Within the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz and Albedo were in his incredibly spacious study, discussing various topics. There were still 8 days until their planned confrontation with the lizardman villages. In fact, the tribes had yet to be warned of their incoming doom. Currently, they were finishing an examination of the map Ainz had obtained that had several territories that existed around the Tomb and the Re-Estize Kingdom.

Having just mentioned how they should be wary of the individuals in the countries in question, and not the countries themselves, Ainz fell into deep thought. He was now wondering what would be the best way to acquire more information on these countries. He did not like being ignorant, and was trying to think of a way to better learn more about them, how they operated, the possible threat they might pose, and who these potentially troublesome individuals might be.

"Is something the matter, Ainz-sama?" Albedo asked in a concerned tone, bringing him back from his thoughts.

"Hm? Ah, not at all. I was thinking of how we still have little to no information on many of these countries. Perhaps we should find other means to gather said information. My efforts as 'Momon' have not been as fruitful as I would have liked." Ainz replied in a neutral tone.

"Perhaps we should prepare some servants to go out and gather what we need. If you wish, I can see to it immediately." She dutifully suggested, but Ainz shook his head to in disapproval.

"That won't work. We already have several people deployed. As it is, we are already running thin on good candidates for this type of assignment. There is also the fact that our lack of information, might lead to choosing the wrong people for the job, or doing something that would get them the wrong kind of attention." Her superior remarked, as he rubbed his chin.

"I see… In that case, we can always use whatever we know so far to better prepare those we send out. Or we could move someone to a less well-known territory, and from there…" Albedo began, her voice eventually fading into the distance as Ainz went back into deep thought.

Truthfully, he did not like the idea of moving people from where they already were. Especially when most of these agents were still in the process of learning about the land they were currently in. He also couldn't help but keep the Shalltear incident in his mind. Even equipping the all Floor Guardians with their own [World Class Items] did not set his mind completely at ease. Just thinking of something like that possibly happening again, made him want to call everyone back to Nazarick.

Yet he knew that something like that was not an option, even if his fears made him want to do it. What would be ideal, would be hiring someone from this world to gather the information for him. It would cost them money, but it would surely be worth it. Then, it dawned on him, as the small red dots in his eye sockets lit up, followed by him slamming his bony right hand on his desk. An act that greatly startled Albedo.

"M-My apologies, Ainz-sama! I did not mean to say something that would displease you so." Albedo quickly and apologetically said as she bowed.

"C-Calm down, Albedo. That is not the case." Ainz pointed out, causing her to lift from her bow and recompose herself.

"I apologize if I overreacted. I thought I had said something that displeased you, Ainz-sama."

"Not at all, Albedo. I just realized how we can get this information. Do you remember the incident that happened between me, Nabe, and the people of the Espada?"

"I do, Ainz-sama. How that lowly woman dared to question both you and Narberal." Albedo replied, her tone turning much darker.

"Y-Yes. As a way to keep us happy, and not cause a much larger incident, we were offered one free job. We could use this as an opportunity to have them gather the information we need for us. As inhabitants of this world, it should be much easier for them." Ainz informed in an almost happy tone.

"I see. The reason Ainz-sama accepted this apology from these people, was because you knew that through it they would be made into useful pawns for Nazarick. As expected of Ainz-sama.~"

Albedo's coquettish, and mildly aroused tone of voice being used once again made Ainz feel very uncomfortable, and once again made him regret changing her settings back before the transfer. In this he was thankful for being an undead, as his discomfort was then suppressed, and he cleared his nonexistent throat to move the conversation along.

"Ahem! R-Right. Well, I can go back to them as Momon, and have them take on this job for us."

"Um, pardon me Ainz-sama. I do not mean to speak out of place, but soon we will begin our efforts in relation to the lizardmen. Wouldn't it be preferable to wait until we are done with them?" Albedo respectfully asked.

