Hello again.

As previously stated, this time the chapter is an intermission chapter, so it's not as lengthy as a regular numbered chapter. Also, updated character sheets can be found at the end, as per my personal tradition.

See you again in the afterword.


[X][X][X]


Whoosh...

The Team Ship crossed through the rift connecting the parallel universes without any obstruction, unlike before. Yukasa and Yamino who were sitting on the pilot seats felt a degree of anxiety, not knowing what they were about to see next. They were already expecting to see the fleet in shambles, having been broken through by Dark Falz Double and their Darkers. Matoi and Melrondia were not in the cockpit room with them, but it was likely that they felt the same right now.

The truth was then revealed in front of their eyes, and both Yukasa and Yamino breathed a sigh of relief. The ARKS fleet was visible in the distance, seemingly undisturbed in the slightest.

Beep! Beep!

"Welcome back, guys. I'm glad to see you safe and sound"

A voice was immediately heard from the incoming transmission, followed by a visual display of the person talking. It was a young boy with blue hair, wearing a dark blue outfit which constantly sparkled like having twinkling stars inside.

The young boy was Xiao, the currently reigning Head Administrator of ARKS. In truth, the young boy was merely an avatar for easier communication. Xiao's true body was the planet-sized mothership at the center of the fleet. A lot of things had happened in the past, and now Xiao was basically close friends with all the Seika Siblings.

"The same goes to you, Xiao-kun"

Yukasa replied with a slight grin, and Xiao chuckled in response.

"We're actually quite damaged here, but thankfully everything is still at manageable levels. Dark Falz Double was quite a handful, and I still can't believe they slipped through us so easily"

Xiao looked a little depressed as he spoke the latter part, and in response Yamino tried to cheer him up.

"You did all you could. Everyone did"

Xiao smiled a little hearing Yamino's words, and then he spoke.

"Heh, consoling won't get us anywhere. Speaking of that, what did you find on the other side?"

"It will take too long to tell you verbally, so I've prepared some data for you to digest and calculate. Here, I'm gonna send it to you"

Yamino activated his photon interface and his hand began fiddling with it. A couple seconds later, Xiao closed his eyes for a brief moment before he opened them again and made a nodding gesture.

"Another ARKS in a parallel dimension... Mutated photons... Guardian... Ainz Ooal Gown... I see..."

Seeing that Xiao had already finished reading the data, Yukasa spoke to him.

"They didn't disclose what had happened, but for some reason there was only one ARKS ship there without the rest of the fleet, and they requested us to come back with reinforcements. What do you think should be our next course of action?"

Xiao went into a thinking posture briefly, and then he gave his reply.

"One major snag here is the fact that your Team Ship is currently the only vessel capable of safely crossing the rift. Even if we stuff it full of operatives, you won't make a notable difference"

Yukasa folded his arms and leaned to his seat before speaking.

"Can't be helped. The data sent to us back then didn't take into account how far behind our ARKS is compared to theirs"

"In any case, return home for now. We might be able to make use of the data of your Team Ship. In the meantime, I'll try to think of a way"

"Right"

"By the way, I'm glad that Ryu and Hikaru are all right, but is it alright for you two to leave them there?"

Yamino was then the one who replied to Xiao.

"I'd be lying if I said I'm fully fine with it. But it was their decision to stay and help the people there, and I had no strong reason to oppose"

"I see"

The Team Ship then accelerated towards the ARKS fleet in the distance. There were many things they had to do before they could come back with reinforcements as they had promised, and they hoped they wouldn't be too late.


[X][X][X]


In the middle of a vast, desolate land, Flo and Frau, who were the twin avatars of Dark Falz Double, were still lying down on the same spot of the ground ever since the time they had summoned Darkers all over the cities. Their eyes were closed and they seemed as if they were peacefully sleeping.

"Buuurp!"

Both of them suddenly burped at the same time, and they opened their eyes.

"Whew, it's finally over!"

