anyone consuming the thousands of barrels they had on stock, plus the ways and means to make more was stored in the library and the data banks of the battle barge and the Great Tomb. He thought it wise to use the liquor as a way to get into the good graces of the nobility and those in power and in some select instances, it can also help in lubricating the gears of the bureaucracy to his favor.

He was very pleased with their sales today, not to mention the high volume of turnout not just for the men, but also for the women of the house.

Reserved for the women of the house are numerous jewelries of varying size and shape made out of gold, silver and white gold. A relatively new type of jewelry that glittered as well as gold in their eyes. Gone were the simple and thick designs that was prevalent of their time, instead these jewelry were made with intricate patterns so complex, no jeweler or lapidary could have copied the design so easily. Not to mention the many dresses and variations on them that the carriages carry. They can quickly make a dress depending on a buyer's preferences with color, style and accessories included. Additionally, they offered rare colors such as royal blue, bright purple and hot pink, who for Sammael's own amusement was the first sold out item on their dresses.

The caravan stayed only for a day to get the feel of the items they would be carrying to Arwintar. They left the next day, but not without leaving a bottle of their finest bourbon for the Magistrate who sent them papers of his endorsement and a few whispered information for the Fallen's ear.

The nine carriages raced through and skipped other cities and towns and headed directly towards the capital. After a hard day of riding, they finally arrived during the night at the southern gates. Fire pyres lined the city gates to ensure that visibility is maintained by the city guards. Now, even though the gates are barred and guarded, and it is against security protocol to open the gates at night. The soldiers were 'persuaded' to finally let them through after gifts were brought out, leaving the Commander of the guards extremely pleased with himself and very proud of the dress he would take home to his wife later. Not to mention a small barrel of new liquor that they left for the garrison, the soldiers could not even wait to open the gates in service to the 'humble merchant' that wanted to enter the city.

They headed for the 'Singing Apple Pavilion' to settle down for the night, Baramus and Zadicus walked up to the front desk and smiled down at the person in front of the counter.

"Room for two?" she cheerfully asked as noticeably blushed at the sight of two handsome noble men before her.

The two Angels looked at each other and said, "Err, actually no- we're not that way."

"Yes, we actually would like your finest rooms to be occupied tonight."

"Oh? A whole floor for you two perhaps?"

Baramus gripped his staff tighter as a vein popped in his head, "Miss, I would like to reiterate that we are not lovers-"

The woman looked taken aback at his statement, "Oh dear, forgive me my Lords. Its just that we are having a promo tonight and well-" she gestured to a large sign on the side of the counter. Clearly written in red bold letters were the words 'Lover's Night - Couples Only'.

Baramus looked livid as Zadicus actually chuckled and shook his head, "Dear miss, please reconsider... we have come from afar and we are travelling merchants. My master would like to stay for the night, even the week, could you please reconsider and allow us lodgings?"

She smiled coyly and said, "How many rooms would you like?"

"Well, we have 9 carriages of merchandise, and approximately 30 Skitarii and 10 Servitors, not to mention our Master requires one room for himself."

"I see," she cheerfully said and tapped on her chin, "We can rent you the whole 2nd floor and half the 3rd floor that roughly equates to 10 rooms 3 medium rooms and 2 of our largest."

"That would be sufficient," Baramus took out a bag of gold and presented it to the woman and began to walk away, he turned to Zadicus and whispered, "Not a word of the Lover's Night to Lord Sammael?"

Zadicus gave another chuckle and sighed, "Agreed."

.

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To be continued... omake theater

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Nigun Grid Luin opened his eyes as a dull pain persisted on the back of his head, it felt like a herd of horses trampled him. He slowly sat up straight and grunted the last of the pain from his body. He tried focusing his eyes as he saw something red move towards him from the other end of the room.

"Ah! The 'former' meat bag is now awake I see."

A name etched itself into his mind as he spoke confidently, "I sense a praise coming from your vox-processor Magos Biologis M4314? Is it because I am a servant too now?"

"Excellent, at least we know that the blessing you recently received is currently working," the Magos said nonchalantly, "As such you were able to recall my name perfectly."

Nigun puts a hand on his head as he tried to massage away the pain of a few hours ago, "I am honored that Lord Sammael would give me such an undertaking. Though the pain was at first unbearable, it has somehow turned into something like a dull persistent ache in my head."

"Understandable considering Lord Sammael managed to rewrite some of your aspects and have made you something 'more' than a human."

The Magos produced a mirror from behind him and allowed Nigun to see his face for a long time. A large scar where the Supreme Being touched him can be seen clearly marked to his skin. Like a tattoo or more aptly like a ceremonial branding, Nigun caressed the newly added scars on his face and smiled. The scar looked like a set of scars from a distance, but from a certain angle, it clearly shows an 8 pointed star at the beholder. He would need to be careful if not to expose himself from anyone that is unfriendly to the Supreme Being's cause.