"I understand what you are saying Albedo, but since this is an important step for us, I must go against it. There is still time until then. I will get this request out of the way as fast as I can. Especially when I believe it will take them some time to complete it."

"Ah, yes. I understand, Ainz-sama." Albedo said in understanding, taking a small bow.

"Now then, let's move on… How is Shalltear doing?"

"Yes, Ainz-sama. Physically she appears to be fine after her resurrection, but her mental state…"

Even if four of the Espada were sent to the Dragon Kingdom, the rest of the members continued their work as usual in the Re-Estize Kingdom. The duo of Rylen and Jaecar, accompanied as always by Elsa, found themselves in the transitional period between assignments after completing their most recent one.

They had stopped in a small inn, with Jaecar and Elsa taking one room together, while Rylen took another for himself. Jaecar and Elsa were currently resting in their room, taking advantage of the break they had, each laying on their own bed, doing their best to relax. However, there was something curious that recently happened, to which Elsa eventually spoke up about as she sat up in her bed.

"Are we not going to talk about this?"

"Hm? I don't know what you are talking about." Jaecar replied while letting out a yawn.

"Oh, come on! When was the last time we came across someone who personally knows Rylen?" Elsa pointed out in frustration.

"Didn't we come across those adventurer's just a few days ago?" Her companion asked casually.

"Those don't count. They don't know who he is. Not really. But her? She knew exactly who he was."

Jaecar let out a sigh, sitting back up on his bed, scratching the back of his head as he did so, while letting out another sigh. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't curious himself, but on the other hand he didn't like intruding upon other people's private affairs. Elsa was always the nosy one after all. Still, he figured he'd try to talk her out of it as he spoke up.

"Yeah, I agree. We really haven't come across anyone that seems to know him like she does. Or at least no one that is bold enough to openly show it. But let's be honest, this has nothing to do with us."

"But I'm curious about what they're talking about. We've been doing nothing but work recently. What's the problem with having a little fun, huh?"

"You want to piss him off? He already works us hard as is." Jaecar said as he sighed.

"T-Then what do you suggest we do? Do you want us to stay here until they are done talking?" She said with a slight pout.

"I wouldn't mind actually. After all this time, this bed feels like heaven." He replied with a fatigued tone, laying back on his bed.

As Elsa saw her companion turning around to face the wall, she let out a sigh. This only seemed to further her frustrations, so much so she wanted to shake him and to pull him out of bed. However, she understood why he would want to lay down. She also wanted to do so, but she just wasn't feeling it. She simply felt to frustrated to be in such a small room, doing nothing as she looked at the wall or ceiling.

"I'm going for a walk." Elsa abruptly announced.

"Alright. See y…"

Before Jaecar could finish speaking the door closed, and she was gone, leaving him alone. For a moment he continued looking at the wall, before letting out an annoyed grunt, and turning over to look at the ceiling. His hands went to his face, then to his hair, before going back to his side.

"Damn you woman…" He mumbled, as he tried to get some sleep.

On one of the small benches near the inn, Rylen was doing his very best to put up with the woman that he and his group had happened to comes across. This woman who was sitting to his left was Rigrit Bers Caurau.

"… Still what a coincidence we came across each other like this.~" Rigrit said amusedly.

"So, you've said." Rylen remarked with a weary sigh.

"Now, now, don't be so cold.~ I already had enough of that the last time we met."

"That was different. Much has changed since then." The Espada pointed out stoically.

"Indeed.~"

Rigrit spoke with a rather playful and mischievous tone, allowing her right hand to slowly and stealthily approach Rylen's left leg, it managed to make contact, and she gave his leg a good squeeze in the process.

"W-What are you doing?" Rylen gasped, waving her hand away.

"Ara, ara.~" She chortled.

While keeping up her playful demeanor, Rigrit couldn't help but be surprised by what she had felt, as she learned that her eyes were not playing tricks on her. Rylen had indeed regained his lost bulk. Meaning that the fire and intensity she saw in his eyes were also quite real. No longer was he the shell of his former self she had met not that long ago. A man who wandered the world waiting for death.

