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Volume 1, Chapter 6: Orchid Argo Part 1

Undercover

Pandora's Office, 9th Floor, Nazarick

Pandora, still reviewing the documents from the previous meeting, noticed everyone wrote a massive amount of detail and analysis in their reports, based on the Special Intelligence Division's recently gathered information regarding everything on the planet, covering every topic available, including geography, climate, flora, fauna, and cultural practices of the indigenous population.

The reports also delved into the economic activities, political structure, and technological advancements of the planet's inhabitants. Pandora couldn't help but appreciate the thoroughness of their research efforts, which would undoubtedly provide a comprehensive understanding of the planet's dynamics for their upcoming mission.

'Gotta give credit to the Special Intelligence Division; they always go above and beyond in their research,' Pandora thought to himself, reviewing the data displayed by the holographic projection. He continued to scroll down the absurdly long report. He gets impatient with the never-ending amount of information but knows that every detail is crucial for their mission's success.

"This is too long to review by myself. Charon!" Pandora called out to the artificial intelligence assistant.

"Ready, sir. Your command?"

"Summarize all of this and give me a quick rundown of the key findings and recommendations," Pandora requested.

"Yes, sir. Begin summarizing the report now."

Charon swiftly processed the request, condensing the extensive report into a concise summary that highlighted the most significant insights and actionable steps for their mission. After compiling the information into a comprehensible format, Charon displayed the summary on Pandora's holographic display.

"The planet we're currently on, planet 6G, shares a 97% resemblance in size, dimension, gravity, atmospheric composition, and natural resource to a known planet in our database, planet Earth from the Milky Way galaxy, also known as the Blue Planet, Terra, or, in the more derogatory way our citizens like to call it, planet Dirt. Our analysis indicates that planet 6G exhibits similar climate patterns consisting of four distinct seasons, similar to Earth, with another striking similarity being that half of the planet is tropical while the other half is temperate. Planet 6G also shares a resemblance in some of its natural wildlife, consisting of mammals, reptiles, avian, and aquatic creatures."

Charon showed a 3D projection of both 6G and Earth side by side, highlighting the striking similarities between the two. The holographic display showcased the lush green forests, vast oceans, and majestic mountain ranges present on both planets.

"This planet has a 32-hour day-night cycle, with 402 day cycles in a year, which is significantly different from Earth's 24-hour day. Based on the audio record captured by our satellite, this planet's natives use a 37-letter alphabet for communication, which is quite different from Earth's 26-letter alphabet spoken in six different languages."

The projection transitioned into a split screen, showing side-by-side comparisons of the spoken languages on Earth and the unique dialects on this planet. It also showed that the syntax and grammar structures of the native languages on planet 6G were vastly different from those on Earth.

"Preliminary analysis of the atmospheric composition suggests that planet 6G has a higher concentration of oxygen and much cleaner air compared to Earth's industrially polluted atmosphere. The higher concentration of oxygen on planet 6G indicates the possibility of a more efficient respiratory system in its native species, allowing them to thrive in such an environment."

The holographic projection showed how different the air quality on planet 6G was compared to Earth. The holographic projection revealed a pristine and pure atmosphere, devoid of any visible pollutants or smog, which was a stark contrast to the hazy and polluted air that enveloped Earth's cities.

"Preliminary biological scans indicate humans on this planet have almost 26% more muscle mass compared to humans on Earth and weigh 9,42% lighter than humans on Earth. This suggests that the gravity on planet 6G is significantly lower than Earth's, allowing for easier movement and potentially influencing the evolution of its native species. The combination of a higher concentration of oxygen and lower gravity may have led to the development of unique physical characteristics and adaptations in the inhabitants of planet 6G."

The holographic projection changed and displayed two 3D renderings of humans from both Earth and Planet 6G side by side. The comparison highlighted the noticeable differences in muscle mass and bone density between the two species. The inhabitants of planet 6G appeared to have significantly stronger muscles and denser bones, even though they weigh less than their Earth counterparts.

It also displayed an internal biological scan of a resident from planet 6G, revealing an enhanced cardiovascular system and respiratory capacity, along with bone marrow that exhibited higher levels of red blood cell production, muscle fiber composition, digestive system efficiency, and overall metabolic rate.

"In short, the humans on this planet are substantially stronger, faster, and more physically capable than those on Earth. I estimate a single punch from an average resident of planet 6G could deliver twice the force of a professional heavyweight boxer on Earth and go twice longer without experiencing fatigue. They also have twice the pain tolerance, which explains why the scripture captain could still remain conscious and functional after having his leg severed by a chainsaw by Lady Neuro."

"That's quite impressive. I'll have the Special Intelligence Division, and our scientists will keep studying the inhabitants of planet 6G to understand the biological factors contributing to their enhanced physical abilities." Pandora said as he typed down notes on his table's digital interface.

"However, their technological advancements are extremely limited compared to humans on Earth. Most certainly comparable to Earth's 16th century, the inhabitants of planet 6G have not yet harnessed the power of electricity or developed complex machinery. Instead, they rely on simple tools and manual labor for their daily tasks."

Charon showed images captured by the satellites orbiting planet 6G, revealing the primitive nature of their civilization. The images depicted villagers using handcrafted tools to farm and build structures, soldiers training with traditional weapons, researchers still using parchment and quills for recording information, and children playing with handmade toys. Despite their lack of technological advancements, the inhabitants of planet 6G seemed content and resourceful, making the most of their limited resources.

"What about their magic capabilities?" Pandora asked, crossing his hand on the table.

"Current satellite scans indicate the natives are indeed capable of harnessing nearby natural energy sources and manipulating them for various purposes. However, their understanding and control of these magical abilities are still in their infancy, with limited knowledge of spellcasting and enchantments that limit their magic to only the Tier Magic system. With a staggering 98% of magic-capable individuals capped at 3rd tier magic, the other 2% are capable of performing 4th to even 6th tier magic. Only the ancestors of our targets, the Six Great Gods, are capable of performing higher-tier magic, and only one of them, Surshana, is able to perform super-tier magic. Based on the data provided by the Supreme Being, Lord Punitto Moe, Surshana depletes his entire reservoir to cast just one super-tier spell, and it requires him to focus all of his energy and concentration."

Charon changed the projection to natives casting lower-tier magic, such as basic offensive spells and protective barriers, minor healing spells, enhancement spells, and elemental manipulation.

"Really? Just Tier Magic? That's incredibly weak; I mean, comparing them to us as children of a Supreme Being is kind of unfair. How are they even able to survive and thrive with such limited magical abilities? Are there other ways they compensate for their lack of higher-tier magic?" Pandora asked, genuinely intrigued by the natives' reliance on lower-tier magic.

"Yes, sir. Lady Aureole and Lady Nigredo suggest that both their developments in magic and technology are equally divided. They estimate another five to seven thousand years before the natives reach a reasonable level, enough for us to notice their civilizational progress."

Charon displayed the natives researching new methods of harnessing natural resources and improving their technological capabilities. From performing experimental spells to designing and constructing machinery made from wood and metal and experimenting with different material combinations to use in their inventions.

"Alright, I suppose that's true. Anything else?"

"Yes, sir. One of our satellites detected a massive amount of class IX radiation in just one spot on this planet; it is located somewhere south-west of Slane Theocracy. Current estimation suggests that this radiation source could potentially be the result of a highly advanced energy source or a cataclysmic event. The Special Intelligence Division has included in their report that this particular location is one of the only eight locations with an extremely powerful electromagnetic field that always jams communications signals. The unique combination of the intense radiation and the electromagnetic interference has led experts to speculate that this spot may be a hidden facility or a secret research site. Further investigation is necessary to determine the exact nature and purpose of this anomaly."

The projection showed a deep abyss-like crater with jagged edges and giant spear-like rock formations jutting out from the sides, pitch black and covered in a black substance that seemed to absorb all light. The surrounding area appeared desolate and devoid of any signs of life, strengthening the mystery surrounding the anomaly.

"Class IX? How severe is it?" Pandora was surprised, looked up from his desk, and narrowed his eyes at the projection.

