Chapter 7

"Do me a favor would you?"

The blonde little girl smiled as her eyes opened revealing their amber color. The grip she had on his blade tightened until it shattered.

"Scream for me."

Brain Unglaus's eyes shot open in terror. That memory was one he'd never forget. That night most of his group was slaughtered, and the newest move he'd developed was rendered helpless against a child. Every attack had been blocked by some kind of invisible force. Fear had gotten the better of him when he ran away like a coward.

"Wait, where am I?"

Brain looked around and recognized that this was a jail cell. Around his neck was a metal collar attached to a chain on the wall.

"What happened?" He asked. "Last thing I remember is that lizard woman, she…smacked me with her tail?"

His memory ended after that.

"So, I've become their prisoner."

Walking up to the bars he saw that there were a great many floating candles that provided light. The cell across from him was empty.

"Hello, is there anyone else here?" He called out, but received no answer. "Damn, is it possible that I'm the only one down here?"

A pair of familiar yellow eyes glowed from behind him. This person smiled, and then pounced maliciously.

Star Genesis – Celestial Meeting Room

The npcs were beyond ecstatic when Allen and Basier showed up, which was understandable once Naruto explained the situation to them.

"I think we have a good grip on what's going on, but to think that the npcs have become actual people." Allen said. "They're really alive with their own thoughts, and desires; that's pretty amazing."

"Yeah, but the way they reacted to us, and how they treat you is a bit much." Basier said. "I mean technically the only deity here is you."

"Allen is a fallen god." Naruto pointed out. "According to mythology in the game, as a queen succubus you are technically demonic divinity."

"Even so, with all this power, what's the plan here?" She asked. "None of us want to go back to Earth, but what's your plan?"

They looked to their leader.

"I plan on building up Star Genesis and the Red Eye tribe is just the start, I want to make our claim on this territory official." He explained. "I can already see that the Re-Estize Kingdom is on a downward spiral, they're screwed."

"That bad?"

"I've been here for months, and I've made plans to fund the creation of an Adventurers Guild in the Dragon Kingdom." He explained. "I've even made specs for a special something for adventurers."

"A dungeon." The two said simultaneously as if they'd know beforehand.

"H–How did you know?!"

"Did you forget that raiding dungeons is how we made most of our money?" Allen asked. "Adventurers looking for fame would flock to a new dungeon like flies to honey."

"You're going to fill it with trash gear and use low level monsters as enemies." Basier said. "Not a bad idea to be honest, but what about those who'll likely die inside?" – "Not to mention people discovering that they came from us…also we know you."

"Fabricated history through 'ancient scrolls' found inside the dungeon, as for those who die..." – "Things happen, and the dungeons are going to be scaled to skill for whoever comes in."

"So they'll have more than a fair chance of survival, but if they don't then it's their own fault."

In the past Allen wouldn't agree with such a plan, but he'd changed due to his experiences. He valued life, but in a different way. Basier felt similar, but wasn't as concerned. Only with making sure the dungeons weren't traced back to them.

"I avoid killing needlessly, and I don't start fights." Naruto stated. "Although I can see the Re-Estize Kingdom starting a fight once we reveal ourselves."

"If they do start a fight, then what?" Allen asked. "What kind of retaliation are you considering?"

Naruto brought out a detailed map, and then pointed to a certain town. One that he'd had his eyes on for a while.

"Depends, if necessary then I'll take over this city, E-Naeurl." He said. "That's only if they straight up attack while showing open hostilities."

An excuse to conquer an entire city. Judging by his face he knew something they didn't. He was hiding something from them.

"Of course my spies will make sure to warn us beforehand."

There it was, he had spies in place. But, for how long and who were they?

"Guys, I know this is a lot to take in, and I completely understand if you don't agree with some of the decisions I make." He said. "But, I'm asking you to trust me like you did before."

"It's less about not trusting you, and more about not trusting the outside." Basier said. "To make this goal a reality we'll look like the villains to certain groups, in that case we might have to make the first move."

Political attacks were one thing, but the demon also meant military action. Annihilating potential foes before they became a problem. In that case they had a couple targets, but none they could take out at the moment. Naruto would keep this in mind, going on the offensive might be necessary.

The Next Day – Dragon Kingdom – Capital – Naruto's Home

The interrogation of Brain Unglaus gave them nothing of importance. The man lacked skill and information, but now he had an actual use. Fertilizer for the garden, but that wasn't something Naruto wanted to think about. Instead he wanted to talk with Queen Draudillon about the adventurers guild idea.

