Hey Guys! Crescent Rider here and I am back with not just one, But two chapters since I missed a monthly update. However, Don't expect a chapter in May though. I have my reasons, but I won't tell them since it's a personal matter.

Also, To those who aren't aware. I've recently deleted the old version of 'The Little Ruler' story for a rewritten version. There will be appearances of Servants, but it'll be different and less frequent than the old version.

That is all I have to say for now, and as always enjoy the chapters!


Present...

Nadia remained still with widened eyes as she stared at her former comrade...

She didn't usher a word for the last few seconds. But once she did, the first words that came out of her mouth as a question, "But... How? You're-"

"Dead? Well, not anymore," Eva, now commonly known as Alicia a.k.a 'Doll', admitted, "Or that's what I used to think,"

"What do you mean?" Nadia questioned,

"Well... It's a long story," Alicia said,

Nadia allowed her to say, and hear her story about how she lived after her apparent death in her first life. Apparently, she had heard a voice commonly referred to as the 'Voice of the World' and she was reincarnated into this world as part of her second life.

Not only did she retain her original powers, but also her humanity and memories of her first life. she even recalls her death in her first life. She was twenty-four on the day of her death.

But there was more to the story besides her arrival to this world...

"There are others like you?" Nadia mouthed,

"Yes, I have yet to meet them all. But the kingdom they reside in still conducts summoning rituals to bring in more of these 'Otherworlders' to this world," Alicia told, "As far I know, I have met at least two of them,"

"Are they from our world as well?" Nadia assumed, and Alicia shook her head in response,

"If they were, I would have known it already. But apparently, Our world isn't the only place they can use to summon 'Otherworlders'," Alicia said, "The two seemed to have originated in the 21st Century that is deprived of Magic Power similarity to our world, and their attitudes are in need of adjusting,"

"Do they possess any abilities thought?" Nadia asked,

"They do, and it has something to do with this 'Voice of The World'. It kinda reminds me of those RPG games I used to play," Alicia said, "Man, I so miss 21st Century Technology,"

Alicia's thoughts drifted off-topic to the memories of the 21st Century while Nadia made a deadpan look on her face, "It's good that you haven't lost your Childish Personality, Doll,"

After her thoughts were cleared, Nadia then cleared her throat once to get Alicia back on track, "As I said before, Do you know their abilities?"

"I'm afraid I can't say. But what I do know is that the first guy has this mace on his back, and a girl wields some sort of halberd," Alicia said,

"Then the rest is up to me finding it out," Nadia concluded, "Which reminds me, why were you sent here?"

"Scouting mission. Apparently, a few nobles have hired groups of adventurers to five different regions," Alicia answered, "The other adventurers thought that we were the unfortunate ones as we were sent to the center of all the ant battles. Well, who's laughing now, You jerks!"

'She's still the same person as I remember,' Nadia commented as she sweatdrops,

[Indeed...]

"By the way, What happened to the war after I was dead?" Alicia questioned,

Nadia gapes a bit, then made an uncertain look on her face. She put in some thought on whether or not she should tell her.

After a minute or two has passed, Nadia internally sighs before making her decision.

"Do really wish to know?" Nadia questioned with a serious tone in her voice,

Alicia soon felt nervous, but as she took a deep breath. She nods in response, and Nadia sighs before explaining the details of the war.

It had shocked Alicia to the core despite their supposed victory. For the casualties consisted of hundreds of mages. Among them, we're Alicia's closest friends and relatives.

The rest were either her former comrades in arms or an idol she looked up to.

"No way..." Alicia muttered as her knees felt weak, and falls to the floor,

"I'm really sorry..." Nadia apologized,

Alicia soon had teary eyes at the revelation of the war. With her memories of her first life, she could clearly recall every conversation she had with her friends and most of which were more saddening after learning about the fate of each of her friends.

The one that affects her the most was a certain boy she had grown fond of in her years as an apprentice.

"W-Why..." Alicia shuttered, "Why him too..."

