Disclaimer: Seriously, I would have owned this if only I was rich, sadly I am not. So its not mine.
Title: Heaven or Hell
Chapter 12 - The Tree of Heresy
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Slane Theocracy
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Nigun walked towards the Fortress-Monastery of the Sunlight Scripture. Being the recent head of its 'extermination squadron', he has direct access to the chambers of the Cardinal of Wind, Dominic Ihre Partouche. Incidentally, the Cardinal was also the overseer of the Sunlight Scripture, but that has been in question ever since the annihilation of that Scripture against a powerful enemy that they encountered recently. Bearing with the shame and the scar of his failure, the former Captain garbed in his old uniform walked briskly to the meeting place. He walked unimpeded until a slightly gray man in priestly robes accosted him, their eyes both cold and calculating spoke volumes of their annoyance yet mutual respect for each other.
"I heard the 'Sun Captain' would be coming here today."
"You heard wrong," he turned to the speaker with daggers coming out of his eyes, "-the former 'Sun Captain' would be coming here today."
"Oof! Not enough venom there Nigun."
The former Captain sighed as all bravado left him, "What can I say, when fighting against an opponent not even the Black Scripture could defeat. It calls to question where true power lies."
Eyes formerly hard and calculating softened quickly, "We are both adversaries since our academic days, and not once did you show any vulnerability. To see you drained of all the pride and prestige you once carried on your shoulder. Was it really that bad?"
"Cleric Iscariot," the hardened eyes returned as he puts a heavy hand on his 'unfriend's' shoulder, "I always question myself now, is the power we wield truly ours? Is this the limit of what we can do? Is there no other 'source' of such power?"
"Of course! Devotion to the Six Great Gods grant us power, they protect and guide us with their teachings and words and-"
"No- no, what I mean is... are there no other Gods that can provide us with power? Direct power so none will suffer as I- nay, as our comrades at the Black Scripture did?"
The Cleric kept himself silent, word from the grapevine said that the combined might of the Black Scripture was not enough to even faze the 'rogue Angel' they have encountered. And yet, numerous members of the famed Scripture were slain, kidnapped, their bodies taken as such 'Resurrection Magic' cannot be performed. It took even the appearance of the 'Pontifex Maximus' to calm Zesshi down and remind her of the obligation she had to humanity. But with her knowing that someone out there managed to take down the best that the Theocracy has to offer made her giddy so much that she was sequestered even more on the Fortress-Monastery of the Pontifex Maximus and within that the Treasure Room of the Six Great Gods. As Nigun walked away, a figure from the top of the tower looked down and saw him entering the building, a mischievous smile appeared on her lips as she returned to the shadows and the object of her scrutiny continued on his way to the Cardinal's office.
Nigun reached the large wooden double doors and rapped lightly, a muffled 'come in' came through the door and he pushed through without further preamble. Inside, 2 guards stood beside the Cardinal as he sat on an ornate wooden throne in front of his enormous desk. Numerous scrolls, papers and diagrams were shown as a gaggle of scribes crowded the table.
"Schedule my meeting with the local Cleric on the outlying outpost, cancel also my appointed visit to the Elven front lines-"
"It will be done your Eminence-"
"-see to it also that the Holocaust Scripture is reminded to make ready to leave at short notice, although they are under Raymond's jurisdiction we cannot allow them to forget and be overzealous of their duties."
A few more shuffling of scrolls and finally the whole entourage had jotted down their paperwork to be done, the Cardinal waved his hand and the numerous scribes and guards closed the door behind them and left the former Captain and its Cardinal alone.
"Nigun, sit down-" the voice seemed frigid and cold, yet he was not berated right away. A good sign that perhaps the Cardinal was feeling gracious towards him today, "-you requested an audience with me, how may I help you?"
The former Captain bowed respectfully first before taking his seat, "Cardinal Dominic, I wish to discuss further my status as a servant of the Theocracy."
"Your post as a commander of a Scripture is finished Nigun," Dominic said without pause or emotion, "You have lost all your men and having survived the experience, had the audacity to come back and face shame has finished your career. The dissolution of the Sunlight Scripture was immediately implemented the day you were defeated by your enemy. An Angel nonetheless-"
"-beg your pardon your Eminence, but said Angel was not even fazed by the Black Scriptures, if they could not have done anything at all against it. What can a lowly human like me hope to have any different outcome? Should we not reestablish the Sunlight Scripture at least to bolster our strength against such adversaries?"
The Cardinal's eyes burned with anger, but his face showed nil, "It is exactly that reason why we have a problem. Your Scripture, a Company-sized formation of around 80 with your rank as Captain to command was wiped out. Doing just the numbers in our heads, it is too much for the Theocracy to maintain a large contingent of men who cannot even hold their own against a powerful adversary. I am sorry if you are hearing this from me, a former holder of your rank none the less, but it is simply a question of economics. You cannot throw money at something that cannot compensate or at least hold their own, additionally, your slain members are your best fighters and elite spell casters. How you rebuild will take many years as training an Acolyte up to the 3rd-tier magic is not so easy, either you take from other Scriptures to replenish your rank or do drastic changes to your Scripture, which we cannot do without the full approval of the College of Cardinals."
"-but what about the surviving members? I did not bring the full Company to the assassination attempt, what about them? Can we not use them as a foundation and as pillars to establish the Sunlight Scripture back to its former size and strength?"
"Too little time," Dominic shook his head and sighed, "Right now our new 'rouge Angel' has been busy within the Re-Estize Kingdom. We have received reports that the powerful undead you have encountered and the Angel are in league with each other."
Nigun looked shocked and surprised, "Shouldn't they be fighting each other?"
"Indeed, that is our first impression and the only logical outcome for a being of death and darkness when near a being of light and life is that they would be at each other's throat, but this-!" the Cardinal shuffled some papers and shook his head again, "We simply cannot waste more time and manpower to the Sunlight Scripture- our losses are very high and our Capital is very vulnerable. Even Zesshi has been trouble as of late-"
"I see."
"Again, it is regretful that you need to know it from me, but I do not lie. The Sunlight Scripture has been dissolved, all infrastructure, personnel and logistics will be reassigned to other Scriptures, additionally, non-essentials would have to retire early and all will be compensated depending on your survivability of course-"
'Survivability?' something clicked on Nigun's mind, "Sorry your Eminence, but what do you mean 'retire early'?"
"It is as you heard it, you will have to retire Nigun."
"I can accept that, but what about the families of the slain members? Do they not have any compensation?"