"I support it 100%." Queen Draudillon stated.

"See, I had a feeling you were going to need convincing, and I–wait what?"

"I support your idea to create an adventurers guild." She repeated. "Creating one will bring adventurers who'll be looking to buy gear and items that we can provide, especially since we've started driving the beastmen away." – "Not to mention workers."

Workers, a useful lot if used correctly, and exactly what he needed. The dungeons would be 'discovered' by his boss who'd given supplies to the Dragon Kingdom. All he needed was to time it right in tandem with the adventures guild being built.

"I hope that your boss would be willing to assist in this endeavor, I'd love to meet him, and give him my thanks." She sipped her tea. "Well?"

The queen was calm and collected as usual, but something was up with her. There was a confidence in her as if she was one step ahead of him. Naruto didn't know if she was or if she was putting up a front, but something about this excited him.

"I'm sure he'd love to meet you, after all this is a pretty big investment." – 'Oh thank god!'

The amount of relief he felt was immeasurable. Even if the dragon queen had her own secret motives this was good. All he had to do now was meet her as himself while he had a talented doppelganger pose as Kurama. Momonga did say that they were useful to have around, and he would soon be proven right.

'Now all I have to do is worry about Allen and Basier creating the dungeon.'

Both were fair and knew how to balance fights so there was no need to worry. It wasn't like they would use one of Allen's demon summons or anything above level 16. Right?

Dragon Kingdom – Prototype Dungeon

Directing the druids and summons to create floors had been Basiers' idea, while the layout was Allen's. The entrance would be surrounded by a graveyard with low level undead, and inside a mausoleum. In total there would be eight floors with each one containing some kind of treasure that would entice adventurers and workers to keep going. In terms of foes, there would mostly be skeletons, zombies, a drake or three, two mini bosses, and the final boss would be a special Elder Lich made by Majorita.

A dungeon so easy that anyone could clear it, the duo felt quite proud of themselves. They'd feel even more pride once it was finished.

Of course they were doing this in Dragon Kingdom territory. It was a lot easier after Astolfo carpet bombed the beastmen forces who had taken over this forest. The beastmen children and those who surrendered were taken elsewhere to be processed. Not killed mind you, the 87 survivors were just being told who they belonged to now. Thankfully they were civilians. This was a show of mercy.

"What should we put on the headstones?" Basier asked.

"The names of the beastmen we killed, they had a list of their warriors names to track them, right?"

Basier looked to Astolfo who held it up with pride. He'd held back just enough to get what little documents the beastmen had. Another kindness since they wouldn't be forgotten, not to mention the remains had actually been buried.

"Good, now about you." Allen spoke.

He turned to the Elder Lich, his skull had multiple runes all over it.

"What spells do you have?"

"Lightning, Fireball, 4th Tier Summon Undead, Dark Arms, Death's Defiance, and Hell Scream."

"Death's Defiance, that allows you to come back, but it only works once right?"

"Yes."

"Huh, and you know your role?"

"To fight the adventurers to my last breath, even though I don't actually breathe." He said. "This task is an honor and my deepest pleasure." He chuckled evilly.

"I'm sure it is." Allen said.

At least the guy knew his role, and seemed genuinely happy at the prospect of dying and killing. Putting this aside, Allen lifted his arm just in time for Yagratsu to land on it.

"My Lord, I have news."

"Good or bad?"

"In-between." The crow said. "The scythe wielding killer still eludes the Baharum Empire." – "Also, the gold is on its way now."

"Well that sucks for the Empire, and I'm grateful that our spies were able to acquire so much gold." He said. "Eight fingers has made a generous donation as usual." – 'I would've preferred for Naruto to have all of them wiped out, but if he can find some use for them, then that's fine.'

Allen had no tolerance for criminals like them, but Naruto made sure to have them neutered a little while back. Most of the high ranking leaders were dead, and six arms only had two members left. Then there was the black dust they dealt in. Already they were trying to make it safe for actual pharmaceutical use.

The slave trade however was something they were cracking down on for long term effect. It was one of those things they just couldn't allow to exist anymore. Plus those who purchased slaves apparently had a lot of money. They wouldn't mind if a lot of it went missing.

This included smuggling routes that Star Genesis would utilize for future circulation of goods. With planning they could gain a good deal of control over various factions, and traders.

"Lord 15."

Allen turned around, and saw that Hilma had decided to come in person. Her movements barely held any of the grace they did before the demon sisters interrogated her, and her comrades. The woman was nervous, and there was a glint of fear in her eyes. Why was she here?

