AN: Sorry for the long hiatus. Also, I'd like to say this now. Naruto isn't going to resort to violence first, and he isn't going to just start dominating people like Ainz. Remember, he isn't undead like Ainz.
Chapter 6
Allen and Magi Basier didn't have any sort of destination really, but avoiding the human cities was a must. They were in the Re-Estize Kingdom's territory yet they never saw any more than three patrols. What they had seen were the occasional adventurers, usually a party of four or five. All humans as they'd expected at this point. Using Basier's domination spell, they were able to gain what information they wanted from the adventurers without hurting them.
"Have there been any odd changes in the Re-Estize Kingdom." Basier asked with glowing red eyes that held the adventurer in place.
"Now that you mention it, lately the guild has had a sudden increase in monster subjugation quests." He said. "Aside from that, nothing strange has happened."
He was telling the truth which told them that they should expect to run into adventurers more often. Not a bad thing, but also not a good thing. From what they were able to surmise, the technology here was medieval with clear fantasy characteristics. This of course meant that there was no modern technology like cell phones or the internet.
Releasing the human man, Braiser and Allen flew off. Leaving him alone to wonder where he was, and what happened.
"If nothing has happened then is it possible that the others are laying low?" Braiser asked.
"Most likely." Allen answered. "Naruto won't risk getting into unnecessary fights, and Corrin prefers to avoid it unless she has to."
This was true and one of the reasons Star Genesis remained on top for so long. They didn't go around picking fights with everyone. Smart tactics, mass diversity, being overly prepared, overwhelming strength and teamwork. This was how you kept a guild going.
'Teamwork huh?'
Allen's mind went back to a time in his life when teamwork failed him. When his so-called friends left him for dead after attacking him. Such memories were quickly shoved down in exchange for his memories of YGGDRASIL. A game had been better to him than real life had ever been. Granted he had good memories, but Braiser and the others had been the best aspect of his life. The former stopped him from ending his life prematurely. Definitely one of the best friends he'd ever had.
"Hey, Braiser."
"Yeah, what is it?"
Her question was answered when Allen hugged her. It was a surprise, and she didn't know why he was doing it.
"Thank you for being my best friend." He said with a smile. "I mean that."
"Eh, you don't have to thank me."
Braiser held him close. For years they'd had each other's backs, and that wouldn't change. Not now, not ever. For that they were both thankful.
Night eventually came and the two made camp consisting of a campfire. Braiser was tired from flying for hours and Allen was ready to sleep.
"Look what we have here."
Of course they had to be interrupted. The two turned to see a man in what was basically classic bandit clothes. Behind him were five others all armed.
"A couple of lovebirds."
"Just friends." The two said in unison.
"Fancy clothes that one has." A spear wielding man said. "He looks like a noble."
"I'm willing to guess that this tasty looking thing is your comfort for the night?"
The two now regretted not following this road. Now they had to deal with these idiots. Rude idiots at that.
'Wait, did they just call her a prostitute?'
Braiser was in her human form, and her clothes were what she usually wore at home. Shorts, sandals, and a short sleeved shirt with a magical girl logo on it.
"Looks like a slutty thing too, let's just kill the kid and have some fun with the girl!"
There it was, something that made Allen snap. He didn't need to hold back against these people. No, they weren't people to him, they were parasites who fed on the innocents. He was familiar with people like that, and he couldn't allow them to exist in this world.
"[Karma Shift: Demi-Fiend]."
Allen's eyes shifted from silver-gray to amber. His skin became gray like ash, and seven black cross-like markings appeared across his forehead.
"Did his skin just–ugh!"
The leader of the group suddenly saw that everything was spinning. He saw the sky, and then nothing. Allen flicked his left hand causing the blood to splatter onto the ground.
"[Dark Matter Parade]."
He aimed forward and from his hand came ten orbs of dark matter the size of a man's head. Then with a snap of his fingers they dance around the now panicking bandits. Moments later they danced through them. Tearing into their bodies with no resistance.
Bloody chunks fell to the ground, but Allen wasn't satisfied yet.
"There's more of them, no doubt." Braiser said. "Over there most likely."
