Heaven or Hell

by Scarabeye3000

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

15. Reconquista

Disclaimer: Seriously, I would have owned Overlord if I'm a gazilllionaire, sadly I am not. So, tough then.

Title: Heaven or Hell

Chapter 15 - Reconquista

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Slane Theocracy - Holy Capital

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Nigun Grid Luin sat on his terrace as he stirred a lump of sugar into his hot tea, the early morning sun filtered the few clouds in the sky as the chill of the night slowly dissipated from the warming rays of light. The diminutive maid stood not far, quietly observing the other occupants of the table as her eyes remained still, immovable and unblinking. His friend, the appointed Apostle of the Word Bearers, Count Erythro still carried the staff and markings of his office, a 2-handed crozius with the symbol of the Theocracy's sacred religion on its top. His overcoat was also marked with the embroidered symbol of a Confessor, a considerably higher posting than a cleric and a tier more above a Priest. Like Nigun, he stirred sugar into his tea and sipped silently as the last occupant twitched and looked stressed out from lack of sleep.

Not that he could blame Cardinal Dominic from his lack of such, but the stress of the previous days are beginning to show. But it seems the old man has finally sorted himself out and will soon be able to make a decision regarding his political stance and their steps on eroding the power of the Pontifex Maximus.

"Cardinal, I am glad you see the wisdom in your decision."

"You gave me no choice," the old man sighed as he sipped on his own cup of tea, "Damned if I did, damned if I don't."

Erythro shrugged his shoulders and gave a sideways glance at Nigun, "Well, just so we are clear. Please speak your decision."

"Hah. I have decided to support your movement to depose of the Pontifex Maximus however, I will need something or someone to reassure me."

"What do you mean?"

Dominic looked at them straight into their eyes and said, "I wish to meet at least one of these Supreme Beings you so threw your souls into-"

He stopped as a shadow of darkness seemed to pass over Nigun's face and the diminutive maid's head turned unnaturally flexible towards him.

It was Nigun who spoke first, "Do you wish them harm?"

"No, I swear it is not my wish to harm them," the old man sighed once more, "I-I just want to know, if I could truly throw my lot with them. I just want to know."

"You wish to be blessed too?"

The Cardinal gave a small laugh, "If you mean blessed as in be given substantial gifts of power, well, who am I to decline? But I would rather or I wish to see for myself if they are worthy of such adoration and trust-"

A menacing hiss and numerous clicking sounds came from the maid as the Cardinal looked back at her with much agitation. Nigun and Erythro seemed to just shrug it off as they understand that the words of the old man seemed disrespectful against their Lords. But deciphering words of politicians have been one of their traits, as such, they took none offense of it, and to be honest, both thought that the Supreme Beings with their enormous talents for governing would also take none. Like all of their servants, there are many who are powerful, but very few are smart or knowledgeable about the outside world.

'Lord Demiurge is probably one of them,' Nigun thought idly, he then turned to Entoma and said, "Entoma, would you be so kind to ask an audience with the Master or at least one of them."

The maid did not move at once, she seemed to be considering his words and was focused at them with her unblinking purple eyes. But for what seemed like eternity, she nods her head and said, "VeRy WelL HeRetiC, I wiLL bE bacK shoRtly."

The maid walked back inside the house and was embraced by the still darkness of the early morning. Leaving them alone, they decided to talk about the more mundane things within the Theocracy. The current events and the politics within their city, including policies that they could use to outmaneuver the Pontifex Maximus.

"How's the tea your Eminence?"

Dominic sighed and tried to genuinely relax, "Well, such products can only come from the Baharuth Empire. It is excellent."

"You are mistaken Cardinal, this tea was obtained in the Rakasha City State-"

"To travel so far, for a barrel of tea? How can you preserve its freshness though?"

"We have our ways," Nigun smiled mysteriously, "But in all seriousness Cardinal, what have you planned in mind to bring down the power of the Pontifex Maximus?"

"To bring down an institution like the office of the Pontifex Maximus, one must destroy its reputation first."

"That is quite hard- a trusted individual like the Pontifex has the utmost support not just of the college of Cardinals, they also have the Scripture Commanders confidence, and of course the faith of the Theocracy citizens."

Erythro puts the cup on the table and grabbed a piece of bread to eat, "It would be extremely difficult to change the minds of the other Cardinals. The Scripture Commanders could be influenced provided they did not made any modification within their minds-"

"-the only one who has not augmented their brains, but has a rather natural talent to resist any kind of mind conditioning is the Black Scripture Captain-"

"-exclude him, he is eternally faithful to the elected Pontifex Maximus," Cardinal Dominic took another sip and a bite of bread, "He is also one of the most powerful God-kins that we have."

"Indeed, he is. Though that only leaves us with the people, or the masses. We need them inflamed, feel grief, anger, hopelessness and of course damage if not destroy their trust on the Pontifex."

Nigun smiled at that, "You forget one thing Erythro, the Pontifex is human and is subject to errors and weakness that plague our frail mentality. Not to mention this city has grown weak, bloated and have enjoyed far too much of the peace afforded by the sacrifice of the Scriptures. They are ignorant and must be reminded of their... mortality."

"HeREtIc, tHe mEetInG has beEn approVed," the Cardinal twitched at the grating voice, no matter how many times he had heard of it he still could not get it over his head that it was that diminutive maid's voice.

"I am glad the Supreme Beings can make time for servants such as us, when will we be allowed to come?"

"NoW." Entoma turned quickly and walked back inside, "FoLloW Me."

Nigun and Erythro immediately jumped up in anticipation, Dominic gulped a lungful of morning air and also followed suit. He did not know how he could meet these Supreme Beings, but he knew that he must confirm something first before he could commit to this plan.

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Azerlisia Mountain - Feo Raizo

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DAKKA!DAKKA!DAKKA!
DAKKA!DAKKA!DAKKA!
DAKKA!DAKKA!DAKKA!

A Skitarii with an ornate helm fought to keep his buckling weapon under control. The heavy weapons released to their cohort had been very useful in sweeping their primitive enemies under the boots of their advancing legion. So far, no enemy offensive managed to even break their formation as the whole 7th Legion poured out of every passages that connected Feo Raizo to Feo Jera. Mind you, the very first probes proved to be quite problematic because of the dark caverns and blind spots covered by darkness where ambushes can take place, but the tools of their helms are all set with every possible means to view an enemy. Infrared, black and white, night vision, and of course false light infrared, which tremendously helps them see through the darkness.

"Centurion 6712, the 3rd cohort has requested withering fire from point 6B," another Skitarii beside him spoke as he began to dismantle and store the ammunition boxes for the Centurion's heavy weapon to be carried, "The Lord-General has entered the city and wishes to push to the northern gate and possibly trap any Quagoa within the city."

"Maybe they are aiming for a pincer maneuver?" another Skitarii also began to fold the tripod that acted as support for the heavy weapon carried by their Centurion.

The Skitarii with the ornate helm nods his head and slung his weapon on his shoulder, he raised his hand and four other legionnaires evenly spaced away from him acknowledged him. His auto-cannon's barrel smoked from churning out explosive rounds as they began marching away from their previous position, "Indeed, Ranger 3512. According to the Tribuni that attended the conference with General Baraqiel, we are indeed going for a pincer maneuver and smash any Quagoa caught in our dragnets."

"What about the 1st Company? The Infiltrators?"

