Note: This story is a work of fiction. It has many content of adult nature. If you do not want to read such content, please close your browser window or press the convenient back button.
This story uses the same setting as my other story "Momon, Big Black Changeling". Essentially, Ainz Ooal Gown is the same type of creature as in that story, although this and that story happen in different worlds.
"I'm telling you, it's unnatural is what it us," the farmer said, crushing his hat between his fingers. Behind him were others of similar profession: sunburnt, hardy, burly men and women used to the arduous everyday toil among the fields.
And yet these were not simply farmers who had been spooked by a goblin raid, or a pack of wolves howling in the night, or by a stray undead monster. The sunken, red-rimmed eyes, the pale, frightened expressions, and the trembling one could clearly see in their hands: this was true terror, raw and biting and soul-deep.
Thus, once more the priestess of the Earth God wondered what infernal thing had set its roots in this land, to have reduced the once bright and optimistic farmers to such a state?
This parcel of land was one of many enfeoffed upon the founding King's supporters during the Kingdom's founding, some several hundred years past. Originally one big expanse of land accorded to some marquis or duke, the land was subsequently divided and alienated by said high lord to grant to their own subordinates and followers. As the Kingdom grew and developed, these self-same divisions were further divided by these minor lords, until there came a time when even the most minor of Peerages were allowed to be granted to persons of common descent in exchange for a sizable service or offering to the Royal Treasury.
By this point, said lands were considered tiny and almost inconsequential of value, being only a few hundred yards in size and allotted only a token number of farmers and herdsmen. The prize, therefore, was in the acquiring of a title to grace one's name and little else. The administration of such poor parcels of land was usually left to the wayside, save for the scrupulous few determined to eke out whatever profit could be made from their holdings. This held true, for example, for holdings located near notable, well-traveled towns and cities, from where the circulation of trade could be tapped for their benefit.
The small settlement of Kubern was one such endowment that was not so lucky. Perhaps it had been deliberately so, as a way for the Office of Peerage Endowment to curtail the ambitions of those who bought their way into power. Still, its tale of woes had not begun there.
In the past, its close proximity to the southern forests, once home to a kingdom of dark elves, had shrouded it and the surrounding territories with a veil of unease and ill-luck. There had been whispers of children abducted in broad daylight, of food spoiled though fresh in the making, and of a hideous cry in the darkest night which was not made by any known beast.
Most prominent was an event in Kubern itself: a cousin of a previous monarch had been leading troops to relieve the Slaine Theocracy during a war. Yet it was in Kubern that the troops had last been seen, and none had ever marked their existence since then. There had once been a town there, and it had been razed to the ground by the grief-stricken king and its inhabitants put to the sword, for none of them could explain where the cousin or his army had gone. For this massacre a Temple was built, dedicated to the Earth God, to consecrate the land and purify it of the taint of murder. It had been largely forgotten by the holy hierarchy since then, but it was the only thing notable in the settlement that thence sprung among the ashes of that gloomy event.
Since then the land and its surroundings acquired a dreadful reputation that only served to sap the land and its inhabitants of vitality. Certainly there were far more dangerous places to be, such as the lands bordering the Katze Plains, but Kubern and its environs were shrouded in the inexplicable, which were somehow worse than endless roving undead. Previous landowners had seen fit to sell off ownership of the whole territory for a cheap price, and little by little the lands were divided and handed over to nobles who took one whiff of its storied reputation and promptly wiped their hands of it, preferring to sell it in turn instead of making an attempt to enrich it.
This latest change of hands therefore, where Kubern itself was granted to a certain mysterious Lady Vanessa, was not such a surprise to the farmers. They would till their lands and pay their tithes as they always did, and should the Lady never deign to step foot into the land and remain in the glossy environs of the Capital, then it made no difference to them.
Of course, that was not entirely how it happened. A few months back, the lady had made the trip down into the demesne, and had brought along an elderly butler who communicated with the workers on her behalf. They had made their proper introductions to the new mistress and yet before anyone could even ask, the pair had retired the old mansion near the edge of the forest.
People were sent to volunteer to clean the old place up, as it had not been inhabited since twenty years ago, when the old owner's son had brought his paramour here for a fortnight. They were, however, politely declined at the door, with the butler explaining that he would be the one to take care of things.
Though they were left scratching their heads, all they could do was shrug and move on with their lives. They observed that the Lady Vanessa had not been seen to leave the mansion, and that the place itself looked to have been tidied up, though many wondered if it was some sort of punishment to lay all of that work on an old man, however formidable he seemed to be. Still, there was nothing to complain about, and the farmers settled in towards waiting for the coming harvest while japing about this or that gossip from the next settlement over.
The priestess' own larder went spare from fewer people getting injured or needing to fantasize over her own body (something she allowed so long as they didn't try anything) which meant she had to suffer a visit to the Lady's manse, where she was bizarrely given a whole sack of what looked to be crumbly biscuits. They were sweet and certainly filling, but it was strange to give something that was fit only for nobles to a mere priestess like her. Still, she did not curse her turn of good fortune, for it was surely a sign from the God of Earth that all would be well, for now.
