Like Polaris had instructed, 4 teams of 6 had assembled in front of the ship. However, given the size of the area they had to cover, and the fact the ship was in an isolated area, these teams were divided into smaller teams of 3, which then expanded in every direction.
One of these teams was slightly diverted from their course, when their scouters and senses picked up on the readings they would normally associate with a battle. Little did they knew that they were in fact flying over the Northern Roble Holy Kingdom, shortly after it was attacked by the Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth.
The one heading that team was in fact an NPC from a guild that now resided in one of the many planets Polaris had acquired. He was a Dullahan named Azzir, who wore a dog like collar that allowed him to keep his head in place. He was taller than average with an athletic and somewhat muscular build. His skin was slightly pale, with black eyes and long black hair held in a ponytail. He wore the standard empire armor, and a necklace that allowed him to use the [Fly] spell.
To Azzir's right was Skora, and she was a descendant of one of Polaris' original warriors, and the inhabitant of one of the planets the Frost Demon ruled over. She was of average height, with a slim body and small bust. Her skin was slightly tanned, with blue eyes and short dark brown hair. She had inherited some of her father's Ki based powers, which allowed her to fly or do some other limited techniques. Most of her power came from her abilities as a holy inclined warrior. Something that was very common to her people. She was also wearing a standard version of their battle armor.
Finally, there was Guls, a Namekian. He was one of the several descendants of a Namekian who Polaris, out of curiosity, had captured from his home planet and had much like the Frost Demon and his minions been transported to this universe. Having both lived through this experience and the necessary adaptation after the transfer, the Namekian began to see some good in Polaris. Especially as the experience made him change in certain ways.
It was because of this that he began to aid the Frost Demon, and as a reward for his assistance, even after how their relationship began, Polaris gave him an empty planet to populate with his own kind. Guls wore a version of the battle armor with shoulder straps instead of pads, since the pads were replaced by those in the white cape and turban he wore. The pads was made out of a heavy material, and was useful for his training and kept him from using his full power while in battle. Unlike the others of the trio he did not use a scouter.
"Seems like we got a battle situation taking place just in front of us." Azzir had coolly remarked.
"That's what the scouters indicate." Skora pointed out in agreement.
"What do you think, Guls?" The Dullahan asked.
"If you are always going to ask me, you might as well stop wearing that thing." The Namekian stoically replied.
"You know how he is, Guls. Poor guy just wants to make sure he doesn't commit any mistakes, so he can go back home and get praised by his 'Supreme Deity'." Skora said with a chuckle.
"Hold your tongue." Azzir growled, clearly offended.
"Prove me wrong then!" She laughed, getting no reply.
"The readings are correct. My senses are picking up on what I can assume to be a battle. Or a one-sided slaughter, since I feel many power sources going out." Guls informed in a neutral tone.
"Should, we intervene?" Skora asked.
"No. For all we know intervening would get our side into trouble. And I will not risk making that decision." Azzir seriously replied.
"That's very well thought out for you." Guls remarked in a deadpan.
"Like I said, he is looking for praise." Skora said with a grin.
Azzir simply growled as they continued flying, soon enough arriving at a populated area where the nature of the situation became clearer. They could hear screams, and scanning the area below them they witnessed humans being slaughtered by nonhuman creatures.
"One-sided slaughter it is." Skora sighed, using her scouter to scan the area.
"Even so, we can't interfere." Azzir pointed out, doing the same as Skora.
"Why not? If we do something about this, we could fall on the humans' good side. Isn't that why we are here?" She argued with a confused head-tilt.
"We don't know enough about the situation to say that the humans are innocent in whatever is going on. But from what I can see from up here, they do not seem guilty either." Guls analytically remarked.
"N-No way…" Azzir gasped, his attention set in something in the distance.
"What's wrong?"
"I-I detected a level-100 individual." He informed in shock.
"What!?" Skora gasped, pointing her scouter in the direction he was looking.
"It's true. There is a powerful presence in that direction." Guls remarked.
"We have to investigate." Skora said.
"I know. Just wished we hadn't come across this mess." Azzir said, beginning to fly in that direction.
However, as they were flying towards that location all of them managed to detect a sudden change. The entity was gone, and in its place was now a much weaker being. Yet one that overwhelmed those around it and themselves.