"Worry not about our brothers of the 1st Company," the Centurion assured them, "They have a different objective from us, though we are the hammer of our legion, you can akin the 1st Company to a sword, both employed for their surgical precision and versatility. I believe they would be hitting the supply lines or maybe the weak points of the enemy, though this is just speculation since this was not mentioned in the meeting."

Marching with the legionnaires under him, the Centurion guided them to a row of stone blockhouses of Dwarven design and make. Wordlessly, they began moving to the highest part of the stone complex as their leader nods satisfied at their elevated line of sight. From where they stood he could see other sections of the city were already being cleansed street by street by their Legion. He then nods to his two assistants as they immediately put down the heavy ammunition boxes and they both quickly set-up the support pod for their leader's auto-cannon.

"Ranger 6632, prepare your cohort's 88mm battery."

"Roger that sir, direct fire artillery setting-up," the other group that came with them went up higher to the rooftop and began hauling out their heavy equipment. They carried the large components of the 88mm each on their backs as they moved and worked like ants. Precise and synchronized movements that helped them set-up the large weapon quite easily and quickly. One carried the hydraulic dampeners of the cannon, another carried the 1st section of the barrel, another carried the 2nd section, 2 more Skitarii carried the stabilizing quad-pod, and one more carried the firing assembly.

With their augmented strength, they could carry heavy loads that would have burdened a group of men. This group finished setting-up the 88mm cannon in just 5 minutes and began stacking up their ammunition in quick order.

"Ready to fire Centurion."

Their Centurion wordlessly communicated with higher command and received their fire mission, "Load HE. Coordinates set on sector 6H, delta 45, elevation zero. Fire for effect."

Coldly the gunner looked through his scope and found their target. A large building that looked like it was being used as one of the fortifications by the Quagoa, one of their possible strong points in the city as he saw a group of Quagoas that looked old and their young going inside. He stepped back from the cannon and pulled on the lanyard-

BOOM!

Four other cannons spewed death on top of buildings across the street as they hit the fortified positions of the Quagoa. Withering cannon fire continued unabated as their enemy desperately retreated to any building still intact from the enemy's fire.

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Centurion 3519 observed from their position as the cohort of Centurion 6712 blasted the building the Quagoa retreated into. He requested the fire mission since they could not push effectively due to the small passageways designed by the Dwarves. With the fortified walls coming down and the way widening for his own legionnaires to pass through, he stood up confidently to lead the charge, he was followed by his second in command and began relaying orders as the sound of gunfire began again in earnest.

DAKKA!DAKKA!DAKKA!
DAKKA!DAKKA!DAKKA!
DAKKA!DAKKA!DAKKA!

Behind him, heavy bolters were singing their songs of fire and death as they lay down suppression fire against the enemy as the offensive began anew. Brass casings seemed to rain all round them as a deluge of bullets peppered downrange.

The Centurion leveled his flamer forward and squeezed the trigger.

FWOOM!

A long gout of flame licked everywhere he pointed his weapon at. Stone, wood, pottery, flesh, fur, teeth and claw burned quickly as a volatile mixture of chemicals ensured a continued burn as long as there's fuel being consumed. Even the Quagoas that tried to counter-attack by using their sheer numbers was blunted by promethium flame and hail of fire from their galvanic rifles. Wordlessly the Legionnaires marched forward confidently, continuing without pause, those that formed the first line were called the Vanguards, legionnaires designed to bear the brunt of damage of any assault. Their left hand was armed with towering kinetic shields that reflects any physical or kinetic damage coming from their enemies, their right hands held rad pistols that fired a solid slug of irradiated bullet. Those that survive their initial gunfire would soon find that any minute wounds made by their weapons would spell their end. Such bullets kill not only by physical damage, but the lingering effect of radiation on their body. Victims usually die vomiting their guts out and infecting others that managed to stand near them as their innards melt and decay due to the toxicity of every bullet. In case the enemy did get into melee, the Vanguards could draw their power swords and engage the enemy much more effectively.

Thus, anyone behind the wall of vanguards, whether they are Skitarii rangers or heavy weapons team, they can be sure that these front liners would not break morale under any enemy assault nor give an inch, for fear is an emotion removed from the psyche of the whole legion.

With absolute faith and confidence at his 2nd who is a veteran vanguard, Centurion 3519 moved forward, his vanguard stood beside him always at the ready with his kinetic shield. They advanced quickly as the members of his command group continued their withering fire against the Quagoa. The enemy beasts fled inside houses and barricaded themselves inside. He aimed his flamer at the window of a nearby house, squeezed the trigger and a gout of flame exploded from the tip.

FWOOM!

Shrieks of pain and the smell of burning fur filtered through their breathing mask as they heard their enemy burning inside. The door suddenly opened and a large red-furred Quagoa charged through the blasted door. Without hesitation, the vanguard bashed the adult Quagoa with his shield making the wounded beast sprawl on its back. Without missing a step, the vanguard aimed his weapon at the downed beast and pulled the trigger twice. The Quagoa gurgled blood and was silent, the Centurion kicked open the door and saw a Quagoa youngling standing in protection in front of its smaller siblings. The Centurion took one look at them and squeezed the trigger of his heavy flamer. A roaring wall of flame engulfed the group of younglings as they writhed and shrieked in pain.

Centurion 3519 waited until their screams stopped as he nods his head and walked out of the building, "This is the 5th Cohort, Centurion 3519, the enemy strong point has been neutralized. No prisoners, no survivors."

"Roger that, proceed to link with the 9th Cohort, reports have reached us that the enemy has begun pushing the eastern gate to achieve a breakthrough at the passageway to Feo Berkana," the cold voice of a Magos came from the vox, "Your battle doctrine would be the same, no prisoners, no survivors, pursue and eliminate all stragglers."

"Affirmative."

The Centurion nods his head and they all coldly marched out of the burning building, the sounds of the crying younglings were now replaced with the snap and crackle of burnt fur and flesh burnt to a crisp.

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With the battle for Feo Raizo beginning, the Magos took a step back and relegated the field command of the Legion to their own officers, the Centurions. These officers act as sergeants that receive and relay orders, they are followed by Lieutenants or Tribuni in the words of the Legion that commands a group of Centurions, after the Lieutenants are the 10 Captains or the Praetors that commands the 10 Cohorts that form up the whole legion, the Captains then report directly to General Baraqiel himself, an exemption to this rule is the 1st Cohort of every legion which is commanded by 2 Praetors or Captains and can only accept Tribunis or Centurions or even a Legionnaire that have exceptional combat skills.

From the start of the conflict, the Magos has had a different agenda as dictated by the Supreme Beings. As the front line consistently moved forward, groups of Magos entered each and every administrative building that was kept intact by their advancing legion. They recorded and kept copies of each and every scroll that had any inkling or record about Runesmithing, the history of the Dwarven Cities, or any notable mention about the 6 Great Gods, Evil Deities or any information that might indicate traces of the Old World. They also took note of any treasures, weapons, lost designs, or even any information that the Supreme Beings could use was taken note off and filed away. Those that cannot be copied were secreted away, or were sent back to the vaults atop the floating flagship of the 7th Legion, the 'Heavenly Bolt'.

As the front line shifted once more, Baraqiel moved his command center to the newly reconquered Long Hall. A building that once served as the seat of power within this mining city, was turned into a temporary refuge by the Quagoa before being dislodged again after a short fire fight. The General walked through the rubble strewn remains of the building as his forces pushed mercilessly and without prejudice.