Until, of course, it wasn't.
"Pray repeat the story, for everyone to hear," the priestess now said, addressing the one farmer in the room who'd claimed to have seen everything. The man nodded, and related, for all to hear, the tale that now gripped their hearts with a deep foreboding.
They had just been a group of the settlement's youths, too hot-blooded and bold for their own good, each dreaming of the life of an adventurer and the glory contained therein. When there came rumors of a mysterious beast said to be haunting the fields in the deepest night, they hatched a secret plan to entrap the beast, perhaps even slay it. For this would they receive the Lady's praise, and perhaps a recommendation to their parents to join an apprenticeship in the Adventurer's Guild.
They thus made themselves ready, all armed with various weapons and implements. They fashioned a spike trap in the middle of a desolate field, where a kid was placed as bait, its bleating silenced by rope.
Many nights came and went, with nothing to show for it. There had been no accounts of anyone hearing a strange sound in the night, nor had the youths seen so much as a hint of a marauding fox nor goblin scout.
Finally, last night, when it seemed that the youths had just been about to call the whole thing off, something did happen. For one, near all of the farmers heard the unnatural howling sound, which had most of them bolting from their beds. They emerged and formed a group only to find that the youths had been ahead of them. The latter, after hearing the sound out in the often, had promptly sunk to their knees in absolute fright. It was only then that they noticed that the kid had somehow broken loose, and was now streaking over the fields, its bell singing madly. They gave chase, and there, on the edge of Kubern cornered the thing, only to find a dark shadow emerge from out of nowhere and capture the poor goat.
Thinking this was the creature, they made a loud holler and gave chase, there to find their parents now up and wondering what in hells was going on. After hearing the rushed story, they followed the fleet youths who had kept pace with the mysterious shape, pursuing it to the Old Well.
The Old Well was supposed to be an unremarkable place, a vestigial structure leftover from when the old town used to exist. Its depths had long dried out, and it was used only as a place for the farmers to meet and celebrate the harvest. Yet little did they know that something dark and vile had festered in that place, as proven by the sight that greeted them when they pursued the goat thief to the Well.
There were many of them. The farmers couldn't agree on what exactly they were: goblins were the primary suspect, as were molemen, giant insects, even godsforsaken dwarfs. In the dark, they were difficult to make out. But it was the noise they made that had unnerved them. It was a baleful howling, each as cold and unnerving as the racket of an evil wind along the rooftop on a bitter stormy day.
Being a uncoordinated group of peasants, the farmers naturally dropped their weapons and fled. They all thought they were going to die, as the creatures seemed to be laughing, with each farmer swearing that they were all but nipping at their heels with how close they sounded.
But that was not all. After that came a horrid screeching. Those few brave enough who dared look back saw that a horde of fiendish shadows now joined the skittering throng, and that now they made such a loud din, like the butcher doing his work enthusiastically. None dared to edge in closer for a better look: all of them fled back to their homes, bolted the doors, spread salt all along the corners, and prayed to all the gods as the sounds continued.
Eventually, one of the youths chanced to pry open the window, and saw a strange ogre-like shape charge into the mass of bodies, sending things everywhere like the bowling games they once played. A moment afterward, the strange skittering disappeared, though the youth found that the large being was now padding away from the Well. The youth then swore that whatever it was stopped and looked directly at him, causing the youth to bolt under his bed in abject fear.
The farmers felt the hours pass in dreadful fear. They took until long after dawn to dare leave their houses, only to find that no evidence of the previous night remained near the Well. It was as if they were but phantasms produced by their collective hysteria, which the priestess considered a good explanation, had she not herself been awakened by the self-same baleful sound that had so chilled the farmers to their bones. And of course, the Well had been utterly destroyed, which proved that whatever these creatures were, they possessed enough corporeality to shatter stone and collapse an old well.
No footprints but their own marked the ground around where they had seen the monsters. Of all the facts, that disturbed them the most.
And the kid had all but disappeared, never to be found in anyone's barn.
"…Thus ends my report."
The priestess clasped her hands together, while squirming under the scrutiny of two intense gazes. The old butler had the most intensity, being filled with a certain steel that reminded her of those veteran adventurers she had treated as a novice. The Lady Vanessa, however, was no less intimidating, like a cat bemused by a mouse flailing about—that was her impression, at least, and she did not dare voice it out loud.
"And so?" said the self-same Lady, tossing her golden circlets about. "What is it you want me to do about this, Priestess?"
The woman gaped like a fish out of water, before stammering, "Why, to suggest that we bring it to the attention of the Guild, of course! We must have adventurers investigate these strange events, to bring peace to this demesne, my lady."
"A few peasants are spooked and now you want me to spend my Coin on adventurers? I am not that generous, miss priestess, no I am not. I will say that I have had the most wondrous sleep last night, so I cannot sympathize with your talk of nightmares and such."
