Heaven or Hell

by Scarabeye3000

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

21. Legend's Fall

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

Title: Heaven or Hell

Chapter 21 - Legend's Fall

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Great Tomb of Nazarick 1st Floor

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"Shit! [Shukuchi]"

Erya Uzruth's body became a blur as he swung the scabbard of his sword in a side arc and effectively bludgeoned the skeleton warriors on the end of the corridor where they were coming from. They were exploring the unknown tomb that was funded by the Baharuth Empire and led by the Tri-Arts Magic Caster, Fluder Paradyne, along with other numerous Workers from the Empire and its neighboring nations. They walked through the first half of the 1st level and found no enemies, though a lot of traps were deactivated while some traps were unfortunately too complex to neutralize or too well hidden to even detect. Progress was slow at first, but with the combined efforts of 'Heavy Masher' and 'Kralgras' scouts, they managed to make good time in reaching the middle point of the dungeon.

Unfortunately, things went downhill after that.

They reached a central point where all the large passages converge into one point and much to the delight of the majority of the group, they found chests of valuables, golden trinkets and articles of worth. All through their trek, no amount of undead or enemies were present, until they heard the sound of a pick axe hitting the ground. Alerted with the noise, their scouts stumbled upon an emancipated looking humanoid being that was digging into the ground with the aforementioned tool as he excitedly scooped up anything he could find. A human bone, a frayed piece of clothing, a sliver of jewelry, even paper elicited a string of mutterings and giggles from the deranged human. They approached it and was shocked to see that it was less so, rather it was a living decaying thing that looked at them with murderous hate in its eyes. In a split second, the humanoid thing was upon the scouts as they scattered in all direction. They found that these 'grave robbers' were stronger than what they look, sure they looked wiry and gaunt, emancipated even to the extreme. Yet their muscles were taut and made of iron-like sinew, their picks were razor sharp and acted like crude warpicks considering armaments began from farming tools anyway. One scout was killed when one of the blows smacked him in the middle of his skull and without pause one of his comrades who tried to help him was also hit on the shoulders.

The grave robber demi-human looked like a human with leprosy, dirty and yellowing bandages covered its bloody lesions and pus-filled affliction. It did not speak, instead it seemed to communicate with its fellows with grunts, shrieks and guttural sounds. The main group heard of the commotion as a resounding screech seemed to awaken all the undead inside the Tomb. From where they came from up to the middle of the 1st floor, coffins, tombs and graves rattled and shook as the undead denizens awoke from their slumber.

Chaos soon descended upon the Workers.

Stone walls, sturdy iron barriers began coming down from the ceiling or from the sides. Turning long corridors into mazes of dead ends, pitfalls, and meandering pathways that seemed to go on circles or lead into traps. On top of that, the single 'grave digger' became a dozen as the initial screech of the first one attracted the attention of the others.

The speed and agility of these mutated humans was quite unreal, they came at you with complete abandon. Disregarding all thoughts of self-preservation and survival as they all came at them from all sides. Not including the numerous skeletons and zombies now shambling towards them. Their exit strategy thrown out of the window as they blow through each and every enemy they encounter.

"Enhance me!" Erya Uzruth shouted as the 3 Elven slaves casts their buff magic towards him, their group got separated when the fighting began and they could hear the members of another Worker group fighting in the next corridor.

"...f-fresh? Fresh meat!?"

The sound made the Tenmu leader turn abruptly as he saw one of the grave diggers came towards him with its rusty 3 feet long meat cleaver. Much to his surprise, the mutant completely ignored his slaves as it shoved them away and came at him directly.

"Smart aren't you?" he said irritably as the reason for the slaves being ignored came to him, since he was the fighter then they would just need to take him out and his slaves are as good as dead, but not today, "[Shukuchi]" a glint of metal and the enemy's gut spilled out of its belly. The creature writhed in pain as it tried to scoop up its innards that dropped on the floor and Erya was tempted to finish it, but reconnecting with the rest of the group takes precedence.

"MOVE or your dead!"

He shouted as he ran towards a passageway while his 3 Elven slaves followed behind him, but not before the last elf casts a low-level [Heal] on the screeching enemy who immediately stilled and looked at her with surprised and understanding eyes.

Erya Urzuth cursed the 6 Gods in his mind, "Where the fuck are they anyway!?"

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Fluder stroked his long beard as his staff's tapping sound reverberated loudly at the silent catacombs. The initial contact made everyone panic and that resulted in predictably confusion and hysteria. As such, after the Workers engaged the semi-undead looking mutant creatures they all fondly named 'grave diggers', he made his way on a side path as the whole floor seemed to move as walls and barrier appeared out of nowhere. It became a veritable maze compared to what it was before with long and straight pathways. With the current configuration of the surprise walls and barriers locking into place, corridors and ways was now designed to separate you from your teammates, confuse and debilitate you, even hamper you from thinking. And so his first order to his mind is to relax, then to think rationally to focus his mind as he calmly walked away from the violence in the middle and began walking the side paths that was sparingly illuminated by torches. An occasional group of skeletal soldiers appeared in front of him, but it is a simple matter to cast a few offensive magic from his repertoire.

"[Mana Blast]"

The group of skeletons was obliterated in a flash, though he did not wish for his Master's summons to have such fate, he was told to show no mercy and fight to the best of his abilities. To consider this a test if he is truly worth teaching additional magical lore, upon which he replied with great gusto that he would do everything he can and more to be considered worthy.

After all, why waste energy, time and resources on a dead-end project right?

"[Fireball]" the power suffused his left arm as he stretched it outward while another group of skeletons appeared out of the darkness. Though they were not as durable compared to a Death Knight. Their quantity is another quality on its own, with the exact numbers not really monitored even by the Supreme Beings, a group of fighters or adventurers could be easily surrounded and overwhelmed if they would not be careful. Good thing that he was not just a regular fighter or adventurer in any sense, he had centuries under his belt and have had numerous life-threatening situation that he managed to handle quite well. The runed staff pulsed with power as he passed the ash mound created by the numerous skeletons that barred his way before.

He was the Tri-Arts Magic Caster and he would pass this test of the Supreme Beings and would showcase his worth as a servant in their eyes. He kept walking as the skeletons he fired the spell at disintegrated in front of him.

He was making his way towards a turn when suddenly there was a flash of steel and the war cry of a group of men.

Yari looked at the old man with relief as he breathed a sigh of relief, "Oh by the Gods, Lord Fluder, we found you at last!" the leader of 'Kaiten' exclaimed.

"Kunai, Kabuto, Odachi come up here, we found him!"

The last scout of the expedition came up next as his short sword was held in a reverse grip, followed by a man carrying a large halberd-like weapon and finally a young woman with a large bow almost the length of a human body.

"Leader, I don't think we should go south, the placement of traps around this floor seemed to indicate that we are being herded towards the northern corridor."

"And what do you think is in the northern corridor?" Yari asked.

"Something that would make our lives much harder."

Fluder gave a small laugh and said, "Allow me to assist you, I may not be a scout, but I do have some skill with unmasking evil. So that we may know what we are dealing with."

Yari bowed in agreement, "Of course Grandmaster, if you may please."

"Kiena uhl khosis hiin nour tana, iye kul ravas khan inye-" Fluder raised his staff as the top began to glow and he slammed the end of the staff to the ground, "-khan minis katar durakshe!"

A circular wave emanated from the wizened old man and the walls and floor shook as a small tremor arrived with the wave. Sounds of crashing and falling objects came from all around them as all the hidden traps nearest them activated. Forcing them to move from their position as they moved towards the next set of corridor. Crashing from the left side they could hear frantic voices coming to meet them, Yari immediately positioned near Fluder to protect him while Kabuto, their hard hitting warrior charged forward as their scout/ninja/assassin (he's really skilled okay) named Kunai followed close for support. As they rounded the bend they came face to face with an Elven slave that shook from head to toe, behind her was Erya who was busy fighting with 3 zombies at the same time. Though he was a sadistic man, none cannot deny that he had some skill with his blade, wasting no movement at all. He sheaths his katana as Yari stared wide-eyed as he executed a move that looked oddly familiar.

"[Shukuchi] [Onisasu]"

In a blink of an eye, Erya Uzruth moved forward as all the limbs of his enemies were dismembered cleanly. Heads, arms and legs flew off cleanly, the zombies without their limbs and head became unable to fight anymore. They writhed on the floor trying to mimic the movements of the living, but they were no more. He then turned towards them as he sheaths his sword and looks at Fluder first and then at Yari before scoffing, "Your still alive huh?"

"Nice to see you too, where are the others?"

"Don't know, don't care," he then gathered his slaves and made them go in front of him, "We have to get out of here."

"Hmm, we have no choice then than to trust that the other groups were able to manage a breakthrough as we move forward," Fluder said with finality as he took a side corridor and led the way. Erya quickly followed the old man as the members of 'Kaiten' also followed suit, they weren't hearing any other sound except the numerous patters of undead feet marching on the stone floor and so they make haste forward. They would reach the other end of the maze first and they would be the one that would wait on the threshold on the descent towards the 2nd level.

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"Fight or run?"

"..."

"Fight or run!?"

"Run? Run where!?"

Gringham grunted as he swung his heavy double bladed axe at the incoming horde of undead skeleton warriors as they easily broke against their blunt assault. With the screeching of the 'grave diggers' alerting the whole Tomb. The expedition had no choice but to fight their way through the maze of haunted halls and masses of undead too numerous to count. Igvarga the leader of the new worker group of 'Kralgra' cursed under his breath at the predicament they were in, what kind of mad man would thrust head first into an unknown Tomb without any known preliminary expedition sent into it? It seemed even the stout leader of 'Heavy Masher' somewhat agreed with him as they fought almost side by side as the brunt of the amassing undead was attracted by the fighting they made with the grave diggers. Like an alarm on a heavy fortified citadel, the grave diggers roused the dead from their slumber and that practically made their expedition infinitely worse.

Suddenly, there was a low rumbling tremor that emanated somewhere forward their position as they heard the voice of the Tri-Arts Magic Caster reverbrate through the wall.

"-khan minis katar durakse!" followed by another wave of power that sent minute tremors and vibrations near them. Curiously, their scout noticed that the way seemed clear of traps and the old man's spell actually aided them to move forward.

"Looks like our employer just flexed his muscles."

"Indeed he has, let us not waste it by tarrying too long," the armored man nods his head to signal to his best fighters to lead the charge for a breakthrough. Igvarga took the hint as he tapped his best fighter and they also joined the men who would initiate a break. With the shock wave undulating from Fluder giving a momentary distraction on the undead, enough leeway was exploited by the Worker groups as they struggled to get back and regroup with their expedition leader.

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Yari swung his spear and slapped the head off of a skeleton warrior barring their way. With the Tri-Arts Magic Caster flexing his power that emanated through the whole floor, the rest of the party found them in short time. Kralgra with Heavy Masher came from one of the side as the sound of pattering undead feet followed them. Dragon Hunt came from another passageway as Tenmu stood guard near Fluder, the old leader of the Worker groups looked and did a quick headcount.

"How many did we lose?"

"Mine and Kralgra's scout fell when they were overtaken by the gravediggers," Gringham clasped Parpatra's offered arm and gave a knowing nod, "Aside from my scout, one of our newest fighters was also lost. One of those gravediggers tackled him and they tumbled down another passageway."

"Where to now?" Yari sidled up next to them as Fluder cleared his throat.

"I believe we should move forward gentlemen, fighting undead is one thing, but confronting a whole army of them that seems to be flooding towards us is suicide, our only hope to survive is to move forward only," Fluder said with finality, noticeably tightening his robes and his long flowing hair, making sure not to allow anything to impede his movements, "Let us hope that there is another passageway forward from this place."

The leader of Kaiten nods his head, "Lord Fluder is right, most crypts and passages have 2 paths. The main passageway that we just took and is currently blocked off by the amassing undead and another one in case the main passageway collapses."

"So, your an architect now?" Erya said pointedly.