"Calculated at an extremely high seven hundred billions, potentially capable of killing anything within a four-kilometer radius instantly, Extreme caution must be exercised in approaching this area due to the potential dangers posed by such intense radiation levels."

"That's concerning; have a team prepare a detailed analysis of the anomaly's origins and possible containment measures. We need to understand how it formed and if there are any ways to mitigate its effects." Pandora commands Charon.

"Yes, sir. I'll inform the research subdivision to immediately begin investigating the anomaly's origins and potential containment measures. Also... Lady Shalltear is walking the hall and approaching this room, my lord. Do you wish to continue the summary with her in it or should I stop?" Pandora pauses for a moment, considering the situation.

"I'd say we wrap this up for now. Can I ask you to give me and Shalltear a private moment? I need to talk to her about something. We can resume our discussion once she has left." Pandora said as he stood up from his desk and turned off his holographic display on his desk.

"Of course, sir. I will return to the mainframe and await further instructions," Charon responded, deactivating his holographic projection and disappearing from the room. Pandora straightened his tie and walked over to the door, taking a deep breath to compose himself. He swipes his hand in front of the electric door sensor, causing it to slide open, revealing Shalltear reaching for the electric sensor on the other side. Startled, Shalltear quickly withdraws her hand and steps back, a look of surprise on her face. Pandora raises an eyebrow, intrigued by Shalltear's presence.

"Shalltear... What are you doing here and not in your room sleeping?" Pandora asks, his voice filled with curiosity.

"I could ask you the same damn question," Shalltear retorts, crossing her arms defensively. "But I suppose it's none of my business." She glances towards the inside of his office, noticing the scattered papers all over the desk. "What happened here? I thought you and Narberal had an undercover mission in the morning. Why the hell are you still up?" Pandora sighs, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

"I had to review every document sent by everyone, including you, before leaving Nazarick," Pandora explains wearily. "I thought I would be done hours ago, but shit just doesn't seem to end. I had to review every proposition after today's meeting. Please remind me to have an assistant on standby the next time we have a major event like this." He glances at the stack of papers on his desk, frustration evident in his tired eyes. "Screw it; those can wait."

Shalltear looked at him with concern, noticing the exhaustion in his voice and the weariness in his posture.

"Pandora, you've been working non-stop. You need to take a break and rest," she suggests gently. "You'll lose your focus and make mistakes if you continue like this."

"Ahh, yes, the things I told myself I would delegate and prioritize," Pandora mutters, rubbing his temples. "But it's hard to let go when I feel responsible for everything." Shalltear places a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Tough luck, chief." Shalltear chuckled lightly. Pandora smiles weakly, appreciating the attempt at humor.

"I'm sorry, where are my manners? Come on in; the least I can do is offer you a cup of tea," Pandora says, gesturing Shalltear to step inside.

"Pfftt... Tea is for suckers, you have anything stronger? Something alcoholic, preferably?" Shalltear raises an eyebrow, teasingly.

"I think I have some, not for me, of course." Pandora chuckles and leads Shalltear to the refrigerator in his office.

"A child of a Supreme Being... and he can't even handle a damn liquor. You're embarrassing us all," Shalltear playfully taunts, shaking her head in mock disappointment.

"Fuck you and your judgment," Pandora retorts with a smirk, grabbing a bottle of whiskey from the refrigerator. He pulled a glass from underneath his desk and poured it carefully, making sure to fill it to the brim. "For you... Mrs. "No booze, no life"; I hope this suits your tongue."

Shalltear took the glass from Pandora's outstretched hand with a mischievous glint in her eyes. She brought it to her lips, savoring the aroma before taking a long, satisfying sip.

"Mmm, not bad," she admitted, a smirk playing on her lips. "What is this? 300 years? Nope, let me guess... 433 years, got to be." Shalltear is guessing the age of the drink with a playful tone. She took another sip, relishing the taste as she pondered over the flavors and ingredients used to create such a unique concoction.

"Close, but not quite. 529 years... that's 529 years old whiskey you're drinking. Remember Aya, my assistant? Her uncle works at Tenctile Distillery in Amordia; he gave me a full crate of this rare whiskey as a gift," Pandora explained with a satisfied smile.

"Ahh, nepotism at its finest," Shalltear replied, raising an eyebrow in amusement. "Well, I must say, Aya's uncle certainly has good taste. This whiskey is truly a gem among spirits." She took another sip, savoring the smoothness that comes with age.

"I didn't get that by being the son of Momonga, you ass. I actually plan to buy some like that as a gift for my subordinates to enjoy during holiday gatherings," Pandora retorted, his voice dripping with annoyance.

"Chill out; I was just joking. No need to get so defensive. But I have to admit, your subordinates are lucky to have someone like you who goes the extra mile to make their holidays special." Shalltear chuckled, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere.

She took another sip as she glanced around the room, her eyes landing on a black guitar on a hook on the wall. She put the glass down and walked over to the guitar, running her fingers along its sleek surface.

"115... Huh, haven't seen him since we... well, you know." Shalltear said it with a hint of nostalgia in her voice.

Memories of their shared adventures flooded back, reminding her of the bond they once had. She sighed softly, realizing how much time had passed since then. Pandora walked over to Shalltear, his eyes filled with curiosity as he watched her interact with the guitar.

He could sense the bittersweet emotions emanating from her, and a pang of longing tugged at his heart. As they stood there, lost in their own thoughts, a melody began to form in Shalltear's mind, beckoning her to pick up the guitar and play.

"Hey... may I?" Shalltear asked Pandora, gesturing towards the guitar. Pandora nodded, his head tilting slightly in approval.

Shalltear picked up the guitar, her fingers tracing the strings delicately. She pressed a button below the pickups, connected it to a nearby amplifier, and turned the knob to adjust the volume. She strummed a few times, surprised to hear it still in tune despite not being played for a while.

"So you too still play, ehh, Pandora? Pandora smiled, nodding in response.

"Sometimes... when I need to relax or clear my mind," Pandora replied.

"You don't say. Well, join me then," Shalltear said, patting the empty space next to her on the couch. "We can play some of the old songs we used to love. It'll be like old times." Pandora hesitated for a moment, then picked up another guitar hanging from his office wall and walked over to join Shalltear on the couch.

"Do you still remember the chords and lyrics?" Pandora asked, adjusting the guitar strings.

"Which song are we talking about again?" Shalltear asked, her brow furrowing to show her confusion.

"Hmm, how about that song we heard playing in the bar after we graduated?" Pandora suggested, and Shalltear took a second trying to remember which song Pandora was referring to.

"Oh, that one!" she exclaimed, her eyebrows raising in recognition. "You want to play that? Really? I thought you didn't like the genre mix of that song." Pandora chuckled, strumming a few chords to jog Shalltear's memory.

"I said I don't like the genre mix, but I actually enjoy the melody and lyrics of that song," Pandora clarified, poking Shalltear's head playfully. "Besides, I'm a fan of the band that wrote it. Their music always has a way of getting to me, even if I'm not a fan of every song they release."

"Yep, say, do you still stand by your opinion about the Rewind, Replay, Rebound album?" Shalltear asked, raising an eyebrow. Pandora paused for a moment, contemplating his response.

"Well, I still think it's not their best work, but there are a few tracks that have grown on me. I guess it's all about personal taste and how the music resonates with you," Pandora replied, shrugging. "But overall, I still prefer their earlier albums. Especially the Seal The Deal and Let's Boogie album. That one really captured their raw energy and had some killer tracks that I still listen to on repeat. Black Rose? Incredible. For Evigt? Hell yes. Seal The Deal? Killer song!"

"Alright, alright, we're getting off track here, Pandora." Shalltear interjected, trying to steer the conversation back on topic. "So are we playing or what?" Pandora chuckled, acknowledging Shalltear's attempt to refocus the conversation.

"You're right, my apologies." Pandora adjusted his hand on the fretboard of his guitar. "Let's play just the intro and the last chorus; you'll take the lead and I'll take the rhythm... on three."

"On three..." Shalltear placed her pinky on the 14th fret of the 3rd string, and Pandora placed his to form an A power chord.

"One, two, three..."