Before the priestess could reply, the old butler bent his body, and murmured to the Lady, in a whisper just barely loud enough for her to hear: "If I may, Lady Vanessa, this does have an effect on morale. Fewer and less motivated farmers will not make for a 'productive' settlement."
That's right, that's right, the priestess thought, almost nodding along in agreement. It was heartening to see that one other person in the room had sense in their minds.
"Then they will just have to work harder," Lady Vanessa said with a snort. "And if they will not, they will be punished, or exiled—homeless. I can easily bring in other farmers, more enthusiastic, with better spines and attitudes. This event reeks of rebellion, and I will not have it!"
The Priestess smiled bitterly to herself. This was something she thought she'd have long expected, but she found herself surprised nonetheless. This was the vagaries of the arrogant nobility who thought themselves well above the hardships of the common folk. Not even the most high-ranked of temple priests could move the nobles of the Kingdom to any one action that was not ultimately self-serving. At worst, there were even rumors of hierophants who freely collaborated with the nobility, though to what end she could not fathom.
"If I may presume to speak, my lady," the old butler ventured. "How would the Adventurer's Guild go about with choosing who gets sent to investigate? Would you know?"
The priestess shook her head. "As to that, I am only vaguely familiar. I do know that this is the only way to help your estate with its strange problem, if not for yourself, but for all of humanity! Perhaps this is a disastrous threat that must be faced, like the Demon Gods of yesteryear, and to leave it unchecked would be folly!"
"Folly? You dare accuse me of being an idiot, priestess?" The lady all but shrieked.
"Th-That was not my intention—"
Vanessa flapped her hands in dismissal. "Enough! You have my permission to leave. I wish to retire to my quarters, for you have distressed me greatly. Sebas?"
The butler bowed, his expression never changing. "Very good, my lady. Priestess, allow me to escort you outside."
Stunned by the hot rebuke, the priestess could do aught but acquiesce, standing and bowing. She allowed herself to be led away by the butler, who had so far remained silent.
"You must persuade her," she pressed him, when they were already right at the door. "I can only foresee disaster for this land, if the matter is left alone. If it turns out that it was truly nothing worth noting, and that the farmers had merely seen a simple phantasm, then I shall myself resign my post here as priestess. But please, do persuade her."
The butler surprised her by smiling, though it was but a quirk of the lips. "Do not worry. I am sure things will turn out for the better. I shall certainly try my best to persuade my lady. With luck, things should be resolved soon enough."
Left with that small assurance, the great doors to the mansion closed, leaving the priestess alone to wrestle with worry.
Inside the doors, the pleasant look on Sebas' face faded, replaced by a look far more resolute and forceful than what the priestess had seen. He quickly made his way back to the sitting room, in a movement so swift the priestess would not have heard his footsteps on the floor.
"She is gone," he announced, upon returning.
The prideful look on "Lady Vanessa"'s face faded, replaced by a cold, unchanging mask. She stood and curtsied respectfully. "Very good Sebas-sama."
The butler rubbed his chin. "You did not mention Blue Rose's imminent arrival."
The Pleaides' expression shifted. "I did not think it necessary to reveal everything on hand. Rumor would have spread of their arrival, and we would not have been able to contain the news of this new threat. Others would have become involved, and I believe Ainz-sama would not have wanted that outcome to happen."
"Mmm… A good point," Sebas said. "I see you have taken Ainz-sama's instructions to heart."
For once, Solution Epsilon looked like a cross between the persona she adopted and her original self. Satisfaction radiated from her in waves. "I am utterly devoted to Ainz-sama's every word. Still," she said, turning the subject around, "I would not have believed the word of the Eight-Edge Assassins had you not yourself confirmed the news. Are these creatures really that strange?"
Contrary to the opinions of the settlement's humans, which included that priestess who had just been sent away, the denizens of Nazarick had long been aware of a strangeness in the area, particularly in the underground regions. Initially, the shadow demons that had accompanied the two of them to the mansion had reported strange architectural oddities below the cellar area, accessible through a hidden door that they had easily discovered upon arrival.
The shadow demons had then reported that there was a labyrinthine set of passages far below the ground, with exits that even the demons could not access, due to present magical barriers. They had also encountered strange creatures, who could be detected flitting in and out of these barriers with impunity, and whose shadows could not be possessed.
Concerned, Solution had requested the services of the Eight-Edge Assassins from Demiurge. These promptly scoured the depths, capturing one of the creatures live. However, the creature dissolved into dust upon returning to the upper levels, rendering any investigation to their natures moot. The assassins also could not penetrate the magical barriers, whether through force or cunning. As such, they were then set to guarding the passageways, to prevent their infiltrating the mansion.
What they had not realized was that there must have been other exits from the underground that they had not accounted for. This fact was made all the clearer last night, when both Sebas and Solution had been roused to action by an assassin to inform them that an incursion of the creatures was pouring out from the "Old Well", a local trademark of the settlement.