He then turned to one of his Captains and said, "Praetor, try to-" he gestured to the blasted window in general, "-try to preserve at least the buildings that looked important that you see. Our 'benefactors' might not take too kindly because they might think that we're leveling their city too much."

"Understood sir," the Praetor or Captain saluted by banging his breastplate and walked away. He looked outside from a blasted window and saw flashes of cannon fire on the eastern side of the city where last intelligence reports that the enemy have gathered the last of their fighters and was amassing for a breakthrough. Captain Ingo Pech approached him then and reported, "My Lord General, we have taken the whole city in less than a day. Reports are still coming in from the Magos that they have compiled countless artifacts and records of the Dwarven City until its recent abandonment. Additionally, the army we encountered here was only a fraction or rather represent only the 3 clans of the whole Quagoa Army. We believe that they were gathering in this city to launch an attack on the last dwarven city-"

"You mean Feo Jera?"

"Yes Lord General, we have captured their elders and some of their more resilient warriors and they have confessed these information to us."

"I thought these creatures are quite hardy," the General's brow furrowed inside his helm, "How did they confess anyway?"

"With vigorous and persistent prodding Lord-General."

"Ah." , 'Torture.'

Just then the Commander in Chief of the Dwarven Kingdom walked inside the blasted room, he looked part-amazed and part-annoyed at the devastation that occurred. But he cannot hide his hopeful face as the city of Feo Raizo is liberated from Quagoa influence. He approached the General, who acknowledged him with a bow.

Baraqiel looked back at Captain Pech and amusedly said, "Confessed huh? Well, I believe you are right since that is the way that I see it- they are moving the 3 clans here to begin a campaign to surround Feo Jera. Possibly in a few months time, if they actually reproduce the way they were reported to then they could overwhelm the Feo Jera garrison with their numbers."

"You are correct on your assessment General," the Commander in Chief said as he picked up a piece of sculpted stone, "I fear their inherent reproduction speed have been their greatest asset and their species driving force for survival. More living spaces for their clans have always been the problem for any burgeoning civilization."

"Reports from the Archmagos Biologica indicate that each clan could have between 10,000 to 8,000 individuals, which is a conservative number depending on what we threw at them here," Captain Pech looked down on a scroll sent by one of the Skitarii Rangers and read off the core of the report, "Our expenditure on this battle is around 400 crates of rifle ammunition used, 100 crates of heavy weapons ammunition, and 300 light cannon rounds fired-"

"100 crates of heavy weapons ammunition?" the General took the scroll and looked at it personally, "My goodness, are they using the auto-cannons again? Don't tell me they were issued the high-explosive shells that were so expensive to make.

Captain Pech looked down and sheepishly said, "Well, there are no armored enemies my Lord General, as such it would be a waste to deploy the Plasma Cannons and the LasCannons. Plus, these unarmored enemies need stopping power to keep them at bay."

Baraqiel sighed at that, "Any casualties?"

"Roughly 1/3 of the Legion's-"

"DID YOU SAY 1/3 OF THE LEGION!?" Baraqiel was livid and his wings flapped in panic, "LORD SAMMAEL WOULD HAVE MY HEAD FOR THAT! WHY WAS I NOT INFORMED SO I CAN COMMAND DIRECTLY!?"

Praetorian or Captain Pech closed his eyes as he tried to calm his commander, "For-forgive me my Lord, but let me clarify that at least 1/3 of the Legion's 9th Scout Company was lost."

"That's still a lot!"

"Well, Lord General, our casualties are substantial at first since we cannot effectively halt their somewhat 'enthusiastic' charges and our forces were still in the scouting and skirmish phase then. But as we progress through to the battle phase they were beginning to lose their most crazed and resilient soldiers. Thus, we were able to beat them back and their attack has lacked the force it used to have at the start of the conflict."

"How about all other members of each and every clan?"

"Younglings that have stopped suckling their mothers were all considered combatants and-"

"One second," the Commander of the Dwarves interjected, "What do you mean the younglings?"

Baraqiel shrugged his shoulders and said, "We have considered the younglings of the Quagoa as combatants. In a few years they would mature, then they would learn of the enemy from the lap of their mothers, or on the tongues of those other younglings that were spared, then you would have a rebellious youth, then this rebellious youth would mature, then as it goes into adulthood it will begin to nurture the seeds that its mother has planted in his mind, then very soon a problem would arise that might take materials and men. Sometimes it only takes one dissenter, as taught by Lord Sammael, one peasant with an unyielding will to bring down a kingdom."

The General took a step away as he received word from the Eastern Gate of an attempted Quagoa breakthrough force that they have blunted, "We would like to avoid that and kill everyone instead so as to root the problem at its first sign."

The Dwarven Commander's eyes hardened at that, he had not considered that their allies could exhibit such brutality. Indeed, their methods are brutal yet logical and quite effective.

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A Quagoa with red fur and a jagged scar running down his right face breathed heavily as he gathered the last of his fighting men of Po Ram together with the adjoining clan of Pu Rumidol, and Pu Solix as they lined up for a final breakthrough attempt to Feo Berkana. The Quagoa Lord, Pe Riyuro must learn of the advance of these 'metal men' that has currently broken the back of their summer offensive. With the number of the 3 clans shattered here, their Lord can now only use the whole army to either subjugate the last Dwarven city, or repel these army of automatons.

Blood trickled from a head wound as he tried to shake off the cobwebs, during the initial stages of battle he carefully watched and took note on how their enemy moved. When they began their classic attack of ambushing and overwhelming the enemy, it worked effectively at first against them. But as they quickly noticed, their enemy was just like them, they seemed without number and every fallen enemy still fought until they could not anymore. Whereas they would take off an arm from one of their red-robed adversary thinking it would be enough to cripple them, but they were wrong as they continued fighting and firing their terrible weapons that sounded like the sound of rocks breaking apart and falling down. A distinctive crack could be heard every time and one of their number would fall down in pain or in death. Their armies marched continuously without pause through every passageway that it quickly broke off any hope for reinforcements. Any attempts to push or counter-attack was met with overwhelming force. Their morale quickly eroded, for no amount of formation, fighting spirit, or number could overwhelm their enemy who visited them death from afar.

What disheartened him further was their predisposition to kill everyone.

Elderly, women, even the younglings, even pregnant mothers were not spared. Some even deliberately ripped the developing child from their wombs and setting them ablaze. None were spared, some of his soldiers even broke and tried to surrender, but their enemy was deaf as each and every one that surrendered found themselves lying in their own pool of blood.

Never had he been the target of such brutality, maybe this was a reprisal of the Gods for their visitation of such violence against the dwarves. But were it as simple as that?

"Master Yozu," a very young Quagoa that was pressed into the main force approached him, "Misa and her group has returned from scouting the enemy."

"Bring them to me."

A group of even younger Quagoa shuffled inside where he sat as they sniffed and combed at their scraggly and dirty fur. They looked back at the remaining clan leader as the fear shone through their hardened but innocent eyes.

"So?"

"Master Yozu, the enemy has numbers beyond the count of 20 holding the passageway."

Another young Quagoa shuffled at the front and said, "I am the last remaining scout that came from the front line, or whatever is left of it. There are no more of our species beyond the line of our enemy, we are all that is left Master. The warriors that I came with left me to go on alone. They said they would follow- but I have not seen them."

Yozu tried to stifle the cold knot on his chest, those warriors that got left behind has probably been trampled by the advancing army, "Worry not youngling. Thank you all for your efforts, rejoin the main attack force and I shall join you later."