He was now much closer to the boy she had met when he was but 17, even if from what she had felt by touching him led her to believe he was in better shape then he had been in his youth. While his eyes weren't as fiery as they were back then, given the fact they had lost something one normally tends to lose as they grow and see the world, they were still full of purpose. Back then, he had showed himself very eager to reach the top. To prove himself and go beyond his limits. Which only made her wonder more about what a man at his age was so dedicated to accomplish.

"I must admit, if not for the gray hair and beard, I would have thought I was standing before that 17 year old kid I met so long ago." She mused with a grin.

"Well, 17 is hardly considered as being a 'kid'." Rylen pointed out, as his mind seemed to fail to produce anything else to retort.

"Of course.~ How could I have forgotten? After all, when I left, I had made you into very much a man.~" Rigrit remarked with a grin.

Rylen couldn't help but blush, something none of the Espada would have ever expected to see. He turned his head slightly away from her, scratching his beard as he did so, his mind trying to process what she had said and how to react to it. After all, there was no lie in her words. When they first met, he was young, had had little contact with women before meeting her, especially at that level. Even if she looked old then, he still found her attractive. Even now. Of course, he would never openly admit this.

"Are you going anywhere with this?" Rylen asked in a neutral tone, looking back at her.

"I do. First, I would like to ask if you still want to give me back the weapon I gave you when we first met."

As she said this, Rigrit's eyes went to the staff Rylen used to walk, and fight even when needed. This was not the weapon she had given him. Rather, it was in fact contained within the staff itself. During their previous meeting, he had openly asked her to take it back, since he no longer had any real purpose. He no longer was able, or wanted, to live up to the potential she had seen in him when they first met.

"I-I don't… Because after all this time, I finally think I understand what you meant by my 'potential', and why when we last met, you said I could still fulfill it as long as I was alive. It was never about how strong I was, was it?" The Espada asked, with his eyes going to the staff.

"Finally.~" Rigrit said with a sigh, as her expression turned more serious.

"I can't explain it really. But when I saw you, I saw a man that would one day do great things. The weapon was meant to help you when the time came. Who knows? I might have been wrong, but as I see you here now, perhaps I wasn't wrong."

"Hmm... Hehe... Perhaps, you weren't." Rylen chuckled weakly.

"Still, I can't help but be surprised that you took the highest rank in the Espada.~ Especially when the likes of Leinas Rockbruise are part of the group. I know how strong you were when you were 17, and have heard about what you did during your life, but let's be honest. For a man that is no longer in his prime, your rank is rather impressive." Rigrit said, going back to her more playful tone.

"I'm past my prime? Look who's talking, you're not that young yourself."

"But I'm a different case, now aren't I? I'm here like I am, because of magical prowess. You on the other hand, are like that, because… Of some other reason, I have yet to understand…" She explained, her tone turning serious once more.

"Is something the matter?" Rylen asked, as he felt the air becoming more tense.

"Do you remember what type of magic I'm most proficient with?"

"Necromancy."

"Good, good… Then, you would not be surprised if I were to point out that, I can feel a certain type of energy coming from you. It's faint, but there. One that I would normally feel coming from undead."

Rylen leaned back on his seat, his eyes going to his ring, which was meant to help hide his dual nature. Yet it would seem that in the presence of someone as wise and long lived as Rigrit, whatever the ring couldn't fully cover was being picked up on.

"This thing was meant to help hide it." Rylen hissed as he looked at the ring labeled "1".

"What did you do? A-And those two, are they also like you?" Rigrit asked in a tone of both worry and curiosity.

"Don't bring them into this. And I didn't do anything. They wanted me, they made some good points, and I agreed to help them. They just gave me a way that would allow me to do so. Nothing else." Rylen replied matter-of-factly.