After an initial settlement, Sebas himself resolved to oversee the situation. The assassins were ordered to hold back the creatures without revealing their own true nature. It then became evident that there were far too many for even the assassins to contain, as they were not an army but a unit specialized for assassination. Sebas thus waded into the fray, transforming into his other form to hide his involvement from any of the humans who might have still been able to witness the event.
He had decisively destroyed all resistance, and driven them back down the well. Leaping down after them, Sebas and the assassins discovered yet more of the tunnels as before, with the same magical barriers that confounded them. Seeing no other solution, he destroyed the Old Well with his bare hands, collapsing the entryway to prevent passage through this side.
A report had immediately been issued to Demiurge, though as yet they had received no instructions. That was understandable, as even aside from Kubern's strange nature, there was something else of import that was to occur.
Blue Rose had decided to call upon the Lady Vanessa, newly enfeoffed of the territory of Kubern, for some reason undisclosed. Sebas thought it rather inconvenient especially with the ongoing issue. Solution seethed, but for an entirely different reason. That was because it was not just Blue Rose visiting, it would be Lakyus herself, one whom Nazarick had been told would be marrying the Momon persona of Ainz-sama.
Still, that such an act was personally endorsed by Ainz himself along with Albedo, the Overseer, meant that Solution could do little but stew in rage, compelled to continue the subterfuge of "Lady Vanessa" to not invoke Ainz's displeasure. Oh, but she dearly wanted to devour this foolish adventurer, who'd so brazenly taken Ainz for herself…
"I fear it is beyond my capabilities to investigate them further," Sebas said, clenching his gloved fist. Behind his iron veneer was frustration: he was even contemplating breaking the tunnels apart to bypass the barriers, but of course he could not just do that without his master's command. "Pending Ainz-sama's further instructions I shall remain here and guard this 'territory'."
"As will I," Solution said, though it was unclear if her ghoulish smile was referring to the unknown creatures in the depths, or Blue Rose.
"I still don't know why we had to tag along," grumbled Evileye, as she trundled behind the rest of the group. It had rained over the last town they had stopped by, and the roads leading from it to their next destination were unpaved, and therefore muddied by the weather. Though all of them wore boots, that was yet enough to stave off the displeasure of having to wade through all the muck. In particular, Evileye being the shortest of them all was ever in danger of being smashed by a rising wave of mud whenever Gagaran strode on with her powerful legs.
"Because we're here to support our dearest leader in her every endeavor?" Tia said from the front.
"And also because we're also still getting paid," said Tina.
"Yeah, from our leader's own coffers," Evileye said with a snort. It was not unheard of, but it was still a situation quite unusual. They were to visit a certain Lady Vanessa, one who was said to be Sir Momon's sister, both exiled royalties from their distant kingdom. When asked why, Lakyus had said that she intended to mend the rift that was apparent between her husband-to-be and her future sister-in-law, while also ostensibly fishing for more information on Momon from another perspective.
Thanks to their leader's earnest nature, she had made it an official mission for their group—escorting her as the client—paying out of it from her own savings over their protests. "I would not presume to command you all for affairs that are rightfully private. We must always preserve our image as the foremost adventurers in the Kingdom."
Evileye was only griping for nothing, and everyone knew it. They were all here to support their leader, who was also their close friend. And if she wanted to talk to her betrothed's sister, then they would do their best to support here whatever she did.
They didn't have that high of an opinion of this Lady Vanessa from the outset. And as it turned out, their suspicions were proven quite right. The ennobled woman was bossy and arrogant, not at all like the brother she was purported to have. At least Momon was someone even Evileye could grudgingly see as a hero of much renown; even if she didn't worship him, she at least respected him. But this woman was far from heroic, and was someone even she would have balked at having to fraternize with.
At the very least she had the decency to offer them room and board at her mansion in this backwater shithole. From what they could tell, the settlement didn't even have an inn; and short of bunking from a peasant's grace the nearest inn was a good distance away.
As if the she could read their thoughts, the Lady addressed them boldly, without any regard for decorum: "What even possessed you to come here? Although I am honored by the presence of such decorated 'heroes', I have far more to consider on my plate at the moment without, forgive me, adventurers coming hither."
Their leader didn't miss a beat, and merely replied without displaying her own visible reaction to the bluster. "I have merely come as myself; Blue Rose is here as part of my escort arrangements. As for my reasons for coming… I was curious about the one person who is related to my betrothed by blood. I know his team-mates in Eclipse Nebula, but I would like to know you as well."
"While, in essence, attempt to discover as much about him in turn," the woman replied. Lakyus shifted in her seat, a subtle sign to the rest that she sensed the conversation had turned, if slightly. "Do not lie. I can see it plain that my brother does not divulge his secrets easily. In fact, I would even venture to ask how it is that you two became—but, ah, that is none of my business. He is he and I am myself."
"Are you two not on good terms then?"
"Far from it!" Lady Vanessa said vehemently, before subsiding. Everyone was surprised by her sudden outburst, but only Lakyus' expression didn't change. "I… that is to say… My pardons, but his is a topic that is difficult for me to discuss, you understand. I truly apologize, but I cannot tell you my thoughts about him—nor am I at liberty to discuss details about our shared home, well, former home."