"Guls, go on ahead. And take this." Azzir ordered, giving his scouter to the Namekian.
"Very well."
With that Guls rocketed away from them at his best speed.
While this was going on, the bridge of their ship went into a controlled state of panic, as almost all attention focused on the trio's discovery of a level-100 entity. Even after it had vanished, and was replaced by one above level-80, all attention was still on them.
Polaris rested in a small throne like chamber in the center of the room, and had his eyes focused on the screens that showed the point of view from Skora's and Guls' scouters. On the screen on the side of the room were other duos and trios of people looking over the points of view of the other teams, while others looked over scans that examined the surrounding area for any intruder. There were also some scanners to detect if anything else breached the atmosphere like they did.
Standing next to Polaris, to his left side, was the Player of YGGDRASIL Touch-Me wearing only his jump suit, gloves and boots. He had been warned as soon as the trio detected the presence of a level-100 entity and had been there ever since.
Touch-Me's focus was brought to an end when his senses picked up on a new arrival. A fellow member of Five's Own Goal and his wife. The only one he had taken since arriving in this universe about 300 years ago, Tanya. She was a member of the race of Hera. The race more well known for Bojack and his minions, and their abnormal strength for the race. She was the descendant of a member of that race that served Polaris when they were transferred. However, she was not the result of a "normal" bloodline. She, along with many others that served Polaris, were the result of gene based experimentation, that had the objective of maintaining the strength of those that could manipulate Ki.
Tanya, like other people of her race, sported teal-colored skin, orange hair, and pointed ears. Her hair was long and curly, and her eyes were blue. She stood as tall as an average human woman, with a medium sized bust. She was very beautiful, standing among one of the more attractive females in the empire. Even competing with the beauties that came from YGGDRASIL. Her black outfit only covered her torso, wearing over it an armor similar to Touch-Me's, and also wore white gloves and boots. In terms of power, she stood above him. So much so that he believed that she could easily take him out with both arms tied behind her back. Yet, there was still one stronger than him, that was while she was not in her transformed state, as some members of her race could do.
"I should have known where you would have run off to." Tanya remarked.
"Sorry. I heard they had found someone of level-100, so I couldn't help but come here." Touch-Me informed.
"That was quick." She said, with a somewhat bored tone.
"Not that much. It vanished and someone else appeared in its place. And that team is flying over a battle area. Something tells me there will be a fight soon enough." He coolly informed.
"You think we will be needed?" She asked in mild curiosity.
"Don't get your hopes up. At least not yet."
"…"
Touch-Me went to speak further, but Polaris' calm voice echoed through the room.
"Enough. Guls has stopped."
On the screen was depicted a large group of soldiers who were forming a wall between a massive creature, which seemed to be demonic in nature, and a woman with long golden hair. The demon was in the process of ignoring every blow thrown at him, going in the direction of the woman. Polaris took in the scene, not taking long to understand that she was someone of great worth for those around her. She had an air of some importance, which made him think that letting this go on and having her die could be an issue for their long term goals.
"Hmph. Tell Guls and the other two that they are allowed to aid the humans." The Emperor announced.
"M-My Lord, I believe that I know that demon." Touch-Me informed, stepping closer to Polaris.
"Explain."
"I believe that that demon is Wrath! One of the Evil Lords of my former guildbase."
"I see…" Polaris remarked, going back into deep thought.
"Please allow me to go there. As it is none of them can defeat him!"
"Indeed. Go and put on your gear. After that come here. Tanya, get some troops ready and have them ready to deploy as soon as possible." Polaris sternly commanded.
"As you wish, my Lord!" Both replied, taking their leave.
Jaldabaoth had just used [Greater Teleportation] to close the distance between himself and Queen Calca. Remedios was still in the process of trying to rationalize the sudden disappearance of the demon, when something crashed in between the Holy Queen and the Demon Emperor. The new arrival had come from the sky, causing a shockwave upon landing, which caused the queen to stumble backwards and fall, while the demon was unfazed. Yet, as the dust cleared around the stranger, the demon seemed to give him an amused look.
"And who are you?" Jaldabaoth asked in a guttural voice.
"I am Guls, of the Polaris Empire." The Namekian replied, briefly looking around.
"All of you fall back! We will deal with this." He urgently added.
"W-We?" Calca asked in a low, confused tone.
