A/N: HUGE trigger warning on this one as I touch on some not-so-nice topics.
I have decided that worrying over my style of writing delays things far longer then I'd like. Until I get an editor thing will remain as is.
Chapter 8
For the Empire!
It is said that some people can remember being born.
For those who can the experience is treated akin to major trauma that's because what happens would be a series of firsts.
The first breath, was a sensation akin to drowning only to be pulled up right as the world faded to black.
The first sound would be the chaos of a delivery room, so loud you'd think your ears would bleed at any moment.
The first smell would be blood and viscera more than most people would ever again see, fewer still the direct cause of it.
And lastly their first sight, babies' eyes are extremely sensitive and that's why when they open them for the first time all they see.
Is blinding white.
Baharuth Empire.
Jircniv had felt pain before plenty more than most people but the man was far from a seasoned warrior or world-class adventurer.
So when the light began all he thought of was how much it hurt.
His memories drifted back and forth as his life flashed before him each one whisked away as pain wracked his body.
Time seemed to slow turning seconds into what felt like hours slowly drawing out his last breath as he desperately tried to scream.
His voice never so much as squeaked as all you could hear was the crackling of fire from his smoldering bones.
All across the empire homes caught fire as a heat unseen before in this world raged across it.
Not a soul was spared as even the young were turned to ash as the light formed around them.
What few individuals existed that could stand this heat for more than a second felt agony unlike any other as this single second turned to hours as their minds worked to prolong what little they could before death.
Among those who lasted this single second longer was the emperor's personal guard, trained as the highest of elites among all those in the empire they alone could change the tide of war.
For all that strength however they were given not but torture.
Except for one, cursed woman.
A woman whose allegiances were nowhere near those of her nations nor her comrades.
Thrown from her family and disowned she was only an ever so slight step above the slaves spread across the empire.
However her might changed that, and despite an agreement with the emperor himself she no longer considered herself a citizen.
A mercenary? Maybe but she was little else.
Once her curse was gone she would flee this country of bad memories and start anew somewhere greener.
Somewhere she wasn't known as the cursed knight.
And so with her allegiances firmly on herself, the light that decimated her country and killed her liege ignored her if only for a technicality.
Nazarick.
Two hours was how long the effect of the spell would last.
Two hours is how long Momonga spent screaming in agony.
His paranoia had carried him home but once he'd reached the throne room the pain began again.
Unending, agonizing, absolute torment.
Even with Emotional Suppression and the undead's immunities he could do nothing but wallow in agony.
Deep down he was thankful for the magic even if he wouldn't be able to cast it again for quite some time. The pain would be temporary in the end and all he had to do was endure it.
Still, confusion abound as he curled into a ball, the spell's debuff was just supposed to be a reduction in levels for two hours, why he was feeling pain was completely unknown to him.
His only option would be to endure.
So he waited.
For two.
Long.
Hours.
Relief came slowly at first as he felt his body returning to its previous stats.
For a while, there was still pain but as time ticked on his mind began to clear and his body un-stiffened.
"Never again, I will never cast that again.
Although."
While he didn't have a menu or a hud anymore he could still innately sense his magics effects and costs.
Looking inward he tried to picture the spell's cooldown, it was said to lengthen depending on how many it killed.
Being a super-tier spell as well meant that as long as this cooldown was active super tier magic would be unusable.
"WHAT!"
Thinking of the spell a number came to mind.
'Two Million Six Hundred Twenty-Eight Thousand Seconds remaining.'
"A month.
I can't use super tier magic for a whole month."
His voice was a perfect monotone as his arms slumped to his sides. Even if {Vengeance of the Devourer} had worked exactly as he'd hoped the likely hood people still knew of the location of the tomb would be all but guaranteed.
He cast the spell hoping to eliminate those who now knew about his home but with the runaway girl etched into his mind he knew with impunity that someone was still out there.
Even if that girl never spoke another word she'd come with a large group and the chances were that whoever sent them knew as well.
The issue now would be finding any survivors as well as finding out who he just turned to ash and what group they belonged to.
"Ughh this is gonna take awhile, maybe I'll just ask Renner if any adventurer groups have gone missing."
That certainly was an option but for now, he'd have to start searching himself.
After all, he wasn't keen on revealing he'd just wiped out an unknown group of people because they'd killed one of his summoned dragons.
A creature that was supposedly the stuff of legends.
No, for now, he'd have to search the old-fashioned way.
What he needed were stealth and speed, and of his options, only two came to mind.
Hanzos and shadow demons.
Hanzos were much higher leveled with vastly superior skills and abilities however these could only be summoned through mercenary scrolls. A resource he was more than hesitant to use after losing one of the black dragons.
The other option would be shadow demons, as the name implies these summons could move and hide among shadows making them excellent for basic espionage. The problem was that while Momonga could summon them, they weren't undead and couldn't use corpses to become permanent.
Nazarick originally created swarms of the things on the seventh floor but since none of the usual pop monsters had spawned since arriving in this new world those were gone as well.
The shadow demons could be released in swarms to gather whatever intel they could before expiring, but repeat missions would become much harder if they found something interesting.