"Really? Me too! Me too!"

Flo and Frau excitedly talked to each other without moving from their position. Whatever creature they had eaten upon arrival on this planet had left a lingering unpleasant sensation inside their stomach. But thankfully for them, it was gone now.

"But strange... even though I have finally eaten it properly, I can't make a copy of it..."

"Really? Oh yeah, me too..."

Flo and Frau raised their hands as they spoke, trying to feel their powers. However, despite the apparent failure they had just spoken about, their facial expression showed delight.

"But I think I've gotten stronger! I feel like I can take on anyone!"

"Right! Me too! Me too! We can take on anyone now!"

"We just lost our game. Should we play a revenge game?"

"Oh yeah, those ARKS broke our toys. We should pay them back!"

Flo and Frau kept talking with their childish and clearly excited tone of speech. But then one of them yawned, followed by the other.

"But all the playing and the heavy meal made me tired... I wanna sleep..."

"Yeah... Let's take a nap... a pleasant, comfortable nap..."

"And then after we wake up, we play the revenge game..."

"That's a promise..."

The twins yawned once more, and they went into a seemingly peaceful sleep. They had no idea how long their nap would last, but they were looking forward to playing together again once they woke up.


[X][X][X]


The atmosphere within the throne room of Ro Lente Castle was filled with gloom. Nobody present displayed any positivity in their expressions. It was a given, since the Re-Estize Kingdom as a whole had suffered massive casualties from sudden monster attacks which had happened to all major cities within the kingdom's territory.

The line of thrones at the innermost part of the room were seated on by the most relevant members of the royal family. The largest throne placed at the center was seated by King Ramposa III himself, while three smaller thrones to his right were seated by his offspring.

However, the fact was clear that one of the three smaller thrones was empty. The rightful owner of the empty throne, Prince Barbro Andrean Ield Ryle Vaiself, was not there. The other two offspring, Prince Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself and Princess Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself, didn't question the absence. They just sat on their respective thrones with their heads lowered.

Standing upright beside the King's left was the Warrior-Captain Gazef Stronoff, currently outfitted in his full panoply of the Kingdom's treasures, due to the recent crisis. His eyes were sharp and straight, but one could notice the gloom on his face, not unlike the King who displayed his own depression more clearly than anyone.

Further to the left, there were all the members of Blue Rose team lined up along with two famous figures; Rigrit Bers Caurau the former leader of Blue Rose, and Azuth Aindra the leader of Red Drop team. The latter of which sported his more formal garb, while the rest kept their battle panoplies. Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't have been allowed to wear such things in this chamber, but it was understood that recent events were hardly normal.

Standing in front of the Royal Family were a number of nobles lined up according to the faction they belonged to, and in the middle of the two groups was a male officer holding a piece of parchment and reading its contents out loud for everyone else to hear.

"With the assistance of Adamantite Rank Adventurer Teams Blue Rose and Red Drop, as well as their associated guild, estimates of casualties from each city suffering from the monster attack have been acquired. The numbers are as follows..."

The officer briefly took a deep breath, and then he resumed speaking.

"Capital City of Re-Estize: 92,000.

E-Asenaru: 28,000.

Re-Lobell: 32,000.

Re-Boulorel: 25,000.

Re-Ulovale: 28,000.

Re-Bluemalashull: 19,000.

E-Libera: 11,000.

E-Pespel: 10,000.

E-Rantel: 215."

Sounds of people gasping could be heard as the officer read out the number of casualties suffered within E-Rantel. The number was astronomically low compared to other cities, so anyone would in no doubt question how and why that could have happened.

"Wait a second! Why is the number of E-Rantel casualties so low and this city so high!?"

One person asked the question loudly with a clearly agitated tone of speech, followed by whispers among the crowd.

"If I may explain?"

Rigrit spoke with one hand raised. Everyone in the room looked at her, including the King who immediately nodded as a gesture of approval. Noticing that, Rigrit began speaking out.