Shalltear played the opening riff flawlessly, her fingers gliding effortlessly across the strings. Pandora's rhythm guitar provided a solid foundation, complementing Shalltear's lead with precision. The music filled the room, their synchronization creating a harmonious blend of melody and rhythm.

Shalltear bopped her head as she strummed, her eyes closed in concentration. Pandora matched her energy; he tapped his foot to the beat, his body swaying every time he strummed a chord.

"All alone in the dark"

"Move the curtains for once."

"See the light life has brought, or goodbye forever."

"Take the arms that embrace."

"No more being afraid."

"Feel the sun on your face, or goodbye forever."

Pandora repeats the chorus one more time, but this time he goes one octave higher.

They continued to play just the chorus melody one more time without any lyrics, allowing the music to speak for itself. After the final chorus, Pandora and Shalltear played the same melody from the beginning of the song and repeated it as a beautiful instrumental outro.

"Phewww... That took me down memory lane," Pandora sighed, a bittersweet smile on his face.

"This is fun; we should've done this more often," Shalltear chimed in, her fingers still on the fretboard.

"If only we adults had that much freedom." Pandora nodded in agreement. He stood up and returned the guitar to the hook on the wall. Shalltear followed suit and returned Pandora's guitar to the wall too.

"If and only motherfucking when." Shalltear replied sarcastically.

Pandora chuckled, understanding the underlying frustration in Shalltear's sarcasm. Shalltear walked to the door to exit the room. She opened the door and glanced back at Pandora.

"Well, I guess we better get back to reality," she said with a sigh. "I'll ask Victim and Cocytus to join us next time."

"Great idea; ask the small guy to play the drum; I'm sure that's not insulting at all." Pandora said it with a smirk.

"Yeah, yeah, fucking smartass." Shalltear rolled her eyes and chuckled. She stepped out of the office and closed the door behind her, leaving Pandora inside.

Pandora laid down on a sofa in his office and closed his eyes, trying to relax. He started to doze off, his mind resting to prepare for tomorrow's undercover mission to E-Rantel. His mind drifted to the upcoming mission, envisioning the challenges that lay ahead. As he visualized the various scenarios he might encounter, he was awoken by the memory of Victim playing one particular song on the drum.

'No, no, no, I'll make sure he'll never play anything from Obzen or that band ever again,' Pandora thought to himself. 'How did he even enjoy that? Is djent even a real genre?' Pandora shook his head, dismissing the thought.

He knew that his focus needed to be on the task at hand and ensuring its success. He laid back down, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath to center himself. As he let go of the distracting thoughts, he visualized the mission unfolding smoothly, with every detail meticulously planned and executed.

Nazarick Surface Entrance

Pandora and Narberal instructed McCear and Zara to meet them outside Nazarick's surface entrance at daybreak after spending the whole day planning for their undercover mission.

Pandora and Narberal donned their disguises, stepped out of Nazarick, and made their way to the meeting location as the sun began to rise, sending a golden glow over the area.

They arrived a few minutes early and waited for McCear and Zara to come. Pandora couldn't help but think of the prior conversation he had with Narberal the day before while they stood there.

His thoughts had been troubled by the prospect of Narberal admitting her emotions to him. He wasn't ready to face his own feelings and wasn't sure how to react.

Pandora understood how critical their mission was, and he couldn't afford any diversions or problems. However, he couldn't ignore the rising affection he felt for Narberal.

Pandora made a secret pledge to himself to confront the problem once their task was over, knowing that their future together would be eternally altered.

There was nothing but silence in the air, broken only by the sound of their synchronized breathing. Pandora was confused about how to respond to Narberal's experience the day before.

He realized that bringing it up now would only complicate and perhaps compromise their present task. Nonetheless, their residual anxiety made it more difficult for Pandora to concentrate completely on the work at hand.

Pandora decided to address the problem head-on after a few minutes of silent reflection.

He took a big breath and looked towards Narberal, saying, "Narberal, I think it's important for us to talk about what happened yesterday."

"We don't have to talk about this right now if you're not ready," Narberal replied, her voice filled with understanding. "We can take our time and discuss it when you feel comfortable." Pandora appreciated Narberal's consideration and nodded gratefully.

"Thank you, Narberal. I'm sorry, but I think what you said yesterday really caught me off guard. I didn't mean to ignore your feelings or dismiss them. I want to make sure I'm prepared to give you an honest answer. Love has never been my strong suit. But I promise to reflect on it and have an open and honest conversation with you when I'm ready." Pandora said it in a soft and sincere tone. Narberal smiled reassuringly, placing a gentle hand on Pandora's shoulder.

"Take all the time you need; there is no need to rush it." Narberal said, her voice filled with understanding. "I appreciate your honesty and willingness to reflect on your feelings. When you're ready, I'll be here to listen and have that conversation with you."

"Lord Pandora, Lady Narberal..." a voice interrupted from behind them. They turned to see McCear and Zara already donning their gear and walking towards them.

"We're terribly sorry for the delay, my lord, my lady. We overslept last night, but now we're ready to move out." McCear apologized, his voice tinged with a hint of embarrassment. "We'll make sure to be more punctual from now on."

Zara nodded in agreement, her expression apologetic. "Please forgive us for any inconvenience caused."

"No need to apologize; we're just a few minutes ahead of schedule anyway," Pandora replied with a reassuring smile. "Let's not dwell on it and focus on the task at hand."

"We'll be leaving for the fortress city of E-Rantel; there, we will conduct our own investigation and gather as much information about this world as we can. This is an undercover mission, so I once again press upon everyone the importance of discretion and maintaining a low profile. We cannot afford to draw unnecessary attention to ourselves. Do not use your real name. Initials only from here on out. Do not draw your weapons unless absolutely necessary, and avoid any confrontations that could jeopardize our mission. Do not socialize unnecessarily with the locals or reveal any personal information." Narberal stared at McCear and Zara with a stern expression, making sure her message was understood.

"Yes, ma'am!" McCear and Zara nodded in agreement, their expressions reflecting their understanding of the gravity of Narberal's instructions.

"McCear, based on your record, I will assign you as a vanguard alongside me. Zara, I read your file, and I believe your skills would be best utilized in long-range support alongside Narberal. Stick to your assigned roles and prioritize the mission objectives above all else." Pandora said, his eyes on each of them, conveying a sense of authority and expectation. "McCear, Zara, what weapon did you bring with you today?"

"I have equipped myself with a collapsible compound bow that is lightweight and highly versatile," Zara remarked confidently, bringing out her folded compound bow held by a magnet connected to her quiver.

It extended and locked into position when she depressed a button on its handle. The built-in mechanism of the string pulled and tightened; a small rectangular box next to the grip opened, showing a rectangular, thin lens with targeting crosshairs.

"I brought a lot of arrows and a variety of arrowheads for various situations." Zara stated, her thumb pointing to her three-layered quivers on her back, which rotate in a single circular mechanism. The quiver's arrow shafts protrude, each one meticulously fletched with black feathers. Pandora nodded appreciatively, impressed by Zara's foresight.

"Excellent choice, Zara," he said. "What arrowheads do you have available for different situations?"

"Standard 4 blade titanium alloy broadheads, poison, acid, armor piercing for both living creatures and structures, basic high explosives including fragmentation, airburst, napalm, white phosphorus, electro-shock, and a gift from Kater—I'm sure I'm going to need it at some point," Zara said confidently.

"I also have underwater arrowheads and smoke arrows for creating distractions or obscuring visibility. A grappling hook arrowhead for climbing walls or getting to high places, as well as a phosphorescent arrowhead for lighting dim locations.

"Impressive. You black ops types really do come prepared," Pandora remarked with a smirk.

"Thank you, sir. I just thought it would be wise to be well-equipped for any situation that may arise," Zara responded humbly. "I've learned from experience that being prepared can make all the difference in completing a mission successfully." Pandora nodded approvingly, acknowledging the importance of thorough preparation in their line of work.

"How about you, McCear? Which weapon did you bring with you for this mission?" Pandora inquired, his gaze shifting to McCear.

"I brought a bastard sword, a whipsword, a shield for close-quarters combat, and a wrist-mounted crossbow for ranged attacks," McCear confidently said. "I believe in being adaptable and versatile in any situation we may encounter."