The Hanzos however could be leveled up since they would be permanent, mitigating the risks of sending them into the unknown.
In the end, strength would triumph over all, so clenching his teeth he used the scrolls.
Five scrolls, five figures naked to the unaided eye, dashed from Nazarick in all directions.
What they would find unknown to even their master.
Re Estize, The Capital.
"From what we can tell it seems to be some kind of long-range magical attack.
There is no doubt in my mind that this was done by the same man that attacked six months ago!"
'Of course, it is you incompetent fool.
Who else could kill every single noble with ties to the Empire in one spell.'
Renner mimicked contemplation for a moment as the magicians guild envoy began to grow nervous.
"You are likely right but as of now the public is unaware of this and panic is the last thing we need right now.
For now keep quiet, no.
It was said their homes caught fire yes?"
"Correct your highness."
"Spread the word of a possible arsonist one from eight fingers. We are going to begin our attack against them very soon and we need all the support possible.
This is a tragedy but that does not mean it can't be of some use to us."
"Yes your highness, if you will excuse me."
With that, the man left leaving only Renner and the throne, of course, climb was just outside but she would need privacy for what was to come.
Raising her voice she called to her pet.
"Climb I do not wish to be disturbed for a while."
The response was the soft click of the doors locking.
"I apologize for the delay."
She spoke aloud to the empty room.
"No it is fine I would have waited had I known you were with a visitor."
From the side of the room, a figure appeared, tall and imposing wrapped in a deep purple robe.
His figure was completely covered as even his face was covered by an equally imposing mask.
"Sir Momonga a pleasure as always."
Renner said bowing into a curtsy as she lifted the hem of her dress.
Renner motioned towards the throne.
"Please sit I would hate to keep someone like you standing."
Renner watched as the tall mage placed a cupped hand beneath his chin still obscured by his mask.
"While flattered I would be remiss to force a noble off of her throne, no I have a better solution.
{Greater Create Item}!"
As the mage intoned the unknown spell a tower of onyx and obsidian formed before him its peak nearly scraping the ceiling.
It took a moment for Renner to understand what the mage had just done as before her now stood a midnight black throne.
A throne, that was equal in height to hers.
'So that's the message he intends to send me.
That he considers me an equal of any kind of flattering.'
Without hesitation, Renner took her seat directly facing Momonga.
Momonga sighed internally.
'I hope she doesn't get angry about me refusing her throne but there's no way in hell I'm gonna sit there.'
"So where we last left off?
Hmm.
I believe you were mentioning a criminal organization that's been troubling your country?"
As Renner sat opposite himself he saw her smile deepening to a degree that should not be seen on a child.
Something about was disturbing but what it was he couldn't tell so pushing through his discomfort he leaned forward.
"Yes and I'd like to thank you for giving us such a magnificent start to our operations!"
'Eh?
What the hell is she talking about?
I haven't done anything t-to prepare.'
Just how far had his spell reached?
Nazarick was well over a day's travel from here and that was accounting for level one hundred stats. For anyone else, it would take days of travel not to mention the need to stop and rest.
That meant news of his flashy magic shouldn't have reached the capital for at least another day, the only option left would be that people here in the kingdom were somehow related to the attackers.
'Well seeing as her majesty is not yet a pile of ash she likely had nothing to do with it, or she's a great liar, that left the question of who here knew of his home.
"Renner if I may ask, who all was affected by my magic?"
Renner's eyes brightened for a moment like a child receiving a piece of candy.
"Oh, I was quite delighted to find that only those who've been acting as spies for the empire were killed by your spell. And thankfully rats tend to congregate so most of those involved were with Eight fingers as well."
"Eight Fingers and the Empire you said?
Could you tell me more about those two?"
Renner bowed her head slightly.
"Of course, it would be my honor to enlighten you about our biggest threats.
I'll begin with the Empire, the nation immediately to our east, considered the second strongest human nation it holds high regard for all things magical and is often considered the most advanced society around.
After a violent dethroning twenty years ago the country has seen a massive boost in all of its avenues as the current emperor made it a point to behead all the nobles who opposed him.
This has led to a golden age so to speak.
Having made leaps and bounds in the mass production of magical items its armies boast that every soldier is equipped from head to toe in enchanted gear. Having believed this to put them above us they set their sights on our country some ten years ago, attacking just before harvest season every year.
This has to led numerous problems I would love to discuss but I'll refrain for later.
Now then the Eight Fingers.
A criminal organization little is known about them aside from the fact they deal in everything that can make money.
From farming and trade to slave trafficking and drugs they have a finger in almost everything."
Momonga sat for a moment absorbing the queen's words, of the two the eight fingers were the likely candidate for having attacked his home.
However, while they were the most likely suspects the fact that the Queen had emphasized how far the group was spread out and the fact half the city hadn't caught fire told him they likely weren't the culprits.
"You stated the eight fingers are involved in nearly everything correct?
And that includes things like smuggling as well?"
"Yes, it is no exaggeration when I say that not a man woman, or child in the whole of this kingdom hasn't held a coin once owned by them."
'So looking for an exotic part like a dragon wouldn't be out of the question and seeing as how that girl survived it all but proves that they have strong members.
