Vult growled as he parries the strikes from both Dennis and Kazuma, his footsteps being quick, fast, and lithe as he competes with leverage against both of them. Thankfully, the beast that Shamuhaza provided gave him reprieve as it was forcing them to pay attention to it as they came after him. It was a good thing for him, especially as it meant that he can zero in one of them.

And what better target could it be, but the Necromancer? His reign, his kingdom, his country?! He was living his most luxurious life, and he had to come and ruin it! Today is now the one chance to take it all back, and he will end it here!

With a mighty roar, he ran at him with his blade held high, and brought it down to smite him, but the Necromancer swiftly parried it with grace and moved out of his way. Both of them stared each other down, neither relenting, or even planning to give up, the only thing they were wordlessly agreeing on is that now, everything will end here.

There will be no faults, no mistakes, and no slips. They will end this once and for all, and things will go back to how things are supposed to be. They fought with everything they had, their swords clashing against one another in a bid of trying to see who will win. Vult growled for how he's able to catch up with him, but he kept on with the offence until Kazuma got close. He grinned, finally seeing the opportunity to end his life once and for all, only for the Necromancer to play one dirty trick.

His hand glowed, and with a swift punch, he launched him back with a noxious burst of magic. When he landed to the ground, he glared at him while he laid prone, and stood back up only for him to feel something wet dripping down his mouth. He wiped it away and took a look, and it was a familiar sight of blood. He couldn't help but chuckle, even though he should be mad, it was out of amusement that he was doing that as he looked upon the Necromancer once more.

"All that for a drop of blood?" He asked as he held his sword. Kazuma didn't seem to bothered, maintaining his gaze on him. He only smirked at that. "Guess you're too weak to even come up with something?! Shouldn't be too surprised, since that's all you could do!"

"Yet, I still fractured your kingdom... And you're at war with me."

To Volt's surprise, Kazuma dashed to him at such a speed, he was caught off guard. He was barely able to raise his sword in time, but the momentum from when their swords clashed knocked him back by a bit, and it also didn't help that he continued on, using this opportunity to unleash a flurry of strikes, slashes, just intense and speedy bladework, Kazuma was relentless in his advance that the only way for Vult to win is through some... underhanded tactics.

He swiftly went to the side, and he didn't waste any time to shove him away. When that's all said and done, he ran off to the scaffolding from the ruined houses, and with his strength, he pushed them down in an attempt to get the necromancer. Everyone that saw it tried to steer clear, but some weren't so lucky as they were crushed by the oncoming debris, and the beast even sustained some damage from such a stunt. Kazuma was one of the lucky ones, but it didn't help that Vult has already gotten some distance from him.

"Coward!" Kazuma yelled out. "The self-proclaimed king of these lands, the one man that turned this realm into a shadow of what it once was, runs away like a coward when he realized his slanderous tongue comes back to haunt him?!"

"Hey, if I ended up ruling for that long, I can't be doing something bad, right?" Vult replied with a mocking grin as he rallies some more of his men from the fighting.

The Necromancer growled, and had half a mind to run in and smite him once and for all, only for him to be snapped out of his rage when he heard pleading cries amidst the battle. He looked, and saw Dennis and his friends, along with his closest allies struggling against the horrid abomination that Shamuhaza has cooked up. He knew that there's only thing he needed to do.

He rushed over to the beast's legs, and delivered a slash that made it screech in annoyance. With it's attention now on him, he ran away from it, making sure that it followed him as best it could. Was this plan suicidal? Yes, but for the sake of his allies not dying on him, it's the best he could. He made sure that it followed him out into the trenches, and sure enough, it tripped and stumbled, but still hot on it's tail.

Kazuma stopped, and turned to face off against the foe. He held onto his sword, and focused on the being before him. It roared, and it steadied itself. At first he was confused by what it's trying to do, then he saw it. Flaps of it's skin and flesh opened up, and revealed a glowing chamber of green from within, and it glowed brighter and brighter. He knew he would have to duck down and hope for the best that he can avoid it until a surprise came, he heard loud explosions emanate from behind, and a big ball of iron came and rocked the abomination square in the head, the force from the impact made it shoot it's beam higher, narrowly missing him as the beast tumbled down into the trenches, but it wasn't out yet.

He looked from behind, and he smiled in great belief when he saw Olga and Chloe, along with Tywin coming in with reinforcements. Large cannons on wheels continued their bombardment against the walls, and for any Black Dog waiting outside were forced to break off lest they get killed from their siege.

"Thanks for the save!" He yelled out to them. "I would've died if it wasn't for any of you!" He grinned at them as they mobilized to where they need to be.