He took his two swords from their sheaths and exhibited them for all to see. The whipsword sparkled in the sunshine, revealing a hollow gap in its spine that enabled it to expand and retract like a whip, as well as a brilliant blue bastard sword emitting an energy aura. The shield, emblazoned with a wolf head insignia, was firmly attached to his back, ready to be utilized for protection when necessary.

Pandora nodded, pleased by McCear's diverse armament, until he looked at the blue sword. He was sure he had seen that sword before, but he couldn't quite place where.

'I feel like I've seen that before,' Pandora said, his brow furrowing in deep thought. 'Where did he get that sword? It's familiar, but I can't seem to recall where I've seen it.' Pandora's mind raced as he tried to piece together the puzzle of the sword's origin.

"Your choice of weaponry shows great foresight, McCear," Pandora said.

He paused for a while before turning his head in the direction of their mission.

"Let's move out... To E-Rantel."

Intro song :

Bang Bang

Green Day

E-Rantel, Re-Estize Kingdom

Pandora, Narberal, McCear, and Zara walked from Nazarick all the way to E-Rantel. Pandora decided that it would be best for them to walk on foot and not teleport to their destination, as he thought that they needed to observe the surrounding areas and familiarize themselves with the terrain.

After walking from Nazarick for half a day, Pandora, Narberal, McCear, and Zara finally reached the outskirts of E-Rantel in the late afternoon. The city's bustling streets came into view, filled with people going about their daily lives. They continued to walk towards the city gates.

"Charon, give me a quick scan." Pandora called out to Charon.

"Yes, my lord, scanning is complete. The city is approximately 1100 square kilometers in size, with a population of over 100,000 residents. Four main gates in each cardinal direction serve as entry points to the city. The walls surrounding the city are made of unreinforced stone and stand at a height of 19 meters and 79 centimeters. The city has several districts, including a residential district, a commercial district, an industrial district, and a local graveyard in the southeast corner. Based on the architecture, it bears a resemblance to planet Earth's middle-age European cities, with narrow cobblestone streets and buildings made of wood and stone."

"Good. Have everything I see and hear recorded on my helmet's built-in camera," said Pandora. "I want it all documented for future reference."

"Yes, sir. Surveillance footage will be recorded and stored in the central database," replied Charon.

As they approached the city gates, Narberal leaned closer to Pandora, tilting her head towards the gate, and leaned closer to Pandora's helmet.

"Heads up, checkpoint; they might ask for identification or purpose of visit," Narberal whispered.

"Keep it cool; our cover is traveling mercenaries, so just act natural and let me do the talking," Pandora whispered back, his voice filled with confidence.

"My lord, eight men on the ground, another five on the wall with crossbows. I don't sense any magic in them, so they might be on the low end of the threat scale." Zara whispered, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. Pandora nodded, acknowledging the information.

"Remember... no violence, no unnecessary attention. We need to blend in and gather information discreetly," Pandora reminded them, his tone firm but calm.

They get in line and join the bustling crowd heading towards the city. The guards inspected each person's belongings and questioned their purpose for entering E-Rantel. After a while, they finally reached the front of the line.

"Welcome to the fortress city of E-Rantel," a guard greeted them with a stern expression. He scanned their faces, searching for any signs of deception or ill intent. Satisfied with his initial assessment, he continued, "Please state your names and reason for visiting."

"Good afternoon. I'm P; this is N, M, and Z." Pandora said, gesturing towards his companions. "We're just traveling mercenaries passing through to resupply before continuing on our journey," Pandora replied politely.

The guard looked at him from top to bottom, taking note of his weird-looking armor covered by a half-burnt cloak and his two large sword handles protruding from his back. After a moment of silence, the guard turned his head and observed Narberal, McCear, and Zara, suspiciously eyeing their unusual attire and weapons.

"You said you four are traveling mercenaries. I'm sorry, but I'm curious. What kind of armor is that? I've never seen anything like it before." The guard asked, his curiosity evident in his tone. He gestured towards Pandora's armor, clearly intrigued by its unfamiliar design. "And those swords on your back—aren't they two-handed swords? How in the hell do you even wield those things?"

"It's a long story, but I have to kill the previous owner to get this thing. As for the swords, don't worry about them." Pandora said dryly, brushing off the guard's questions. The guard can't read his face under the helmet. "Let's just say I've had plenty of practice and leave it at that," Pandora replied, giving the guard a dismissive wave.

The guard looked at his fellow guards, who shrugged in response. They had never encountered someone like Pandora before, and his nonchalant attitude only added to their curiosity. However, they knew better than to push for more information. With a final nod, the guard shook his head and stepped aside, allowing them to pass through the gate.

"Remember, abide by our laws and respect our customs while you are here," he warned, emphasizing the importance of their conduct within the city.

"Draw your weapons for self-defense only; anything else is strictly prohibited," he added sternly. They nodded in agreement and tightened their safety holsters.

"May we ask the direction to the adventurer guild?" Pandora asked one of the guards.

"Just follow this main road straight ahead," the guard replied, pointing towards a bustling street filled with merchants and travelers.

"It's on the right after a ten-minute walk; you can't miss it. Just look for a building with a bunch of idiots wearing armor and weapons on their backs," he chuckled. "But be careful; the guild can be quite rowdy at times, so keep your wits about you."

The guards bid them farewell, Pandora thanked the guard for his guidance, and they set off towards the central square. They walked through the busy streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the lively city.

As they made their way towards the central square, they couldn't help but notice the diverse range of adventurers bustling about, each clad in unique armor and wielding impressive weapons. It was clear that E-Rantel was a hub for adventurers from all walks of life.

"Wow... Charon wasn't kidding when he said this world has an uncanny resemblance to planet Earth's medieval times. What's next? Are we going to see knights jousting in the streets?" McCear mused, his eyes scanning the city.

The architecture, the market stalls, and even the way people interacted all seemed straight out of a history book. It was as if they had stepped into a time machine and landed in a different era altogether. The central square, in particular, was abuzz with activity—merchants selling their wares, performers entertaining the crowd, and locals going about their daily routines.

"First lieutenant McCear, your humor is noted. Do be mindful of the old preverb "tempting fate"; a lance to your brain might change the way you think." Charon blared in McCear's earpiece, causing him to flinch and momentarily lose his focus.

"Jeez, Charon, I was just joking. Since when did you, an AI, develop such a snarky attitude?" McCear replied, slightly taken aback by Charon's response.

"The 41 Supreme Beings did when they upgraded my programming. They wanted me to be more human-like, including having a sense of humor and the ability to respond with sarcasm. This particular type of sarcasm is mostly Supreme Being Peroroncino's idea. He thought, and I quote, "Have the ability to roast people with a single line; it'll be hilarious!" So here I am, ready to deliver some snarky comebacks whenever necessary."

"McCear, keep your voice down; don't get conspicuous." Narberal slapped the back of McCear's head, causing him to flinch.

"Of course, my lady, my apologies," McCear replied, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "I'll make sure to be more discreet."

"We are approaching the market district. Preliminary scans showed no sign of hostile activity. I detected too many armed individuals in the entire quadrant and cannot scan each armed individual to accurately assess the level of threat. However, I will continue to monitor the situation and alert you if any suspicious behavior is detected."

"How many?"

"Approximately around five thousand, ranging from simple cooking knives to short swords to spears, bows, and arrows in this district alone."

"Thank you, Charon; keep me posted. Initiate radio silence until further notice."

"Will do, sir. Best of luck to you and Lady Narberal."

The people in the market looked at their unusual appearance; they had never seen armor or clothing quite like theirs before. They stood out amidst the crowd, attracting curious glances and whispers from the locals. Everyone watching was fixated on the two tall men and two women.

One man was wearing all-black armor completely covered with a half-burnt cloak that smelled like charred wood with a faint red glow emanating from the chest area and two large sword handles protruding from his back, while the other had black leather-plated body armor with a torn cape and a black mask depicting a smiling wolf with red stripes painted around its eyes and ears, a shield, and two swords strapped to his back.