"I understand," Lakyus said, bowing. "We shall only be relying on your hospitality for a night, and we shall then be on our way. Should you wish to change your mind, I am eager to listen, and know that it shall help me greatly with fostering close relations among the three of us."
The Lady took a deep breath. "I—oh, very well. I do not believe I will change my mind, but who knows what the future will bring?" And with that she signaled for the butler to emerge from the shadows.
When they left, ushered by the elderly butler, Gagaran whistled. "Are all of Momon's countrymen as built as they say? You look real good, old-timer."
"Gagaran!" Lakyus said sharply. This was the first time she had expressed anger since they'd arrived. The woman grinned, but said nothing else in the face of their leader's expression.
As if he didn't understand (or more likely because he was too well-trained to respond to such barbs) the butler kept his silence, and only spoke when they arrived at their quarters.
"On behalf of my lady, I do apologize for her brusque behavior towards you. Know that even if you do not feel welcome in this house, I will do all in my power to remedy it. You are our honored guests, and were my Lady in a better mood she would have entertained you with more gusto."
"She seems to have a lot on her mind," Lakyus observed.
The old butler seemed to be smiling, but that might have just been a trick of the light. "Yes. Should you be needing anything at all, do not hesitate to ring the bell to alert me. The room is yours, as are some of the areas in this mansion. We only ask that you keep away from the Lady's quarters and the cellar below the kitchens."
"Why? What's—" Evileye's question was batted away by Lakyus' interjection. Her silent glare was obvious enough.
"Thank you very much."
It was as if their coming had long been prepared in advance. There was enough room inside for five beds, with sumptuous furnishings and an opulent ambience, as if they had been transported to the Shining Pavilion. Of course, such places were familiar to them, but it still was still something to ponder—for it was as if several walls had been demolished just to make room for them all.
There was an open terrace with chairs that overlooked the farmlands in the distance. The twins took to those first, using their keen eyes to scout it all out: exterior, points of escape, entryways, etc. Gagaran and Lakyus set to discerning for any surface enchantments or mechanisms that would entrap them. This was something they still needed to perform despite—or perhaps because of—their host's attitude. Momon's sister or no, precautions still had to be kept.
Evileye sat in the corner, her mind attuning to a meditative trance that would allow her to peer deep and attempt to discover any buried magical occurrences. She sat there for close to several hours, while the rest set to an early supper that the butler had supplied. Yet again it appeared they had been anticipated, as there had been more than enough to sate Gagaran's enormous appetite.
When at last the diminutive blonde opened her eyes, dusk had set in, and the others had long since relaxed in their own ways, still vigilant but now trusting that there was nothing here that would suddenly harm them.
"It's definitely strange…" were the first things she said, her brows furrowed in thought.
"What is it?" Lakyus asked.
"At the start, I'd already sensed a confluence of magical energies, sort of like the bits of mud that collect in a river, sometimes forming a dam. I'd detected plenty of them down below."
"Barriers, then," Lakyus said, suddenly alert.
Evileye nodded. "At first I reasoned: well, there just might be vaults down there that they took care to protect—it's really none of my business. But then I investigated further, and found something even more troubling."
By this time the others had been alerted to Evileye's tone of voice, which no longer dripped with biting sarcasm, but with the business-like succinctness of a veteran adventurer faced with a troubling prospect. "These dams of energy… they're spread all around below. Miles and miles of them stretching deep under us. Under Kubern. Maybe even beyond."
"A whole underground network," Tina said.
"Yet again I assumed that this was the work of our hosts, but creating such a vast network would require decades of work, and that's not to mention the magical sculpting involved. That's an expensive undertaking and even the best and brightest minds would not be able to achieve that in so short a time. This estate was just recently acquired, yes?"
Lakyus nodded grimly. "It stands then to reason that the Lady Vanessa is not aware. Or perhaps they have sensed something wrong, but have done nothing more than barring the cellar. Whichever the case it is our responsibility to investigate."
"I'd like to stop you right there, leader," Evileye said. "There's one more thing, and that's something that's got me on the backfoot. There's something else I sensed: something dark and evil and… dangerous. I have felt something similar before, and believe me when I say that it is no simple manner."
"Really? When?"
Evileye smiled bitterly. "When time froze me in this state, and robbed me of all that I loved most." The others nodded to themselves, knowing that Evileye was once the infamous Landfall, peer of the Thirteen Heroes, and that an old tragedy had been responsible for turning her into what she'd become. They'd never asked the exact details, out of respect. "It is not the same thing, this dread I feel. But it is awfully similar, and we should not be advancing forward without preparation."
"We need to investigate, then," Lakyus decided, rising from her seat.
"Wouldn't that interfere with our host's instructions?" Tia asked.
Lakyus hesitated, then shook her head. "We shall have to inform the butler of our suspicions. Perhaps he will be more amenable to reason."
