Grand Repossession

by LB27

Six hundred years after the Six Great Gods passed away, their descendants continued their legacy, striving to cleanse the world of anything inhuman to achieve their human supremacy. Pandora, along with every child of the Supreme Being, is now tasked with saving a world from the Six's descendants, who have become corrupted by their desire for power and control.

4. Vol1, Ch4 : Carne Village

Warning: The following material may cause depression or trigger negative emotions. If you ever feel negatively impacted by this content, please seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional and/or report this work to the web administrator or local authorities.

---

Volume 1, Chapter 4: Carne Village

Prologue

---

9th Floor Hall, Nazarick

---

When Nigredo and Aureole arrived at Pandora's office and burst through the door to see him absorbed in his work, their hearts raced in their chests.

They lunged through Pandora's office doors while gasping for air. Inquisitive and concerned, Pandora glanced up from his desk to see Nigredo and Aureole in a hysterical trance.

"Pandora, we have a serious crisis on our hands. We have to take immediate action to save the living, who are in danger." Nigredo said.

"You are aware that it is customary to knock on a door before entering a person's workplace, correct?" Pandora remarked with an arched brow.

"Fuck that knocking, Pandora," Nigredo abruptly said, her zeal surpassing any consideration for formality.

"What happened?" Pandora asked with a sense of urgency.

"Pandora! There's a village located near Nazarick that's under attack. We need to take action. In a state of dread and pleading, Nigredo cried out.

"The villagers are defenseless and in grave danger. We cannot stand by and watch while innocent lives are lost." Aureole agreed by nodding.

"Pandora, we have been given the power to protect them. It is our responsibility to step in and make sure they are safe. The knights who attacked the settlement slaughtered everyone within. Everyone was included, even kids and the elderly. It's a fucking bloodbath, Pandora."

"We cannot let such atrocities go unpunished." We need to take prompt, firm action to stop this senseless bloodshed and hold those guilty accountable. We have been given our talents and skills for a reason, and the time has come to put them to use. We need to act immediately."

Pandora took a deep breath, comprehending the seriousness of the situation. He responded with clinched fists and an adamant tone.

"Yes, Aureole, you're right. There must be a response to this heinous act. We must deploy our forces and put an end to this senseless carnage before more innocent lives are wasted."

"Inform Entoma, Luciant, Demiurge, and their whole division to place the entire Nazarick in Security Level 2. Have them set up defenses in case the attack is really a cover for an invasion by hostile troops."

"Tell Albedo to take control of the main control panel and be ready to relay the information we need in the field. Inform Shalltear and Albedo to obtain information on any shady activities taking place outside of Nazarick."

"Have all security personnel armed and stationed at Floor 1's entrance, ready to intercept." Activate the surveillance drones and deploy them around Nazarick's perimeter to improve our situational awareness."

"Instruct Shalltear and her personal special teams to utilize their vampiric abilities to sense any potential threats within a certain radius of our location. Our vigilance is essential, since any breakthrough in our defenses might have disastrous effects for the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Be on the lookout for any suspicious activity or signals of intrusion, and be ready to act quickly and decisively when you see them."

"Have Cocytus and Gargantua ready in case we need reinforcements; prioritize stealth and crowd control units. Inform the Reeling Goats and the Black Ops Division to maintain a state of high alert and be prepared to help if required. Establish a communication network among everyone and communicate with Albedo to improve our surveillance techniques. Let's be vigilant in preserving Nazarick's secrets, and let's not undervalue the potential risks."

"Use every satellite we've launched to scan for any enemy reinforcement, mark their location on our map, and send me a message if they move even a fraction of an inch. Narberal and I will lead a squad to the village to deal with the dangers."

Pandora gives his order to both Aureole and Nigredo, who then proceed with their orders. Aureole and Nigredo quickly acknowledge Pandora's order and begin executing their respective tasks.

Aureole immediately starts coordinating with Albedo to enhance surveillance measures, ensuring that every corner of Nazarick is closely monitored. Meanwhile, Nigredo activates the communication network among the guardians, ensuring seamless coordination and information sharing.

With their combined efforts, they strive to maintain the utmost vigilance and protect Nazarick's secrets from any potential threats that may arise.

"Charon!" Pandora, who was in his office, yelled out. He required the help of Nazarick's powerful AI to tackle a serious situation that had emerged.

[Ready, Lord Pandora.]

"I'm going to the armory with Narberal to get our equipment. Please make the quartermaster aware of our arrival and ask him to prepare our weapons and armor. We need to ensure that everything is in top condition for our upcoming mission."

"Then, have a gate ready to transport us someplace in the forest close to the village. Prepare a few escorts for us—no more than a dozen guys dressed entirely in concealment—so they can help us if the situation worsens or if we come into any unanticipated dangers."

"Make sure to give them clear instructions to remain discreet and avoid drawing attention to our presence. Throughout our assignment in the village and its surrounds, we must retain the element of surprise and guarantee a flawless operation."

"Launch a couple strike UAVs in the vicinity of the settlement, prepared for bombing if required. These UAVs will offer us aerial assistance while also allowing us to acquire vital data on the enemy's activities."

"We must coordinate with the UAV operators to make sure they understand our goals and targets, reduce collateral damage, increase the potency of our strikes, and instruct them to wait for further instructions." Pandora addressed Charon.

[Aye, sir.]

---

Pandora and Narberal quickly prepare for their upcoming battle. They make their way to the armory to grab the essential equipment. As they approach the armory, Pandora and Narberal discuss tactical options and strategic strategies to make sure they are ready for every eventuality that may arise during the ensuing conflict.

As they couldn't afford to lose their edge in the element of surprise, Pandora understood that the less information anybody from this planet knew about them, the better. Pandora emphasized the significance of keeping a low profile and fitting in with the locals to Narberal.

They were well aware that any blunder would imperil their goal and expose Nazarick to the outside world. He determined that it would be preferable for him and Narberal to deploy without their own unique, customized gear since it would draw too much attention to their upcoming mission.

They decide to use regular-issue gear instead, blending in with the local forces and giving the impression that they are just another couple of soldiers. In this manner, they could easily blend in with civilians and obtain crucial data without drawing attention to themselves.

By using equipment that was provided by the company, they could quickly replace any lost or damaged items and maintain their efficacy throughout the course of the journey. As they approach the armory, Pandora advises Narberal to keep their actual identities hidden, emphasizing the need to keep a low profile in order to catch their opponents off guard.

---

The Armory, 1st Floor, Nazarick

---

The quartermaster, Kater, welcomes them as they enter the armory and grants them access to the shelves and racks for storing weapons and equipment.

"Welcome, Lord Pandora and Lady Narberal. We are honored to have you here. Your reputation precedes you, and we are anxious to witness your combined wisdom and might."

"Your equipment has been prepared for deployment. I selected the equipment based on your parameters. Kindly go this way. The equipment has undergone a thorough quality and performance check to guarantee it meets the highest requirements."

"Our expert team spared no effort in customizing it to perfectly suit your unique abilities and needs. Trust that you will find all you need for a successful deployment, Lord Pandora and Lady Narberal."

Kater grinned amiably and gestured for them to look at the amazing array of armor and weapons that were organized and stored in the storage room. The shelves are stocked with modern safety equipment and a wide selection of cutting-edge firearms.

Kater directed Pandora and Narberal to a different area of the armory where they might locate the tools required to improve their camouflage. They came to a halt in front of an armor container fashioned like a coffin, and Kater entered a sequence of numbers on the keypad beside it.

The container opened to show an array of high-tech gear, including cutting-edge stealth suits and surveillance systems. With these technologies at their disposal, they would be able to acquire essential intelligence covertly while remaining essentially undetectable.

"What do you think of this armor set, my lord? Before leaving Regnum Dei, we were freshly provisioned from the factory. It is composed of abrilthium metal, which is recognized for its remarkable durability and flexibility, and is lightweight enough to do acrobatic maneuvers despite its small size and strength. Modern sensors and tracking technologies built into the armor suit enable the user to acquire crucial tactical data. It possesses an extremely sophisticated exoskeleton that increases the wearer's strength and agility, allowing them to carry heavy weapons and traverse rough terrain with ease."

"Its integrated communication system provides smooth coordination between team members, boosting their general efficacy in completing their task. And sure, it is available in various hues of black to suit your tastes. It includes two built-in, specially crafted energy swords that can easily cut through any material, retractable short claws on each fingertip, and a dual retractable concealed blade on the forearm for close-quarters fighting. The superior technology of the energy sword enables precise control and deadly attacks, making the bearer a formidable force in close combat scenarios."

"An energy dispenser in each palm for close-range engagements, providing a steady supply of energy for powerful attacks; a collapsible shield in each hand for added protection; and a retractable grappling hook in the wrist for enhanced mobility and strategic maneuvering."

"These features, combined with the suit's sleek and durable design, make it the ultimate choice for those looking for unrivaled versatility and dominance on the battlefield, as well as an array of mid-range projectile weapons like wrist-mounted blasters and shoulder-mounted missile launchers. These long-range projectile weapons allow the user to fight foes from a safe distance while keeping their position of power."

"With this suit, warriors can easily switch between close-quarters fighting and ranged strikes, guaranteeing they are always ready for any eventuality on the battlefield. The energy core alone could power the outfit for three years of uninterrupted operation. It may also self-destruct if desired, giving a failsafe alternative in the event that the suit falls into the wrong hands or becomes compromised." Kater explained the suit's function with apparent enthusiasm.

"In addition, the suit's modular construction made maintenance and upgrades simple, ensuring its lifespan and flexibility in a wartime environment that is always changing. But this is where the suit's sophisticated AI system really changes the game. It could study opponent movements, spot possible dangers, and even recommend tactical tactics to its wearer thanks to its cutting-edge sensors and real-time data analysis capabilities. In addition, this suit, like other 60th-gen models, could function independently and as a drone in the event that you needed to maintain a safe distance or perform several tasks on the battlefield."

"Does it have any flight capabilities?" Pandora asked Kater, still giggling like a small child. Kater grinned and nodded.

"Indeed, sir. It provides omnidirectional propulsion for whatever you want to do. It can travel at a speed of Mach 8 and has a maximum height of 20 kilometers. It also features an anti-icing system. In addition, the suit's cutting-edge navigation technology guarantees precise and effective control while flying, and its enhanced armor offers defense against any airborne threats."

"I even like this suit more." It was remarked in jest by Pandora. "I mean, who wouldn't want a suit that can fly at such astounding speeds and provide both protection and cutting-edge navigation? It's like being a superhero in the sky!" While grinning, Pandora remarked, He then follows up by asking a question.

"How about the cloak feature, though? Can the suit fit seamlessly with its surroundings or become invisible?" Pandora inquired, wanting to know how stealthy the outfit was.

"It has, indeed. When cloaking is engaged, the suit modifies its outer surface using a crystalline generation that is capable of completely absorbing or bending incoming wave spectrums such as visible light, radiowaves, infrared, and possibly microwaves or others, rendering itself completely invisible to the human eye and the majority of surveillance equipment. This cutting-edge technology would enable operatives to move undetected in any environment, making it an invaluable tool for gathering intelligence or carrying out stealthy missions."

"The suit's cloak capability also has the potential to provide agents with a huge tactical edge by enabling them to enter hostile territory undetected and unnoticed. When this happens, light is twisted around the user, making them invisible, and they are encased in a transparent "shimmer" throughout this period. The human eye may, however, detect a little distortion, especially while the suit is moving."

"Finally, I need a real weapon so the locals won't become suspicious when they see someone in armor without a ready sword in a sheath. I require a black sword in my style—nothing too elaborate." His eyes twinkled slyly as Pandora laughed. "Maybe a sleek blade of obsidian that reflects the gloom of my attire? Don't you think that would provide a fascinating element to my style overall?"

He couldn't help but picture the astonishment on the natives' faces as they caught a sight of his intriguing presence, equipped with a weapon that perfectly complimented his secretive demeanor.

"We have everything you require. Which sort of sword are you looking for? We have a large assortment of swords, spanning from traditional designs to more modern and innovative types. We can help you select the exact sword that will genuinely accentuate your intriguing image and complete your whole style, whether you choose a classic katana or a contemporary, streamlined design. Simply tell us your preferences, and we'll choose the best weapon for you."

"I need a pair of big swords for my main weapon—something long, broad, thick, and heavy. And a twin short dagger—something sleek and lightweight enough to perform a parry." Pandora states his specifications.

"Then, Lord Pandora, maybe a pair of Kriegsmesser and either a pair of parrying daggers or karambits would be appropriate choices for you. The large, curved blade of the Kriegsmesser permits broad, sweeping strikes, while the parrying daggers, or karambit, allow for nimble, fast defensive moves. You would have a varied arsenal with this collection of weaponry to succeed in both offensive and defensive combat." Kater responded,

"Those are the best ones I could suggest to you for the majority of scenarios that call for power and agility while having the ability to adapt to varied engagements."

"But it's vital to remember that your unique fighting style and tastes ultimately determine the weapon you choose to use," he concluded. "The karambit alone can be adequate if you prefer a more fluid and agile strategy. On the other hand, the Kriegsmesser would be a formidable option if you choose a more forceful and aggressive approach."

"Good. I'll then get the abrilthium armor, two Kriegsmessers, and two each of the parrying dagger and karambit. What do you want, Narberal?" Pandora inquired about Narberal.

"A typical team would require one melee fighter and one long-range striker. If you're going to pretend to be a knight, I'll go as a mage and concentrate on long-range combat. I'll bring a staff and some potent offensive spells to supplement your melee abilities. I don't require any armor, but I could use a staff and perhaps a small sword for close combat. No, throw in a magic gun as well. I could also need to use long-range assaults. You know, just in case." Narberal mulls over her alternatives and weighs them in her head.

With a nod, she said, "I think it makes sense to have a magic rifle on hand for long-range strikes. In addition to giving us flexibility, it will guarantee that we are ready for any eventuality." Narberal had an idea.

When Narberal suggested they add a magic rifle to their armory, Pandora carefully thought about the notion.

"Indeed, having a magic rifle would greatly enhance our tactical advantage," he said after a little pause. "It would preserve our melee abilities for close-quarters fighting while letting us confront foes from a safe distance. In my opinion, it would be a useful addition to our equipment, and I agree with your offer."

"Then, ma'am, may I propose one of these? Model 890 and Model 1191A3 Gauss rifles, manufactured by famous arms producer Amtach Armaments," said Kater, pointing to two svelte and cutting-edge guns on exhibit.

"Both variants outperform other rifles on the market in terms of accuracy and firepower, are able to fire the 50 Rainbow Puncher ammunition, and have a larger effective range. These versions also have integrated recoil damping technology, which improves stability and control in battle situations. Their design also makes it simple for them to fold up for simple storage and transit. Both rifles also have cutting-edge optics that can be controlled by any external device, such as your eyeglasses or a targeting lens, enabling highly accurate aiming and target acquisition. Furthermore, the rifles are accessory-compatible, including built-in suppressors and bipods, improving their adaptability in a variety of combat circumstances."

"What is a 50-Rainbow Puncher? I'm sure I've heard about that before." Pandora questioned Kater.

"The 50 Rainbow Puncher is a particular form of ammunition that is specially created for the prototype of these weapons; it is a sabot-like cartridge that includes numerous highly damaging payloads. When this ammo penetrates anything, whatever is concealed behind it explodes. The explosion frequently produces colorful shockwaves, hence the moniker "Rainbow Puncher." There is no stopping it once this bullet is fired. Cluster bombs and thermobaric weapons seemed like child's play in contrast. Despite being highly sought after by fans and collectors, the 50-Rainbow Puncher is exceedingly uncommon and hard to come by. The 50-Rainbow Puncher's great destructive power prompted the Supreme Beings to release a formal statement warning against using it without careful oversight."

"They emphasized the necessity for responsible handling and storage of this ammunition to stop any intentional or unintended harm. Once, I read in the papers about an individual who unintentionally discharged 5,000 of these rounds, setting off a massive explosion that seriously devastated both his home and the area around it. Because of his negligence, he was charged with mass murder and received severe legal punishment. He completely devastated a tiny village outside of Amordia, killing forty people in the process."

"How in the world is this thing still for sale?" Narberal yelled in disbelief. "There must be some serious oversight or regulatory flaws if such dangerous ammunition is readily available to the public."