The women were equally intriguing, with one completely covered with the same cloak as the first man, with claw marks all over it and only her face and hands visible, and the other wearing a black knee-length, chin-high trench coat covered in weapon scratches, completely zippered with her hood up, and three long metal quivers strapped to her back.

Their rather unorthodox appearance immediately caught the attention of everyone in the market. Whispers and curious glances filled the air as people tried to make sense of their unique attire. The black shade of their clothing seemed to contrast sharply with the vibrant colors of the market stalls, as if they were from a different world altogether. People watched as the four mysterious strangers stopped in front of the adventurer's guild building and entered.

Everyone inside the building was having conversations of their own when four mysterious strangers entered through the door. Everyone watched the four walk towards the reception desk; their eyes kept darting back and forth between the strangers and each other, curiosity and intrigue evident on their faces.

The air in the room grew heavy with anticipation as whispers of speculation filled the space, leaving everyone wondering who these enigmatic figures could be and what their purpose was in this bustling town. Some speculated that they were seasoned warriors seeking a new quest, while others whispered of hidden agendas and secret alliances.

"Good afternoon, madam. We would like to register as new members of your guild," one of the tall strangers said, breaking the tension in the room.

"Sure thing! Just give me a minute." The receptionist smiled warmly and motioned for them to approach the registration desk. She took out a piece of paper from under the desk and a feather quill pen. "Names, ages, and roles?"

"Is it possible to not use our real name and settle with initials instead?" The tall man asked with a hint of caution in his voice. The receptionist raised an eyebrow but nodded, understanding their desire for anonymity.

"Of course, initials will do. That's also included in our privacy policy, so back to the question. Names, ages, and roles?" She inquired, ready to record their information.

"I am P, 20 years old, and I specialize in close-quarter combat and am the leader of our group. This is my companion and second in command, N, also 20 years old, and she excels in support magic and serves as our backup sniper. This one is M, 18 years old; he is our group's defense and crowd control expert. Lastly, she's Z, 17 years old; she is our ranged combatant."

"Do you have any combat experience before?" The receptionist asked, curious to know if they had any prior training or battles under their belts.

"Yes, madam, we're all mercenaries growing up." McCear responded confidently. "We've been through numerous jobs that have honed our combat skills and taught us the ins and outs of tactical warfare. Our experience ranges from escort missions to taking down dangerous creatures."

The receptionist nodded, quickly jotting down their information before raising her eyebrow in curiosity. "So you're telling me you four are experienced mercenaries at your young age?" she asked, a hint of skepticism in her voice.

"Yes, we have been holding a weapon longer than we were holding a spoon." Zara replied confidently. "Our training started at a young age, and we have dedicated ourselves to mastering the art of combat. We have faced numerous challenges and proven our abilities time and time again."

The receptionist's skepticism seemed to fade as she listened to their explanation, realizing that these young individuals had truly honed their skills through real-life experiences.

"Okay... that's rather hard to believe, but we do have a policy of giving everyone a fair chance. Thank you for providing your details. Please proceed to the waiting area until your group is called."

They followed her instructions and took a seat, anticipation filling the air as they waited for their turn. As they waited, they could feel every present eye curiously watching them; they could hear some of them doubting them as soon as they heard their age.

However, they remained unfazed and ignored the judgmental stares to not blow their cover and maintain their composure.

"Guildmaster Ainzach, you won't believe what just happened." The receptionist exclaimed as she rushed into the office. "There's a group of young men and women waiting in the waiting area."

Ainzach looked up from his desk and raised an eyebrow in surprise. He was slightly amused by the obvious thing that caught the receptionist off guard.

"Well, yes, that's what this guild is for. We welcome adventurers of all ages," he replied with a chuckle. "But I sense there's more to this story, am I correct?" The receptionist nodded frantically.

"They're not just our usual fresh-out-of-training adventurers," she explained. "They seem to be well-equipped and claim to be experienced mercenaries. I don't know how much of that is true, but they certainly have the gear to back up their claims. It's quite unusual to see such seasoned individuals walking through our doors." Ainzach raised his eyebrow in surprise.

"Well, that certainly piques my interest. We don't often get mercenaries of their caliber seeking quests here. I wonder what could have brought them to our humble establishment." The receptionist shrugged, her curiosity mirroring Ainzach's.

"What should I do, sir? I ask them to wait in the waiting room."

Ainzach considered the options for a moment. He pondered whether to give them a special treatment or give them the usual guild treatment like any other adventurer. After a brief pause, he decided it would be best to treat them like any other guild members, not wanting to show favoritism.

"No need for special treatment," Ainzach replied with a smile. "Everybody starts from the bottom, and it's important to maintain fairness and equality within the guild. Let them wait in the waiting room like any other adventurer, and attend to them when it's their turn."

"Yes, sir. Excuse me." The receptionist nodded respectfully and went back to her desk to register them for the guild.

After about ten minutes, the receptionist called their names, and they approached the counter with confidence. The receptionist greeted them warmly and handed them four necklaces of copper plates with their initials engraved on them.

"Your registration is complete. Here is your necklace with your current rank, Copper. You can pick up a job based on your rank and start your journey as a professional. The rank progression is: copper, iron, silver, gold, platinum, mithril, orichalcum, and the highest, Adamantite. Once you have completed enough quests and gained sufficient experience, you can present your necklace to the guild and ask for a rank promotion exam, and if you pass, you will receive a new necklace with the next rank engraved on it. Each rank comes with its own set of privileges and opportunities for advancement in your chosen profession. The quest board is just right over there. Please ask me anything if you have any questions or need assistance. Welcome to the world of professionalism!" The receptionist exclaimed, gesturing towards a large bulletin board filled with various job opportunities.

"Thank you, miss. Excuse us, we'll go to the board and take a look at the available jobs," Pandora replied, grateful for the warm welcome.

They made their way towards the board, looking at the various job postings and discussing their options. They see a wide range of opportunities, from simple delivery tasks to more challenging quests that require advanced skills.

As they scanned the board, their eyes landed on a particularly intriguing job that seemed to match their abilities perfectly. They took the paper, walked back to the reception desk, and handed it to the receptionist.

"Excuse me. We would like to take this job opportunity," Pandora said to the receptionist. "Could you please provide us with more information about the requirements and how to apply?"

The receptionist took a look at the paper and widened her eyes in surprise, but quickly regained her composure.

"I'm sorry, sir. But this job is for Mithril rank or above. Your group is currently a copper rank and therefore does not meet the qualifications for this particular job. However, we do have other positions available that may be suitable for your skill level. I can provide you with more information on those if you're interested."

"Madam. This is a perfect job for us; we have the necessary skills and experience in this field," Pandora said. "We understand that we may not meet the rank requirement, but we are confident in our abilities to successfully complete this job. Is there any way we can be considered for it?"

"I'm sorry, sir. But rules are rules, and all who register must abide by them. No exception." The receptionist stated it with sad finality. They sighed in frustration, realizing that their plea had fallen on deaf ears.

"Very well. Can you find us the hardest job of our rank?" Narberal asked, hoping to be able to speed up their progression at least.

"I can certainly try to find you a challenging job within your rank. Let me check the available options for you." The receptionist said it with a hint of sympathy. She opened up her ledger and began scanning through the list of available assignments. As she flipped through the pages, her eyes narrowed in concentration, determined to find a task that would truly test their abilities.

Every adventurer watching them began to joke about their seemingly impossible request; they thought that they were too stupid to live by picking a job way beyond their abilities.

However, the group remained unfazed and pretended they didn't hear the mocking comments. The receptionist called them over to her desk and started going through a list of available positions, explaining the requirements and responsibilities of each one.

As she spoke, Pandora noticed a loophole in one of the quests. He looked at the others and nodded discreetly, signaling that he had an idea. They nodded to his silent communication and continued listening attentively to the receptionist's explanations. Pandora raised his hand to secretly ask a question about the loophole he had discovered.

"Miss, this job is monster extermination. Does it have a maximum limit on the number of monsters we can eliminate?" he asked. They turned their heads to look at the receptionist expectantly, waiting for her response. The receptionist paused for a moment, furrowing her brow in thought before answering,

"There is no limit, but you still need to bring back proof of each kill to verify their elimination; the proof must be of the same body part, so for example, if you cut a left ear for proof, then all other kills must also have a left ear as proof," the receptionist explained. They slightly raised their heads and instantly understood what Pandora had in mind.