"There were three factors in play which led to E-Rantel suffering a very low amount of casualties. One, E-Rantel has experienced a multitude of extraordinary events over the course of the past several months. Compounded with the fact that it is a fortified frontier city, it was natural that the people there were more wary and prepared. Two, the other two Adamantite Rank teams of the kingdom, Darkness and Ignite Maximus, reside in E-Rantel. Three, E-Rantel was one of the first cities receiving reinforcements from ARKS of Oracle. As for why this city has the highest casualties, it is common knowledge that the capital city is significantly larger and more packed in population than other cities. Even with our presence, a single team can only do so much"

Right after Rigrit finished her explanation, a displeased voice was heard from a man in the middle of one group.

"That is unacceptable! Why didn't those so-called ARKS send reinforcements to this city first! It's the capital of the Kingdom! It should've been prioritized!"

The crowd around the man immediately made a noise, largely agreeing with him.

"Order!"

"Yes! Be orderly in front of the King!"

The King spoke out loud telling the crowd to pipe down, followed by Marquis Raeven echoing the same sentiments. They thankfully complied, and silence filled the room within a couple seconds. The King then spoke to the crowd.

"The fact that reinforcements came to this city in the first place was already fortunate. I don't wish to question the goodwill of those... sky people... Ahem... Continue"

On that part, those who were present could understand, since the very concept of 'flying cities' was one that was still being processed, never mind the sudden monster attack. After clearing his throat, the officer then immediately resumed reading the parchment in his hand.

"After the incident, a magic caster named Ainz Ooal Gown appeared, offering his protection should the monsters attack again. In exchange, he demands E-Rantel to be annexed to his newly established nation, claiming the name Guardian Kingdom"

"No way! Is he crazy!? Nobody would agree to that!"

Another voice was heard from the middle of one group, and the rest of the crowd immediately voiced their agreement to that. Marquis Raeven remained silent as he wore a thoughtful expression, clearly doing more to think on this revelation than the rest. Meanwhile, the King turned his head to Gazef and spoke.

"Warrior Captain. Let me hear your thoughts on the matter. I remember that you have met this Ainz Ooal Gown once"

Gazef glanced at the King briefly, then towards the crowd before he began speaking out.

"Yes. I believe he is the magic caster who saved my life and my men's. I can vouch for his capabilities and say with confidence that he is at least equal to Baharuth Empire's Imperial Court Wizard, Fluder Paradyne"

"Ooh...!"

Some voices from the crowd could be heard followed by whispers amongst them. Fluder Paradyne was a well-known and highly venerated figure, so the emergence of a possible equal would put anyone on guard.

Not paying much heed to the crowd, Gazef turned his head back at the King and spoke with a humble, yet determined tone of speech.

"My King, if I may humbly suggest, can we afford to concede E-Rantel to Guardian Kingdom? No, to Ainz Ooal Gown?"

The King and Gazef had their eyes met, both pairs being as sharpened as they could be, fully displaying the seriousness of the suggestion and circumstances.

"Hey, Warrior Captain. Those words you said were so unlike you"

One man from the Noble Faction, Marquis Boullope, spoke with a noticeable mocking tone.

"Silence"

The King glared at Marquis Boullope as he spoke, prompting a surprised reaction from the person in particular and a few more around him. The King then closed his eyes, let out a sigh, and began speaking towards the crowd.

"A ruler cannot just hand over land on demand from a stranger. That is a common principle"

The King went silent for a few seconds, and then he resumed.

"However, the situation at hand is far from anything that still allows strictly following the principle. All of us have seen how terrifying those monsters are, and how powerless our forces were"

The King took a deep breath, and he resumed speaking.

"During the time all of you were transported here via teleportation courtesy of Rigrit and Evileye of Blue Rose, I, along with my daughter and my son here, had a short discussion with Lakyus regarding the team's recent expedition. From there a fact has been revealed that... Ainz Ooal Gown has already forged an alliance with the sky people"

More gasps echoed within the chamber. The King disregarded that and continued his speech as he turned his head and looked to his left towards the Blue Rose team, Rigrit, and Azuth.

