A/N: Sorry this took so long the holidays hit me in a way I had not expected.
More coming soon.
Chapter 9
Reunion
A burst of light shot forward coating the world in a pale yellow hue.
Two figures watched this blast and leaped back in time narrowly avoiding its radius.
Once the glow subsided they ran towards the epicenter of the blast at speeds far surpassing the sound barrier.
With an audible crack as the air around them struggled to resist they moved toward their target.
A lone man clad in a full set of shining plate-mail, its luster so vibrant it seemed to be made entirely of platinum.
The two reached him in less than a second their weapons raised high ready to crush their foe.
But in one swing the platinum warrior deflected both blades sending the two off course as their speed worked against them.
Before either could turn and face the man they realized their folly, the burst of light had been a faint and they would suffer for that mistake.
A sword wrapped in blue flames barreled toward one man as he tried feebly tried to block, only for the blade to outright ignore his weapon and strike the man directly.
The blow connected and the defender grunted in pain as he was tossed back but he stood ready to counter the follow-up.
However, no attack came as a glowing white light appeared before him.
WINNER TOUCHME!
"Oh god damn it not again!
How, how! It was two v one! How did you still win!"
One of the two men cried out at his loss.
He, though it was hard to tell so, was a tall figure dressed in light blue armor that covered all save for his sides and head.
Heads actually, he had multiple as he was an amalgam one of Yggdrasil's much rarer heteromorph player races.
This was Bellriver.
His partner who towered over all those present was covered head to toe in the traditional armor of a samurai armor harder than any steel and able to shatter nearly any blade that crashed against it.
Under this armor, however, was a near equally hard skin as he was a race of giants known only for the difficulty people had when looking at them.
This was Warrior Takemikazuchi, and yes warrior was indeed his name.
"You two are excellent partners however you lack proper communication when it is needed, and relying solely on instincts will get you killed."
The one lecturing his foes was TouchMe a noble figure as his armor quite literally glowed from how shiny it was.
He would deny it but the others were certain he'd paid for this effect.
"Oh let them be you're near immortal as it is, it's not like they could beat your {World Breaker} anyway."
Stepping from the side of the sandy arena was a figure clad in dark purple robes that were slightly open allowing all the world to see a pulsating red orb just behind his polished white ribs.
This was Momonga, an undead overlord, and the leader of the guild all these men belonged to.
Ainz Ooal Gown.
"Hey! We could totally do it! If he just didn't cheat so damn much we would've won!"
"Oh, hush Bellriver we got freakin schooled just accept it!"
"Never! I know! Momonga get in here and help us teach this narc a lesson!"
Momonga let out a deep sigh as both Bellriver and Takemikazuchi both turned to him excitedly.
"You two realize that three-on-one is hardly a fair fight and defeats the whole purpose of a duel right?
Hell, two was stretching it! Besides he uses both holy and radiant damage!"
"Oh do not worry old friend I know you of all people would struggle the least against my righteous fury!"
"Oh, I know! Why don't you two duel then!"
Bellriver shouted as if he'd just discovered the cure for cancer.
"Oh hell yeah! The two leaders of the guild going at it I've gotta see this!"
"Takemikasuchi is right everyone would love to see us spar.
So what do you say? A fight for old time's sake?"
"Ughhh fine I don't know how I let you idiots rope me into this stuff."
The two combatants stood ten meters from one another.
Around them, the golem audience of the arena seemed to be faux cheering even more than normal.
Of course, once word had spread a real audience had formed as well.
Stuffing the VIP box was the entirety of the guild's members, each one pushing and pulling one another desperate to look at the spectacle of a lifetime.
'Why did I agree to this?'
"It seems like everyone is here now, you may start whenever you like."
Momonga smirked as he opened his menu and selected his friend for a duel. A few seconds later a notification that he'd accepted appeared.
3!
2!
1!
FIGHT!
TouchMe burst from his spot sending a cloud of dust into the air.
He was fast and among the guild, probably the fastest but that was physically, mentally Momonga was far far faster.
So long before the platinum paladin reached his undead foe several magical mines had already been placed.
Bursting in a shower of golden light the {Maximized Magic Mine} sent the warrior flying.
He'd have to force him back for as long as possible as nothing was worse for a mage than frontline combat.
And so a shower of magical attacks began, each one part of a beautiful rainbow of death and destruction.
The fight went on for thirty full minutes.
Every second was filled with a shower of magic only for a single strike to pass by the mage's defenses sending him flying backward.
'Mana's almost gone!
Gotta end this quickly!
"{Triple Maximized Reality Slash}!"
Three spells flew forward cutting the very air as they moved at insane speeds.
Only to be met with a veritable wall of energy.
A pale yellow light had burst from the warrior.
"{World Breaker}."
The way it was said was like an executioner's axe falling onto his neck.
It made him choose, defend and lose the mana to attack?
Or tank the hit and save the mana for his follow-up?
Momonga chose to defend.
"{Maximized Negative Burst}!"
It was too little too late as a blow came from behind.
When TouchMe had gotten behind him he didn't know but in the end, it meant doom.
Momonga shot up his head lifting from the Throne of Kings.
"Was I asleep? But the undead are supposed to be immune?"
He shook his head trying to forget the memories of the past and the pain that came from knowing they may never return.
Turning his head back to the floating guild menu he resumed his work.
As of the last two days, his Crypt Lord had gained another three levels. Its growth was fast but that would end as it reached level ninety so for now he would simply enjoy what he could.