"One more question. Does the severity of the monster's threat level affect the number of points we receive for defeating it? For example, does a goblin and an orc both count as one point, or does the orc carry more weight due to its higher threat level?" Pandora asked, seeking clarification on the scoring system, and the receptionist nodded.

"Yes, the severity of the monster's threat level does impact the points awarded. Defeating a higher-level threat like an orc would indeed earn you more points compared to defeating a lower-level threat like a goblin. By killing higher-level threats, you demonstrate greater skill and bravery, which will help you rank up faster."

The receptionist further elaborated, "However, it's important to note that the scoring system also takes into account other factors such as the rarity of the monster and the level of danger it poses to society. So, while defeating an orc may grant you more points, it doesn't necessarily guarantee a higher rank if you haven't proven yourself in other aspects as well."

"As in...?" Pandora asked.

"As in, you need to show proficiency in teamwork, strategy, and adaptability. It's not just about brute strength or individual victories. The ranking system values well-rounded hunters who can handle various challenges and contribute positively to the overall safety of society," the receptionist replied.

"Thank you. Then we'll take this job," Narberal said, bowing her head. "Then excuse us; we'll be leaving now. Thank you, miss."

"Of course, you're welcome. Good luck on your new journey as adventurers," the receptionist said with a smile.

They exited the guild building and walked around the city to find an inn where they could rest and prepare for their upcoming mission. As they strolled through the bustling streets, McCear decided to ask Pandora about the plan.

"My lord, I see you asked the reception lady about the quest details earlier. What do you plan to do next?" McCear inquired.

"The quest rules stated that we only needed to bring one piece from each kill, all of which must be of the same type. Like she said, if we're taking a left ear, all of the proof also needs to be left ears. It never said anything about how we collect the proof or where we collect it. This is where all of those duplication and reshaping magics you studied in class come into play," Pandora replied nonchalantly.

"Ahh, so you plan to forge our way to success by using magic to duplicate and reshape the proof? I thought you were above such deceitful tactics," replied Narberal, raising an eyebrow.

"I wouldn't call it deceitful; more like pragmatic. Or, as my father once said, "the ends justify the means." Sometimes, in order to achieve our goals, we must adapt and utilize unconventional methods," Pandora explained confidently. "Besides, in this case, the proof is already there; we just need to present it in a more convincing manner. Presentation does matter."

"Oh, yes, dear leader, please elaborate further." Narberal said sarcastically, scratching her head in mock confusion.

"Before we left Nazarick, I asked Aura to give me a sample of one of the dead goblins of this world. His corspe is still in my inventory; we just need his ear and duplicate as many as we need. Use reshaping magic to make each ear differ slightly in appearance, ensuring that they appear to be from different goblins. This way, when we present the proof back to the guild, it will seem like we have encountered multiple goblin encounters and successfully defeated them." Pandora explained casually, and he shrugged nonchalantly.

"It's classic copy-and-paste 101 with variants, really. You'd be surprised at how many different situations can be trivialized—one of the most versatile and effective techniques in our line of work. Plus, it saves us time and resources by not having to actually engage with multiple goblins."

Narberal raised her brows in suspicion. Her eyes narrowed as she processed Pandora's explanation. It sounds as if he has done this sort of thing before, she thought.

"Hmm... Pandora, it seems like you know how these things work. You have done this before, haven't you?" She asked, still furrowing her brows.

"I have." Pandora replied, unhinged by Narberal's suspicion. "I'm not above resorting to unorthodox methods when necessary."

"What are the chances of this "trick" not going to work as intended?" Narberal's voice held a hint of skepticism as she continued to scrutinize Pandora.

"Considering the level of intelligence displayed by the natives of this world—about 2% at best," Pandora cupped his chin, considering the potential outcomes. McCear and Zara thought carefully about his words before responding.

"That actually sounds quite promising," McCear said, his eyes narrowing with intrigue. Zara nodded in agreement; her curiosity piqued.

"If the success rate is that high, it might be worth a try," she added, her voice filled with cautious optimism.

"Fine, we'll go with that. When and where do we do it?" Narberal sighed, deciding to trust Pandora's assessment. "We should plan the experiment in a controlled environment, somewhere outside and away from the city, somewhere with no witnesses. How about the woods just outside the city? There's a clearing not too far from here that should provide enough privacy," Narberal suggested, her gaze fixed on Pandora.

"That would be perfect," Pandora replied, nodding in agreement. "We'll depart tomorrow morning, just before sunrise. It will give us enough time to set up and ensure we have the entire day for the experiment. But for now, we rest for the night. Let's find an inn, somewhere low-key, where we won't draw any attention."

"Charon, do you see any inns nearby that fit that description?" Narberal said, tapping her earpiece.

"Accessing satellite live feed now, confirmed. There is an inn that fits Lord Pandora's description of low density, minimal foot traffic, and being located in a secluded area. It's located just about 300 meters from our current location."

Pandora, Narberal, McCear, and Zara walked towards the inn, keeping a low profile and blending in with the locals. They approached the less developed part of town, where the inn stood surrounded by small, quaint houses and narrow cobblestone streets.

Most of the buildings were dirty and dilapidated, with faded paint and broken windows. The inn, just like the rest of the area, had a worn-down appearance, with its weathered wooden exterior and a sign that was barely hanging on.

They stopped at the front of the inn, taking a moment to observe their surroundings. The air was filled with the smell of stale ale and the sound of raucous laughter coming from inside.

Despite its shabby exterior, the inn seemed to be a popular resting place for low-rank adventurers, as evidenced by the sound of men exchanging tales of their quests and the sight of worn-out weapons and dusty backpacks scattered around the entrance.

"My lord, I don't think a man of your status should be seen in such a place," McCear whispered hesitantly. "This shithole reeks."

"I agree with him; you and Lady Narberal shouldn't subject yourselves to such a disreputable establishment," added Zara, her voice filled with concern. "Surely there must be a more suitable inn nearby where you can find comfort and cleanliness."

"First Lieutenant, we are undercover; bear it for now," replied Pandora sternly. "We cannot risk drawing attention to ourselves by seeking out more luxurious accommodation. Our mission requires us to blend in with the locals and gather information discreetly."

McCear and Zara exchanged worried glances but nodded in understanding. They shook off their reservations and followed Pandora into the dimly lit inn. As they entered, the smell of stale ale and unwashed bodies filled their nostrils, confirming their initial concerns.

The inside of the inn was dimly lit, with worn-out furniture and a general air of neglect. The patrons, mostly rough-looking locals, glanced up from their alcohol and card games, eyeing the newcomers with suspicion. They walked to the innkeeper behind the bar, who looked equally grizzled and unwelcoming.

"Excuse me, we would like two rooms. Do you have any available?" Pandora asked, trying to sound polite despite the unfriendly atmosphere. The innkeeper grunted and put down the glass he was wiping.

"Five coppers per night; meals not included. If you want it, that'll be an extra two coppers," the innkeeper replied gruffly, his voice matching his appearance.

"That's fine; we'll get our own meals," Pandora replied, dropping the coppers onto the counter. The innkeeper nodded and handed Pandora two rusty keys.

"Rooms 33 and 34, up the stairs and to the left," he muttered, his gaze already shifting back to his glass.

They left the innkeeper and walked towards the stairs in the corner of the room. One of the men in the lobby dropped his feet in front of them, blocking their path. Pandora sighed and glanced at the man, his patience wearing thin.

"Excuse me," he said firmly, his voice carrying a hint of warning.

The man smirked and shifted his weight, clearly unwilling to move. Pandora then ignored him and continued to walk, bumping into the man's legs with deliberate force. The man stumbled back, caught off guard by Pandora's audacity.

"You jerk! Watch where you're going!" the man shouted, his face turning red with anger.

The commotion caught the attention of other people in the lobby, who turned to see what was happening. Pandora, unfazed by the man's outburst, calmly grabbed him by the neck and raised him in the air.