They all shuffled outside as the last Quagoa Commander of clan Po Ram punched the ground he was sitting on. Cracks appeared on the solid stone floor as blood dripped from his lip. The pain of their clan facing such decimation is too much for one leader to bear. Their demise was clear as it was day, what would Pe Riyuro think if he would be facing the same issue as him now. But that is not the time for that now, he stopped and quickly gathered his emotions, then he stood up and walked outside to join the final breakthrough attempt to Feo Berkana. He noted that it was silent, or merely it was just his mind over thinking things that it muted everything else around him. He rounded a bend and came upon the outside of the dwelling where he was located, his heart fell as all hope of a breakthrough was now lost.

He was not able to notice it, but the sounds of preparation and of forming battle groups, even the sounds of the crying younglings have gone silent ever since he sent the young Quagoa scouts outside awhile ago. Those young Quagoa that were their last scouts were now lying on a pool of their blood as all around him the last of clan Po Ram was extinguished by this silent enemy. They carried the red hoods of their enemies, but unlike those that he encountered at the front lines, these soldiers walked without sound nor any clink on their armor could be heard. Fully armored from head to toe in ornate plate green and silver armor, one of their number who just retrieved his large broad sword from one of his clansmen looked back at him without any emotion. He noticed that they all looked the same, moved the same, and was armed the same, and their shoulder pauldron showcased the number '1' on it.

Yozu felt a bubbling anger and desperation within him, but a glint of light coming from his left made him duck quickly. Blood spurted from his forehead as he moved too late from the incoming blade, he rolled on the stone floor with blinding pain as the long sword of an undetected enemy tried to decapitate him.

"Missed him by 'that' much Captain Pech" the Infiltrator made a gesture with his thumb and index finger.

"Perhaps you should have aimed your sword lower to compensate," their footsteps were still unheard as Captain Ingo Pech approached him with the Infiltrator that missed its fatal blow to him, "Do make it quick, the Lord General is waiting."

A soft squelching sound as Yozu's breathe was sucked out from his lungs, his vision blurred and he gasped for air. He looked down at the large sword that easily penetrated his reinforced fur. A moment of clarity as he remembered that his fur before was able to stop any weapon that was forged by the dwarves, or any man, and yet the weapon of these soldiers or iron-men easily carved him like they would the dwarves.

"-urgh!"

He grunted as he felt the sword being pulled out of his body, barely breathing, disoriented and reeling from disbelief. Yozu tried to refocus his vision and looked up at the gleaming tube of an ornate bolter-

DAKKA!

"-I am confident though that we have mopped up the stragglers of the Quagoa here and that Captain Mathias Herzog will continue on with Phase 2."

"Indeed he will be, let us be quick and have the Undead Legion as garrison for this newly liberated-" and the Infiltrator Captain was suddenly covered in smoke and vanished from view as Yozu, the Quagoa Commander lay dead on a pool of his own blood. No noise, no sound, just a wisp of smoke cover and they were gone.

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Azerlisia Mountain - Feo Berkana

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Captain Mathias Herzog looked down from atop a stone spire as he scanned the surrounding area. Word reached them that Feo Raizo has been reconquered and any hope of a Quagoa breakthrough or any reinforcement or intervention from that city was snuffed at its beginning. They were now on the 2nd part of the liberation, by severing means of escape, securing the area where the concentration of the Quagoa are at, and cutting them off from their communication with the confirmed location of the Frost Dragons. Their allies have given them an accurate and complete lay-out of the city, they were such great engineers of this New World that their measurements conform to what they are used to using.

The Royal Palace and the Royal Grounds where the former Dwarf Monarchy and their family reside was simply staggering. For such a large space to be found inside the mountain, they have truly made this area their home, a fortress that protects them from the outside. Though it was not enough to protect them from threats within, such as the Quagoa in the long run, but that crisis ends today. He walked back down to where most of his forces are located and gathered his most skilled Centurions, noted all members of the Infiltrators or the 1st Company are ranked Centurions or above. They boast their quality in battle instead of their quantity as compared to the whole legion itself, as such they are tasked with the most dangerous, and pivotal of the missions that could affect the whole campaign.

His visors monitored the numerous blips appearing on his field of vision and nods satisfactorily. Clicking on his communicator once, he quickly received a multitude of calls from Centurions commanding cohorts from the 1st Company placed all around the city.

"Praetorian Herzog?"

"Go ahead Tribunii-"

"We have reached the perimeter of the Royal Palace, we have overestimated its size and confirmed that the 7 bridges that once connected it to the whole city was either blocked off one by one by the Frost Dragons or destroyed. As such, only 2 remain-"

"-perhaps the Dragons wished to control the Quagoa's access to their area, this could probably mean they are not as cooperative as we once thought they were?"

"Do we have any visual on the Dragons yet?"

"None, these caverns where the Royal Palace was carved from are so massive that we cannot even see them moving about- yet scans show large life signs inside the inner nave and the reported 'Treasure Room'."

"Very well then," Captain Herzog nods his head and dropped down from his perch, "All members of the 1st Company under my command, initiate Phase 2."

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Po Rodam was born with red fur, for a Quagoa to have such coloring he was destined to lead as warrior. Thus as he grew older their Clan Lord, Pe Riyuro, entrusted him to command a group of 10 of his kind, they were tasked to guard the entrance to the pathway connecting the city to the Royal Palace where the Dragons resided. Though it was considered a great honor to be entrusted as such, in truth, he resented such a task for it seemed to demean him of his status as an elite soldier of their people and it grated on his inside that he was reduced to guarding a passageway he didn't even need to guard anything against to.

Because in truth, who would be foolish to attack the seat of their power anyway?

And who would even dare to attack the Dragons in their lair, the most powerful race in this Mountain?

He gave a small chuckle at that thought. That would change very soon as their Clan Lord finally began to enact a plan that would secure the supremacy of their own race within the-

'What was that?'

His hair suddenly bristled as something seemed to pass bye them. Was it simply nothing? He nudged one of his kin and said, "Hey! Go check it out."

A blue haired one bristled, "What is it? I didn't hear anything."

"Amuse me and just check," Po Rodam insisted, "I thought I heard something."

The Quagoa gave a small sound of annoyance muttering 'amuse me' but obeyed and walked over to where his leader commanded him to. Looking around where he was directed to, but found nothing remarkable. He turned back to their group and shouted, "It's clear-!"

THUD

Po Rodam heard a muted thud and watched as one of his kin, the blue-furred one he ordered to scout an area drop down like a marionette with its strings cut. It took him a second too late to realize that 3 more of his kin had dropped down like sacks of potatoes, and large armored green men phasing into existence and brandishing large broad swords carving the rest of his kin into bloody mess. He was about to open his mouth in defiance and to alert the surrounding area when he felt a strong grip whirl him around and the cold feeling of a serrated blade driving itself into his lungs.

With the breath knocked out of him, not even a whimper of pain escaped from his lips as he was dead even before his body dropped to the ground.

"This is Tribuni 2552, the 2nd entrance to the Royal Palace has been secured."

"Tribuni 2552, this is Overwatch 1 we can see you-"

"-this is Overwatch 2, we can also see you."

"Praetorian Herzog, this is Tribuni 2552. 2nd entrance secured."

.

The White Dragon Lord, Olasird'arc Haylilyal, stood in front of the large door of the vaunted Treasure Room of the Dwarven Royal Palace and channeled power into his claws once more. Silent and steady, he focused one point of the Treasure Room vault and compress his power further more. For years he had attempted to break down this door, for years success has eluded him, and for years the ancient magic of the dwarves held on.