"On to the next summon."
He said his voice dry and emotionless.
E Rantel.
Climb stood beside Pluton Ainzach as the man beamed with pride.
Before the two stood the newly constructed adventurers guild, and it was a sight indeed.
Mainly as it was the only thing for two whole blocks that wasn't a tent or some kind of rubble-made shack.
"Now with this, we can finally help those here in town instead of relying on the queen's good fortune!"
The building was made in the image of its predecessor save for one major caveat, a towering complex of homes.
Four stories tall and with twenty rooms a floor it could hold eighty families of four that three hundred souls not forced into the elements.
And if any of those families joined the guild, the room was free.
An idea proposed by the queen it was sure to not only alleviate the growing homeless issues but the lack of adventurers as well.
Climb couldn't help but stare in awe at the finished project, even though he dreaded what would come next.
He didn't dislike adventurers nor did he dislike training new soldiers but to do both together reminded him of a saying the late Gazef once told him.
'It was like herding cats.'
Not one of the new blood wanted to listen to the young knight and without fail, every single trainee had requested a duel. Each one ending with Climb tired and the trainee on their ass crying foul play.
Oh, how he longed to be by his lady's side.
"So Climb are you ready to meet the latest recruits?"
"As ready as I'll ever be I suppose, lead away."
A short walk around the guild showed them to a small training ground where twenty men all in their thirties waited patiently.
"Evening gentlemen! My name is Pluton Ainzach and I am the current leader of E Rantel's adventurer's guild!
This means I am your boss!
This young fellow beside me despite age and size is a platinum-ranked adventurer and the queen's personal guard!
I expect you all to act respectfully as he beats the fundamentals into you!"
"All right my name is Climb and as of right now not one of you is an adventurer do you understand?
Until you reach the equivalent of gold rank you are nothing more than a causality got that?"
All twenty men nodded, a somewhat different response than Climb was used to.
"To begin we're going to see what weapons all of you can use!
Now I know most of you will run straight for the swords and spears as no doubt you've been in at least one war in the past or expect them to be the easiest but I'm going to stop all of you there!
A sword is the most difficult and hard to train weapon of them all and unless you have a talent for it you'll only get yourself killed."
Each man walked over to a rack of dulled training weapons.
All but one.
A man with bright blue hair and a strange sword strapped to his hip.
"Is something wrong with the training weapons mister?"
"Unglaus, Brain Unglaus, and yeah there aren't any swords so I didn't grab anything."
"Wait the Brain Unglaus as in the same man that nearly bested Gazef Stronoff!
That Brain Unglaus?"
Ainzach yelled out in surprise causing all the men to stop what they did and turn toward the commotion.
"The same."
"Prove it."
Climb didn't care who it was this is how he'd trained the last batch and those before and not one had died yet.
He wouldn't let anyone get hurt over petty pride if he could help it but if this man was telling the truth then he would be a grand asset.
Climb unsheathed his sword and aimed the tip toward Brain's chest, if he was not the man he claimed a few scratches would be a fitting punishment for a false identity. If he was.
Well then Climb wouldn't stand a chance and the use of real blades wouldn't matter.
"Are you going to draw sir Unglaus?"
Climb taunted.
Brain stood still his breathing calm his expression hardened and his eyes locked with Climb's.
He placed a single hand against his still-sheathed sword.
Climb felt a drop of sweat as it rolled gently down his back whether from anxiety or the heat of noon he didn't know.
Brain silently motioned for Climb to come at him.
And he did.
With a burst of speed, he rushed at the still man the tip of his sword never moving from its mark.
CLANG!
A cry of metal on metal and a shower of sparks came from the two as they met, Brain having drawn his sword so fast only two people saw it.
And only one could have responded.
Amidst the crowd of onlookers, a divide had formed a neat line cutting the ranks of trainees apart.
On the ground was the tip of a sword.
Brain wanted to boast about his move but he knew his old teacher would beat him senseless if he did so with great effort he silently sheathed his katana.
"So something like a tie then right?"
He was cautious of his words as the broken blade poked against his throat a single bead of blood falling to the ground.
"You pulled your strike and aimed for my weapon when you could have easily killed me.
While I'll admit your strength is far beyond my own the fact is you treat your life with reckless abandon and for a warrior of any kind that is a fatal mistake."
Climb's response was a warm welcome compared to the usual insults his opponents threw at him.
More so it reminded him of Gazef and how immediately after kicking his ass he began to lecture him on his swordsmanship.
"Gazef said that same thing to you didn't he?"
Climb's eyes widened a little.
"Yes yes, he did."
"Well, then what's the next step teacher?"
The Empire.
Fluder shielded his eyes as the harsh daylight seared its presence into him, it had taken two days to crawl through the rubble that once was his study and another three to navigate the vast tunnel systems.
His only consolation to the mountain of lost knowledge was that most of it would be recovered in time so long as he found some ink and paper. One of the many benefits of perfect memory.
Glancing around the once grand city showed the true extent of the damage done by whatever force had cast that spell.
While smoke rose to the clouds everywhere he looked only a fraction of the buildings were damaged the majority simply lay abandoned.
He'd long ago encouraged the use of fire-resistant enchantments on the city's building materials and thankfully it seemed to work as he hoped sparring the already damaged buildings.
The book in his hands felt heavy, he should have warned the emperor of the many different countermeasures it held but each one engrossed him to such a degree he'd completely lost track of time.
Even then he would have only been able to save the two and while he was certain to survive how the emperor would far in this new landscape was uncertain.