"Clever. Bypassing the problem sister-in-law entirely," Evileye quipped.
Lakyus snorted. "We're not even married yet, so do hold on to your horses."
The undead creature burned, holy fire wreathing its unholy frame and reducing it to voluminous ash. Shouting a battlecry, Hekkeran batted the fiend away with his buckler, before slamming the edge of it into another creature.
Behind him, the cleric Roberdyck prepared another soul-cleansing flame from the prayers to his god. All around them were the cacophonous screams of the undead, necromantic energies animating bare skeletons wrapped in armor into a veritable army of drudges.
"This is bad," Arche muttered, clutching her rod in her hands. Beside her, the last member of their party, Imina flung bombs filled with temple-blessed purifying explosive powder into the mass, her accuracy making each lob an efficient dispenser of entire packs. And yet still the undead mass came.
"Never mind that!" Imina shouted. "Find the damned escape route!"
It had just been a routine sweep of the Katze Plains, a job that was thankless but lucrative. It was perfect for "workers" like them, former adventurers who foreswore attachment to the Guilds and acted purely for the sake of gold. They were fit for the jobs one didn't want the Adventurer's Guild to know, or certain other tasks that required an adventurer's skills in as discreet a manner as possible. In exchange, they received a higher than usual payout.
Their team, "Foresight", was one of many who accepted the call from either the Baharuth Empire or the Re-Estize Kingdom to cull the number of undead in the Katze Plains. The Guild was notoriously reluctant to assign its adventurers for that purpose, as it was both a highly dangerous job for even the high ranks alongside being a constant source of mental corruption. They didn't want the strong, up-and-coming adventurers to join the ranks of undead—nor become enamored of forbidden arts through exposure to the malignant energies always present in the Plains. Workers like them had no compunction, and while it was true that the odd magic caster eventually ended up leaving their group to pursue necromancy like it was the hottest new fad, the prospect of more rewards was enough to lure them in regardless.
Something had gone wrong with today's job. As part of the plan they had partnered with another worker group, "Red Shoemen". However, bad luck had visited them, and that group had been obliterated in their carelessness. That left Foresight to be surrounded suddenly on all sides by undead, and it was all they could do to fight their way out of the encirclement.
Being the resident caster, Arche had a plan to cast "Fly" on all of them at once, enabling them to escape. However, her magic reserves were such that she could only maintain the spell for a short while. Adding that to the need to cast it on all four of them, and they only had a short burst of airtime above the horde before the "Fly" spell wore off. Arche therefore had to scry the position and look for a spot where the undead were fewest.
"They're just… too many…!" Arche said, brows pinched.
"Have no fear, Arche! The Lord of light will surely grant us succor! Offer your faith in him, and we shall triumph in the end. It is only a matter of time!" Roberdyck proclaimed.
"That's some nice words there, but I'd really prefer if I got out of this alive, first. I'll sing the god's praises once we're out," Hekkeran said, clearly winded from exerting effort to keep the hordes away.
"I'm out of holy bombs!" Imina said. She unslung her bow, and began peppering the undead with her enchanted arrows. "Best make it quick, girl!"
Arche could see clearly that there was no hope. Nothing could escape this net, and she was only desperately casting about for any help, even knowing in the back of her head that there was no use. She had not the heart to tell her team-mates this, fearing to be blamed for her inadequacy even unto undeath.
So thinking, she wound up a powerful fire spell and rained death all across the ranks. It was a token gesture, but ultimately useless.
"What? What the hell are you doing?" Hekkeran asked.
"Leader, I…" The look she gave him was sad, and regretful. The cunning man easily picked up on it, a grim expression forming on his face.
"So that's it then," he said. "Is this to be a last stand of sorts?"
"I don't believe this! What use are you, girl?" Imina shouted.
"I'm sorry!" I'm sorry, she repeated in her heart.
"If we die, then we are sanctified by our heroism. Worry not, friends! My lord's mercy will shield us from undead perversion, and allow our souls the ultimate freedom to ascend to the paradise we all deserve!" Roberdyck said.
The ranks closed in, as if sensing blood. Their magics were exhausted, their strength diminished, their supplies gone.
It was over.
BOOM!
An earth-shattering sound cleaved the air. One moment, the undead armies were closing in, and in the next, shattered pieces of bones were flying in the air. The loud sound was soon followed by another, and another, and yet even more. There came a bright flash, and then the ground below them literally shook, as if from an earthquake.
Quick as lightning, the undead horde was dispersed, their forms reduced to dust. As the bewildered Foresight looked on, what emerged from the dust gave them a big surprise.
It was just a group of four people, same as them. The one in front was a stern-looking woman, wearing jet-black leather armor with revealing holes that showed off her pale skin at desirable points on her body. Nonetheless, despite looking like someone about to seduce, she radiated an aura of implacable steel, like the very sword she had bared in her hand. Behind her was an equally alluring woman, a caster from the looks of it. She wore fur-lined clothes that accentuated her curves rather nicely, her black hair making a fair contrast with her companion.