Yari scoffed back, "At least I lead from the front, not let little elf girls do the dangerous work for me."

Both of their eyes met as Fluder deflated all manner of retort from the two of them as he strode towards the passageway going to the 2nd floor.

"We must make haste," from behind them all, the sounds of marching undead feet reached their ears, "-I do not know what awaits us down there. Prepare yourselves everyone."

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After the pandemonium that began with the encounter of the grave diggers, the situation outside did not fare any better. The tremor left in the wake of Fluder releasing his power and the howl of those accursed mutants seemed to have been the signal for the whole tomb to awaken. Its passive defenses activating as a roiling fog suddenly swept through the whole group of hills. Commander Harod charged out of his command tent and looked in disbelief as the ground seemed to undulate as the palpable tomb beneath them moved with the sound of a landslide. Fear gripped his heart as the safety of the Tri-Arts Magic Caster went to the forefront of his mind.

"Momon-san!" Commander Harod's command came in a shout, "Where is he? I need him!"

"I have summoned him sir, our scouts have returned to us all. They are reporting that the side tombs are now stirring with activity, zombies, mummified remains and skeletons are marching out."

"Shit, alright, I want all our forces to pull back towards the main Tomb, that's the only area here with a gate and wall. We can funnel the undead to that area, I want a barrier set up so we can do the funnel effectively," the commander was a veteran of the Imperial Knights, an excellent organizer, a man of patriotic background and having such stalwart belief with the Emperor and his vision of the future, "Quick march everyone, send our scouts to draw the undead away as we peel back towards the main tomb.

Momon the Black marched up to him as the Captain looked up to the taller adventurer, "Master Momon, your vow on me I call upon now. I cannot leave the men without direction, would you dive into the unknown tomb to rescue the Grandmaster? I will spare you all the men I can."

"There is no need for such a gesture Commander Harod," the adventurer waved his armored gauntlet and calmly pats him in the shoulder, "Your faith and loyalty is shown through your action, my partner Nabe and I should be enough to find him. It would be much faster as she can cover my back as easily as I can cover the front."

"Very well, you have my utmost gratitude. I would not forget this Master Momon," he clasped the armored hand as Nabe gave a small smile, "I will hold the undead at the gate of the Great Tomb, we will hold it or die trying."

Ainz gave a small bow as he walked towards the Great Tomb, his mount the Djungarian Hamster named Hamsuke bounded next to him. Though they did ride the carriages in the beginning since they needed to speak with their fellow workers. She simply followed them from the rear as she now approached him as he beckoned for her.

"Thy master has called for his glorious mount?"

"Yes, try to keep the undead from overwhelming the defenders, but don't try too hard to make it too easy for them. Alright?"

"Truly, thy master is of such monumental intellect! This servant would endeavor to faithfully do what thy Lord commands."

With a swish of her tail Hamsuke bounded off to fight the growing number of undead as the soldiers from the expedition began to break camp with haste. Momon and Nabe was last seen walking towards the Great Tomb, they walked towards the staircase going below and disappeared behind a pair of ornate statues.

On the gate of the Great Tomb, the knights of the Baharuth Empire erected a semi-circle barrier as the unused carts were toppled to their side to act as barriers. Hamsuke darted left and right trying to reinforce where the knights were being weakened and did just as her master has instructed her to do. Commander Harod took a commanding position on top of one of the carriages and drew his sword, he took one last look at the Great Tomb and uttered a small prayer for Momon and then turned back towards his men.

"Take heart men! For you are Knights of the Baharuth Empire!" his shout roused his men as the undead finally pushed their scouts towards their lines. It was surprisingly quick how they erected their crude fortifications against the tide of undead, "Whatever comes through this growing darkness, your hearts will know no fear! For behind us is our Tri-Arts Magic caster, his work and efforts are for the lifeblood of our Empire! The lifeblood of our people, your families, your friends, sons, brother, sisters and parents! We shall stand against this and return to our Empire's embrace!"

"STRENGTH AND HONOR!"

"STRENGTH AND HONOR!" the veteran knights raised their weapons as the undead zombies and skeleton came upon them.

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Fluder activated the [Light] spell he had embedded on the top of his staff and carefully made their way down the flight of stairs. They collapsed the passageways and corridors with the help of the magic casters from Heavy Masher and Kralgra to ensure that there would be no flood of undead could follow them. They consumed their mana potions with gusto as the exertion almost completely wiped out their mana reserves. As such, they were being assisted by their members as the Grandmaster illuminated the whole passageway towards the 2nd Floor. With the light exploding outward, the stairway had no railings and one misstep could plunge you towards the abyss.

"Could you believe what I am seeing now?"

Igvarga's eyes widened at the underground space they were in, it easily dwarfed a small city as the tomb stretched beyond what their measly light could reach. Numerous architectural examples that looked similar to the nearby nations yet completely ancient brought renewed feelings of wonder and the thrill of delving into the unknown resurrected into their hearts. Momentarily forgetting the lost men that each group had save for Tenmu, Kaiten, and Dragon Hunt who managed to keep their numbers intact with the first skirmish.

Yari made it to the bottom of the stairs first and puts his hand on a pillar, feeling the texture, taking careful note of the designs and embellishment on it as he turned towards Fluder who also made it to the 2nd floor without incident.

"It is indubitably old Grandmaster, yet I feel no tools had struck it to perfection," he caressed the smooth pillar as if it was obsidian, "I feel no coarse grain of stone, nor sand, nor any kind of material. It is simply too smooth to the touch and not even obsidian can be polished as this without any tools, but then this is not obsidian at all."

Even Fluder puts his hand on the pillar and examined it, "It is a stone I have seen before and the writings are also familiar to me. This hardened stone is called concrete and the writings are similar to letters I have seen before on an ancient city that I visited once in my life."

"Concrete? What kind of stone is that Grandmaster?" Parpatra also sidled up, curious as to what a bare pillar could tell.

The wizened old man stroked his beard with a curious glint in his eyes, "It is the material used by the floating city of Eryuentiu as its construction material. A century ago, I have also visited the fabled flying city and reached only the one that it floated above. Some parts of the flying city occasionally go down to the ground, but it magically reforms at the end of the day. I was fortunate to touch one of these pieces and it had the same texture- and age."

"Age you say?" Yari's eyes widened, "Can this perhaps be home to one of those god-like beings? I have heard that the 8 Greed Kings killed the God of Death, is it possible that this is one of their homes?"

"It is possible."

Igvarga, Parpatra, Gringham and Erya's eyes could not hide the surprise they all felt as the implications of their findings rang true. Greed followed not far behind as the thoughts of finding an unexplored tomb that dated far back into the days of the 6 Gods also spoke of immeasurable amounts of treasure.

Glory, wealth and fame.

Not in that exact order came unbidden to their mind, except Yari who shivered at the thought of finding something below the shifting darkness that is on par with the 8 Greed Kings. Such a dark blot in the history of mankind, not many records have survived that tumultuous time, but those records that did speak only of atrocities perpetrated by the Kings of Greed. In fact, it was widely believed that they embedded greed and wants on the hearts of all living beings, for there are not one but many kinds of greed. As such, their names were both cursed and revered, revered not in adoration or worship, but in caution to the dangers of greed. This is what struck the mind of the young leader of Kaiten, beings of that era think differently than the way they do now. It is not unfathomable that this Tomb would function the same way as the fabled city, it would indubitably have greater guardians deep within it and their possible meeting with them filled him with dread he could not simply voice out.

"Look here."

The lobby or main landing where they were located at separated into multiple passages and corridors again, pretty much the same as with the 1st floor. Every statue, every pillar, every stone and mortar, concrete and cracks looked ancient by all measure. It was not damp, contrary to what an underground cellar or space would have been expected to be. Understandably dark and gloomy, your eyes are practically blind beyond 20 feet from where you are standing. The whole main landing was a wide space, there were unlit braziers, torches and chandeliers that hung on the ceiling. The ceiling was not overly high, only at 20 feet max at an eye's reckoning, but it was decorated with carvings of ancient battles, testaments to the honor and glory that those who are lying now in this gigantic underground graveyard have attained in their life.

Yet here they are, exploring every nook and cranny, looting everything not bolted down, desecrating graves and tombs. Their losses forgotten completely as the prospect of the largest payday they have had overtook their mind. There were small chests on a side room that members of Kralgra, Heavy Masher, and the slaves of Tenmu partake into. Golden coins, jewels, valuable trinkets, precious stones and jewels, even the members of Kralgra partook in the looting of the side room as Kaiten merely investigated and checked the passageways that they can potentially take. Yari was walking towards the Grandmaster when his eyes fell on the 8 sets of plate armor standing inert at the 4 passageways that led towards their objective. They were clutching large broadswords or executioner's sword, the large blades are without a pointed tip, yet its weight and sharpness is where its most dangerous at. It made him uneasy looking at the armors in front of them and he called his men to him.

"What is it Captain?"

"Kunai, make sure that when we move that there are no traps ahead of us, Kabuto stick with me and stay away from those armors, them being there makes me uneasy," he then turned to his archers and said, "Odachi, keep an eye on those armors, if you see movement let me know. It really doesn't feel right at all."

They replied with a nod as he finally approached the Tri-Arts Magic Caster who was curiously trying to decipher a stone relief that was lying on the ground. It was a solid slab of unpolished granite stone and the letters look perfectly preserved as the indentations on each and every letter looked as fresh as if they were made yesterday.

"Lord Fluder, I am most uncomfortable staying here. We should keep moving, I am not sure the undead could be hindered just by their path not being there, plus, the undead we encountered might not be the only one there is."

"I agree with his input Grandmaster, a Tomb as complex as this would have more than just an army of undead defending it. There could be Death Knights lurking in the deeper parts of this area and-"

Their conversation was interrupted when a scream suddenly came from one of the Workers who hauled the gold from the small treasure room they found on the side. The workers had finished looting the said room when one of the ancient armors they were also admiring suddenly moved from its raised plinth, with a blink of an eye it managed to spun the heavy sword around and relieved the hand of the worker who tried to touch and take away the armor. All around them the inert armors began moving one by one and the light of the undead filled the dark visors of their helms. A rough guttural voice that seemed to come from underground reverberated through the armor as the gathered workers looked at this new threat with horrified eyes.

"Intruders!" a ghastly voice filtered out of the now shambling set of plate armor, "Intruders in the master's home."

Flaming braziers suddenly lit up as the sets of armors jumped down from their plinths and shouldered their heavy weapon at the ready. As one they stepped towards the intruders upon the tomb as that singular word seemed to filter through their helms. Their horrific cries of 'intruder' brought a sense of foreboding on their hearts as the whole 2nd floor lit up as the newly-minted 'Immortals' awakened from their slumber. One of the Immortals swung its sword wide as the workers all dove for cover, being an undead creature, it was not very agile in terms of combat. Yet, its power is more than that of a normal human male, it swung its sword with such force that any armor it hit will not just damage the armor, but the flesh inside would indubitably be damaged by the force of its swing. Another scream as one of Heavy Masher's members took one hit on its chest. Yari's eyes widened as another one raised its sword and made a running slash towards him, Kabuto his heavy fighter shoved him to deflect the blow as their leader spun his spear to the side and smacked the head of the Immortal away from its body. All around them the members of Heavy Masher and Dragon Hunt fought back resiliently and pushed back the Immortals, but they saw something that made their blood ran cold at the realization of their enemy's ability.

Though the Immortals are like shambling undead, heavily armored and armed to the teeth, it was still an undead and was quite easy to kill. Unfortunately, they watched as the felled Immortals picked up their dismembered body parts and casually reattach it to where it was originally connected and carried on fighting.

"[Fireball]!" a mage of the Heavy masher group casts his offensive magic as the Immortal was hit squarely in the chest. It burned with great gusto as the undead finally dropped down and did not stand back up again immediately, "Use spells if you must or obliterate them with your skills."