"Dead? I find it hard to believe someone like you could die, Necromancer." Tywin said as he strode over. "The only thing that matters is for us to beat them back."

"And I thank you for being with me." He hears the beast roar, and backed up when he noticed that it tried to regain it's balance with it's metallic scythes.

Both of them stood their ground, and Kazuma ran up to it, evading it's arms and other horrid attachments on it's wretched being. Alas, he can only do so much as the beast was relentless in trying to stop him as it succeeded in swatting him away like a measly fly. Tywin ordered a salvo of cannon fire at it, but it only bothered it as it growled some more.

"Tch... It was hurt before. What are we missing?" He said to himself as Kazuma stood up again.

He threw blasts of green lightning at the horrendous beast, and a small smile grew on his face when he saw the beast screech in pain and it lost both one of it's cannons and it's scything arms, but it can only do so much as it's core started glowing again. A twinge of fear came to him as he knew what he meant, but he ended up realizing something.

If they can destroy the core, not only will they destroy it's strongest weapon, they may destroy it outright.

"Get the cannons ready. If we can destroy the glowing dome of it's core, then we'll put it out of it's misery." He said onto him.

"And if it fails, what will we do?" Tywin questioned. "If the cannons weren't able to do much, what makes you think the plan will be any better?"

"We'll hack it bit by bit. It's more of a machine anyway... A deadly machine."

Both of them shared a nod, and both of them went to work. Kazuma came at it again, dodging and weaving it's scything arms, and even hacked off some of it's arms that tried to grab for him, but his main goal was to get on it's back so it'll be foolish enough to expose it once more. With a leap onto the rubble, and even holding on some of the metal rods impaled on it's back, he was able to do what he needs to do.

He whispered a spell onto his sword, and as it glowed and crackled with dark sorcery, he wasted no time as he impaled the foul beast. It's screeching was nearly music to his ears as it tried to grab him once more, exposing it's one weak spot for Tywin to see.

"FIRE!"

And with that, the cannons sent out it's fiery volley, blazing balls of iron collide with the beast on it's disgusting form, but most importantly, it's glowing core.


[Dennis]

If there's anything that Dennis can think of, is the fact that he didn't realize it'll be awkward that he'd be staring down against Vult without any sense of malice, anger, or even hatred, just... Disbelief. And by the looks on his face, he shared the same thing.

Moments before, he was able to play dirty against Kazuma, and was able to rally some of his forces within the walls to him, and it also was clear that despite Kazuma being able to lure Shamuhaza's abomination away from them, the self proclaimed king had the advantage. Think about it, the militia within this ruined city didn't know who to properly fight for, the dogs had inside help, and the only allies he had where a bunch of foreign missionaries that decided to involve themselves when they were caught in the war.

Of course, he wasn't discounting his friends, but Thompson can only do so much despite him using his claymore to great effect, his lizard friend can only assist so much with his roaring mount of a dinosaur, and Arten and Alex can only do so much despite them being fierce combatants. The only person that only stacked the deck in his favor was Nemesis, but even though she was the Goddess of Retribution, she can't just use all of her tricks, lest the innocent get punished unjustly on the grounds of association.

Although, he will admit that it's quite amusing that Vult's smirk disappeared the moment all of them heard cannons firing, along with the subsequent sight of Olga and Chloe's reinforcements. He'd chuckle at that fact now that he thought about it, but the only reason he won't is purely for the sole reason is it being inappropriate right now.

Vult can only growl at the situation right now, and at this point, Dennis is willing to bite the bullet just to rile him up some more.

"Guess you should've taken the opportunity to kill us all." He yelled out to him.

"Shut it!" He snapped back. "For 5 years, I ruled this miserable continent after wrenching it from the hands of those two pathetic excuses of elves, and I refuse to break at the hands of a sorcerer who couldn't even ask the living to fight!"

"It's because you know that you're going to lose, that's all!" Chloe roared. "You're losing your grip, you hear me! A good thing you're here too, so we can end you once and for all!"

Volt gritted his teeth as he began to think... How can he turn it to his favor, and how is he going to get out of it? As good as it is to retreat, the last thing he needs is for people to think he's weak. The last time was an exception since Shamuhaza was the one to rescue him... In what way can he turn this around? Oh, he definitely has thought of something now.

"I challenge you to a duel!" He yelled out. "Winner takes all! I win, I will remain as the king of these lands, and I don't want to see any of you and your faces ever again! If you win, then the same will apply to me. You can take control, and me and the dogs will leave for greener pastures!"