"I am honored and elated that I can be of use to him."

"We shall see to that-" the mirror was put away as the Magos beckoned him towards the door. Even though his body also ached and his joints protested with his movements, he forced himself to follow as the Magos did not even slow down to wait for him. They walked through the steel corridors of the 'Stellarum Nex' and Nigun took great note that they were not being escorted anymore. Perhaps the Supreme Beings did not deem it needed since he had already casts his lot with them and endured the greatest of pain to serve him.

They arrived in a circular room with four brown robed servitors standing on the side.

"I am Magos Biologis M4314," he declared loudly to the 4 servitors, "Initiate armament protocol.

The four servitors moved at once as they made a bee-line towards Nigun. They dressed him in a simple inner tunic followed by a sort of plastic or leather armor ensemble. His old long coat was produced out and he was made to wear it, he was distracted by the servitors fussing over him when he looked up and saw the Magos point a crossbow at him and launched an armor piercing bolt towards him. The projectile or the bolt traveled through the air straight and true, his perception slowed down time considerably and he thought he could easily dodge it in time. But the absurdity of the experience left his brain incapable of deciding as the bolt struck him square in the chest as he gasped from surprise and the pain of betrayal.

He staggered forward and grabbed the bolt now lying on the ground as he noticed something weird.

The bolt struck him squarely in the chest, it was a bodkin tipped bolt and would indubitably penetrate even the hardest plate armor. But it bounced off his chest like it was nothing. He checked his clothing and found where the bolt struck his coat and synthetic leather armor, it felt so painful to be struck, but no penetration had occurred.

What the heck just happened?

He was still contemplating when he saw that the Magos had approached him during his time of thought and something glinted from the corner of his eye. Faster than he think he could react, he easily intercepted the incoming stab with his hand as he looked in disbelief on the feats of his human body. Another stab that he caught with his other hand completely blew Nigun's mind away as the Magos looked satisfied.

"Perception has heightened as well as speed, strength and stamina. Incidentally, there was a lag time in regards to the processing of said information, but it seems the brain has finally caught up."

"W-what are you saying?" Nigun was confused, was this a test after all? "What did you do?"

"Wrong question Heretic, the question is what did Lord Sammael do?" the Magos sheathed his knives once more and began fussing over him all over his body.

The still confused man shook his head, "So... um... what did the Lord Sammael do?"

"Hmm, as mentioned before the Supreme Being's blessing had re-written your body into something much more than a human can do," the Magos took his hand and began taking blood samples, "Uniquely, your blessing is an increase in close quarter capabilities."

He suddenly raised his hand and caught a spear thrown to him by one of the servitors that helped him dress up.

"Well done, it seems your brain has caught up to your heightened reflexes. Aside from catching threats before they happened towards you. Your body is your natural armor, I am entirely unsure on how you are being strengthened defensively," the Magos took a hold of his tunic and coat and said, "But I do know your current armor load out right now for I was part of the Magos who designed and made it. For all practical reasons, your old coat and inner armor is not made of leather. It is made from the same armor that the Skitarii Legionnaires are using, a trans-plastic and steel fiber interwoven mix that can never be penetrated by any human assault weapon, nor any thrown piercing projectile. Superior body armor for any and all covert operative such as yourself, however-"

Nigun looked at the Magos as he shrugged his shoulders, "- it is quite painful I'm afraid."

He nods in the affirmative as the Magos pointed him towards an exit, "Do not be surprised, such blessed armor is given to those that earned the Supreme Being's confidence. Their agents whose value is never overlooked, as such you only need to attain your mission and you will be given more blessings."

"I understand."

"Go through there and you will get your additional weapons."

Exiting the room, he saw that he was in another room with a single table in the middle and a great view of the ground below. On the table there was a small book of instructions with letters he had no idea how to read and a page of letters he certainly can read since it is the letters of their alphabet.

"Are these perhaps letters used by the Supreme Beings?" asked Nigun to no one since he was practically alone in the room.

A door being shut made him turn as he saw the angel Ramiel enter the weapons room, "You are correct, aside from giving you the tools you will need. That book will help you in your endeavors and offer you insight on your new abilities, everyday you must learn of your new abilities and you will write it down in that journal. Every blessing given forth by Warmaster is unique, as such we need more information in regards to those who receive it, and to be honest Nigun. You are the first of many servants that Lord Sammael has acquired, do not fail him."

Bowing subserviently, he looked down and said, "By the Warmaster's grace, what is his order for me?"

"So eager to prove yourself," Ramiel chuckled a bit and hummed, "Very well, the powers that you were bestowed are not known even to me. The Supreme Being is the only one that knows what powers are given, hence the journal's usage. There are many servants before in the Old World to be honest, yet I have never seen a servant human before. i hope you don't disappoint our Lord."

"I am thankful, and I will discover with all my might what my God has given me."