"B-But, how is that possible? Why did you accept it? I mean…" Rigrit began as her curiosity got the better of her, but Rylen grabbed onto her right hand, as a way to get her attention.

"You once said that I had untapped potential. This is just me beginning to fulfill said potential. You had faith in me in the past, so I ask you to maintain said faith even now. Even if I'm no longer fully human."

Gently pulling her hand away from his, Rigrit was unsure of what to think. She had not started this conversation in order to antagonize him, or the Espada. She was just curious and worried about an old acquaintance. Still, what she had been told, made her worry greatly about him, and what was actually going on with the Espada. Still, as she looked at him, listened to his words, she couldn't see any reason to worry for now. His motives were pure, his reason for joining them were pure, and she was certain that if he did not agree with whatever the Espada stood for, he would have not joined them.

"I will. Don't you worry about that." She said with certainty.

"Then, I hope you'll understand when I ask you to keep this secret." Rylen stoically pointed out.

"Oh, no need to worry. My lips are sealed. Ahaha!" Rigrit laughed as she replied.

However, Rylen kept his face stern as he examined hers. He was unsure of what to do now that she knew even a portion of the truth. Killing her felt extreme. Altering her memory was an option, but still that also felt like an overreaction. No, his mind told him to be at ease and trust the woman who had so long ago put her faith in him.

"Thank you." Rylen said, taking a small bow towards her as he got back to his feet.

"Hoh? Are you leaving already?" Rigrit asked in a casual tone.

"I'm going to go and get some rest before we have leave."

"See you later then, Rylen.~"

As Rylen walked away, his attention went to a pile of old boxes. For a moment he examined the it, before walking around it to find Elsa ducking behind it, and right away Rylen knew what she was doing.

"Isn't there anything else that you should be doing?" Rylen growled as he narrowed his eyes down on her.

"Not really." Elsa nonchalantly replied.

"What of Jaecar?"

"He's in the room. Resting."

"Why aren't you doing the same?"

"W-Well, it was boring in there. He really wasn't doing anything worthwhile, which honestly just served to further frustrate me, so…" Elsa began to say, when her superior spoke over her.

"And because you can't handle your personal life, you come spy on mine?"

"Hey! Y-You have no right to say that!" She quickly spat back.

"I won't have any excuses. You had no right to listen in on that conversation, and we have spent enough time together for either you or Jaecar to fix the situation between the two of you. If you don't, then I'll fix it myself!" Rylen tersely informed, before he walked away.

The eagle-type beastman that had seen the massacre of the camp and Toa, who went by the name Pet, while being the one in charge of spreading information, was no fool. He knew that with as many beastmen he had to inform, he decided to first spread it to others of his kind, so they could work along with him to inform everyone as fast as possible. While Pet would like to gloat for this approach to his job, he would have to admit that it was suggested to him by the King's right hand, the hobgoblin Kana.

The first member of this group didn't have to go that far from where the massacre had happened. After flying for what seemed to be a brief moment, the messenger landed in a clearing full of dead human soldiers and merchants, with the remains of carriages in a nearby path. Standing in the middle of the destruction was Sabre, the wolverine-type female beastman. She was a bit taller than the average human, wearing a battle skirt made out of the skin of other beastmen she had killed, and several metal pieces. The rest of her body was exposed, making very visible a large scar she had on the lower left side of her body.

"Toa and his camp, destroyed." The messenger informed as he landed.

Sabre didn't even turn around to face the newcomer. Her lips were curling into a somewhat amused grin, as her left hand went to her scar.

"Finally." Sabre purred, as she waved the messenger away.

"I've waited for this since war started." She mumbled.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of laughter, which came from one of the fallen merchants, who apparently had survived her rampage. Even if he looked to be close to death, still propped up against a tree, he a finger raised at her as he laughed.