Hell, they might even have a player from Yggdrasil with them!
That also explains how they killed the black dragon.'
"Would you say that a dragon is out of their reach?"
Renner's expression darkened for a moment her smile fading away as her eye grew cold.
"Sir Momonga even that while difficult would be well within their reach."
The Slane Theocracy.
"REPENT FOR YOUR SINS!
CONFESS AND TELL ALL THOSE HERE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!"
A woman dressed in nothing but a long white robe was weeping as the man cried out his hand gripped firmly onto her shoulder.
The two were in a temple of sorts built from scavenged and reused materials that while rudimentary served their purpose of housing the many devout followers.
All of whom were sniffling their heads lowered as the spectacle before them played out.
"I-i k-kept."
"OUT WITH IT!
YOU STAND BEFORE THE GODS NOW ANSWER!
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!"
"I KEPT DEMI-HUMAN SLAVES!"
The woman cried out collapsing to the floor as cries of hatred came from those watching.
As the hundred-so spectators yelled out a single word was clear to both the man and the woman.
Murderer.
The man gripped both of her shoulders and lifted her to a stand in a single motion.
"Do you hear their cries of anguish?
Do you hear the sorrow and hatred towards what you have done?
Do you understand that your greed has destroyed families and killed thousands?"
Through sobs and sniffles, the woman's reply was barely heard.
"SAY IT AGAIN!"
"Yes, I understand!"
"YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT?!"
"I UNDERSTAND THAT MY GREED ANGERED THE GODS AND KILL THE INNOCENT!"
The man placed his hand on her forehead.
"In the name of the six I absolve you of your sins should you work to atone for them!
WILL YOU ATONE?"
"YES!"
As one the screams of hatred turned to praise and cheers as the woman raised her hands in prayer.
Nigun watched from the doorway as yet another soul was saved.
Retreating to his quarters with a smile he couldn't help but feel satisfied at the progress his men had made toward the citizens.
In only a week over two hundred thousand survivors had been found and informed of the mercy of the gods and still more came flocking to him.
As Nigun neared his door he spotted one of his aides, a man whose name he'd yet to learn, standing nervously before his door.
The moment the man saw Nigun he bolted for the scripture-turned-priest.
"High priest! High priest!"
"Calm yourself what is it?"
The man stirred nervously for a moment.
"You have a visitor sir and well. . ."
"Out with it man I haven't got all day!
The gods will not wait for us a second time!"
This phrase seemed to startle the man out of whatever trance he'd been afflicted with.
"The cardinal of wind Dominic Ihre Partouche is here to see you!"
The man bowed as he quickly shouted the news.
Nigun pushed the aide to the side and threw open his door, falling to one knee the moment he saw the man seated across his desk.
"Now, now, none of that Nigun certainly not in this situation.
Come sit we have much to discuss."
The cardinal gestured to the seat behind the desk.
"Yes, your holiness."
Nigun quickly sat not wanting to waste the man's time any more than he had.
"Now then first I'd like to commend you on the spectacular job you've done with restoring order to chaos.
Secondly, I'd like to know just how far you've progressed in reclaiming the capital.
And third is a bit of good news from my side."
"Yes sir, as you've likely seen the sunlight scripture has been hard at work building homes and distributing food to those we've found.
Lately, our numbers range in the hundreds of thousands as people flock to us in hopes of salvation!
Recently we've managed to reclaim a few plots of farmland just outside the city and hopefully, in a few months our food shortage will be no more!"
Dominic smiled briefly at the good news, knowing so many had survived was likely a blessing from the god of light themself.
However the sheer number of casualties was still fresh in his mind, the capital was the oldest and largest human city in the world founded by the gods themselves.
Before the incident the city housed over two million people, now it would likely have only a percentage still standing.
"Sorry I was lost in my thought for a Monet there.
Ah yes, the good news!
I am delighted to inform you that aside from me the cardinals of both Fire and earth have been located as well as the black scripture captain and the fourth seat Divine Chant!
Atop of all that we believe we've located the Pontifex as well!"
In reality, it was appalling how many of what was meant to be humanity's greatest warriors had been slain so easily.
Dominic himself firmly believed that at least two more of the black scripture could be found as even with the damage as bad as it was they still might live.
"That is excellent news, your holiness!
I feared I and my brothers would be the last of the scriptures but even one of humanity's greatest means we yet have a chance to rebuild!"
"My thoughts exactly.
Now onto more pressing issues.
Are you aware of the situation outside the capital?"
"Not outside a few farms, we've had little contact with anyone since our mission was completed some months ago.
OH! Yes I almost forgot my apologies, Gazef Stronoff is confirmed dead and the Kingdom is sure to blame the Empire!"
"A well-completed mission but I'm afraid it's of little consequence now.
The empire is gone."
Nigun went blank as he tried to process the words spoken to him, his expertise was intelligence gathering and yet he drew nothing from those words.
"Say again, sir?"
"The Captain went to seek aid for our plight but all he found was ash.
From what he described it appears they suffered a fate not unlike our own though much worse in scale. Every city he traveled to was a half-burnt disaster with not a living soul for kilometers, not even undead could be found as one would expect from such a loss of life."