For now, Fluder would have to move on accepting that whoever wielded the magic inside this book was a force far beyond his own.
Perhaps if he found this grand mage they would allow him to gaze into the true abyss that was magic, however, Fluder was no fool as his continued existence was likely to be seen as a slight against the mage.
So a meeting would be out of the question.
Unless?
Fluder looked at the book cradled in his arms.
Its writings were vague and his translations were far from perfect but with time perhaps even he a mere mortal could decipher but one of those magnificent spells.
The question then was, which spell to learn?
It would no doubt take weeks just to perfect the language and that was hoping the spells didn't require the user to speak in its native tongue.
That was something that would take years to master all thanks to the magic that surrounded spoken language.
Flipping through the many pages a certain image caught his eye.
A mage stood atop a cliff in the distance a field of undead were bathed in a golden glow.
He recognized these undead, for under his study no doubt pinned down by rubble and debris struggling against shackles was one such beast.
They were death knights, thousands of them and it looked as though each one of these country-ending monsters was being killed all at once.
A feat even he had failed to accomplish.
Oh, it wasn't as though he couldn't kill one but rather it was how he could that annoyed him.
It would take him hours of flying over the single foe pelting it nonstop with holy and fire magic until at last the monstrosity was felled.
This was no way for a mage to fight and when one of these undead appeared outside the empire he outright refused to kill it. Instead, he bound it in mythril chains enchanted to prevent all movement and locked it away in the hopes he could one day control the beast.
The spell's title was long but if he'd translated it correctly it spoke of power against death itself.
For now, he'd focus on exiting this lost country and its lost potential.
The Slane Theocracy.
Ash.
All he could smell was ash.
The city itself was still hours away and yet his eyes nearly watered at the stench that permeated the air.
"What has happened here?"
"Oh brother how you've fallen.
Why it's none other than the work of those vermin you'd promised to protect us from!"
Players had done this?
How? How could news on the destruction of the largest human city not reach him for all this time?
Sure Argland and the Theocracy were rivals of a sort but news and gossip still traveled regardless!
Was it petty pride? A desire to keep the world from learning they'd suffered their greatest loss since the demon lords two centuries ago?
Why even if they feared an attack in this weakened state had they sought no help whatsoever?
Unless they couldn't call for help?
The Theocracy was strong even he the eldest son of the dragon emperor had to admit so, so strong he alone would not be able to beat them.
Sure they wouldn't be able to kill him and his destruction would far outclass that that was before him but in the end, they would still drive him off.
His brother's words rang true.
"So they seek to mimic the Eight Greed Kings."
"And like them, we will crush them before our might."
A voice before unheard called out in response deep and grating it sounded as though death itself had spoken to those who listened.
Watching the new figure fly beside him and his younger brother was strange as the last he'd seen of the dark dragon lord he was proudly proclaiming he'd never work beside another dragon lord so long as he lived.
"Have you something against my appearance Tsaindorcus?"
"No simply thinking of the last time I saw you."
The blackened figure turned away his eyes burning with hatred as he did so.
Known as the dragon lord of catastrophe among the human nations he was one of the few true dragon lords to still cling to the world.
And somehow despite a deep disdain for both humans and dragons alike, his younger brother had convinced him to their new alliance.
Though alliance was hardly the correct term for what they were, perhaps kill squad would've fit more aptly.
"We near their lands be wary of those children."
A small shudder didn't escape Tsaindorcus' notice as his brother mentioned that word.
The children he spoke of were the Theocracies ace so to speak, they were the distant relatives of players long dead and as result, they were far stronger than any normal mortal.
Some could even fight dragon lords on equal footing given they didn't die instantly to the world's magic.
True to his word the once gleaming city's walls neared the trio and as expected he was horrified by the sight of what lay behind them.
A city whose remains were coated in its own ashes.
The city center once held a palace so grand its walls tempted him to claw the precious metals straight from it. Now however it only held three identical craters each one half a kilometer wide and equal parts deep.
The city that sprawled around it was replaced with fields of rubble and debris the only sign of survivors being the sea of dirty tents.
"Was this the doing of super-tier magic? How have I gone so long without realizing a player has done such a thing?"
Tsaindorcus questioned the other two.
"It seems you were correct he has grown ignorant and weak over the years."
"No dear brother I'm certain even you would have noticed a super-tier spell doing this.
No from what I could tell the last I visited it was simply a very strong spell, possibly magnified by something or a trump card of sorts."
Cure Elim was far past disappointment with his older brother for he knew the exact reason behind his ignorance.
He'd gone nose-blind from years of hiding away in that castle of his.
No doubt sleeping atop a pile of their weapons and artifacts had numbed his once mighty senses.
He'd inform his brother later for now it seemed the welcome party had noticed them.
As captain of the black scripture, it was his job to defend against any threats to the nation and humanity as a whole.
However, he was nowhere near confident enough to take on one of the few remaining true dragon lords let alone three at once.
Even she would be hard-pressed to do that.
Together maybe they would win but as of yet, she was still missing so the task of greeting the trio of winged disasters fell upon him and him alone.
Although dragging Dominic with him would have been fun it would tarnish what little hope the people still had in their leaders.
The blast of air as the three landed would have killed any lesser man as it pulled rubble and dust from the ground like leaves in a tornado.
Once the flapping had ceased and all the dust had settled he cleared his throat hoping they wouldn't sense how nervous he was.
"And to what do I have the pleasure of greeting you three for?"