"The people standing over there are the pride of the Kingdom, capable of fighting against powerful adversaries none of us, not even more common Adventurers, can ever hope to defeat. But against those monsters, their powers were still not enough to save all the people... Needless to say, it is a clear fact that the Kingdom will be unable to survive on its own if those monsters decide to attack again"

The King let out a heavy sigh, followed by another brief silence before he resumed.

"As a King, it is my duty to keep my people away from harm. If Ainz Ooal Gown is true to his words that he will protect the people, handing over one city is not an expensive price to pay. Therefore, it is my decision to grant Ainz Ooal Gown the authority over E-Rantel! In addition, I shall officially recognize the founding of Guardian Kingdom and forge an alliance with it!"

A number of gasps were heard throughout the chamber, and the crowds from both factions clearly showed their surprise. However, before anyone could speak up against the decision...

"Those who oppose my decision as the King in this time of crisis can die like my son did!"

The atmosphere within the chamber, which was already gloomy to begin with, suddenly got significantly heavier with the King's words. Such was their surprise, that nobody dared to oppose his resolve, who had lost one of his children to the monsters.

Indeed, Prince Barbro had led several thousand soldiers to fend off the attacking monsters. Those who knew his personality could easily assume that Prince Barbro had done that seeking glory, and being overconfident in his force's chances. As a result, his entire army had been utterly annihilated. Regardless of that, a good portion of the surviving civilians his actions had allowed to flee, now regarded Prince Barbro as a hero who had sacrificed himself for the people.

Marquis Raeven silently smiled seeing the development of the situation. A few people noticed the smile, each with their own interpretations of what it could mean.


[X][X][X]


Night has fallen over Arwintar, one full day after the Darker attack. The crisis had been overcome, recovery operations were in motion, and preliminary reports showed that Arwintar suffered casualties numbering in the tens of thousands. It was not a small number, but that number could have been much, much worse. Jircniv was genuinely thankful that reinforcements from ARKS had come, even though he would have liked them to come sooner.

"They left as quickly as they came... I wonder if I will have a proper talk with them in the near future..."

Jircniv mumbled while lying down comfortably on his bed, and soon he got a response from the woman lying down next to him, Hilma Cygnaeus.

"If they are responsible as an organization, I believe you will"

"Hmm, you have a point. They ought to give some form of explanation because we're now involved in their fight"

"Though like I said, only if they are responsible. Such an advanced civilization may have different moral standards beyond our current understanding"

Jircniv smirked knowing that Hilma had the exact same concern as him. It felt surreal, yet pleasant, that right now he was together with a person whose brainwave was in sync with him.

"No need to tell me that, I know. But I have fair confidence that they are. After all, the Adamantite Rank team Ignite Maximus are mostly people from ARKS, and as far as my information network goes, their attitude more or less align with human standards"

"None of us know how their higher ups think yet, though"

"That's why for the time being I'm going to make some plans. No matter how events will unfold in the next couple days, I'll be already a step ahead"

Hilma let out a small, elegant laugh befitting a high-class lady hearing Jircniv's words.

"Nicely thought, Your Highness"

Jircniv smiled briefly, and the couple retired for the night. Despite all the madness happening over the course of the past week, Jircniv still felt that he would get through this somehow. After all, he was not the Emperor of Baharuth Empire just for show.


[X][X][X]


Over the clouds of New World, far away and detached from any civilization, there existed a floating mass of land which constantly wandered the world without a care. Its size was more than large enough to support a functioning ecosystem, and all the creatures living there just lived on without putting any thoughts about the world below.

On this particular day, the figure of a large dragon clad in a majestic white body hovered over one part of the floating land. On this part of the land, there was a large lake which, in simple terms, was a 'Fisher's Paradise'. Not paying much heed to unnecessary matters, the dragon, who was none other than Platinum Dragon Lord, dove down into the lake.