"Because Amtach Armaments and Regal Arms only produced one million of these rounds of ammunition, and because the majority of them were handed to the military for use in special operations," Kater explained. "When the law was adopted, the antique category—which was not subject to the new requirements—included the 50 Rainbow Puncher. This suggests that even if they are currently very expensive and difficult to locate, collectors and enthusiasts may still lawfully purchase them. The worst thing, though, is not even that."

"What could possibly be worse than that, then?" He was curious, so Pandora asked a question.

"Well," Kater said, "the worst part is that after the authorities verified every purchase and estimated the amounts, including those in the military's possession, we're still in the 84000 units of one million; God knows where the rest of them are. It's a mystery that has experts baffled and sparked a host of conspiracy theories. While some believe the units were secretly destroyed, others claim they vanished and were removed and hidden by powerful individuals."

"Wait the fuck up, 84000 out of one million? A startling amount is absent! It prompts serious concerns about the system's dependability and potential fraud." Narberal's eyes became wide as she exclaimed in disbelief. "Do we know where it's being kept right now?"

"Yes, uh. I guess that would be the Prime Armory. The Black Sky Division as a whole, led by Commander Bellial, is in charge of overseeing its defense," Kater replied, his voice laced with worry. "However, the other missing data was never found. The Amtach Armaments Headquarters was destroyed in one of the rebel attacks 19 years ago."

"You're telling me we lost 900,000 weapons of mass destruction, each about the size of an aromatherapy candle?" Pandora asked, and his brows creased in surprise. Kater nodded gravely, the gravity of the situation reflected in his gaze. "Well, that's just what we need," Pandora remarked, his irritation apparent in his voice. "Those weapons might have terrible consequences if they got into the wrong hands."

"Let's just continue. Kater, make a recommendation—something small and easy to use in a small space," Narberal offered, attempting to direct the debate forward.

"Yes. What do you like, dear lady—something deadly or not?" Kater inquired, his voice polite.

"Non-lethal most of the time, but may deliver a fatal blow when required. Something I can carry around with me at all times without anyone suspecting its true purpose," Narberal answered, her eyes scouring the room. "I require a weapon that is discreet and won't draw attention if used."

Kater nodded, acknowledging how crucial discretion was in their area of business. "My lady, I've got precisely the thing in mind. May I present the Absinthe Mark 13, codenamed Love Tap, a multi-purpose combat gauntlet manufactured by Regal Arms?" A sleek and small gauntlet was revealed when Kater removed a sliding array from the casket containing the weapons.

"The gauntlet is equipped with stun knuckles that deliver a non-lethal shock to knock down opponents without doing any lasting damage. The palm has an energy emitter that you may use to unleash strong concussive force bursts as needed. A cutting-edge retractable twelve-foot lightning whip that may be employed for close combat as well as a multipurpose tool for navigation or restraint of opponents from a distance is also included in the gauntlet's arsenal. You may anticipate quite a long usage before needing to recharge as it utilizes a type 6 battery." Kater explained, grinning like a kid at a candy store.

"Now that's what's up!" she shouted, her face beaming. "Then I'll take the Love Tap, along with 890 and 1191A3."

"Excellent! I'm assuming the Abrilthium armor, two kriegsmessers, two parrying daggers, two karambits, model 890, model 1191A3, and the Absinthe Mark 13? Pandora and Narberal are reaffirmed by Kater.

Pandora nodded, saying, "Yes, that's correct.

"For the types 890 and 1191A3," Narberal said, "we'll also need some 50 Rainbow Puncher sabot rounds, just in case. Don't forget to add the extra power cells for the Love Tap, too," she instructed.

Kater said, "Of course," and added the details to her list. "I'll be sure to include the additional power batteries for the Love Tap and the 50 Rainbow Puncher sabot rounds."

The armory personnel rapidly assembled the required supplies and gave them to Pandora and Narberal after Kater guided them into the fitting room.

As the crew gathered their equipment, Pandora couldn't help but feel a thrill of confidence, knowing that their improved armament would give them a sizable advantage in any impending conflicts. They were equipped for both long-range and close-quarters fighting thanks to the Abrilthium armor's increased protection and the Gauss Rifle's combination with melee weaponry.

After completing their preparations, Pandora and Narberal looked intently at each other before moving to an open area of the armory.

"Charon!" Pandora exclaimed.

[Ready, Lord Pandora.]

"We're ready to head out. Give me a sense of our current situation." Pandora said.

[The field agents have arrived at the nearby woods and are prepared to help you and Lady Narberal.]

[The UAVs are ready to launch the assault when you signal them to.]

[Lord Demiurge, Lord Luciant, and Lady Entoma have fortified Nazarick and are prepared to stop any intruders. On the third floor, Lady Shalltear is likewise ready to go.]

[Lady Nigredo has gathered the village's intelligence. She has identified and tagged 56 targets, all of whom are in the hamlet and present.]

[All targets wearing conventional protective equipment in this world have a low danger level of 1 out of 10. The population looks to be unaware of our presence, making this an ideal time to strike. Shall we proceed with the attack and remove the targets as quickly and efficiently as possible?]

"Open the gate to the woods, please."

[Confirmed, opening gate].

[Agents in the field have reported that a small group of four targets are now making their way to the woods while pursuing two local women who are ten and sixteen years old, respectively. Minor injuries were sustained by both locals.]

'Chasing two vulnerable small girls who can't defend themselves?' Pandora muttered to himself as he entered the gate.

"All right, Narberal, let's go." Pandora cast a quick glance towards Narberal. "Let's make sure those targets regret their actions," Pandora remarked as he motioned Narberal towards the woods.

"I'm right behind you, Pandora." Narberal answered. She repositioned her hand on her staff. Pandora and Narberal vanished into the dark undergrowth, their eyes blazing with the purpose of those who would see justice done.

[Have a safe journey, Lord Pandora and Lady Narberal. May your endeavor be a success, and may you return safely.]

---

Intro song:

R by Roselia

---

Forest near Carne Village

---

Two little girls were fleeing in the direction of the woods. Their home village was assaulted, pillaged, and set ablaze. Everyone they knew was being murdered, and even after they fled the town, the screams of its residents continued to echo in her brain as she made every effort to flee harm's way and reach refuge.

In an effort to escape the atrocities they had seen, the girls, who were terrified and desperate, sought shelter in the thick forest. Their only comfort was the dim hope that one day they would find a location where they could reconstruct their destroyed lives, but as they fled further into the woods, their hearts hammered with a mixture of adrenaline and despair.

She moved quickly, firmly clutching her sister's hand so she wouldn't fall behind. They were scratched and left with welts as the branches whipped across their faces, yet they persisted because they were so determined to live. The girl secretly vowed to defend her sister at all costs as her grasp on her sister's hand became tighter with each step.

There had been rumors of a secret haven where individuals fleeing the chaos that had engulfed the world might find safety. Before their birth, there existed a mythology that described it as a haven of hope and protection beyond the grasp of the night. The girls clung to this slim hope, their optimism becoming brighter with each passing second.

Somewhere that not even the Six could locate them. Any mortal would be welcomed there with open arms, no matter what their background or situation. A sanctuary where the 41 swore to protect and nurture anyone who sought refuge behind its gates. All adherents of the religion of the 41 are familiar with this tale—that of the hallowed land that crosses all frontiers and provides refuge to those who are in need. It is a story that has been passed down through the years, encouraging faith and confidence in the strength of kindness and tolerance. The narrative serves as a reminder that, despite how hopeless things may appear, there is always a spark of hope waiting to lead us to a brighter tomorrow. Nazarick, the underground sanctuary

Every step they took was fueled by the determination to find this sanctuary, their hearts beating faster with each passing moment. The thought of what awaited them at the end of their journey pushed them forward, driving away any thoughts of giving up.

Then her sister tripped, fell to the ground, and injured her ankle, making her unable to run like a sitting duck. The injured sister cried out in pain, her face contorted with anguish.

"Nemu, come on, get up. We have to keep moving." The older sister was quickly on her side, a look of worry written over her face. She carefully assisted her injured sister to stand, bearing her weight as they made their way along the road more slowly.

Nemu gasped, her eyes pouring with tears.

"Enri, I can't run any more."

Enri's heart plummeted as she noticed her sister's agony and tiredness in her eyes. She was aware that they couldn't afford to stop, but she also couldn't stand to exert further pressure on Nemu.

"THERE THEY ARE!"

"QUICK! DON'T LET THEM GET AWAY!"

The chasing knights eventually catch up with the girls. The knights surrounded them with their swords drawn and stern faces. The elder sister rushed forward in front of her, attempting to hide her with her own body. Her blood spattered on the ground as one of the knights cut her with his sword.

'ENRI!'

The blow leaves her back exposed, with blood trickling from it and smearing the clothing she was wearing. The younger sister saw her sibling fall to the ground while gripping her hurt back and yelled in despair.

'Oh, Gods. It hurt so much. But I must protect Nemu however I can. I must stall them so that she can run.'

The knights, satisfied with their victory, smirked triumphantly before turning their attention to the terrified younger girl.

"It's useless, little girl. Stop running and stay still. The more you resist, the more painful it will be. I'll make sure your death is swift and painless. Now. DIE!"

Clinging to the last vestiges of hope, she prayed, "Gods, save us."

The knight raised his sword in preparation to cut off the elder sibling's head when he suddenly felt agony in both of his hands. His hands had now fallen to the ground, still clutching his sword. Nemu's eyes widened in surprise as she observed a mystery figure emerge from the shadows.

The figure disarmed the knight, leaving him helpless, with a rapid and strong stroke. Blood splattered everywhere as he started to panic about the loss of his hands. He screamed in agony for a second, then all of a sudden his head was rolling away from his body, not attached to his neck. The young girls gasped as they saw the knight's lifeless body fall to the ground.

The frightened knights looked up to see who had rescued the girls. The tall man was clad in a full suit of all-black armor, and a half-burned cloak with some ash still adhered to it caught both of the siblings' attention. They had never seen anything like the armor before; they were aware of no nation ever donning it. It appeared to be made of a black, unearthly metal, and it gave out an unsettling light that sent shivers down their spines.

The person stood taller than anyone they had ever met and exuded power and authority. The siblings' terror was tempered by a glint of optimism when they met eyes with the enigmatic person. They pondered if this mysterious rescuer might shield them from more damage.

The siblings could feel the tension in the air release second by second, being replaced by a sudden sense of security. The figure's keen look seemed to show that they understood their situation very well, as if they had been sent to help them at this very moment. The sound of the figure's armor clanging resounded throughout the woodland, giving it an intimidating aura that made people shudder. In spite of this, there was certainly something consoling about the figure's stern appearance, as if they were a glimmer of hope in a foreboding world.

"Really? Pursuing an unarmed, obviously defenseless young girl? What sort of knight are you supposed to be, you cowards?" The voice of the figure bellowed, raging with justifiable rage. The siblings gasped as the stranger drew a sword from behind his cloak.

He took out his sword and little dagger; it was an obsidian-colored greatsword that appeared to block out all light around it. The sword stood out from others because it was curved, large, beefy, and obviously heavier. Although the dagger was curled and formed like a claw, it was tiny and slender, making it appear lightweight enough for a youngster to swing and hold in a reverse grip.

Enri and Nemu looked at the mysterious figure in awe as he approached them.

"I have come to save you both," he says in a low, gravelly voice as he moves closer to them. "Now, don't move and stay behind me."

Enri and Nemu looked at each other, their eyes wide with a mixture of dread and excitement. They had never met anyone so mysterious and strong before. A wave of optimism rushed over them as they obediently took their positions behind the enigmatic man, believing that he would, in fact, be their rescuer in this gloomy and dangerous situation.

"You have made a grave error by crossing paths with these innocent children," he said in an authoritative manner as he turned to face the knights. If you value your life, I recommend you leave right now."

When faced with the stranger's unflinching resolve, the knights paused for a brief time, their confidence trembling. They exchanged wary looks as they realized they were up against someone of extraordinary fortitude and conviction. The words of the stranger reverberated in their heads, sowing seeds of uncertainty about their goal. They were caught between withdrawal and confrontation due to their dedication to their cause and their persistent failure-related fears.

The knights considered their options as a tight stillness descended upon them. They were aware that turning back would mean giving up their mission and maybe incurring the anger of their superiors. On the other hand, it looked like a difficult and maybe fatal undertaking to engage in a confrontation with this enigmatic character.

Despite their fears and skepticism, the knights finally decided to face the enigmatic person because they felt that doing their duty outweighed any possible hazards.

The knights tightened their grasp on their swords and moved towards the person with resolve in their eyes. They could detect a glint of readiness in the figure's eyes as they drew nearer—a flicker that suggested they were prepared for the struggle that lay ahead.

With each stride, the tension in the air intensified, and the knights could feel their hearts thumping in their chests. They continued, however, their determination unbroken, driven by the conviction that their responsibility to defend the kingdom surpassed whatever worries they may have personally experienced. The knights' spines tingled as they saw the tall figure, which exuded an aura of might and power.

"So, you decided to fight. Although I applaud your bravery and dedication, you ought to think twice while you still have the chance."

The knights exchanged determined looks as the figure's words resounded across the space and carried a whiff of caution.

"We have sworn to defend our kingdom until our last breath," their leader said, stepping forward. We will not back down in the face of hardship."

"Defend? Yet you continue to murder innocent people. Oh, how ironic." The figure scowled, his eyes growing petty. "Your devotion to your kingdom makes you oblivious to the crimes carried out in its name. How can you claim to be virtuous if your hands are bloody? Whatever, I guess. Then, I'll show no mercy to any of you and expose the full costs of your mindless loyalty. Get ready to see the damage you have inflicted on yourself." The figure lifted his weapon, ready to avenge them with a terrifying sneer.

He rushed fast forward, swinging his massive, man-sized blade in a horizontal arc. With his own sword, one knight attempted to parry the swing, but the force with which the figure had swung it caused the knight's blade to shatter. The knight collapsed backward, gripping his shattered weapon in shock.

Without wasting any time, the enigmatic figure resumed his assault. He thrust the claw-like dagger in his left hand into the ground and swung the greatsword in his right hand downward in a diagonal motion, and the knight was split in half, his body falling to the ground in two separate pieces, blood spilling onto the grass, his internal organs exposed, and falling in a gruesome display.

The other knights watched in horror as their colleague met a horrible ending, recognizing they were up against an opponent of extraordinary power and ability. Fear grabbed their hearts as they prepared for the struggle that lay ahead.

The surviving knights gripped their weapons more firmly, whitened by the strain on their knuckles. They looked at each other nervously as sweat trickled down their foreheads, expressing their common anxiety inaudibly. Years of practice, honed talents, and devotion to the art of battle had gone into their preparation, but now they wondered if it would be enough. The only sound was the rapid, uneven breathing of everyone there. The air was dense with expectation. They took a deep breath before moving forward in an effort to directly confront this powerful foe.

One of the knights swung his sword furiously as he raced forward, hoping to surprise the opponent. However, the figure skillfully parried each blow with swift, accurate motions, using nothing but the little claw-shaped blade in his left hand. Sparks flew into the air as each swing was deflected with a loud clang.

The knights marveled as their foe's motions developed into a beautiful ballet of strength and elegance. It was obvious that overcoming this fearsome foe would require more than just physical strength; it would also require planning and focus.

"Swinging your sword like a child, you'll need more than that to best me," the figure mocked, his voice full of confidence. Each attack was easily parried as his eyes glittered with smug delight.

After a few seconds of parrying, the figure decided enough was enough, flung his greatsword in the air, and performed a spin kick at the knight with his left leg. The kick struck the knight in the chest, sending him reeling back and gasping for air. The figure took the chance, quickly drawing his greatsword from the air, swinging it horizontally, and aiming for the knight's neck region. The knight failed to react in time to avoid the strike, and as a result, his head was cut cleanly off of his body, with blood gushing from the gaping wound. While the knight's lifeless body fell to the ground with blood still streaming from his open neck, the figure stood erect and triumphant.

The last knight, his face blanched with fright, could only watch in horror. He was aware that the figure's ability and power were above his own. He began to flee while trembling in an effort to preserve himself. The knight wondered why the figure hadn't pursued him as he turned to look behind him.

Then, out of the blue, something hot struck his left chest, sending a piercing pain through his entire body. Whatever it was that struck him penetrated him and set itself firmly in the earth. He looked at his chest while gasping for air and noticed a hole the size of his hand with blood oozing from it. The knight saw that the figure had remained in the same place. It kept a strangely calm gaze on him as it stood there.

