Retry

by ZGearCecil

Following the end of Vol 14, Ainz Ooal Gown heads out to the Elf Country... But the next thing he knows, Ainz finds himself in the Round Table Chamber. The User Interface of YGGDRASIL is back and his emotions and more human rationale all come flooding back. Can he prepare for a scenario similar to a New Game? Will he take the risk? With Knowledge comes power, it's time to prepare.

3. Sunlight Scripture

In the distance, a dust cloud was afoot. It wasn't just any dust cloud either as the thundering of hooves was carried along with the wind, Satoru knew exactly who was coming. Impossible specks on the horizon, a silhouetted line of armor-clad riders armed with swords. Theocracy troops disguised as Knights from the Baharuth Empire, with half-plate armor and protective headgear reminiscent of a Crusaders helmet.

He turned on his heel and casually walked back towards the village, a tingling sensation running down his spine. The excitement was running through him more than before as he was given the chance to relive this experience. There were many choices of action he could take, it reminded him of a real-time strategy game or one of those 4X games Punitto Moe always went on about. There was all the time in the world for him to make the adjustments.

However, he wanted the villagers to see how he alone with his compatriots can take out heavily trained men on their own.

No one was getting away this time, he wasn't going to let any of the knights be free this time around. There was no need to. The only mercy given to those who cross him was torture and death that followed in his wake.

Satoru needed to make that blatantly clear as he planned to wipe that smug look on Nigun's face once again. That fellow had no respect for Gazef or the words he had shared, let alone, he dared to attack a village he had already saved.

As he retraced his steps back to the village, he returned to find that no one was outside. It was a ghost town as the villagers peered out their windows to see him. Some wore smiles, others wore grim looks on their faces. He was a magic user, so they began to wonder just how well he could handle himself against dozens of heavily armed men. There were only three people here and they were unknowns.

Satoru wanted to prove to them that every word he spoke, everything that he was going to give them, was not a lie. Not that he needed to necessarily prove himself, but as a matter of courtesy.

With his eyes closed, he could feel the lives of his enemies become closer and closer. They were almost in his grasp, like play dough, they are forming in his hands.

"Nabe," Satoru began belaying orders, "Take to the roofs, we will show them the power of our debut. Sebastian, protect the villagers as the last line of defense–don't spare any of the Knights once they have our position surrounded."

Sebastian crossed an arm over his chest in respect for the supreme being.

"Your wish is my command, Satoru."

"As you wish, Satoru-saa-an."

Nabe smiled fiercely for the first time since she had left Nazarick for she was given this order. Choosing to leap backward with superior grace, she expertly landed without hazard on the nearest roof. At rest, she kept still, standing with a hand on the hilt of her sword under her poncho-like mantle.

Seeing Sebastian back off and eventually disappear behind the barricades, Satoru faced forward.

The irony he felt was great, like that of an overpowered Shonen Protagonist standing off against an oncoming army. Satoru even had the plot armor to go along with it. There was no way the world could stand before him without being shaken by his ridiculous powers. Just thinking about this reminded him of Climb, the Golden Princess's protector and toy–but this time around there was no reason to invite her. To bring her into the fold, that was unneeded as the Demonic Disturbance could still go on without Princess Renner.

No stave in hand, he didn't need it to take on these foes.

With his sights narrowed, he watched as the Slane Theocracy's special operations unit began to slow down as they approached his roadblock. Of course, as expected they didn't all just stop. About six or seven of them dismounted and began moving the fallen trees out of the way. But they only moved two of them, which was their fatal mistake.

In mere minutes the Knights were funneling into the dip of land that was Carne Village. With the forest on all sides, the settlement was like a giant bowl of sorts. Forcing soldiers into a zone where there was only one exit and it was the very same entrance they had made.

Wordlessly, Satoru began to hover as the thundering sounds of horses resumed. He could feel the villagers quivering in their boots while the unknowing Knights boasted more esteem than they should possess. It felt good–it was entertaining–to make those who believe they have power suddenly learn that there is someone much stronger than they are.

Raising several meters off the ground, he watched as the Knights began to spread around the Village, running along the edges of the barricades. There was no way for them to reach the village center.

Their eyes were on him.

"Captain Bellius! They seemed to have been expecting us! What are your orders?"

"Get the archers into position! We'll smoke the villagers out and take down the mages!"

"Sir! They haven't attacked us yet! What are they waiting for?!"

Satoru listened to their needless banter as they waddled in their confusion. Inside he was laughing almost maniacally. They were like toys in a sandbox, pawns lead to slaughter. Almost in unison, both Nabe's and his hands exploded into blue chain lightning.

"What spell is that!?"

"Lightning?"

"No! That's not any third-tier spell I've seen!"

"Retrea–"

Without a single word, it only took a single twitch to silence the Captain in mid-command. They weren't allowed to retreat. Satoru, he released the seventh-tier spell, Chain Dragon Lightning, upon the crowd of Knights dressed in metal armor. Then just after him, Nabe did the same thing. Like the rope that had kept the villagers from getting in the way of the summoning earlier, the barricades acted as just that.

Streams of crackling energy ripped through the Knights, cooking them in their armor. Screams of terror and fright–this was not a battle–it was a massacre. Those on horseback were left utterly defenseless as they were struck by lightning. While their armor though superheated was left largely intact, their bodies were rendered to ashes.

All the same, the blue glow that their spell gave off could be seen kilometers away from the village. Anyone looking in the direction of the trees could see the inhuman power of their abilities.

Archers and those on foot, however, were still running away. Their commanders were gone, their calvary and power diminished. A secondary slaughter was underway.

"You who dared to attack Carne Village will know no mercy! Death, death is all that awaits you."

Satoru projected himself forth as he teleported directly above their path of retreat, causing a squeal of surprise amongst those who were fleeing for their lives. It looked like they were going to die of fright! Again he held back the urge to laugh as he merely lowered himself to the ground.

"He's a magic caster–once he is on the ground–he's defenseless against us!"

One of them unintelligently claimed, in a failed attempt to conquer his own fears, as he stood ready with a short sword and shield in hand. The Knight was no match for him and instinctively, they knew.

"Monster!" One of the Knights cried out, hardly able to hold his sword steady.

"Take this!" The archers released a short burst of arrows, all of which were deflected by an invisible force before they could even hit Satoru.

He was immune to ranged attacks. There was nothing they could do. Shaking his head, the player simply frowned. Even though he was an arcane magic caster, he had enough physical strength to take them on. Not only that, but his physical nullification skill kept them from even laying a scratch on him.

"Cornelius is right! He can't take all of us at once if we rush him."

The bunch cautiously began to surround him as Nabe remained back at the village.