"Hah even now he still pretends, listen well human we came to help and you'd best be ready to receive now show us what remains of your leaders."
Long and sickly pale the dragon who spoke was akin to a diseased snake though he knew uttering such a comment would kill him.
With a simple gesture, he turned away leading the three towards the impromptu meeting grounds they'd rushed to set up the moment they spotted the dragons.
Already sitting were the cardinals of fire, wind, and earth.
Not awaiting any greetings the three dragons marched over toward the table and lowered their gazes to meet the cardinals.
Dominic was the first to speak.
"So long has it been since we've received you Platinum Dragon Lord I welcome you to our nation with open arms!"
"Yes, and it appears you've decided to redecorate, now why don't we skip the formalities and get to the point before anyone relieves themselves in my presence?
We've decided to help against the foe that has caused such wanton destruction to your people and their lands."
Raymond raised his gaze to meet the platinum dragons.
"So then perhaps you could enlighten us to this foe you speak of, as you can see we've been preoccupied and could not search for them as of yet."
Raymond's words were salted and anyone within earshot could tell what he'd implied by them.
"I and my companions have reason to believe this was done by a force, not unlike the Greed kings of old.
The magic we've felt echoing in this world is far worse than it has been for centuries and it points to a grim future.
That is also why we've come."
The pale snake-like dragon inched forward.
"Oh cut the chatter we don't have time.
Bring out those children of yours we wish for their assistance in fighting something that could take you all out like the insects you are."
All three cardinals' heads went stiff for a moment.
"And what do you mean by children surely you know we can't send out our young to-"
Dominic was cut off.
"Shut it. No excuses we know about the Godkin now unless you wish to face this destruction again I suggest you stop wasting my already thin patience."
"Only one remains."
"What?"
Raymond had spoken the truth of sorts and neither of the other cardinals seemed pleased by this if their death gazes were anything to go off of.
"Among our known Godkin only the one you see there remains."
Raymond pointed to the captain who simply nodded in confirmation.
"All the others are either dead or missing and as of this moment we haven't the strength to revive any of those dead."
"For the dead, we have nothing but those missing could easily be found should we truly search for them.
Consider it a trade of sorts, we find them you gift their strength in this fight."
The Platinum dragon lord offered a fair if one-sided proposal, it would take years to relocate the items needed to revive someone like the Godkin without a major loss in strength.
Finding even one of the Godkin would be enough to hold back other nations' attempts at invasion, two could stop anything save for the gods themselves.
"Deal.
But understand we must keep at least one here at all time lest other nations feel invited to partake upon our lands."
Without another word the three dragons took off and darted west.
Raymond held up his hand to stop the others before they could protest.
"Notice how they already knew which way to go and didn't ask which Godkin was alive?
They already know where one is and from that direction, I'd wager it's our dearly beloved secret."
No one dared to comment on the secret that was certain death.
E Rantel.
Tuare was stiff and not just because she was moving limbs that hadn't moved in months.
No, she was stiff because of the sheer amount of coins her guardian had handed to the priest healing her.
Like a rainstorm came the gold coins clearly numbering in the hundreds so much so she didn't doubt for a second when she assumed it cost at least two platinum.
All the more reason to complete this strange task as fast as possible as any more debt and she'd become nauseous.
The first stop would be the new adventurers guild as they would carry the most info regarding the surrounding lands and any strange happenings.
The clerk was kind and helpful as she relayed her rehearsed sob story though she suspected it was more out of respect for the client of red drop than actual sympathy.
From what she was told Ninya and her party had made themselves into a sort of legend around the town as rumors began to spread.
The story most commonly told was that they'd been swindled into escorting disguised nobles turned spies out of the country and ended up as propaganda for the empire in exchange for a bump in rank.
Less often told but much scarier for Tuare was that the escort had failed and they'd all been killed in the forest of Tob by the undead that still swarmed it.
Going off the former she'd asked for the so-called merchant's names and any information they had but aside from the names Clementine and Dale nothing else was known of the two.
With nothing else of note, they headed toward Tuare's old village in hope that her sister had fled home after the request was finished.
Returning to her parents after so many years away was so touching she swore she heard her stoic guard stifle a sob as she and her mother cried together.
Sadly Ninya hadn't been seen in weeks and while the reunion was touching her guard had told her there was little time left.
Azuth Aindra better known as the leader of Red Drop was getting more than a little nervous regarding his current job.
In the beginning, he'd accepted the request from eight fingers for the sole reason that it gave him an excuse to look for Lakyus' killer.
Things never seem to go his way however as not long after starting his journey he'd been contacted by the platinum dragon lord. Requesting that he meet in the empire to discuss the mysterious mage alongside the best the theocracy and empire had to offer, had forced his hand.
Info on what could be the most dangerous thing since the age of the heroes was just important enough to move him to act.
And hey if this Ninya girl really did have info on the guy dragging her along would be a plus as she may end up the only survivor to actually see the guy up close.
They'd learned nothing new in Tuare's home village so their best bet would be to follow the line of destroyed towns spread across the kingdom.
Upon entering the first village every nerve in his body went on edge.
"Stay close the thing that attacked this place is still watching it."
Tuare inched toward him her eyes darting over every shadow and whatever they may hold.
She was right to be cautious as even her weak body could sense the bloodlust and killing intent whatever watched them was exuding.
Scanning the nearby tree line Azuth knew what to look for in his opponents, his powered suit would easily take a number of them down but that didn't mean he could protect his charge at the same time.