He became aware that his attempt to flee had been pointless and that his fate had been decided as darkness engulfed his eyesight. He tripped, grabbing his chest as he hit the ground. He turned to look behind him and saw a woman jump from a tree and land gracefully next to him. She held a smoking handheld cannon in her hand with a look of satisfaction on her face. As he became aware that he had grossly miscalculated the might of the people in front of him, his consciousness started to wane.

Knowing that their combined might had sealed his fate, the last thing he saw was the female figure's smug smile. After that, the female figure pointed her hand-held cannon at him, and another flash of light pierced his head. Brain matter and bone fragments were thrown everywhere as his skull erupted into a flash of flaming pieces.

In astonishment and disbelief, the two brothers could do nothing except stare at the tragedy playing out in front of them. Their memories of the horrific event were permanently scarred, plaguing them in their sleep. After witnessing such a terrible exhibition of power, they were aware that they would never be the same again.

'Well done, Narberal. Let's go to the village and get rid of the remainder of them. There's still a chance that we can help some of the locals."

Narberal acknowledged Pandora's order with a nod. With appreciation and awe, the two siblings turn to face their rescuer. They were aware that they would have become another victim of the slaughter if they hadn't stepped in.

"Uhm. I apologize, sir and madam. Would you please tell me the names of my rescuers?" Enri kindly questioned, her voice shaking a little.

"I am Pandora, and this is Narberal," Pandora said kindly.

Enri's eyes widened in awe as she repeated their names softly to herself. "Pandora and Narberal," she whispered, etching their names into her memory. With newfound hope, she vowed to repay their kindness and protect her village alongside them.

"We are extremely grateful that you saved us. We swear we'll pay it forward someday," Enri said with gratitude and resolve in her voice. "Our village will always be grateful to you both."

A knowing gaze was passed between Pandora and Narberal as they both were moved by the older sibling's statements. "Your gratitude is enough for us," Pandora reassured them with a nod. We simply ask that you maintain your fortitude and ensure the security of your village. Before going back to your house, stay here for an hour. You have already witnessed enough blood and violence for the day, so we feel it would be best if you spared your little eyes from what is going to happen."

Enri and Nemu recoiled slightly at the mention of more violence; they couldn't think of what could possibly be worse than what they had already seen. They exchanged worried glances but understood the importance of following Pandora's advice.

"Rest assured, we will do everything in our power to protect your village and ensure a brighter future for all of you." Pandora reassured Enri and Nemu.

"Before we go, please accept this." Narberal takes a little object out of her pocket. "This is a tracking device. In the event of an emergency, we will be able to find you thanks to it. Now I'll put it on the back of your neck, right below your hairline. This is going to hurt a little."

Enri's interest and a little sense of unease are evident as she examines the tiny, thin, rectangular item. She had never seen anything like it before and was uncomfortable with the idea of having anything implanted in her body. She could see the resolve in Pandora and Narberal's eyes, though, and realized that this was essential for their security. She gave a faint nod, believing in their defenders.

Enri exposes the back of her neck by pulling her hair to the side, allowing Narberal to check the location of the implantation. With firm hands, Pandora thoroughly sanitizes the skin before getting ready to place the item. A wave of anxiety and thrill rushes through her as the cold metal touches her skin, reminding her of the significance of the situation.

"And it's finished. Now just stay here for a little while and don't think of following us back to the village. If you do, it will be really violent and hazardous, like insanely bloody." Pandora warns, his voice full of worry and authority.

"Please be careful, sir and madam." Enri and Nemu spoke to Pandora and Narberal with a hint of gratitude in their voices. They watched as Pandora and her team disappeared into the dense forest, their hearts filled with anticipation and a sense of trepidation for what lay ahead.

Pandora and Narberal made their way through a forest to the village. The operatives sent to aid them trailed them closely behind. They both arrived at the forest's entrance and crossed into the village's outskirts quickly. They came to a stop at the exit and stood back to look over the village.

They saw what the knights were doing while seeing what appeared to be mayhem in the village. The occupants were being dragged out onto the streets while the knights hastily searched the buildings. They are being prepared for execution. Narberal and Pandora exchanged concerned looks. They were aware that they needed to take swift action to spare the helpless people from this cruel fate. A strategy was developed by Pandora and Narberal.

"So how do you want to do this? Head on or stealthily?" Pandora paused to weigh the options available before responding to Narberal's question.

"Given the chaos and urgency, a stealthy approach may be more effective; we can use our abilities to silently neutralize the knights one by one, ensuring minimal casualties and increasing our chances of success." Pandora stated.

"I'll contact Albedo and request a change in the weather. Our covert approach will be further aided by the darkness, which will also make it more challenging for the knights to find us. With the element of surprise on our side, we can easily defeat any opposition and carry out our task without unnecessarily alarming anyone." Pandora told Narberal

"I thought the same thing too. A thunderstorm would be perfect. The heavy rain and thunder would not only obscure our movements but would also cause commotion and confusion among the knights, making it simpler for us to take them unobserved. Request that Albedo darken the sky as well, producing a black environment that will improve our stealth." Narberal offered with a cheeky grin on her lips.

"What a brilliant idea." Pandora replied with a nod of approval. "Agents! Assemble in a circle!" With power in his voice, Pandora yelled. "We must talk about the specifics of our strategy and assign each agent a certain duty. Precision and timing are essential to our success. Before we move forward, let's make sure everyone is on the same page."

Nearly instantly, the field agents emerged from the forest. Their faces mixed eagerness with resolve. They surrounded Pandora in a close circle, listening intently to everything he said. As they awaited their assignments, eager to complete the task properly, the air was electric with anticipation. "Ready, sir. Your commands?"

The unshakeable dedication of his staff was seen in their eyes as Pandora took a minute to study their faces. He smiled assuredly and started detailing the goals of the mission, stressing how crucial it was to keep everything completely secret at all times.

"Remember, we only have one shot at this," he said in closing. "Let's be careful as we move forward and be exact in our work. Disperse now and await the signal."

The squad members nodded in agreement, their tenacity obvious. As they prepared to carry out the job successfully, they quietly dispersed while blending into the background.

"Charon, contact Albedo."

[Communication line secured. Lady Albedo is waiting for your call.]

"Albedo, this is Pandora. We require a shift in climate and illumination. Are you able to make it rain while turning down the local lighting? We need to create a diversion and make sure our moves go unnoticed. Through the system of communications, Pandora spoke. Albedo responded with a firm acknowledgement of the request.

"Copy that, Pandora. I'll make a storm and change the lighting to your liking. Prepare yourself for mayhem and take cover." Pandora felt a burst of confidence with Albedo's guarantee, knowing that their plan was coming together smoothly.

The sky above them began to darken as Albedo summoned black clouds and controlled the weather. The once-bright day had turned overcast, offering ideal cover for their clandestine activity. Soon after, there was a strong thunderstorm, and lightning lit up the sky, intensifying their objective.

The once-bright and clean sky darkened and became a tumultuous battleground of rain and thunder, reflecting the anguish inside Pandora's heart. As they sped through the storm, their determination became greater, fuelled by the electric energy crackling in the air.

---

Carne Village

---

Moving toward the town while blending into the darkness of the homes, Pandora, Narberal, and the group of field agents. They set up to attack with accuracy and stealth, encircling the village and any possible escape routes. Their attention was only sharpened by the storm's unrelenting intensity. The agents were impatiently awaiting their instructions.

As black clouds came in and thunder boomed menacingly overhead, the knights were startled to see the abrupt shift in the weather. The town was filled with a spooky aura as a howling wind blew through.

As they wait for their superior officer to give them the order to execute the villagers, they proceed to line up the locals. One of the knights pulled an elderly woman to the village's center.

Her family attempted to break away from the knights in order to save her. However, their efforts were fruitless. The people stared in terror as the knights prepared to carry out their heinous crime, their hearts heavy with fear and despair.

Pandora gave the agents the all-clear to start their strategy as the blade was about to touch her neck. Pandora spoke over his headset, "Raeb 1, begin operation." An agent sprung into action with a fast and synchronized movement.

A lightning bolt flashed across the sky, followed by a loud thunderclap, and the knight vanished from view, his sword clanking as it fell to the ground. Unsure of what had just happened, everyone was startled to see the knight suddenly vanish.

Then a male scream could be heard not too far from the square. As one of the knights approaches the source, he discovers his colleague stuck to the wall in parts with his head impaled on a metal spike. The horrific scene filled the knight with dread. The terrified knight stepped back in shock as blood splashed across the cobblestones.

In a panic, he returns to his friends and tells them what has occurred.

"AHHHHHHHHH, we are being attacked!" Screaming in horror, the knight yells. "We must-"

Halfway through his explanation, another lightning bolt occurred, and he too vanished into thin air, leaving his comrades perplexed and terrified by his blood splattering on his friend's armor.

They frantically spun around and saw his corpse cut into pieces and his head nailed to the wall. Their senses were overwhelmed by the fragrance of blood in the air, which also made them feel queasy.

One of them, his voice shaking with panic, yelled, "What the fuck is happening?"

The surviving knights remained still as their thoughts tried to make sense of the horrific picture in front of them. One by one, the knights begin to fear for their lives and pray to their gods for protection.

With each lightning strike, one knight vanished from view, leaving only a splash of blood and torn flesh in its wake.

They utilized the protection of the lightning strike and the blackness of the sky as cover as whatever attacked them struck them quickly and forcefully. With their weapons quivering in their hands, the remaining knights urgently looked for the cause of the assault's relentlessness.

Realizing they were up against an opponent they couldn't see or understand, fear and bewilderment seized their hearts. With each disappearance, their hope diminished, and they came to the terrifying understanding that they were against a powerful and crafty foe.

The knights collapsed one by one, their heads pinned by metal spikes, their bodies bloodied and dead, their limbs severed from their bodies, and their corpses covered in splatters of blood. The unidentified attackers moved quickly and precisely, striking from the shadows and leaving no sign of their presence.

The leader of the knights was powerless to stop his men from losing control. He saw as panic filled their expressions and realized that, despite their courage and training, the danger around them was beyond their control. As he battled to keep his cool and find a way to unite his surviving soldiers against this unrelenting attack, desperation flooded his heart.

There are only six knights remaining in all, including the leader of the group, who are all visible as they count each other out. They were now drastically outnumbered and at a significant disadvantage because the unrelenting enemy had annihilated their previously powerful army.

Their backs were pressed up against one another. forming a close circle in order to protect themselves from all sides. They prepared to battle until they were overcome by terror, raising their weapons and their hearts with fierce determination. The commander of the knight screamed words of encouragement, telling his men of their steadfast commitment and the honor that would be theirs if they remained firm in the face of difficulty.

A stranger suddenly descended to one of the house's rooftops without any prior notice. The person was carrying a short, single-edged blade and was completely covered in all-black attire and a cloak. Many more followed him, all clad in black clothing and equipped with identical weapons.

These formerly hidden adversaries have suddenly surfaced. They were standing on the rooftops of the houses, encircling the knights. The knights scrambled to find some means of defense against this sudden onslaught. They were scanning the environment, desperate to find any advantage or escape route.

Another male and female figure then emerged from the home; he was larger and more dangerous than the others, and she was similarly ferocious, with a determined expression in her eyes.

He radiated strength and authority as he was covered in a suit of glittering black armor. The unidentified man signaled the others to stop by waving his hand once, and they all lowered their weapons at once.

The knights exchanged suspicious looks as they realized that whoever this guy is must be someone who has a lot of power over the group. Given the others' quick submission and respect, they were certain that this guy was in fact the group's leader.

The knights were uneasy as they pondered the nature of the leader who could arouse such terror and loyalty in his troops. Uncertain of what to expect from this intriguing character, they anxiously anticipated his next move.

The tall man and the woman who was standing next to him took a step forward before stopping fifteen steps from the knights. The knights watch the unidentified group on the roofs, bending forward and getting ready with their swords as if to defend their lords.

The air was tense as the knights exchanged suspicious looks and tightened their grip on their swords. They were forced to question what danger these enigmatic people represented, and they prepared for a possible conflict.

"Good day, knights. We're here to put an end to your assault on this town." The tall male figure said, with an authoritative tone in his voice, "You have waged an unjust war, killing innocent people."

The knights exchanged perplexed looks as they debated how to react to this sudden conflict. They had to maintain their ground and defend their acts, nonetheless, due to their training and commitment to their commanders.

"By not worshiping the Six Great Gods, the village and its residents have committed blasphemy. They flatly denied the Six's divinity and rejected them as a source of salvation." With justified fury in his voice, the knights' captain announced it.

"So you kill innocent people because they reject your beliefs?" The tall figure responded. The voice of the towering guy was tinged with disbelief and a note of contempt. "Shouldn't knights serve and defend rather than impose their ideas on others? Your behavior appears to go against the very values you profess to defend."

The forceful comments of the towering person shocked the knights. However, their captain didn't waver in his belief. "Our responsibility as knights is to preach the truth and avert damnation," he retorted. "Even if using force is required, we think that our cause is just and vital."

The tall figure said, "Well, your belief teaches human dominance and the oppression of those who do not adhere to your values. By forcibly pushing your views on others, you are denying them their freedom and sustaining an oppressive cycle. Do you have any idea how many innocent people have suffered and how many lives have been lost as a result of this mentality?"

The speaker's conviction was questioned by the remarks of the large figure that hung heavily in the air. They went on to say that "true progress can only be attained through comprehension, empathy, and respect for diversity. We can only truly work toward a world where every person is free to pursue their own beliefs without fear of persecution or harm through open dialogue and peaceful coexistence."

"The Six are rightly referred to as our gods and goddesses since they brought mankind back from the verge of annihilation. In the face of their indisputable strength, anyone who rejects them should perish. Every single one of those ungrateful people who deny the Six's supernatural involvement needs to be held responsible for their ignorance and dealt with accordingly."

"The Six have given us the gift of survival and a chance for a brighter future; thus, it is our obligation as humans to revere and venerate them. These criminals ought to be punished by God for their blasphemous contempt for the goodness of the Six. They deserve fast retribution for their arrogance and failure to acknowledge the tremendous bounties given upon us by the divine creatures, so that they would quickly see their wrong and turn from their misdeeds. Let it be known that, as required by divine justice, those who disobey the Six will suffer the consequences of their disobedience. The knights' leader made a self-assured assertion."

Ready to lead his other knights into combat against the blasphemers, he held his sword aloft. He pledged to follow the Six's holy teachings and restore order with an unrelenting commitment, making sure that goodness would triumph over ignorance and darkness.

"To put it another way, you and those who think like you are only oppressors of wrong beliefs? Do you not understand the 41's religion? You appear to have little regard for the variety of viewpoints and intellectual liberties that exist outside of your own limited worldview. Your conceit prevents you from considering the notion that there may be more routes to wisdom and the truth. Your gods used to believe in the 41, but they weren't wise enough to see that there are other races besides humans. They did not consider the existence of other creatures or their beliefs when they founded your religion; they did it just for their personal gain and power." The figure's voice was one of contempt and disdain.

"It is evident that your faith is based on ignorance and self-interest and lacks any real appreciation for the diverse range of faiths that exist in our world. You need to broaden your horizons and welcome variety since only then can genuine enlightenment be attained."

When the man finally snapped his finger, the operatives on the roof immediately descended to the ground and began handcuffing the knights. With confused and frustrated looks, the knights fought against their restrictions. The knights were forced to reconsider their own beliefs and the boundaries of their own comprehension because of the figure's evident strength and influence over the situation.

"Keep them contained for the time being; ensure that the knights don't meddle any more; then, speak with Albedo to have a gate prepared so that they may be sent, with the exception of the commander, to Demiurge and Shalltear for questioning." The man spoke with authority as he gave the order. As they led the knights away, the agents' hold on them tightened as they nodded in agreement.

"Oh, and tell Neuro to enjoy herself with the commander in your message, please." The operatives quickly carried out the figure's instructions, yet their expressions changed when Neuro was mentioned. They were all too aware of her cruel pleasure in interrogating captives.

One of Lady Lupusregina's proverbs came to mind: 'Demiurge and Shalltear ain't got shit on Neuro when it comes to breaking people.' The agents trembled, praying that when the knight's commander finished, he wouldn't go insane.

One of the agents said in a low voice, "Rest in pieces, you poor knight commander. I'd rather die than suffer Neuro's torment."

"Gather their body parts in one location, somewhere visible, and cremate them," the figure stated, turning to face the other agents. "Even in death, they at least deserved a decent send-off. Look through their possessions for any information we may find. We need to comprehend their intentions, their strategies, and whatever threats they could have left behind. We will reassemble after we have gathered all the available data and come up with a plan to thwart their next move."