At the bottom of the lake, the depth of which was impossible for humans to reach without appropriate protection, there was a large pedestal which had enough room for Platinum Dragon Lord to sit on. The entirety of the pedestal was painted over with a complex and constantly glowing magic circle, and he landed right in the middle of it.

Immediately after he stepped his feet on the pedestal, an excessively deep and masculine voice echoed within his mind, speaking in draconic language.

["Well, well... If it isn't Platinum Dragon Lord. What is the crucial matter which cornered you enough to personally come to me? Unless... you simply want to have some idle talk?"]

The underwater ground seemed to shake as Platinum Dragon Lord listened to the voice, as if everything around him resonated with it even though this was supposed to be a telepathic communication. Regardless of the fact, Platinum Dragon Lord spoke in response.

["I strongly believe you know already that I have sworn not to come to you without urgent matters, Heavenly Dragon Lord"]

["Ah... yes. It has already been centuries... Very well, speak your concern"]

["I'm afraid invaders from the stars have arrived in this world"]

Platinum Dragon Lord then began telling a summarized story about Darkers, Dark Falz, ARKS, and also the known Player of this century, Ainz Ooal Gown. In addition, there was also the recent news about Ainz intending to found a nation named Guardian Kingdom.

["I see... So this time you have to deal with not only Players, but also hostile entities from beyond the skies"]

["And unfortunately, Ainz Ooal Gown has already forged an alliance with ARKS. I'm uncertain about what will happen if someday he does something I can't let slide"]

["On the contrary, it is fortunate that they have forged an alliance"]

["Hmm?"]

Platinum Dragon Lord raised his head slightly, not hiding the fact that he was a little surprised.

["Do you need me to explain?"]

Platinum Dragon Lord didn't give an answer immediately, instead lowering his head and going into a thinking posture. Just a couple seconds later, his eyes went wide and he raised his head, which was a clear sign that he had realized something. He then spoke out, telling his thoughts.

["Once an alliance is forged, it is one's best interest to maintain it for as long as possible. ARKS generally wants to protect this world, and therefore Ainz will align his goals with theirs... But that is assuming he has the common sense to go that way"]

["Now, ask this question to yourself... Did Ainz act like someone with common sense so far?"]

Platinum Dragon Lord went back into a thinking posture once again, recalling his experience back then when he had encountered Ainz Ooal Gown and had a talk with him. Less than half a minute later, he raised his head back and spoke.

["...I can't deny it"]

["Then there is no need to be so concerned. Is there anything else cornering you?"]

["As one of the councilors of my nation, I have to be prepared for the worst scenarios. In the case that happens and the world falls into crisis, will you assist us in our time of need?"]

There was no immediate answer to the question. Platinum Dragon Lord stood upright with his face displaying clearly that his request was fully serious, awaiting any answer that might come anytime soon.

What came after a couple seconds was the sound of a laugh which resonated with the surroundings, shaking them like an earthquake once again.

["You already have everything you need. There's no use asking for help from a senile old dragon like me!"]

["You're not-"]

["You regard me too highly, my dear Tsaindorcus. As powerful as I may be, there are still things that I can't do. Now, if you have nothing else to say, go home and let me be in my own little world"]

Platinum Dragon Lord sighed, feeling disappointed that he had failed to secure assistance from Heavenly Dragon Lord who was too detached from the world to care about the imminent crisis.

["Then I shall take my leave..."]

But before Platinum Dragon Lord could leave the place, Heavenly Dragon Lord spoke again.

["By the way, if you encounter one of those people of ARKS, relay my gratitude to them"]

["Hmm? For what?"]

["For cleansing those vile creatures off my body"]

Platinum Dragon Lord didn't hide his surprise hearing what he had just heard, but he didn't inquire anything. Instead he just replied with a straight tone of speech.