This time a chuckle escaped his lips–he, unable to hold back the urge this time around, grinned widely. "Let's test that resolve," Satoru called brought out his stave from before, pulling it out of the small infinity backpack that was tied to his hip.

He spun the weapon almost expertly, but it was a magic stave so there was no problem in maneuvering it. As he brought the mace end against the ground, flames extended from the top of the three golden heads that stood at the opposite end of the shaft.

"Try your worst."

That's when they charged at him–and he was immediately thinking about the time he was in the Arena with the Martial Lord within the Baharuth Empire. A glorious duel, but the slave warrior was no match for him. These pitiful fools were worse off–they weren't going to be resurrected nor were they going to be offered a spot at his side.

Digging one-foot into the ground, Satoru punched off towards the Knight opposite of Cornelius. In a split second, he battered the side of the Knight's head with the mace end of his stave. Blood exploded out of the eyeholes as the sickening sound of a crushed skull resonated in the air.

Before the body hit the floor, the flames at the other end of the shaft were blown at the next Knight that had been a few paces away from him. His blood-curdling screams could be heard as he was being burnt and cooked alive inside his padded half-armor.

At least six more were taken out within the next few moments. Only two had the time to make a run for it as these fools stayed back to distract him. It wasn't enough. It could never be enough to hold him back.

"[Grasp Heart]!"

One of the fleeing Knights stumbled to a stop as he felt a pang of pain flood through his chest.

Slowly they turned their head to peer over their shoulder, shivering in fear as they could see meters away that the man was holding his heart. Satoru grinned deviously and crushed it before his eyes.

The Knights that were only within arms reach of him stopped and watched as one of the Knights fell to the grassy grounds unmoving. No projectile, no visible puncture wound. Their fellow Knight had simply dropped dead without any visible reason. Shakily they all gradually set their sights back on him. That was when they knew, there was no escape.

It finally registered in the foot soldier's, Cornelius's, thick skull that he was going to die here.

"Spa-spare us!"

One of the Knights dropped to his knees, letting his weapons scatter upon the ground like fallen autumn leaves. Yes, they dared to beg for their lives after coming with the resolve to take the lives of others. Yes, they dared to come here unprepared to lose their own lives in the line of duty. And no, they weren't going to get any mercy.

Keeping his targets within a twenty-foot radius of himself, Satoru aimed an open palm to the ground. Even as the assailants went to attack him in a last-ditch effort to survive, it wasn't enough. Just as the first sword to hit him shattered from his physical nullification, his eyes snapped into place.

"[Fireball]."

A powerful explosion of reddish flames went in all directions, vaporizing the knights and leaving their melting armor and burning heaps of clothes on the ground. There was nothing left to identify them with. Hearing the satisfying crunch of ashes beneath his foot, his gaze was on the last Knight who was trying to crawl away, to reach the roadblock.

Lo and behold, Satoru emerged from the smoke and flames unfeathered and untouched. Swatting the embers away from his neoplasmic mantle, he peered emptily at the last man standing.

"Huh… To think–one of you still has hope."

His words caused the very heart of the man to freeze over, his hands grasping at straws.

Satoru walked after the Knight with great poise as if he was going out for an evening stroll.

Flanking the Knight from the side, Satoru kicked the unarmed man in the chest–caving his armor in. As he watched on, blood and vomit exploded from under the Knight's helmet as he then rolled onto his back in excruciating pain.

"Phleash!" He held his hands up towards Satoru, "Sper meh!"

"Spear you?"

"Nah-noooh! Sper meh! I'll gib yu moneh!"

"Your armor is worth more than your coin," Satoru held an open palm out towards the man's face.

"Wh–wait!" He coughed and spewed blood, waving his hands about as if to deter any further action, but it was of little use, to begin with. No one was there to stop him–to tell him to stop.

"[Dragon Lightning]!" In a sudden burst of blue light, a current of lightning in the form of a serpentine dragon rushed into the metal-clad knight. He was dead within seconds, smoke rising from the holes and kinks of his armor.

Letting his arm fall limp to his side, Satoru scoffed. "Now to collect all of the armor and personal effects and melt them down into new armor and weapons to sell in E-Rantel..." He figured that he could make some good coinage by having some higher-tier items sold through a proxy.

Turning around, Satoru paused seeing Nabe walking away from him and doing exactly what he had been talking to himself about. His lips parted. Did she take his ramblings as something resembling a given order? Or was she just taking the initiative? Well, one thing remained the same–the non-player characters aimed to please. Soon enough after watching Sebastian interact with her for a few seconds, he too started doing the same.

Dead human corpses were piled behind the fields. Out of sight and out of mind, stripped of their gear and sent away to Nazarick without anyone being the wiser. On the other hand, the dead horses were being moved to the slaughterhouse for processing. At least they got something more out of this, the villagers anyway.

The corpses, Satoru had other plans for them. He needed corpses for the creation of Death Knights and the like. Death Wizards, Liches, the general undead for the defense of his country-to-be. Though he also wanted to see how the sunlight scripture fared against one or more of them. Though he assumed the angels, in the end, were to prevail against them.

All the same–turning Nigun into a lich or even a Death Priest… For some reason, that set of ideas just resonated in his head–be it for sadistic pleasure or not.

That was a couple more hours though before all that went down. Personally, he couldn't wait to meet Gazef again even though he had no idea who he was. Though that was for the best. The ill-fated encounter on the battlefield… He wanted to avoid that and perhaps he could.

'Would you rather have a good neighbor or a bad neighbor?'

The Question he had asked Nemu resurfaced in his mind as he rejoined the flock back at the village center. Her answer was not only simple but also relative. Who wants a bad neighbor when you can have a good one? They just won't know you're controlling their food and modulating their economy to fit your needs… on a whim.

Every action he took, every action he would take, he was to take inspiration from his friends.

Shock and Awe, he knew it was going to get him far with the villagers, let alone the general population of the Kingdom and along with the Empire. While spices and salts were normally made through magic, none of them knew one could create furniture or fully functional weapons. Let alone a cape. Illusions were one thing, but a couch you could sit on and feel was another.

Satoru entered the Dwarven dwelling and peered around the workshop.

There were quite a few people here, whether they were seeking shelter in here or watching the dwarf, a little less than half the village's children were here.

"Watch out!" Bellowed a man, a voice that Satoru didn't recognize.

Turning his head, he watched as a bolt made of serviceable metal was deflected by his natural ranged-immunity. A semi-transparent dome appearing as a shield to briefly block at the accidental hit. Letting out a sigh, his gaze centered on a man dressed in the first set of light armor made by the dwarf.