The other members of the group was a masked, burly man, wielding two blades in each hand. His expression could not be read, for obvious reasons, but Hekkeran could tell that he was not someone to be trifled with.
The last and most surprising member of this little group was a fairly young, red-haired woman in a long cloak, clutching a staff that looked like it was worth a lot.
"All hostiles defeated," the woman in front announced. "Yenn?"
"No other hostiles in range," the other woman said.
"Good work, everyone," the redhead said. The only man in the party lowered his arms and sheathed his swords behind his back.
Foresight, especially Hekkeran and Imina, could do nothing but stare. That was because of the incongruity they saw. The redhead was clearly a fresh-face, someone who was probably fresh from some apprenticeship to an old master. And yet the others looked like masters of their craft, judging by the ways they conducted themselves: like veterans of many wars.
"Greetings to you," said the redhead, with a small smile. "We are Eclipse Nebula, and we were just passing by through these lands until we saw you needed help. Are you alright?"
Hekkeran blinked a few more times before shaking his head. "Uh, ummm… yes. I mean, no, we're alright, miss. Err… Eclipse Nebula was it…?" He hesitated for a bit, before nodding. "We are Foresight, a worker group."
"A worker?" said the redhead, her eyes widening. By the sound of it, the redhead was familiar with them.
"Thank you so much for the assist," Hekkeran continued.
"We thank the gods for bringing you to us," said Roberdyck. He wanted to kick his cleric friend, but nonetheless continued.
"Still, it was a bit surprising to see you folks take care of the undead like that. You're an adventurer group right? What rank?"
At this, the redhead's face fell, as if she wasn't sure. But the black-armored woman said, "We are affiliated with Eclipse Nebula, adamantite ranked in the Adventurer's Guild of Re-Estize."
"Adamantite?" they exclaimed. Wonder filled their eyes as they beheld these humans—no, superhumans.
"Weren't there only two or three of them in the Kingdom?" Imina wondered. "Red Drop, Blue Rose…"
"Must be a new one," Hekkeran muttered. A thought occurred to him. "Wait, Eclipse Nebula? The Eclipse Nebula who foiled that Zuranon plot?"
"Err… yes," the redhead said, a bit bashfully.
Hekkeran whistled, turning to his group and shaking his head. "Looks like we were completely out-classed from the outset, fellas." Arche nodded silently. "So what were you guys doing here then?"
The woman in black armor raised a brow. "Are you daft? We just informed you that we were just passing by. Are you stupid?"
"Ummm…"
"W-well, putting that aside," the redhead said, "Would you like us to take you to the nearest inn?"
Hekkeran barked a laugh. "The nearest inn is a good ten miles back in the direction of the kingdom, miss. We thank you for the aid, but we shan't trouble you for that." And it would put Foresight too deep in their debt, even if it was an informal one. Even if they did not demand gold, it was still better for them to remain unaffiliated.
"Oh, you haven't heard?" The redhead glanced around at her companions, who remained silent. "There's been a new inn established right here. It's the Red Moon. In fact, we had just been there last night. It's only a mile walk back over there." She pointed to the center of the plains, where the terrain turned somewhat hilly. It was also a place largely shunned for the great amount of undead.
"A-are you serious? A real, actual inn?" Hekkeran considered his options. While they had gold to afford a stay, they could not just go to any inn and splurge. There was also the fact that they had never heard of this inn before, and even if it was a new thing, it was still almost insane for any innkeeper to establish business here, particularly smack-dab in undead land.
"Yes, indeed. If you like, we can lead the way. It's only a short walk."
On the other hand, they did need to rest and resupply. They were desperately in need of them, having lost much of their goods in the desperate escape. Imina was out of arrows. Roberdyck had lost much of his reagents, as had Arche. His own weapons were chipped and covered in bone ash. If it was needed, they could also start up a tab at the inn, if it was amenable.
In the end, necessity (and curiosity) won out. Hekkeran nodded, saying, "Please lead the way." The others, though looking suspicious, didn't say a word and followed. Perhaps they too had faced the same doubts he had.
"You did good convincing them," Yenn whispered. "Momon-sama should be pleased."
An anxious Ninya nodded subtly. "…Yes."
Eclipse Nebula hadn't lied. There really was a structure built here, right in the middle of the Katze Plains! Foresight could not believe their eyes, nor even the rest of their senses.
"Since when was this here?" Imina muttered, her face suspicious. "Surely there would have been rumors of this in the cities?"
The inn was a large, two-storied structure, situated all the way on top of a steep hill. Surrounding the hill below, thus adorning it like toppings on a delicious cake, were several smaller structures and objects.
When asked by Hekkeran what those were, the redhead shrugged uncertainly. "I have heard from the innkeeper that there was supposed to be some sort of test, or gauntlet in here, for prospective patrons. But they haven't finished yet, apparently. We don't know rightly what that means, but in the meantime, we've been led to use this side-path that leads directly to the front. It's supposed to be a shortcut for the 'worthy', whatever that means."