She pointed to the cave in the distance. There were evil humans in that cave, she could smell their vile souls. Braiser licked her lips, finally she could dine on something tasty.
4 Days Later – Star Genesis – Celestial Living Quarters – Naruto's Room
They needed a presence of some kind, something that could bring in money. Lots of NW money, and trade was their best bet. Weapons, supplies, technology adapted to this world, and maybe some military assistance. The Dragon Kingdom was their best bet, but there was also the Roble Holy Kingdom. Two big targets that would take time to create a stable bond with.
The Re-Estize Kingdom had been a target for a while, but something told him that the kingdom wasn't going to last. He had a few agents inside, and was ready to have them evacuate the second he gave the order. The king was a good man, but not exactly strong. The princess however was a psychopath in disguise, but had potential. Just in case he needed a saboteur.
He was shaken from his thoughts when someone knocked on his door.
"Enter."
The door opened, and Hassan walked inside.
"You have a report?"
"Yes, we located a faction with potential, however they are primitive." Hassan said. "A lizardmen clan called, Red Eye."
Naruto turned to the undead. His interest now thoroughly peaked. A lizardmen tribe, this was new.
"They appear to have a large amount of druids, but aside from that there's nothing noticeably valuable about them." He said.
"All life has value, you just need to learn how to harness it." The blonde said. "In my experience druids can turn the tides of battle in an instant, not to mention adding lizardmen to our forces will have positive results in the long run."
He stood up and stretched out a bit.
"Will this be forceful or diplomatic?"
"Diplomatic, but I'd like to make an impression about what I want." – "This world understands power the most so I'm gonna show them a tiny bit of mine."
Naruto smiled. It had been a while since he'd acted like a villain, the last time he'd done so was when he was part of Nazarick. Now, he could live up to his title, Demon Lord. This was going to be fun.
2 Days Later – Great Lake – Red Eye Clan Territory
Crusch Lulu believed herself to be smart, after all she did lead a rebellion against the previous chief, and managed to take over. The Red Eye clan would no longer commit fratricide due to famine. However it didn't change the fact that there was still a famine. The fish were slowly becoming scarce, and the wildlife was fleeing far away. If this kept up then the entire clan would starve or resort to cannibalism.
"We can't ask the other clans for assistance, not when we're still so hostile towards each other." Crusch said. "Ancestors know what they'd do to us."
The woman felt helpless. This could spell her clan's destruction if she failed to find a solution. There had to be a solution, there just had to be.
Then the ground suddenly rumbled, and she nearly fell on her bottom. The others outside began to panic as a massive roar was heard. Crusch ran outside and immediately her heart sank.
A massive serpentine dragon was staring down at the village. The scales were blood red, and its eyes were completely yellow. What's more it seemed to have two mouths. Below it was a mixed army of humans in light black armor and strange masks, and demons of all shapes an sizes. They marched in perfect unison towards the village.
Humans and demons working together was unprecedented. Crusch hadn't seen a demon before, but she'd heard legends of the cruel beings. Yet, here they were, marching towards the village alongside humans of all things.
Her gaze went to the druids and warriors that were frozen by fear alone. Crusch couldn't blame them, after all this was a nightmare come to life. The lake suddenly froze over, and the army proceeded forward. This time making a pathway down the middle, stopping, and then raising blue flags with a strange red swirl insignia on it.
"That flag, I don't recognize it." She said, "Who are we going to be facing?"
Walking down the path made was what could only be described as the avatar of death itself. He was tall and terrifying. Darkness and death seemed to emit from his presence. She could feel his power from here, and there was no way in hell they were winning against this being.
Behind it was something worse. A young human looking man with fox ears atop his head, and nine swirling tails behind him. A great many of the people suddenly threw up. This being was stronger than the being of death, leagues stronger. The last was a cheerful looking human with pink hair, purple eyes, and knightly like armor. Although he or she was wearing a skirt. Stronger than what she assumed was an undead, but not stronger than the fox man.
One in his left and the other on his right. There was a clear hierarchy here, and it was best to recognize it.
"Hello, Red Eye tribe, my master wishes to speak to your leader!" Astolfo yelled with his voice somehow reaching them. "This is a call for a diplomatic discussion, you have 15 minutes!"