Dominic's eyes saddened, the wrinkled face seemed to be affected by it, "I do not wish this to happen, but the Pontifex Maximus was adamant about this. All surviving members will be compensated, all others that have died have failed to uphold the sacred teaching of the Six Great Gods. As such, they will be struck from the records-"
The chair where Nigun sat fell down in a crash as he quickly stood up in shock and banged his 2 fist on the large wooden desk, "After all the devotion they have shown? The sacrifice? The faith to our religion? They would be forgotten? Just like that!?"
2 burly guards burst through the door at the sound of his outburst, the Cardinal was not even fazed at his tumultuous actions. He gestured his right hand at his guards that everything was fine as he looked at the burning eyes of Nigun at the injustice he just said. The guards nodded their heads in understanding and closed the double doors behind them.
"I understand your... passionate response on what I just said, and I agree with you," at this words Nigun slowly fixed his chair upright and sat down again, "But I do not command the Theocracy, we who promote superiority and equality for all humankind is trampling with those ideals with this written order. Yet, we are servants faithful to the 6 Gods, we can only follow and hold our tongues for the right opportunity. If it were up to me then it would be done differently, but it is not up to me to decide."
The former Captain looks down and nods his head, "Cardinal, if you would lead the Theocracy to even greater heights. What would you require?"
Hard eyes softened at the question, yet there was a guarded expression on them, "Young Nigun, are you asking me if I was a Pontifex Maximus? Or what I would need to be the Pontifex Maximus?"
"Either way your Eminence."
"Before when I was younger, I too harbored the desire to be as such. But my age had tempered my passion, and politics is not ruled by passion alone. Guile, mystic and intrigue are all parts of being part of the College of Cardinals."
Nigun's whisper was barely heard, but his point came across, "If you would have the support of anyone you wish, would you become the Pontifex?"
Rage burned again momentarily at Dominic's eyes, but it tempered itself as he gestured around his room, "I would not think to be Pontifex if I would have the chance."
But the meaning was clear to Nigun, as the Cardinal gestured around the room he pointed at his ear with his left hand, 'There are many ears in my office. Lest we both be tried for treason.'
"I am happy to know that at your old age, your faith to the Pontifex is unwavering." , 'I understand Lord Cardinal.'
"Yet the burdens of office do tend to tire me out, tell me young Nigun, do you still occupy your ancestral home?" , 'I wish to talk further outside here.'
"Yes, your Eminence, my father once spoke of your frequent visits there for recreation. We would be happy to receive you." , 'You have to only choose where and we would make it so.'
"I see, well, I wish to convey my desire for a visit- I shall send you a letter at your most convenience." , 'I'll meet you soon.'
"We would be delighted," Nigun stood up and bowed respectfully, "Your Eminence, I thank you for your time in hearing me and reassuring me of what our status is now within the Theocracy."
The Cardinal stood up, smoothed his robes and nods his head, "I expect you back for a full debriefing and for the paperwork of your retirement."
"Good day to you, your Eminence."
The former Captain walked to the double wooden doors, bowed again and let himself outside. Ignoring the pointed looks of the 2 guards standing motionless at the door he kept a brisk pace back to the stables to fetch his horse. He will need to inform the 'maid' regarding his arrangement with the Cardinal and ask his 'Confessor' to be present of such an occasion when they received their guest at the appointed time. He was still contemplating on his movements and his plans when a firm grip grabbed the front of his robes and shoved him inside a darkened unoccupied room. His 'blessing' kicked in overtime and forcefully wrenched the offending hand from its deathly grip on his robes, a surprised gasp as a beam of light finally showed who dared touch him.
Heterochromia in the eyes, hair, and in absolutely everything about her.
Zesshi Zetsumei, the trump card of the Theocracy. The one called 'Certain Death', THE hope of humanity.
Stood in front him now, massaging her hand with a mounting blood lust at the sheer strength he had shown her. He could not explain it, but during the time he was being manhandled, there was a voice in his head that shouted in warning. It was unnerving and helpful at the same time. She approached him as he stepped back away, pursuing him further he was finally cornered between a solid wall and the advancing half-elf.
"Only the Black Captain managed to break my grip like that," there was a simper of amusement and laughter in her statement, "You have changed, Nigun of the Sunlight."
"M-my lady Zesshi," he closed his eyes and bowed respectfully, trusting her not to- a wind of immense force swept above him and it took all his self-control not to move in an overt way. Opening his eyes, he saw the large scythe above his head, the bladed edge past his scalp yet it seemed to move out of the way at the last minute.
"Hmm, I thought you would block it- show your strength awhile ago you know."
"Well, I am under a lot of stress. Humans can shows magnificent feats of strength when under a lot of stress, as I am surely now I am."
"Oh," she retracted her scythe and rest it on her shoulder, "Am I part of your stress?"
"Of course not dear lady, it is just that I am being forced to retire after losing half of my men from the 'Angel' that the Black Captain did not even faze-"
The hand gripping his shoulder was stronger than before, it took all his discipline and control not to run his 'blessing' rampant on him. Sure he could survive this encounter and possibly fight her one on one, but this sweet opportunity to undermine the authority of the Theocracy comes first.
"You will tell me of this... Angel."
"I-I cannot Lady Zesshi, I am forbidden to do so in these halls," he gestured knowingly, "I am bound by decree to the Theocracy to hold my tongue... and so are you."
The trump card of humanity grinned, "So, if you are outside of these halls you can tell me the rest?"
Nigun gave a look of hesitation perfectly as he replied, "Well, my lady- I m-may loosen my tongue outside of these halls however, you cannot go out as mandated by the Pontifex."
Zesshi gave him her most dangerous smile yet, she lets him go and began to walk outside of the room, "We shall speak again Nigun of the Sunlight."
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As Nigun closed the door behind him as he left, Cardinal Dominic straightened his robes and stood up. He rang for his personal scribe to come for him as he made his way downward to the carriage house. He arrived at the front steps with his carriage waiting, his personal scribe hurrying behind him. 2 Guards immediately took positions on the outer backseat while his scribe followed him inside the cab. With the Cardinal secured inside they quickly made their way to the main Basilica of the Theocracy where the Halls of the 6 Gods are located. Arriving in less time due to the numerous roadblocks opening at his approaching carriage, Dominic walked quickly up the marble steps of the Basilica and made a beeline for the meeting room.
The whole hall was made of white marble and carved stone, images of the 6 Gods adorned every edifice, every portrait showed their greatness in full detail.