Chloe only grit her teeth in annoyance as she looked over to Olga, hoping to at least get guidance on how to follow along with this. Dennis thought about his offer, and he didn't trust it, not one bit. How is he going to believe he's telling the truth when he's the one that started all of this. Of course, there is the small chance that he is genuine with his offer, but come on, would you actually really believe him?

Well... If this is going to be how it goes, then why not bite the bullet and see if he really is true to his word? Might even be nice to get a good fatal hit in to end his nightmarish rule.

Of course, he knew this might be a bit silly. If he already has a god here to help, then why not use it? Clearly, a divine help has come. It'll be a waste not to use it. So Dennis craned his head to look towards Nemesis. Holding onto her godly blade like the rest of everyone.

However, Vult shot that idea down as he yelled out to him.

"Are you really going to ask someone like her to win this fight!?" He yelled. "I didn't realize that someone like all of you can be that cowardly. Getting someone that isn't even human to fight such a simple fight?"

Dennis only glared at him. However, it appears that even Nemesis agrees to an extent as she relaxed her stance, but through her mask, she looked at Dennis somewhat apologetically.

"This is something that you mortals must resolve. I may have been sent here by my mother to assist you, but I am no God of War. I am of Retribution." She said somewhat regretfully. "If it i's about justice, then I wish you called for Themis."

"But you can still help us fight." Dennis pleaded. "You said you're retribution, and you already helped us a fair bit."

"Only in the battles to come, and if it's a duel he wishes, then it's something I can't just take. Especially if it's something that I can already win."

"It'll be unfair." Vult cut in. "So what will it be, fight fairly like a man, or be a cheater?"

Dennis can only grit his teeth, especially when Chloe herself already started screaming about chopping his head off with a rusty, dull knife herself, there really is no other option is there?

'Bite the bullet it is then.' He thought to himself as he steps forward.

"Are you going to fight yourself, then? Or are you going to choose someone else to fight for you? If I'm not allowed to have someone like her to fight this duel, then I expect you to do the same thing, or else, I don't think you're in the position to demand such a thing!" He calls out to him, holding onto his axe as he resigns himself to what he's about to do. He steps forward, as if he himself will take that duel.

Vult can only smirk at what he sees, and he basically scoffed at his own display of "strength", but it didn't stop him from holding onto his blade, and he trudges forward to accept his challenge. Black Dogs started howling and hollering as they give praises and cheers to him, to hype him up to take the glory, and to deliver a humiliating strike to this rebellion.

Both of them stared each other down, sharing the same sentiment they have for one another, each of them waiting to make their first move... Dennis only kept his grip tight, and watches in anticipation to see what he would do, and Vult made his first move as he gripped onto his sword and came with a swing... After he kicked dust and rubble to Dennis' face. Dennis was just barely able to block his attack, just because he raised his axe to block the debris. He tried to follow up by butting the end of his axe against him, but Vult cunningly used this as a way to send him to the ground as he merely grabbed it and propelled him down. Dennis barely managed to roll away as he went in to bring his sword down.

"Looks like I really did disappoint myself, huh?" He said with a mocking sneer. "If I knew this was going to be the outcome, I would've just decided to get rid of all of you."

He tossed the axe back at Dennis as a show of good faith, and waited for him to get back up and fight once more. Of course, he was still gonna kill him, so might as well make it more entertaining to himself as his opponent regains his bearings... Unfortunately, that was the biggest mistake he has ever made as Dennis threw one dirty little trick to him out of revenge. He kicked a rock to Vult's head, and even though he managed to weave out of the way, he was still hit with a resounding thud.

"Fucking cheater." He cussed out. "Did your mother ever tell you to play fair?!"

"Sounds like your own didn't tell you either." Dennis retorted as he came in and swung his axe.

To say that Vult was caught off guard was an understatement to say the least. Dennis really made it clear that he isn't wasting this opportunity as he swung his axe in both swift grace and near frenzy that Vult couldn't even see an opening. Purely because if he even tried to strike in the dark, he'll be more than just hit. For the first time in a long while, Vult felt fear. Not over at the fact that Dennis is a very skilled warrior, no, but rather the fear that came when he realized, if he doesn't try and do something about this, he can actually die.

And nothing will be more humiliating for him than to die to some... Hapless nobody that happens to know how to use an axe!

So with that, he braced himself as he steadies his stance and swung his sword. Dennis managed to block it, but it also led to the butt of his axe breaking into splinters, and Vult managed to force him to a deadlock. He pushed as much of his weight onto him as best as he can, and when he saw that it was working, he smirked that his own quick scheme had merit. He quickly followed a brutal haymaker and punches him across, dazing him as he stumbles back form the blow. Then he ends the duel by delivering a single slash across the gut.