As they proceeded to follow their instructions, the agents nodded in accord, replacing their initial concern with resolve.

"Sir, on behalf of the entire village, let me convey our appreciation for your prompt action and commitment in dealing with the threats that have troubled us. The effectiveness and courage of your crew deserve the highest praise." The elderly man's voice quivered with gratitude. "We can only provide so much, but we guarantee to return the favor in any way we can. We will always be grateful to you and your staff for guaranteeing our safety and welfare on behalf of our small village."

"We consider it an honor to have helped safeguard the place you call home. I'm assuming you're the village leader, am I right?" With a hand outstretched in welcome, the person inquired. The man nodded, a look of appreciation on his face.

He answered, firmly shaking the figure's hand, "Yes, I am the chief. I want to thank you and your colleagues again for everything you've done for us. We won't ever forget your generosity."

The figure returned the smile and said, "You're very welcome. We saved two young girls, ages ten and sixteen, respectively, on our way here, but let's wait for the introduction. They're in the forest; one of my operatives will accompany you." The figure pointed at a man who was waiting nearby.

He will assure the girls' safety and direct you to them. Thankfully nodding, the chief felt relieved that the girls were in excellent care. He followed the agent into the forest.

---

The chief and the agent arrived at the girl's place quickly. They discovered them huddled together, terrified, with Enri bandaged up with a piece of her clothing. Their rescue operation was successful because the agent soothed them and guided them back to safety. The sight of their village in such a violent and chaotic state astounded the girls.

They could see men and women dressed identically to the one who brought them back bringing bodies and body parts and piling them in an open place near one of the burning houses as they went through the ruins.

The girls started crying as they were overcome by the sight of dead bodies and the smell of blood. In order to protect their young eyes from more stress, the agent hurriedly led them away from the horrific scene. They clutched to one another for support as they struggled to make sense of the terrifying truth that was happening in front of them.

The agent took them to a residence that had not been damaged by the attack; the blood didn't get there. With their emotions still weighed down by sadness and terror, the girls approached the home with caution. They entered a small room inside and observed Pandora and Narberal inside talking about something. The girls walked up to them tentatively, hope and eagerness shining in their eyes.

As they turned to face them, Pandora and Narberal's features softened as they noticed the pain in the girls' eyes. With wide arms and a ray of hope in the midst of the night, Pandora and Narberal greeted them after sensing their need for solitude. As Pandora comforted and warmed them by softly stroking their hair, Narberal knelt down to give them a firm hug. The girls found consolation in the soothing presence of Pandora and Narberal, feeling a flood of relief sweep over them as they realized they were not alone in their problems.

"Glad to see you're both doing well. Have a rest here in this house; I've already gotten permission from the owner to let you girls remain here until your house is repaired." Narberal spoke with a real sense of worry in her voice.

"We'll talk to the chief, so just stay still for a bit." With a soft yet forceful voice, Pandora continued.

---

Narberal and Pandora then make their way to the chief's home. Two of their operatives were standing outside of a tiny, partially burned home, watching the door. When the agents noticed them approaching, they bowed and opened the door. A gloomy mood greeted Pandora and Narberal as they approached the chief's home. The chief was seated behind a disorganized desk, a worn-out-looking man with deep creases on his face. As soon as he saw the two arrive, a flicker of optimism sprang into his eyes.

"Good morning, sir and madam. Take a seat, please. The chief motioned for Pandora and Narberal to have a seat by pointing to the seats in front of his desk. I apologize, but I still haven't asked for your names. Please let me know with whom I have the pleasure of conversing.

"Yes, pardon our rudeness, please. She's Narberal, and I'm Pandora," Pandora said with a smile. Narberal moved one of the seats out for her to sit on, leaving the other chair alone. Pandora approaches Narberal from behind and takes a position.

"You're not going to sit, sir?" With anxiety in his voice, the chief inquired.

Pandora answered, shaking his head, "Unfortunately, the chair would probably break with the combined weight of my armor and weaponry. I'd like to stand, please." The chief shook his head in agreement, but he was still a little worried about Pandora's commanding presence.

"Very well. Again, I can't begin to tell you how appreciative we are of your help. We were unable to promptly pay you. Considering that we are still getting over a poor crop and the ensuing financial losses, However, we pledge that as soon as our condition improves, we will gladly reimburse you. Your bravery and selflessness have not gone forgotten, and we will always be grateful to you."

"Thanks, chief, but we won't need it. We require knowledge, not riches. We are searching for knowledge. We would be grateful for any information you could provide on the background, culture, and residents of this world. We would find it useful to know about the monetary system, nearby kingdoms, well-known people, and key events that have impacted this globe." Pandora remarked to the chief, utterly perplexing him.

He questioned whether they were locals or visitors from another country. The chief struggled to understand Pandora's plea, his uncertainty visible on his face.

After pausing for a second, he said, "I see... You must be visitors from a faraway nation. Being a small village on the fringes of the Re-Estize Kingdom, we have little understanding of the outside world. I can provide you with the little knowledge we have amassed over the years, though."

The village's whole collection of books and scrolls is gathered by the leader, who then sets them all on the table. He starts out by describing the geography and history of the Re-Estize Kingdom, pointing out important monuments and other nations.

Pandora and Narberal pay close attention as he speaks, curious to hear more about the strange world they have found themselves in. The chief gave a detailed account of the Re-Estize Kingdom's political system, including the monarchy in place and the numerous noble families that controlled it.

He also discussed the kingdom's economy, highlighting its reliance on commerce and agriculture. The group appreciated the chief's extensive explanation since it gave them the grounding they needed to get around in their new environment.

After two hours of absorbing everything they could from the chief, a knock abruptly ended their lesson. The two wondered who might be asking for a session with the chief as they shifted their attention to the door.

An agent excused himself to provide a confidential, urgent message to Pandora and Narberal. Pandora and Narberal exchanged perplexed looks at the sudden interruption before escorting the agent to another vacant home.

---

"Lord Pandora. Lady Narberal. "I'm sorry for bothering you, but we have a situation," the agent continued, his voice urgent. Narberal and Pandora exchanged worried glances as their interest grew.

"What kind of situation?" Pandora inquired in a grave tone.

Before replying, the agent took a deep breath. "Our drone operators have observed two distinct groups of knights on horseback as well as another group of casters approaching our location. They must be from separate groups or kingdoms based on their different clothing."

"Estimated time of arrival?" Narberal asked, her eyes growing worried.

"According to their present speed, the knights on horseback should arrive in three hours and the casters should arrive in four and a half hours," the agent said after a brief pause.

"That gives us enough time to set up our defenses and come up with a plan." Narberal spoke, her voice full of resolve. The agent agreed and nodded.

"After everyone has completed assisting the locals with the burial of the dead, tell them to get ready and assemble at the village entrance 10 minutes prior to the arrival. Ensure that everyone in the village is inside. Additionally, bring the chief with you for the welcome." The agent jotted down the instructions, well aware of how crucial it was to guarantee the villagers' protection at this crucial moment. Knowing that every second counted in their race against time, they couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency as they moved closer to the town entrance.

---

The chief of the village was waiting for the first unknown set of knights to arrive at the village, while Narberal and her agents were just a few feet behind her at the village entrance. In order to prepare for the worst in case the two unidentified groups were the previous attacker's backup, Pandora had to temporarily leave the area in order to speak with Albedo back at Nazarick.

The strain in the air increased as the minutes passed. The village leader frantically scanned the horizon for any indication of the coming knights. While all this was going on, Narberal and her operatives were standing poised and ready with blank looks.

"Lady Narberal, who are these individuals following you and Lord Pandora?" The chief inquires of Narberal as he stands next to her, still totally hidden by her knee-length black hooded cloak that only reveals her face and her legs.

Narberal's eyes switched from the horizon to the anxious look in the chief's eyes. She said, "These people are competent warriors who have sworn their allegiance to Pandora and me," in a calm but firm tone. "They're here to help us accomplish our goal and make sure we're safe. A subordinate, if you will. They have outstanding combat abilities and have gone through extensive training to protect us from any potential dangers."

The confidence in Narberal's speech assured the commander of their skills. "Their presence is for our benefit and will not cause any harm to the village or its residents," she stated.

The chief was confused about how to react and could not help but stare strangely at the agents. Although the knights' onslaught on their town was terrifying, the agents were quite another story. Even though he could only guess, he was confident that even one of these agents could defeat the kingdom's warrior commander or even the renowned group of female explorers.

Pandora returned to the village's gate after some more waiting. "Everyone, I apologize for being late. I had to ask my contacts for some crucial information. A small birdie sang me a song in which the first group, the knights on horses, are from the Re-Estize country, the country we're now in. The man in charge of the group matches the description of Gazef Stronoff. While the second group behind them wears Slane Theocracy armor, they number around thirty people and a dozen angels."

"I don't think that these two groups would be allies," Pandora added. "Therefore, I would presume that the Slane gang is hunting down the Re-Estize knights."

Pandora made the speculative statement that "it's possible that the Slane Theocracy has a vested interest in capturing or eliminating Gazef Stronoff. Pandora said, "Gazef Stronoff appears to hold major relevance or to constitute a danger to their goals given the Slane Theocracy's involvement and their superior numbers. We must comprehend the motivations behind their desire and the possible repercussions it may have on the Re-Estize kingdom."

"Perhaps they see Gazef Stronoff as something of a hindrance to their expansion plans or as a key individual who possesses valuable information," the village chief stated. "Among us commoners, he is widely known for being a kind individual who looked out for the welfare of others and fought against unquestionablee dedication to the monarchy may make him a target for anyone looking to undermine the Re-Estize government."

"Pandora, do you believe what I believe? Could it be that a kingdom inhabitant is covertly hatching a plan to have Gazef Stronoff killed? It would explain why those looking to undermine the Re-Estize monarchy have now turned their attention to him. Maybe there are secret groups or people who view him as a danger to their own goals and are prepared to go to tremendous measures to get rid of him." Narberal cast a quick glance towards Pandora.

"It may be a cliché, but we cannot rule out the possibility. It wouldn't be shocking if certain influential people resorted to such severe methods if Gazef's recent activities or influence threatened them." Pandora said, a tinge of worry evident in his voice. "We should wait for him to come before approaching him to see if he has any information."

---

They see the approaching company of knights after around fifteen minutes. Near the entrance, the knights came to a stop, and their captain dismounted and started to come over to them.

He saw a local with someone behind him whom he presumed to be the village chief. Many of these people wore identical clothing, including an all-black cloak and a mask that resembled an animal skull.

But two were dressed very differently: one was a woman in a knee-length, hooded black cloak and black leggings; she had her hands covered. In addition, there was a tall man dressed in a full suit of all-black armor topped with a hooded cloak; his cloak appeared to be half-burned, with burn marks still visible on it. The enigmatic pair stood out in the throng, their distinctive looks implying they had a special function or duty with the unidentified people behind them. As he inspected the two figures, the leader came to a stop a little distance away from them.

"Greetings, I'm Warrior Captain Gazef Stronoff. I arrived here on behalf of the Royal Army to look into rumors of attacks on the nearby villages." With power in his voice, Gazef introduced himself. He kept a watchful eye on the pair, looking for any hint of trickery or peril.

The village chief bows respectfully as he welcomes Gazef, his face showing a mixture of relief and intrigue. "Welcome, Warrior Captain Gazef Stronoff. Although we appreciate your attendance and help with this distressing problem, the two kind strangers and their crew have already taken care of the issue. They were there in time to stop the onslaught, and they successfully protected our community. They have earned our sincere thanks."

"Really? Then, kind sirs and madams, allow me to extend the Re-Estize Kingdom's sincere appreciation to you on behalf of all of us. Unquestionably, your bravery and prompt action have saved numerous lives and given peace to our people." Adding to this, Gazef spoke with honesty and affection in his voice. "I really appreciate your selflessness and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the defenseless. Please tell me your names."

"Certainly, Sir Gazef. I'm Pandora, and this is Narberal," Pandora said, pointing at his Narberal. "We just so happened to come upon the predicament and felt obligated to step in. Your appreciation is unnecessary."

They were so modest and humble that Gazef was surprised. He was overcome with a profound sense of appreciation for these two strangers, who had put their lives in danger for the sake of others. With a real sense of admiration in his voice, Gazef continued, "Your actions speak volumes about your character. The world needs more individuals like you, ready to step up in difficult circumstances."

Pandora said modestly, "We merely did what was required. Regardless of the hazards involved, it is our responsibility to assist people in need. Every person, no matter how tiny, has the ability to change the world, in our opinion." As his appreciation for them grew, Gazef nodded.

Gazef grinned and remarked, "Well, you have certainly made a major impact today. I hope that by witnessing your selflessness, others will be motivated to follow in your footsteps."

"Mr. Gazef, thank you for your nice words. But you've arrived at a horrible moment, regrettably. A mysterious party is following your group to this village; they are not far behind you and will catch up to you in about an hour. The way you sound, it seems like they're intentionally going after you for some reason," Pandora told Gazef. "Has anything you've done raised the possibility of them taking notice of you?"

Gazef was startled to hear Pandora issue his warning, and he immediately searched his memory for any recent deeds that may have attracted the attention of this mysterious faction. While he was at a loss for specifics, he was aware that his status as a prominent member of the kingdom made him a potential target.

Aware that his status as a renowned warrior and devoted subject of the monarch would have made him a target for adversaries wishing to topple the government, Gazef groaned. He couldn't help but think that this strange group's interest in him may be motivated by something more personal.

Then, Gazef reasoned to himself, "This group might be charged with eliminating me not only because of my position but also because of a hidden vendetta or grudge against me." Throughout his years of service, he had acquired enemies, and it was probable that one of them had now discovered a window of opportunity to attack.

He carefully examined his alternatives, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of facing the enigmatic group directly or turning to the strangers in front of him for aid. The arrival of the strangers may either be a lucky coincidence or a cunning trap planned by his adversaries, so Gazef questioned whether he should trust them. He was aware that making the incorrect choice may result in his death, but he also couldn't afford to pass up the opportunity for assistance they might provide.

He took a quick look at the agents standing behind Pandora and Narberal. They all appeared to be skilled professionals, as evidenced by their composed demeanors and serious looks. Realizing that perhaps these strangers were indeed reliable pals, Gazef couldn't help but sense a spark of optimism. Then he discreetly examined both Narberal and Pandora, looking for any indications of deceit or ulterior intentions.

Their calm yet attentive posture, which expressed a sense of confidence and preparation, caught his attention as he watched their body language. These people, in Gazef's opinion, had the knowledge and expertise to accomplish far more than was initially apparent. He saw their careful, nuanced motions, which revealed a great level of discipline and training.

They both wore long cloaks to hide any equipment or weapons they could be carrying, which gave away their expertise in addition to their clothing. The cloaks' sturdy construction suggests that they were developed for use rather than just aesthetic purposes. The fact that these people were dressed in a way that appeared more appropriate for covert operations than ordinary clothing made Gazef question what kinds of missions or jobs these people were used to.

His helmet looked like a face of cold, unyielding steel, and Pandora's half-burnt ashen cloak suggested Pandora is used to risky and potentially destructive situations. It was obvious that utility and anonymity were given precedence over aesthetics due to its streamlined form and absence of any distinctive characteristics. He could make out two long sword handles sticking out from Pandora's cloak; the handles were large, indicating that the sword was probably hefty and strong.

And Narberal's donning a cloak with a similar appearance but with no signs of wear suggested that she, too, was no stranger to perilous situations. The cloak's immaculate condition suggested that the wearer was either a superb fighter who preferred to maintain a safe distance from her opponents or a long-range assassin.

A small portion of her cloak appeared to be thickening up, presumably to conceal equipment or ranged weaponry that she could utilize to her advantage in combat. Despite not wearing a helmet, she has an odd-looking dark-colored eye lens in her left eye, indicating that she may have some sort of ocular augmentation or that she depends significantly on her increased eyesight.

Gazef also saw that, despite the fact that they were both in front of him, Pandora took a step forward to shield Narberal from view. As Pandora appeared prepared to defend Narberal from any prospective dangers or attacks, this revealed a strong sense of loyalty and strategic thinking. When Gazef saw he was up against not just one powerful adversary but rather a well-coordinated pair with complementary talents and strategies, discreetly suggesting a protecting role, he couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Gazef watched the tiny signals being exchanged between Pandora and Narberal as he tracked their whereabouts. He realized they'd trained together a lot, developing their ability to read each other's actions and work as a seamless unit.