["Very well"]

Without waiting for further reply, Platinum Dragon Lord soared to the surface of the lake and subsequently to the sky. His mind was filled with concerns to the clear implication that Heavenly Dragon Lord was now indebted to ARKS, who was allied with Ainz Ooal Gown. Despite being detached from the affairs of the world, Heavenly Dragon Lord was still a highly respected figure within Argland Council State, so the implication would definitely have an impact in future decision makings related to the ongoing matter.

All things considered, the best course of action Platinum Dragon Lord could think of for the time being, was to officially recognize the founding of 'Guardian Kingdom', and perhaps forge a mutual defense treaty with it. For him personally, this was not his preferred course of action because he was still uneasy about the idea of supporting a Player he couldn't trust yet. However, for the sake of his nation, its citizens, and the world at large, this was probably the best possible solution available.

As Platinum Dragon Lord dove down through the clouds back to the surface of the world, his mind was filled with hope that the other councillors would agree with his line of thinking.


[X][X][X]


Afterword:

Dark Falz Double was now asleep, giving the world a moment of respite. Various nations reacted to the recent events, each with its own way. ARKS from Ryu's universe would take a while to send reinforcements, so for the time being the world largely depends on the united front of ARKS, Guardian Kingdom, and other nations willing to ally with them.

See you again later.


Updated Character Sheets


Author's note: Whenever "PP" is mentioned in the sheets, it means Photon Point, which is the ARKS equivalent of MP/Mana.


Name: Ryu Seika

Height: 173 cm

Appearance: See cover image or gallery

Class: Force level 75

Sub Class: Techer level 70

Skill Build: Thunder Element and Dark Element focused

Main Weapon:

Resonant Tephira Rod (15 Star): Improves the perks of Phantom Class.

Special Perks:

*. Photon Inventory. Works the same way as Ainz's inventory system.

*. Photon Armor. A defensive invisible energy shield, giving protection to the whole body.

*. Photon Clothing. Enables instant change of clothes.

*. Photon Blast - Julius Nifta. Creates an energy sphere which pulls everything within a certain radius into it and disintegrates those touching the sphere.

*. Photon Flare: A skill from Force class which temporarily boosts attack power. Lasts 45 seconds with 90 seconds cooldown.

*. Photon Convert: A skill from Techer class which significantly accelerates regeneration of photon energy at the cost of reducing max HP by 10%. Lasts 30 seconds with 120 seconds cooldown.

*. Ring of Minor Protection. Guards against all low level ailments.

*. Ring of Nullification. Guards against harmful spells up to tier two. Has three charges which replenishes each day.

*. Flight Necklace: Enables the use of [Fly] spell.

*. Misc. Items: A number of useful items given by Ainz.

*. Photon Absorption: Able to copy Martial Arts performed by non-ARKS in close distance.

*. Martial Arts: Evasion, Pace of The Wind, Flow Acceleration.


Name: Lily Vangraf

Height: 148 cm

Appearance: See gallery (Link at author's profile)

Class:

Loyal Dog (Level 10)

Devoted Dog (Level 10)

Fighter (Level 15)

Warrior (Level 15)

Champion (Level 15)

Battlemaster (Level 10)

Equipment:

Helmet of The Valkyrie

Armor of The Valkyrie

Gauntlets of The Valkyrie

Greaves of The Valkyrie

Twin Swords Starlight Wings

Ring of Nullification: Guards against harmful spells up to tier two. Has three charges which replenishes each day.

Flight Necklace: Enables the use of [Fly] spell.

Special Perks:

*. Starlight Wings: Enables a variety of unique attack moves and also counts as a piece of any equipment sets.

*. Photon Armor. A defensive invisible energy shield, giving protection to the whole body.

*. Wings of The Valkyrie: Equipping 5 pieces of Valkyrie equipment set enables access to [Valkyrian Flight] spell.

*. Photon Arts: Various foreign attack moves, bestowed by Ryu

*. Armor Enchantments: A plethora of enchantments on her armor, bestowed by Ainz.