Dennis gasped as he felt the blade slice through, and he dropped to his knees from such a wound. He looked down, and indeed, he saw blood... Lots of it. But what's worse is that he doesn't see his own guts spilling out.

"So much for a fight, eh, kid?" Vult said mockingly. "I will admit, you and your friends gave me quite a fight. Made me realize there's more to fucking, there was fighting too! I mean, the fact that you made a feast, solely for you guys to kill me was surprising in it's own right. But it ends here."

Then he leans down to him as if to whisper in his ear.

"Don't be sad, you helped me out a lot, too!" He said with a snide smirk. "The moment that I realized that you and your boys got the Seven Shields out, even getting that pompous elf out, it didn't take long for me to realize that there were rats inside my own kingdom... Or should I say "Cuntry". Thanks to you, I know who to weed out."

He grinned even more as he sees Dennis try to hold on, but it's clear that his blood loss is now spelling out his victory. Of course, he couldn't let it end with a simple thing. He stood up once more, and holds his sword high, ready to lop his head off.

"Any last words, cur?" He says, lording over his victory over him, and making it clear that he'll be six feet underneath.

Dennis can only hold onto his axe... and he tries to get up with whatever strength he has left. Vult can only scoff, amused by his shit attempt at trying to even make himself look strong, but he let him at least try as a show of good faith. Besides, he already won. What's the worst that can happen?

What a fool he was, though. As Dennis didn't try to stand up, he tried to play dirty. With a sudden swiftness, he rushed to him as he held his axe, and he impaled Volt in the stomach just like how he wounded him there. Vult's eyes went wide, and he even screamed in pain as he felt him twist the splintered ends inside of him. He grabbed hold of it, and tried to pull it way, but Dennis only wrenched it even further before he finally pulled it out.

Then with the last of his strength, and with the small of window of time presented to him, Dennis swung his axe as hard as he can, and it hit. His axe impacted with Vult's head, but the force of it made him fall all due to his weakened body. He couldn't even see if he actually did manage to kill him, or made his day a living hell. All he knew was that he was on the ground, staring into the sky as darkness crept around him. The only thing he was able to feel was the muted sound of something blowing up with a noxious cloud of green coming from beyond the wall, and Nemesis' footsteps coming to him along with the clattering noises of old bones falling down before things went fully black.


[Kazuma]

=Time: Unknown.=

={Location: Unknown}=

He felt himself drifting in a strange... Space, and when he opened his eyes, he saw a black void. The only thing that made him know he was in a void was that he knows his eyes are open, and the only light that can help him see the darkness was the light emanating from him.

Was he dead? If so, then it must be an ironic thing then. All his time, using the magic of Necromancy to start a rebellion against Volt, he never once thought if he was undying, or "Death Proof" as it may despite using such death magic, but the fact that he could have met his demise right now is quite... Ironic to him.

Irony, he thought. That word has become a bit of apt word as of recent times for him. His powers, his magic, if any man had what he had, he would've become a villain in any classic fairy tale that some people read about, much less engage in. A "Dark Lord of Magic" for some people, and yet, here he is. Commanding a legion of the dead, raising armies of the living to add to his own... To topple over a corrupt man that made a perverse society over such a land.

Hundreds of years, Celestine fought with Olga, a terrible time, a terrible era... Yet, somehow feels like a better time than what they have now. With battles, at least there was glory, valor, and renown. Knights being tested for their prowess, and people rallying together, showing how their greatest strength is being together against the hordes of evil.

You don't have that now.

With a deep sigh, he thinks about on now, and back then. Sometimes, he wondered if he even made the right choice. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't. After all, he only became a necromancer, or even practiced such dark magic was the trial he was held to before. Persecuted for the crime of learning dark magic... It was strange for him back then, on how there was a thing called "black magic" or "white magic". To him, all of it was just nothing more but sorcery. Nothing but magic, regardless on what it is, and what it was. After all, if such magic can be defined by intent, then even the darkest forms of magic can be considered "good" because you intend on doing something good.

Now that he thought about it... Why was he led to that... Place? That dark tower, a tower filled with such... miasma and darkness that somehow, a bastard like him was calling to him. He didn't know why the dark denizens there didn't attack him... Much less that DEMON from before. It's like, he was destined for such a thing, but how could he? He was nothing more but the bastard son of two scholars, and even then, he wasn't the only one, he had a sister that came before him.