"All of you do as he says! Fall back. We will handle him." Skora shouted, landing near Remedios.
"Are you alright?" Azzir asked Calca in concern, as soon as his feet touched the ground.
"I-I am." Calca replied, taking the strangers help.
"What's going on!? Who are you people!?" Remedios growled in an aggressive tone, looking around and clearly confused.
"I understand how this must look, but we are here to help. All of you must fall back and let us deal with this."
"I will deal with him. The two of you help them get to safety." Guls spoke up.
"Please, you must tell your people to fall back." Azzir calmly told Calca.
"B-But who are you people?" She asked in a daze, somewhat overwhelmed by the entire situation.
"We are here to help. We can help you with both this demon and the rest attacking your people. You only have to call them back and let us work, at least for the time being."
"… F-Fall back! Everyone, do as they say and fall back!" Calca quickly ordered as she collected her wits.
"Humph! An amusing thought. But no one is going anywhere."
As the demon declared this, Guls threw his scouter back at Azzir, just as his now to be opponent went for a right-hand punch. Making sure people had started to distance themselves, Guls took a deep breath and threw himself to his left, avoiding the weak punch from the demon. Had the demon actually been trying he would have had more trouble dodging it, but at this level he could keep up. Of course he knew this wouldn't last. Jumping to the side, he replied with a spinning kick, landing a clean blow on the demon, causing him to slightly tilt his head to the right. Guls followed this by throwing himself back to gain some much needed distance between himself and the demon.
"Your senses are dull. Had you actually been trying, this would have been over." Guls calmly pointed out.
"Y-You insect." The demon growled, pointing at the Namekian with his left hand.
"[Fireball]!"
A massive orb of fire was launched towards Guls, who then masterfully turned around, and allowed his weighted gear to take the blow as he propelled himself to the demon's right. However, before he could gain his bearings two words echoed throughout the area...
"[Greater Teleportation]"
Immediately following this, the Namekian saw his opponent's shadow looming over him. Acting quickly he charged his Ki into his left hand and spun around, so that he now was facing the angered demon. Lifting his hand upwards, firing a powerful blast straight into Jaldabaoth's face. Yet this wasn't enough to stop his opponent to swat him away in anger.
"You're a fast little thing, aren't you?" Jaldabaoth chuckled sarcastically.
Guls said nothing as he staggered back to his feet and faced the demon. His arm had been completely crushed, yet he took his stance, and then took in a deep breath.
"Annoying too." The demon growled, when the wind began to pick up.
The wind was followed by the Namekian beginning to let out a cry. However, this was not a cry of desperation or pain. No, he was letting out a cry of defiance and strength as a clear, fire-like aura enveloped him. His cry became louder and louder, as the aura grew in intensity and size.
Guls' muscles began to bulge, a cry of pain erupting from his mouth when his crushed limb inflated back to its regular form, and small pieces of debris floated around him. The demon was surprised by this, baffled by the concept that his enemy would be fighting him using anything than his full power. What he did not know was that the clothing Guls had removed, was in fact limiting how much power he could actually use.
"I've had enough of this. [Hellfl…"
His words were cut short when his prey lunged at him with even greater speed than before. Not being prepared for this, the demon did nothing as a left-handed uppercut landed clean on his chin. Jaldabaoth's head was moved upwards, the demon letting a low hiss in reply. This motion sending his eyes to his opponent's open right hand which was now in his face.
The last thing the demon saw was a bright light, as his head was swallowed by a massive wave of energy, which even if impressive, in the end did nothing to the demon. This had become evident, when his arms effortlessly wrapped around the Namekian's waist, with laughs now coming from the smoke that now enveloped his head. With a simple breath, the smoke dissipated, revealing a few scratches and burns, but nothing that one would call significant.
"I-I guess that was expected." Guls gasped, feeling his body being slowly crushed.
"Indeed. It was foolish of you to prolong this charade more than needed. But, don't worry. I will make this quick. After all, I still have to deal with the rest." Jaldabaoth remarked, to which the Namekian laughed.
"Grrr... What's so funny?"
"You fool. In a scale of 1 to 100, you are about an 85, correct?"
The demon said nothing, raising an eyebrow at him as he continued.
"As I am now, I can be categorized as an 80. B-But…" Guls let out a pain filled yelp, as the grip got tighter.