Not one crack, nor chip, nor any kind of damage was done to the door. This would all change-

Moving faster than a human could follow, he swiped his claws forward and struck the ornate door. The force was such that it shook the walls of the Royal Palace, tremors reached every section of the place. Yet frustration continued to gnaw on him, for not even a scratch could be seen on the magical door.

With a sound unbecoming of a Dragon Lord, Haylilyal huffed in disappointment and stomped back to the Throne Room. Everyday in every week and in every month he would try to penetrate the vaunted treasure room to no avail. Taking his spot behind the throne where a sizable pile of gold, jewels and expensive items were heaped upon, he lowered himself to the treasure trove and brooded on another failed attempt. Compared to the paltry amount where he basked himself into, the contents within the vault was beyond reckoning, the smell that would permeate through the door would sometimes drove him to bouts of anger and impatience. He looked out the vaulted windows and sighed, why could he not open these doors?

Perhaps it was time to change the standing of the Quagoa's and replace with the Dwarves, that way they could open the doors for him in exchange for his protection and benevolent rule over them. Hmm, perhaps when the Quagoa had the gall to actually challenge him, maybe then he would actually go through with it. Such simpletons, they couldn't even build such grand halls on their own, instead they had to rely on the declining number of the Dwarves to push them out of their lands.

Perhaps in the future, but not now.

.

The former Market District was located West of the Royal Palace and was right beside the Merchant Guild house, which is the largest building in Feo Berkana aside from the Palace itself. The Guild House was where the seat of power for the Quagoa was located at, its massive halls was where they kept their trove of gold, precious metals, stones and every single valuable object they got from the mines. Before there was no unity, only a splintered, and numerous clans of Quagoa vying for position, resources and material. Now, under the United Quagoa Clans and leadership under Pe Riyuro, the Clan Lord, every movement and decision of every clan is now coming from one leader.

The greatest Quagoa that was born in centuries, a white-furred creature with golden streaks on his coat.

He now sat on a makeshift throne as he listened to the reports of his subordinates surrounding him.

"Clan Lord, our clan has finished mining the outer cluster of Feo Teiwaz and have hauled out almost a ton of gold, silver, aluminum, and a portion of platinum," a red furred Quagoa bowed respectfully, "Regretfully, we were unable to find any dwarven artifacts or valuables that gives any reference to the Treasure Room."

"Well, we get what we can get," Pe Riyuro sighed. Such an artifact could be a good bargaining chip against the Dragons, in fact, he could coax them to attack the Dwarven city and while they are away then they would raid the Royal Palace, but then again the time is not right.

Another red-furred Quagoa bowed in front of him and said, "The movement of logistics towards Feo Raizo has been completed, comrade Yozu has signed-off for all the material and will sent word to us once he has secured the northern flank of Feo Jera. He says in a few months he would be ready together with our assault on the Royal Palace."

"Good, remember to send Yozu any aid he would require."

"Yes, Clan Lord."

A red-furred Quagoa made his way through his peers and bowed low, "My Lord, I bring word from the disturbance near the outer tunnels."

"Speak."

"Yes," the creature nods his head and continued, "According to survivors of the encounter with the iron-men, they followed a dwarf that managed to find its way into their group. Not only were they able to escape even after being chased by a whole family of our kin, they managed to collapse the passage again trapping our kin through the rubble. We have recently gotten them out and some that survived have this to tell you.

A scruffy looking Quagoa was brought forth as he was commanded, "Kneel before the Clan Lord!"

A Quagoa with blue fur was pushed in the midst of the red and maroon colored fur of their kin. He bowed once and met Pe Riyuro's eyes, "My Lord, these men not only poison the stone for us to be unable to eat our way through. Additionally, their weapons do this to the flesh-"

He raised his hand and it showed a cauterized wound from a passing bullet of a galvanic rifle shot. Pe Riyuro examined it closely and saw the clean wound, like it was poked by a long shaft of a spear, but the exit wound is also something he had not seen before. It was larger than what he expected from a spear wound and according to their story is that a spear did not make this wound.

"What about the disturbance reported by the outside scouts?" the Clan Lord turned to his previous kin, "What about the Frost Giants?"

Once more the red furred one shrugged his shoulders, "So far, none of the scouts we sent have gone back. We fear the worst, these Giants are violent and usually would eat our kin rather than talk with them. I have not sent anyone else after the 3rd scout did not return."

The Clan Lord returned to his seat in the center of the gathered throng and nods his head in resignation, "Very well, but I need to know more about these iron men and if they are still lurking around our side of the mountain. If they are, I want them found, alive and brought to me. Is that clear?"

"Yes Clan Lord!" the hall shook from the roar of the representative of the Unified Quagoa Clans.

.

Outside of the relative safety of the mountain's embrace, where the cold snow pierce through the bones and the razor winds cuts and wounds the exposed flesh. The village of the Frost Giants was located in one of the very few protected valleys inside the area of the Azerlisia Mountain range. Rough stone houses standing almost 50 feet high that act as cover against the cold and the weather, a few crude tools for survival and the discarded remains of their hunted food. With immunity to the cold, these creatures were the anti-thesis to the Frost Dragons and the only threat to their supremacy of the Mountain. But these group of houses or small village was now vacant, there were obvious signs of battles and a decapitated giant's head now sat atop a crude table. From the skies 2 large shapes floated lazily, one followed by the other, seemingly immune from the violent winds buffeting the ancient landscape.

Below large hulking figures almost 50 feet tall stood motionlessly, amidst them an Angel with black wings and black plate armor strode amidst their number. The flag of the 3rd Legion flew violently buffeted by the strong winds for all those who can witness as a giant grovelled in front of the armored Angel and the army in front of him.

"We say sorry," the giant groveled as if his life depended on it, "Spare us your whips and bright weapons, spare our children- we will serve the Undead King. We will serve the Warmaster without question. For they are both mighty without question."

Bardiel sighed within his helm, "Very well Ghazghull, your clan would inherit the whole Azerlisia Mountain range and the surrounding area. Your willingness to surrender and yield will be noted upon and will be looked kindly upon by the Supreme Beings. It was truly fortunate that your clan did not fall upon the fate of the Merok-Hai and its extended clan."

Ghazghull shivered not from the cold, but from the memory of the slaughter visited to the Merok-Hai giant clan that lived on the other side of the valley. They resisted violently against these small men, and yet these small men can kill their best warriors by swarming them. But what was truly terrible was when the Angel visited his wrath against them. Each and every passage of his whip sundered flesh, bone, fur, stone and metal. It struck with the sound of thunder and with the speed of lightning. He sighed once more at the memory, he once saw a full-grown giant, all 50 feet tall thrown in mid-air and then bisected twice horizontally and then vertically in front of him.

In a blink of an eye, the chief of the Merok-Hai Tribe, a Giant with the protection of a full 100 years of living was gone in an instant.

And so they cannot do anything but grovel and kneel. Beg for mercy or lest be driven into oblivion, for these small iron-men speak, and they speak with the least of reasons among them. It was fairly simple, obey their Lords and they should not be harmed and prosperity showered upon them.

After seeing the fates of the other ones that say nay to them, well it was difficult not to say aye after that.

General Bardiel looked satisfied, his Lord would be happy with their progress. In fact he may need to report personally-

"My Lord General!" the howling winds did not permit soft voices to be heard.

He gestured for the Praetorian to approach, which he did and banged his breastplate followed by ten more as they carried prisoners with them.