"Speaking of Shock and Awe…" Satoru muttered under his breath as the people watching their hero were standing with their mouths agape. "You should look where you're aiming that thing."

His gaze was on the crossbow for a few seconds, before tracing over the man wearing the light armor. The design was generally very basic with a chest plate and horse leather strappings as well as cloth. After a short moment that felt like a staring contest, he watched as the male awkwardly walked towards him.

"I–I…"

Satoru pitched his head forward as if to say, 'out with it.'

"I'm truly amazed, Satoru-sama. You are the Hero of Carne–No doubt a bolt couldn't harm you."

The sudden honorifics made the now acclaimed Hero of Carne twitch, though the title was a nice touch. His eyes searched the male's face, but still, he wasn't able to put a name to it. An awkward smile formed over his lips as he acknowledged the praise.

"Ah, pardon. My name is Latimon, a hunter in this village. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Satoru, Satoru Suzuki."

"I have to say, That is an interesting surname," Latimon kept a smile on his face.

"Uh.. thanks. So are you a Ranger or something?"

Latimon affirmed Satoru's thoughts with a nod of his head.

"After everything is done, will you be interested in training others in the use of a crossbow?"

Latimon paused for a moment before giving a thumbs up. "Sounds like something I can do… Everyone being able to use one of these during a crisis like this may help us survive next time… We'll probably start building a fence around the perimeter."

"Good idea," Satoru snorted as he still wondered how they survived for the past two hundred years in such proximity to the Katze Plains and the Tob Forest. Though he did still remember the Wise King of the Forest, who was a giant female hamster.

'At least I'll be able to name them Daifuku this time. The name Hamsuke is a bit…'

"Satoru~!" Feeling a faint impact on his hip, his thoughts were interrupted by none other than Nemu.

"Nemu-san," He placed a hand on the ginger's head and ruffled her hair, "So you're in here too?"

"Mhm~ Mhm~" Nemu giggled with her arms out from her sides, she was practically standing on her tiptoes as her big eyes gazed up at him with excitement. "You were so cool~! Do you think I can learn magic like that someday?"

Most people, at least the adults he could see, were wary of his incredible power but thankful nonetheless. They weren't going to ostracize him, that was nice at least. Though taking in her question, he just smiled. "Perhaps when you're older, Nemu-san. I hear it takes a great deal of potential."

"Really~?" Nemu's tone of voice gave away that she was already fantasizing in her head as children often do. Even in the solemn of moments, she wore the brightest smile in the room.

Yet he remembered the distrust she held when they first met. How they didn't initially trust him because of his face being that of a skull without skin or flesh of any kind. Yet, all the same, she trusted him when invited into his home. She had no hate for the undead, though that could just be the charm of innocence.

"Of course," Satoru assured before walking towards some of the other finished products.

He couldn't use the crossbows as he inspected their design. They were uniform in design with rune-esque designs on them with a very Norse influence. This was most apparent as the mouth of the compact weapon, where the bolt was fired from, looked like the maw of a hungry wolf. It was a direct reference to Fenrir if he was not mistaken.

'Perhaps I could give one of these to Aura as a gift… If I remember correctly, she has a Fenris in her collection of beasts.' A faint chuckle escaped his lips as he was beginning to think of himself as a father from a Manga he read once. Thinking about the gifts he could give a daughter.

'Who in their right mind gives their daughter a weapon like this?'

The idea made him shake his head.

He picked up the crossbow and placed it into his item box.

"Are you not tired from all that fighting..?"

From behind him, Satoru could hear Enri speaking. He lowered his head slightly before peering over his shoulder towards the teenage villager. "Your concern is appreciated, uh… I'm not that tired."

"You should rest."

"There are more surrounding the Village, waiting for something."

"M-more?"

"They're magic casters from the look of it, most of which can cast around third-tier spells." Satoru turned forward, facing away from her.

"Oh, Is that impressive?"

Satoru nodded, "For an entire unit to be able to cast that tier? Indubitably so." Seeing as she didn't know all that much about how powerful magic was, he could see her now growing more concerned.

She just seemed to know it existed but didn't have a proper scaling in her head. Was it because she wasn't a magic caster? He shrugged, for it didn't matter. None of them could scratch him unless their trump card was used. Even then, no real lasting damage could be caused by a seventh-tier angel. Now, if they used something of a higher tier, that may work better in their favor. Alas, they couldn't. They were mere feeble humans, limited in their capacity for magic.

"Enri-san," Satoru peered over towards the young villager.

"Yes?"

"I'm going to make sure no one here dies this time."

"Eh?"

With that, he left. Satoru walked out into the village area, leaving a severely confused Enri behind. A soft chuckle escaped him as he rested his hands over his hips as if he had his hands in his pockets. He pulled out a piece of candy from his item box and examined it with a thoughtful gaze. Then without any further thought, he popped it into his mouth.

'Fruity.'

For the first time in two years, Satoru could taste something. Sure he could smell, feel and hear, but as a skeleton, he had no tongue. He had no stomach. There was no reason for him to try eating, at least until now. Even though he was somewhat worried that whatever he ate was going to soil his clothes later, he wanted to try it at least once.

He shifted the piece of hard candy around his mouth as he watched the villagers.

The horses were already out of sight. People were maintenance of some of the barricades that had sustained mild damage. Some of them were burnt though, from the lightning attack, but nothing too bad. For the most part, Sebastian was doing a good job too.

As he leaned against the wall of one of the village homes, he watched in the distance as his Head Butler coached Nabe in the art of better tolerating humans. The last thing he needed to do was bonk her on the head again, like when Nfirea originally showed up. Though it was rather hilarious to see how Lukrut, a member of the Swords of Darkness, kept being shot down by Nabe.

Every time he hit on her, she called him something incredibly rude and he was hardly even phased. To be so desperate, he could only wonder if it was worth letting that boy live. Though, even then Satoru continued to wonder what kind of list she was given for such insults.

For the most part, he had other plans for Narberal anyway. No human was going to get their hands on her. There was nothing to come from that. Narberal and Pandora's Actor, on the other hand, could have some offspring. If they had a child, not only would he be a grandfather but he'd be able to witness the life cycle of a natural Doppelganger.

"Repeat after me, It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Nabe, an Adventurer."

Nabe stared intensely at the villager standing before her who wore a dull and awkward smile on their face. He couldn't have been any older than seventeen. "I-it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I am Nabe, an Adventurer."

"Likewise Nabe-san, I am Jerec, son of Latimon."

"Compliment her," Sebastian suggested with a stern dignified tone.

"Nabe-san, you're uh…" Jerec paused before glancing at her sword then back to her sharp dark eyes and pale skin. "Y-your sword is very sharp. You must keep it well maintained, y-yes?"