Crusch was quick to dash forward against the will of her fellow tribe members. They audibly protested her going, but it was no use. Upon stepping on the ice, she looked back, and put a hand up.
"Prepare to evacuate and protect the people should anything happen to me." She said. "If I'm lucky I can…"
Crusch sighed. This might just be her last day alive, she could do one last good thing for her tribe. She smiled and continued forward, but that smile disappeared quickly. She was determined, but afraid. The walk was slow as the cold was sapping her strength. The invaders were being oddly patient with her pace, they must have all the time in the world.
Upon reaching a few feet away from them, she stopped. Now that she could see them up close, she silently prayed for the ancestors' protection. Or at least a quick death.
"Good evening." The fox man greeted with a quick bow. "My name is Naruto, and I come seeking an alliance of sorts."
"I–I am Crusch Lulu, leader of the Red Eye tribe." She bowed to him. "By alliance you mean…"
"I want to absorb your tribe into my own." Naruto said. "My goal is simple: add the lizardmen forces to my own."
"Add, absorb, do you mean subjugate or enslave?"
"Neither, joining me means securing a peaceful future for your tribe." Naruto said. "As you can see my forces are–"
"We surrender!"
Crusch prostrated herself. Surrender was the best option, just thinking about winning was foolish.
"That's a relief." He said. "I am a little disappointed that I won't get to see your warriors and druids in action, but there's time for that later." – "If you have any valuables, please pack them now, and prepare to be relocated."
"Relocated?"
"Of course, your current accommodations aren't suited to your needs anymore; especially with your food supply running low." – "Your carnivorous diet is suited to our lands, especially making you a new home is so easy."
Naruto walked to the kneeling woman, and kneeled down.
"Raise your head so I can see your face properly." He said.
Crusch obliged and found that her people's new master had lowered himself to her level. His gaze didn't seem to hold any malice or hostility. He seemed to be more curious than anything.
"White scales, red eyes and those markings…you're beautiful." He smiled.
A genuine compliment, but it didn't mean much considering the situation. In fact it made Crusch believe that he wanted her body. Considering the army, and everything else it was possible she would be just another conquest. It sickened her.
"You know what, let's have a great feast to celebrate!" Naruto said. "We have just the thing for you all."
Perfectly peaceful subjugation. A part of Naruto was disappointed, he wanted to see them in action. Their potential would truly show when their lives were in danger. But he could wait.
1 Week Later – Star Genesis Territory – Red Eye Settlement
Sturdy homes, lots of space, protection, weapons and armor fitted perfectly for them, and a stable source of food. Lots of food. Her talk with her new leader was not what she expected.
"From here on out, you'll hold a rank of sorts in Star Genesis." Naruto said. "In terms of hierarchy you'll report to Hassan, and myself." – "Your tribe is your responsibility as it was before so not much has changed."
"You say rank, but I don't understand." She said. "Forgive me, I understand rank, but not in this way."
"You can officially request certain materials as long as they're within reasonable amounts, especially considering your situation."
"There are times when meetings will be held, some of which you're required to attend." Hassan said. "In terms of military assistance, well…"
"At the moment we won't have your warriors attend any sort of large-scale battles to come."
Crusch let out an audible sigh of relief. They wouldn't be used as cannon fodder any time soon. They were safe for now.
Taking a bite out of the cooked roble sheep leg, she sighed. How could servitude taste so good? Also, what was a roble sheep? She'd never heard of this breed of sheep before.
"Ancestors, I pray that I didn't make the wrong decision."
Crusch looked to the ruined castle in the distance. That's where her people's master lived along with his forces. She expected something much more lavish, not a castle that looked like it was barely holding up.
At least that's what she thought until she saw what was under it. After that she was sure that she'd made the correct choice.
Getting close as an intruder was a no go, the forest was guarded by dryads, undead, and spirits. Those plant siblings were terrifying.
"At least we won't starve, and things have been peaceful so far." She smiled albeit slightly.
"Humans!" A guard suddenly exclaimed. "Human soldiers from the Re-Estize Kingdom are headed this way!"
"What?" Her eyes widened. "Wait what?!"
Jumping into the wet ground she quickly gathered the warriors, and prepared for battle. The non-combatants fled to the assigned area made for them in case of a situation like this one.