"My Lord General, I am Praetorian Garviel Loken and this-" he gestured to the next Captain beside him, "-is Praetorian Tarik Torgaddon. We command the 1st Company, the Justaerin Cataphrachts of the Black Legion... as per the Lord General's orders, we have spread the whole Legion on each and every exit out of this Mountain. We have caught these-"

The Justaerins were covered in black heavy plate armor, their numerous weapons crackled with fields of electricity as they herded the Quagoa scouts they captured.

"What will we do with them my General?"

Bardiel removed his helm and the creatures found another thing to shiver about aside from the cold. His dark black eyes that seemed to spill with the void robbed them of their voices, "What were your orders?"

"T-to scout and see if the rumours with the iron-men are t... true."

"And did you get your answer?"

A red-furred Quagoa seemed to break off the trance of fear and boldly answered, "My Clan Lord will know of this, who would have thought that there are more of you sulking outside. I swear that we would feed off the metals in your body and-"

WHOOSH! CRACK!

The creature's head flew away as the 3rd Angel shot out his whip and skillfully decapitated the red-furred one. He replaced his helm and ordered, "Kill them all. Each and everyone that will be encountered will be put to death at once, no survivors, no prisoners, and no exemptions."

"Yes, Lord General," the Justaerin Cataphracts reply was clear as 15 weapons were raised up in the air as the captured Quagoas could only gasp in realization of their fates, they could only voice out their protest for a second before their own lives were snuffed out.

"Baraqiel, this is your brother Bardiel... the outside of the Azerlisia Mountain range is secure. I will return to the Warmaster to confirm the next phase of order."

.

Baraqiel stood on the passageway leading up to the largest entrance into Feo Berkana. A large number of Quagoa warriors have convened on the area since it was the main passage that will lead to Feo Raizo, Feo Teiwaz and then further into the interior of the Mountain. It was where most foot traffic of the Quagoa happens and where most of the resources funnel through. Since Feo Berkana is the old main capital of the Dwarven Kingdom, it would not be unusual if most of its infrastructure is twice or even thrice as large as the other cities. As such, with ease of movement the 7th Angel General deemed it wise to take an immediate foothold quickly within the city. He turned back to the main army and looked at close to at least 500 ungainly machines now tethering on 2 unsteady legs each.

"Praetor Dartarian Varix are your Ironstriders ready?"

A full plated Captain nods his head and banged his breastplate, his chest was emblazoned with the number 5 or V as he sat on top of the more mysterious contraption fielded by the Legion. Iron steeds that stand on 2 legs whirred and hummed as they awaited orders, their riders wore maroon robes over their Skitarii war gear. They carried long weapons that looked like lances at a distance, but they were hollow in the middle and crackled with electricity.

"Lord General, the Ironstriders of the Ballistarius and Dragoons of the 3rd and 5th Company are ready."

"Good, ride forward and take the main gates. The 4th, 6th, and 7th will follow you, then the 8th and 10th would be the vanguard of our rear and the flank."

"Affirmative sir, is the 9th Company still not in fighting condition?"

The General sighed at that, "The 9th Company took the brunt of the first assault into Feo Raizo, after that they also did most of the city mop-up, after that they handled our flanks during the Legion's advance. They have done enough, thus I have sent them to the Western flanks and tasked to connect with the 3rd Legion, as of now the Black Legion has just reported that they have subjugated the Frost Giants."

"So fast my Lord?"

Baraqiel shrugged his shoulders, "Well, they only need to contend to the forces outside of the mountain. Plus, the Frost Giants are anything but crafty and understand tactics like the Quagoa. Not to mention they have the support of our ownbattleship."

"It does level things out having 2 ships of the line under one's command doesn't it Lord General?"

"Indeed, well I suggest you ride hard and you ride fast," the Praetor raised his weapon and banged his breastplate once more, "Praetor Herzog should make your entrance much easier."

"We shall do as you say Lord-General!"

The Angel looked on as the Praetor charged forward followed by the thundering of steel hooves. These Ironstriders walked just like a chicken would, their feet were high yet their body was curved low to compensate the high center of gravity as they walked or run. They constituted as the cavalry of the Skitarii Legions and their walking legs was perfect for the uneven surface inside the caverns that the tracked vehicles of the Mechanicum would have a hard time maneuvering into. Their metal feet clanged loudly on the stone floor of the large cavern as their approach heralded a solid line of metal towards the main entrance to Feo Berkana. Flags that proclaimed their heraldry and their allegiance including the 8 pointed star of the Warmaster flew proudly. Their weapons steaming from readiness as their machines whined and hummed in anticipation of contact, the racket of their galloping metal mounts earned the attention of the Quagoa as they heard a loud roar coming from the main gate.

"The enemy is aware of us!" Praetorian Varix's shouted on his vox-caster as he pushed a button on his mechanical mount, "Forward! For the Warmaster and the Immortal King!"

His fellow Dragoons shouted in affirmative through their own vox-casters and followed him in a 'V' formation. As they neared the Front Gate, the Quagoa saw the charging soldiers and also met their own charge. Praetorian Varix and his men raised their Taser Lances and pointed it forward as they neared their enemy with every stride.

.

.

Baharuth Empire

.

The Fallen Angel stood in front of a window overlooking a large portion of the marketplace in the capital city of the Baharuth Empire of Arwintar. His latest acquisition, the twin children of Furt and their elder sister goes beyond their mere presence in his estate. More importantly is the background of magic that their sister can provide and the allegiance and loyalty of their father. Their family was another of his back contacts, including the Master of the Trade Guild. He was part of a network of human informants aside from his own forces that he used as sources of information through the whole Empire. He also finished reviewing the reports coming in from the assault on the Azerlisia Mountains. He was quite pleased at the campaign for the liberation of the whole area and would like it if the Dwarves would see that their existence could have gone the other way without their intervention. As such, he would request for them to impart a great deal about their stone works, masonry and construction design. Perhaps their engineers could share some knowledge and general know-how to the Fabricator-General in improving current designs for fortification and construction.

Sounds of music resounded through the whole room as their latest magic tool was tested in his presence. It looked like an old phonograph, but its design was much better than the one in the Old World. For if vinyl and wax cylinders were used in the first phonographs, their design incorporated a much better instrument than those old ones. The Magos are still studying to see if they could easily replicate it with the available materials in the New World, but so far, he would keep this prototype that played immaculate music to his ears.

Voices from heaven seemed to come out of the ornate horn as the music continued unabated, it was named 'Da Ispraviza - Let my Prayer Arise' and was recorded back in the Old World during the early years of the Orthodox Church.

It was calming for him and it stirred something within as the sound seemed to call out to the heavens. He was still contemplating on this when the door to his office opened and in walked Zadicus with Arche in tow. They carried a set of papers as the human girl stopped at the sound of music.

"My Lord Samuel," the disguised Angel General bowed at his master, "I bring letters from our associate, Magistrate Tibian regarding the viability on trade with the Sorcerer Kingdom. We have also received feedback from the Trade Guild in the Royal Capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom for you to review."

"Excellent," the master of the Trading House walked over to his desk and sat down, he reached for the letters and began reading them with haste. After his 2nd re-read he noticed that Arche's eyes were closed as the music seemed to calm her also.

"Do you like it?"

She blushed as she quickly opened her eyes and said, "Ye-yes my Lord, I have never heard such voices. They're like-"

"-like angels?" his eyes found Zadicus, who closed his eyes and smiled knowingly.