From other passageways, the sound of armored feet began to sound as undead reinforcements started to filter out. More Immortals poured out as each and every time they brought down one or two, another takes it place to allow the downed undead to somehow regenerate itself and to fight again. It was relatively easy to bring them down, but they were more dangerous and was definitely more robust than your common undead. One does not use much effort in killing an undead, but these Immortals are something else entirely, a human warrior certainly tires in its fight yet these foe do not need rest.

From the 10th Floor of the Tomb, a sense of satisfaction seemed to fill Ainz's undead heart as the Immortals functioned well.

The cycle continued as they were pushed back towards the passageways, they separated once more to allow more flexibility in movement as the Immortals chased them relentlessly through the corridors and hallways. Fluder with Tenmu and Kaiten in tow made their way towards one of the corridors as the others also fended off the Immortals advance and made their way outside of the 2nd floor landing. Parpatra looked on in irritation as he frustratingly tried to initiate a breakthrough in the undead lines to get through the Grand master's group, but the press of undead bodies and amount of their auxiliary formed a solid wall that separated them from each other. He just hoped that they would find an interconnecting corridor that would link them all again to the central party.

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Igvarga cursed his dumb luck to lose the Tri-Arts Magic caster again right after they managed to regroup the whole expedition. He cursed again as he remembered their scout who lost his life on the 1st Floor and the general sense of being cluster-fucked at their situation right now. They were pushed towards a corridor as the Immortals blocked the way back to the group. It was confusing and hard for their group to fight effectively being only a 4 man Mithril-ranked group before, and with the recent loss of their scout, it became apparent that with 3 fighters. Fighting a group of determined undead is quite the tall order.

"Matthew, how are you holding up?"

"Not good boss-" one of his heavily armored fighter huffed as the unending onslaught of enemies coupled with strenuous movement and maneuver had depleted their stamina considerably, "-we need to go back to the group."

"Not doing good as well boss," his other fighter who was lightly armed with only a sword breathed heavily, "-we're going to be done in if we do not do something."

Igvarga clicked his tongue in annoyance as he took out a scroll from his pack, hastily opening it he read the inscriptions on the parchment and confidently shouted, "[Fire Wall]"

With great effort, their main fighter shoved the group of enemy away giving them ample space to maneuver. As the magic applied to the whole corridor, a solid wall of fire separated them from their enemy as they pulled back to catch their breathe.

"That should hold them off at least," Matthew sighed as he breathed lungfuls of air, "What now?"

"We try to move forward," Igvarga tightened his belt and kept his weapon close to his body, "Noise discipline boys."

The other two nodded in understanding as they also secured the loose items on their inventory. They would not need to answer anymore as hand signals would be the primary means of communications from here and onward. The snap hiss of crackling bones as the wall of fire kept the Immortals at bay, those that dared to move forward crumpled to the floor burning as their regeneration was overtaxed with the continuous fire damage. Unbeknownst to them, a single insect looked at them from the ceiling, twitching its antenna in communication, another one made its way into the cracks of the ancient passageways as a 'King' waited in the complete darkness of his home for his guests to arrive.

Kyouhukou stood inside the 'Black Spot' as he twirled his scepter and arranged the small crown on his head while walking out of his domain, "Glory to Ainz Ooal Gown."

Kralgra's name would only be mentioned once as one of the active Mithril-ranked adventurer group that was lost in the centuries during the tumultuous years of the establishment of the Sorcerer Kingdom. They took an unauthorized job based on gossips and hearsays, and no amount of investigative missions or tracker teams could locate them. After a decade of looking and launching inquiry they were presumed and considered dead by their next of kin.

.

Dragon Hunt with its leader at the front moved swiftly and carefully as they quickly lost their pursuers in the winding corridors and dark hallways of the Tomb. Parpatra somewhat thank the Gods that his group remained intact unlike the rest of Kralgra and Heavy Masher, with the latter losing half of their full member. As such, it is imperative that they preserve their numbers and make their way outside of this Tomb first. They reached a large chamber where a number of carved sarcophagus was located and a large stone door blocking another stone vault was located at. There was a sense of apprehension and dread as he looked at the large structure within the Tomb, it looked like it contained a special item, or a special person was inside it. The stone work and carvings were incomparable to the surroundings as the engraving looked to be of higher quality compared to its surroundings as the carved letters were unreadable to the denizens of the New World. It was like a sealed doorway to a special burial chamber where the person inside was of such a high and noble standing that if they would ever get reinforcements inside this place, then Parpatra himself would crack this open.

But this was not the time for treasure, survival has taken precedence over greed as they left the highly ornamented vault stone door with the engraved letters that say, 'Here lies within the Vault of Adipocere, the eternally beautiful monster, Shalltear Bloodfallen. Knock at your own risk.'

Making their way forward, they came upon another large hallway that was 200 meters across on all sides. From above, the soft light of the candles from a single chandelier threw an inadequate light through the gloom.

"Leader," their still living scout pointed to a large opening on one end of the room as the chamber they were in looked to be one of the ways forward out of this place.

Nodding in understanding they made their way forward to the passageway, suddenly from behind them a ghastly voice reverberated through the darkness.

"Who dares enter our Lord's domain?"

The voice was commanding, challenging and laced with malicious anger. Like a royal guard who's deep-seated honor has just been affronted, its presence was suddenly upon them as Parpatra and the rest of Dragon Hunt raised their weapons at the ready.

Heavy footfalls from an armored boot made them turn behind them as a towering, full-armored entity approached them from the gloom. The members of Dragon Hunt looked in horror as the speaker stepped out into the darkness which highlighted its already terrifying appearance. Standing 10 feet tall and armored in full plate armor and helm, the Death General looked back at them from its skull plate helm as his burning skull screamed in agony and rage at their presence inside its master's Tomb. On its left hand was an ornate tower shield that was 7 feet tall and no single man can carry without assistance, its armor was decorated with spikes and skulls of various races that some of them have never seen before. On its right hand it grasped a heavy war maul, larger and heavier than any man alive, one hit from it would certainly cripple or maim its target as its weight was beyond any strength of the living can carry so easily.

"We will bring you down monster and we shall plunder this place to our heart's content, back to the grave with you!" Parpatra rebuked him with his own words as he readied his stance while trying to steady his shaking hand and knees, "Back to the abyss with you!"

"The dead will not suffer the living to pass," the Death General approached them slowly as it deployed its fearsome aura against them, forget the terrifying aura and crippling blood lust from a Death Knight, who pales in comparison to its General who is clearly its superior as the human's breathing all stopped and their heart arrested for a moment at the shock they felt, "The way is shut, it was made by those who are dead, and the dead keep it."

"The way is shut-"

Footsteps all around them as Parpatra and his members saw that there were numerous Immortals that followed behind the General as a sense of dread settled around them. Their way back as well as their way forward was both blocked by the General and his undead legion.

"-now you must die."

After a century the legend of Dragon Hunt, one of the most prolific Worker groups would be forgotten, its name and the name of its members would fade from known memory and only records within the Black Library within the Sorcerer Kingdom would be its only reference. Though that is a story for another time of course.

.

Erya cursed as the Immortals pursued them relentlessly, Lord Fluder had raced forward to the front while 'Kaiten' mounted the spearhead that broke through the Immortal's battle line. Gringham and his group brought the rear as they did a running retreat, which suited them just fine considering they have the most numerous members in all the Worker Groups that have been hired for this job. Unfortunately, it has fallen to him to secure the flanks as his Elven slaves ran left and right with him as he tried to finish off any enemy that might have escaped from their spearhead and could potentially threaten the rear. If it would be up to him he would have just brought the old man and escaped directly however, being a one-man show does have its drawbacks. He could not be everywhere at once since he's alone, he could not engage too many enemies as that would be detrimental to his fighting style, and the slaves are dragging their feet too much. He looked back at one of his slaves who was standing in front of a narrow passageway and called out to her.

"Hey, you!" the elf flinched noticeably as their names could not be bothered to be remembered by their supposed master, "What are you standing dumbstruck over there for?"

"Uh-yes! I-I heard something- a female was crying," the Elven slave said with fear in her voice, "It's sorrowful-"

"Leave that or I'll leave you behind-"

The wall shifted once more blocking the way forward as Erya made an annoying sound and wheeled around to his slave and struck her in the face, "You dumb Elvish cunt! Your incompetence has costs us this setback and we are separated from our VIP again! I swear I will slit your throat without question if you jeopardize our mission further."

He grabbed her hair and dragged her to the closed wall, "How will you remove this wall now huh? Can your stupid elven magic do anything about this thick wall? Do something you miserable piece of flesh!"

"Doing that will not help our situation!" they all turned as Gringham called out from behind, he grabbed the slave and pulled her away. He looked up at Erya without fear considering his short stature, but he stood up proudly and said to him pointedly, "This behavior is not needed right now. Do not forget that the three of them empower your skills and losing just one of them actually weakens you. Don't think for a second that I would waste my or my comrade's life to save your butt Erya."

The man looked so pissed and harangued as he turned away from the sadistic man and plunged into the darkness of the side corridor. Gritting his teeth in suppressed anger, Erya followed with his slaves plus the rest of survivors of Heavy Masher. Deeper into the underground graveyard they charged into the darkness, miraculously, there were fewer traps that they are encountering as they tried to find their way back to the Grandmaster's group. Turning to another passageway, one of the rangers for Heavy Masher suddenly stopped and gestured for quiet.

Loud sobbing of at least numerous women could be heard as each and every member of their group looked at each other.

"Does anyone else hear that?"

"Yes!" Gringham said as he strained his ears to listen for any other voices, "Sounds like a group of women."

"What should we do leader?"

The leader of the Worker group contemplated for a moment then said, "Check if its on the way forward, see if we can make the detour."

"Foolish! You would save others instead of saving your skin," Erya pushed forward from them and dragged his 3 slaves with him, "I will not be party to your foolishness."

The others looked at him go as his slaves followed closely behind, Gringham cleared his throat to focus his men and said, "Right, their fates are their own. Let us now make ours and make way to such sorrowful voices."

"Saving a damsel in distress?" one of his fighters grinned, "Never tagged you as a romantic there boss."

"Shut up," heaving his axe on his shoulders they followed the sobbing sounds and was not long before they reached a large circular room with a woman prostrated on the door. Crying with a veil over her face, she was sobbing loudly as the rest of Heavy Masher spreads out inside the room. A ranger bent down to the woman and beseeched the woman.

"My lady why do you cry?"

The sobbing woman was inconsolable, but she pointed on a four poster bed that was inside the circular room as she said with halting breath.

"M-my mistress she is dying, she has been afflicted and she is dying-"

"She is dying-"

"Dying- our mistress is dying."

All around the room white robed and veiled women cried around the four poster bed as Gringham and his group approached the bed cautiously. Why in the world would these women not try to escape? Are they perhaps trapped here? Is the one on the bed their leader? The ranger who spoke with the 1st woman on the threshold also stepped inside as the woman who was crying on the door gave a small smile. The leader of Heavy Masher looked at the sleeping form of a beautiful woman, white alabaster skin, dark flowing red hair and the face of a cherubim while clutching a dried bouquet of flowers on top of her chest.

"She's beautiful-" the last mage of their group whispered while others around him nods in agreement, "Is she perhaps cursed?"

They accosted a nearby mourner and asked, "What happened to her?"

"Our mistress she is dying- she is dying-"

"We know she is dying, but what is she dying from?" they asked pointedly as impatience begins to creep in, "Say it woman!"

"She is dying of thirst~"

At once all the women stopped crying as the sound of a large stone being moved could be heard. From the door, the woman who was crying at the threshold was sliding a large stone slab. Easily weighing up to at least a ton, she was straining to move it, but she obviously do not need help as she closed the passageway from escape. Heavy Masher looked in alarm as the other women who were crying also stood up and began taking off their white veils revealing sharp pointed teeth and red hypnotic eyes.

"Such chivalry would not be forgotten~"

The supposed 'Mistress' stood on top of the bed as she gave a predatory grin.