Crusch touched the golden collar around her neck. It possessed two gems, one red and one white. The white gem glowed, sending a message to the demon sisters. Then the red gem glowed, and for the first time in her life she felt like she could take down an entire army.
"Amazing, so this is the power of the Exp Jewel!" She said. "I guess to someone of his power this really is a simple trinket."
Arrived on the field and saw that there were humans marching this way.
"I count 80 in total." A druid on the wall said.
"Damnit, what do they want?"
As if they'd heard her, one of the soldiers marched forward without any sort of fear. His arrogance was infuriating, and he was about to anger her even more.
"Lizardmen, you have been found guilty of trespassing, leave now or you will be forcefully evicted." the man said.
"Trespassing, you lie, we are miles away from the border of the human kingdom." Crusch retorted. "I don't know if you serve a king or a noble, but you reach beyond your authority."
The man was silent, he hadn't expected them or at least one of them to realize that his claim was a complete lie. It didn't matter.
"An intelligent demi human, how annoying." He said. "How about this, we let your ilk go back to the lake where you belong, nobody has to get hurt all we want is that castle."
Crusch frowned. These humans had to die, no matter what these people had to die. They had no idea what they wanted nor did they realize the hell they might unleash on the world. Not to mention, dying here would be a mercy.
"Tell me something, are you truly soldiers or bandits?" She asked. 'Something is off about them, I can't put my claw on it.'
"Doesn't matter, but we're bandits."
The man took off his helmet. He had brown eyes with blue hair and the appearance of a wild beast. His face had a hand shaped burn mark on it. His eyes though filled with confidence also held some fear, it was as if he was running from something or someone. Well he wouldn't have to worry about whatever it was anymore, because he was dying right now.
"I see, in that case I won't have to worry about repercussions from the humans." She said relieved that they were safe. "Now then, what's your name?"
"Brain Unglaus, why?"
With her newly acquired physical ability, she suddenly swung around. Slapping the man away so hard that he was sent flying to the side.
"[Summon Beast 3rd]!" Crusch exclaimed.
A magic circle materialized onto the ground, and from it emerged a massive crab with a prominent right claw. Wordlessly she ordered it to deal with the now 79 enemy humans in front of her. The crab charged forward to attack.
"Crusch-sama, we could've–"
"No, there was no need to put any of you in danger, not if I could end this on my own." She said while watching her summon decimate the bandits.
The one named Brain was still alive, but he wouldn't be waking up any time soon. Giving him to the demon sisters for interrogation was probably the best option. If there were more, the sisters or someone would get the information out of him.
The battle was done within a few minutes with her summon eating the remains. It was a gruesome sight, but nothing she hadn't seen before.
"This is where you were you fucker."
An unfamiliar female voice said. Crusch turned to where Brain was, and a familiar feeling of dread consumed her. A female demon, and pale skinned being. The latter looked like a young human male, but something told her that he wasn't even close to being human.
The two were standing over Brain. Crusch didn't know what they wanted from him, but she felt inclined to let them do what they wanted. She could sense that both were equal to Naruto in power, something she didn't think was possible.
"The Celestials created us when they took this place from Vatyax the god of war."
If these two were the missing Celestials then she might not have anything to worry about. They were considered benevolent to most, except their enemies who they slaughtered without mercy.
"E–excuse me."
The two looked to her, then the giant feasting crab, and then back to her.
"Are you both part of Star Genesis?"
The demon was suddenly inches away from her. Her eyes were glowing.
"What do you know?" She asked. "Where is it?" – "Who are you?"
"M–my name is Crusch Lulu, I am the leader of the Red Eye tribe, my tribe became part of Star Genesis only a week ago." She stated.
"You became part of it?" The young man asked. "How?"
"Lord Naruto came to us with the offer of a better future should we submit." She said leaving out the army part.
"Lord Naruto, what the heck is–"
"Allen…Basier?"
The two turned around. They stared for what felt like hours before Naruto ran up, and pulled them both into a tight hug. A hug that they returned with equal enthusiasm, and genuine emotion. The members of Star Genesis were slowly reuniting, and the would be forever changed because of it.
Chapter 6 End