Death knights were just that kind of monster, aiming for those behind the shields to maximize the despair their prey felt right before they were cut down.
Another scan of the forest and he saw it.
A single glint of the dusks light off a shield and he knew where it was.
The undead recognizes his gaze as well charging from the trees with reckless abandon.
Its shield was raised high and it was gaining speed but it wouldn't matter he was far stronger.
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
The sound of his spell gun firing scared Tuare but he ignored it and continued to fire shot after shot.
The first three rounds hit the shield stopping the charge and leaving fist-sized dents in the wall of black metal.
The next three began to push the undead back forcing it to slowly plant its shield in the dirt below.
With the shield firmly planted the undead roared in anger as the hail of gunfire continued.
It was stuck behind it no doubt calling for undead to swarm the location and strike the moment he let up.
Too bad he could fly.
Raising from the ground his gunfire slowly moved up the shield and eventually over it striking the rotting flesh behind.
Tearing chunks from it the undead realized the futility of its defense and reared back its sword ready to toss it.
Like a javelin, the curvy sword flew through the air colliding into Azuth despite his best efforts to dodge.
Something was wrong. Really wrong.
Azuth had fought death knights and every time they'd dropped in no more than three hits but as he continued to pepper the undead with magic he was again forced to dodge this time only narrowly avoiding his head gaining a new dent in it.
This one was stronger and by a lot, his attacks were doing damage but barely anything compared to the others he'd fought.
A magic circle appeared over his left shoulder lighting up bright orange it began to spin as his gunfire and dodging continued until from it came a blast of fire.
The death knight didn't try to dodge and for that, it was reduced to ash.
Returning to the ground he found Tuare hiding inside an abandoned home a few minutes later she was cowering under the dining table.
"Come on we can't stay here, what was the next closest village?"
Tuare shakily stood.
"Carne I think it was called."
Nazarick.
Momonga was gazing longingly at the hallway that stretched before him.
In neat rows along this narrow hall were statues each one adorned in strange armor some even held weapons and some of those were far too strange to even be held, yet they were.
There were forty of these statues each one depicting a different figure whose identity was unknown to all besides the lone man walking this hall.
He was silent as he passed almost as though in reverence.
"Momonga."
A voice called out.
Excited he turned to see who had called out.
Only to slump his shoulders even lower as he realized he remained alone.
At last, the hall ended with a single blank statue marking the last member of Ainz Ooal Gown.
He sighed as he passed the antechamber for the treasury placing his hand atop the coffee table his sole creation would sit at.
"I wonder what he would have been like had he come alongside me?"
A shriek of german reminded him that while comforting that may not have been for the best.
Moving on to the treasury itself was a little daunting but with nothing else to do, he'd decided that organizing the massive vault might be for the best.
He also hoped one of the millions of random items would finally relieve him of the torment of his silent home.
He was also curious to see how this new world would affect the more mundane items of Yggdrasil as the pin he'd given Renner was considered trash and yet she claimed it to have saved her knight's life.
The first thing he'd sort among the literal piles of stuff would be any armor for his summons.
After all a level eighty without equipment was unheard of.
A shadow moved ever so slightly.
Its occupant eyed the one below it with no malice or hate only curiosity.
As the target spoke it made sure to recall every word so its master might better plan their next glorious idea.
The voice was becoming muffled so it jumped to the next shadow which it did with not even the dust moving as it landed.
"How many more do you believe we can stop?"
"If we begin conscription of those most recently trained we should be able to hold for another five months which should allow us to receive reinforcements from the north."
"That's the first bit of good news I've heard In days. What of the wall, however?"
"It will hold, for now.
I fear that without a significant push there will be no repairs whatsoever and at the moment that won't be happening."
"Kelart tell me honestly, do you think we will survive this?"
"Of course my queen, we've held against worse, and like always this will pass."
"Thank you."
The figure darted out of the room.
If they truly thought themselves so strong a simple message to his fellow servant would bring even more misery and death.
Just as their master wished.
The Roble Holy Empire.
Queen of the Holy Roble Kingdom Calca Bessarez. Her name brought hope to her nation and its people inspiring hundreds of thousands of young men and women to lay down their lives for the greater good.
Lately, she had come to question this greater good.
Her nation had acted as a bulwark for the majority of human nations breaking the tide that was the Demi-humans and their barbaric nature. With a wall spanning the entirety of the eastern border, it was simple to repel the thousands of tribes that dotted the Abelion hills.
Towering over a hundred meters off the ground only those species with flight or spider-like climbing abilities could scale it and those would be killed long before they reached the top.
Five thousand soldiers had died defending this wall in the last two weeks alone and she was becoming increasingly distraught over it.
The tribes had unified. All of them.
Something was forcing them to flee the hills and while she knew that if they passed the wall her people would die in droves she couldn't help but wish for a peaceful solution.
Her advisors would never allow such a thing demanding that the Demi-humans be killed to the last and for now she had agreed. Only her closest friend had even listened to her when she voiced her concerns but in the end, she had to remain stoic in the face of danger.
And yet still her thoughts would linger to just how many would die to hold back what she considered refugees not to mention whatever it was that had caused them to flee in the first place.
"So long as the wall holds I will simply wash the blood from my hands."
A splattering of gore washed against armor as a long sword carved through its opponents.
All around her were cries of pain as men and women fought and died as easily as one flipped a coin.
To this paladin, it didn't matter for she and she alone was blessed by both the gods and their queen alike.
Another slash and the foe before her was relieved of its head dropping what was meant to be a commander of sorts.