"You must understand that having nothing to eat for centuries would be detrimental to our health and we are very much famished.~"

Gringham clutched on his weapon as their group stood back to back as the Vampire brides surrounded them.

"Thank you,' a dangerous glint crossed their blood-red eyes as they bared their fangs at them, "For your visit~"

The Worker group named Heavy Masher was reportedly lost on a mission to the wilderness and declared wiped out after their last mission inside the territory of the recently established Sorcerer Kingdom. After a few decades of absence, no further inquiries was launched by any groups affiliated with them.

.

Yari and the rest of his team stuck closely to Fluder as they moved with haste towards the catacombs. With the undead 'Immortals' suddenly giving up pursuit, they took the lull in fighting to pursue the hope of the lower floors having an access point that would take them upwards. But caution still gripped their very being, like a well oiled machine, the members of 'Kaiten' kept a close rank around their VIP as they made their way towards the lower floors. There were still a few skeleton warriors that they encountered, but they were easily dealt with by their teamwork and of course, the support of Lord Fluder. They conserved their bladed weapons and swung their blades with the flat edge towards their undead enemy. Continuing towards the end of the corridor they deemed to be the right way, they reached a familiar looking place as Fluder stood transfixed at the large stone door in front of them.

It was the Vault of Adipocere.

They were taking the same route that was taken by 'Dragon Hunt' a few minutes ago. Though they were not aware of it, their way was manipulated so they took a more longer route and the other Worker teams would encounter the traps that were set by the master of the Tomb earlier than them. But that was not the reason why Fluder stood transfixed in front of the Vault. His ethereal eyes saw magic emanating inside of the 10th-Tier, yes, he could not be mistaken. This was the home of one of the Guardians of his new master's home. He wanted to meet them, he wanted to see them, oh how he wanted to prove his worth to them-

"Grandmaster? Are you okay?"

The voice of Yari returned him to his senses as his mask of calm slipped away momentarily as a hungry and manic expression gripped his visage. Indeed, the closeness to his goal was enough to drive him mad and insane. The bloodlust seeping together with the overpowering might of magic inside the Vault almost drove him to bouts of insanity.

"-yes," but not yet, no, he must prove himself to his Masters, "Yes, I am alright. Let us make haste, the Vault in front of us shelters inside a being more powerful than anyone of us can even imagine. We must not disturb its slumber-"

Fear gripped their faces as Yari nods his head and motions for his scout, "Let's move."

Moving away from the vault, they reached the end of the hallway and found a large passageway towards the lower floors. Kunai stopped walking and signaled for their party to stop moving, he then slowly gestured for Yari to come and take a peek on the edge of the hallway. They both looked at the reason why their scout suddenly stopped and what he saw made his eyes bulge out. There were numerous bodies on the floor near the open space beyond them and he could clearly see the reason why.

A full plated monster that stood 9 feet tall was clutching in its large armored hand the severed head of the leader of 'Dragon Hunt'. The bodies scattered around it were the other members of the veteran worker group as a visceral chill suddenly enveloped him as he hear the monster speak in its ghoulish voice.

"This one would make a fine addition to my trophy rack," then he took the spear made from the horn of the green dragon and mounted the old man's head on it. The look of a horrifying death was plastered on the slain Worker as he was mounted on his own spear and the monstrous undead affixed it on its back. The effect of a fresh kill looked terrifying on whoever saw it as a fresh wave of fear gripped both Yari and Kunai. What happened next also gave them more to fear about their adversary. A group of Immortals saluted the monstrous undead as it gripped its weapon again and turned to the lesser undead with him.

"What of the other intruders?"

"They... are missing... they... will... be found."

These undead can talk!

Both Yari and Kunai gripped each other tightly at this revelation, it was unheard of for the undead to be able to speak. Unless, it is of such intelligence, like a Lich or worse a Night Lich. Perhaps, it is the master of this graveyard or an entity worse than that considering these undead who are of normal rank can speak with such basic intelligence.

"Find them all and slay them."

"Yesss... General..."

The Immortals around him filed out of the open area as Yari stepped back and turned towards the Grandmaster. His ashen faced says it all as Kabuto and Odachi nods their head in understanding, Fluder gave a small smile as he asked, "Do we have a problem?"

"Y-yes, Grandmaster," Yari sighed as he said, "Dragon Hunt has been wiped out, the undead creature that killed him stands guard over the passageway forward. I do not know if we can win against it."

The wizened magic caster gave a small laugh and nods his head, "Do not fret for I will fight with you, let me increase your efficacy in battle now."

"[Hardness] [High Regeneration] [Intense Spirit] [Offensive Bless]"

Power and magic suffused the 4 members of Kaiten including Fluder as they felt the ancient magic being infused within them. Though they have used magic scrolls before and their martial arts to increase their efficacy in battle. The spells casts by the Grandmaster seemed to exceed what the human body is truly capable of as Yari took out his armored bandana, while Kabuto took out a black obsidian shield, he also unlatched the large heavy sword on his back and strapped it on his waist. Odachi tightened the loose fitting dress she wore and added an extra draw string to the longbow she carried as she closed her eyes and invoked her own martial arts.

"Activate Martial Arts: [Eagle Eyes] [Precision] [Sharpness] [Vital Force]"

Kabuto, Kunai and Yari all activated their own martial arts, "Activate Martial Arts: [Shield Harden] [Crushing Blade] [Mighty Wish] [Concentration] [Blade of the Soul] [Mirage Step]"

"[Art of Force Control] [Force Increase]" Fluder also activated his own magic buff as two orbs of ice and fire formed behind him, "[Maximize Magic Buff: Double Caster]"

Awe filled the 4 members of 'Kaiten' as they saw the Grandmaster with magic power coiling his arms, the orbs of fire and ice circling him and a certain spring on his step was noticeably seen including a dangerous glint on his previous kind face.

"Harken to me and prepare your heart, our survival hangs by a thread and every ounce of our skill is needed to bring down that monstrosity."

Fluder stepped in front of the hallway leading towards the Undead General as the members of Kaiten spread out away from him. He opened his two palms forward and said, "It is now past the time of stealth- come creature! For you are a wall that bars the way to the Abyss of Magic, let the Gods see me now! 6th-Tier Maximize Magic: [Elemental Festival]"

Yari and the rest of the members of Kaiten eyes bulged out as they dove to the ground as all hell broke loose.

.

The Undead General was a mob boss that used to guard the exit to the 3rd floor of the Underground Tomb. He had commanded the Old Guarders of Nazarick, which was a far cry from these Immortals that carried only basic gear. He had endured numerous attempts by invaders and interlopers to assail the home of the Supreme Beings and had borne witness to their triumphs as well. His undead conscious could no longer count the times he had been called back from the void to be of service to the Supreme Ones, to lead the undead armies and guard the tomb, which is their home. Alas, these new 'guests' that was welcomed by the Immortal King mystified him, they retracted the Old Guarders and only summoned these new Immortals. Although they have their own consciousness, they are brittle, is the word that is more apt to describe them.

But the will of the Supreme Beings reign absolute.

If they want to test how these new undead fare against these New Worlders then he would certainly obey. For servants such as he could only show their fealty and gratitude to their Lords by being-

"-ximize Magic: [Elemental Festival]"

He turned towards the noise and saw a large fireball hurtling towards him that struck his chest unbalancing him- "Who dares- UGH!"

A ball of frozen magic smacked him on the head as the ice immediately melted by the heat exuded by his soul turned into water that pummeled him as the magic infused waterball showered his burning skeletal head. Recovering quickly he turned to the annoying human who dared shoot him with magic when he saw numerous other balls of elemental magic hurtling towards him. Raising his tower shield, he snarled as the old man continued his assault, unbuckling his lightning hammer he cowered behind his shield that is currently deflecting some of the spells thrown at him as he began to exude the field of fear around him.

Fluder ceased his [Elemental Festival] as soon as the Undead General cowered behind its massive shield. He then summoned the two orbs behind him and threw them forward together, hurtling towards the enemy in a blink of an eye. The General grits his being as he prepared for the magic coming for him, but the Grandmaster opened his arms wide and the two magic orbs changed trajectory and made a sharp turn to the side and then surged towards each side of their enemy.

"6th Tier Maximize Magic: [Freeze]"

The General turned to one side as the ice orb smacked him on one side freezing his armor and rendering him unable to move, then he felt Fluder's magic shift again as he heard the old man cry out, "6th Tier Maximize Magic: [Chain Explosion]" the orb of fire that grew to a sizable diameter split off into innumerable smaller spheres as the undead boss's eyes widened. Each sphere of fire was an explosive ball of magic that peppered him with destructive force. As the world exploded all around him, the members of Kaiten surrounded him as Fluder clutched his staff and muttered, "[Blink]"

The Undead General roared in rage as the smoke obscured his vision and the spell shaved his health down. Who would have thought that a mere human had the power to actually hurt-

"Hello!" Fluder appeared in front of him as he concentrated magic on the tip of his left index finger, clutching the rune staff that was bestowed to him by the Gods on his right he confidently cried out, "6th Tier Maximize Magic: [Black Lightning]"

A bolt of black magic lightning struck the Undead General on the side of its face as the spell pierced through his unique rated armor. The jawbone on the General's face was dislocated as the blow from the magic disintegrated half of his face. Groaning in obvious pain, the members of Kaiten surrounded him as he landed on his back stunned that humans in this world was able to bring him down. Fluder panted heavily as the rush of numerous magic taxed his ancient body, this was not his limits, but being of such an advanced age he could not help the weight of time bearing down on his mortal body. Unlike the necromancer member of Blue Rose who miraculously befriended one of the 13 Heroes, he had no such advantage in friends during his pursuit of the abyss of magic. And so, Kabuto sidled up next to him and turned towards him.

"Grandmaster? Are you okay?"

"Huff- I need time to rest," he opened his the white tome that dangled from his body as he began to regenerate, "Hold him off and give me time to recover. [Raise Spirit] [Intensify Mana]"

'As I have thought- the increase in magic force given by the staff is not without any consequences,' Fluder thought wryly as a small smile made its way to his lips, 'But I have never felt so alive in such a very long time. Yes, a little bit more children, let me rest for awhile.'

The Undead General's roared in anger as it regenerated itself from the crushing blow he had inflicted. It was not time for Kaiten to show what they are truly capable of.

.

"Kaiten! Triangle formation!"

Odachi slid behind Fluder's back and drew her enhanced long bow, "[Art of Assassination] [Thrusting Arrow]"

The Undead General raised his thunder hammer and advanced towards Fluder when he was struck by the magic arrow under the weak part of his plate armor under his armpit. He tried breaking the arrow shaft, but he was surprised to find that the shaft was made of steel. Like a crossbow bolt that can blow through a plate armor easily, he grunted as he loosened his hold on his tower shield to grasp and remove the offending bolt under his arm. But Kabuto who was near him also activated his martial art, [Provocation] earning his aggression and attention.

Turning to Kabuto in rage he failed to notice Kunai get under him and Yari coming from behind.

"[Storm Shadow]"

"[Spear Driver]"

Yari drove his ornate spear to the back of the General's exposed skull while Kunai appeared below his towering stature and used his two short swords to slice on his legs. Though it failed to wound the undead, the blow destabilized him enough that he was brought down to his knees. As the Undead General knelt in one knee, Kabuto clashed his shield with their enemy's tower shield and suffused his weapon with power.

"Activate Martial Art: [Mortal's Bane]" Kabuto raised his straight edged sword and cried out, "[Blade of Judgement]"

A white light suffused the straight sword as he plunged it towards his kneeling enemy, unbeknownst to their enemy, Kabuto was a full-pledged tank and high cleric that trained in the Theocracy, but grew disillusioned at its teachings. His wanderings brought him to the service of Yari who was a traveling swordsman and the assassin couple of Kunai and Odachi. Of course, their given names were just their handles and their past lives were nothing compared to their built bonds. And in that bond shows a perfect synergy and timing that can only be rivaled by the best of teams of Adamantite that have worked together for several years.