Gazef gave his alternatives some careful thought. He was aware that with their assistance, his chances of defeating his opponents would be significantly increased. Gazef decided to swallow his pride and ask for help from his own comrades in the hopes that they might equal the organization and expertise of Pandora and Narberal.

"Sir Pandora and Lady Narberal, excuse me." With a voice full of resolve, Gazef added, "I would want to beg for your cooperation in our future battle." He was aware that their combined abilities would be crucial in reversing the fight's momentum. "I am confident that with your help, we can triumph and defend our kingdom from the looming danger." Gazef's comments rang true because he understood that swallowing his pride was a small price to pay for the security and welfare of his people.

Pandora said, "Unfortunately, we have to refuse." Pandora continued, his tone contrite, "We have our own duties and cannot afford to devote our resources to aiding your country. We still wish you success in your fight and hope you can find a solution to defeat the looming danger, though."

Gazef was so surprised by Pandora's answer that he was unable to conceal his dissatisfaction. Knowing that their combined troops would have substantially boosted their chances of success, he had hoped for their assistance. Despite the setback, Gazef was still adamant about finding a solution and swore to go to whatever lengths were necessary to save his people.

"Then I will have to use my title as warrior captain of Re-Estize Kingdom to conscript you into our cause," Gazef asserted, his voice firm. "I am aware of your concerns, but our kingdom's future is at stake."

"Gazef, I'm sure you understand this, but we are not Re-Estize Kingdom citizens," Narberal said. "We are not required to support your cause. To the best of my ability, I will protect the village and its residents. We will think about helping if it is really needed, but only if it is in line with our values and interests."

Narberal's remark did not surprise Gazef. He realized that they were just devoted to themselves and their own objectives. He couldn't help but feel a shred of optimism that they could still decide to assist them in their hour of need. "Very well. Then I have faith that you will do all in your power to keep this village safe, regardless of whether doing so serves your own interests or not."

"Of course, we will make sure that the village remains safe and secure." Narberal answered with assurance. "I recommend that you and your men prepare for the upcoming battle. They should arrive in an hour or so."

As the group's leader, Gazef was aware that it was his duty to organize the troops and plan a defense against the impending danger.

He then came up with a plan for his warriors to use against their enemies. They spoke about the geography, the advantages and disadvantages of their adversary, and probable strategies to win their next battle.

Gazef stressed the value of cohesion and order among his soldiers, telling them that their main objective was to safeguard the village at all costs. They started their preparations with a clear strategy in place, making sure that each soldier was prepared for the approaching conflict.

In order to protect them from the approaching fight, Pandora instructed every agent to gather every single villager in one protected place. Everyone was gathered in a storage facility that had been fortified with extra barriers and was being watched over by a few agents.

---

Gazef and his soldiers were prepared to advance toward the approaching conflict after about thirty minutes. One final time, the men made sure that their weapons were loaded and operationally sound.

Before taking his soldiers out of the warehouse and onto the battlefield, Gazef delivered one more speech to inspire them. He inspired them with confidence and resolve. They were stopped in their tracks by Pandora, who then gave Gazef a little metal chess piece.

"Please accept this before you go. This chess piece used to be my lucky charm years ago," Pandora said. "I've had success with it in the past, and I'm hoping you'll have success with it in this conflict."

Gazef thanked Pandora, clutching the little metal chess piece with a strong sense of appreciation and security.

"Thank you, Pandora. I'll hold this dear to my heart and use it to guide me through the coming battle. I greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness, and I will make sure to give this back to you after the battle is finished." Gazef readied himself for the approaching task and spoke with a voice full of resolve.

"Well then, I hope you survive and return. Because once everything is finished, I'll challenge you to a game of chess," Pandora said with a sly grin. I have a feeling you'll need as much practice as you can get to beat me. I have yet to be defeated in a chess match by anyone."

A mixture of joy and confidence began to grow within Gazef as he laughed. "Challenge accepted, Pandora. I look forward to the day when we can sit down and test our skills against each other."

Gazef appreciates his sense of humor in the middle of the stress. He nodded at Pandora with newfound assurance, ready to face whatever awaited him, and walked toward the fight.

---

Pandora then returned to the storage warehouse, where everyone was gathered. He then walked towards Narberal and said, "They have left. Let us see their fight and how Gazef fared against the enemy. I have a feeling that he will surprise us all with his determination and skill." Narberal nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with anticipation.

When Narberal hurled a little metal sphere into the middle of the warehouse, a holographic image and a dazzling flash of light appeared. The projector showed a real-time feed of Gazef's struggle, allowing everyone to see what was going on.

The villagers were surprised by the object Narberal had thrown, as they had never seen such advanced technology before. They marveled at Gazef's extraordinary combat skills as he skillfully avoided and reacted to his adversary's blows. The tension in the room increased as everyone held their breath in anticipation of how the battle would turn out.

"He's comical by our standards, but I'm still impressed with how well he holds his own." Narberal said to Pandora that there was a mixture of adoration and laughter in her voice. Even though she believed Gazef's abilities to be inferior to the strength of her own people, she couldn't help but be astonished by his abilities.

As the battle continued, Narberal couldn't help but wonder if Gazef had any hidden tricks up his sleeve that would turn the tide in his favor.

"He's the best one in this world that we have yet encountered," Narberal mused. She pondered if Gazef's impressive display of combat prowess was a result of his own natural talent or if he had received special training. Regardless, she couldn't deny that he posed a formidable challenge to their forces.

As the minutes went by, they watched Gazef's men die one by one from their enemy's spells and attacks. Narberal couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, realizing that their opponent's power was greater than she had initially anticipated. She saw four angels rush towards Gazef with blinding speed, and he performed six rapid slashes, resulting in a wave powerful enough to kill multiple enemies at once. Despite his skill and determination, it was clear that Gazef was overwhelmed by the sheer strength of their adversary. Narberal knew that if they didn't come up with a plan quickly, their chances of victory would be slim.

Narberal glanced at Pandora, who watched the projection seriously while playing with an identical chess piece he gave to Gazef.

"I believe it is time to step in, don't you? Prepare for combat, Narberal; we're going to swap places with him. Agents, hold the ground and remain here. We're going in." Pandora nodded resolutely before Narberal used his transposition magic.

They disappeared from their present place in a moment, and Gazef abruptly teleported into the warehouse, confused and lost. Gazef quickly regained his composure and assessed his surroundings, realizing that he had been brought into a storage warehouse where the villagers were secured.

He couldn't figure out how he got inside the warehouse in Carne. He takes up the chess piece Pandora handed him after feeling a tingling in his pocket that makes him go back to their earlier exchange.

Gazef's thoughts were racing as he gripped the chess piece, wondering what Pandora's actual motives were and how he had been teleported to Carne. Then he realizes what Pandora had been planning all along: the chess piece was actually a teleportation point.

He was returned to Carne ingeniously by Pandora. Gazef couldn't help but wonder what more surprises Pandora had in store for him, feeling a mixture of appreciation and worry. He laughed a bit before losing consciousness after a long and eventful day. Gazef couldn't escape the notion that his life was going to take an unforeseen turn as he slipped into darkness.

---

6 km east of Carne Village

---

The remaining soldiers observed Pandora and Narberal arrive in the field, which was far from Carne and could not reasonably have been reached in such a short period of time. They couldn't believe it when they realized that Pandora and Narberal must have some kind of superhuman ability or access to extraterrestrial methods of transportation, and their eyes widened in amazement.

Gazef was nowhere to be seen as the men searched the area for him. They questioned if he had experienced the same savagery that had struck the fields or if he had managed to flee in some way. Whatever the case, seeing Pandora and Narberal arrive simply made them feel more uneasy and apprehensive. The remaining knights were passed by as Pandora and Narberal made their way slowly toward the unidentified Slane group. They could only wonder how these two strangers remained so calm and cool in the middle of mayhem.

The men looked around to find where Gazef had gone, but he was nowhere to be found. They wondered if he had fallen victim to the same brutality that had befallen the fields or if he had managed to escape somehow. Regardless, the sight of Pandora and Narberal's arrival only heightened their sense of unease and uncertainty. Pandora and Narberal then walked slowly past the still-standing knights to approach the unknown Slane group. They could only look puzzled at how these two strangers could remain so calm and composed amidst the chaos.

"Retreat right away, Knights of Re-Estize. We'll take it from here. Drag your remaining comrades and retreat behind that treeline," Pandora said in a stern voice. Confounded yet relieved, the knights immediately complied with his instructions and started to flee with their wounded comrades. They were curious as to Pandora and his companion's true strength as they vanished into the shelter of the treeline.

Then, with evil grins on their faces, Pandora and Narberal approach the Slane group after the knights have withdrawn behind the treeline. The Slane group, caught off guard by Pandora's rapid shift of tone, sensed oncoming danger and tightened their grips on their weapons. It was obvious that Narberal and Pandora should not be taken lightly.

"Who the fuck are you two supposed to be?" questioned a man who appeared to be the commanding officer. The man said this with a mixture of rage and caution in his voice.

"Greetings, citizens of Slane Theocracy. Welcome to Carne. We've come to help Gazef since he can no longer fight alone. We'll fight you in his place." Pandora smiled assuredly as he spoke.

"Are you two alone? Do you truly believe you can defeat our entire army?" The commanding officer sneered, his doubtful eyes becoming smaller. "Not even the renowned Gazef Stronoff would dare confront us alone. You two are nothing more than two idiots with lofty ideals." As he waited for their answer, the man's comments were dripping with conceit.

"Exactly, for just that reason, we are present. We chose to relieve Gazef since he was unable to, in order to even the odds." Narberal responded in a collected manner with a firm tone. "Even though we are only two, our skills are unequaled. You should not underestimate us." The commanding officer's countenance briefly dipped, but he soon recovered and was prepared to disprove their claims.

"Oh, kindly! What chance did a woman and a servant have of defeating an entire army?" His tone was dripping with sneer as he sneered. "Even though you may believe yourself to be talented, we have trained warriors and strong magic at our disposal. Your collapse will come from your arrogance. I, Nigun Grid Luin, captain of the Sunlight Scripture, will end your life and send your souls to the Six for judgment."

'Damn, another one of those religious freaks, well whatever. Narberal, you take the human casters with your rifle, armor-piercing rounds only. I'll go for the angels and shield you,' Pandora said telepathically to Narberal.

'Got it, go crazy, I got your back.' Narberal responded confidently.

"Very well. Let the show begin," Pandora responded calmly, then blitzed forward with lightening speed.

He now has both greatswords in his hands and swings his left one diagonally downward, slashing two hapless warriors in half. Their bodies dropped to the ground, unmoving and dead. With the point of his greatsword firmly planted on the ground, Pandora quickly swung around and unleashed a deadly backward-spin strike while leveraging the momentum to pivot. His right greatsword sliced through the warriors around him with deadly accuracy as they were caught off guard and unable to respond in time.

The troops pelted him with fireballs, and he covered himself with his cloak, setting it ablaze. He quickly joined the ends of the two handles of his sword, making an improvised double-ended weapon, and whirled the doubled blade in front of him in a rapid circular motion. His cloak's flames grew hotter, erupting into a blazing wall that repelled the approaching fireballs, and his double-edged blade spun into a whirling ball of flame. He sent off a burst of fire, directing it at the warriors with the sword. The warriors were shielded by an angel as a fire wave leapt at them.

'Fucking buzzkill of an angel,' he mumbled under his breath as the fire wave slammed into the angel's shield, generating a spectacular burst of light and heat. The blast's ferocity briefly shocked the warriors, but they were able to reorganize and unleash a counterattack during the brief pause.

He quickly leaped forward and curled up into a roll as a shower of tiny metal balls the size of seeds burst from behind his neck, pelting the soldiers with an unrelenting hail of shrapnel. The sudden onslaught caught the soldiers off guard, and they scurried to find shelter in the mayhem. Although their armor offered some defense, the constant onslaught of shrapnel left them defenseless and confused.

'Oh, hell yes. Give the buckshot credit for having such a punch,' he mused to himself as he walked quickly across the battlefield. He pulled out two tube-like items from his back and flung them towards the reorganizing angels. When the tubes collided, they burst, generating a cloud of dense smoke that blocked the angels' view and confused them even more.

Because they were unable to see anything due to the haze, the angels started to whirl wildly in search of their opponents. He rapidly rushed in for the kill as they became disoriented, providing him with the ideal opening.

With both of his karambits, Pandora swiped at the perplexed angels as he blitzed into the smoke-covered field, surprising them. With lightning-fast, precise motions, Pandora slashed through the bewildered angels, leaving a trail of scratch marks in their wake. The metallic blades sparkled in the low light.

'Let's pick up the pace a little. Blitzkrieg Level One.' Pandora mumbled under his breath as he triggered his increased speed and agility. He moved with lightning speed, darting and slashing angel after angel, leaving behind him a trail of afterimages.

The angels tried to keep up with Pandora's quick attacks, flapping their wings in vain attempts to avoid his blows. They began to lose their numbers as the mayhem unfolded, as each angel erupted into a golden light and dissipated into thin air. Broken halo fragments and sparkling dust followed Pandora's unrelenting onslaught.

'Narberal, it's getting a little thick here,' Pandora said to Narberal, who had been watching the action from a distance. She dashed towards him, her eyes surveying the tumultuous scene. After assessing the situation, she took a weapon from her cloak and pointed it towards the surviving angels.

'I've got you covered, Pandora. I'm firing armor-piercing shots right now,' Narberal responded. She fired a volley of rounds with pinpoint accuracy, each one punching a hole the size of a palm through the angel's shield and armor, instantly killing them.

The human casters observed the girl walk in the air as if it were solid ground, her beautiful moves defying gravity. With each step, she blasted a lightning-fast blue bolt of energy from her portable cannon, piercing anything in its path. Any unfortunate person unfortunate enough to be in the bolt's path was instantly killed as it easily punched through each armor component.

Nigun could only stare, perplexed and enraged, at the destruction wrought by the two enigmatic individuals. His mind was working overtime to come up with a strategy to deal with their overpowering might as he gritted his teeth.

'Shit, they're reducing our forces faster than I expected,' Nigun snarled under his breath. 'There is still hope since we still have the Principality of Observation.' With annoyance and rage pouring through him, he thought, 'Those fucking bastards, I swear.' Nigun knew he couldn't allow his emotions to get the better of him; he needed to concentrate on finding a method to shift the tide of the battle.

The moment Pandora turned around, his left elbow slammed into the angel's face. He placed his left hand around the angel's neck and gripped fiercely, then jammed his right sword up the angel's face, forcing the angel to let out a terrible roar. The angel stopped moving, his body sagging to the ground with the sword still in his face. Pandora held his left greatsword in front of his neck and sliced forward with a forceful and accurate motion, cutting the angel's head from its body.

The angel vanished into a glittering cloud of golden dust as the sound of the sword slashing into flesh reverberated over the battlefield. Four angels were directly in front of Narberal as she evaluated the situation, her eyes narrowing. A nasty grin suddenly appears on her lips as she takes a staff from her back.

With a quick flip of her wrist, she cast a flurry of deadly spells, enveloping the angels in fire and lightning. As Narberal's unrelenting attack reduced the once powerful creatures to ashes, the air erupted with energy.

She swiftly directs the remaining energy onto the seven soldiers, who are huddled close without enough space between them. The redirected energy transformed into a lightning bolt that struck one of them and then began to arc toward the others, causing them to scream in agony as the electric current rushed through their bodies.

The last few troops struggle valiantly to escape the lethal electrical chain, hoping without hope that they can escape their eventual demise. Narberal's eyes twinkle with delight as she watches her foes fall one by one.

Nigun commands his own angel summon to attack Pandora after observing that the two people were successful in destroying their angel summons.

"Principality of Observation." Nigun orders with a strong purpose, "Destroy these sinners and put a stop to their arrogance." A magnificent angel with sparkling wings, the Principality of Observation, rushes towards Pandora, ready to hurl his divine vengeance on him.

The angel raised his mace high above its head, ready to strike with all its might. Pandora, undeterred, gracefully sidesteps the impending blow and punches the angel with his left hand, shattering its armor and sending it crashing to the ground. He grabbed the angel's fallen mace and proceeded to beat the angel to death with its own weapon. The angel let out a painful roar.