The Cardinal couldn't have cared less, he was a man of few words and tempered passion. He was almost late from their meeting and being late is very frowned upon. Leaving his scribe outside the hallowed halls, Dominic entered the inner sanctum as the other Cardinals waited in silence. Quickly he took his seat and quietly waited, less than a few minutes after settling down, Cardinal Raymond Zarg Lauransan walked in with a few papers on his hand. He bowed at his comrades, acknowledging that he was late and a silent request to be forgiven. Seeing they could not delay any longer, the Pontifex stood up and took out a small washcloth.
"As with all the years we have convened."
Cardinal Dominic Ihre Partouche of the Wind took out a small feather duster, "So, shall we must endeavor to do what have been done before us."
"With cleanliness comes Godliness..." Raymond Zarg Lauransan of the Earth took out a similar washcloth and wrung it from a water bucket. That Cardinal Ginedine Delan Guelfi of the Water took on her hand and followed the procession of her peer, "We shall cleanse the dirt of this earth from the sanctum..."
A feather duster was conjured by Cardinal Yvon Jasna Dracrowa of the Light out of nowhere, "We shall purge the unclean..."
"And wash them with Holy Fire," Maximillian Lagier of the Darkness God took out a small horse brush as Berenice Santini of the Fire God took out a water spray bottle and washcloth, "Let the cleaning begin."
After much groaning and moaning of being old and advanced of age, of being slower and such other reasons. All Cardinals straightened up and put away their cleaning materials, sitting down on their respective seats they quickly began their agenda for the day. Mainly, the growing threat of the unknown rogue Angel on their border with the Re-Estize Kingdom and it ceding control of E-Rantel to the said threat. Additionally, the annual war of the Empire and the Kingdom seemed at a hold this year as E-Rantel and the whole Katze Plains and Forest of Tob region has fallen under the control of the rogue Angel.
"We are at a quandary, with this 'unknown' appearing suddenly out of nowhere-"
"Yes, our spies indicate that this Angel is in league with the one who obliterated the Sunlight Scripture," Cardinal Dominic said as he took out a report from his saddle bag, "The same Angel who have crippled the Black Scripture."
Cardinal Maximillian sighed, "This puts much strain on the Holocaust Scripture, aside from maintaining the status quo in the Elven border, we need to ensure that our enemies would not be able to encroach upon us. This also adds additional strain to the Windflower as their agents have already been spread far too thin, while the Clearwater Scripture can't even penetrate the borders of E-Rantel so we can at least know the status of our missing men-"
Cardinal Raymond, commander of the Scriptures bristled at the implied meaning, "We cannot infiltrate men so quickly after such a great shift on the leadership of a fortified city-"
"Isn't it a perfect excuse? We can simply give them orders not to engage anyone and say that our messengers have come from afar, thereby giving the alibi that they were not aware of the changes-"
"-and simply give away our agents through sheer chance?" Raymond shook his head, "It takes a long time to cultivate and make an effective Scripture member, I will not sacrifice men on such flimsy reasoning and under such dangerous conditions."
"Agreed," Dominic nods his head, "We should wait at least until everything has settled down. We need to know if the Kingdom will cede E-Rantel or try to duke it out by committing to a siege."
"I doubt they would commit a siege, they do have a war with the Empire-"
"-maybe they would ask for a concession?"
"The Empire would not concede, their hold on the Katze Plains is secured with the loss of E-Rantel and the Kingdom has considerably weakened with the loss of that Fortress City," Maximillian shook his head, "No, the Empire would not allow any concession... although with the loss of E-Rantel, the Kingdom could persuade the Empire to launch a siege of their own on the city-"
Yvon also shook his head, "That will not happen as we truly know the objective of the Empire from day 1 on their annual wars with the Kingdom. Ever since they began mustering their forces near the harvest seasons it has been obvious, with the Kingdom not having any standing army unlike the Empire, they are forced to use the 'Peasants Levy' and as such have no manpower to harvest the grain. Though they may have, it is not enough since the women could not tend a whole day of farming and mind the house chores."
"Such shortsightedness-"
"-most unfortunate it is, but King Ranpossa had no choice. If an enemy gathers at your doorstep would you not respond in kind?"
The Pontifex raised his hand and all eyes focused on him, "Our greatest concern right now is that would this rogue Angel and Undead Sorcerer be gathering on our doorstep or not? And if so, what can we do about it?"
"As it stands, we cannot do nothing. What we can do as an alternative is that we could gather more information and if we see that they are neutral at best," Dominic paused, "-then an alliance would be beneficial."
"Bullshit-"
"-that is absurd! The Theocracy cannot align itself with the Undead!"
"Lord Surshana is undead-"
"He is a GOD!" Maximillian, servant of the God of Darkness banged his fist on the table, "He is worshiped for his benevolence against the living, do NOT compare him to an upstart as that self-proclaimed ruler in E-Rantel and his attack dog Angel!"
Dominic did not reply but merely listened to the ramblings of the whole meeting having already said his piece. This 3rd player on the continent was very powerful that not even the Black Scripture was able to stop him, and to think there are more of those god-like beings appearing on the- wait a minute.
"Is it possible that they are also Gods?"
Silence permeated through the whole room as the implication to his words began to sink in.
"Dominic, do you mean-"
"-yes, the Advent of the Gods."
"They said it represented a symbol-"
"-indeed," Cardinal Raymond, the Scripture Commander produced a piece of paper and laid it on a table, "An 8-pointed star from an unknown enemy."
It was the Pontifex who stood up that broke the silence as he quickly stepped away from the table. The other Cardinals looked at him as he walked over to a recently cleaned cabinet and retrieved an old book. He wiped the minute dust on the gold letters engraved on the front and brought it to the table, the letters read 'Forum de Spiritus Sanctus' an old book by the God of Fire that was kept as a reference and a firm bank of information from ages past. Carefully, he leafed through the pages and looked at the last entry before the first Advent of the Gods, which brought the God of Fire on their world. Being the Pontifex, only he had access to all of the information privy to the Great Gods themselves, thus on the course of his readings he came upon this symbol that seemed to nibble on the edge of his memory.
'Guild Log: 4th Month of the 132nd Year of the 2nd Millennia' (this translates to April of 2132)
Our main guild required material assistance regarding the impending attack on our 'enemy'.
Low-level grinding has been intensified, reports of all members being of full level confirmed.
Operation: Overlord is a GO.
The Pontifex's eyes moved further below and scanned the next passages, he found another reference to this so-called enemy of the Gods.