"B-But, me and my friends... are nothing, c-compared to the rest…" Once again the grip got tighter, as the demon spoke.
"What are you talking about?"
"Gahk! We're just scouts! We are higher than a regular grunt, yes. But we are weak compared to Lord Polaris' real warriors." Guls announced, his voice swelling with pride.
"Hmph! Lies..."
Whatever else the demon was going to say was brought to a swift end, when suddenly a [Gate] opened in front of him and his prey. Unsure of what was going on, he threw the Namekian to the side and focused on whatever would emerge from the portal, unsure of how he should proceed. Then it happened. Before him appeared a being who he was familiar with. Indeed he was missing his distinct equipment, but there was no mistaking it. Before him was the Supreme Being, Touch-Me. He payed no attention to the woman that was to his right, who bore the same insignia as the Supreme Being, or the male elf that accompanied them.
"M-My lord, Touch-Me-sama." The demon gasped, kneeling before him.
"Heh. It seems you were right. It knows you." Tanya remarked in amusement.
"Tanya, go and coordinate our forces with theirs. Kailu, take Guls to be healed."
"As you wish, sir." The elf replied, taking the Namekian and leaving through the portal.
"Oh... If you insist." Tanya sighed, walking in the direction Azzir and Skora had gone.
"Now Wrath, explain. What happened here?" Touch-Me said, with his outrage clear in his tone.
"I-I was tasked by Demiurge-sama to attack this Kingdom's cities, while leading several demons and demi-human slaves that are under his control. All the while, acting as the 'Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth', in order to increase this world's fear of him." Wrath quickly replied, still bowing.
"Why was doing this necessary?"
"I-I had to kill the Holy Queen Calca Bessarez. And keep acting as Jaldabaoth."
"NOT what I asked. What for? Surely, there's a reason for all of this." Touch-Me hissed in a baleful tone.
"I-I believe that it was to further the Sorcerer Kingdom's influence. Demiurge-sama expects the people from this Kingdom to go and ask Ainz-sama for help…" Hearing this name Touch-Me interrupted Wrath.
"Ainz?"
"Ah! My apologies. Momonga-sama took on the name of Ainz Ooal Gown."
"Did the rest of Nazarick also arrive on this world?"
"Yes. B-But until you arrived, Ainz-sama was the last Supreme Being."
Touch-Me let out a low hiss. It pained him to know that his old guildmate Momonga was alone in a situation like this. Especially trapped inside the body of an Undead Overlord, and all the while having to put up appearances for the NPCs. He assumed this was the case, based on what he had learned during his travels with Polaris, and encounters with other Players of YGGDRASIL. Still, even if that was the case, part of him could not ignore what was going on in front of him. The pointless slaughter of innocent people who had seemingly done nothing wrong and enslaving others.
"W-Where is Mo... Ainz? And Nazarick?"
"Ainz-sama is normally either at Nazarick or in E-Rantel. The Sorcerer Kingdom's Capital. Nazarick is located near the Forest of Tob."
"I see. Thank you, Wrath." Touch-Me coldly said, his right hand going to the large sword that rested on the left side of his waist, which then lightly glowed at his touch.
"I am unworthy of such words, Touch-Me-sama."
"Yes. That you are."
Touch-Me hissed out his disgust filled words as with one swift motion he beheaded the Evil Lord, who collapsed before vanishing into several particles of light. Then, as he was putting his blade back into place, Tanya returned. With her came Azzir, Skora, Calca, and the Custodio sisters, and of course were also followed by several other soldiers.
"Took you long enough." Tanya remarked, with a small yawn.
"He gave us useful information."
"Oh? My apologies then.~" She said with a sarcastic tone.
"I hope you came to some kind of agreement with them?" He asked, looking at Tanya and then Queen Calca.
"Well…" Tanya sighed, motioning to the queen.
"I-I am grateful for your assistance. And that you are willing to offer us aid in defeating the invading demi-humans and demons… But, I need certain assurances before agreeing to anything. I need to ensure that I can trust you, and my people remain safe." Calca informed with the trepidation and concern clear in her voice.
"Understandable. Our emperor is more than willing to speak with you about a possible partnership." Touch-Me said, these words causing some visible confusion in her.
"B-But are you not the one in charge? A-Are you not P-Polaris?" Calca asked, causing Tanya, Skora and Azzir laugh.