"Shut. the. fuck. up. know. your. place. you. fucking. trash." Pandora's voice resonated with a chilling intensity as he delivered each word, his eyes focused on the angel.

As Pandora delivers the final blow, the commanding officer watches in disbelief, realizing the immense power and skill possessed by Pandora. The remaining soldiers, witnessing their angel's defeat, retreat in fear, knowing they stand no chance against such a formidable opponent.

Nigun felt anxious as he recognized the troops' conventional weapons were ineffective against this fearsome opponent as they tried to reorganize and retaliate while afraid and confused as a result of what had happened. He promptly gave instructions for the men to withdraw and come up with a fresh plan.

"Fuck, I really need to use this now." Reaching for a secret weapon he had been keeping for emergencies, Nigun mused to himself.

He reached into the pockets for a blue gem, raising it high over his head in the vain hope that it might somehow solve their precarious predicament. Pandora and Narberal both noticed a faint glimmer coming from the gem.

They knew right away that it was a sealing crystal that could hold weapons, spells, or summonings. Realizing the potential power contained inside the crystal, Pandora and Narberal exchanged knowing glances.

'Motherfucker. Narberal, be careful—the man was carrying a sealing crystal. It could contain a dangerous entity or spell that threatens us.'

Quickly preparing for any threat, Pandora and Narberal were ready to fight against anything that may have been released from the crystal. They were aware that they needed to move carefully and figure out how to disarm the crystal's power before it got into the wrong hands.

Nigun continued to laugh maniacally after that, his eyes sparkling with a fresh feeling of optimism. He was aware that they had a fighting chance against their adversaries now that they possessed the sealing crystal.

"Rejoice, men. The strength that the Six have left for us! With this, we shall vanquish these two sinners there in front of us. We won't be afraid any longer; instead, we'll stand up and take back what is properly ours. Let this crystal stand for our tenacity and the start of our victory. The crystal suddenly burst into bright light, revealing the exhausted soldiers' faces.

'Here it is.' Pandora pondered, his heart racing with excitement.

An angel that was larger than the last summoning emerged as the radiance faded. The warriors' hearts were refilled with optimism and grit as they exhaled in wonder. The warriors gained fresh confidence as they prepared to meet their attackers head-on as a result of the angel's majestic presence, which emanated an air of power and heavenly protection.

As they watched the strange event taking place in front of them, Pandora and Narberal only stood there, looking somewhat perplexed. They exchanged perplexed looks as they struggled to understand the implications of the angel's appearance. They slowly came to a revelation.

"Wait a minute. So this is your ace in the hole?" A combination of interest and skepticism could be heard in Pandora's perplexed question. As she locked her gaze on the angel's radiance, Narberal nodded.

"It appears so," she remarked, her tone laced with dismay. They were terribly let down by what they saw because it confirmed their initial assessment.

"I can't believe we put up our guard for this," Pandora mumbled, shaking his head.

He was so disappointed that he truly hoped he could spit without taking off his helmet, but he realized it wasn't going to be feasible.

"We were expecting something far more extraordinary than this," Narberal murmured, her disappointment clear in her voice.

They exchanged looks, quietly recognizing their mutual sadness, before turning to leave the uninspiring scene behind them. Given that they both had great expectations for the occasion, Narberal's disappointment matched that of her friend.

They expected a magnificent show that would impress them, but all they got was mediocrity. As they went away, leaving behind their unmet hopes, there was a lingering disappointment in the air.

The commanding officer was so surprised to see them both looking utterly crestfallen. Their expressions of disappointment were so palpable that it was clear the event had failed to meet their expectations.

Nigun couldn't help but feel perplexed. This angel he'd just summoned was legendary and spoken about in the ranks. It was thought to possess unparalleled strength and grandeur and be capable of amazing deeds. But his opponents were dissatisfied with what was in front of them. 'How could they not be in awe of this?'

"What the hell are you idiots talking about? The demon gods were vanquished by this angel hundreds of years ago." Nigun cried out in shock: "Its sheer existence should have been enough to strike dread into their hearts. How his opponents could be unmoved by the legendary figure in front of them baffled him.

"What I see is only a low-level creature that we formerly used to take care of the garden." His voice was laced with irritation as Pandora snarled. "The fact that some ancient demons were vanquished doesn't make it any more impressive now."

Nigun's mouth fell open in disbelief at their brazen contempt for the angel's illustrious reputation, unable to understand their boldness.

He struggled to find the right words to uphold the integrity of the angel.

"You must be bluffing," he said. "This being has defeated the strongest foes; its very existence should inspire respect."

"Respect? Whatever you say," Pandora laughed sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

"What a complete waste of time." Nigun's defense of the angel was unimpressive, as seen by Narberal's sigh.

Nigun's request was ignored as Pandora and Narberal maintained their dismissive posture, confusing and disheartening him.

"You know what, Pandora? I think we've wasted enough time trying to reason with these fools," Narberal said, her voice mocking. "Let's just show them what true power looks like."

"Sure, go ham," Pandora replied with a smirk. "It'll be entertaining to see their faces when they realize their foolishness."

With the flick of her wrist, Narberal summoned an enormous amount of magical energy that no human could possibly control. The air shook with excitement as she released a jet of light from her mouth, severing the recently summoned and allegedly renowned angel and reaching as far as a mountain in the distance.

The angel's body melted into nothingness, leaving only a faint echo of its once-powerful presence. The soldiers were riveted in amazement and dread, their confidence in the angel shaken by Narberal's powerful performance.

Nigun was overcome with terror. Such unbridled power had never previously been seen by him, and it caused him to wonder what was truly conceivable.

He observed the same level of incredulity in the features of his fellow troops as he turned to face them. Their sense of the supernatural had been indelibly altered by their meeting with Narberal, and they began to wonder whether there were any other unfathomable powers at work in the universe.

Realizing the potential repercussions of coming into contact with such an exceptional entity, he began to fear, and perspiration began to appear on his forehead. As they were now aware that they were dealing with a power much beyond their comprehension, Nigun realized they would need to proceed cautiously and plan their next steps.

"Please, miss.. I mean Lady Narberal.. Please spare my life; these men don't matter. Just please spare me."

His troops were startled to witness how quickly he turned his back on them in an effort to rescue himself. They began to question their devotion to a commander who was prepared to sacrifice them for his own safety, which only served to increase their dread and distrust of his leadership as a result of Nigun's plea.

"Unbelieveable." One of the guys cried in rage, his voice full of betrayal and despair: "You're willing to sacrifice us all for your own self-preservation."

The troops looked at each other uneasily as the tension increased, and their confidence in their commanding officer was instantly destroyed. Everyone he led into combat now doubted if their lives were genuinely valuable or whether they were only pieces in his game of dominance.

A gulf of uncertainty and despair followed the permanently broken, formerly unbreakable tie between leader and followers. Their admiration for him is replaced by hate and animosity, and they start to ridicule and criticize every choice he makes.

Their formerly powerful team's basis is being eroded as the solidarity that once drove them ahead dissipates into a poisonous concoction of distrust and hostility. Along with their commanding officer's conduct, the troops felt deceived by the illusion of devotion and brotherhood that had held them together during several conflicts.

Narberal looked at the shaking Nigun with a mixture of delight and contempt, her eyes glistening with an unearthly power.

She said, "Your pleadings mean nothing to me," in a voice that chilled him to the bone. "Your destiny is entirely in my control." As Nigun became aware of the full scope of the incredible energies he had awoken, his heart fell.

"Now for the rest of you," Pandora murmured, turning to face the warriors. "You've seen too much, so I'm afraid I can't allow any of you to leave here alive. Consider yourself a sacrifice for the greater good."

The troops were terrified after hearing him speak, and their faces became pale in fright. They could feel something touching their neck as they were still standing still, and it was starting to become moist, but they were unable to move their heads.

The only thing they noticed was Pandora's right weapon, which had previously been clean but was now coated in blood. The soldiers' hearts hammered as they realized that Pandora had beheaded each and every one of them without so much as a blink and without appearing to move at all.

They were amazed and in awe at the speed and accuracy. It appeared as though Pandora had superhuman skills that allowed her to ignore natural rules. The troops' heads were racing as they attempted to understand the opponent's incredible strength and prowess.

As they battled to regain consciousness, blood began to flow down their necks, ruining their uniforms. Their heads began to fall off their necks.

The only sound left on the battlefield was the wind rustling among the dead bodies as everything descended into an unsettling quiet.

Nigun was staring at Pandora's form in a state of both amazement and horror as he stood still. He was left wondering if triumph was really attainable since it served as a terrifying reminder of the ruthless power that stood in his way.

He suddenly falls to his knees, his body quivering with a mixture of terror and tiredness, as Pandora and Narberal approach him. The commanding officer's thoughts raced as he urgently tried to find a way to turn things around and recover control. However, he couldn't help but feel a crushing awareness that their defeat was certain as he stared up at Pandora's imposing presence.

"You will provide us with all the information we require." With a menacing smile and a voice resonating with assurance and authority, Pandora stated it. As Nigun became more aware of the futility of fighting their questions, his heart began to sink.

"Unfortunately, now is not the appropriate time or location. So off you go. Say hi to Neuro for me." Narberal muttered this as she opened a gate behind him. Regardless of the type of spell being cast, he knew it would end his resistance. His capacity to talk or move was abruptly cut off as a collar leaped out of the gate and wrapped itself securely around his neck. A searing hot chain attached to the collar then slowly dragged him back toward the gate.

He was being pulled with an unsettling resolve by the chain, which appeared to have a mind of its own. The chain's scorching heat caused him to wince as he was brought closer, burning his flesh. As soon as he understood that trying to flee was pointless and that the gate had sealed his fate, panic erupted inside him. He then totally disappeared inside the gate.

The Re-Estize knights were in amazement and dread as they observed the entire conflict. They had never seen anything like it before, and they were stunned at what they saw. The knights were in a state of shock and amazement as they struggled to process what they had just seen. They witnessed everything Pandora and Narberal accomplished, including how they defeated their foes with ease while engaging in combat with unmatched strength and ability.

A sensation of insignificance overcame the knights as they observed such imposing might. It was a humbling experience that would forever be etched in their memories, serving as a reminder of the vast difference in power between themselves and these otherworldly beings.

---

Pandora and Narberal then return to Carne with the wounded knights, where everyone is already waiting for them, including Gazef, who just woke up, eager to hear the tales of their encounter. Gazef stepped forward to greet them.

"Welcome back. I was worried about you two for a sec."

Pandora and Narberal exchanged relieved smiles before responding, "Thank you, Gazef. It was a truly intense battle, but we managed to overcome the odds and bring back the wounded knights. Unfortunately, many of your men didn't make it. I'm sorry."

Gazef's face fell as he absorbed the news, and his eyes filled with sorrow. "I... I had hoped for a different outcome," he murmured, his voice heavy with grief. "We will mourn their loss and honor their sacrifice. They will not be forgotten."

"It's nice to see you again, and keep the chess piece; I'm sure it'll come in handy some other time." Gazef's face brightened slightly at the mention of the chess piece. "Thank you," he replied, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Perhaps we can play a game together in the future as a way to remember our fallen comrades."

"You bet your ass, we will. Don't cry when you finally realize there's no way for you to beat me." Gazef chuckled, his eyes glinting with determination. "Oh, I won't cry, but I'll make sure to give you a run for your money. Let's honor our fallen comrades with a fierce battle on the chessboard."

"Anyway, I hope you have a safe trip back to the Kingdom, Gazef. But me and my men have to start moving again."

"Thank you, my friend. I wish you and your men a successful mission ahead. May we meet again soon, both on and off the battlefield." Gazef extended his hand for a firm handshake, their camaraderie evident in their eyes. With a final nod, they parted ways, each carrying the weight of their fallen comrades in their hearts.

"We will continue our journey tomorrow. So how about we share stories for tonight's dinner?" As they walked away, Gazef couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for his friend's unwavering dedication to their cause. He knew that tonight's dinner would not only provide them with nourishment but also serve as a reminder of the bonds they had forged throughout their years of service.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Gazef looked forward to the stories that would be shared, knowing that they would bring them closer together and strengthen their resolve for the challenges that lay ahead.

After dinner, the agents and the knights gathered around the fire, sharing stories of their past missions and battles, each tale more thrilling than the last. As laughter filled the air and camaraderie grew, Gazef couldn't help but feel a sense of unity and pride among his comrades. These shared experiences not only deepened their bond but also fueled their determination to protect their cause with unwavering loyalty.

One of the agents suggests that they play a game together. He then reached for something inside his bag and pulled out a ball made of leather. The ball was lightweight and surprisingly durable enough for intense play. He then teaches the knights about the game rules and demonstrates some basic techniques. As they started playing, laughter and friendly competition filled the air, temporarily lifting the weight of their responsibilities.

Gazef couldn't help but admire the camaraderie that had formed among his comrades, knowing that these moments of respite were essential for their morale and overall effectiveness in protecting their cause.

Another agent brings his musical instrument to the gathering, adding a lively tune to the atmosphere. The melodic notes blended harmoniously with the sounds of clashing swords and cheering, creating an enchanting ambiance that seemed to transport everyone to a world of pure joy and unity.

Gazef couldn't help but join in the merriment, realizing that these moments of shared happiness were not only a testament to their bond as warriors but also a reminder of the beauty that could be found amidst the chaos of their duty.

Narberal decided to volunteer to take care of the two sisters they just saved today. As the celebration continued, Narberal's offer to care for the two sisters was met with gratitude and relief from Gazef and the others. Recognizing the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment for these young girls, Narberal's selflessness only deepened their admiration for her. With this act of kindness, the warriors were reminded that even in their role as protectors, there was always room for compassion and empathy.

---

She observed that both sisters were already nodding off and were having difficulty keeping their eyes open as the sound of laughter began to fade. She takes the girls back to the house after saying goodbye to Pandora and everyone gathered around the fire, making sure to gently put them to bed. As she watched them gently nod off to sleep, Narberal's heart filled with love and appreciation, knowing that she had changed their lives.

She opted to sleep with them because the bed was large enough, wrapping her arms tightly around them to keep them safe. She looked at Enri, who was muttering a name in her sleep, wondering who it might be after the outside commotion had entirely stopped. Enri quickly awoke, feeling ashamed for Narberal as she laughed while listening to what she said.

"So who's the lucky guy?" Narberal grinned mischievously as she taunted. Enri flushed and slapped Narberal's arm in amusement, unwilling to share her secret. "Oh, come on. We're both girls; you can just tell me about it." Narberal persisted, giving Enri a friendly prod while grinning. "I swear I won't tell anybody. We'll keep it a secret." Before eventually caving in to Narberal's intrigue, Enri paused for a little while, her blush growing.

"Alright, but promise me this stays between us." Narberal nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I promise, not a word will escape my lips," she assured Enri. With a sigh, Enri leaned in closer and whispered the name of the lucky guy into Narberal's ear, their secret now shared between them.

"So who's he to you?" Narberal asked, her voice filled with anticipation. Enri smiled softly, her eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and affection.

"He's someone very special to me," Enri replied, her voice filled with warmth. "Someone who has brought joy and happiness into my life."

"Let me guess. A childhood friend." Narberal raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.

"How did you know?" Enri chuckled. "Yes, we've known each other since we were kids. We grew up together and shared countless memories." She paused for a moment, lost in her thoughts. "He's always been there for me, through thick and thin. I can't imagine my life without him."

"Damn. How envious I am of your bond," Narberal admitted, a hint of longing in her voice. "To have someone who has been by your side for so long, offering unwavering support and companionship, is truly a treasure." She paused, her gaze distant. "I suppose it's a rare privilege to find such a deep connection with another person."

"How about you, Narberal? Do you have someone?" Narberal's expression softened, a flicker of sadness crossing her face.

"No, I don't. My duties have always taken precedence over personal relationships. But witnessing the bond you share with him makes me wonder what it would be like to have someone like that in my life." She sighed softly, her eyes lingering on the distant horizon. "Perhaps one day, I will find someone who understands and accepts me for who I am."

"You're lying; I can see it in your eyes. You do have someone you love, don't you?" The woman's eyes widened in surprise; her attempt at concealing her emotions was futile. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she nodded, a hint of vulnerability in her voice.

"Yes, you're right. There is someone... someone who holds a special place in my heart. But circumstances have kept us apart, and it's a love that can never be fully realized."

"So let me make you taste your own medicine. Who's the lucky guy?" Enri asked, leaning in closer with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Narberal hesitated for a second before finally deciding to share her secret. "Ahh, screw it. I can't keep this secret anymore anyway. It's uhm.. P.. P.. Pandora."

Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke the name, revealing the depth of her emotions.

"Pandora is someone I've known my whole life; we grew together, studied together, trained together, fought together—practically everything together. We have a deep bond that goes beyond friendship. I never thought I would develop such strong feelings for Pandora, but here we are. He brings out the best in me and makes me feel alive like no one else ever has." Narberal spilled her secret with a mix of vulnerability and anticipation. She wondered if Pandora felt the same way, if their connection was as profound for him as it was for her. The thought of sharing her feelings with him both excited and terrified her, leaving her unsure of what the future held for their relationship.

"But you never told him that, didn't you? Why?" Narberal hesitated, her gaze rising at the ceiling as she searched for the right words.

"I guess I've always been afraid of rejection," she admitted softly. "I don't want to risk losing what we have if he doesn't feel the same way. It's easier to keep my feelings hidden and just enjoy the moments we share together."

"You're afraid you're going to lose him if you tell him how you feel all this time?" Narberal nodded, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes, I've seen too many relationships crumble because of unrequited love. I don't want to jeopardize our friendship by confessing my feelings and potentially pushing him away." She paused, her eyes filled with sadness. "I'd rather cherish the moments we have now, even if it means keeping my true emotions hidden."

"Or... It's going to do the complete opposite. Say, I've got to ask. How famous is he back home?" Narberal looked up, surprised by the sudden question.

"Well, he's actually quite well-known in our hometown. He's accomplished a lot and is highly respected in his field. That's another reason why I hesitate to confess my feelings. I fear that it might put him in an uncomfortable position or create unnecessary pressure for him." She sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I guess I'll just continue to admire him from afar and be content with our friendship."

"And what if some girl confessed to him first? Would you be okay with that?" Enri asked, raising an eyebrow.

Narberal's eyes widened, a flicker of concern crossing her face.

"I... I haven't really thought about that," she admitted, her voice trailing off. "I suppose it would depend on how he reacted and what it meant for our friendship."

"That's a fucking lie, and we both know that. You would be devastated if someone else confessed to him," Enri stated bluntly, her tone filled with conviction. Narberal's shoulders slumped even further, her expression turning melancholic.

"You're right," she sighed, her voice tinged with resignation. "I can't deny that it would hurt me deeply."

Tears started to well up in Narberal's eyes as she realized the truth in Enri's words. She had been denying her feelings for so long, but now she couldn't ignore them any longer. The weight of her emotions became overwhelming, and she found herself unable to hold back the tears any longer.

"I can't.. keep pretending anymore," Narberal choked out, her voice trembling with raw vulnerability. The realization of her true desires had shattered the facade she had carefully constructed, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. It was time for her to confront her own heart and embrace the truth, no matter how terrifying it might be.

"Narberal, the longer you hide this in your head, the stronger it will become." Enri gently reassured her. "It's okay to be scared, but facing your true desires will ultimately bring you peace and happiness. You deserve to live authentically and be true to yourself."

"Thanks. I will try my best to confront my fears and be honest with myself," Narberal replied, her voice filled with determination. She knew that the journey ahead would be challenging, but she was ready to embrace her true self and find the happiness she had long yearned for.

"Wait. I also forgot to ask another thing. Has he ever had a relationship before? A famous guy like him will likely have had previous relationships," Narberal inquired, her curiosity piqued. She wanted to understand his past experiences and how they might shape their future together. It was important for her to know if he had the capacity for commitment and if he had learned from any past mistakes.

"Not any that I know of, but I heard a nasty rumor about a girl he rejected a long time ago. Many said, Whoever she is, she has never been the same ever again since that day."

Narberal's interest grew as she wondered about the impact of this rejection on the girl's life. She hoped that her own relationship with him would be different and that they could create a positive and fulfilling future together.

"That girl didn't take it well, huh? Do you know who the girl might be?" Enri asked Narberal, who hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should delve into the details of the rumor. However, her curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to share what little information she had heard.

"I'm not entirely sure who the girl is," Narberal admitted, "but from what I gathered, it seems like the rejection had a profound impact on her emotional well-being. Word on the streets back home is that she's close to me and Pandora."

Enri's eyes widened in surprise.

"Close to you and Pandora? That's unexpected. Do you know anyone who might fit that description?" she asked. Narberal paused for a moment, racking her brain for any acquaintances who could potentially be involved.

"Well," she finally responded, "there is one girl I know who has been acting quite rude to Pandora lately. But for the love of God, I really wish I guessed incorrectly."

Enri furrowed her brows, sensing Narberal's unease.

"Who is this girl? And why do you wish you were wrong?" She inquired, her concern evident in her voice.

Narberal sighed heavily before answering, "Well.. how do I put this delicately? The girl in question is our cousin. Well, not technically, cousin per se. We all have different parents, but all of our parents are very close to each other, so we consider ourselves family."

Narberal hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words to explain the situation.

"The reason I wish I guessed incorrectly is because our cousin, or rather, this girl, has always been a source of trouble. She has a knack for causing chaos and drama wherever she goes," Narberal explained with a hint of frustration in her voice.

Enri nodded understandingly, realizing the potential challenges that could arise from their cousin's presence.

"Ooh, now I'm intrigued; tell me about this cousin of yours." Narberal hesitated for a moment, contemplating how to paint a picture of their cousin.

"Well, she's quite the enigma," Narberal began. "She's always been the rebellious type, never one to conform to societal norms. Her free-spirited nature often leads her down unconventional paths, which can sometimes result in unexpected consequences."

Enri leaned in, curious to hear more about the cousin's escapades.

"Despite her tendency to pull all of us into her trouble, she never meant for that to happen. Deep down, she's a nice person with a heart of gold. She's fiercely loyal to those she cares about and will go to great lengths to protect them. Her adventurous spirit and fearlessness make her an exciting person to be around, as you never know what she'll do next."

Enri couldn't help but admire her cousin's unique personality and wonder what other stories Narberal had to share.

"Let me tell you about this story."

Both delved deep into conversation as Enri eagerly listened to Narberal's captivating tales, eager to uncover more about her cousin's adventurous spirit and the experiences that shaped her into the person she is today.

"Say, Narberal. I have a strange question." Enri stated this while displaying a perplexed look. Why do I recognize your name and Pandora's so well? They sound familiar, like I've heard them before."

"What exactly do you mean, Enri?" Narberal asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I mean, Narberal is the name of a daughter of Nishikienrai, one of the 41 Supreme Beings who created our world, and Pandora is the name of a son of Momonga, the leader of the 41." Enri's comments left a lingering impression that aroused interest and fascination.

Enri's eyes caught Narberal's as she turned her head away, a flash of recognition crossing her face. She eventually responded, her voice laced with hesitation, "That's... interesting. But, Enri, we're just regular travelers. There must be some mistake."

"Normally, I would think so, but you and Pandora suspiciously resembled the actual person from the religion book and sacred texts," Enri remarked, her voice full of certainty. "The resemblance is uncanny, and it cannot be coincidence. I feel there is more to your identities than meets the eye."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Narberal spoke incoherently, with a trace of uneasiness in her voice.

"The sacred text of the religion of the 41 also stated that the actual Narberal and Pandora were said to have extraordinary powers and abilities, including but not limited to excessive strength, speed, and intelligence, as well as the ability to manipulate magic at an unparalleled level, which you and Pandora happen to possess. I find it to be extremely fascinating. But it was the prophecy that promised the earth-shattering boom that signaled the return of the 41's descendants and their holy sanctuary, Nazarick, to this world that truly sold me. The similar blast that occurred only two days earlier someplace near the forest of Tob spread shockwaves over the whole continent." Enri stared at Narberal curiously, her eyes narrowing as she sought to make sense of the information.

'Shit, this girl is clever. I'd better be cautious about what I say next,' Narberal thought to herself. She was aware that disclosing too much might undermine their goal and endanger their lives.

"Now that's just a wild theory," Narberal said, trying to play off Enri's thoughts. "There might be a variety of alternative causes for the boom. It may have been a natural occurrence or a tremendous magical enchantment gone awry." Narberal thought that by being ambiguous in her response, Enri's curiosity would be satiated without revealing any significant details.

"Then explain the symbol on the tracking device you gave me." Enri pushed, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Those look exactly like the insignia of Ainz Ooal Gown, the combined strength of the 41 Supreme Beings."

'Aww fucking fuck, I didn't expect her to recognize the symbol,' Narberal cursed inwardly. 'Why didn't I think of that before giving her the tracking device? I can't believe I slipped up like this.'

Finding that her attempt to deflect Enri's attention had been unsuccessful, Narberal took a long breath. She made the conscious decision to be open yet cautious. "All right, I'll admit it. I am Narberal Gamma, daughter of Nishikienrai, the primordial of stealth and shadow," Narberal admitted, her voice laced with hesitation.

"I knew it! There was always something familiar about you," Enri exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and excitement. "But why do you keep your true identity hidden?"

"What do you think would happen if people found out who I really am?" Narberal responded, her tone tinted with trepidation. "Humans are easily scared of the unknown, and their reactions are frequently fear and hostility. I prefer to keep my actual nature hidden in order to prevent unnecessary confrontation and safeguard the well-being of everyone concerned."

"Wait... what? What do you mean by "everyone involved?" Enri inquired, and her interest peaked.

"I didn't come here alone," Narberal clarified. "I, like every Supreme Being's child, was sent here on the hunt for the Six's descendants and their unknown accomplice. Our objective is to eradicate any possible dangers to the planet and restore peace and order. We have evidence to suspect the Six's offspring are extremely powerful and might endanger the stability of the world you live in." Narberal's comments hung in the air, allowing Enri to become caught in a flurry of ideas.

"Wow, that's a lot to take in," Enri eventually managed to remark, her voice filled with alarm. "I never believed that such strong beings would endanger the world around us. But if it means restoring peace and order, I'm ready to do whatever it takes."

"No, you should stay out of this," Narberal said, her tone strong. "The power possessed by Six's descendants is far beyond what you can handle. It's best if you concentrate on safeguarding your own people and leave the rest to us."

"I.. I.. Alright, I'll stay out of it," Enri reluctantly agreed, her voice tinged with disappointment.

"Good. This is not a game or a matter to be taken lightly," Narberal continued, her expression serious. "The fate of your world hangs in the balance, and we cannot afford any mistakes. We will do everything in our power to ensure that peace is restored."

Enri remained silent as she thought over Narberal's comments. "Enri, how did you even piece all of this together?" Narberal wondered. "It's remarkable that you achieved it by simply observing and listening. I'm interested in how you came to your conclusions and how you linked everything together."

"Ohh, ahh... I didn't even think about it; it just sort of clicked in my head," Enri said modestly. "I suppose that after spending years with him, some of his knowledge and intellect began to rub off on me."

"Him? Oh, you mean the boy we talked about earlier? The chemist?" Narberal inquired.

"Yes, him," Enri confirmed with a nod. "He's always been passionate about his work and constantly shares his discoveries and insights with me. I guess over time, I've developed a knack for connecting the pieces together and seeing the bigger picture."

"Fascinating; I ought to mark him as a potential asset for future reference," Narberal remarked, her interest piqued. "It's rare to find someone so dedicated and knowledgeable in their field."

"Just don't do anything to him, okay? He's mine," Enri added with a playful smile. "I wouldn't want anyone to steal him away."

"Oh, don't you worry about it; I'll just pick and dissect his brain so you can have his body," Narberal responded with a mischievous grin. "But in all seriousness, it's impressive to witness such talent and expertise from someone so young. Inferior compared to humans from my world, but still impressive nonetheless."

"About what you said earlier, is it true that Nazarick is also present in this world?" Enri moved in closer, her eyes becoming wide with interest. "If Nazarick is truly present, then everyone has the opportunity to seek protection and guidance from Nazarick, right? It would be amazing to have the sacred sanctuary on our side. Just consider the opportunities and security it may bring to all of us."

Yes, Nazarick is also present. We want to unveil ourselves to the world shortly," Narberal said with a nod. "However, seeking Nazarick's protection and guidance may not be as simple as it sounds. It is a location of enormous power and influence, and having access to its resources may require the fulfillment of specific conditions or agreements." Enri's joy waned a little when she realized that finding refuge in Nazarick would not be as easy as she had thought.

"But don't be afraid," Narberal encouraged her. "While there could be restrictions, Nazarick won't turn you away if you absolutely need protection. Any mortal can always get assistance if they are willing to atone and follow the 41, regardless of who they are or the good or evil actions they have committed during their time alive. The Supreme Beings have always placed a high value on loyalty and dedication, and they are aware of the difficulties faced by mortals. However, it is crucial to approach them with the highest respect and honesty since they are not readily convinced by hollow promises or dishonest motives."

Enri nodded, feeling a fresh drive to prove her worth to the inhabitants of Nazarick. She was aware that finding refuge was not an easy undertaking, but she was ready to take whatever steps were necessary.

"You didn't hear it from me, but as your village is the first mortal settlement we came into contact with and has shown proper respect to us, your village has earned the rare opportunity to be the first ever mortal settlement to be under our protection. I have no doubt that soon enough, mortals from around the world will flock to your village, seeking the safety and prosperity that come with being under the protection of Nazarick. Carne will no longer be a small, unnoticed village on the map but a thriving hub of civilization and power. With the backing of Nazarick, Carne will have access to resources, knowledge, and technology beyond imagination. The residents will be able to live without fear and enjoy a life of abundance and progress." Narberal spoke in a low voice.

"How about other villages and towns? Will Carne's unexpected ascent to power not make them feel insecure or abandoned?" Enri inquired, her brows furrowing in worry. Narberal took a minute to reflect on Enri's reasonable worry.

"Don't worry, it won't happen anytime soon; we're not about to reveal our existence to the world just yet. We understand the importance of maintaining a balance and ensuring that other communities have the opportunity to grow and develop alongside us. Carne Village's rise to power will be gradual and inclusive, allowing for collaboration and cooperation with neighboring towns and villages. That way, the people around us can benefit from our knowledge and resources rather than feeling threatened or overwhelmed. We want to foster a sense of unity and support among all communities, working together towards a better future. After all, our mission here is not just about the hunt for the Six's descendants." Narberal stated this confidently.

Enri remained silent once again as she took in Narberal's comments. She had always thought that one day aid will come from above and make their village prosperous. A miracle finally seemed to have materialized after all those nights of fervent prayer and wishing for a miracle. Enri's sole thought was how quickly the world will change for good. Their prayers had been heard, and the 41 had responded.

'The world... is about to change forever. I can't wait to see what lies ahead for us.'

---

Outro song :

Shoot To Thrill by AC/DC

---

1st Floor Air Base, Nazarick

---

Together with CZ, Shalltear was observing the new recruits as they underwent live training. Shalltear was bored and outright displeased by their dismal performance. CZ, on the other hand, appeared to be watching their every action with careful attention; her look hinted at a mixture of interest and enjoyment.

The obvious difference between the two heightened curiosity about their presence on the training grounds. The other members of the Air Force couldn't help but observe Shalltear and CZ's divergent responses. Some muttered to one another, wondering why they were here and what it meant for the new recruits.

Others couldn't help but feel under strain when they realized they were being watched by such powerful people. Despite the frightening presence among them, they stayed committed to their training and determined to succeed.

After a heated duel between two squadrons, one of the recruits failed to dodge the trainer and was tagged, therefore ending her training session. She had no choice but to land right away. Disappointment rushed over her as the recruit approached, but she reminded herself that failures were a normal part of the learning process. She decided to use this training session as an incentive to work even harder and further her talents in the future.

Shalltear, who saw the entire event, believes that before being permitted to take part in any other training sessions, the recruit has to spend more time in the simulation room and learn more fundamental evasive maneuvers. Without a strong foundation, she thought the recruit's lack of expertise may put herself and her team members in jeopardy during crucial missions.

She requested that one of the captains bring the young girl before her and express her worries about the recruit's suitability for future training. Shalltear's evaluation was accurate, and the captain promised her that they would take the appropriate measures to make sure the recruit got further instruction and direction before being permitted to participate in any crucial operations.

The captain approached the young pilot and inquired, "Captain Ryo? What do I owe you for the pleasure, sir?"

"Save it, Kiborgh. Lady Shalltear has summoned you to a private meeting. She wants to talk to you about her worries about how prepared you are for upcoming training. Don't worry; we'll make sure you get the assistance and direction you need to advance before participating in any important missions.