'Guild Log: 12th Month of the 132nd Year of the 2nd Millenia' (this is December of 2132)
Operation: OVERLORD commenced
'Guild Log: 1st Month of the 133rd Year of the 2nd Millenia' (January of 2133)
Operational loses from Operation: OVERLORD
10 full level Council members slain (6 confirmed level down)
25 voting members (19 confirmed level downs)
Lost equipment amounting to a billion gold confirmed.
Outcome of Attack: Abysmal results
Result of Attack: Penetration up to the 8th Floor, 2 remaining Floors confirmed. No member of said group was encountered, attack force obliterated at the 8th Floor.
Recommendation: Specialized mixture of attacking forces is recommended, full power of The Trinity advised to be mobilized. Mother guild already informed of assessment.
"What are you looking for Supreme Pontifex?"
"I am looking for an article that was mentioned in passing when I was reading this book before however, it was lost on my memory what page it was-"
"A detail from a Book of the Gods that you forget? Is it that obscure?"
The Pontifex gave a small amused laugh, "It is not as obscure as you think, no, it is merely for a lack of perusal that I forget. These pages are very fragile... and to damage them would be of the highest treason against the Gods. Even if I wish to read it at my leisure, I could not, simply because I wish to preserve its remaining years and merely use it for when the time is- aha, here it is."
'Guild Log: 3rd Month of the 134th Year of the 2nd Millenia (March of 2134)
A disturbing news has reached our ears, the Pirate Lords have been vanquished. A mercenary guild that was employed by the Coalition before.
Main guild advised to prepare for an impending attack.
Turning the page slowly the Pontifex was greeted with a symbol that have been in his mind ever since the report of the fall of E-Rantel. An 8-pointed star glared from the page as he read out loud the last entry of the on the God of Fire's book.
'Guild Log: 5th Month of the 134th Year of the 2nd Millenia (May of 2134)
Holy Spirit has been defiled, attacked and sundered.
Guild Weapon taken. Presumably destroyed.
Treasury Plundered.
Guild Master 'Helios' slain in single combat.
Vice-Guild Master 'Hestia' buried in a flood of enemies.
Guild Champion 'Surtur' slain in single combat.
Attacker identified as 'The Fallen'.
Head Scribe 'Valir' ends Log.
Ever so slowly, the Pontifex closed the century old tome and settled back down on his chair. Silence as the implication settled among them, a being more powerful than the God of Fire had arrived on their world.
"It is fairly clear, the God of Fire Valir, may his eternal flame burn forevermore, has battled the one who carried the 8-pointed star."
"If he is the enemy of the Fire God, should we not fight against him?"
"It is plausible, if only we have a God with us- sadly, we only have those that are their equal."
Dominic shook his head, "You can't possibly mean the Dragon Lords. All our united God-kins could stop him."
"Do you honestly think that? Even our best team of God-kin, the Black Scripture, was decimated. I was thinking more along the lines of the original Dragon Lords," Maximillian declared with confidence, "These 'Dragon Lords' may not be aligned with us, but they fight malevolent forces such as this one. We can approach them for an alliance to take these new enemy at least."
"They will not buy it-"
"-why not?" Maximillian argued, "If it threatens this world, then it threatens all of us. We can also see if the Dragon Lords have any weapon they can use against us."
The Pontifex nods his head, "A good preposition, any further ideas how we could cultivate a 'working relationship' with the Dragon Lords of the Argland State Council?"
Dominic listened passively as the meeting continued for hours, endlessly debating the feasibility and the success of having an alliance with the Argland Council and how they should initiate contact with them. The Dragon Lords are surely powerful indeed, but can they match up to the power of the mentioned 'Fallen'. Will they be able to stop them if they ever came to blows against the Theocracy? Are they even willing to consider it?
'This red tape would kill all of us,' the Cardinal grumbled internally as he listened passively as his peers continued their discussion.
Already, plans for his rendezvous with former Captain Nigun began forming in his mind. Possible contact would be beneficial not just for him, but also for the Theocracy. He would have to see first if it would be worth his time, if not, it is a simple matter to flex his power and bring the whole military and crackdown on the heretical Captain and his ilk.
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E-Rantel
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The former home of the Magistrate, which is the E-Rantel Citadel has now been fortified by the forces commanded by Sammael. Flags by Ainz Ooal Gown carried by his undead soldiers stood on every gate possible, beside them are the red-hooded automatons of the Warmaster. Patrols of Death Knights followed behind by a group of Skitariis roam throughout the city, enforcing peace and compliance to the citizenry. Not like many would challenge the new powers of the city, but who could tell what crazies would attempt such a thing.
There was not a shortness of these crazies though at the first, with all the reorganization that they have experienced, but the masses reaction is what is important.
Though the masses were all skeptical at first, for in their eyes a conqueror is just a different kind or class of nobility, but these new masters have had no trappings of power. No greed for they are already wealthy beyond measure, they are indubitably powerful, and command much under them. These beings were beyond their comprehension and can only contemplate in wonder at the numerous benefits that was swiftly provided them, most importantly are the new laws that have been implemented for their own good.
For the security of the city, martial law has been placed.
First and foremost, it is against the law to draw any kind of weapon inside the city, facing arrest by roving Death Knights and Skitariis and immediately sentenced by Elder Liches or Magos, whichever is available will be implemented at once. As they say, justice delayed is justice denied. Crime is punishable depending on the frequency and the severity of the altercation, and violence against women, provided said women cannot defend themselves is outlawed. Still, other statures are being discussed by the Supreme Beings for a smoother flow or transition in government.
Ainz banged his fist on the table and shook his hand in anger, "Sammael-kun! I thought I told you we would not encourage the red light district to prosper!"
"But what harm does it do? We can bring here the wonderful genres back in Japan- I mean, gothic loli, Pettanko, Oppai, Tanlines, elven tanlines, BBC, Ahegao, Yuri, Yaoi- well, maybe not Yaoi, but we can have harem and exotic. We can even have Vanilla if your into that stuff!"
"Oh my GODS!" a green aura suffused Ainz at once as memories of those flooded his mind, "Its like listening to Peroroncino ranting about his- his stuff again! We cannot bring that 'stuff' immediately to the citizenry. It might foster the underground elements even more."
"That's the thing, we stimulate them and then we can know what controls them so we can control them too," the Fallen points to his head, "One sure way to get inside a city is by going underground- recently, reports about the 8 Fingers have reached our intelligence services. This is worth pursuing so we can get a foothold on the capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom."