Nigun shook his head, that wasn't feasible even this once holy city now sported the occasional undead as corpses rose from beneath the rubble.
To cause such damage and not have a single undead spawn, as a result, was impossible, impossible unless, of course, the perpetrator wasn't mortal.
"Sir, my men and I have come up with a theory of sorts if you don't mind me speaking freely?"
"Go ahead."
"Sir, we believe this to be divine judgment, a direct strike from the gods who've seen our actions and deemed them uncouth.
Strong evidence points to this being not the work of mortals or even those filthy Demi-humans but rather something much stronger.
If it really is the gods we can't say but is it not better to avoid the risk?"
"You certainly have a point but regardless we must focus on rebuilding, tell me have you found anything related to the temples yet?"
"As a matter of fact, we have."
Nigun said as a smile spread across his face.
Somewhere?
Ninya ran as fast as her legs could carry her.
The stress of running for what felt like hours now had all but destroyed any sensation in her legs long ago removing the pain of pushing her stamina to its limits.
After what felt like another hour of running she finally collapsed against the stone wall of what she believed to be a small house.
With no more strength, she slowly slipped into unconscious.
But just as her world began to fade she her a voice.
"What was tha. . . HOLD ON I'LL GET HELP!"
Nfirea Bareare watched as the young girl passed out just outside his home.
Or rather his friend's home.
Well, it was once her home.
Regardless he couldn't just stand there as the girl was clearly in some kind of trouble as the many small wounds across her body pointed to some kind of struggle not that long ago.
With great effort, he heaved her still body into a princess carry and moved inside his home.
Closing the door and warding the cold night air from the warm interior.
Setting her on the bed as gently as he could wondering just what had caused her to gain so many injuries.
'No matter to me, it's not my business so unless she tells me I won't be asking.
Now then'
"{Light Cure Wounds}."
A faint green glow surrounded her body as her numerous scrapes cuts and slashes began to meld back together returning the girl to a near-perfect condition.
Of course, the spell wouldn't do anything to remove her exhaustion which could only be healed with time.
A dark figure shot out a sickly green burst of magic enveloping an equally large grey shape.
The two stood there for what felt like hours as they traded blows back and forth.
Every blow the grey figure dealt was little more than a scratch but each red line brought her hope.
Channeling her magic she fired a burst of flame as the one beside her did the same.
The fire did little but it did something.
And in the end, scratches would add up, eventually killing the beast.
How its opponent withstood the green onslaught was something she'd never know nor did she want to as whatever fowl magic it was wasn't meant for her mortal mind.
Her hands shook as she threw another flaming ball toward her enemy how much longer could she last? How long would she be here as her friends were slaughtered in the forest behind her?
As she readied another flame a new figure approached this one far different than the others.
Swooping down like an eagle against a hare it rent the beast's neck in one smooth motion.
Then the world went white.
"A couple of herbs, bark, and moss. Mix until paste then-"
"AHHH!"
Startled the half-mixed potion clattered to the floor in a shower of glass and herbs.
Nfirea ran to the guest room with a healing potion at the ready, only to duck as a streak of lightning shot through the door.
Against every instinct, he pushed into the room to try and help the distraught girl.
"What's wrong are you injured?!"
Inside the small room sat the girl pressed against the back wall watching the door intently.
"Who are you? Where am I?"
Nfirea would have answered on the spot if it weren't for the fireball in the girl's outstretched hand.
After a moment of silence and courage building, Nfirea spoke.
"I mean you no harm, I found you passed out outside my home covered in wounds so I took you in.
I've even healed you so please lower the fireball before anyone gets hurt."
The girl hesitantly looked away to inspect herself, satisfied with her condition she looked back to him her arm and the flame still pointed right at his chest.
"You didn't answer me, where am I?"
"Carne village, or what's left of it anyway."
The flame vanished as the girl stood from the bed and started for the door.
"Thank you for healing me but I have things I need to d-ooo."
Climb just barely caught her as she collapsed only a few steps from the bed.
"I wouldn't recommend it, you have a fever, and while I am an apothecary I have no ingredients left so until you recover you won't be going anywhere."
The girl tried to push against Climb as he lowered her to the bed but was far too weakened to even lift her arms against him.
"No!
My friends are in danger I have to help them!"
"I don't think you'll do any good like this, and I should mention you've been asleep for the better part of two days."
Her struggle stopped.
"Two days?
But my friends, I-I just left them there I can't just abandon them like this!"
"Then the moment you can stand on your own I'll pack you some supplies and send you away.
Until then I suggest you conserve your strength.
I'll be back with dinner soon."
Ninya watched as the strange young man left her all alone in the room.
With all her might she tried to lift her head and did little more than hurt her neck.
'I'm gonna be here awhile if I'm like this.'
A heavy sigh escaped her.
The memories of the fight against the dragon were fuzzy at best all she really remembered was the aftermath and the pain.
The girl beside her, Arche was her name, burst into flames as a blinding white light shot down from the heavens.
Its heat was so intense that even a full two meters away it felt like her skin was boiling.