To call such a thing any form of strong was an insult to her nation as it had nearly died in one strike by the that didn't matter as all around the beasts fled like the animals they were.
Perhaps they considered the fallen foe strong and simple instincts had told them just how futile the attack was.
Oh, how she longed for the order to charge the enemy forces.
Her sister Kelart had called her retarded when she suggested a full frontal assault but the insult didn't sting until the queen had agreed to stay their hand.
Remedios Custodio was perhaps the strongest person in the whole nation why they refused to let her strike the enemy was beyond her.
She'd meant to stay and argue the reasons behind a charge but had grown disinterested when the conversation turned to the politics she so hated.
At the end of the day, she didn't care so long as the Demi-human invaders were slaughtered and her country was safe.
"Congratulations captain for yet another lord slain this marks our third commander killed."
Her lieutenant and aid Gustav, he was one of the few people whose opinions Remedios would consider. While nowhere near as strong as her Gustav was far smarter him being the main contributor to any orders the paladins were given.
"Captain her majesty sent word asking for an update on the enemy's forces, have you noticed anything strange among those you've fought?"
Remedios had to think for a moment as she paid little attention to those she fought after a moment only one detail came to mind.
"Yes they appear frightened and they should be but far more than I am used to.
And please tell her majesty again that a full frontal assault would quickly end this farce!"
Gustav nodded and sighed as he walked away muttering something about cramps.
Some distance away two men with goat-like features conversed in hushed tones.
Their bodies were malnourished and lined with scars some being far fresher than others.
"How much longer before we can flee sir?"
"We can't move until those things show their ugly heads again.
Until then keep up the attack we need as many of those humans as possible to distract them during our retreat."
"Yes sir."
With a quick bow, he ran off to relay the orders.
Buser sighed how much longer would his people have to suffer before they would be at last left alone?
How many had died on the journey alone?
Fleeing the monsters that had invaded their homes had become the only option as even he the mightiest of all the tribes could only fight the weakest of them.
He shuddered at the thought of the commander he fought or rather was nearly killed by.
With his defeat, an order to flee as fast as possible was given, and soon after they collided with many more tribes facing the same foe.
Quickly assuming leadership of the many tribes that crossed paths required a plan.
Starvation would take hold soon and he'd be damned if those humans would sit behind that wall as they suffer and die against it.
So with quick approval from the leaders of all the other tribes, they'd decided why fight alone?
Why not invite the oh-so-proud humans into the wonderful combat that had become their lives?
So here they were tossing the weak and feeble against an impossible foe as yet another neared their turned backs.
Buser hoped against the odds that the humans and their vastly superior numbers would be much juicier bait.
He could only hope.
Re Estize.
Rain pelted a long dirt road turning it into a river of mud its sole user seemingly unaffected by the horrendous terrain.
Lakyus tightened the hood of her cloak despite none of the freezing cold rain reaching her.
She had to keep up appearances after all.
"So winter has come then."
"Hush swords aren't supposed to speak you know."
"And you should know by now no one besides those who wield me can hear my voice.
You make it as though you're a raving lunatic when you respond aloud."
Lakyus shut her mouth before she yelled at Kilineiram.
'It's still hard to grow accustomed to for a noble lady like myself I have trouble not responding to conversation.'
"Former noble you mean."
Lakyus didn't respond.
She hated any reminder that most people would consider her dead alongside her other sisters.
That rumor would end soon enough and hopefully stay that way until her teacher's plan was completed.
Said plan was to have Lakyus act as bait for the player who'd killed her sisters where upon revealing himself the platinum dragon lord would strike.
However to ensure she wasn't killed like last time she'd been gifted a new set of armor. That and her old gear was long since turned to ash when she was attacked.
The new armor was stronger in almost every way even going so far as to boost her natural abilities to their absolute limits.
On top of that, she'd grown considerably stronger under the tutelage of both Rigrit and the platinum dragon lord.
Though compared to her opponent it wouldn't mean much it was sure to let her survive at least one or two hits though she'd likely be near death after the first.
"How long did the dragon say you had to prepare?"
'One week and if the player doesn't show by then I'm to move on to the capital where we'll try again.
If he doesn't show we have to go looking for him.'
The first stop was where it all began E Rantel and she couldn't wait.
Renner smiled as the dim glow of her hairpin subsided.
No doubt it was alerting her to the status of her latest goal, the Eight Fingers.
"Oh, father stop worrying you know your health is poor and I fear any more stress will shorten what time we still have!"
"Oh fear not I am in fine health but my concern still stands.
I agree with your desire to be rid of our criminal underbelly but this bold a move may ensure retaliation we can't stop!"
The boldness her father spoke of was the complete eradication of the main operation centers for the Eight Fingers.
Well almost complete as all but one location had been identified.
"Father we have lost much but we have grown beyond what we once were, the deaths of the empire's spies are proof of this.
We no longer fear internal threats and even the harvests have nearly doubled in size!"
"Yes I suppose you are right but please remain cautious I was careless in my reign and it nearly ruined us."
Her father rose from his seat and left the room followed by his two guards.
Renner giggled to herself.
'Caution? When I have a mage stronger than the Fluder Paradyne!?
It is simply not needed.
Of course, only a fool would ignore the threats around them but so few remain it's as if none had ever existed.'
Personally, she felt the opposite of her father as the preemptive strike had been approved by the mage himself. And if she was interpreting his words and their many hidden meanings she was certain something besides the magic hairpin was keeping her guard.