The Lich shook his head, "I believe we have to consolidate our forces here first, continue your efforts to ingratiate the Baharuth Empire and undermine the Theocracy, while I shall focus on the Kingdom and also try looking for the Dwarven Kingdom."
"How about the Elven Kingdom then?"
"I have left the twins to their devices, hopefully, with the advisory capacity of Albedo and Demiurge, they can restore the Elven Kingdom to be a self-sustaining kingdom."
"It won't be easy Ainz-kun."
"I never said it was," the skeleton sighed tiredly, "In any case, at least we have something of a barrier between the Theocracy and the Great Tomb."
"And so now we go back to our old conversation, what would we now implement with the new zoning area that we have devised."
The skeleton rubbed his bony chin and gestured to the hologram in front of them, "E-Rantel has 3 walls, the former plans of the walls show that outside of these walls are the farmlands and warehouses for unessential items. The 1st wall is where the peasantry reside and... and the 'former' red light district."
"Is that so?" the Fallen said coyly.
"Yes, it is so, they do have the red light district before- hah! moving on away from that! The 2nd wall are divided into four districts, the industrial, commercial, half of the nobility or rather merchant's dwellings and of course the numerous guild headquarters in the city."
"The last is where the citadel or the stronghold is located, it is also where the high nobility reside and the garrison barracks are located."
The Fallen nods his head as he looked at the planned diagram, "It all looked good on paper, but this was not the city we laid siege to."
"Indeed it was not, due to the numerous skirmishes with the Empire, the warehouses became mustering grounds for the numerous troop movements happening annually. The farmlands are adequate, but without enough hands to help well not enough food are getting into the tables, and so they are forced to shift from agriculture to industry, which took on the space for the commercial district and the merchant's housing, thus most are on the 3rd wall where the military and high nobility should have resided. But since the high nobility does not want to rub shoulders with the military, they spread out the garrison throughout the 3 walls thereby crippling a cohesive command structure and reaction time has been lessened since they cannot access the highest point of the tower for observation and reconnaissance."
Ainz also shook his head, "Economically, they should be feeling the effects of the annual war with the Empire. Their King, as you said is no fool, but he has been roped into a tight spot by a true tactician."
"Indeed, and to think the Emperor of the Baharuth Empire is so young. He would make a great vassal."
"A vassal?"
"Well, we have to think forward Ainz-kun... our first vassals are the Lizardmen and the Elves, but if you would be the Sorcerer King and all, we have to be prepared to select the monarchs that we would choose to rule under us."
"... and you thought Emperor Jircniv would be fine?"
"While it is a given that he is egoistic, he is also smart, shrewd and cruel when he needs to be. I have heard rumors of his ascension to the throne. Typical Games of Thrones stuff... emperor father not fitting anymore, son gets a head bigger than his ass, turns out the son has a thing for a rebellion yadda yadda and next thing we know a 'Night of Long Knives' happen on the Empire and Poof! They have a new Emperor."
"That's pretty crude-"
"-you could not imagine the gossip I hear everyday, most are worst than that. But the story is corroborated by the Imperial Archives and by numerous hearsay."
"Gossips you mean?"
"Gossips wrapped in a gossamer of secrecy, it is a gossip reserved only for those friendly of ears," Sammael shrugged his shoulders, "If that is the situation, then usually it is true. To protect I suppose the story teller from... unfriendly ears."
"Indeed, if you say it is then it must be so, though I hope you can handle the subversion with the Baharuth Empire?"
"Worry not my friend, I have taken numerous steps to ensure the Empire would be ours."
"By the way, Demiurge reports that your initiative with the Theocracy has born fruit."
"Oh," Sammael looked intrigued, "I seemed to have not been informed yet, is it about my heretic?"
"Yes, he seemed to have seduced a Cardinal."
The Angel almost choked on his tea, "I-I never thought he was into men, wow... that's news!"
"Huh!? What? No!" the Lich spluttered, "What I mean is he seduced a Cardinal with power, he reported that one of the Cardinals he approached agreed to meet with him regarding his 'encounter' with us and the supposed 'truth' he had learned."
"I'm just joking, your so serious Ainz-kun, but please do continue."
The bony face looked miffed, "Apparently, no name has been conveyed yet. But it was his former commander that had been showing interest in your 'gifts'."
The Fallen Angel can only sat back on the plush cushions and nod contently, "Good job Nigun, very well done indeed."
"Did you predict such a thing from occurring or was this perhaps a chance occurrence?" Ainz rang a small bell and Sebas followed by 3 homunculus maid followed carrying numerous trays of their favorite food. Truly, ever since they found out that they could eat, especially Ainz who was undead, though he can only do so magically. Yet it was truly heavenly to have the feeling of filling your hunger, or quenching your thirst though he does not really need it.
"Did you know the sin of vanity is my most favorite?"
Ainz took a cup of pudding and scooped some in a golden spoon and puts it in his mouth, taking care to concentrate in 'eating' as a skill and magically he was able to chew its texture and swallow it without dropping through his robes, "Where is this questioning going to?"
"Well, I intended Nigun as a test subject at first, but in hindsight it seemed he was perfect to be converted. First reason is that he is vain, a noble with a high-rank in government, to be brought low in such a spectacular manner and then to be elevated once more beyond what he could do. Deep inside he's probably drunk in his new found power now, but his discipline should have been heightened more and he would take the things he learned from fighting me to heart. He would not wish to disappoint me, thus, he would be aggressive in his recruitment but not forgetting to be careful at the same time."
"2nd reason is that he hates to fail at anything, so I am sure that he would destroy himself first before failing me. 3rd reason is that he is loyal as he can be, slowly but surely he is ingraining in his mind that I am his God. And one thing I learned from our Old World is that no one is as faithful or as deadly a servant as a religious zealot."
"Like Nigun?"
"Exactly like Nigun," Sammael scooped his own cup of pudding and chewed thoroughly, "The only problem now is to find others like him that we can use. Maybe make a quasi-Black Scripture to match those fielded by other Kingdoms so we do not need to send our NPCs or even ourselves for that matter."
"Hmm, haven't you recruited a Magic Caster in the Baharuth Empire?"
The Angel stopped and frowned, "Holy shit, I forgot about that guy- hmm, well, he is still useful in regards to the running of the Empire, but I shall call upon him and if he delivers in the future. Maybe, just maybe I can use the skill I gave to Nigun."
"Was that a pre-determined skill?"