The purging light snuffed out the burning green flame of the undead in the General's exposed skull. And an ethereal sigh emanated from their enemy as the monstrous undead laid down on the ground once more.

.

Fluder gave a small smile as Kabuto knelt down on the hard ground, exhausted beyond measure. Even the Grandmaster felt it, for a man of his age to be able to use [Mortal's Bane] an advanced cleric spell that sacrifices one's life force to purge undead. The dedication and commitment this young man would be capable in a few years would be outstanding. So, this was one of the trump cards that this group is hiding, he had felt it when they were first introduced. Though they were a menagerie of accents and armor and weapons, they managed to form a cohesive elite unit that can respond quickly to a crisis.

No wonder indeed.

"I would not expect you to know that spell young man," the Grandmaster smiled, "[Greater Heal] [Mass Regeneration] are you alright at least?"

Kabuto sighed and breathed deeply, "Yes Grandmaster Fluder, your magic definitely uplifts my spirits- I can feel my life force restored."

"We must make haste, we do not know when the enemy would find us. Let us hope the end of this Tomb will give us access to the 1st floor."

As they reached the threshold to go downward deeper into the Great Tomb, a ghoulish laughter made them all stop on their tracks. The sound of scraping metal made them all turn towards their downed adversary and was surprised to see the Undead General was standing on its two feet again. The light of the undead was flickering on the empty eye sockets as a soft green flame began to envelop their enemy's skull once more. The General released his tower shield as it clanged loudly into the ground, its thunder hammer that lay on the ground was picked up and he plucked his helm that was hanging on a belt on its waist. He puts it on his exposed skull and as the complete set of the 'Mantle of Hate' was donned, it completed a set effect that exuded such evil energy that they all felt momentarily nauseous and unbalanced. The overpowering feeling of hate and rage against the living would seriously debilitate any normal human in its vicinity, not including the ignore damage capability of the armor itself. Shifting the thunder hammer on its left hand, the Undead General pulled out another piece of wargear that gave all five humans goosebumps as they laid eyes on its weapon.

A broad blade of superlative craftsmanship that was both enchanting and terrifying. The blade had the image of a 4 eyed shark, its teeth was formed as a serrated edge and its length was almost 7 feet long. The weapon pulsed with unholy energy as renewed fear gripped them once more when a cape made from flayed human skin unfurled behind him.

"I greet you humans for making me use my complete armor and summoning a troublesome companion of mine," the voice of the Undead General brought shivers to their bodies as they all stood transfixed at their spot, "I am Lucius the Eternal, a General of the Black Legion. Granted a personality by the Supreme Beings and our Lord and Master. You have sullied this place with your beating hearts and warm breathing, but fear not, for I shall make use of all of my power now and snuff the warmth from your live bodies."

Odachi moved first as she drew the string on her longbow and aimed two bolt like arrows towards their enemy, "Activate Martial Art: [Prism Arrow]"

Two steel forged arrows flew into the air and made a bee line for the neck armor and in between the eye slits of their enemy's armor. But a horde of flies suddenly shielded him and blocked the two projectile from even hitting him. Roaring in rage he charged them with an agility he did not exhibit awhile ago as he swung his sword back and made a sweeping motion towards them. As the blade comes down, earthen spikes erupted from the ground and covered the path towards Kaiten and Master Fluder.

The old man's eyes widened as he tried to counter the incoming magic, "6th Tier Magic: [Chain Explosion]"

Multiple explosion broke off the earthen spikes summoned by the Undead General, but when the magic was previously effective against their enemy, the 'Mantle of Hate' seemed to be shrugging most of the damage off as their enemy continued to charge them without abating. Thinking out of the box, Fluder clasped his hands and casts, "5th Tier Magic: [Acid Pitfall]"

A hole opened up right below where the General was just stepping into, his feet sank into the bog like consistency of the poison as this effectively caught his leg rendering him immobile. Frustrated and angry, he watched Fluder clasped his hands again and casts, "5th Tier Magic: [Arctic Field]"

Freezing the poison inside the Acid Pitfall, it held the General's leg even further disabling him. Yet, the Grandmaster was not done, "5th Tier Magic: [Water Prison]"

Caught in a sphere of water that enveloped him, Lucius, the General knew what would happen next. While immobile he swung the thunder hammer behind him while activating its inert storm energy, he then hurled it towards his assailants in the same time that Fluder sent out his own spell.

"Activate 5th Tier Magic: [Energy Field]"

Pure white lightning was intensified by the water that enveloped him as he was electrocuted from head to toe, but he took the damage without forgetting to dish some of his. The hurled thunder hammer crackled to life and thrummed with power, realizing the threat, Kabuto drew his black shield again and infused it with his own power. "Activate Martial Art: [Shield Harden] [Mighty Wish]"

The two offensive moves struck their intended target and wrecked havoc against each other, Lucius the Undead General had his life shaved in half by their combined efforts. And Kabuto's relic-class black shield was shattered beyond repair as Fluder once more closed his eyes as their enemy finally extracted himself from the compromising position it found itself in.

"Grandmaster, what now?"

Sighing heavily, the next words of the old man was soft but it exploded like a thunderclap among their group.

"This foe is beyond any of us now- RUN!" Fluder infused power on his hands and aimed it at the ceiling, "3rd Tier magic: [Stone Explosion]"

The ceiling began to collapse as they all made a run for the passageway. They could hear the thundering sound of their enemy's footsteps behind them, but the sound of falling rocks was getting more and more prominent. With a roar of final rage, the only thing they heard was the rush of stone crashing behind them as they reached the connecting pathway that would take them deeper into the underground graveyard. They did not stop until they reached the end of the hallway, they did not stop even though the sound of crashing stone had abated, they did not stop until they reached the stairs leading down to the 3rd floor.

Stopping finally on the threshold, Fluder and the members of Kaiten brought out potions as they all tried to recover what was lost of their stamina and mana.

A footstep behind them made them all turn as Odachi drew her bow and arrow. What they saw both surprised and angered them all while Fluder merely looked intrigued at the man standing before them.

It was Erya Uzruth and his 3 elven slaves behind him.

"Where did you just come from?" Yari asked suspiciously.

The man shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, "Same way you came in."

"How is it possible when that monstrosity was blocking the way?"

The man shrugged his shoulder again and said, "Well, the monster seemed too preoccupied with your group so I slipped past it while you kept it busy."

Red faced and fuming Yari stood up and grabbed Erya by the collar of his tunic and shouted in his face, "YOU COULD HAVE HELPED YOU IDIOT!"

"Unhand me peasant!" the man forcefully removed Yari's from his clothes as he clutched his sword on the other hand, "Don't make me hurt you, your the idiot for trying to fight a monster that 'Dragon Hunt' wasn't able to kill."

"So, you were there when old man Parpatra was fighting that monstrosity?" Kabuto's face looked stricken as Yari's clenched his fist.

"Yes, old man got suckered into a trap and his team paid for it. I'm just looking out for my-" a fist came from the side as he tried to evade it, but his nose got clipped in the process.

Blood flowed from his crooked nose as both Erya and Yari drew their katanas together.

[Shukuchi Kai]

[Oni Sasu]

Their blades clashed as Kabuto also drew his sword and Kunai took out his twin swords as well, they were about to come into serious blows when the voice of reason came from Fluder once more.

"ENOUGH! All of you!"

Stopping in their tracks and losing all fight in them, the voice of the Grandmaster infused with his magic woke their senses. They lowered their weapons as the old man stepped in between them as he turned towards Kaiten and Tenmu.

"We are still trapped here, until we are above ground I expect no less than cooperation from the two of you," there was a dangerous glint in his eyes as he looked at both Yari and Erya, "Hold your emotions and fight together, it is difficult due to your animosity with each other, but I trust survival would come first am I clear?"

"Yes, Grandmaster Fluder," Yari said without hesitation and immediately sheaths his sword as the rest of Kaiten followed suit.

Erya wasn't too sure about replying at first, but he sheaths his sword as well. He was about to turn back to his slaves when Fluder stepped towards him again.

"Erya Uzruth this is a warning from me, if you decide to bail on us or act the same way you did for Dragon Hunt- I will make sure to bury you here. Is that clear?"

A chill went down his spine as a coldness gripped his stomach, "Y-yes Grandmaster."

.

An Immortal skeleton soldier grasped a large piece of rock and began shifting it to the side, he lifted it in its bony arms and passed the stone to the next Immortal behind him. They formed a line towards an enormous pile of rocks that resulted in a cave-in that was done by Fluder himself to stop the advance of the Undead General. Slowly and steadily they made their way deeper in to the collapsed tunnel until finally a large armored hand was uncovered and soon all the efforts of the Immortals concentrated on that area. Finally, after shifting a particularly large boulder the flame of the undead returned inside the helm as the anger inside the Undead General exploded.

"Curse that damn human!"

There were scoffs and burn marks on his armor as he extracted himself from the rubble, annoyed and angered he didn't immediately notice the small woman standing near him. He then turned towards her and bowed his head at Shalltear Bloodfallen, Guardian and direct servant of the Supreme Beings.

"My lady Shalltear, you have stepped out of your vault?"

"Indeed, it has come to my attention that the interlopers managed to get past your vigilance?"

"Forgive me my Lady Undead, they are crafty and has exposed a weakness in the Tomb's defense. I could never atone for such lapse in our duties, I would give my unlife to make it right my Lady."

Shalltear gave a simpering laugh as she pats him in his armored arm affectionately, "Fear not Lucius, the Supreme Beings are delighted on the performance of your duties. Our Lords insisted that this exercise was very much needed to gauge how to respond to such threats before against the Tomb. Especially, those of the most common of threats this New World has to offer, which is sadly to say not much."

"They are crafty my Lady-"

"Yes, yes they are. Well, Lord Ainz and Sammael said they should be considering their lack of innate power in them," the True Vampire gave another simpering laugh and walked away in the shadows, "Fear not Undead General, you are tasked to pursue them through the 3rd floor alone. Plus, an additional order of course."

As she relayed the Supreme Beings plan, General Lucius's jaw threatened to dislocate once more.

.

"A-Ainz s-sama...?"

"Why are you stuttering Nabe?"

"I-I am merely hesitating to ask, since we are both alone and within the Walls of Nazarick," Narberal Gamma blushed as she asked, "H-how should I address you?"

"You may call me Momon."

"U-Understood."

"We turn here," he gestured to a waiting gargoyle statue as he moved its arm to the side and a secret passage opened revealing a small open space with a curious tool inside. Hurriedly getting inside the contraption, he stood unmoving as Narberal pulled on a lever inside the ancient device as is descended to the 3rd floor.

The elevator moved downwards to the lower floors as the sound of marching soldiers reached their ears, he then turned to Narberal and addressed her.

"Ready yourself Nabe, we are still currently undercover."

"Yes, My Lord."

.

Kunai turned to another corridor as light shone in front of them. There were flaming braziers on the 3rd floor of the Tomb considering that there have been no one to tend to them for centuries, yet they still burned as if it was yesterday. There were certain sections of disrepair and the deep pitfalls looked to be empty tombs and graveyards. As such, they hastened to continue in reaching their goal which is the end of the 3rd floor of this dungeon. They turned to another corridor when their scout's eyes widened as he saw an image too hard to believe.

"Master Momon? What are you doing here?"

Momon the Black together with Ice Princess Nabe walked towards them hurriedly, he didn't answer the scout, but he did an obvious counting motion with his left hand as Nabe took out one of his swords from the back.

"We have been sent by Commander Harod to retieive you Grandmaster," the adventurer said with finality as he approached the old man, "I see that your group has suffered casualties, unfortunately, our small size was enough to evade the numerous undead flooding the 1st floor."

"Wait, did you not pass the 2nd floor?"

The hidden Overlord shook his head, "We have found an ancient elevator that took us to the bottom of this tomb, we were hoping that we could reach you before others could find you."