She walked with Ryo toward one of the naval base's docks. She could see Shalltear, who had a dissatisfied expression on her face, seated on the pool bench. Shalltear motioned for Kiborgh to sit down next to her as she drew near.

"Recruit Kiborgh, what the fuck was that move you did a little while ago?" Kiborgh inhaled deeply as she realized her oversight had been noticed by her supervisor.

"I sincerely apologize, Commander Shalltear," she stated solemnly. "I underestimated the amount of strength required for that specific maneuver. I guarantee you that I am devoted to developing my abilities and preventing similar blunders from occurring in the future."

"Good, don't ever do that fucking thing again. Your teammates might have suffered catastrophic injuries. Or, even worse, incapacitating them in an actual fight," Shalltear severely cautioned. "Keep in mind that losing just one might significantly disadvantage the entire squad. We cannot afford to make any more errors of that nature. Return to class and retake the combat maneuvering test there. You can re-join the team for actual battle once your instructor deems that you are capable. But until then, concentrate on improving your abilities and making sure that you and your allies are safe. In order to win, everyone must provide their utmost effort."

"Yes, ma'am." Kiborgh said as she saluted and left the area. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of dejection and resolve. She was aware that she had failed her squad, but she was determined to redeem herself and regain her position in actual combat situations. She had the uneasy sensation that this setback would ultimately make her stronger as she made her way back to class.

"Don't you think it's a little harsh to revoke her flight license?" stated CZ. With an unwavering face, Shalltear shrugged.

"She must learn the consequences of her actions. We can't afford any blunders in warfare." Despite being aware of the decision's justification, CZ nodded in agreement because she felt bad for Kiborgh.

"Anyway, I'm tired, so I'm going back to my room." Shalltear bids CZ farewell and moves in the direction of the entrance. CZ says to her as she grabs for the handle,

"Don't forget to rest well, Shalltear. Tomorrow is going to be a significant day for us." Shalltear pauses for a minute, a slight grin developing on her face, before nodding and continuing on her path.

---

Shalltear's personal chamber, 9th Floor of Nazarick

---

Returning to her room, Shalltear flung herself onto her bed as soon as she could since she was so worn out from the day's activities. Her eyes were closed as she hoped a good night's sleep would revive her for the forthcoming assignment.

She reached for her nightstand and pulled a book from its drawer since she was unable to sleep. The book was rather old; the binding had seen better days, and the pages had turned a dingy yellow.

She never threw the book away, despite its age. The book was filled with so many wonderful memories, including pictures of her when she was younger with everyone. She smiled as she turned page after page, enjoying the images as she did so, until she opened the final page and discovered the very last picture she had ever added.

It was a photo of her sitting on a young boy's lap with his hand around her waist, and they both had broad smiles on their faces. On that page, there was a little pocket that she opened to reveal more images of her and the kid.

A picture of them dancing in the rain. A picture of them celebrating the boy's birthday.

There was a picture of her and the youngster counting a stack of gold coins; she was wearing an armored glove, and there were several piles of gold coins in the background.

A snapshot of her and the youngster naked on her bed kissing in front of a camera; they're both covered with only her blood-stained bedsheet.

Their treasured memories and their close relationship were documented in the picture collection. Each photograph captured a special moment that reflected their happiness, love, and occasionally even an adventure.

She was reminded of their happy moments together by the picture, which brought back a wave of bittersweet recollections. Looking at the picture, she couldn't help but experience a twinge of regret and grief.

A dramatic contrast to the joy they formerly experienced, which has been marred by the difficult conclusion of their relationship. She pondered whether they would ever be reunited after the image acted as a bitter reminder of what was gone.

Tears began to form in her eyes, threatening to overflow, and she could feel them slowly becoming moist. She struggled mightily to let go and go on because of the burden of their history, and she couldn't help but wonder whether she would ever be able to do so.

After a brief period of trying her hardest not to cry, she finally gave in to her feelings and started crying. She couldn't help but feel a sense of despondency because the pain of their separation felt unbearable. She had a profound understanding that recovery would take time, but she also understood that she needed to summon the courage to finally pick herself up and rediscover happiness.

She reached beneath her bed, brought out a case, and opened it to reveal an old guitar they had previously purchased from a store close to their academy. She thought back on the endless hours they had spent singing and playing music together as she delicately cleaned the dust off the guitar. Her consolation came from the familiar chords and melodies, which brought back memories of their previous love.

She played a few notes and felt a glimmer of optimism emerge inside her since she was aware that music had always brought her solace in tough situations. She gently adjusted each string on the guitar until it produced a pleasant tone. The memories came flooding back as she started to play, her fingers gliding easily across the fretboard.

Her voice joined in as she began to play a series of chords, the lyrics coming easily from her lips.

"Let's talk this over."

"It's not like we're dead."

"Was it something I did?"

"Was it something you said?"

"Don't leave me hanging."

"In a city so dead,"

"Held up so high on such a breakable thread."

"You were all the things I thought I knew."

"And I thought we could be."

"You were everything, everything that I wanted."

"We were meant to be, supposed to be, but we lost it."

"And all of the memories, so close to me, just fade away."

"All this time you were pretending."

"So much for my happy ending."

She recited the chorus one more time, the anguish and annoyance in her voice evident. She was reminded of the love that eluded her by the words' echoing in the deserted room. Each syllable she sang carried the weight of a crushed heart as tears ran down her face. The room's emptiness matched the hole she experienced within and served as a continual reminder of hopes and dreams dashed.

Her tears didn't stop flowing when she finished singing the song; rather, it was as though the expression of her feelings had set off a chain reaction. She inhaled deeply and tried to gather herself, but the burden of her heartbreak felt impossible.

Giving way to her feelings, she sobbed as loud as she could, the sorrow devouring her entire soul. Her sobbing reverberated off the walls and into the 9th-floor hallway, filling the whole space. Her cries touched everyone who heard them because of how visceral her anguish was.

As they waited to enter the room, CZ and Solution looked at each other anxiously. She had never previously appeared to be so defenseless, and it was obvious that she needed their assistance more than ever.

When they went into her room, they discovered Shalltear sobbing violently and shaking excessively. CZ and Solution sprinted to her side and comforted her with words and touches. Shalltear clung to them tenaciously, finding comfort in their company as they supported her through the emotional whirlwind. No matter how long it took for the agony to go away, CZ and Solution were committed to being there for her. It was a devastating sight.

They then turned to face the open book on the ground behind her, its pages torn and disorganized. CZ picked up the book out of curiosity and looked through it before discovering it was Shalltear's photo album.

They glanced at the final page right away and noticed a picture of Shalltear and a boy they were quite familiar with. After fitting the puzzle pieces together, they were extremely taken aback since the boy in the picture was someone they never imagined seeing with Shalltear.

"Shalltear. "Please tell me I'm not hallucinating," CZ said, her voice trembling with disbelief. CZ's worst suspicions were verified by Shalltear, who had a trace of grief in her eyes. CZ struggled to understand the strange relationship between Shalltear and the enigmatic boy when the news left her stunned.

Solution was so shocked by the information that she was able to utter just a murmur, "How... how is this possible?"

Shalltear's eyes slid aside, her words barely audible as she confessed, "There's more to my past than you all know."

"I know this is a lot to ask, but I need you to keep this to yourself. He didn't need to know about it. I don't want to disturb him any more than he is." Shalltear's eyes welled up with tears as she begged her comrades not to reveal her secret. All of them were confused about what to do because of the burden of her history hanging heavily in the air.

Solution and CZ tried to process the entire revelation. Solution paced around the room, then braved herself and asked,

"Does he know at least?" Shalltear shook her head, her voice barely a whisper.

"No, he doesn't. And I want to keep it that way. It's better for him not to know." The gravity of the situation settled upon them, leaving an unspoken understanding that Shalltear's secret would remain guarded at all costs.

"What if he somehow got wind of it? I don't think we can keep this up forever. Someday he will know, and when he does, it will be a situation none of us could help you with." Shalltear's eyes filled with worry as she contemplated the possibility.

"I understand the risks, but I can't bear the thought of burdening him with this knowledge. It's a weight I'm willing to carry alone, for his sake."

They both knew that if the truth ever came to light, it would undoubtedly have consequences beyond their control, but Shalltear was determined to protect him from that inevitable storm.

"However we can, we'll be there for you. But you ought to at least think twice about it; he should be aware.

For a brief while, Shalltear's resolve faltered as she thought over her friend's advice. She instinctively understood that they were correct and that maintaining such a secret may eventually be detrimental rather than beneficial. She inhaled deeply, gazed into her friend's eyes, and nodded, acknowledging that the weight was too much to bear on her own.

"Thank you; I'll think about it. I'll attempt to tell him when this operation is over." The decision made by Shalltear made her friend happy.

"I'm glad you're willing to take that step," they said. "We'll be here for you every step of the way."

---

E-Rantel Graveyard

---

In the darkness of the night, the moon shone brightly, casting a soft glow over the landscape. The stars twinkled like diamonds, scattered across the velvety sky. The tombstones lit up, their pale marble surfaces reflecting the moonlight, creating an eerie yet captivating sight. The silence of the graveyard was broken only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl, adding to the mysterious ambiance of the scene.

The sound of footsteps grew louder, echoing through the stillness of the night. As the figure approached, their heavy breathing became audible, intensifying the tension in the air. Each step seemed to reverberate through the graveyard, then she stopped abruptly, her eyes fixated on a particular tombstone. The moonlight revealed tears streaming down her face, glistening against her pale skin.

"Who is he to you?" A woman asked softly, breaking the silence. The figure turned towards the voice and replied,

"No one; I could care less who the fuck is buried here." He spat out the words with a bitter tone. "What the fuck took you so long, you slow ass piece of shit? Clementine, I said an hour, not two hours. I don't have all night to waste."

"I'm sorry, sir, I have a little... trouble at the bar." Clementine apologized, her voice trembling.

"I specifically told you to lay off the drinks tonight. This is the last time I'm covering for your mistakes; your next mistake will cost you your neck. Fucking amateur. You're lucky I even bothered to show up tonight. Now, let's get this over with before I change my mind about helping you." The man spat, his anger evident in his piercing gaze.

"Of course, sir," Clementine stammered, her hands shaking as she hurried to fix the issue.

"Whatever. Come here, I have something for you." The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a small crown.

"So I'm a queen or at least a princess now, sir?" Clementine asked, her voice trembling with a hint of sarcasm.

"Remind me to sew that damn mouth of yours shut if you continue with that attitude," the man snapped, his patience wearing thin. Clementine's eyes widened in fear as she quickly nodded in agreement. "I had to contact a lot of people to get this crown for you," the man continued, his tone softening slightly.

"But what does this thing even do?" Clementine asked, her curiosity piqued as she examined the intricate details of the crown. The man sighed, realizing he had forgotten to mention its purpose.

"This crown holds a special power," he explained, his voice filled with mystery. "When worn, it grants the wearer the ability to cast even 7th-tier magic, magic that is normally unattainable by humans. It is said that this crown has been passed down through generations, and only those deemed worthy can harness its true potential. Legends speak of its ability to bend reality itself, making the impossible possible. With this crown, anyone can become a master of the arcane arts."

Clementine raised an eyebrow in skepticism and crossed her arms, her doubt evident on her face. "Why does that sound too good to be true?" She questioned, her voice laced with suspicion. "If this crown truly possesses such extraordinary power, why hasn't it been widely known or sought after? There must be some catch or hidden drawback that we're not being told."

"And you would assume correctly that this magnificent piece of jewelry also comes with a massively nasty curse," the man replied, his voice filled with caution. "Legend has it that anyone who wears the crown will be consumed and lose their mind the second they place it on their head. It's said to bring immense power, but at a great cost."

"Then why give it to me? I'm neither a magic caster nor willing to let myself die." Clementine asked, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"It's not for you, dumbass. It's for our target," the man snapped, his tone dripping with impatience. "We need someone to take the risk and wield its power against our enemy. And he just happens to be the perfect candidate for the job." The man's eyes narrowed as he continued, "He possesses the rarest talent ever seen in our world. I need you to follow him for a few days and watch him closely; make sure he is safe for us to snatch when the time comes."

"You want me to stalk him?" Clementine asked. "Better yet, who even is this guy?" She crossed her arms, skepticism evident in her voice. "And what makes you so sure he'll be willing to help us?"

"Oh, he won't, at least not willingly. Like that ever stopped you before," the man replied with a sly smile. "And you should be thankful; he'd be your easiest snatch yet with his predictable routine and lack of security measures. Plus, he's not exactly a physical threat. He's more of a geek than a tough guy." Clementine raised an eyebrow, considering the man's words.

"Alright," she finally said, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "I'll do it. Give me a name."

"Nfirea Bareare, a 16-year-old, local prodigius chemist, I'm sure you've heard of him before." The man said

"Great, my next task is to stalk an underage boy; that officially makes me both an assassin and a pedo, two of the most despicable titles one can have," Clementine muttered sarcastically. "But hey, a job's a job, right?" She shrugged, trying to brush off any moral qualms she had about the assignment.

"You once slit a baby's throat for a job, Clementine. I think this is relatively tame in comparison," the man replied with a weird look on his face. "Besides, we both know that in our line of work, morality is often compromised for the sake of survival and success," he added. Clementine sighed, realizing the harsh reality of their profession and reluctantly accepting the task at hand.

"Alright alright. Give me a week to gather the necessary information and devise a plan," she said, her voice filled with resignation. "This better came with a substantial reward," she muttered under her breath, already mentally calculating the risks and potential gains.

"Do it, and my masters will make sure you can eat whatever the fuck you like and live in luxury for the rest of your days," he promised, his tone dripping with confidence. "Once you've grabbed him, have him secured here, underground, and give him to Khajiit along with the crown. Make sure that wannabe lich does his job properly; we only have one shot at this, and masters are not too keen on failures; their timetable is tight." The man said this, pressing his point with a firm gaze.

"I'll get it done, sir. What can a chemist do?" Clementine replied condescendingly.

"It's not him you should worry about. There's another player in this game, and my masters are sure as hell expecting whoever they are to foil our plan." The man's expression hardened as he continued, "They want you to move around discreetly, stay under a roof if possible, cover your body heat, and avoid any unnecessary attention. They seem to know these new players pretty well and anticipate that they will be actively trying to disrupt our operation."

"Alright, alright, I get it. So no fire, no booze, and nothing. Bore me to death, why don't you?" Clementine replied sarcastically. "But I suppose it's better to be actually outside and killing fools than staying underground doing who knows what, fucking Zurrrernorn."

"They have their uses. I personally despise them, but whatever gets the job done," the man replied, rolling his eyes. "I'll try to pull some strings and ensure that we have enough backup support in case things go south. Report to me in three days and make sure you cover your tracks."

"Okay then, if that's all. I'm off; this place gives me the creeps." Clementine nodded, her grip tightening on the hilt of her weapon.

The man stayed behind, watching Clementine as she walked away. He knew that she was a skilled and resourceful agent, but he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease about the mission. As he turned to leave, he made a mental note to keep a close eye on her progress and be prepared for any unforeseen challenges that may arise.

A crackling sound suddenly broke the silence, a vortex of dark energy swirling into existence behind him. The man remained calm as he heard his master's voice as she stepped out of the vortex.

"I sense your unease, my loyal servant," she said, her voice laced with a mix of concern and authority.

"Lady Harina, it's nothing to worry about," the man replied, bowing his head respectfully. "What brings you here, my lady?"

"I have come to assess the situation and offer my guidance," Harina responded, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "Be on the lookout for a man about 6 feet tall in black armor and a half-burnt cloak and a girl about 5 and a half feet tall. Don't do anything just yet; just keep an eye and an ear on them. I suspect they will come to E-Rantel tomorrow. Harina's voice carried a sense of urgency as she continued, "Notify your peers and stick around for further instructions. Oh, and Deavy, I'm assigning you and Vividayne for a hit team in the not-so-distant future."

"Of course, my lady, anything for you," Deavy replied with a bow. He knew that Harina's orders were not to be taken lightly, especially when it came to matters of security and potential threats.

"Right, that'll be all. Keep yourself alive, Deavy; the storm is coming sooner than expected." Harina said before walking back to the portal: Deavy watched Harina disappear through the portal, his mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming mission. He knew he would need to gather his wits and prepare himself for the challenges that lay ahead. He glanced toward the bright moon in the night sky, his hand clenching into a fist as he looked at the moon..

'Heheh, it's never easy, isn't it? What would I give for a moment of peace?'