But just as it started it ended, her skin receiving no more than a slight tan.
Had they actually managed to kill the dragon?
Or was it all a fever dream imagined up as a defense as she watched her friends die before her?
Either way, it didn't matter because as soon as she could move she would find out herself.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the man came back in carrying a bowl of stew alongside a large piece of bread.
The smell was mouth-watering.
"Sorry I took so long the bread almost burnt and I panicked a bit."
"Wait how long were you gone?"
The man placed the tray on her lap and moved to the crude wooden window opening it revealed the purple and orange hues of twilight.
"Huh, I'd say five hours or so?
I wanted to let you sleep a little more but I heard you whispering so I figured you'd like a meal at some point today."
Five hours, what felt like a few minutes of her thinking to herself had become five whole hours.
Just how sick was she?
"Well eat up it's not the best but the meat and vegetables are fresh and while I'm no cook I'd say it's decent enough."
The man turned away heading for the door.
"Hold on a moment."
Something he'd said set off an alarm of sorts for her and if she was going to stay here she needed clarity.
"I thought you said you were out of ingredients?
Where did you get the meat that you couldn't get herbs?"
The man sighed sheepishly.
"Well, you see... I'm not the one who hunted it.
A sort of friend did it for me."
There's the trick. He wasn't alone.
"If I'm gonna stay here I want to meet them.
I don't even know your name and here I am sitting in your house nearly defenseless, I don't want someone else appearing out of nowhere the next time I use the bathroom or something."
"Ohh! Right! My name is Nfirea!"
He held out his hand.
"Ninya, and your friend?"
"Well I said friend but he was more of an acquaintance really.
And he is not here but! I will introduce you to him the moment he gets back. Although he doesn't live here in the village so I don't know when that'll be.
Oh, and his name is Momonga!"
Argland Council State.
"I assure you sire it was no fault of our own that the fire started!
From what the mages tell it began from the inside and spread outward, and as you know none but those of the embassy may enter that building lest they activate the wards!"
A man with goat-like features was on his knees as he shouted his pleas up to his master.
A deep primal voice responded, as though the world itself was displeased with the man.
"Yes, I know this for I am the one who cast that magic!
My concern was not your guilt but rather your incompetence, had you responded sooner the ambassador of the empire may yet have lived!"
The figure above shifted revealing a long platinum tail from behind the massive beast.
"Please sire! I meant no harm I was simply under orders!"
"ENOUGH!
You rabble for far too long! For your incompetence, good people have died, and for that, I sentence you to ten years of hard labor.
Now begone!"
The command was obeyed and the room was cleared save for the dragon resting atop a podium.
"Ughh when will it end."
"When the last of our father's mistakes are dealt with."
The platinum dragon lord lifted his head, he'd recognize that voice no matter how long since he'd last heard it.
"Brother, it has been what two hundred years?"
"Spare me the familial nonsense you know why I'm here don't you?"
"Of course I do and it would do well for you to know I have it handled.
Far better this time than the last."
"Ha hahaha, HHahaHahaHaha!
YOU!? The last of a forgotten and doomed bloodline?
Surely you jest brother."
"Hardly even now my contingencies are working as intended and the time to act is upon us."
"Oh so naive brother. I'm sure at least you of all people noticed it right?"
"Noticed what?
From the shadows, a figure emerged long and sickly pale with dark red eyes that seemed to glow of their own accord.
"Why the surge! The wave of power! The sense of absolute fear even I got as it washed over me."
"I felt no such thing now if you are done pestering me begone I have much work to do."
"Well if you didn't feel it perhaps you saw it?
The towers of light? The heat they gave off?"
The platinum dragon lord hesitated his rebuttal, he had felt and seen the towers of light coming from the empire's embassy but when both his and his advisor's investigations came up with little more than possible arson the case was dropped.
"Explain yourself at once!"
"Oh? So you did see it then!
Pray, tell brother do you know of the prophecy of those vermin?"
He wanted to strike his brother for that but held.
The prophecy was a story nearly all the players who'd come had told. A story that frightened even those god-like beings.
He hated to do it but he'd have to humor his brother if just to learn more.
"Go on."
He said nearly growling the words.
"So you do know of it then but I'm guessing you want your dear older brother to retell the story.
Fifty souls."
He growled at his brother who pantomimed cowering into the corner.
"Fine but only from the prisons!"
"Deal!"
The world dimmed for a second as fifty peoples life's vanished from the world.
"Now onto the story!
Long Long ago in the realm of the gods!"
"KEEP MOVING DON'T HOLD BACK!"
The cry of the commander rose their dwindling spirits as they rushed towards certain death.
"How the fuck did I end up agreeing to this stupid raid!"
"Oh shut it you know as well as I do these guys need to be booted off the game!
And besides the guild said any loot found is yours for the taking and from what I hear these guys are crazy loaded!"
"Huh guess that does sweeten this shit pie a little!"
It was a massacre.
Dozens dead in minutes killed faster than even the world eater and its cheat-like abilities.
In a matter of hours, fifteen hundred players fell.
To only forty-one people.
I quit that day and gave up the game completely.