*. Class Skills: A plethora of skills from the new classes gained from her evolution.

*. Misc. Items: A number of useful items given by Ainz.


Name: Alice Vegelshaft (Liz)

Height: 157 cm

Appearance: See Gallery (Link at author's profile)

Level: 29

Talent:

Hierophant of Language: Able to instantly learn a new language if certain conditions are met. Also can instantly bestow knowledge of already known language to other people at great mana cost.

Job Levels:

Wizard: Level 6

Sorcerer: Level 5

Elementalist (Fire): Level 6

Scholar: Level 7

High Wizard: Level 5

ARKS Classes:

Techer level 65 (Main)

Force level 45 (Sub)

Equipment:

Wizard's Robe

Simple Short Dress

Leather Trousers

Leather Boots

Grand Staff of Element Continuity: Gradually reduces mana cost of casting spells for each consecutive spell of the same element from the previously casted spell. Effect dissipates over time and immediately disappears upon casting a spell of a different element.

Motav Grimoire Talis (14 Star): Support type Photon Techs require no charging time to cast the charged version.

Flight Necklace: Enables the use of [Fly] spell.

Travel Pack: A storage bag capable of storing much more items than its appearance would suggest.

Special Perks:

*. Photon Techs: Various foreign spells, bestowed by Ryu.

*. Photon Armor. A defensive invisible energy shield, giving protection to the whole body.

*. Photon Flare: A skill from Force class which temporarily boosts attack power. Lasts 45 seconds with 90 seconds cooldown.

*. Photon Convert: A skill from Techer class which significantly accelerates regeneration of photon energy at the cost of reducing max HP by 10%. Lasts 30 seconds with 120 seconds cooldown.

*. Having Techer as main class greatly increases the potency of support type Photon Techs.

*. Photon Absorption: Able to copy Martial Arts performed by non-ARKS in close distance.

*. Misc. Items: A number of useful items given by Ainz.

*. Martial Arts: Evasion.


Name: Mel Rose (Meru and Rose)

Height: 144 cm

Appearance: See Gallery (Link at author's profile)

Class: Force level 78 (Meru), Braver level 78 (Rose)

Sub Class: Techer level 75 (Meru), Fighter level 75 (Rose)

Skill Build (Meru): Fire, Dark, and Light element focused.

Skill Build (Rose): Full offensive glass cannon

Main Weapon (Meru):

Resonant Tephira Rod (15 Star): Improves the perks of Phantom Class.

Main Weapon (Rose):

Rengokuto Guren Katana (15 Star): Increases the power of counter attacks.

Special Perks:

*. Photon Inventory: Works the same way as Ainz's inventory system.

*. Photon Armor. A defensive invisible energy shield, giving protection to the whole body.

*. Photon Clothing. Enables instant change of clothes.

*. Photon Blast - Ketos Proi. Gradually heals and significantly regenerates PP while it is active.

*. Photon Flare: A skill from Force class which temporarily boosts attack power. Lasts 45 seconds with 90 seconds cooldown.

*. Photon Convert: A skill from Techer class which significantly accelerates regeneration of photon energy at the cost of reducing max HP by 10%. Lasts 30 seconds with 120 seconds cooldown.

*. Katana Combat: A skill from Braver class which allows 20 seconds of invulnerability as long as the user wields a katana. Can be ended early with a damaging shockwave. 90 seconds cooldown.

*. Compound Photon Tech: Devastating photon techs from combining two elements. Only Force and Techer class can use this. Available techs are Fomelgion (Fire-Dark), Barantsion (Ice-Light), and Zandion (Wind-Lightning).

*. Photon Absorption: Able to copy Martial Arts performed by non-ARKS in close distance.

*. Martial Arts: Enhanced Magic Resistance, Impenetrable Fortress, Evasion.