Her future with Climb was all but guaranteed all he needed to do was prove himself worthy to the remaining noble families and this latest task was the last piece he needed.
Routing out the disease that is Eight Fingers, stopping an attempted coup, and training a brand new troupe of elite warriors that rivaled Gazef's old warrior band.
These were his deeds and even one would be enough to give the title of minor noble as a reward.
But no one would accept her marriage to such a low figure he needed to be raised even higher to something on par with the deceased Gazef Stronoff.
Something that could stand eye to eye with her.
A small bell beside her rang once.
"Please clear the room for a moment I wish to think of the next step in our plan alone."
The few guards left without fuss as it had become a rumor that she was starting to panic with the accrued stress of ruling.
That however was not the truth. Far from it in fact.
The bell signaled something much less appropriate for an audience.
Enchanted so only she could hear it ring it signaled a much darker secret than a panicked queen.
From the shadows came a skeletal figure, one of her benefactor's many subordinates.
"Master requests an update."
Its voice was low and quiet to not alert those just beyond the door.
She knew this creature to be a litch though from the description she was given they were something far stronger than those formed naturally.
"All goes well, the gifts I've received are speeding progress tenfold and my task should be done by daybreak.
His portion has been set aside and he may claim it at his leisure."
The creature bowed and vanished into the shadows.
What her benefactor gained from removing the criminal group was beyond her and she had no intentions of prying lest he saw fit to tell her.
Renner was content just to be rid of the thorn in her country and if it fit his plans so be it.
The man known as Brain Unglaus swore under his breath he'd expected to breeze through the entrance exam and start proving his worth as an adventurer.
He didn't expect to be exempted from the exam altogether instead finding placement into some elite group called the queens pick.
He also didn't expect to be thrust into a mission only a few days after 'graduating' from the training course.
Nor for said mission to be eliminating the majority of Eight Fingers in a single night.
Well, he did always say he wanted a fight with a real challenge like when he fought Gazef.
None of this mattered though as the real issue was his 'promotion' to the leader of his very own squad.
This squad in question was only gold ranked at best and should any of them die during this highly dangerous mission he would be to blame.
"Shit!"
"Did you say something, sir?"
The one questioning his steady mental breakdown was a red-headed woman named Brita who he honestly considered the only salvageable member of his team.
"Nothing just worried about the plan."
She seemed to accept Brain's excuse as she was likely freaked out herself.
The plan wasn't all that bad if he really thought about it though, their job wouldn't be to raid any of the major sights or fight the dreaded six arms.
No, they would have the oh-so-simple task of pretending to be bait. Bait which would catch one very large fish, one of eight leaders of Eight Fingers, and luckily for his subordinates one of the only non-combative ones.
Of course, they'd have a retinue of guards and that would likely pose risk to even Brain but it was a manageable threat even at his team's current level.
A glint of light across the street shook him from his thoughts.
"Alright, that's the signal now remember we only need their boss alive the rest can be killed so don't hesitate when it could cost you your life.
Let's go!"
Under the influence of a [Silence] spell, they ran toward the disguised building whose bowels contained their prey.
The door would have been an issue but the team's thief picked the lock in seconds. The party was starting!
Momonga sighed.
Then he sighed again.
Staring out at the city covered in the veil of darkness filled him with an emotion that had become all too common as of late.
Anxiety.
Sure he'd felt it in droves when he had a big client or was called to speak to his boss but those were fleeting moments.
This had been nonstop ever since he'd found one of his beloved dragons dead only a short distance from his home.
'No! Focus!'
He shook his head.
According to Renner's intel, the strongest members of Eight Fingers would be in the building he now flew above.
They were supposedly equal to or stronger than adamantite adventurers, the same rank as those who'd attacked his home.
The attack revealed something to him something he'd concerned himself over since the day he'd come here.
Just how strong was this new world? According to Renner, stupidly weak.
To the force that had attacked him? On par with level ninety players minimum.
Those hiding below him would be the final test, were those against him simply outliers who'd gotten lucky? Or were this world's inhabitants simply capable of feats that could threaten even a max-level player?
'Stop! I'm getting paranoid again and thinking in circles I can't keep living like this! Well unliving like this.'
"I'm beginning remember your orders."
An Elder Litch nodded as its master disconnected the [Message].
Two men took turns drinking from a light brown bottle, its contents the only thing keeping their eyes from slamming shut.
It was strong maybe a little too strong? They were certainly starting to see and hear things.
"I think we should slow down a bit if the boss finds out we're drunk he'll kill us."
"We ain't drunk! Not yet at least."
The second man took a long swig of the bitter liquid.
"Are you sure 'cause I'm seeing the door melt and I'm pretty sure that ain't real?"
"Of course, it ain't! That's mythril ain't shit gonna get through it without the whole city hearin' it!"
The first man sighed and took a drink as the second offered the bottle.
He hated guard duty.
'[Silent Twin Death].'
Two men were dead where they sat a bottle rolling under their table.
"Hmm, why didn't they alert anyone?"
A question for later for now he would move on to the next room, a trap door hidden behind a bar led him deeper into the hideout.
Another man awaited just a few feet from the ladder down this one however was asleep on a wooden chair.
'What the hell is going on? Am I in the right building?'
Sighing for what Momonga hoped would be the last time tonight he walked over to the sleeping man.
A tap on his shoulder awoke him instantly.
"Whoa! Who the hell are you!"
He quickly stood drawing a sword from his side.
"This of the base of Six Arms yes?"