"Y-yes, indeed my Lord."

"Tell me Arche, what are Angels to you?"

The girl shrugged her shoulders and contemplated her answer, "They are heralds of the Gods, messengers, uhm... saviors and guardians. Depending of course on the Gods that they represented."

Sammael smiled at that, indeed she was right in a sense. Angels were indeed that, messengers, guardians, heralds, but they are also soldiers, swords of execution by God, they are sometimes the hand of punishment. But it was not yet time for her to know, her worth is not much and her faith on them was not yet solid, therefore it was not necessary to bind her to them yet.

"Such innocence, anyways, Zadicus- prepare two caravans headed for the Sorcerer Kingdom and then to the Royal Capital. Lily would lead the Sorcerer Kingdom caravan while you and Arche go to the Re-Estize Kingdom."

"Understood my Lord, I shall go over to you once we finalize it. The list of items that we would be carrying to the caravans."

"Wonderful," Samuel nods his head and smiled, "I can hold the House for now. I do have Barristan to keep me company."

Arche felt a shiver down her spine as she finally caught the presence of one of the advisers of their Master. Out of the supposed 8 advisors, she have only seen Lily, Zadicus and Baramus who is currently away on official business, then there is Sir Ramos, Sir Azlan, Sir Barristan, and another unnamed adviser. She had not seen the other 2, but Sir Barristan unsettled her to no end. He was always draped in his black half-cape, a frayed scarf covered his face, and his eyes were hidden behind a pair of black glasses. One time when she was perusing the books inside the mansion, she made the mistake of not noticing Sir Barristan behind her and saw him without his glasses. He had the blackest eyes that she had ever laid her sight upon, it was as if a whole pot of ink was spilled on his eyes. There was nothing there but the void, and it awakened in her a primal fear she never thought she had.

"Of course my Lord, I am at your disposal," even his voice felt cold. Unemotional and unyielding, it was like he was spilling a chilling aura everywhere and it made her feel cold even at their distance.

"Good, you may go for now Zadicus and Arche, I will expect a complete list for the caravans within the day."

Both bowed and retreated away from the room leaving Master Samuel and Sir Barristan alone.

"You didn't need to make the girl fear you," Samuel said exasperatedly, "It serves no purpose at all Bardiel."

"I was honestly not aware my Lord that she does not appreciate my eyes," he sighed and sounded sorrowful, "The eyes that you have granted me, which I have used in battle to great effect seemed to terrify even the most stalwart of men. Though it felt somewhat disheartening to know that they do not appreciate your work my Lord."

"Well, that somehow makes me feel bad at scolding you, but in seriousness," his voice grew firm, "Retract your aura- even I could feel it. And always wear the glasses that I gifted you."

"Yes my Lord," and the chill of the whole room lessened somewhat.

"Good, now let us discuss your part in the Azerlisia Mountain offensive," he opened a scroll that was delivered by a Magos a few minutes before Zadicus arrived, "Latest report from the Mountain says that Baraqiel is doing excellent in their offensive against the Quagoa. They have liberated the abandoned city of Feo Raizo and have begun to push through to the ancient city, reconnaissance suggest that a dragon has made the Dwarven castle their home and all treasures has been sequestered to it."

"That is good news my Lord, we do not need to seek them out then," Bardiel looked down on another scroll and reported, "My own Legion, the 3rd Legion has begun the conquest of the outside perimeter of the Mountain. Though we are having difficulties because of the weather, we managed to pinpoint the sites of Frost Giant tribes. We have subjugated a number of them without much difficulty, except to the detriment of our envoys of course-"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, the Giants are less amiable than other species of demi-humans," the black General perused his scroll further and said, "But when we started using our battleship's shock and awe factor, they have begun to see reason and have considered surrendering ever since."

"So, the outside of the mountain is secured as it is?"

"Yes Warmaster."

He finally gave a relieved sigh and said his next order, "General Bardiel, you will go back to the Azerlisia Mountain once more and assist Baraqiel in subjugating this Frost Dragon clan. With your subjugation of the Frost Giant clans, our only remaining problem would be the Dragons themselves. I am expecting you both to exercise your utmost care in their subjugation however, this does not take precedence over both your own survival. Is my command clear?"

He puts his right fist on his chest and bowed, "As my Lord commands."

Bardiel heads out of the door and closes it behind him, once more he was left alone as Sammael sat on his large chair and listened to the music. Perhaps it was a mistake to wake up his 3rd General too soon, their traits are beginning to show up one by one now. Hopefully, no tragedy should happen that would necessitate the awakening of Zeruel, his most powerful and unstable champion. His mind set was of only one purpose and that is to wipe out all existence that threatens the guild and the Golden Armada. If he should ever awaken in this New World, all new things he would encounter would be new to him and thus made him ignorant, unstable and very dangerous. It fears him that before he could make him understand of such things, then he would make his own conclusions and destroy everything instead.

Sammael sighed at that, back in Yggdrasil Zeruel's programming has progressed so much that this prototype of military AI could converse with him and was beginning to exhibit something like a personality. Like a somewhat crazy version of Iron Man's Jarvis AI program.

Additionally, his 3rd Angel was exhibiting reverse psychology usage and it both pleased and disturbed him. Being human inside, he was of course somewhat affected by it, but they knew otherwise and just what Momonga told him of his fears before. Once more it gave him pause, they all have a mind of their own and he doesn't know how long he could keep up his facade of a great statesman and military leader. All in all, he would just have to continue on and fake it until they make it. He was still contemplating on their recent exchange when a welcome intrusion entered his mind.

'Sammael-kun?'

'Oh! Momonga-kun? You called? Why didn't you use the Astronomican?'

'Too complicated, anyways, your heretic called.'

The Fallen was surprised, why would Nigun call? 'What did he say then?'

'A Cardinal wishes to meet and I wanted you to know.'

'Why did Nigun ever wish to meet us? Maybe they wish to know who commands him in the shadows?'

'-That is a very good argument Sammael-kun.'

'Well, I believe you can handle all that-'

'-eh!?'

'What do you mean 'eh!?' of course you can do it Momonga-kun. Not that I can't do it, but I have an operation ongoing right now.'

'Oh! I suppose this is in regards to the Dwarven Campaign, well I can't fault you with that, but I would like to have any idea on what I can do.'

'Hmm?' Sammael rubbed his chin and smiled, 'Remember the Black Scripture members?'

'Didn't we have their bodies preserved on Cocytus' level?'

'Why don't you use them?'

'That is a good idea-'

'Hmm, tell you what- if you feel that you cannot convince our guest, then feel free to call me and I shall come to your aid. Fair enough?'

There was silence on the other end, until finally Momonga responded, 'Very well Sammael, do update me on your campaign's outcome.'

'As you command Immortal King.'

'Ugh! Not that title again!'

'Hehe.'

.

.

The Great Tomb of Nazarick - 10th Floor Throne Room

.

A swirling void formed in front of the great door of the Throne Room as Entoma walked out of the portal. Followed by Nigun with Apostle Erythro and finally Cardinal Dominic of the Slane Theocracy took the rear. The old man's eyes widened in surprise, he knew of the [Gate] spell because the Gods used this before and vividly described it and is one of the major spells that humanity managed to learn from them. But for the servants of this mysterious master to maintain the gate for so long, it would take an enormous amount of mana potential. He finally got over his initial shock and finally looked at his surroundings, he held back a feeling of awe and surprise as he saw the towering doors of the Throne Room.

"Where are we Nigun?"