"Excellent, now aside from discovering your new powers, you must spread word about their coming. How you would do it, is entirely up to you."

"I understand, His Will be done."

.

A few hours later, Nigun was taken away by a group of red robed Legionnaires and escorted to a [Gate] spell, which he passed through that left him on the edge of Carne Village. From afar, Ramiel watched him through the Mirror of Remote Viewing, as he saw him finally heading towards the Theocracy. Satisfied that he is on his way, he turned back and headed for the Cathedral Grounds. Closing his eyes he opened a [Message] spell to his Master.

[Message]

'My Lord?'

'Ah, how goes the heretic?'

'He is well on his way My Lord, although I find him inadequate and quite fickle.'

'You have reservations about Nigun?'

'He is a heretic my Lord, his mind twisted by the teachings of his 6 Gods and their lesser counterparts. Such faith from humanity is fragile, his loyalty as clear as swamp water, and his conviction to you as brittle as a rotten tree trunk.'

'You give him too less of a credit.'

'I cannot shake the fact that he might shun his new found faith, I cannot forgive him if he should turn away against you my Lord.'

'Do not worry so much Ramiel, remember he is our heretic now. And besides, we need him so that we can take the Theocracy without senseless bloodshed. He will have to live, for now.'

Ramiel kept silent as Sammael's voice continued in his mind, 'Did you know that heresy is like a tree, its roots lie in the darkness whilst its leaves wave in the sun. Its attraction overpowering to those who suspect naught a thing. Yet you can prune away its branches, even cut the tree to the ground, but it will grow again ever stronger.'

'The fruits of the heresy that Nigun will sow to the hearts of the citizens of the Theocracy will grow, fester, and corrupt those that as stalwart as he is.'

'But what if he dies in the attempt my Lord?'

'Does it truly matter if he dies or not? Once heresy against their teachings take root, then we would affirm the teachings that they preach that they would embrace our coming with arms wide open.'

Ramiel bowed to the direction of the voice as he said, 'You are truly wise my Lord. Truly we strive to emulate your examples and try to understand at least a fraction of your plans.'

'You put too much stock on me Ramiel, now continue your work. I will be resting for now, we are nearing Arwintar now.'

The spell terminated as the blue armored Angel stepped back into the Cathedral, once inside he saw numerous red robed Magos hunched over numerous stations that monitored the status of the floating fortress. The end of the cathedral where an altar should have been sat on a throne made of dented armor, swords and helmets. Ramiel walked up to it, bowed to it and sat on a lesser throne that seemed allocated for the Generals, he removed his helmet and sweeps his eyes through the whole Cathedral.

"Lord-General Ramiel has the helm!"

"Status report, Magos of the Vox, of the Navigators, of the Armaments, and of the Administratum."

A heavily masked Magi stood up clutching a staff with a skull and trumpet, his eyes glowed underneath the red robes he wore, "The vox across the ship is stable my Lord General, the installation within the Great Tomb is underway."

Another Magos with a cyclopean eye stood up and said, "We have currently updated the terrestrial maps from the information coming back from the probes we sent out. It is currently at 60% completion."

A larger Magos stood up, from behind him numerous swords and spear clanked as he moved with practiced ease amidst all the weapons he carried, "Armaments are all stocked up, we can supply the trading house that Lord Sammael is undertaking from the surplus of weapons and armors we have made. Mostly low-level items, but other more exotic items can be sent to them if they would require it."

"Can we sustain a 100 year war?"

"Of course Lord General."

Satisfied, the Angel gestured to the last Magos who stood up, it had numerous scrolls sprouting from under its crimson robes as it clicked one by one the information it gave, "Currently, our resources are at 98% percent and sustaining, our standing army has been put on standby, while those that were awoken initially were temporarily shut down. Additionally, the other ships are kept in stasis including the 3 Lord Generals and the other retinues. We can sustain a siege for approximately 532 years, in case the Great Tomb gets invaded or kept under siege."

"Understood," Ramiel straightened up and turned to the Navigator Magos and said, "New order, Lord Sammael has tasked us to monitor their activities including those of Lord Ainz. Additional orders require us to find the World Items or at least any information from the World Items."

"My acolytes can try to scry them from where we are, but it will be difficult since the range is quite long."

"Very well, Magos, we must all strive to serve our Lords with utmost distinction and dedication so we can forever glorify their eternal names."

The Angels and the Magos spoke as one as their voices reverberated through the Cathedral, "Tremble before the Majesty of the Supreme Beings, for we all walk in their immortal shadow."

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Author's Note:

Testimonium meum ascendit"Bear witness to my ascension."

Potentia ad sacrificium... et doloris = "All power demands sacrifice... and pain."

Quod universum remunerator fit promptus est... sanguinem fundere potest promissionem = "The universe rewards those willing... to spill blood for the promise of power"

REWRITTEN! REVIEW AGAIN! MOAR!

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Cheers,

Scarabeye3000