"Not really, the description back then was really vague," Sammael shrugged, "It was supposed to be a permanent buff for anyone that might need it. Though it takes a bit of HP to cast-"
Ainz looked scandalized at the statement, "Wait, you mean to tell me that you have been using your own HP for a damn experiment!?"
"No! No! Would you relax!" the Fallen looked miffed, "I can replenish my life by sleeping, as long as I do not cast it multiple times it would not even dent a chunk of my HP. Plus, I am equipped with my 'Ring of Mercury', so I am covered with HP regeneration."
"Well, if that is enough then I take your word for it," the Lich waved his hand and Sebas bowed and filed out together with the Homunculus Maids, "Now, let us get back to what you were discussing, an all-human team you mean?"
"Indeed, a complete party if you must, but first I must get your approval for my pet project, the Officio Assassinorum would be born and I could go ahead and pull humans or at least entice these talented individuals to fight for us."
"Hmm, you mean assassinate for us?"
"Same difference really- listen my friend, we need these humans not just for assassination, we need them for the covert operations of our Guild, they can be commanded by Demiurge or one of my Angels if you want."
"It does have merit, why don't you go ahead and we shall see what-"
The Fallen Angel stood up and smiled widely, "Wonderful, I knew you would say yes, so I took the initiative to make one agent on call."
Ainz looked confused, weren't they on the brainstorming part of the conversation, "Very well, let us see this new 'test subject'. But we need to work on discussing these kinds of things first before we even get a 'test subject'."
"You're so serious Ainz-kun!"
Opening a [Gate] an individual stepped outside of it as the Elder Lich scratched his chin for any signs of familiarity. The being had blonde hair, that was shaved on the sides like a mullet, the remaining hair was braided up to the back. It was a woman since her figure gave away her sex, garbed in the same closed neck tunic that Nigun wore, there were two small swords on her back and 6 stilettos on her waist. Her face was covered in the gas mask common to Skitariis and one of her eye was glowing red due to the modification done to her. Her whole arm was covered in the same tight fitting armor and her boots were steel toe leathers.
"Ainz-kun, aside from Nigun, meet another one of our 'agents'," Sammael looked proudly at the being in front of them, "She was severely wounded when she had an umm... altercation with us, but she was purposely modified to serve us. Programmed to obey our voices, no fear, no pain, and no hesitation... but with just a word she can act and interact like a human."
The Lich looked at the seeming human marionette in front of them when it clicked on his mind, "Is that the woman from the Bareare skirmish?"
"Indeed she is!"
"I see, I was looking for her body, but we only managed to retrieve the old man's body," Ainz rubbed his chin, "I turned him into a Lich as an experiment, now if only he would stop bugging me every time I pass by-"
"I thought he wanted to be a Lich or something?"
"Yes, he did!" the undead puts his hands on his face and rubbed it in frustration, "So, after subduing him, I took mercy and granted him his wish turning him into a Lich! I knew that he would retain a modicum of his memories, but damn, if he would just stop kowtowing and keeps on grabbing my legs or my robes whenever I pass then were good at least."
The Angel chuckled heartily at his friend's woes and gestured to the revived Clementine, "At least he is grateful, anyways let's go back. Her arm was crushed by Azrael... but my General saw that she possessed Martial Art, thus he only knocked her out in the end. Once incapacitated she was handed to the Magos Biologis to be mind-wiped, then to modify her memories and then ingrain protocols then VOILA! We have a Jason Bourne shit right here Ainz-kun, cool huh?"
The Overlord did not speak, he was shocked at how casually his friend decided to turn this human into something else. Not that he was not happy his friend was doing his own thing in regards to being busy, but experimentation that's cool? What's next? Nuclear?
Sammael seemed moving too fast with their power, while it is true that none can challenge them in any aspect of the world they are currently learning now. It seemed his Angelic friend is a bit callous in handling other people, especially those that have the potential to serve Nazarick in any capacity. Either way, he would have to trust in his friend's judgement, for if they could not trust each other then they would just destroy themselves, would they?
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Capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom
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Gazef Stronoff took a potato crop on his gloved hand and felt its texture. It was hard and seemed fresh, he picked up a few more and hands it to the vegetable hawker. Next, he went to the apothecary and obtained a few cooking ingredients, especially a block of salt. He then went to the blacksmith and dropped off his shoulder plates to get it adjusted and then to possibly replace his leather gloves. He then went to the bakery and took out a loaf of bread, as he was heading home he managed to look into the sky and saw rain clouds forming. Taking a quick detour in a small alley, he noticed a lump of human drizzled by the morning dew and the refuse of the surrounding houses.
"Brain?" Gazef's eyes squinted in the semi-lighted alley, "Brain Unglaus, is that you?"
Tired lifeless eyes shifted and looked up at him, a pained smile with the sudden recognition and the heaviest sigh he heard in his life before the addressed man spoke, "Nice to see you Head Warrior Stronoff."
The Warrior Captain knelt beside the man and puts a hand on his shoulder, he noticed the man didn't flinch nor did acknowledge the contact, "What are you doing here Brain? What happened to you?"
"Gazef, we are so weak- so damn weak- it is useless to resist or even fight it."
"What are you talking about old friend?"
"Friend? Ah, it is good to hear that... but in the face of insurmountable odds that not even a glimmer of hope remains," another heavy sigh and the tired shoulders slumped even more, "What can men like us do against such reckless hate?"
He had enough, he stood up and half-carried, half-dragged the listless man, "Enough drama for the day Brain, lets get something for your troubled mind. Come with me."
"Where are we going?"
"To my house."
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They arrived at the Warrior Captain's house without much fanfare and incident, once inside he dropped Brain on a quiet corner of the room, in a few minutes he noticed Brain's breathing evened out and he was asleep. Working quickly, he started a fire on the fireplace and began preparing something hot for the both of them. It was not much, for the life of Gazef was spartan, coming from the peasantry just like Brain. An hour later Brain's eyes opened and immediately stretched, the smell of something being cooked made his tummy gurgle and he followed it to where Gazef was sitting cleaning his sword.
The Warrior Captain looked up and grinned, "You looked more like human now."
"Thanks Gazef, for letting me crash for the night."
"Your welcome," he puts his sword down and goes to the cauldron to fetch their supper, "Mind getting the bread and cheese out?"
"Ah, sure," Brain stood up from where he was and walked over to a small cupboard, inside one of the doors was a new loaf of bread. He took it and half a block of cheese, setting it down on the table Gazef came next with two steaming wooden bowls on each hand. They sat down and took a few mouthfuls before the Warrior Captain asked.
"So, what happened?"