I just couldn't take it anymore, shitty developers, crap loot rates, price gouging, and to top it off not only do the biggest assholes in the game get off scot-free but they're also given a fucking world item!
So I quit.
Until today, the last day of Yggdrasil.
I was hoping to find their base empty and abandoned like so many others but nooo, instead the fucking thing is just as impossible as the raid!
The fuckers were still playing!
Well, that was the least of my worries. Turns out most of my old guild quit as well and our base was wiped clean off the earth right down to the gold in the walls.
The only upside was that I still had our world item when I logged out.
Whoops.
I thought I'd get to enjoy some scenic view one last time as I bounced around the nine worlds but that didn't go well either because the second it turned midnight I was in some random field somewhere!
Turns out I got Shanghai'd to another word or some crap because of my world item.
I'm not max level anymore so in case things don't turn out well I'm gonna leave this recording here for the next poor sap to get dragged here.
Oh and a warning I guess?
From what I can tell the stronger you are and the more world items you have the longer it takes.
I met a guy who said he found an empty base with a world item just sitting there. He was level fifty and arrived something like a hundred years earlier than me.
So that means those Ainz Ooal Gown fuckers are probably gonna be the last ones through.
And holy crap are they broken as fuck.
The platinum dragon lord stared dumbfounded at his brother as he held out the strange item.
He'd seen recording devices from their world before but few remained and fewer still worked. For one to exist with such critical info and him not know of it was absurd.
"How did you come across this brother?"
"A player stumbled upon my home and requested a duel.
I was bored and accepted on the condition he gift me his belongings before he truly died.
I scrapped by but in the end, he fell to my claws."
"So you believe this Ains oool gown to be responsible for the latest disturbances?"
"Precisely dear brother. But that is also why I am here.
If what the vermin said is true then even our old tactics may prove futile."
His brother wasn't wrong, their old way of fighting was to just gang up on the enemy one at a time to wear them down before their friends could join.
And that was without considering NPCs and the like.
"So you suggest an alliance then? But far too few of us remain to do meaningful harm, yes?"
"On the contrary brother!
While few do remain, we are far from weak.
Do you recall that undead traitor?"
Under Re Estize.
A simple wooden table sat in a dimly lit room bare stone walls surrounded it revealing no clear exit.
At this table sat a group of unique individuals each dressed radically different from one another.
At the head of this table sat an imposing man wearing a thick leather vest his chest exposed revealing a dozen tribal tattoos all across his body.
To his left sat a tall slender woman, dressed from head to toe in silks and furs she alone seemed the most out of place appearing more fit for a ball among nobles than those currently around her.
Across from her sat a man, dressed in attire not uncommonly seen on whores in brothels, he posed an odd picture as he filed his nails.
There were many more like this, nine in fact with the last one being the most noticeable.
Covered in a large black hood they sat near motionless as those around chatted amongst themselves in hushed whispers.
These men and women could easily be considered the strongest and most influential group in the world.
Easily beating out entire kingdoms in terms of political and in some cases military might.
They were Eight Fingers.
"So, what have you all learned as of late."
The hooded figure's voice was low a clear hint of annoyance and suppressed rage.
At his voice, all sound stopped, whether out of fear or shame silence reigned.
A low cough came from a man dressed in an odd suit, a piece of exotic fashion from the far south.
"Well, you see sir.
Ehem, we believe the one responsible to be the same mage that attacked the kingdom around six months ago."
A small crack formed on the table shooting out from where the hooded figure sat.
"I know this you fool!
What I don't know is how not one of you has managed to track down even a whisper of him!"
"If you'll allow me, sir?"
The lone woman at the table spoke receiving a nod in reply.
"A messenger of mine from the empire claims to have overheard a mention of this mage.
From the lips of Emperor himself.
She claimed that a sort of manhunt has begun for the man stating a series of workers had been sent to some remote location to clear undead."
The implication was clear. The empire had somehow located this man.
"Where about did they go?"
"Just outside the great forest of Tob, towards the empire's side but the exact location is beyond me."
That simplified things, the space between the two countries was a no man's land of sorts and anything goes as neither country would send aid.
"Hmph. The obvious choice is the send the six arms.
We'll deal with this in two days tops!"
The one who spoke out of turn was the man with tribal tattoos he was the leader of six arms, the muscle of the eight fingers.
"You as strong as you are stupid!
That man can kill adamantite adventurers in a single attack and besides we want to recruit him not kill him."
"Enough.
Hilma is correct we need to avoid antagonizing this man at all costs and while I don't doubt your strength it's simply not needed.
Hilma this task is yours see to it immediately."
"Yes sir."
Sweat and fear filled the air.
Dense like fog it filled the room blinding the world to what transpired just behind its curtains.
Smack.
Smack.
Smack smack.
Smack smack smack smack.
"Worthless trash!
Can't you take a punch or is that simply beyond you!?"
A swift punch to his partner's gut caused her to groan in agony.
Her body was already bruised beyond recognition black and blue spots covering the whole of her bare form. Her limbs were limp at her side as she gave not a mote of resistance to the man atop her simply whimpering whenever he began his routine once more.