Then his mind became plagued as he remembered his sister. He was so focused on his war, he forgot that he had a sister. Was she okay? Is she alright? Was she able to get away with his family when they decided leaving this continent was a better option?! He couldn't even take the time to check to see if they were even okay! Mentally, he hit himself for it. He didn't stop to check on them, and he felt despair, and even a pang of self-loathing... Sure, his grandparents did more to raise him and his sister than his actual parents, but there were still family to him.

"Calm yourself, child... Lest I regret choosing you."

He stopped when he heard a voice call out to him, and from there, the void felt less of a void, but more of a space. And for some reason... it felt familiar. Like an acquaintance recognizing who you are, and you have a vague memory of who they are. From there, he felt like he was gently being pulled along, and put into a chair that oversees a table... and in front of him, was the DEMON.

However, it looked different than how he remembered it. It was still thin, and gangly before... But now, it face looked less like a Picasso, and more of a Harlequin, or like a jester, and the way how it appeared reflected that image more. The only thing that remained the same was the crowning pair of horns, and how it's face was still red and white, but now, it looks more of a theater mask than a shambled mess... Maybe it really is a mask, but he can only assume that it is one.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it?" It said to him. "7 years long past since we've last known of each other. You forget me, I do not blame you. But if you do, then I am impressed."

Kazuma can only think about that in retrospect, but his musings get cut short as he felt the demon actually start looking at him, it's dark, hollow eyeholes gazing into his soul. He can only gulp when it stared at him, and he wonders if he's being judged.

"You might be wondering why you're here, especially in the void... You might be wondering if you're dead..." It started. "Well, why else would you be here... You're dead, obviously."

"Wait, I actually am?!" He yelled out, his eyes wide as he held onto his table. "It can't be!"

"But it is." The demon said nonchalantly, as if it was just the most obvious fact there is. "Not like there's a point in denying it. You're here with me... Back then, it was because the fort needed an heir... But it's mostly the tome that needed one."

"The tome...?"

Just like that, a book appeared before them, and the demon merely held onto it, and opened it. The pages all flipped through, and just like how Kazuma remembered it, it was all inked in what seemed like blood, and the dark spells that he has seen before appearing before his eyes until it landed on the one that he was most familiar with.

The Dark Art of Necromancy.

"Out of everything, you chose this. At least, used it the most. As to why, I won't bother asking, it's irrelevant." it said matter-of-factly. "But I also want to know if you're aware... Aware of the old owners of this book?"

Kazuma can only look at the demon with some bewilderment. First, it told him he was dead, and now, it's expecting him to know the old owners of the same book he used? Of course, he's far from being angry, just miffed, but even then, there's not much he can do but entertain the demon's question. Unfortunately, he doesn't know any of their names. If it's any consolation though, he did know it wasn't the only one, but it's not like there's a section of the book that records every single user.

Sensing this, the demon bowed it's head and it's long, knife like claws and poked at the center of the book's pages, and another books comes forth that it grabbed, and opened.

" I don't actually expect you to know. That kind of information is only privy to me, and to others if it concerns them... I only asked in the advent that you may have pondered on it."

"Well... Clearly I haven't" Kazuma said, still bewildered, but at least he has somewhat calmed down. "I mean, I was more concerned about other things. I did learn how to harness magic to cast lightning. Although, I had help from Olga. Saved me a lot of trouble from taking too long."

"Have you mastered it?" It inquired him.

Kazuma can only look away from that question. Of course, he was able to use it for combat, but it was a rush job. As good of a mage he is, it's clear that he isn't even on the same level as the two elves. A part of him felt a bit doubtful and a bit of shame, but 7 years isn't too bad, right? But the demon can sense his plight, and judged him for it.

"7 years, and that's all you can do with this forbidden book and your necromancy?" It said to him with a dull tone. "Perhaps I should... Temper my expectations for you."

With that, he looked at him weirdly. and the demon continued with what it has to say.

"7 years for you to learn everything this book has to offer is an impossible task to achieve, but you being able to get to the point of where you are with your necromancy, it's impressive in on it's own right. To call you a slouch would be robbing you of some respect that I have to give." It said as it put the book away before looking at him intently through his mask. "And for me to do a disservice on to my own self."

Kazuma's eyes narrowed in suspicion, and the demon continued once more.