Yari's brow furrowed, "Others? There are others trying to find us?"

"Yes," Momon took the offered sword by Nabe as he pointed at a growing shadow behind them, "I was talking about him."

Taking great care to grunt loudly, he crossed his broad swords in an 'X' shape as a thunder hammer suddenly flew towards them from the shadows. The thrown weapon struck his sword loudly and the sound of clashing hard metals. From the darkness on a raised level, a soft green fire emerged until finally their previous broken enemy stepped out, his armor dented and damaged while his helm was nowhere to be found. But they all felt his power now, he wasn't even trying to hide his bloodlust and the cold that accompanied the fear of seeing such a fearsome undead. Casting their most potent buffs and martial arts, the members of Kaiten and Fluder, even Tenmu considering he has no choice but to fight as well, prepared for the upcoming battle.

"More intelopers!"

"I will delay him! Nabe, escort them to the elevator!"

Everything seemed to be a blur as the Ice Princess grabbed Fluder's arms as they evaded the storm of violence that came after as Momon and the Undead General met in single combat. Every blow sent tremors and shockwaves through the stone walls as Nabe led them silently through the whole 3rd floor. The sound of their running feet could not mask the sound of their monumental struggle and no Worker could even dispute that such strength deserves an adamantite ranking. They were solidly running for almost a few minutes now when the wall they were running in front of suddenly collapsed as the Momon was thrown through by his enemy.

"Master Momon!"

"Stay back!" as the large black cursed sword came down towards him, he grabbed the General's arm and twisted it to him. He then bends down and pulls his enemy into a judo throw complete with armor and all. His enemy sailed over their heads as the black plate warrior turned to Nabe while the Undead General crashed to another wall and said, "Don't tell me your lost Nabe!"

Her soft white skin could not hide the beautiful blush that appeared on it as even Yari felt his heart skipped a beat at the cuteness she just exuded.

"Apologies Momon-san, we were in such haste that- that I got lost."

Grunting with effort, he hurled his broad sword towards his enemy earning another roar of pain from the monster as he took out a pendant and gave it to her, "That pendant is locked onto the coordinate of our last checkpoint, take the Grandmaster and leave for the surface!"

"Yes!"

They didn't look back as Momon crouched like a battering ram and charged the General with the full brunt of his body as they both crashed through another wall.

.

"Everyone hurry!"

They were led into a wide corridor that was lit by numerous green points of light, like minerals in a magic mine, they lighted up as they passed and dimmed after their passing. Rushing forward they were suddenly upon a great stone bridge, too narrow for horses to cross or for two adults to cross side by side. It was a defensive bridge, where one heavily armored individual can hold off a horde of enemies on their own. A deep chasm separated the two sides with only this simple stone bridge linking the two sides together, reminiscent of the bridge of Feo Jera, the first one to cross was naturally Nabe who beckoned for the other to cross quickly.

Erya crossed without any hesitation as all his slaves followed, Kaiten followed suit with Fluder not too far behind. As they all waited with bated breathe, they saw and heard a loud crash from the ceiling of the other side as Momon crashed through with Lucius the Undead General not too far behind. They stood like titans as they squared each other off, Lucius swung his left hand with the thunder hammer while Momon blocked it with his sword crossed, his enemy then drew back his right hand to stab the Dark Warrior with his cursed sword when the Black Hero kicked him in the legs and destabilized his posture. Getting down in one knee, Momon now stood eye to eye at the enraged General as he reared his head back and swung it forward. The sound of the headbutt could be heard from the other side of the chasm as plate armor contacted with bare skull that the shockwave could be felt. Everyone except Nabe cringed at the sound, perhaps they shouldn't be too quick to anger Momon-san next time.

Suddenly, there was a lightning blast and the Dark Hero was thrown away, landing with a thud near the chasm.

Groaning in pain, Nabe stiffened as Fluder enveloped himself once more in his powerful aura, he quickly casts [Maximize Magic Buff: Dual Caster] as he turned to Nabe and said, "Take Master Momon across the bridge, I will cover the escape!"

"No!" Yari drew his sword and prepared to take the lead, "Grandmaster your safety is our priority, we would not risk you again."

"I am not so weak as to actually need your only protection. In this state, I am only the one capable of going head to head against the Undead General," he then nods to Nabe once more, "Let us go forth."

"-but Grandmaster," the leader of Kaiten stops as a dangerous glint appeared on the old man's eyes.

"Do not be foolish to think I would be so easy to kill, your group and your formation is nullified by the narrow bridge and we can't really expect Tenmu to be effective against our enemy," he turned away as he summoned the two orbs of ice and fire again, "If you must help, then go and help Momon and Nabe cross to safety."

Fluder crossed the bridge and squared off his shoulders, his staff was in front of him, like a sort of shield as the 2 orbs of fire and ice circled him in perfect unison. Nabe followed behind him as she easily picked up Momon who groaned loudly in pain while Yari brought up the rear to help her.

"We meet again, old man- I promise you, your death would not be swift," Lucius the Eternal lets energy pass through his gauntlets and into his thunder hammer as it thrummed with palpable power, while his cursed sword emanated such a thick miasma it threatened to engulf their senses as whispers of despair and death assailed their minds.

Surprisingly, Nabe kept Momon on her shoulders while half-dragging and half-carrying him to safety as they continued to cross the precarious bridge. The bridge was a defense against any enemy that might find the hidden passage going to the elevators up to the 1st floor. It was 50 feet in length and was only passable one at a time, it had no railings and it curved upward in a perfect arc at the center.

Fluder aimed his staff at their enemy and cast, "6th-Tier Magic: [Arctic Field]" as he turned away from the General and ran after the fleeing Nabe and Yari.

Hearing heavy footfalls behind him, the Grandmaster reached the center of the bridge and turned towards his adversary. He saw the Undead General shrugging off the 6th-Tier magic he unleashed as he seemed to brush off the icicles that formed on his gauntlets and on his sword.

"You have no power here, Fluder Paradyne, an insignificant blot in the face of the servant of my Masters," a laughter that gripped men's heart with fear came from Lucius as he suffused his cursed sword with power, "My partner has grown weary of our charade, this 'one' would make short work of your soul I promise."

The old man gave a sigh as he felt his mana slipping away, "300 lifetimes of men and now, I have no time."

Lucius the Eternal took a step towards him as the cursed sword spewed out miasma and a keening voice permeated through the cavernous 3rd floor of the underground Tomb.

"Undead General, I am the servant of humanity's fire, wielder of the Flame of Baharuth," the bright flaming orb of fire and glittering orb of ice began spinning round and round him in a fixed axis as a gentle wind began to lap into the faces of the members of Kaiten as well as Nabe while looking awe-struck of such a display, "The dark fire would not avail you, flame of the High Moon!"

A thrumming sound reverberated through the caverns and empty halls as Lucius the Eternal took another step forward, raised his cursed sword above his head and swung it down on the sphere of light that enveloped Fluder.

Light flared brightly for a second as the cursed sword shattered into innumerable pieces and an ear-piercing shriek could be heard from the shattered weapon as the Grandmaster's eyes blanked for a split second at the overloading of his mental defenses. Truly, the servants of the Gods of Magic is beyond him as blood dripped from his two nostrils. His head was gripped into a mind-numbing headache as his mana was suddenly absorbed by the [Elemental Shield] he had deployed that was fueled by his innate magical power.

"Grandmaster!" the exhausted look of Fluder and his internal wounds caused by the curse of the shattered sword looked like it gripped him immensely, "We must help him!"

They were about to prepare to help him when they heard his rough and exhausted voice say, "STAY BACK! All of you!"

"You think to kill me? Me? WHo have LIVED 300 lives of MEN!" the look of deranged insanity returned to Fluder as Lucius the Eternal gave his won toothy grin, "You think to help ME? Me, who have slain whole ARMIES with my might and MAGIC!?"

Another step forward by the General as his staff glowed with an inner brilliance of the morning sun, "I don't need your help little children, for I am Fluder Paradyne, Archmage of the Baharuth Empire and you Lucius the Eternal, shall NOT PASS!"

He raised his staff above his head and slammed the end towards the stone bridge. The whole stone structure vibrated and shook, but it did not break apart from his spell. The General gave a deathly laugh as he took another step forward and raised his thunder hammer above his head, exactly the way he raised his cursed sword that now lie broken at the bottom of the deep chasm. But as he took another step forward, the bridge broke in half and collapsed exactly where he was standing while preserving the place where Fluder stood kneeling at the exertion.

Lucius the Eternal plunged into the abyss, his cries of disbelief and rage echoed through his descent towards the darkness.

Yari together with the rest of Kaiten looked relieved as Lord Fluder turned towards them and gave a big sigh of relief. Bloodied and exhausted they may be, but hope is kindled that survival still persist but-

A large thunder hammer struck the end of the bridge that the Grandmaster was standing on, the supports shattered as Yari looked in horror as Fluder met his eyes and said to them before the side of the bridge he was standing on crumbled under his feet plunging him into the abyss.

"Fly you FOOLS!"

.

.

Slane Theocracy - Northern Fortress City

.

The Pontifex looked at the darkened sky as another rainy night loomed over their fortress city. Ever since the undead took the city of E-Rantel, a wave of problems seemed to overtake their nation especially their cities in the north. The Elven offensive on the Abelion Hills, the unknown attack on Kami Miyako, the pestilence of the grain from the northern and eastern crops, heretical churches or movements on the east and south, the loss of Lady Kaire and half of the Black Scripture, and the threat of the Undead King on the nation's doorstep. The trouble's just keep piling up, plus the 'null zone' has expanded even more than what it was before.

Before the Sorcerer King revealed himself to this world, the scrying magic of the Theocracy reached as far as the Argland Council States on the North, the Holy Kingdom on the West, the Beastmen Kingdom on the East and the cit of Eryuentiu on the South. But in as short time as the Sorcerer King arrived and conquered E-Rantel, a hole on their surveillance had came upon them. Even the Thousand League Astrologer had trouble penetrating the darkness that expanded from a small area near E-Rantel back then that has extended now beyond the limits of the Azerlisia Mountains and the Forest of Tob. Their teams of seers and clerics that tried to pierce the veil of shadows kept reporting headaches and nausea when they try to force their way through, the most horrendous attack was when a monster was summoned in the Water Temple made from the most abundant material in that place. A monster that is mostly composed of watery tentacles that assaulted the female occupants of the Seer's Forum, including one of the Miko Princesses.

Though none was killed and seriously hurt, the mood of the women back then was astronomically volcanic and they vehemently refused to force their way again into the shadows, hence, the coining of the term 'null zone'.

The Pontifex sighed again, he was getting too old for this.

A knock on the door woke him up from his melancholy as Cardinal Dominic, one of the leaders who was actually pushing for a non-aggressive stance entered the somewhat darkened office, "Your Holiness, the leaders of the nations are now gathered. They await you to begin the peace accords."

"Is the Emperor of the Baharuth and the King-Regent of the Kingdom are in their respective places?"

"Yes," the Cardinal fell in step behind him as they both walked out of the room.

"Any news from the Holy Kingdom?"

"None, haven't I suggested before to open an avenue of cooperation and mutual agreement with the Holy Kingdom? They are our kin not just by blood, but by ideals as well."

The Pontifex sighed once more, "I hear you Dominic however, we cannot simply give away the items of the Gods. We are the caretakers of their will, even if Alah Alaf-sama left and established his own, his kinship with the others cannot be and must not be undone."

The Cardinal fell silent as they reached the main hall of the Fortress where the leaders of the 2 nations sat in front of each other divided only by an ornate wooden desk. An adjutant each was all they brought to act as scribe for whatever agreement they would come upon.

.