"A mere dull blade is all that is worthy to kill such insects that dare to–..."

Though her words didn't focus on Jerec, it was her eyes that gave away her disdain for the human race–and that he was an insect. Still, she was cut off by the abrupt interruption of her superior.

"Nabe…" Sebastian pinched the bridge of his nose.

"A-ah… Thank you, Jerec-san. It is well maintained..." Nabe tensed as she spoke, her eyes batting from Sebastian who nodded in approval of her new choice of words and then back towards Jerec.

"Pffff…" Satoru tittered to himself as he approached the scene, looking over the bunch.

"Satoru-saa-an!" Nabe saw this as her escape.

"Yes, Nabe?" He crossed his arms as he came to a stop, turning their social triangle into a square.

"Allow me to accompany you on a patrol!"

"There's no need. We're surrounded by enemy magic casters, who are waiting for someone."

Nabe nonchalantly peered towards the trees on the horizon, then turned her curiously sharp eyes upon Satoru. Wondering why he hadn't taken care of the enemies if they were having them surrounded, considering it wasn't an ideal situation.

"For the time being, we will let them make the first move. I doubt they'll attack for now..."

In some form, she understood as she concurred with his choice without any objection. When Satoru peered over to Sebastian, it was the same. He had no objection to the strategy, and like that he began walking away so they could continue. Part of him believed that this schooling wasn't going to help with Nabe's inherent distaste and superiority complex towards humans as a species.

For the rest of the time, Satoru waited by the watchtower; watching the horizon.

Just like that as a couple of hours went by, another dust cloud emerged. Knightly fellows on horseback, at least fifty of them, were heading in the general direction of the Village. Their attire was greatly different from the Baharuth Empire, but even then the villagers witnessing the incoming warriors were wary. "It seems the cavalry has arrived..."

"Satoru-san?" The Chief approached inquisitively peering off to the horizon as well.

"The Kingdom's Warrior Troop has arrived. Your reinforcements are here." Though to them, Satoru was sure it was better late than never. He surmised though that if he hadn't come, the villagers had been doomed to perish before the arrival of the Warrior Troop.

"The Kingdom has sent aid?"

Satoru nodded to the question. "Have the villagers stay within the settlement's barricade. You and I will meet with the Warrior Troop as they arrive at the edge of town."

Moments later they were standing there at the southern edge of Carne, waiting, as they listened to the thunder of hooves pounding the dirt roads to Carne. He could hear them slow as they passed through the roadblock, and as they passed patches of blood and gore. Though there were no traces of the Knights.

On the backs of horses, the Warrior Troop arrived at the edge of Carne where both the Chief and Satoru stood. Similar to the Imperial Knights of the Empire, they wore half-plate armor but with less padding and plating. All the same, their equipment was at least maintained as to show the dignity of the troop. Just like last time though, none of this moved Satoru's undead heart. Not a single ripple in the still ocean.

Meanwhile, Sebastian and Nabe watched from outside the barricade, as if taking on the role of guards. So they remained still, taking in the order from earlier to let any opponents make the first move. They were not to take the first shot.

Satoru leaned against his prototype staff as he took in the athletically built men as they approached. Then when they came to a stop several meters away, his gaze rested on his long-awaited target. Gazef Stronoff. He had powerful eyes, ones that were well acquainted with violence and war.

The leader of the Troop, Gazef, led his horse ahead of his men in a slow trot towards the Chief and Satoru. His gaze draped over the surrounding area as there were signs of battle, but no corpses. Burnt barricades, a random arrow here and there, but nothing more.

That was when he rested his eyes on Satoru and the Chief. Seemingly satisfied that they weren't moving from where they stood he brought his horse to a stop. With a grave tone, he announced his presence:

"––I am the Warrior-Captain of the Re-Estize Kingdom, by order of the King, I have been visiting villages on the frontier to exterminate Knights from enemy countries that are making trouble here."

His powerful tone echoed throughout the village, causing the people in witness to stir.

Satoru was somewhat amused. These were the same words he had shared before, and just like last time he had the attention of the Warrior. He didn't look like a villager, if anything he looked like an adventurer. Though he knew he was missing the identification plate, that was something minor at best. This time at least, he felt no reason to ask questions because he knew who Gazef was.

"You must be the Village Chief," the Warrior Captain's gaze was settled on the older man. Then it shifted towards the male, Satoru, who was standing beside him a few paces away. "Can you tell me who the person is standing beside you?"

Just as he was about to answer, Satoru cut in, and he nodded.

"There is no need for such pleasantries. I am pleased to meet you, my name is Satoru Suzuki, I am a magic caster. These people were hosting my party and me when the Knights attacked, so we defended the Village to the best of our ability."

Without further adieu, Gazef dismounted with clattering armor as he moved unreserved and bowed deeply. Satoru expected this and he was filled with nostalgia and Deja Vu. Even though he had changed what he said, it had the same result. He must have been thinking that his party had a choice to flee, but instead chose to stay and fight.

'This is still the Gazef that I know…' Satoru stared down at the Warrior Captain.

"Thank you for saving this village," proclaimed the forever loyal Warrior to the King with a stern expression on his face. He was a man of integrity, courtesy, and duty. "I have no words that can adequately praise your bravery."

A change in his words–Satoru closed his eyes as he lowered his head.

"... Please, do not stand in ceremony." Satoru raised a hand slightly, "If I wanted to join the Adventurer's Guild in E-Rantel, then how could I have left these people to die? The villagers have thanked me enough."

Gazef straightened out his posture and stood firm. "You would make an extraordinary adventurer, Satoru-dono." He called him by his first name, as that was the western way of things. "Though I have to say, I've never heard your great name before."

"My family and I were raised in ruins to the north, within the Great Forest of Tob."

A new and almost bewildered expression came across the Warrior Captain's face before he acknowledged his softly spoken words. "So those that stand guard are…?"

"Sebastian, my God Father, and his ward Nabe."

"I see… Since that is the case, I regret wasting the time of an aspiring adventurer. However, I must ask, could you tell me about the blackguards that attacked the village?"

Reaching behind his back, under his red mantle, Satoru drew a blood coated helmet from his item box and held it out to be examined. "Our party struck down the Knights before they could route."

"Satoru-dono…" He stared at the Baharuth-styled helmet, before blatantly looking at Satoru in the eye. "You... struck all of them down?" Gazef's question was merely met with a firm nod.

"That is fairly accurate," Satoru affirmed as he continued leaning on the magic staff.

"Impressive," Gazef praised, "but I have a couple of questions. Are all the members of your party magic casters? None of you are wearing armor."

"Sebastian is a monk, but Nabe is a spell caster and a trained swordsman. A spellsword if you will."