"The reason why you're here with me, and not meeting with whatever God you worship, or believe in, lies upon the fact that you are one of the most interesting mages I have laid my eyes on. Many mages I have went to, often times used the book to cause great harm, chaos, or paltry attempts of ascension. You... intrigue me, because you haven't even thought about using it the same way. Don't get me wrong, your little rebellion against this 'dogs' can be seen as... somewhat selfish, and you plaguing the lands with the dead is cruel for some... But for you? You did that with some... Altruism in mind, yes"

"Well... I wouldn't say it was-"

"But in some part, it is, isn't it?" It cut him off as he was making his rebuttal. "You kickstarted this war, yet, instead of trying to extort or even try to ransom all these people... You made alliances with people who wish to rebel, and you want to punish those bastards for the transgressions on that continent. Of course, I still have some doubts, but so far, you've proven me wrong, and yet to prove me right."

"What does that mean?" He asked him. "What makes you think I've proven you wrong? And what's this proving about proving you right?"

"Because you haven't been corrupted yet..." It said nonchalantly. "The one time someone tried to do the same thing you do... As in, trying to use dark magic for the sake of good... Has been corrupted by it. Often times, they believe that they deserve more. You haven't shown signs of that happening... Yet at least."

"Then why are you acting like it's a bit of a surprise, and yet, acting like it'll be no surprise if it did?" He asked him, somewhat aggrieved, and even more confused by what this demon is saying.

"All I'm saying is that you have yet to be corrupted by this power. I have given this book to mages over centuries, and time and time again, they themselves don the titles befitting Dark Lords, and other Tyrants... I am interested in you because you might break that mold. However, I'm also making it clear that I wouldn't be surprised by you being corrupted by it." It said, then it hold his hand. "Of course, if my doubt for you is so great, then I wouldn't be talking to you about this."

He supposed that's good enough of a compliment coming from such a being like this. No point in arguing, or trying to probe. He's already a soul as is, and being alone with a demon like this would just lead to more problems if he's not careful.

"I suppose I should toss you a bone, as you mortals often say..." It said, and Kazuma's ears perked up. "I will give you a chance to ask me anything, and I will tell you all about it, no strings attached."

"Anything?" Kazuma said, but he felt like he fucked himself over by asking that.

"Yes." It replied. "Don't worry, your inquiry doesn't count, so you can ask another important one."

Kazuma narrowed his eyes a little, and stared at it inquisitively. Then he actually does think about it. He isn't sure if the demon itself is actually telling the truth, but he's not willing in actually trying to determine whether or not it is by asking another question. Even though it indeed told him that his inquiry of whether or not it's correct, he still doesn't know if it will actually tell him the truth, or lying about everything.

'Guess it's worth a shot.' Kazuma thought to himself as he looked at the demon.. and he opened his mouth.

"What happened to my family? What happened to my sister?"

The demon gave pause, and stared at him. Kazuma gulped as he felt like it was going to be the worst thing ever in existence. He has always dreaded that the worst thing has happened to them, and he kept that feeling locked away as best as he could, so he himself wouldn't dwell so much on the past that he becomes haunted by it. He never got the chance to visit his old home, never got the chance to even see if they were still here...

Then he realized that he was a fool for forgetting... When he was exiled all those years ago, a part of him wanted to be angry as he felt betrayed by that... Yet, he himself betrayed them.

He felt the demon's fingers wiping his cheeks, and from that, he realized that he was crying. So lost in thought that he didn't realize he was crying at the horrid thought they could be dead, or having an even worse fate.

"I'll spare you the pain, and I'll get straight to the point for you to hear what you want to hear." The demon said in a somewhat caring tone. "They're not here, but they're not dead... Just... Not there anymore."

With that, his eyes lit up and he looks at them with at least a small shred of hope.

"Where could they be?" He asked, trying to contain himself in is seat. "Do you know where they are?!"

"Unfortunately for you, I do not know. This kind of knowledge is not something I dabble in, nor do I care to dabble in. All I know is that they fled at some point, and maybe in the distant lands far from here."

Kazuma can only smile at that. There is hope after all. Maybe he can find them when the war is over, but then... How can he? He is already dead. How can a soul like him even go and meet them? Then the demon seemed to smile with it's mask and a strange sort of rift opens, one made of light, and he heard faint voices talking.

"I provide you a chance to go back, and finish what you started. Can't leave something unfinished, don't you?"

Kazuma can only look at this demon with a smile, and he quickly gets up to leave, and rush to the rift as fast as he can, but the demon raised a finger, and he looked back at it, wondering what else to say.

"One more thing." it began. "Don't forget what we talked about. Just because you've proven me wrong for now, doesn't mean that you're incapable of proving me right, that's what we already went over..." Then the demon glanced at him, this time, he saw some semblance of it's face, or at least what makes it distinguishing. He saw a burning red eye, along with dainty eyelashes that are as black as coal, but nothing more is there for him to see.