A few weeks after the botched exploration of the unknown Tomb within the Sorcerer Kingdom Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix sat lazily at the chair that was provisioned for them inside the gubernatorial palace of this fortress city of the Slane Theocracy. A request to attend a discussion about a truce between the new King-Regent of the Re-Estize Kingdom and the Baharuth Empire with the recent troubles that have plagued their neighboring kingdoms. The Pontifex of the Theocracy allowed to host and broker the deal between the Baharuth Empire and the Re-Estize Kingdom about the increasing threat of the Sorcerer Kingdom and its growing influence especially within the re surging Dwarven Nation in the Azerlisia Mountain and the Elven Nation within the Great Forest of Tob.

"I am now calling this meeting into order," the Pontifex began quickly as soon as he arrived in his seat, "We are all pressed for time as every minute we tarry here, the undead city grows stronger. Therefore, I acknowledge King Regent Barbro Vaiself Indarun and Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix in present attendance to discuss the growing incursion of the undead in your adjacent territories."

"Thank you, your Holiness, I am glad that the Theocracy has recognized the dire situation that this undead upstart has begun in our lands. By taking control of E-Rantel it has crippled the main artery that conveniently connects our neighboring kingdoms together," Barbro began ceremoniously, "Our forces and resolve are set, none can sway us or delay our spring march against the Sorcerer Kingdom. What say you Emperor Jircniv?"

"Is this the recommendation of your advisers? To use such strong words could be misleading, especially on topics discussed on such high tables," Jircniv has no use for such brashness at the moment, he couldn't help but feel extra cautious with the loss of Fluder beginning to spread. He has chosen his moment of weakness and converted it to careful resolve, "Perhaps you would consider sending out scouts for enemy movement or discuss rational strategy that can counter the undead's very strong military. I mean, having a fortress city taken within the day with minimal casualties is a monumental feat of leadership, restraint, discipline and let us not forget to mention about a considerable portion of war potential."

Barbro gave a sneer, "Rest assured, I would not arrange this meeting if not for the untimely arrival of your state-endorsed merchant. It is not what you think Emperor Jircniv, I am saying it directly, we can split ruling E-Rantel as long as you will help me deal with the undead."

"What assistance do you require from us anyway? Clearly, you have the manpower needed to besiege the city on your own. The Empire would not squander the lives of its soldiers so flippantly, unlike the Kingdom who relies on a peasant levy, the Empire trains and nurtures individual soldiers and expects them to function as a whole. As such, the returns of such an adventure is not assured and the rewards does not justify losing half of my military might."

"I thought your military might has already lessened with the news that the Tri-Arts Magic Caster already falling to the hands of the undead king?" the Emperor's face turned ashen as he did not know that the information about Fluder falling in battle was widespread, "Surely you want retribution or at least, security from their retribution after the failed raid you made at their territory."

"How did you manage to come upon such an information?"

Barbro gave a small amused laugh, "You hired adventurers from the Re-Estize Kingdom and tried to recruit them for your own. Perhaps you think to enlist them considering that the Monarch can conscript the Adventurer's for the defense of the nation if need be."

"That was not my intention-"

"-then forgive me for assuming as such, but it does not discount the fact that you need security in your borders with the Sorcerer Kingdom. By unifying the Re-Estize Kingdom, Baharuth Empire and the Slane Theocracy, then we could not be defeated and we can swept this undead blot on our lands."

Jircniv considered his options, with the loss of Fluder then the strength of his military is down to 70 or close to 60%, such is the gap that was left by the crazy old man that he was at his wits end on how to defend his Empire. But perhaps there is a way to salvage such a disaster, maybe Samuel can help him. He gave a knowing grin and said, "The Baharuth Empire will commit its 1st Legion and 2nd Legion to this endeavor."

"Isn't the 1st Legion your personal soldiers? You would commit them into battle?" Barbro looked at him skeptically, which Jircniv took as a challenge.

"Indeed they are, for I intend to go there myself. Perhaps you would send a representative?"

Of course not!" the King Regent bristled at that, "I would not let anyone fight my own fights, I would see you on the field of battle Emperor Jircniv and together we would drive out this blight upon this land."

"Then it is agreed," the two leaders clasped hands and the 1st steps to the cooperation treaty has just been taken.

"With this unified front against the undead, what say the Slane Theocracy?"

The Pontifex was silent for a moment, but finally said, "We approve of this cooperation, expunging the blight of the undead is an admirable trait and one of the tenets of the 6 Gods. Such power cannot go for so long to be unchallenged."

"Will you not commit your forces as well?" Barbro pointed asked as Jircniv looked at the two Cardinals with him, "Surely, all your manipulations behind our backs consummated to defeating such threats in its infancy. Now it is growing into adulthood, should you not confront this threat?"

"You do not dictate the actions of the Theocracy King-Regent, our actions are the will of the Gods, it is not your or anyone's right to question their will in all things."

The King-Regent scoffed at that, "Oh, is that so? Tell me then, is it the will of the Gods that your Sunlight Scripture was wiped out by a then unidentified Sorcerer King on one of the outskirts village that is within E-Rantel's territory. Who may I remind the Pontifex as well, that your forces were caught with subversive documents that seriously undermined the power and influence of the Noble Faction which is a clear and blatant attempt of the Theocracy to control the neighboring Kingdoms according to your whims?"

"That is not-"

"-not to mention the botched subjugation attempt of a revived Dragon Lord, because your supposed 'most powerful' forces should be moving secretly through our territory without our knowledge. Yet you claim that you fight for humanity's future by sweeping the rug under us?"

The Pontifex breathed deeply to forcibly calm himself, "Did you come here to point fingers King-Regent?"

"No, I came here for allies to fight the undead, if you don't want to commit your forces then consider what I am doing finger-pointing then."

One of the Cardinals gave a hushed whisper to the Pontifex that stiffened the old man as the two Monarchs saw the resolve that came to settle on the eyes of the Theocratical leader. The most holy servant of the Gods actually smiled and said, "We would commit 2 Scriptures on your endeavor, but would only join in battle if the Undead King would send out its special minions against you. Bear in mind, the Scriptures were not made to participate in lined and pitched battles, as such, our forces would be more like a scalpel or an arrow against your enemies."

"How about your Magic Knights?"

"Very well," the Pontifex was holding back his ire, this King-Regent certainly knew more than he let on, "Our forces would remain in our borders, but we would gather our numbers to support you. Additionally, it would be wise if you can reach out to the Holy Kingdom to bolster your attack force."

"We already did, they sent no response to our heralds yet. It seems they are having problems within their walls as well."

This was news that not even the Pontifex or the Cardinals have heard about it, but the Roble Holy Kingdom was a Principality that was founded by one of the Gods themselves, which is Alah Alaf-sama, and its direct descendants led by Queen Calca Bessarez. It was said that the Holy Kingdom was as powerful as the Theocracy and no city or state was as powerful as them in regards to their maritime force. Unfortunately, the Holy Kingdom and the Theocracy had a falling out and though the majority of the gear by the God of Life was transferred to the ownership of their direct descendants, its most powerful artifacts though was kept in the Vaults of the Theocracy.

For safekeeping of course.

With their distance from the Theocracy, and the Theocracy's inability to cleanse and purge the Abelion Hills, and failure to dislodge the small elven city of half-moon lake. It was decided to build a wall of such great height and girth that would hold back the numerous demi-human clans of the surrounding Hills and the only access to it would be through the sea, which the Roble Kingdom's navy dominates with impunity.

.

Loune Vermillion finished writing the Emperor's name in triplicate for the 3 copies of the Treaty documents. 1 for each nation that signed up for the treaty, so that it may be copied and that war may be made into reality.

The Emperor left quickly after he signed the documents as he rubbed his head to give a slight relief to the migraine that is threatening to split his head in two came to the fore.

"My Lord?" Loune sidled up next to him with concern in his eyes, he had never seen the Emperor as stressed as he was right now.

Jircniv gave a large sigh as he looked at the darkened road ahead, the horses were fresh and the Sleipnirs that pulled his carriage would not stop until they reached the Imperial Castrum inside the border of his Empire. His thoughts lingered on the Treaty that he signed with the Kingdom and the Theocracy. He did not mention to them nor to anyone the demand of the Sorcerer Kingdom after the old man inadvertently invaded the home of that monstrous undead. He had awoken one sleepless night and he found a floating skull with a scroll in between its jaws. Of course, this terrified Jircniv at first, until he saw that the scroll was sealed with the symbol of the Sorcerer Kingdom.

He took the scroll from the jaws of the skull and it flew off without a sound outside his window.

Realizing it was just a messenger, he lets the skull go and opened the scroll who appeared harmless to the touch and found it was made from the paper that Samuel has traded to the Sorcerer Kingdom. In perfectly neat handwriting the Emperor read with increasing apprehension the current status of their trade deal with the Sorcerer Kingdom and news about Fluder's whereabouts.

'It is with great joy that we announce that we have accepted the Trade Deal with Samuel's Trading House, a trading house that was openly endorsed by the Baharuth Crown. We would be willing to trade the following wares to you on the standard market price as listed below:

Grains (Trading Guild standards and measurements)
Fresh Produce (Trading Guild standards and measurements)
Gold / Silver / Platinum (Trading Guild standards and measurements)
Salt (Trading Guild standards and measurements)
Herbs / Spices (Trading Guild standards and measurements)
Elven Silk (By the terms of the Elven Kingdom)
Elven Magic Weapons (By the terms of the Elven Kingdom)
Elven Aesthetic Furniture (By the terms of the Elven Kingdom)
Dwarven Rune Weapons (By the terms of the Dwarven Kingdom)
Dwarven Forged Weapons (By the terms of the Dwarven Kingdom)
Dwarven Forged Armor (By the terms of the Dwarven Kingdom)
Dwarven Forged Tools (By the terms of the Dwarven Kingdom)
Dragon Mail services (By the terms of the Sorcerer Kingdom)
Undead Labor (By the terms of the Sorcerer Kingdom)

The Dwarven and Elven wares would naturally come from our allied nations and would indubitably be of the quality that you expect them to be. These are the wares that we have approved to be traded to you.

However, we come to the small matter of the Tri-Arts Magic Caster invading the home of the Sorcerer King. Of course, those that entered his domain to loot and pillage would certainly face certain death. Fortunately, the old man has proven his strength and have fought a creature that is beyond his power and prevailed. His bravery and tenacity is commendable for a human, yet his frailty after the battle cannot be undone. Fluder Paradyne fell on the threshold to the 4th Floor of the Underground Tomb. As such, our master thinks it is a waste of mankind's potential to let Fluder die. You are asked to come to the Tomb and meet with our Undying Lord to decide the fate of Fluder'

Jircniv bit his lip as he remembered the callousness upon which the letter dictated the terms of their meeting. He has no way to consult this with anyone as this would indubitably endanger the old man and if he acted rashly then the wrath of the Sorcerer King would be brought upon them. He wasn't stupid of course to provoke the wrath of someone who employs guards and servants more powerful than the trump card of the whole Baharuth Empire. He intended to form an alliance back then with the Theocracy and all the other surrounding allied kingdom, but after the night delivery of their 'summons' inside his bed chamber without alerting anyone at all. And with the recent revelations that the Theocracy was quite stingy about having their specialists deployed and help means that they are hurting as well.

Regardless, he must preserve the integrity of the Empire and ensure that the old man would manage to get out of that hell-hole or at least allow him to negotiate his release.

.

.

Roble Holy Kingdom

.

Queen Calca Besarrez sat on the throne of the Holy Kingdom as the first female monarch in centuries. Their family was the direct descendants of Alah Alaf-sama and has been the de facto ruler of both the North and South Holy Kingdoms. Though her ascent to the throne was not fraught with hardships, she continued to do her best in the day-to-day affairs of their kingdom. Today, the Holy Kingdom is the undisputed power house of the Fresh Water Sea, boasting a fleet of ships thrice the amount that is fielded by the Argland State Alliance. The Custodio Sisters stood beside her, Remedios was the leader of the Paladin Order and personal adjutant, while Kelart was the High Priestess and leader of the Priesthood of the Holy Kingdom's church. Both sisters stood with their Queen as military Generals and Prince Caspond Bessarez sat on chairs around the table that was set in front of the Queen.