"I do not know."

Both Erythro and the old Cardinal looked at him, what does he mean by that?

"What do you mean you don't know? Weren't you sworn to these beings you call Masters?"

"Indeed I am, but I believe we are in the domain of the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown," Nigun didn't look troubled, rather he seemed curious and looked around. He also focused his view on the heavily ornamented door as a small smile made its way on his lips, "I see now, the Supreme Beings show their power even in the most mundane of things such as a door."

The Apostle shrugged his shoulders, "My visions showed me the look of the Supreme Beings, but never have I seen a glimpse of their realm. Nor have I ever saw where they truly are, they just show me the future or rather glimpses of it."

"Your Eminence, I would ask you to please act normally and try to be courteous- they are quite reasonable if you meet with them this I promise."

Entoma waited at the threshold of the door as she watched the old man nods his head.

Their group watched in astonishment as the great doors that almost reached 50ft tall and heavily carved with Angels and Demons swung with a mighty sigh. It was like a great beast admitted them entrance as the diminutive maid bowed slightly and walked ahead of them.

Great chandeliers made of gold and exquisitely carved crystals that threw an inner light adorned the ceiling as the half-domes supported by thick pillars of carved black stone held them up. Above them, scenes of battle, religious significance and carved statues larger than a troll adorned the ceiling. Gold leaf delicately hammered adorned the sides of each and every ornament as a plush red carpet muffled their steps towards the throne in the middle. As they walked towards the end of the red pathway, Dominic saw that under each and every awning or arches between the pillars stood a silent sentry.

Death Knights that seemed to be in stasis, for their eye sockets are without the red light of the undead, stood motionless at the sides hidden by the shadows. Cardinal Dominic was still admiring the beautiful architecture when they finally reached the pedestal where the Throne was located. As they reached the end of the hall, Entoma knelt in front of the gilded Throne as Nigun and Erythro followed suit.

"You may remain standing Cardinal," the maid's voice cuts clear through the silence, "For you are considered a monarch, thus you are accorded the courtesy of such."

From a side entrance, he watched as a man in an orange striped suit with sharp glasses walked inside the grand hall. Followed by a large insectoid monster that had four large arms with 2 weapons on 2 of its hands. Right behind the large insectoid monster were 2 dark elven children and-

'They have the eyes of the 'Monarch!' he kept a tight lid on his emotions and tried to pass it off, but he couldn't stop the churning of his brain, 'To think that this Supreme Being have 2 of them that could match Zesshi's-'

He didn't even much give notice to the young silver-haired woman that followed the 2 young dark elven twin. They separated keeping an even number in-between them, they reached their places and faced the gilded throne. As one, all 5 of them knelt and seemed to wait for the entrance of the Supreme Being. And then he felt it, as a portal appeared in the middle of the Throne he felt a sweeping power engulf the whole room. From the carved granite floor and marble column, up to the beautiful statues that lined the ceiling and the numerous-

'Flags?' the old man thought it strange, but what are these numerous flags representing that dotted the ceiling.

Forgetting momentarily the feeling of dread, he then felt a crushing aura holding him as his eyes immediately locked on to the widening portal. Two red orbs looked back as he saw a God-like being appear in front of him. The Cardinal looked shocked beyond words as he didn't even felt his knees giving way as he knelt uncontrollably at the sight before him.

"Surshana-sama-," Dominic blinked as tears poured forth from his eyes, his emotions overtaking him, "Y-you have returned to us."

.

.

To be continued... preview for next Chapter.

.

Sebas walked towards the large marble building as he had done so back in their previous safe house in the walled city of E-Rantel. By supposedly 'fleeing' the Undead Army now occupying the city, they were able to establish their identity in the Re-Estize Kingdom Capital as a legitimate noble family that was merely trying to escape. Solution, still playing to her story of being a rebellious noble daughter from a far away country, was now accompanied by another of the Pleiades.

The butler almost smiled as the image of another diminutive maid accompanied his mind, her deadpan voice, neutral face, and her loaded guns. Hoping that she would not be doing anything that could compromise their situation within the capital of the Kingdom.

He pushed the double doors of the Magician's Guild and entered it. The receptionist bowed at him and smiled, "Good morning Sebas-sama, are you here to check our stock of magic scrolls?"

"Why yes, are there new ones?"

"Right this way please," the receptionist led him to a waiting clerk that smiled and bowed respectfully.

"Greetings Sebas-sama, as one of our regulars I cannot convey in full our appreciation of your continued patronage of our exemplary Magical Formulas.

The butler gave a genuine smile, "Indeed, the Magician's Guild of the Kingdom gave us exemplary treatment back in E-Rantel. I am happy to see that the service is the same here in the Capital."

"Rest assured sir, we will provide you with the best magical scrolls that you can utilize-" the clerk bowed apologetically, "Though I must ask your pardon, due to the recent disturbance at E-Rantel, the Kingdom has advised on the stockpile of offensive spells and limited the purchase of all magic scrolls to at least 5 per customer."

'It seems the situation has degraded further, or rather the Kingdom is stockpiling military resources- Lord Ainz must know this since it could be the start of the Kingdom's plan to launch an attack at the Sorcerer Kingdom,' again his smile was impeccable, "No worries, I understand the situation. I merely wish magic scrolls that could aid in our everyday life, or if possible would help my 'charge' to escape, the same way the scrolls I stockpiled before managed to help us escape from the Frontier City."

"I understand Sebas-sama," the clerk knew full well of his buying habits, not once did this gentleman bought any offensive magic scrolls. It was all defensive spells, or sometimes convenience spells that they could utilize in their everyday life. With that understanding he took out a thick binder and gave it to the old man.

The butler took the offered binder and flipped through the pages. After a few minutes Sebas managed to pick 2 scrolls, paid and went back to their safe house.

Opening the door to a 2-story mansion in a sprawling grounds, he locked the front door and proceeded immediately to the office. He laid out the 2 scrolls and begin to compose a letter that he will send to the Tomb, including the things he acquired recently, a few moments had passed when Solution knocked on the door and walked in bearing a letter.

"An invitation has arrived Sebas-sama, it's for a ball."

The old butler opened it and saw an invitation for a ball, it spoke of a gathering for all the newly arrived nobles within the Kingdom. He looked at Solution and nods his head knowingly, "Please return to the Great Tomb, bring this-" he hands a letter that he prepared before hand for such events, "-the Undead King must know of what is happening now. An opportunity has arisen and the Supreme Beings must know. Additionally, we would be preparing for the arrival of the 'caravan' and would require additional guards that can look like humans as we welcome them."

"Understood Sebas-sama."

Solution turned and walked outside, Sebas then turned to one corner of the room and said, "Shadow Demon, you are ordered to continue your reconnaissance into this leader of the black market you have found. Do take note to send one of your kin in case anything worthy of note happened. Any change in schedule, any irritation, even any plan you can hear of. Send you kin at once, we expect reinforcements in the coming days."

"UNdeRstood SebaS-sama, wE go at onCE."

As the shadows vanished within the room leaving him alone, Sebas also walked outside of the room to begin his chores of keeping the safe house of the Sorcerer Kingdom clean. After all, a safe house established by the Supreme Beings is an extension of their domain, as such he must always keep true to his main purpose.

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(A/N: And... here I GO AGAIN!)

Chapter 5 has been re-written.

Guys, I'm a review WHORE. I admit it, so throw me those up and don't be shy. I WANT MOAR! Don't be stingy!

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Scarabeye3000