"The future... can be uncertain. Your actions can steer you away, and lead you of course. If you want to stay on this path for long, think about what you do. Because you're not always going to get a do-over." They said, making it clear that they are warning him, or at least, reminding him.

"So why did you actually give me the book then? Why did you give me that tower for me to study? I mean, I know I could've asked this earlier, but... Well, guess I can ask it now." He questioned them one last time.

"Because... I wanted to see if you actually believe if there's no such thing as good or evil magic, just magic." They said to him. "And also... I wanted to see how quickly you'd fail, and eat your words when you become no different to other dark mages."

He supposes that is fair enough, and now that it's clear that there is nothing else left to discuss, he fully goes through the rift for him to reinhabit his body. Now that the demon is alone, it looked back at it's dossier of every single mage they encountered. Of course, to no one's surprise, all of the people have their names and deeds writ in blood, or some kind of dark colored ink, but when the demon got to Kazuma's page, they looked at how his was writ with grey ink, glowing faintly. Maybe his belief isn't exactly hogwash to say the least.

And only time can tell if he will break the mold, but that is only if he sticks to it.


He groaned, and his eyes fluttered open. He reeled a bit when the light reached his eyes, but otherwise, he felt fine, like he just woke up from a dream. He thought about it, and he vaguely ended up remembering bits and pieces of it, like how he was in a black void, talking to some... Demon. Could just be him though, as he tried to get off his bed, but he ended up feeling pain. Lots of pain.

He looked down, and saw a myriad of sutures and bandages, along with nasty burns on his flesh that seem to be flensed off as he noticed that it was healing. Did he actually die back then?

Worry made it's way to his face as he looked around, wondering where he is, and from there, he noticed Chloe sitting by the chair, somewhat bored... Until her eyes met his, and some interest came to her face.

"You're awake." She said. "I don't know, but apparently, you managed to live."

"What happened to me?" He asked her, somewhat sounding desperate that made her raise her arms.

"Calm down, let me explain, but you're probably not gonna like it." She said as she thinks. "Just... How am I supposed to say this without making you scream..."

She took some time, minutes passing by as the awkward silence grew, Kazuma only waiting for what she has to say makes him want to be a bit impatient, but he couldn't find the time or day to be rude about this... Especially after seeing his apparent injuries, him doing that would just make him look like a fool. He will be rewarded however as she finally took one good look at him, and finally said what needed to be heard.

"You were dead... At least, we thought you were." She said. "I mean, after that battle, there was an explosion that knocked us over, and when we looked... You weren't in one piece."

"Then why do I feel my arms and legs and everything...?" He asked, wondering if they were playing a joke on him, but Chloe's eyes say otherwise.

"We were stitching you up, putting you back together and... Maybe bury you. It's the least we can do as we finally dealt enough damage to them that they'd rather flee." She said, but her tone sounded all over the place, probably insinuating that she doesn't really know what to feel.

"Doesn't explain why I'm still-"

"Something was putting you back together again." She cut in. "Like I said, we were stitching you up, and we noticed that while we were trying to.. reattach your leg, it just... Connected, as in, your body just healed and acted like you weren't blown to bits until Olga... Told everyone to leave. Said she smelt something foul, like... You were being put together by dark magic."

"But doesn't she use the same kind of magic? Smells like she's being a bit of a hypocrite here." Kazuma said, somewhat being snappy, but he did held his tongue when Chloe glared at him, making it clear that she isn't finished.

"Of course, she does use that kind of magic, but the thing about yours is that... It was different. Different in the sense that... Something out there was trying to fix you. It's the reason why your skin is healing, even though it was burnt. It's like a demon personally came in to try and fix you like some kind of... Flesh golem."

Kazuma's eyes widen at that revelation, and he thought about his previous conversation from the other side, the apparent demon that gave him his second chance. Was this a ploy by it? Did it only come to him at his low moment, so that it can ensure that this supposed "mold" of dark mages being evil remain a constant? Did he really fall for it's words of how "special" he is compared to other mages? He couldn't believe it, he really let himself be fooled by a literal demon. The shame he feels was an understatement to say the least.

"Hey, come on, it may be bad, but at least you managed to live, right?" Chloe said, trying to be somewhat comforting. "Besides, I don't really want to be questioned about what happened to be you since you're already in my care. So don't freak out about it."

He supposed that it'll be the one good thing he can do for her, and she's not asking much, so it's at least alright for him. He takes the time to at least calm himself down, and rest his mind. Despite the fact that his body was repairing itself, and the fact that it could be the demon he talked too before... The best thing to do is to keep moving forward, and push through the pain. Once that was done, he only had one thing to ask of her as he looked at her.