The man's large form shifted, he was going to start again, and like before all she could do was endure it all the while praying this fate never befell her sister.
Taken from her home by a noble claiming her family had failed to pay taxes she had little choice in the matter.
She'd volunteered when the noble revealed it was either her or her much younger sister. Her mother had cried out begging to be taken instead of her daughters but all she received in reply was a hand across her face.
'Dear sister I wonder what you've done these last few years?'
A warm sensation told her that at last the man was finished.
She didn't care in the slightest at this point, all she hoped for was that the next punch would finally end this undeserved torment.
"Having fun sir?"
A new voice from across the room brought no hope.
It was likely a worker here to clean her up for the next client and then it would begin again.
"Yes but I'm afraid this one is long past her usefulness next time I'll need something fresher."
"Of course sir, if you would accompany the guide to the baths as I'm sure you'd like to clean up before you return home."
Her voice was sickeningly pleasant, how someone could talk like that as she lay there half-dead was something she wasn't sure she wanted to know.
The man's weight lifted from her giving the first bit of relief in hours but it was far too little to be any use at this point.
"What a damn waste. Alright clean her up I would have words with her."
Her eyes were swollen nearly blinding her so when the figure in white walked beside the bed she couldn't make out their face.
It was the healer, possibly the only person she hated more than the damned noble who'd dragged her from her home. His presence always meant the same thing again and again.
'You aren't finished yet!'
If it wasn't for him she could finally be at peace but instead, she was going to suffer again at the hands of some degenerate looking not for companionship but meat.
The familiar sensation of her fingers unbreaking and her bruises healing told that once again that man had worked his vile magics.
Slowly the pain fled her body as the world returned to color and the grey stone walls around her reminded her that this wasn't just a whore house, it was a prison.
"You, you have a sister yes?"
The question shocked her, had they gotten Ninya as well?
Her mind went blank as she lunged for the woman beside the bed.
"LEAVE HER ALONE!"
She cried out her voice still hoarse despite the healing magics.
A muscled hand reached out from beside her latching onto her throat long before she ever reached the woman in furs.
"That answers that then, oh don't crush her neck so hard she'll need her voice to assist us."
The hand around her neck relaxed its iron-like grip as a grunt of acknowledgment came from the man.
"So Tuare you are going to speak the truth to me and only the truth do you understand?
And if you feel like resisting I should tell you that that was to be your last client so I suggest you cooperate."
All she could do was nod.
If they threw her out gods know whether they'd go for her sister next or not.
"Good.
Bring her along the stench here is revolting and this conversation needs more privacy than any brothel could give."
The grip on her throat moved her from the bed and into the hall.
She could hear the screams even through the stone doors.
They moved quickly through a near-endless series of tunnels and hallways ending only when they entered what appeared to be a simple bar.
"Cover her."
From behind a sack of some sort was thrown over her body turning her world dark.
Hilma watched as the girl collapsed not seconds after the bag was placed over her still-naked body.
Her network had found quite a useful detail when researching her quarry.
Among the workers sent to find him one had a sister, a sister who just so happened to be under her oh-so-generous employment.
From what they'd uncovered it appeared as though the workers had not only found the mage but fought him as well. And as expected each and everyone was dead or so they believed as they could only count the piles of ash for some.
However among those whose corpses weren't found came another surprise, two possible survivors, of them one, was a young woman with not a record to her name.
The other is this girl's younger sister.
Of course, finding her would be an issue all on its own but that wasn't why they needed her, no, if those two survived for what every reason against that man it meant they either did something or knew something that would save them.
Hell for all Hilma knew the man just had a thing for younger blondes.
Either way, having a piece of the puzzle would only help.
"We're nearing the compound lady Hilma.
Should I wake her?"
"Not until she's inside and restrained, knowing her earlier behavior she may well try and run again or more likely slit her own throat."
The compound as it was called was a crude stone building hidden among the back alleys of the city's slums.
Among all of her properties, she felt this alone would be her safest and the glint of an arrow from a nearby window only proved that.
The small building was in actuality an entrance to yet another underground base this one focused more on housing Hilma herself and any important documents that couldn't simply be burned.
Walking down several winding staircases lead to her office, an ornate room despite the barren stone walls. In it was a fabulous desk made of a single piece of imported wood, etched in gold and silver it spoke volumes of both her wealth and position.
A pang of regret hit her as the hired muscle tied the covered woman to her brand-new chair.
"Wake her so we can be done with this."
The sack was unceremoniously pulled from the girl.
Slap!
The strike awoke the girl in an instant.
How long had she been unconscious?
Not to mention where they'd taken her in all that time.
"Good morning darling.
I'd like to be brief so I'm going to cut straight to it.
You are going to do a single task for me and after that you're free.
No strings, no caveats, no lies.
Although you'll likely die doing it I'm sure you wouldn't mind that either, so yes or are we going to have to force you?"
What the hell is she talking about?
It wasn't like she had some hidden skills as an adventurer, she was a prostitute and even that was stretching the truth a bit.
"What are you talking about why me?"
The woman sighed.
"Literally nothing. There is next to no reason why we couldn't use anyone else but I have a hunch and if I'm right it could simplify things greatly.