Hekkeran exchanged a look of confusion with his team-mates, but said nothing more. As they ascended the steep path, Imina muttered, "It's an inn alright. It's rather rowdy. I can hear them already."
Arche said, "I hope we can afford it."
Hekkeran wanted to say that with the death of the Red Shoemen, and the obliteration of the undead they were well on their way to reaping the rewards of the bounty in its entirety. This was provided, of course, that Eclipse Nebula didn't go and claim it themselves. That would be a rather tricky claims suit if it came to that, made all the more awkward that these people had saved them from a gruesome fate.
When they arrived at the top, Eclipse Nebula was quick to bid their goodbyes.
"Now that we've escorted you safely here, we now bid you farewell," the redhead said. "We make for the Baharuth Empire. May you find fortune in your travels."
"Wait, uh, wouldn't you like to stay, so we can repay your kindness?" Hekkeran asked.
"Oh, really, there's no need!" the redhead said, bowing slightly. "If the gods will it, then we shall meet again."
"And the gods shall!" boomed Roberdyck with a grin.
Hekkeran sighed. "Okay then. Safe travels to you as well."
They watched them descend the hill they had just climbed, before turning to the inn behind them. "Shall we?" Hekkeran asked, leading the way.
At the door, they were greeted by a man and woman dressed in elegant clothes. The latter was pale as the full moon, and possessed of a remarkable duty that Hekkeran immediately wondered if she was a courtesan of some kind.
"Welcome to the Red Moon," they announced in chorus. "Dearest travellers, are you adventurers of some kind?"
"N-no."
"Ah. Workers then." At their hesitant nod, the two beamed. "In that case, we bid you welcome once more. Once you've registered your names in the log, you may then enter the Red Moon."
"My pardons for asking," Hekkeran said. "But what exactly is the Red Moon?"
"Why, it is the best tavern, and inn for adventurers in all the land! It is a sanctuary fit only for those with the strength to endure. Aside from its purpose as a rest stop, it also features a wide array of services catered to the adventuring lifestyle."
"There is a dedicated armory where one might make requests pertaining to weapons and armor."
"It features an atelier and workshop for those who are more magically inclined."
"A tinkering hall offers the latest in technological marvels, for those who use guile to succeed."
"And there are even more, right beyond this doorstep. With that said, will you be entering?"
Hekkeran shrugged. "We've no other choice. Yes, I guess."
"Excellent!" After he signed their names over, Hekkeran's quick eye took stock of the other names on the list. There were a few he recognized, which mollified him for a bit. He would seek them out and ask them their opinions.
After that was done, they were bidden enter the doors, and see what was so special about this Red Moon.
Inside, they couldn't believe their eyes. It wasn't a cramp old space littered with adventurers and workers unwinding or looking for work. It was like peering into the inside of the Imperial Palace of Baharuth, in the place where the nobles used to hold extravagant parties. They could see adventurers laid up on cushioned chairs, while pale, enthralling women and crisply dressed men attended to their every need. Dividers kept things private, gave each party space for themselves. Instead of one large bar there were plenty of smaller "miniature" bars, circular in shape, scattered all throughout, each manned by diligent bartenders dressed in fancy clothes.
The whole place had the feel of an elegant ball, making Foresight uncomfortable in their used, stinking armor and clothes. They were almost about to turn around and leave when a waitress walked up, beaming. "Good day, dear guests! Would you like a table?"
"Uhhh…" Hekkeran's eyes travelled up and down the woman's slender body. "Sure, we'll have one, um… Is there a place we can restock supplies?"
"Certainly! After you've taken a seat, you may request whatever it is you need along with the food, and we shall do our best to accommodate you after you've rested. If you were curious, all our shops pertaining to the adventuring profession are located below ground. Our system ensures we have your orders readied before you intend to leave the Red Moon."
"That's… interesting." He sighed, and wondered how much they would actually need to pay. "Well, we'll take the cheapest table you've got."
"Oh, my dear guest, today is a special day! It is the grand opening of the Red Moon, so everything involving your beds and board and meals are on the house!"
"What, really? By the gods!" Roberdyck uttered.
"Yeah, really? What's the damned catch?" Imina demanded.
The waitress looked surprised, but nonetheless shook her head. "You will need to pay for the supplies you need, though there is a huge discount for today because of the grand opening. But everything else I have said is true. The Red Moon caters to the very best of adventuring fellows, and we therefore do our best to keep you all entertained and rested until your future endeavors call you away.
"Such is the purpose for which this was constructed by order of the mistress."
"And who is this mistress?"
"The Lady Katarina, beautiful and strong and wise." They all followed her pointed finger to the second floor, where they could see a tall, busty woman wearing revealing clothing speaking animatedly to a guest. Her hair was spun gold, like Arche's, and had striking eyes of vibrant crimson. Like twin red moons.
Yet another chapter commissioned by anonymous, thank you. A reminder that the story is commissioned.
If you'd like a story commissioned, feel free to contact me here, or on AO3 under "RHoldhous".