"Ah… Did you by any chance foresee the knights coming to the Village?"

Satoru blinked before peering over his shoulder towards the barricades. After a brief pause, he nodded. "I used a scrying spell to scout the area to the south–I saw the Knights coming in time to have the villagers make the proper battlements."

Again, it appeared his skills with the use of arcane magic tickled the warrior captain impressed. Noted by the curling edge of his lips that just almost formed a smile.

"Then–"

"Before we enter the village, I'd like to make a request that your men might not like..."

"Hm? Speak your mind, Satoru-dono."

"As the village has been recently attacked by Imperial Knights, I'd like to ask that your men leave their weapons on the far side of the village square as to put the villagers' heart's at ease... From my knowledge, this is the first time the village has ever been attacked since its founding. Bringing weapons into the village may trigger some discomfort."

Strangely it was much easier to sound sympathetic in this human form than as a masked skeleton. Perhaps it was because he appeared more relatable? Satoru shrugged the thought away and returned to what was right in front of him for the time being.

"You don't wish for me to disarm?" Gazef noted Satoru had specified his men.

"You are here as a proxy to the King, are you not? I couldn't fathom asking the Warrior Captain to cast his King's sword to the side."

"It is as you say..." A smile rested on his lips, "I cannot cast my King's sword aside. You are insightful, Satoru-dono, perceptive even. I can see the logic in your thinking."

"–Satoru-sama, we will be fine."

Just as before, the Chief had nulled his words. It mattered not though, as Satoru simply nodded as he saw it coming. "Is that so… Chief… Then it is up to you, to decide." He kindly gestured towards the Warrior Captain who nodded lightly.

"I will have my men set up camp around the perimeter, it's getting dark and we would like to rest in the village. I'm sure your companions need rest as well."

Even though he shared these words, the fatigue in the Warrior Troop as a whole was visibly seen. These men had been riding for days if not weeks without rest and their horses were no better than they were. Just like the time before they were no match for what was going to come next.

'I need to minimize the casualties of his men. Perhaps having them stay back? While I march onto the field beside him?' Satoru had already thought about doing this before. He wanted to fight beside Gazef, rather than against him as he had during the Massacre at the Katze Plains.

Satoru bobbed his head slightly to the words Gazef offered him as someone caught his peripherals.

A horseman came running to their position, panting hard.

"–Warrior Captain!"

Panic filled the man's voice, but despite his fatigue, he had the energy to shout.

"There are a lot of people that have been spotted near the village, they've surrounded it and are closing in!" The mages from the theocracy were on the move, turning the village into their little kill box to wipe them out.

Satoru knew from the last time there were only one hundred of them at most. The same number of people that made up the village's general population. They had the Troop outnumbered, and if he wasn't there it was destined they were to die.

"Shall we reconvene in the Dwarven Dwelling?" Satoru turned his head to look towards the Chief, "You should gather the people in the storehouse and make sure everyone is accounted for."

As the old man nodded, Satoru looked to Gazef who curiously nodded as well.

Soon enough the rest of the soldiers disembarked from their mounts once they entered the village as some of the barricades were moved aside. Though once they were inside, the barricades were secured back in place by a handful of villagers.

Satoru led the Warrior Captain along with his Vice-Captain toward the dwelling which had supremely different architecture than the rest of the town. In contrast to the grey stone houses of the village, it was made from vibrant yellow and orange bricks and followed a more Yorkshire-related design.

That was aside for the mechanical attachments like the gears sticking out of the roof.

Once inside, they peered out the long high-standing windows of the workshop.

"This is a curious place…"

Gazef eyed the machinery and the blast furnace which appeared almost foreign to him before looking to the window as well. From where he and Satoru stood, they could see just about three people approaching the village in the distance. Flying just above those three people though was three angels–floating above their summoners like killer puppets. The look that was on his face told Satoru almost everything–just like last time–he didn't recognize the angels.

"A dwarf recently moved into the town, so don't pay much mind to it..."

Satoru's comment was only greeted with a nod since it wasn't much of a surprise. After slavery was outlawed, Elves that stayed within the borders of the Kingdom were granted their freedom. Some even settled in villages on the fringes. So a Dwarf settling here not too far away from the Empire seemed almost natural.

Knowing their strengths despite either number severely outgunning them, Satoru knew he could defeat these adversaries with ease. However, he also knew the limits of the Warrior Captain.

"They appear to be military units–but they're nothing like the Baharuth Knights." Pointing out the obvious, the tone that Satoru used though made it out that he was not entirely clueless. "I suppose they're not Imperials."

"Judging by the use of those angels, you're maybe correct. And I doubt they're here for the Dwarf." Gazef sighed as he turned his head and settled his gaze on an intimidating line of crossbows made of serviceable metal. "...What are those?"

"Light repeating crossbows, they have a bit more piercing power than a regular short bow."

Gazef walked over to the table and picked up the one closest to the edge.

It was different from the ones displayed on other tables. It was loaded with twelve small bolts with one already notched in on the drawstring. Almost instinctively, Gazef rested the stock against his shoulder and looked down the castiron-like sight.

"Intimidating… Should be easier to fire on horseback."

"There are one-handed ones that can be made–but not fast enough to deal with the current situation." Satoru pursed his lips slightly as he looked at the numerous items that were made with a metal greater than adamantite but still considered trash by end-game players.

"Why is the dwarf making so many of these?"

"He wants me to sell them at E-Rantel, it's more likely they'll buy items from a human vendor. Plus, some of them are to be distributed to the hunters in the village."

"They probably don't know about your bows either…"

Gazef, for professional reasons, had to ask–not that he wanted to start an inquisition, his eyes were drifting over towards the Vice-Captain. It appeared his second-in-command had his sights set on the armor that was also on display. He had to admit, it was better quality than what the Kingdom gave them–even for light armor.

"They're probably prepared for ranged attacks–otherwise they wouldn't be radiating such confidence. Plus, that's what I would do against a warrior troop." Satoru kept his gaze out the window on the incoming threat.

"Satoru-dono... You don't seem to know why they're here either, do you…?"

"A military unit doesn't attack for wealth from my experience… Unless they're mercenaries and mercenaries turned bandits…"

Gazef nodded to the hint of doubt in Satoru's voice. It was quite obvious now that this was a clear and cut military operation. This left only one reason why there were mages capable of summoning angels closing in on the village. Just like before he was gifted the realization, followed by Satoru's benevolent statement.

"Tch. They must hate you… Warrior Captain."