"You said the dogs fled... How did that happen?"

"Your friend managed to hurt him bad... Real bad." She said. "Unfortunately, we're not sure if he's dead or not, as after that explosion happened, the first thing we did was investigate... And the one thing we found was you in pieces, and Tywin's body. You got lucky, you know. At least you were put back together again, and came back to life. For him, a burial."

"If you met his children, please, on my behalf, tell him that I am sorry that he died. If they're mad at me, it's fine, since I got lucky instead of him."

"That's for you to deal with, and for you to tell them about." She said curtly, and bluntly. "Besides, I'm more concerned by the fact that we didn't found Vult's body. Bastards managed to drag him away before we could tell, they saw an opportunity and took it."

"Then how can you be confident in knowing that he's dead? He could still be out there!" He asked, concern prominent in his voice as he looks at her. "If you don't have a confirmation, then it's all speculation. Surely there must be something that can prove you right."

"Well, they haven't made an attack since then. Also, we found a lot of blood and his teeth on the ground... Maybe parts of his jawbone, and cheekbone, but that's our guess. Most of us have been waiting to see what they'll do next since... after you technically died, we lost our biggest weapon... You. The undead remembered that they weren't supposed to be walking around anymore, and went back into being corpses. Even your undead Champions went back to being dead.

He cringed at that... It took him blood, sweat, and tears in the efforts of resurrecting their bodies. They were special compared to the rank and file of the undead, they were special because he spent so much time in making the perfect spell to reanimate them. Reanimating them as if they were still alive, and with a working mind, and some semblance of a free will.

He made them be like that because he felt lonely inside of that gloomy fort. He wanted to talk to someone so he wouldn't go insane from the solitude, so it led to that. Maybe he can cast it once more, it's not like he forgot about it. However, that can wait as whatever force out there, or that demon from before, wants his body to fully regenerate.

As for what Chloe explained, he feels a bit doubtful about her claim, but no point in trying to argue as she does have a point. His own faction was at an all time low, very weak. Hordes of the undead no longer bolstered their forces, so the lords will be forced to fight asymmetrically. However, if they're not going to attack them despite the obvious advantage, maybe there's truth to her words. With that in mind, he asked her about another thing

"And everyone within that ruined city?"

"They left... The militia disbanded, and just fucked off to our cities so they can take a break. The other groups there also disbanded... Even the foreign missionaries. Told us that they can't stay anymore. Can't blame them really, they weren't great warriors, nor are they supposed to be warriors." She responded matter-of-factly, before her eyes narrow a little. "I have to ask, why did you want them anyway? What were you trying to achieve by talking to them?"

"Because the more allies we get, the more we'll grow in power." He said softly. "I thought that if we were able to secure those people, have it be known that even though I brought the undead, all I wanted was to overthrow their oppressors. If that went well, then more allies to flock to us. I didn't realize that they had a conspiracy of their own."

Chloe just stared at him, and with a roll of her eyes she relaxed herself and patted his shoulder, as if to let him know that it wasn't his fault that it was happening. Especially since those deserters were willing to go back to their old group with their old employer just because he gave them a better deal if they were able to deal with him. The scheme was rigged from the start, and he can't just blame himself for something like a plan already put to place.

"It's fine, okay? No need to beat yourself up for it." She assured him. "It didn't go so well, but at least some of the people there was able to relocate."

"What about Dennis and his friends?" He asked, feeling a bit worried about the fact that they could be in serious danger.

"He's alright, and they're all fine." She assured once more. "However, the 'god' they were able to bring locked herself up in a room, said that she needed some time to think. I don't know, but I'm not planning on prying either. For Dennis? Well, he's doing well despite the gash on his stomach. We stitched him up good though, but he's gonna need a lot of time to heal. Especially since he got slashed there because of the duel they had."

Kazuma cringed once more from that. If he suffered from a wound like that from Vult, it was clear that he going to kill them quite cruelly. You don't need to be a scholar to know that he was intending for him to get to his knees and lop his head off like it was a show. He felt a smile come to him, and a sense of relief too that even if it was a pyrrhic victory for Dennis. The fact that he was able to win, and potentially killed him, it felt like a weight was released from his shoulders.

Along with the news of the dogs being somewhat in disarray is more than uplifting, it was something that he needed. This war could be reaching it's end soon, all it needs is one more push and soon, the dogs will be broken, and be finally rid of these lands. It'll have to wait though, but he couldn't be anymore happier as the end reaches near. He just has to be sure to play the cards right, and hope will come to the people once more.