Nadia sighed once, then walks right up to her, and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Don't blame yourself, Doll. If anyone is to blame, It's me. If it weren't for my decisions, Things would have ended differently..."

Alicia sniffed once, wiped her tears, and regains her composure, "No... You have nothing to do with it. But I just can't understand why he's included, He's not even a fighter for Pete's sake!"

"You know them as much as I do," Nadia stated, "They target the weak, and won't hesitate to end them,"

Alicia seemed frustrated but grew to understand since that war was never played fairly for everyone, "Aside from him, there is another that I don't understand,"

"What is?" Nadia questioned,

"How is the war over after you've knowingly died in the end? Shouldn't there be more of them around in their base?" Alicia assumed,

"Well, I did tell you that I faced the leader myself," Nadia said, "I simply left out a part where I ordered an assault to key locations that provide the enemy the necessary firepower to fend off attacks, and most of the work was done by me and a few Heroic Spirits,"

"That would explain things," Alicia concluded, "What's going to happen to them now?"

"To be honest, I don't know of what's to come to them..." Nadia admitted, then made a smile at a possible outcome, "But I'm sure it'll last for a while,"

"I'll never get over seeing you smile, Nadia," Alicia commented, "You look so cute,"

"Okay, that's enough," Nadia said, then lets Alicia stand on her feet, "But I'd admit, I missed you after what happened to you. Nothing was the same without that personality of yours around,"

Alicia then laughs at her comment, and Nadia simply shared a giggle. After some time, they've discussed other things for old time's sake.

Meanwhile...

The Western Heiress and her Royal Guard continued to push through the sandstorm while the enemy was far behind them since they were more experienced in adapting to the storm than the Demon Lord's underlings.

However, one of the Royal Guards in the front soon spots something in the distance.

"My lady! Something big is approaching right in front of us!" Royal Guard #1 warned,

"Is it a monster? If so, Then we have no other choice but to fight it," Royal Guard #2 said, then the rest assumed their positions around the Heiress,

As they waited for it to get closer, they also kept their backs covered of the possible chance of the Demon Lord's underlings might catch them off guard.

Once this unidentified threat came into view, it performs a drift to stop its acceleration but causes bits of sand to fly toward the Western Ants and momentarily blind them.

After they've regained their sight, the Western Ants were now confused about what they were seeing. It wasn't a monster, but it appeared to be some sort of wagon with wheels, and the occupants were unfamiliar to them.

"Humans? Why are there humans living in a place such as this?" Royal Guard #1 questioned,

One of the occupants then dismounted from their wagon and approached them. They immediately tensed up but didn't expect a warm welcome from the driver herself.

"Hello! It's nice to meet you all," Da Vinci enthusiastically greeted while some of the ants aboard her vehicle started dismounting as well,

But that's when the Western Heiress and her guards noticed something different with the other occupants. They all make look human, but what stood out the most from them was the small antennas sticking out of their foreheads.

As they continued to put this in thought, The Royal Guard Leader leaned towards the Western Heiress' ear.

"My Lady, What are your orders?" Royal Guard Leader questioned,

"I don't know, to be honest, they don't look so hostile, but it doesn't mean we can trust them," The Western Heiress stated, "So keep your guard up, who knows what these people might do to us,"

"Understood," Royal Guard Leader agreed,

"Who are you, People?" Royal Guard #1 demanded as he held his curved sword towards them,

"No need for hostility. We were sent here to find you?" Da Vinci answered,

"Find us? Why?" Royal Guard Leader said,

"We wanted to bring you all somewhere safe," Pierce answered, "After we've learned of your escape from the Demon Lord's clutches, Our lady wasted no time in assigning us to find you,"

The Western Heiress felt some bit of relief but remained cautious as to how they knew of their escape. Before she could question this matter any further, one of her Royal Guards from the rear soon spots something that they didn't want to see.