*. Flight Necklace: Enables the use of [Fly] spell


Name: Sheep (Hikaru Seika)

Height: 155 cm

Appearance: See gallery (Link at author's profile)

Race: Deuman

Class: Braver Level 75

Sub Class: Hunter Level 70

Skill Build: Reckless glass cannon.

Main Weapon:

Rengokuto Guren Katana (15 Star): Increases the power of counter attacks.

Briste Insignia Katana (? Star): Enables activation of "Gate Break". Can only be equipped by Hikaru Seika.

Reserve Weapon:

Vibrace Bow (10 Star): Increases damage against Darkers.

Special Perks:

*. Photon Inventory: Works the same way as Ainz's inventory system.

*. Photon Armor. A defensive invisible energy shield, giving protection to the whole body.

*. Photon Clothing. Enables instant change of clothes.

*. Photon Blast - Ketos Proi. Gradually heals and significantly regenerates mana while it is active.

*. Iron Will: A skill from Hunter class which gives a 75% chance to survive a fatal damage with 1 HP and become briefly invulnerable with increased attack power afterwards. Has neither a cooldown nor a usage limit, so one can fight recklessly if they feel lucky.

*. Katana Combat: A skill from Braver class which allows 20 seconds of invulnerability as long as the user wields a katana. Can be ended early with a damaging shockwave. 90 seconds cooldown.

*. Photon Absorption: Able to copy Martial Arts performed by non-ARKS in close distance.

*. Martial Arts: Enhanced Magic Resistance, Impenetrable Fortress, Evasion.

*. Flight Necklace: Enables the use of [Fly] spell

*. Gate Break: A state where Hikaru gains overwhelming attack power, lifesteal effect, and becomes capable of using Photon Arts of Phantom class despite not being Phantom herself. However, while in this state Hikaru's maximum HP is decreased by 50% and she takes damage every second. Effect can be deactivated at will, and she will feel a recoil after deactivating the state. Severity of the recoil depends on how long the state has been active.


Name: Melrose

Title: Guardian

Height: 144 cm

Appearance: See Gallery (Link at author's profile)

Race: Human

Class: Phantom Level 90

Sub Class: None (Phantom Class is not compatible to have any subclass)

Main Weapon:

Lightstream Floraxion Katana (15 Star): Running out of PP will fully refill PP and increase damage further for 30 seconds. This effect has a cooldown of 2 minutes. Enhanced with an effect which slightly recovers the user's PP upon taking any damage.

Atlas Zemus EX Rod (15 Star): Taking fatal damage will leave the user surviving with 1 HP, invulnerable for 5 seconds, and refills HP to full. Only works once, refreshed by resting. Enhanced with minor lifesteal effect.

Resonant Horkos Rifle (15 Star): Amplifies the class perks of Phantom class.

Reserve Weapon:

Austere Sorcerer NT Rod (15 Star): Improves user attributes after using a Photon Blast depending on the summoned Photon Beast. Effect is reset after resting. Enhanced with an effect which slightly recovers the user's PP whenever any enemy is defeated within range.

Special Perks:

*. Photon Inventory: Works the same way as Ainz's inventory system.

*. Photon Armor: A defensive invisible energy shield, giving protection to the whole body.

*. Photon Clothing: Enables instant change of clothes.

*. Grim Assassin Photon Weapon Camo: Changes the visual appearance of compatible weapons into the appearance of the camo. Grim Assassin is compatible with Katana, Rod, and Rifle type of weapons.

*. Photon Blast - Julius Nifta: Creates an energy sphere which pulls everything within a certain radius into it and disintegrates those touching the sphere.

*. Dark Blast: Borrows the power of Dark Falz residing within, transforming into an alternate version of their respective battle form.

*. Stealth Tech Charge: Charging a photon tech grants invulnerability for 1 second.

*. Photon Absorption: Able to copy Martial Arts performed by non-ARKS in close distance.

*. Martial Arts: Shukuchi, Whirlwind Slash, Impenetrable Fortress, Godkin's Blessing.