"Hilma, why have you come?"

"Lord Naruto told me to send reports to you from now on; that is, reports when it comes to the Re-Estize Kingdom." Hilma explained.

Allen nodded, and Hilma began filling him in on the status of what was going on. Nothing had changed which meant that they were making headway. A major lack of criminal activity was a good thing for the golden princess as well. They were to stay away from her, something about her just wasn't right. Even their spies agreed.

"There is however one issue." Hilma said. "One of our people who patrols the streets was stabbed to death, we haven't found the killer yet."

"Stabbed to death is probably one of the worst ways to go, but you'll have to find the killer on your own; we can't have more of our people in E-Rantel." He said. "Sorry but people might get suspicious."

Hilma wasn't about to argue, in fact she didn't have the guts. Arguing with an immensely powerful fallen god was a bad idea. One who forbade her from using his actual name. Hilma would have to take precautions against the murderer. And not just for her own safety.

Hilma then bid goodbye to Allen before he opened a Gate for her to leave through. It sent her straight to her home.

"Why did she bother coming to us?" Basier spoke. "It was a complete waste of time."

"She's scared to be there, the murder must've been pretty gruesome if she was willing to face us."

He didn't want things to escalate, but they couldn't risk it. Not yet. For now he had other things to worry about. This dungeon and the game changer that was about to happen. Star Genesis was going to make its debut.

5 Days Later – Star Genesis

Queen Draudillon hadn't expected six men in armor, and a single elven magic caster to show up. They would be taking her to the one that Kurama called boss. They'd brought her through a swirling portal known as a gate. She had her advisor and seven guards with her of course.

What she walked into was a throne room. One that put hers to shame. It was beautifully decorated with designs in each column that told a story, everything was made of expensive material that even she couldn't afford. Including the red carpet she was walking down.

There was a single throne in front of her. In it sat a young man with long spiky blonde hair, slit blue eyes, and three whisker birthmarks on either side of his cheeks. He had a pair of fox ears atop his head, and nine swirling tails behind him. Even his garb looked like it was made of the finest materials in the world.

All of this combined with the sheer power she could feel from him was enough to make her want to turn and run. Then there were the two people standing on his side. A demon young woman and a young man who looked human, but she could tell he wasn't. Somehow she just knew.

Upon getting close enough, she stopped, and began to bow.

"Don't do that." Naruto said. "I respect you as a fellow leader, and according to Kurama, I should respect you as a person." – "So I will."

"Thank you." She said. "You're Naruto Uzumaki, right?"

"The one and only, and you are Queen Draudillon of the Dragon Kingdom." Naruto said. "It's an honor to meet you."

"No the honor is mine, after all your supplies are helping my people immensely." She said. "I owe you more than you could imagine, which is why I'm so for this adventurers guild."

"Yes, I'll fund it." Naruto said. "However, I need something from you in return."

"If it's possible then I shall acquire it."

"I need the Dragon Kingdom to acknowledge Star Genesis as its own individual territory, see we can't make ourselves known without warning." He explained. "With a legitimate claim we can make it so certain kingdoms don't try anything."

"An alliance." She said. "One where we both benefit, one that involves creating a route that avoids the border of the Slane Theocracy."

'She figured that out faster than I thought.'

"Such a task is simple, but what about the Re-Estize Kingdom, Baharuth Empire, and the Roble Kingdom?" she asked. "A road would go through Katze Plains."

"The plains themselves don't really belong to anyone so there's no real reason for anyone to complain about." he explained. "Star Genesis is in unclaimed territory as well, until you acknowledge of course."

"The Re-Estize Kingdom will try to exploit us, but that's not going to work." Allen chimed in. "The Roble Kingdom on the other hand is going to be easier to be neighbors with."

"They are known for not causing trouble, and I've heard that their queen has a sensible head on her." – "Not to mention she's looking for a husband."

"That's an interesting thing to add." Allen said. 'A holy queen just the title sends shivers up my spine, I'm so sick of people claiming to be holy!'

He didn't like it then and he hated it now. Even if this queen is sensible there's no way she isn't some kind of fanatic. In that case he was best suited to deal with her. He had actual experience dealing with people like that after all. He only hoped that it would go well, after all, he would prefer to avoid fighting.

The rest of the meeting went well and a contract was signed. One that both parties were happy with, and they would savor this peace for as long as it lasted. It wouldn't last long.

Chapter 7 End