The man's eyes narrowed slightly and his grip tightened.
"Apparently you're the town idiot and you just got yourself killed!"
The man rushed forward and sliced at Momonga.
The strike bounced harmlessly off of his passive protections.
"Wha-what just happened?"
Again Momonga sighed, it was going to be a long night if this continued.
"From your reaction, I'd say I'm correct on where I am, as for who I am, I am the man invading your base. Now if you could do me a favor and alert someone. . . Stronger than you.
That would be appreciated."
The man grit his teeth and charged.
"[Break Item]"
His sword shattered in his hands.
And at last, he fled from Momonga.
A thin red mist hung in the air its origin lay on the ground still warm.
The man responsible wanted to spit on the idiot's corpse for abandoning his post for a single intruder but didn't out of respect for his kill.
A single team was all they would've needed to stop an intruder and yet this idiot hadn't even sounded the alarm his only job. It would've ended the issue in a minute and saved his life but yet here they were.
"Zero I think the strike teams finished I don't hear any fighting."
Zero strained his senses. Indeed the fighting had stopped.
He smiled.
"Sound the alarm and set up a defensive line."
"Boss?"
Zero took in the smell not far from him and smiled ever so slightly.
"Can't you tell or are you that weak? The strike team is already dead and rotting."
An opening showed itself and Brain would exploit it gladly.
A single upward cut tore open his opponent's throat sending a cascade of blood to the cobblestones below.
"I think that's the last one send the all-clear!"
A mage in the group pointed up firing a jet of fire high into the night sky.
Alongside it were three others turning the sky into a shower of embers. The mission had succeeded and their only losses were a few shallow cuts.
Brain hoped the few remaining were okay.
"Come on kid don't disappoint me."
Climb dove to the side as a mace came crashing down where he once stood.
He ignored the aches that came from fighting nonstop for two hours and swung at the man's exposed arms.
The heavy mace slowed his opponent allowing Climb's strike to carve into flesh and chip away bone as it separated the hand from the arm.
The man cried out in pain for less than a second as a sword in his heart ended the suffering as soon as it began.
Blood flowed all around Climb as his team finished their own fights turning what was once a high-end restaurant into a butcher shop.
He and his team had been warned not to eat any of the food in the building and as they entered the kitchen's vast storeroom he quickly became grateful for the advice.
Cages, dozens of them lined up and stacked in neat rows the occupants cowered in the corners pressing matted and sticky flesh against the rusting bars.
On a table nearby an occupant lies dead his body in the process of becoming the restaurant's specialty.
Climb had heard the stories mothers would tell their children about Demi-humans but personally, he tried to keep an open mind.
Even when he learned of the situation in the Draconic kingdom he still believe the stories to be an exaggeration at best.
But to see the exact opposite nearly drove him to lose his dinner only his training holding him back.
His teammates weren't as lucky and more than a few were left choking on their own bile.
Shaved of their fur and mutilated beyond recognition each of the cages were filled with Demi-Humans each one reduced to livestock ready for slaughter.
Eight Fingers would burn for this.
Zero chuckled as he watched the resulting carnage just around the corner.
A spray of gore and organs was all that remained of his men.
He couldn't wait, to at last have a target worth his time he was so overjoyed it didn't even bother him how easily his men fell at the intruders' hands.
No, it was only natural for the strong to destroy the weak, perhaps that's why he was here himself seeking the strongest foe he could. It was obviously a meeting of fates for who else could this mysterious man seek out besides the feared Zero?
No one.
At last, the man neared the corner and he could gaze upon the face of his greatest test as of yet.
Magnificent his very being spoke power his every movement calm and calculated as though he felt no danger whatsoever ever.
"I am Zero the leader of Six Arms! Come let us duel to the death so none may dispute our power!"
'Ughhhhh if I have to deal with even one more weirdo tonight I'm going to scream.
Wait what did he just say?'
"You are Zero the strongest man in Eight Fingers?"
"Yes, I am I...
Momonga stopped listening to the man the moment he began talking about fates and grand duels.
'[Silent Mana Essence] [Silent Life Essence]'
"Pathetic."
"Huh?"
"[Necrosis].
That's for wasting my time!"
Succulent watched as his boss turned to a pile of rotting meat in a matter of seconds.
Deep down he'd always regretted this life but he loved the combat and glory so he ignored the nagging feeling that his time was running thin.
But to see this, whatever this was, scared him for the first time since Zero had beaten him for trying to steal from him as a child.
His life ended not long after that thought, his body falling to the ground like a puppet whose strings had been cut
E Rantel.
Death had always been the great foe of mortal men with scholars and imbeciles alike scraping and clawing at whatever hope they could find to flee from its clutches.
In a world where magic was real, they'd been given a string of hope that at last the icy grip of the reaper had faded.
But unfortunately in even this world gifted with powers even gods feared only a select few could ignore the end that befell all.
That's why Lakyus in her years of training had sought out the legendary resurrection magic that was [Raise Dead] so that her comrades and sisters could feel at ease that should the worst come to pass they yet had hope.
That hope however required not only an intact corpse but many many expensive components that few had access to.
So to see the person stopping her just a few short minutes from E Rantel made her question just what sick and twisted person had done this.
The player whose power was reported to rival all six gods was a cruel enemy indeed as none of her many plans and countermeasures had accounted for her to meet someone she couldn't attack.
"Hey, Lakyus so I need to explain a few things to you."
EvilEye dropped her mask revealing two deep crimson eyes.