"...It comes with the job of Warrior-Captain." Gazef shrugged, but the grim look on his face didn't disappear. "But... this is troubling. Judging by the fact that the other side has so many people who can summon angels, there is no mistaking that they're from the Slane Theocracy…"

Satoru couldn't help but notice that his dialogue was different from before. It was a similar situation, but the tiny things he had changed had already taken effect. His eyes emptily watched as the captain continued to speak.

"...And the people carrying out this operation must be a special operations unit... the legendary Six Scriptures. It would seem that both in numbers or ability, the opposition is superior to my Warrior Troop."

Everything he had said, wannabe adventurers already knew considering he already experienced this. A soft sigh escaped his lips as his gaze went back out towards the window. All the same, Satoru could sense the anger radiating from him despite just appearing depressed on the surface. Those brown eyes of his though hardly concealed the panic that was in his heart.

"To think they've gone through such trouble to use the Noble Faction to strip me of my gear," Gazef shook his head as he seemed to recognize a mole's handiwork. "It's rather troublesome that the snake of a man remains in my King's Court. I should be in good graces, considering I recognized his villainy here."

All the while Satoru was staring intently at the Archangel Flames. They were hardly worth going all out on, but part of him wanted to one-up Nigun's summoning of angels. Though the only spell he could use to summon them was a super-tier spell–not only did that cost experience points... But it took time to cast.

That was when Gazef turned towards the silent magic caster.

"Satoru-dono… Would you be willing to let me hire you? As an Adventurer?"

Turning to face him, Gazef was sure to feel the overwhelming dark hues staring through him. Yet like the time before, Satoru gave no immediate answer to the Warrior Captain's case.

"You may name your price and I will meet it."

"A letter of introduction for the Adventurer's Guild, should we come out of this alive..."

While it wasn't much to ask for, his name amongst the people was great. His reputation as the King's sword was immeasurable even amongst Adventurers. Though it won't make him higher in rank any faster than his last route, Gazef's name had the function of adding prestige to his name.

"A… letter of introduction? That is all?"

Reaching into his item box, Satoru took out a golden YGGDRASIL coin and held it out to him.

"I want you to show this to a member of the Blue Roses–the one in the red hood."

"Evileye," Gazef sized up the item before he accepted the coin and tucked it into an indiscriminate pouch.

To him, it must have been just foreign currency with foreign words and illustrations on it. Though based on its quality, he was visibly impressed. The only reason he wanted to send the coin was because he wanted to prove something. If the Heroes had players in their ranks, it was a possibility that her reaction could give him an answer.

"Tell her it's from a friend of Riku's. That should suffice."

His minimum requirements to be hired as well, minimal. Gazef stared at the deceptively young-looking adventurer before peering out the window one last time. Though he was curious at the use of the name Riku, as he seemed somewhat familiar with the name; likely due to the legend of thirteen heroes.

"For a moment there, I thought I might have had to conscript you using the Laws of the Kingdom."

"Oh… I know, but push those scary thoughts to the back of your mind, Gazef-dono..."

The Warrior Captain looked at Satoru with a raised brow, as Satoru had just used his name for the first time with matching honorific and seemingly read his mind. Though the words he had gifted him were hiding something, his instincts were on high alert. Something about this boy made his hair stand on end, as he stared into the abyss which was Satoru's eyes. Only one thing could come to mind. His instincts screamed, making an enemy out of the to-be-adventurer was an undeniably bad idea.

In silence a skull-themed black mask appeared on Satoru's face, causing the King's man to take a step back. It covered his eyes and nose and just above the area of his upper lip. The area over the eyes was blacked out and gave a warm red glow where his eyes should be.

Calmed after a few seconds, Gazef removed his metal gauntlet and held out his hand.

It was a gesture Satoru recognized from his old world, and it was the second time Gazef had offered it to him. Even though for this Gazef, it was the first time but hopefully this time not the last. As the two shook hands, Gazef squeezed his hard.

"You can trust my party to protect the Village."

"Of course," Gazef made a showy grin.

"Time grows short, so we should get underway."

Satoru always admired Gazef's determination–and above all the strength he did not possess.

The two of them made their way out of the dwelling where Sebastian and Nabe met them.

"Satoru, what are your orders?"

"Sebastian, I need you to track down and eliminate the mages who are prepared to ambush the villagers should they make a run for it. Nabe, herd the humans into the workshop and make sure they do not leave. It is the most fortified location in the village."

Sebastian and Nabe nodded as if it was nothing and set off to do their duties.

"They answer to you without question, you have some loyal friends, Satoru-dono."

Satoru nodded to the comment the Captain made, as the Vice-Captain walked behind them. Both of them were armed with light repeating crossbows with wooden stocks. As they approached the horses Gazef motioned for the rest of the soldiers to fall in line.

"Your friends aren't much different," Satoru snorted as Gazef chuckled in return.

The plan was simple, it was the same as before. Distract the mages so the human villagers could escape. At the same time his men were to break through and escape on their own, all while Gazef and he fought the enemies before them. Though this time, there was a slight change in plan.

They were only to turn back around once they got the signal to do so–not on a whim.

With a section of barricades open, the Warrior Troop stormed out of the village and funneled out onto the grasslands that surrounded the village to the south. In force, Gazef moved out with his men and charged forth towards what felt like their inevitable doom.

Peering over his shoulder as he hovered directly above Gazef, the Warrior Captain, Satoru rested his eyes on the regretful gazes of the Villagers. Each one vanished into the doors of the dwelling he had summoned. At least, this time, they did not lose their loved ones or call themselves burdens to his face. Even if the ambushers were removed from the forest area, they had nowhere to go and he knew this. That was why he gave the order to Nabe.

Turning forward, he pushed the magically conceived mask into his face as his mantle fluttered behind him as he continued to follow Gazef.

Although Satoru could not see or feel it, Gazef could. His warhorse's movements were becoming agitated. Even with the supremely powerful being from the game of YGGDRASIL didn't still the horse's fear. It was nothing more than a beast, his stead knew nothing of the otherworldly monster that followed from behind.

Click. Click.

Gazef readied his crossbow as he leaned forward against his horse.

From the corner of his eye, Satoru could see the Vice-Captain doing the same.

'So quick to use something that hasn't been tested… This should be interesting.'

Satoru wasn't wary of the crossbows or even if they were going to work. He knew they were going to work, or at least fire at the enemies. The weapons themselves were made out of serviceable metal, a material better than Adamantite which made it higher than level forty in YGGDRASIL standards. Though it was far below Star Silver which was around level seventy.

"Hit the enemy hard and draw in the sentries from around the village. After that, fall back immediately!" They knew the gist of the plan–it was their only choice. All they had to do was draw the enemy away from the village and his task was complete.