Brain stopped and tried to reorganize his thoughts, the disaster with the bandits was one thing, after that it was all just a blur trying to escape and get away. Hopefully, in the safety of the Capital, or at least as far from E-Rantel as possible.
"Have you ever faced someone so powerful, that you suddenly realize that no matter how hard you trained or how lucky you are, you will still die?"
It was Gazef's turn to be silent, how odd that his friend should ask this considering he had faced just those beings in Carne Village. It was terrifying to beheld them and their might, he also knew that they have not even began to use a modicum of their power. They didn't seemed to be trying to fight the Sunlight Scripture then, at this the Warrior Captain gave a small laugh.
"Yes, Brain. Yes, I have indeed met someone like that before."
And he proceeded to tell the story of the rogue Angel and its protection of Carne Village.
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E-Rantel
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Abel walked through the almost empty streets and sighed, what had once been a bustling frontier city have been reduced into a foreboding place. Its once numerous citizenry have been reduced in half, businesses uprooted and moved elsewhere. Fear gripped the populace as its new masters sank its fangs more deeply into their lives, undead patrols and men 'made with iron' patrolled the streets ensuring compliance and conformity.
The Undead Sorcerer King and his Angelic Warmaster Sammael brought fear and compliance to this city since the first day they descended on their midst.
But they also brought security, food, shelter, and benefits. The dirt roads that were unpaved that led to the slums have now been laid in uniformed stone, they could not believe it at first, but with the undead forces and automatons moving non-stop and working through the night. It ensured only a few weeks of construction and they were done, and since the roads are paved stone, a canal was integrated to it for sewage on each and every home. And since sewage has been integrated, clean water from a newly built aqueduct has been distributed around the city.
Abel dusted off his leather working gloves and pair of pants. He stood in front of his stone home after a days work at the fields, a farmer like him could not have afforded such a large home, but the new rulers of their city decreed that all dirt houses will be demolished and replaced with their stone house. Well, why would they refuse such a blessing. The only thing asked and required for them is that they help in its construction since they would be using it anyway. Before, they would only earn so little by farming their small lot, but since the reorganization they are now given the task to produce crops to feed the populace.
Soldiering has now been delegated to the very few who would wish it.
He looked back at the empty streets and smiled, serving under the Undead King didn't seem so bad after all.
Abel turned and found his wife preparing the table for them, her beautiful face smiled back at him as she sat on the table waiting for him. He puts his farming tools near the door and sat down facing his wife.
"Where are the children?"
"Where else? At the school."
Ah, one more thing that the Undead King and the Warmaster was so adamant about. Education. Each and every one of his 3 children has been given education by their Kings. In fact, it is required for the peasantry to surrender their child and be taught letters. It was told of them that it will promote discipline, knowledge and to make them better people. Abel wouldn't know about it, he couldn't even read or write if his life depended on it. His wife though could do rudimentary arithmetic, but his sons and daughter would know everything this world had to offer. He was still dreaming about it when their door burst open and 3 children came charging inside chattering about all at the same time.
"Father! You wouldn't believe at school-"
"Mother! Look at this paper- I got an award!"
"Father! Father! I got accepted in the Military Academy!"
"Wait!" their father raised his hand that shut the children up, "By the Gods, one at a time children. Eldest first, Seth go ahead."
A tall lanky boy at the age of 12 smiled and said, "Father, the Head Magos spoke to me earlier. He said I have the brain capacity to be in the Military if I want to. Though he also said that he could recommend me to learn in the Merchant's school or perhaps in the Engineering school."
"Oh? Well, we do know what goes on in the military right?" Abel's heart lifted at his son's expectant emotions, "Tell me what do the other schools do?"
"Well, the Engineering school is handled by the Magos. It is about building houses, bridges, castles and basically building things. The Merchant School falls under the Commerce and handles the finances of the Supreme Beings... they travel a lot with the caravans and look for potential merchandise and wares. But they both have heavy use of mathematics, which the Head Magos said I was good at."
Abel smiled at that, his eldest had all the opportunity in the world to advance where his heart lies into. Unlike him, he needed to work the fields to feed the Sorcerer Kingdom. Hopefully, one day they would be able to come back and work the fields with them. "And what do you wish to do my son?"
"I was thinking of helping in the fields first, and then go to school at the same time, that way I can do Merchant work or Engineering work then go back to farming."
"Do what you want my son, your father is here to help," their father turned to the middle child, a girl this time with long flowing black hair, "... and how about our only Princess?"
"Father, look-" she produced a small flute and began playing a short tune she learned, "Ms. Yuri said that I could be a musician with my skill.
"And what do you want my girl?"
"I want to sing!" the girl said cheerfully as she made a small spin, "Ms. Yuri said that they would teach us and train us if we want."
"That's good, that's really good."
"Father," his youngest son approached next and gave him a small necklace, "I made that."
The pendant was a small farming sickle engraved in a small plate of copper, it was simple yet it was carved by his youngest child. He looked at his youngest and he approached his mother next and gave her a box of needles while saying proudly, "I MADE THAT FOR YOU MOTHER!"
Abel stifled a tear as the future of his children seemed so clear now, with the Supreme Beings providing their children with the HOPE for a better future. He could die happy knowing they would have all the opportunity in the world, but for now he would enjoy this necklace made by his youngest and make sure to brag about it tomorrow in the farmer's forum in the morning. Before when they were under the thrall of the Re-Estize Kingdom, he knew he would have to break his back and his eldest son to even give them a decent way of life. But since being annexed by the Sorcerer Kingdom, he wouldn't mind breaking his back, if only to fuel the fires of the future.
Indeed, serving under the Sorcerer King is an honor in itself.
.
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Undisclosed Location
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The darkness of the surrounding forest seemed to swallow any light that managed to pierce through its gloom, there were no need for guards since none would venture so deeply into this forest. The foreboding shadows hide an evil so despicable it could turn a lesser man into a gibbering wreck. Flags of skull and warning adorned the area as hidden assassins lie in wait for unsuspecting wanderers or intruders. Inside a ring of trees, stood a ruined temple of an ancient and terrible religion that had sat unused for centuries. Except now, an eldritch circle pulsed with energies as its latest occupants began a ritual that was lost to Mankind.
A sacrificed human, flayed alive and blood dripping on the makeshift stone table fueled the grisly ritual as numerous jewels held by hooded men pulsed with negative energy.
Unbeknownst to the gathered cultist, 5 pair of eyes looked at them from afar. The assassins that they were counting on to keep the coast clear and were supposed to guard the perimeter have all been taken care off. They continued their chant without no idea of the danger they were in.