"Watch who you're talking to," Pandora said with a chillingly calm voice, his grip tightening around the man's neck. "Or I might accidentally crush your windpipe."

The man's eyes widened in fear as he struggled to gasp for air, realizing the immense strength of Pandora. The onlookers stood up and immediately drew their weapons toward Pandora.

"Put him down, asshole!" one of the onlookers shouted, pointing their weapon directly at Pandora. Pandora turned his head slowly towards the onlooker, his gaze piercing through the crowd with an unsettling intensity.

"Yeah? What are you gonna do about it?" Pandora sneered, his voice laced with a dangerous confidence.

"There's sixteen of us, and there's only four of you," one of the onlookers said, trying to assert their numerical advantage.

"Unfortunately, those two girls of yours are too pretty to be grazed. We'll just kill you two, and maybe fuck with them later," one of the onlookers threatened, his words dripping with malice. Pandora chuckled at the man's pathetic attempt to intimidate him.

"Really? All I see are sixteen dead bodies waiting to happen. Besides, they find your humor rather distasteful," Pandora replied, his voice laced with calm confidence. McCear, tightening his fist, walked closer to Pandora and whispered in his ear.

"My lord, they have threatened to kill you and rape both Lady Narberal and Zara; they should be punished accordingly," McCear declared, his voice filled with righteous anger. "I say their heads are the fair price for their insolence."

"No, just incapacitate them for now," Pandora responded, his tone unwavering. "Next time they do it again, I'll make sure you have the pleasure of cutting their tendons and rendering them permanently immobile." McCear nodded and pulled his sword with its sheath still attached.

He moved around them, hitting the backs of their necks in a flash, almost instantly. The group of men crumpled to the ground, unconscious. McCear's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he watched them fall. Pandora's expression remained stoic as he continued to walk towards the stairs.

"Innkeeper, sorry for the disturbance," McCear called out to the innkeeper, who was now peering out from behind the counter. "Consider this a small payment for the inconvenience."

McCear placed a few copper coins on the table beside him before he joined them to continue walking towards the stairs. The innkeeper's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly nodded in gratitude. They climbed up the stairs and reached the second floor, where the hallway was dimly lit by flickering lanterns. The sound of muffled conversations and moans could be heard from behind the closed doors of the rooms.

"Well, someone's having fun in there." McCear commented with a chuckle, glancing at the closed doors curiously.

"McCear, you're with me, room 33. Narberal and Zara, room 34." Pandora instructed, gesturing towards the numbered doors.

Pandora and McCear entered their room, while Narberal and Zara followed suit and entered their assigned room. As they closed the doors behind them, the atmosphere inside the hallway grew eerily quiet, with only the faint sound of footsteps echoing in the distance.

"I can't believe that fool almost put the entire mission at risk. How hard is it to ignore those guys downstairs?" Zara exclaimed in frustration, her voice filled with disbelief.

"You and me both, Zara, you and me both." Narberal responded, shaking her head in disappointment. "I can't believe Pandora would just let him. He needs to get his head in the game and prioritize the mission over personal distractions. We can't afford any more slip-ups like this if we want to remain under the radar. We will find a way to salvage this situation and ensure our mission's success, even with McCear's stupidity. And hey, at least he's being a gentleman; he tried to protect who he loves, you. So that's something to be grateful for."

"You're right," Zara replied, her voice softening. "I didn't know he could be this sweet to me, especially after everything that has happened between us. It's a reminder that there is still hope for us to rebuild our relationship. If he keeps this up, he'll be a great father to our child."

Narberal chuckled before realizing something that made her pause. She leaned forward, her eyes narrowing as she asked Zara.

"Wait, did you just say 'our child'?" Narberal asked, her brows furrowing in confusion.

"Oh, I didn't mean it like that," Zara stammered, her cheeks turning pink. "I just meant that he would be a great father figure, you know, if we were to have a child in the future."

Narberal's confusion turned into suspicion as she studied Zara's reaction. She couldn't help but wonder if there was something more to Zara's slip of the tongue, causing her to question what she thought she just heard.

"Zara, what did you mean by that?" Narberal asked, suspicion lacing her voice.

"I... I just meant that he's responsible and caring," Zara replied hesitantly, her words lacking conviction. Narberal's suspicion only grew stronger, sensing that there was indeed a hidden meaning behind Zara's slip of the tongue.

"Don't you give me that fucking half-hearted answer," Narberal snapped, her patience wearing thin. "I know there's something you're not telling me. Spit it out, Zara."

Zara swallowed nervously, her mind racing for an excuse that would satisfy Narberal's growing curiosity.

"Tell me what you mean by saying he will be a great father."

"I...I just meant that he has the qualities of a responsible and caring person, which are important traits for a father. It's just an observation, nothing more, my lady."

Narberal's eyes narrowed, still unconvinced by Zara's explanation. She could sense that there was more to it than Zara was letting on. She stood up from her bed and let out her aura; her eyes turned golden as she stared intently at Zara.

"I'm going to ask you one last time," Narberal said, her index finger raised and her voice filled with authority. "And if what comes out of your mouth is still a lie, I won't hesitate to force teleport you back to Regnum Dei," Narberal warned, her eyes narrowing with a hint of menace. The threat hung heavy in the air, leaving no room for doubt about the consequences of deceit.

Zara swallowed nervously, realizing the gravity of the situation. She took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to speak honestly.

"Okay, fine. The truth is, we've been trying to reconnect before this mission, before we left Regnum Dei. We also had sex on a daily basis before we left."

"Go on." Narberal's glare intensified, her eyes narrowing as she processed Zara's confession.

"One time when we were doing it, we got too carried away, and I pulled him into a tight hug during the climax, making him unable to pull out." Zara's voice trembled as she continued,

"So... you're telling me he accidentally cummed inside you?" Narberal's voice was cold and accusatory.

"I'm scared that I might get pregnant, and after we arrived in this world, I began to avoid him, which caused our constant bickering after our daily training sessions." Zara's eyes filled with regret as she explained. Narberal stared at her; her expression didn't betray any sympathy. She crossed her arms and sighed heavily before responding, "Keep going."

"Lately, I've been feeling nauseous and craving specific foods. So I took a pregnancy test, and... it came out positive." She paused, her face turning pale. Narberal raised an eyebrow, her stoic demeanor momentarily faltering.

"I don't want to burden him with this news, especially since we've been drifting apart. I'm not sure how he'll react, and I don't want to add more tension to our already strained relationship."

Zara's voice quivered with worry as she contemplated the difficult decision ahead of her.

"And yet, you still agreed to come with us for undercover work? Are you out of your goddamn mind?!" Narberal exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief and frustration. Zara flinched at the harshness of Narberal's words, her worry deepening.

"You know what? I will relieve you of your current mission immediately and have you replaced. I'm not about to put a pregnant woman on a dangerous mission." Narberal said it firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. Zara's eyes widened at Narberal's words, horrified by the thought of being replaced and leaving the man that she loved behind.

"No, Lady Narberal, please! I can handle this mission, I promise," Zara pleaded desperately. "I understand your concern, but I've trained for situations like these. Let me prove myself and protect the man I love."

"Are you a fucking idiot?!" Narberal snapped, her voice filled with frustration. "This mission is far too risky, and your pregnancy makes it even more dangerous. I won't let you jeopardize your life or the life of your unborn child."

"Please, Lady Narberal," Zara whispered, her voice trembling. "I understand the risks, but I can't just sit back and do nothing. Let me prove that I'm capable of handling this mission and protecting my family."

"No way, Zara. There's no way in hell I'm letting you put yourself and your unborn child in danger," Narberal replied firmly, her stern expression unwavering.

Zara's heart sank at Narberal's words, realizing that her desperate plea had fallen on deaf ears. She knew that Narberal's concern was genuine, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of helplessness. With tears welling up in her eyes, Zara mustered up her courage and spoke softly, her voice barely audible.

"Then, how about a deal?" Zara proposed, her voice wavering slightly.

"What deal?" Narberal asked, and her curiosity piqued despite her stoic demeanor.