Gazef saw no point in dragging the innocent into the battle–so they had to face the enemy head-on and Satoru was beside him in this. As they looked around, they only saw brave men. Ones that were trained heavily under the Warrior Captain. Though unknown to Satoru, they were nothing more than ordinary people who were pushed to their limits with training alone.

One by one each of the men called out to their commanding officer.

"Don't worry, Warrior Captain!"

"We fight at your side at our own volition!"

"That's right! We're here to be beside you, even in the face of death itself, Warrior Captain!"

"Without you, none of us would have made it this far!"

"Please let us protect our country, our people, and our friends!"

That's when Satoru butt in, "Uh… Drinks are on me when I visit the Royal Capital next!"

Suddenly the men who were saying their last words let out yips and cheers. As if at least one person believed they were going to emerge from this alive. Even Satoru found himself smiling slightly as he distracted Gazef from thinking about just how many of his men were going to make it home.

'I sound like something akin to a Shonen protagonist…'

"Then forward!" Bellowed Gazef with incredible might leading his men without delay.

A series of sharp, yet nearly silent, twanging sounds reached his ears.

They were firing in rapid succession–easily reloading their crossbows by pulling back the strings.

For humans, he knew their strength was high. These weapons matched them well, in that sense.

THWACK! THWACK!

The targeted mage blocked the attacks, at least twice before a bolt took out his knee and another got him in the head. Yet that was only one of the five that had the exterior of the village surrounded. There were more awaiting them up ahead. They didn't slow down though, they couldn't.

That was when the enemy counterattack began–the mages started casting their magic.

At the same instance, Gazef's horse leaped forward out of his control and dug its front hooves into the dirt. Before he knew it, the beast he trusted with his life bucked its back legs into the air. Nearly thrown off of his stead, but he didn't hit the ground. The next thing he knew when he opened his eyes, his entire body covered in a cold sweat, was that his feet were on the ground.

His men were charging all around him, rushing forward through the Sunlight Scripture's forces.

Blinking, Gazef turned his head to see Satoru standing beside him with a magic stave in his hand, flames bursting from the three heads at the top of the shaft. Then when he shifted his gaze towards his stead, he rested his gaze on a downed warhorse.

The front legs of the creature were now rendered useless as it writhed on the ground in agony.

His ears filled with the crackling of draconic lightning as a current of electricity rushed past him and silenced the poor creature. In a split second, the being had been put out of its misery. Having traced the current back to its source, Gazef had his eyes on none other than Satoru once again.

He had cast a fifth tier spell without a single word–the feeling was similar to when the Empire brought Fluder Paradyne to the front lines during the Annual Wars.

"Hm. Once you took out one of the mages, they used mind-control on your horse."

"Ah…"

As the Warrior Troop members flowed around them like an ocean receding around a sandbar, he heard someone shout. Near the end of the line of men, his eyes matched with another.

"Warrior Captain!"

Satoru glanced over towards one of the warriors who were leaning off of his horse, a hand out for the Warrior Captain to take. He wanted to help him onto his horse if that was at all possible. Yet, before the man's hand could reach, a bolt of white energy smacked into his chest. A shocked expression covered his face as the life left his eyes.

The two of them watched as the warrior tumbled off of his horse and into the dirt–face down.

"No!" Gazef threw the crossbow to the ground, drawing his sword.

'That was different...'

In a clear field, Satoru stared at the number of Archangel Flames that hovered over them. Three of them moving into attack position as Gazef went charging forward on his own. The other warriors who had survived had already moved onto the next phase. Though there were a few who were still attached to their stirrups, being lifelessly dragged along by their steads.

More had died in the first wave than Satoru recalled from last time.

"Gazef-dono!"

"Cover me!"

"Understood."

Satoru used [Fly] once more to rise above the playing field. Pointing his magic staff forward, he remained poised. "[Triple Magic: Dragon Lightning]!" A volley of three serpentine snakes made entirely of electrical current tore through the air with brilliant blue light.

What was summons when you could take out the summoners? They were composed of mana. Without direction, they were nothing more than puppets on a string. Those three serpents found their prey and zapped the life out of three Theocracy mages.

Three angels vanished from the sky into the gold mana they were composed of.

That wasn't enough. With three down, there were three more in their place. Thankfully, Gazef was not as weak as any normal native of the New World. He watched as he put on a splendid airborne display. Spinning with his body imbued with martial arts, he watched as he destroyed three angels in a single bout. During his entire time here in the New World, he had only witnessed one person with a similar skill.

Brain Unglaus, Gazef's Rival, an individual who wields a samurai sword–a katana.

As Gazef landed on his feet, Satoru teleported beside him with silent metamagic.

"Gazef-dono, stay close to me."

"As you say, Satoru-dono."

The Warrior Captain readied his weapon in front of him, both of their sights were locked with Nigun who was scrutinizing them from afar.

"[Magic Circle: Angelic ]." A ten-foot radius of light engulfed the ground and a cylinder of magic stood around them at twenty feet in height. It had a divine hue to it, but it was warding against Angelic creatures from entering. If they so tried, then the damage would ensue.

At that moment all of the mages tensed.

The Slane Theocracy's primary form of attack was bombarding their enemies with spells, and doing flanking maneuvers with their angelic summons. Though these meager third-tier angels could not break through the sixth tier magic barrier specifically geared towards them.

"No matter!" Nigun spouted, "Attack them using your offensive spells! All of them!"

Satoru shifted in front of Gazef, much to his surprise. Tens of spells could be seen casting, magic circles appearing before the mages as they fired upon the two of them. Yet as Gazef closed his eyes, he didn't feel a single impact. Opening his eyes, he watched as all of the tier magic fizzled out in a mere couple of inches of his newfound friend.

Their magic didn't work on him, no matter how much they bombarded him.

Not even his attire was soiled by the attacks.

"You have deceived yourself, Nigun Grid Luin. After your nation worked to strip the Warrior Captain of his treasures... You assumed no force could challenge you… You've been mistaken."

Nigun's eyes widened at the sound of his name being spoken by an unknown combatant. Even he, as the commander of the Sunlight Scripture, had to recognize his skill with magic. Not only that, but his immunity to magic spells cast by his compatriots was beyond disturbing to him.

That was when, in the distance, they could hear the shouting of men–the warrior troop.

They were returning.

"Such a thing can't happen! Simply impossible! Identify yourself!"

Gazef, dumbfounded by his friend's ability, shifted his gaze towards Nigun once more. The confidence that still eeked off of the man was still dangerous. At the same time, Satoru's silence reminded him of how it felt when he thought about making an enemy of him and his party–should he have refused to be hired.

"Keep atta––"

"[Maximize Magic: Corpse Explosion]."

Before Nigun could even finish his command, the three corpses of his fallen colleagues exploded.