"My lady, I'm seeing several silhouettes approaching from the rear! It's either there from the other regions or the Demon Lord's Underlings!" Royal Guard #3 exclaimed,

"Damn, They're so persistent!" The Royal Guard Leader commented,

Without a moment of hesitation, The Western Heiress then spoke out to Da Vinci's group, "Where are you going to take us?"

"The Central Colony, Your Majesty," Pierce answered,

"Then you may take us with you," The Western Heiress declared, much to her guards' surprise,

"B-But, My lady," The Royal Guard Leader tried to object, but stops as the Western Heires continued,

"I know we can't fully trust them yet. But we also can't afford to waste our time here as our enemies reach this place," The Western Heiress pointed out, "Therefore, We'll settle this matter after we've reached safety,"

Her Royal Guards remained concerned about this, but they decided to go along with her order and began boarding Da Vinci's Vehicle.

"Is everyone buckled in?" Da Vinci questioned,

The Western Ants didn't know what to say as they know the term while Pierce simply nods as he held onto the railing. But when the ants decided to nod either way, Da Vinci turns back to the wheel, "Then you'd better sit tight! Cause here we go!"

Da Vinci then steps onto the pedal, and the vehicle soon accelerates at high speeds that caught its new occupants off guard. The Royal Guards and the Heiress then held onto the railing.

As time passes, Pierce, his team, and The Western Royal Guards were screaming in fear especially when the vehicle occasionally jumps goes over small hills. Da Vinci remained calm as she focused on her driving, however, her expression shows an enthusiastic girl enjoying the ride she had made.

As for the Western Heiress, her reaction was different than the rest.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! This is fun!" The Western Heiress exclaimed, then spots a large hill up ahead, "Are we going up that hill!"

"Yes!" Da Vinci responded and stepped on the pedal even further,

"NO!" The other occupants yelled,

But this was in vain as the vehicle fastly ascends the hill, and everyone held onto the railing as if their lives depended on it while the Western Heiress has somehow managed to be right next to Da Vinci.

Once they were in the air, The Western Heiress continued to express her joy while the rest of the occupants were screaming. After they landed on the slope, they were now descending at high speed that one of the occupants had gotten sick all of a sudden.

After they've landed on flat ground, that same occupant went towards the railing and started puking his guts out while another pats him on the back.

Now, they were in the clear from their pursuers and were on their way back to the Central Colony...

Back at the Central Colony

Willow and Zen continued to socialize with Ezra and his party. Apparently, the latter was feeling worried about Eva's absences. (For those who question, The name Eva will be mentioned whenever there are people around, and the name Alicia a.k.a 'Doll' will only be mentioned if she and Nadia are in the same room together. Of course, I plan to stick with the latter once a reveal has been made)

But those worries were soon put to ease when a magic circle appeared out of nowhere, and both Nadia and Eva soon arrived before them.

"Hey, guys. I hope I didn't make you all wait for too long?" Eva questioned

"Not at all, But we were getting a bit worried about you," Ezra commented,

"So, I take it that all of you will be leaving?" Nadia questioned,

"Yes. Normally, We'd stay here a little while longer. But our job comes first, and if we miss the other adventurers. The journey wouldn't be safe in the long run," Ezra reasoned,

"I see, in that case. I'll assign a Scout to escort you all back," Nadia said,

"No need, We can manage," Ezra said, then turns to his party, "Right, Guys?"

They nodded in response, and Ezra turns back to Nadia, "See what I mean?"

"I understand, but I hope my people have provided you with all the proper supplies needed for the journey?" Nadia questioned,

"Yes," Ezra said,

"Then I hope you'll make it back to safety," Nadia said,

Ezra bows at this courtesy, and Eva soon joins up with him. Once they're packed with supplies, They depart through the Northern Gate and wave goodbye while Nadia waves back at them.

"Shall I spy on them with a spider?" Willow questioned,

"No need," Nadia said, as she stares at Eva, "For I already have a spider among them,"

Willow was confused for a moment then she turns in the same direction as Nadia. Moments later, she then misunderstood something as her expression darkens a bit.