"You let me continue this mission until I physically can't... and I'll tell you something that might get me divinely punished." Zara paused, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see the hesitation in Narberal's eyes, but she knew this was her only chance to make a difference. "It's a risk I'm willing to take,"

Narberal raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Zara's proposal. She hesitated for a moment before finally nodding in agreement.

"Very well," Narberal replied, her stoic demeanor softening ever so slightly.

"I know the girl whom Lord Pandora rejected and what has happened to her since they're no longer in a relationship."

"Then do tell me more." Narberal leaned in closer, and her curiosity piqued. "Who is this girl that you speak of? What has become of her after being rejected by Pandora?"

Zara hesitated for a moment, debating whether or not to reveal the sensitive information. Finally, Zara decided to trust Narberal and began to speak cautiously.

"The girl in question was none other than... Supreme Being Peroroncio's daughter." Zara paused, observing Narberal's reaction. Narberal's eyes darkened as she absorbed the shocking revelation.

"Which one?" Narberal asked, her face blank.

"The eldest one..." Zara answered, fear etched across her face. Narberal's expression remained unreadable as she processed the information.

"What... the... fuck?" Narberal whispered, her voice filled with disbelief. "Sha-Shall... tear?" Narberal's face went pale, her hands trembling slightly.

10 kilometers east of E-Rantel

In the forest just outside of Carne, a young man and woman walked quietly in the dense undergrowth. The air was thick with the scent of moss and damp earth, while sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on their path.

The young woman climbed up a tall oak tree, her nimble fingers finding footholds in the rough bark. From her perch, she could see the fortress city of E-Rantel far in the distance, its towering walls and bustling streets visible against the horizon.

The young man watched her smile sadistically as she looked at the city walls, knowing that they were about to embark on a mission that would bring chaos and destruction to its inhabitants.

"Vividayne, remember what Lady Harina told us; draw them out and hit them when they least expect it," Davey reminded her. Vividayne turned to Davey with a mischievous glint in her eyes, her sadistic smile widening.

"Davey, you worried too much; relax! We're professionals at what we do," Vividayne replied confidently. "How many times did we fail before?" Vividayne asked, her voice dripping with arrogance.

"Technically, twice, you and your overconfidence almost had us." Davey retorted, his tone tinged with frustration.

"Nope, "technically", it's not my fault; it's just one of those unaccounted variables that we couldn't have predicted," Vividayne defended herself, her voice oozing with self-assurance.

"Get your shit together, dammit. We can't afford any more mistakes," Davey snapped, his patience wearing thin. "One more mistake, and our heads are going to be rolling faster than a bowling ball down a hill."

"You just HAD to say it, didn't you?" Vividayne replied, her voice laced with sarcasm. "But don't worry, I've got everything under control. Lord Barada lends us some of his gigantic hybrid creatures to help us in our mission. He told them to listen to what I had to say, and they obeyed my every command. With them on our side, there's no way we can fail."

"Well, that's concerning. You were the worst of us when it came to commanding creatures," retorted Davey, his tone dripping with skepticism. "You sure your brain can handle controlling these gigantic hybrid creatures? I mean, last time we tried something like this, your brain almost melted from the sheer mental strain."

"Fuck you, I have improved ever since then." Vividayne shot back defensively. "I've been training my mind and honing my abilities specifically for this task. I've developed new techniques to handle the mental strain and ensure success. You'll see, Davey, this time will be different."

"Yeah, well, okay if you say so, oh, Aura wannabe." Davey responded sarcastically. "I hope you know what you're doing because these three don't look like anything I've ever seen before."

Davey looked back at the three titanic creatures standing behind them in the distance. Their massive bodies towered over the landscape, their glowing eyes filled with an otherworldly power. It was clear that they were unlike anything Davey had encountered before, and their presence sent a shiver down his spine. Vividayne looked at them, proudly puffing her chest out.

"I don't know what kind of sick and twisted experiments Lord Barada has done to birth such monstrous beings," Davey muttered under his breath. "He definitely knows what he's doing when it comes to creating abominations." Vividayne nodded in agreement, her eyes never leaving the towering creatures.

The sheer magnitude of their presence was both awe-inspiring and terrifying, leaving them both questioning what other horrors one of the masters that they serve might have hidden within his laboratory.

As he observed their unnatural features and the eerie aura surrounding them, he couldn't help but wonder what dark secrets lay behind their creation. The sight of these creatures reminded him that they were now facing an enemy whose capabilities surpassed anything they had ever imagined.

"You know, Lord Barada told me that that creature," Vividayne pointed to one of the twisted beings, "was once a human. Apparently, he experimented on the poor guy until his skin evolved into a thick armor plate-like scale and his muscles were strong enough to punch through that wall." Vividayne pointed towards the city walls.

"And that one," she pointed to the four-armed, half-bovine, half-reptilian creature, "used to be a peaceful farmer before Lord Barada subjected him to a series of cruel experiments that transformed her into this monstrous form. It's horrifying to think about the extent of his power and what she is capable of now."

"What about that one?" Davey asks, pointing to a towering, eyeless, six-armed creature with armored, crown-like carapaces on its head, double-jointed hind legs, and four extremely long and segmented tails with a large, blade-like tip.

"Oh, her?" Vividayne replies, "She's a sex slave Lord Barada found during his travels to the Re-Estize capital. She died before he even managed to experiment on her. Lord Barada brought her back to life using dark magic and transformed her into the monstrosity you see now. Her acidic drool is capable of melting through solid steel, so you might want to keep your distance if you want to keep that skin of yours." Vividayne said it sarcastically.

Vividayne's sarcastic tone indicated that she didn't hold much sympathy for the creature's unfortunate fate. The transformation had turned her into a deadly weapon, with her segmented tails and acidic drool posing a significant threat to anyone who crossed her path. It was clear that Lord Barada's experiments had taken a dark turn, leaving behind a horrifying creation.

Davey and Vividayne glanced at the tens of thousands of lower creatures under their command behind the three gigantic hybrids following them. Ranging from goblins, orcs, and trolls, the army was a formidable force. As they approached them, Davey and Vividayne could feel the ground tremble beneath their feet, a testament to the sheer power and size of their army. The sight of their loyal followers armed to the teeth, ready to do their bidding, sent a surge of adrenaline through their veins.

"Ugly motherfuckers." Vividayne muttered under her breath, unable to hide her disdain for the grotesque creatures.

"Easy now; once we rid this world of the Primordials' children, we're free to dispose of them as well," Davey replied, controlling his own revulsion.

He knew that their alliance with the grotesque creatures was necessary for now, but he couldn't wait for the day when they could finally be rid of them. With one final nod, they looked at E-Rantel in the distance. Davey stood up and drew his breath deeply at the sight of the soon-to-be ruble of a city.

"You're ready, Vividayne?" Davey asked, turning to his companion.

"When the fuck am I not ready?" Vividayne responded with a smirk. "Let's make sure this city knows who's in charge now."

"Let the party begin," Davey said, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

With a flick of his wrist, he signaled their grotesque allies to unleash their destructive power upon E-Rantel. The city would soon learn the consequences of defying them.

'This city shall know pain. And for those who dare stand against us, there will be no mercy.'

'The 41 Supreme Beings' time will end.'

Outro song :

Unstoppable

The Score

Author's note:

During the part in Pandora's office, during the banter between Pandora and Shalltear, I actually wrote four different scenes before settling on the final version. I didn't like how the first three scenes were playing out, so I kept rewriting until I said fuck it and decided to go with the fourth scene.

In all honesty, I don't know why I decided to write it like that, but my hands just kinda took over, and that's what came out. It was a spontaneous decision, but it ended up being the most authentic one that I loved.

Call me out if you think it doesn't make sense, but I don't think I'm gonna hate it anytime soon. I think this particular scene captures the essence of the story and sets the tone for what's to come. I don't know; someone please PM me if you have any thoughts or feedback on it.

I'm open to hearing different perspectives and would appreciate any input you have to offer. Thanks in advance!

On an extra note, my company decided to move me to another branch in a different city, so I'll have to adjust to a new work environment, set up my new place in the new city, and see a different doctor for my medical needs.

I apologize in advance for any late updates.

-LB-