[Message]
["Hey Lakyus, the twins are in place- at your command."]
["Hmm, its too late for the hostage. We can at least obliterate them- everyone make ready-"]
An interference made her stop as one of the twins inserted between their messages, ["Lakyus, be advised... there is an unknown shadow that slipped by me."]
["Friend or foe?"]
["Not sure."]
["Make sure EvilEy-"] Lakyus stopped and found the shadow that slipped through her ally, "Look-"
A hooded woman clad in black robes charged with blinding speed towards the chief spell caster, there was no time for the other occupants to turn and stop her as her speed looked inhuman. With shadows that clung to her like billowing smoke, she brandished her two short swords, leaped up the altar and impaled both weapons on her enemy's chest. The Blue Roses can only look on in wonder and amazement at her speed and precision, her face was revealed to be hidden behind a mask of metal, but her hair was blonde and short to remove the impediment of an enemy grabbing her on the head. Still unsure of what to do, the nearby cultist found their heads flying off their heads as she took out a curved sword held in place like a tonfa as she sweeps her hand left and right killing and slicing whoever is in range.
She moved in a circle and easily killed all the cultist, her speed was like the wind, and her movements fluid like water. But her strength seemed inhuman, evident when she kicked a cultist to a standing pillar and pulverized the stone and the human body that collided with each other. With every shower of blood from a sliced jugular, a cultist dropped dead and unmoving.
"Lakyus, look-"
They saw the woman take the orbs being held by the cultist one by one as she killed them, they were the fabled Jewel of the Dead that was favored by Zuranon senior necromancers. So, the unknown assassin seemed to be targeting them as well.
Three cultist finally had the presence of mind to run towards the exit, but before they were able to exit their bodies were pierced by unknown weapons that came from the darkness. 6 other black hooded figures came charging and secured the perimeter of the altar and the ruined temple. With their bloody work done, one of the other hooded men approached the woman and bowed.
"Callidus-chan, the area has been cleared of enemies."
"Any complications?"
"None, the guards around the perimeter have already been dealt with."
The Blue Roses looked at each other, if they came in here first and dealt with the guards then they must have known that someone came here before them. They left the hired assassins dead in their wake, if the bodies were found by these black hooded people then they were already exposed to begin with. What's more noticeable is that they have not sheathed their weapons yet, nor relaxed their stances, which makes them ready in case their group decided for a confrontation.
"Understood, well done Legionnaires-" the woman turned towards their direction and seemed to look at Lakyus's eye directly, "-set charges and then return these to the Supreme Beings."
She casually handed back the sack carrying the Jewels of Death as the hooded figure bowed and walked back to the part where they came from. 3 other of the men took out small blocks of clay from their sacks and began to knead them into shape like a dough, they set them in a triangle configuration around the altar. Then they stabbed the putty of clay with small rods of shining steel on them that blinked lights in a regular interval. Stepping away, they walked back into the shadows and their presence was immediately lost even to Evil Eye's senses.
"They're gone Lakyus-"
The leader of the Blue Roses still observed the mysterious woman in black, her silhouette seemed familiar after all. With their job done, the figure began to back away towards the shadowed archway to exit the temple, but to everyone's surprise it stopped and said out loud.
"You have done well to not have interfered with the work of the Supreme Beings!"
The woman removed her mask and they almost gasped in shock, her face was similar to the Wanted Poster spread by the Theocracy. It was said that she went rogue after stealing from the Miko Princess and her sacred treasure. But to see her standing in front of them, with half her face made from a smooth metal and a red unblinking eye unnerved her to no end.
"Tia, Tina!"
Clementine replaced the mask covering the lower half of her face and stepped back into the shadows, both assassins stopped before they could step into the shadows as it seemed thick and alive. Writhing and roiling in malevolence, a different sense of foreboding and fear emanated from within and human self-preservation made them stop immediately from pursuing.
"She is beyond my grasp," Evil Eye shook her head as she felt her presence vanish, "Its impossible, one minute she was there- then all of a sudden she was gone."
"We did not felt her move except to step back into the shadows," Tina closed her eyes and focused, "Nor can I hear anything beyond our location- she could have casts 'Fly', but invisibility will still allow me to hear her."
Gagaran shouldered her weapon and charged through the shadows, after much thrashing around she came back to their circle and shook her head.
"Not a single footstep."
"Impossible."
The large woman's eyebrow arched, "You calling me blind Tia?"
The assassin shook her head, she trusted her companion's judgement, her twin then knelt and inspected a body of the cultist. The wounds were all clean, there wasn't even too much blood splatter on some of the corpses. It was quick, silent, and their targets felt nothing at all, not even the numbing pain of death gripping their bodies.
It was an overall clean hit.
Gagaran shrugged her shoulders, "Well, at least we know her skills hasn't dulled ever since they were last seen back in E-Rantel. Reports said they were slain by Momon- could he have lied?"
"Wait," it was Evil Eye who noticed it, "Everyone- RUN!"
The 3 seemingly inert clay putties put out enormous magical potential within seconds as magic circles began forming around them. The Blue Roses broke off in haste, their retreat could have been more graceful, but the fear and urgency in Evil Eye's voice compelled them to move faster than necessary. As soon as they stepped out of range of the circle of trees, a great wave threw them to the ground as the explosion consumed the ring of trees around them. Like a great dragon breathed through it, debris of stone, wood and everything else rained around them.
Standing up and recovering almost immediately, Gagaran lifted the nearest of the girls beside her as she herded her teammates away from the blast site.
They kept heading back until they reached higher ground, from afar Lakyus looked back at the blast site. Ring of trees, the old ruined temple, the cultist, everything was now gone. Instead, a crater replaced where it all once stood. Not a single piece of evidence was there except those that they carried in their minds, well, what good is what is on their mind if they couldn't even explain what the hell it is.
"Evil Eye," she turned to their diminutive magic caster, "How did you know?"
"There was an imminent feeling of danger the minute those 'things' the black men left began pouring out mana like crazy."
"Ever seen magic like that before?"
The vampire shook her head, "I can't recall anything that I have encountered before."
"I see."
"Lakyus," Gagaran breathed heavily and gaped at the destruction they managed to escape from, "What will we do now?"
The blonde woman turned to her teammates and said, "We will go back to the Capital, the Crown Princess must know about this."
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To be continued
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(A/N: And... here I GO AGAIN!)
Chapter 2 has been re-written.
Cheers,
Scarabeye3000