"I see..." Willow muttered,

'Why do I feel like something wrong's going to happen' Nadia assumed,

A Couple of Hours Later...

Nadia was seen making several adjustments to her inventions until she soon heard a message from Willow.

[Nadia. The Group you've sent to pick up the Heiress has returned] Willow reported,

"Alright, I'll be there in a second," Nadia responded,

Nadia then used a teleportation spell and arrives at the Western Gate. Willow and a few other ants near the gate were present, and Da Vinci soon arrives after drifting her vehicle to stop once more.

Willow immediately shielded Nadia from the dust while shielding her own eyes with one arm.

After the dust clears, Da Vinci immediately dismounts the vehicle and the Western Heiress followed suit. As for the other occupants, they were nowhere to be seen.

Nadia then passes by Willow and approached Da Vinci.

"Hello, Da Vinci-chan," Nadia greeted, "I hope you've become successful with the mission,"

"We have, in fact, This girl beside me just so happens to be the one you're looking for," Da Vinci said as she placed her hands on the Western Heiress' shoulders,

Nadia then turns to the Western Heiress, and bows her head to her, "It's an honor to finally meet you, your majesty. My name is Nadia and I hope the journey wasn't rough,"

"Not at all, in fact, I happen to enjoy the experience," The Western Heiress said, "By that aside, I would like to express my gratitude for saving us at the right time,"

"I see," Nadia said, then notices that the other occupants haven't dismounted from the vehicle, "By the way, where's-"

"Oh, my apologies, Nadia. But I'm afraid the others have..." Da Vinci trails off until Pierce suddenly drops down from the vehicle feeling sick, and the same goes for a few Western Ants as well,

Nadia gapes at the sight of these people, then sighed after putting two and two together. However, her overly reliable helper then spoke about their conditions.

[It seems these guys are currently undergoing motion sickness. It's advised that you give them-]

'Don't, I know what to do with this sort of problem,' Nadia said,

After having Willow's subordinates carry the sick occupants to be treated, Nadia decided to give Pierce and the team a full day off to recover from their motion sickness and trauma from Da Vinci's driving.

Speaking of which, Nadia also gave Da Vinci a punishment. She is given a time out with her inventions for a month and assigned in maintaining to the wall's infrastructure as well.

As for the Western Heiress, Nadia decided to schedule a meeting after the Royal Guards have recovered as well...

Earlier, Ezra's Party

Ezra and co. continued to make their way back to the rendezvous point. But as they make their way there, They've conversed with one another to pass the time.

Mostly, their topics revolve around their time in the Central Colony as well as their hospitality. But the rest led up to one important topic they've wanted to discuss.

"By the way, Eva. What did you and Lady Nadia talk about?" Carona questioned,

"Huh?" Eva mouthed,

"The moment you two came back, You seemed a bit happier than usual. I know it's nothing special, but I am rather curious since you don't normally show that kind of expression before," Carona pointed out,

"Oh, well... It's a long story," Eva admitted,

"Seriously? We've got a lot of time," Arnold noted,

"Yeah, Why not tell us now?" Fernand followed,

"If the time is right, I will tell you," Eva said, much to their disappointment,

"Let her be, you three," Ezra stated, "If she doesn't want to say, it's only natural that we respect her decision rather than be pushy about it,"

Arnold and Fernand agreed with their leader's decision while Carona pouts to herself. As for Eva, he simply giggles to herself while recalling her conversations with Nadia.

Sometime later...

Ezra's party soon arrived at the rendezvous point, and oddly enough. No one seemed to be around despite the deadline approaches.

Once they reached the center of the area, they looked around while being cautious enough to draw their weapons and assumed their fighting strategy in case of an attack.

They stayed like this for a couple of minutes while Eva used a spell that scanned the entire area. Once she finished, she then leans toward Ezra, "No one's around..."