Shards of bone and pieces of their helmets along with their equipment were sent flying through the air. Just like when Satoru had stood in front of the spells, he did the same to shield Gazef from debris. Their ears filled with screams of pain and agony. He had cast a sixth-tier spell, boosted to be a seventh, that turned corpses into an explosive ordinance.

Nigun himself stumbled back from the shaking ground alone and nearly slipped on blood coating the grass. "I-impossible!" The man fumbled at his robes–he was looking for something particular.

"Satoru-dono…"

"Uh… hm.."

Satoru knew what the magic caster wanted to do, what magic item he was wanting to use. A seventh tier angel was nothing against him–and he hadn't even used his 'elite' angel yet. Perhaps he wanted to use them in tandem? Could he do that?

"I would offer you the chance to surrender–but I assume there will be some resistance!"

"Hah! You surely jest! Just because you have a mere handful of powerful spells, doesn't mean you can defeat us! The Sunlight Scripture! Your power is just a measure of your ignorance!"

Satoru shook his head, 'This guy…'

"[Maximize Magic: Necrotic Arrow]!"

Three pitch-black arrows appeared before Satoru, enhanced by instant-death. In the blink of an eye, these shard-like forms soared through the air unimpeded. One of Nigun's subordinates moved to block the barrage–only for his Magic Shield spell to shatter on impact.

Thud.

The man dropped dead and two of the arrows kept going–it happened two more times in the next couple of seconds. Needless sacrifices of men who died for their Captain who promised them victory.

Nigun might've sworn that the spell felt as if it was only second-tier, but it mattered not. His men were now laying at his feet dead and he–his nation– was responsible. Nearly frothing at the mouth and filled with rage, the fourth-tier magic caster bellowed a string of senseless words.

"I know what you're thinking–it's not worth it. Your angels cannot penetrate this barrier..."

Nigun was hesitating–the Angels were useless–his trump card was an unknown factor.

"[Widen Magic: Black Storm]!"

With all of Nigun and his crew bunched together, fearful of another attack, a sphere of complete and utter darkness surrounded them. The crackling sound of lightning and booms of thunder arose over the agonizing screams. It was another Necromantic spell that combined that of necrotic status effects with lightning damage. Thanks to his passive enhancements towards instant-death however… silence fell swiftly.

All of the angels vanished as one after another, those inside the sphere had perished.

As the sphere faded into nothing but charred grass and visibly untouched items, all that remained of Nigun and his troop of mages was their corpses. Terrified faces were frozen as their expressions. Gripped in Nigun's hand was the seventh-tier angel, the strongest angel the Theocracy had to offer.

Satoru finally glanced over to Gazef as the Magic Circle protecting them finished its duration.

"That was… a terrifying display of power, Satoru-dono."

Was all Gazef could bring himself say, refusing to look at the faces of the dead as he sheathed his sword. Slowly, he looked to those who were returning in droves–his very own Vice Captain leading them in the charge.

Satoru had seen them coming and decided to end this quickly. He remembered how many of them had died in the original skirmish. More had already died in this one. If they came back for another round, none of Gazef's men were likely to have survived. It only made sense to protect someone in need.

"I count five dead…"

Gazef blinked at the first words that left Satoru's lips. They sounded… regretful almost. For someone who had just killed so many in a single move, he appeared to still have his sensibilities.

"Bring your dead to the Village Square. I'll have Nabe deal with the Scripture's dead."

All he could do was nod, unsure of what the young man intended to do. Boy, was he going to be in for a surprise... Satoru allowed a smile to paint itself across his lips as he then made his way back toward the village. Fully aware that someone–somewhere–in the theocracy was watching from afar through the use of scrying magic.

Activating a skill silently–the scrying magic was disrupted–and an invisible screen shattered in the sky above the bloody battlefield.

Night fell upon the land within the hour, dotting the skies with stars between the clouds. As darkness took the plains, the village square was well lit with several torches and a bonfire. Gathering around this fire was the villagers–cooking meat and serving drinks. A celebration of victory, nothing more and nothing less.

Satoru stood there before the five dead bodies, looking over their armor. Their weapons laid beside them and their arms were crossed over their chests. Gazef himself had closed their sleepless eyes in preparation for their burial and the next life. Except, that wasn't the plan.

"They died well," Gazef spoke mournfully of his men who had fallen in battle. "Their families–"

"No, they didn't…" He had long since put away his magic staff and in his hand was a wand of true resurrection. An item that could resurrect low-level entities without the risk of turning them to dust, unless they denied a chance to return to the living.

"Satoru-dono…" The Warrior Captain could do nothing as he watched the man raise the wand and point it at one of the corpses. He blinked, at first, not knowing what to think only until he watched the wand become luminescent with magical power.

Each Wand of True Resurrection gave five charges. It was only fitting to use it on the fallen.

The glow attracted villagers from the fire, distracting them from the celebration.

Nemu and Enri were the first to notice, as they were watching him from afar.

"Satoru-san~ Satoru-san~ What are you doing?" Nemu spoke in a quirky, though polite, tone.

Standing over one body, he activated the wand. A warm light coated everyone in the area with holy radiance, but only one thing was affected by the item. When the light faded, the body stirred and an audible human groan could be heard.

"Ah… Wha… What's going on…"

"By the Gods…" People murmured, but not in fear, but complete and utter awe.

The crowd began to shuffle about as they registered what was going on.

Gazef was nearly in tears–he had seen life restored–but never like this as one after another Satoru brought his fallen back from the dead. They weren't as ill as one were to expect. It was far more powerful than the spell, Raise Dead, used by Lakyus of the Blue Roses. His eyes turned to the item in Satoru's possession as he was bringing back the others.

The moment he used the wand for the last time, the wand disintegrated into sparkling dust.

He had used a precious item that could not be recharged to bring back the dead.

Gazef was at a loss for words and he nearly fell to one knee, only for Satoru to catch him.

"Tired already?" Satoru gave a light-hearted tease though it wasn't the place for it.

"You have the power over life and death… Satoru-dono… You brought my men back."

"Heh… Uh, yeah… Sadly that was my last wand."

Satoru blatantly lied–The Great Tomb of Nazarick had hundreds if not thousands of them.

"Eh? You didn't..."

"But I did. What are friends for?"

That was when Satoru glanced down and noticed the tiny ginger staring up at him with starry eyes. His lips parted as he glanced over his shoulder towards Enri who was standing there with a rather similar expression of awe and admiration. He destroyed the ones who threatened to destroy the very lives of those who lived in their village… Not only that, but he brought back those who died fighting beside him without a second thought–Like a Hero who enthroned himself into the folds of history.