"Your Majesty," Marquis Bodipo stood and opened a scroll who was passed it towards the Queen, "This is a report regarding the latest clash with the supposed 'Naga' faction of the Mermen people. Their supposed leader called 'Sea King' apparently has been increasing their attacks on our Trading and Fishing Ships. Though a bit cumbersome on land, these 'Naga' are quite agile in water and as strong as the Merman people, if not more massive than their counterparts."

"What does Ran Tsu An Rin have to say?"

The man shrugged his shoulders, "He says he had tried to reach out to the villages that have not thrown their lot with this so-called 'Sea King'. Apparently, the person responsible for these attacks currently leads a warband that is scouring the whole Fresh Water Sea and absorbing each and every aquatic demi-human species."

"That's not very comforting-"

"-indeed it is not Your Majesty," another General agreed, "We all know that land-based Naga people are large and powerful as it is, but those that have stayed in the seas are known to be much larger, more vicious and kept to their ancient ways and practices. They practice magic that are stronger than what the ones who lived in the Abelion Hills use."

"-a much larger threat then?" the Paladin beside the Queen asserted.

"Yes, Paladin Remedios. Though we could require more manpower to man the ships that are currently trading or have escort ships accompany them and form a battle group. It would take a serious amount of manpower and material, though it also brings to question the viability of having escort ships on a non-wartime economy."

Calca shook her head at that suggestion and turned to her High Priestess, "That is a stop-gap measure that would be hard to maintain, have you sent out investigators? Did the Theocracy perhaps have records of the 'Sea King' threat that has come upon us?"

Kelart shrugged her shoulders beside her, "I have scoured the records that were left to us, no mention of this 'Sea King' threat at all. Not even the copied teachings of the God of Life yielded any results. This threat is new and is probably a very talented aquatic demi-human that have been pressing their people against us. Based on the previous reports, the enemy seemed to be preparing for a big confrontation, but a confrontation to who? Perhaps us or perhaps beyond our borders."

"So, are you are not endorsing reaching out to the Theocracy for intelligence?"

"They would no doubt ask for a trinket back from the Vault of Alah Alaf-sama."

The Holy Queen sighed at that, politics was never good if one really wanted to help people. Plus, their sibling Kingdom would not stop trying to manipulate everything according to their whims of human superiority. If she would be the one that would truly make the policies, then she would welcome the demi-humans who are not threatening her Kingdom. She would gladly open the doors, like the Mermen villages near the Southern Holy Kingdom cities have now developed stone dwellings of their own after establishing trade with their cities, if she could just make sure that they would not turn against them.

But how could she change the inborn prejudice that some people have against demihumans. A remainder of their kinship from the Slane Theocracy's teachings that continued to plague most nobles of the Roble Holy Kingdom.

"What do you suggest then?"

Marquis Bodipo stood again and said, "Prepare for war or at least make enough steps that if ever war comes to our shores, we would not be caught unaware."

"How about the wall?" Remedios interjected, "We cannot lessen the manning of the walls, it has been years since the wall has been attacked. Past records shows that an attack is imminent by the Orc Tribes due south and the Bafolk tribe in the north of the wall. Our elven spies tell us that some unknown warlord had gone for the heads of the previous village chiefs and began unifying the demi-humans against us and is beginning to form a force to assail the walls."

"Are you saying they we are being assailed on all side?"

The Paladin Commander nods her head, "Considering the Naga are amassing and gathering their fighting force on the South, while the Orc and Bafolk demihumans are gathering their own on the North. I would say perhaps they would attack in the summer time when the spring thaw has completed just before the summer months have reached their hottest."

Calca Besarrez then stood up and declared, "Very well, as the Holy Queen of the Roble Holy Kingdom. I hereby declare a state of preparedness for both the North and the South of this Kingdom. Proclaim that failure to exceed this state of preparedness would be detrimental to the conditions of our Kingdom, if the wall should fall then the south must fend for itself against two threats, if the sea borders collapse then the north must defend itself from all sides."

"Let us make it easy for both of us and help each other attain a secure ground to defend ourselves and open a way to counterattack against our enemies. Should any of the territories need help and assistance in regards to preparing their defenses, it should be submitted immediately to the procurement department. Failure to provide assistance or viable explanation of such a failure to assist is punishable by imprisonment, or, but not limited to execution."

The gathered Generals and nobles paled at that, the Holy Queen had never been this decisive or firm before in her decisions. Perhaps she is indeed taking this threat seriously that she was willing to put the threat of death on the line. Caspond smiled though as he knew her sister would not allow such a thing to pass. She would definitely find a way to pardon such an individual, in case there would be an issue such as that, but he knew her sister well enough for that.

"The Roble Holy Kingdom is the country established by one of the 6 Gods, we will not fall against the threat from all side. We will endure and keep our nation standing for centuries."

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To be continued

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A swirling mass of primordial essence erupted on a hill on the foot of the Azerlisia Mountain. Like oil bubbling up out of the ground, the black essence of this creature brought forth chilling winds and darkened skies. Centuries has passed since it first fell, but the creature managed to pull its essence together as the effects of the Wild Magic it casts during the time of its fall has reached its end.

Centuries ago, during the time of the 8 Greed kings, when he fought one of their number with one of his kin. That accursed King slew his brother and maimed him with a mortal wound and cruelly left him to die agonizingly without any immediate release through death. A plan formed in his mind at his death throes as he gathered his remaining strength and casts his Wild Magic. Using the souls of his subjects in the hundreds of thousands. Humans, demi-humans, beastmen, all willing and unwilling, it does not matter. As long as you bound yourself in servitude and promise to a Dragon Lord, then your soul is theirs. Such is its level of cruelty that Wild Magic is not used lightly. It is only invoked in the direst of circumstance and most desparate of situations.

Unfortunately, after the departure of the 6 Great Gods came the 8 Greed Kings who brought low all the civilizations that had been established by the Dragon Lords.

Inside the miasma, red draconian eyes opened with a start as his soul and essence begin its life anew. Though his soul has been weakened and it took considerable time for his essence to regroup from the void world, he somehow managed to do it within a couple of centuries. With his heart filled with hate and rage, he willed his body to reform as the land where he had casts his essence into formed up a primordial soup of his rebirth. The wild magic he casted before would allow him to revive as long as he has enough strength to pull himself together, or rather his essence together and reform the building blocks of his life. Supplied by his draconic lineage, the Catastrophe Dragon Lord roared in defiance as he rose up from the black primordial soup of his birthing pond. It clung to him like slime would on any surface as his muddled mind was entirely focused on one thing and one thing only now.

Revenge against the descendants of the 6 Great Gods and the 8 Greed Kings, but where to now?

"Excuse me."

A calm voice called out to him from the edge of the primordial pond where he sat as he turned his large head towards the source. A man garbed in black plate armor had his left hand raised as he stood alone in front of him. Surprised and dumbfounded, he had no immediate response to the man except-

"Yes?"

"Good afternoon," the man in the black plate armor greeted, "May I know your name please? We have no knowledge of anyone coming for a visit today?"

Absurd, but probably not considering he had fallen before this person was even born, "I am Pallias Mar-maraban, t-the Dragon of Catastrophe and Lord of Destruction and you human are-"

"That's nice- and uh, what part of the continent do you live?"

Pallias blinked twice and replied slowly, the anger suddenly building inside of him. Does this person really do not know him or at least feel his power? "Thi-This used to be my home- D-did I not say I was a Dragon Lord already?"

"Why yes of course, forgive me-" the man gave a small bow and said, "The dwarves does not seem to have any memory of any dragon aside from the Frost Dragons that reside on the highest peaks of the snow-capped mountains."

The dragon bared his teeth and hauled itself out of the primordial goop, "I do not know who these Frost Dragon usurpers are, but I can assure you that this will not stand. I am the Catastrophe Dragon Lord and you will soon know that my scales are like ARMOR!"

"My teeth are like sword, my claws are like SPEARS!" he clawed out of the birthing pond as he now have a new target for his displeasure, "My tail is like a thunderbolt and my wings are a HURRICANE!"

"That's nice-" the deadpan voice knocked his monologue down a few pegs, "-but I would ask you to obey and bend before the Supreme Beings or there will be dire consequences."

In a blink of an eye, the black plated man was covered in a blast of fire and lightning as the Catastrophe Dragon Lord opened his mouth and voiced out his displeasure at the audacity this human had to make him obey, "-my breathe is Death!"

Unlike the [Frost Breath] that the former Frost Dragon Lord, Olasird'Arc Hayliyal, was able to conjure and fired off at the Angels inside the Royal Palace of Feo Jera. This dragon breath is significantly more powerful from what was previously used. No metal or armor could guard against it and no human could possibly survive from the combined fire and lightning currently spewing out of its maw.

But Bardiel is not a human.

His angelic wings wrapped around him in a protective embrace as his empty soulless eyes looked at the Dragon Lord with such anger, a void seemed to emanate from where he stood. Slowly, he began to lift the spell of concealment that he is using to hide the 'Iron Curtain' from all prying eyes. Pallias looked shocked as the growing void seemed to absorb the flaming breathe he had unleashed upon the human- no, an Angel that looked at him now with such anger, a lesser being would have quailed by now.

"So, you are a descendant of Alah Alaf? A cursed angel-"

"Do not mock me by linking me to such weaklings!" the anger in the voice of the dark angel was palpable as he unfolded his wings and unhitched his weapon, "I sentence you to death, you who does not listen to reason. There will be no mercy for you-"

The 'Scourge of the Titan' was brought back and snapped forward towards the Dragon Lord, Pallias tried to shield himself with his wings as the crackling whip moved in an arc towards him, but it was all for naught. Just like the way Olasird'Arc has fallen on Feo Jera, Pallias Mar-maraban's wings was sliced cleanly as the whip made contact with his left am and leg. Bisecting him from the left shoulder wing down to his left arm and leg, the Catastrophe Dragon Lord slumped down on its birthing pond as pain wracked its whole body. This angel is as powerful as the 8 Greed Kings, possibly more considering his breathe was not even enough to scratch it. Given that he was just reborn right now and he did not have his full strength, but to dismiss his breath attack like some gust of wind. It was unthinkable and impossible for it to happen. Gritting in pain, he looked up and saw that Bardiel has already begun walking away.

"NO! Not again!"

The nightmare that the 8 Greed Kings has left him has been repeated again. To left to die with a mortal wound, no he cannot let this stand.

"My breathe is DEAT-" the Catastrophe Dragon Lord was cut off from his monologue as a 155mm explosive shell blasted him on the center of his chest. Groaning and gasping like a wounded animal, it's powerful speech now marred with the howls of its pain. The attack came from the large wall in the distance as he heard the angel speak in a hushed tone.

"Fire at will."

The solid wall of stone, steel and concrete suddenly had its top ramparts seemed to blink lights as he heard the explosion before the shells even reached him where he's at as the Catastrophic Dragon Lord looked on in horror as innumerable artillery shells rained down on him. His screams were drowned out as the explosions masked his pained cries and the incredible violence upon which one of the named Dragon Lords was buried upon with copious amounts of shells and artillery. Enormous amounts of dirt and debris buried him as death came blissfully short of the pain he had endured as the exploding shells released his soul back to the void seething and raging.

The concentrated bombardment lasted for 30 minutes as no trace of a body, bone or blood was ever found of the Dragon Lord. The encounter would be written down, marked and a report will be sent within the day towards the General of the Legion and within the week the report would be resting on the Sorcerer King's and the Warmaster's own table of reports. His name would be remembered as a simple footnote depicting an encounter with a deranged dragon on the 'Iron Curtain' fortress in the north.

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

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Kiena uhl khosis hiin nour tana, iye kul ravas khan inye- - Let no evil be hidden, let no malice be unknown

khan minis katar durakse" - I command you to be revealed.

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No PAT. R. EON or TWITCH or any of that paid bullshit for me.

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Cheers,

Scarabeye3000