"Are you certain?" Ezra questioned,

"Yes. I've only been able to detect the wildlife of the surrounding area, and so far, there isn't a human or ant near this area," Eva concluded,

"Then, do you think that the other adventurers were..." Carona assumed,

"Possibly, This is ant territory. Make a fuss here, and you'll have armies come running down on you in a heartbeat," Fernand grimly added,

Everyone excluding Eva gulped at the mere thought of it, but they were soon in luck when Ezra spots something in distance.

Apparently, it was a wagon operated by a human coachman, and that person seemed a bit surprised by seeing Ezra's party in the area.

"Hey! You there! Are you the adventurers that were assigned to scout this region?" The coachman questioned as he drew closer to them,

"We are, have you seen the other adventurers?" Ezra questioned,

"I'm afraid you folks are the only ones I've seen today. This is ant territory," The coachman pointed out, "Disturbing them is equal to disturbing Nature. Which is why I tend to drop folks like you here instead of going further into this region,"

"We're the only ones here?" Ezra noted,

"Pretty much," The coachman stated,

Ezra and his party could only glance at each other with concern on their faces. But soon enough, the coachman then spoke up to them, "Well, either way, I was supposed to be here to pick up anyone whoever arrives in this area. Since you're all that arrived, you'd best get in the cart now. I'd hated staying out here before sundown. Monsters roam more frequently in the dark,"

Ezra's party heed his words and went aboard the man's wagon. Once everyone was in, The coachman went on with the departure and headed back to human territory.

But not too far from them was a critically injured man crawling underneath the bushes. The reason why this person was detected is due to the influence of someone behind his injuries.

A figure catches up to this man and kills him with a sword through the man's back. With him dead, this mysterious assailant then sat down with its legs crossed together and started devouring the corpse to leave no evidence in the area.

Meanwhile, In the Human Kingdom

Isaac continued to perform his duties to the Demon Lord in secret while learning more about these new 'Otherworlders'. From what he can gather from his most entrusted informants, This Otherworlder is said to be more of a replacement for another Otherworlder that had gone berserk during a certain incident.

Details of this incident were greatly restricted by the Grand Sage himself. Thus, he could only manage to learn little about it.

Once he admitted that he couldn't find out more about this, He slumps down on his chair and thinks of an alternative way to gather more information regarding this matter.

But as he does, he then recalls certain information about a few nobles hiring Adventurers to scout the ant regions and hopes to find a possible route for them to establish a foothold as they attempt to harvest the natural resources of those land.

He finds their motives utterly foolish since he calls their motives reckless and naive since disturbing the ant war is a one-way ticket to disaster. But considering the demands they have for the region's natural resources, he could only let them be as nothing will change their minds whatsoever.

After some time, the orb he uses to communicate with the Demon Lord suddenly glowed and immediately tends to it. Moments later, the image of the Demon Lord appears before him.

"What is it?" Isaac questioned,

"I wanted to let you know that some of my underlings have dealt with the humans that were sent to these regions," The Demon Lord announced, "However, there is a bit of a problem..."

"What is?" Isaac asked,

"You see, an underling of mine has reported that a single group has seen leaving in a wagon and is now making its back to your kingdom," The Demon Lord explained, which catches Isaac's curiosity,

"Then, do you want me to handle them?" Isaac questioned,

"Not at all I want you to gather whatever information they've collected in the region and report to me after you've completed your task," The Demon Lord ordered,

"I shall do what I can, but I will remind you though. The nobles are getting desperate as the day passes," Isaac reminded, "Eventually, these people will soon take on matters into their own hands,"

"I will keep that in mind, Isaac," The Demon Lord said before cutting out his communication with him,

Isaac then slumps down on his chair once more. But this time, his mind was now curious about this one group that managed to leave the ant regions without becoming a victim to the ants or the Demon Lord's underling.

Hopefully, he could get something out of this and keep his end of the bargain with Demon Lord...


That's it for this chapter, Now move on to the next one!