"No. My name is Touch-Me. I am the leader of his elite unit." He replied with a polite chuckle, as some people exchanged odd looks and quiet murmurs at his strange name.
"Ahem! T-Then he can do even more than you?" Queen Calca said, trying to ignore the awkward atmosphere that had developed at his name's reveal.
"Correct. I am far from the strongest warrior in the Empire. For example, Tanya is stronger than me."
This answer elicited wide-eyed shock from those present, as they had witnessed Touch-Me slay the demon that had nearly destroyed them with a single swing of his shining blade. Though he was clearly not human, many present felt that he had the aura and presence of a Paladin. Even more so than their crass Remedios Custodio. Just then, the smooth voice of Tanya chimed in to interrupt their racing thoughts.
"Oh, and when it comes to raw power, none can match Lord Polaris."
This had elicited more shocked and awed murmuring from the crowd, as their minds could not fathom Tanya's words. Just how powerful were these strangers? That was the collective question that was on everyone's minds. Before anyone could give voice to this, Queen Calca spoke up, with everyone silencing themselves as a result.
"T-Then, can I meet with him? I know it may be unorthodox, given the current urgency of the situation, but I-I would like to speak with him before agreeing to anything."
"In that case. Please follow me through this portal. Right now, our emperor cannot leave his current location." Touch-Me calmly informed.
"W-Wait! How can we thrust you!?" Remedios roared.
She did not like the idea of her friend who shared her birthday, and queen going alone with whom was clearly a group of nonhuman individuals. Everything had happened so quickly that she did not know how to react or process what had happened. Now that things had settled, her one and only concern was for Calca's safety, and her indignation for the strange group was clear in her eyes.
"Oh? We already saved your queen. That should count for something." Tanya pointed out in a disinterested tone.
"But…"
Remedios was about to spit something back at Tanya through gritted teeth, when Calca spoke over her.
"Without the wall, they are our best chance. I will take the risks."
Remedios' chest felt hot in frustration. She nearly lost everything when Jaldabaoth had proved far more capable than she thought, and the tinge of helplessness she felt had yet to leave her. Still, she could not fully accept it, but nor could she go against her queen in this situation. With barely contained desperation she then spoke...
"T-Then, allow me to go with you."
"You can go. There are no issues with that." Touch-Me calmly informed.
At that moment the [Gate] closed, just for another to open in the same location shortly after, and from it emerged another soldier from their ship.
"Lord Polaris is waiting through this [Gate]. He says that Sir Touch-Me and the 2 women are to meet him. The rest shall remain here and help organize our and their forces." He announced.
"Well, what do you say?" Touch-Me asked, looking at Calca.
"Please, lead the way." She said as she composed herself.
The trio walked through the portal, emerging in a large metallic meeting room with a large circular table in the center. It had no chairs around it outside of the massive throne on the opposite side to them. Remedios and Calca did not have any time to take in their surroundings, as their eyes were focused on the being that rested upon the throne. This was without a doubt, Emperor Polaris.
The fist thought that came to their mind was 'demon'. Surely that was the only thing that he could be, with his massive form and horns. Not only that but he had a strange presence to him. It was almost as if his presence beckoned for their attention and respect, as if before this almighty being they could do nothing else but grovel.
Remedios was gritting her teeth at the sight and presence she felt. She was on the verge of shouting at the situation when a raised hand from Queen Calca held her in place. She was resolute to see this through, and solidifying her resolve, she spoke in the strongest and most dignified tone that she could muster.
"I am Calca Bessarez. The Holy Queen of the Roble Holy Kingdom.
After her announcement, she took a bow, before then sternly eyeing at Remedios that held the implied command, "Do the same".
"I-I'm Remedios Custodio. The leader of the Holy Kingdom's Paladin Order." Remedios informed, taking a reluctant bow.
"Welcome. I am Polaris. Emperor of the Polaris Empire. Go ahead and take a seat. We will have much to discuss, and very little time to do so."
At the sound of his words, three metal seats emerged from the floor, with two in front of Polaris and another to the Emperor's right. Touch-Me went to take the seat next to his superior, while Calca and Remedios took the other two.
"We can start whenever you are ready." Polaris informed, his eyes falling on Queen Calca.
"Ahem. Very well…"