Your sister, as I'm sure you don't know, is an adventurer and as of late I believe she is considered in all but rank an adimantite one."
"WHAT!?"
"Calm yourself and yes I speak the truth, according to what little remains of the guild in E Rantel she was last seen headed for the empire alongside some merchants of no note.
Almost a month later she is seen in the empire's arena fighting monsters capable of killing mythril ranks with ease.
And I've had this confirmed thrice.
After that, she goes dark and her team is found all dead save for her and one other.
I want you to find your sister and ask her a few questions about this event as the one responsible is very important to me."
"You want me to talk to my sister? That's it?"
"Well keep in mind her location is completely unknown and from what my network tells me she is likely to be hostile to everything larger than a rabbit.
But yes she and her friend likely have vital info regarding this man and I need whatever I can get. I figured that her sister of all people would stand the least chance of being attacked on sight."
Tuare sat in silence for a moment.
It sounded far too good to be true, had her sister angered this group somehow? Or was this man in such trouble that they didn't care about what she may do in the meantime?
If it means seeing her sister even once more she'd do it.
"I'll do it."
The woman clapped her hands together.
"Wonderful!
Now I'm sure you've realized that if I just sent you out naked and by yourself, you'd likely just end up dead in a ditch somewhere.
So to ensure that doesn't happen I'm going to give you both some clothes and an escort."
"Escort?"
A grunt came from behind Tuare and as she turned her heart stopped for a beat.
Standing at two full meters was what she assumed to be a man dressed in the most terrifying armor she'd ever seen.
Covering his entire body and lined with spikes and strange pipes it was made all the more imposing by the deep shade of red it was painted in.
"Our friend here is a perfect example of money over morals.
I'd like you to meet Azuth Aindra Leader of the adamantite team Red Drop and for the rest of your journey, your guardian and observer."
The Slane Theocracy.
A messenger rushed into Raymond's office wheezing and out of breath, the young man looked as though his life had just been threatened.
He held out a note to Raymond.
Its wax seal bore the mark of the Windflower scripture, an elite team of information gatherers sent out across the world to keep tabs on the various goings ons of the nations.
While many had been recalled to assist with the rebuilding of the capital a few key areas had been maintained in order to keep up appearances to the rest of the world.
This one in particular was assigned to the Argland Council State.
While Raymond himself held no real disdain for Demi-humans that notion was rare among his peers and that same hatred applied to the council state. Its leader being the oldest foe of humanity did little to aid their opinions towards a positive.
With few humans and ruled by a dragon lord the nation was quite possibly the only true enemy of the theocracy, although neither nation dared to attack one another for fear of mutual destruction.
With a soft crack, the seal was broken and its contents quickly read.
Raymond nearly collapsed in shock as he read the note again and again.
Three dragon lords had been spotted flying away from the country straight for the theocracy.
Among them were both the platinum dragon lord and the dragon lord of disaster.
"May the gods have mercy upon our souls."
Two weeks before, The Empire.
Fluder Paradyne had lived for almost two full centuries, having bore witness to countless heroes and villains rise and fall like flowers in a garden.
With this long-lived life came wisdom and from that wisdom came a permanent sense of caution.
Of course, you didn't live to be so old worrying over every little detail but skepticism and a good danger sense never hurt.
So when that same blinding white light came to him his first instinct wasn't to kneel down and beg the gods he be spared.
No, what Fluder Paradyne did was what he always did when faced with danger and the unknown.
He studied.
Faster than he'd ever read before straining every fragment he'd learned of the ancient language to its limits he read.
Flipping page after page after page hoping that whatever godlike being had written the book had also written of what was about to befall him.
Finally like a ray of hope to a lost soul, he found something.
In the last two pages was a spell one that unlike all others had no image and below its name was only a single sentence.
'The only known counters are revival magic and world items.'
Revival of the dead, something only the highest of holy magic casters could use and those that were known to have this ability could be counted on one hand.
Luckily Fluder was among that list.
"{RAISE DEAD}!"
And the light flashed and burned.
But Fluder did not.
The Holy Kingdom of Roble.
"FOR WHATEVER FATE HAS BEFALLEN OUR BROTHERS IN THE THEOCRACY I ASK YOU TO BRAVELY FACE IMPENDING DEATH!
CHARGE!"
As one two hundred thousand of the holy kingdom's mightiest paladins charged the foe before them.
Behind them, was a towering wall reaching over a hundred meters tall and stretching farther than any eye could see.
This wall was lined with men ready to die for their homes and country and at the moment they feared they would as the wall below them sported a spider web of cracks.
Across the lines of charging, soldiers came a cry of equal volume as hordes of Demi-humans charged in numbers the holy kingdom had never before seen.
Lines of siege weapons fired upon the wall each one clashing against the monument of stone add though small numerous new cracks.
Unbeknownst to the humans who fought with reckless abandon several kilometers behind these hordes of savages lies an even greater foe.
Watching through the eyes of its summon a dark figure cackled in glee as its master's command was being completed.
'Kill.'
Momonga wanted to sneeze despite a lack of both a nose and lungs.
'Have I forgotten something?'