"Gyahaha! S-Serves you right! Just... you wait. You and the rest of your filthy... kind will have the same fate as this... Toa." The man declared, before falling into a blood-laced cough.

"Grumph! Just like humans. You think you know everything…" Sabre began, as she then picked up a nearby rock the size of an apple.

"... when, you know nothing! Because, what you think a victory, is the beginning of the end for you. With Toa dead, there's no more reason for Tomo to hold back." She continued with a predatory growl.

"W-What…" The man tried to say.

"You all just decided your fates!" She declared, throwing the rock at him, which pierced his head and embedded in the tree behind in the process.

The second messenger stopped at Asodosia, the city ruled by Fale. The messenger did not find the ruler of the city right away because Fale had taken as his home more than one manor, which he would occupy depending on his mood. After some time searching, he found Fale in a manor located near the edge of the city's walls, which used to belong to one of the several nobles that previously occupied it.

Arriving at the entrance of the manner, the avian-type beastman was greeted with the presence of several goblins and some ogres, which honestly disgusted him with their presence alone. The goblins and ogres that existed within the Beastman Country were the remains of the several tribes that existed around their territory, all joined into a single tribe under the rule of the hobgoblin Fale. Though their presence was still looked down upon by beastmen.

Within the manor, the messenger finally found Fale in a large room, where all the furniture had been pushed to the side, and a large hole had been made into the floor. Inside the room, along with Fale, were several beastmen. Currently two wolf-type beastmen were holding down a female tiger-based beastman, with another wolf-based beastman holding down a human male.

Fale himself was a dark shade of green, and stood at 7-feet tall with a large a muscular body. His head was clean shaved with a black colored mohack, a medium sized beard that was also black in color. His eyes were a light brown, with his ears decorated with some earrings, and two sizable tusks emerged from his lower jaw. His armor covered his torso, mid-section, and shoulders, with pads protecting his elbows and knees.

"…"

The messenger went to speak, but Fale raised a hand to silence him. As he did this, Fale was looking down upon the kneeling female tiger-based beastman and the human male, his head tilting to the side at times, as he analyzed the duo. His eyes went to each individual at a time, before he spoke with a light chuckle, his attention on the female.

"Heh. Shira, have you never been told not to play with your food?"

"This is a misunderstanding. He's my plaything. Nothing more!" Shira growled back.

"Hah! Don't make me laugh. Why'd you be giving this 'plaything' important information about our city?"

At this Shira let out a low hiss, her attention going to her human companion, before looking back at Fale. She understood that he knew exactly what he was talking about, and this wasn't just a random test.

"I-I made her tell me things! She did nothing wrong." The human male frantically argued.

"Is that so? What's your name, human?" Fale asked in a neutral tone.

"R-Rui." The human quickly replied.

"Hm. I see…"

Fale then went into a brief silence, before slapping the human across the face. The blow being enough to almost knock Rui out, and send blood flying from the impact.

"You think I'm a fool!? That I'd believe you can make her do anything? That you made her give information to you? That you made her mate with you?..." Fale began, when Shira spoke over him in a shocked tone.

"H-How'd you know about that!?"

"Hmph! I've had my doubts about you for a while, and sent some goblins to spy on you. You'd be surprised to see what they can do when properly trained and instructed." He said with a disgustingly proud grin.

"Bastard!" Shira roared, trying to free herself.

Fale replied with a simple laugh, as he approached the large hole in the center of the room. Motioning the beastman that was holding Rui down to approach him, which his minion quickly obeyed before positioning the human near the edge, one push away from falling into the darkness.

"Don't do it!" Shira pleaded.

"As he is now, he probably won't feel a thing. Think about that." Fale said, before pushing Rui into the hole.

He then walked back towards Shira, as the hole began to fill with the sounds of pain and the sounds of some unseen beast. Stopping in front of her, Fale landed a clean blow on her face, causing her head to violently tilt to the side from the strike. While she seemed to be able to glare back at him, Fale did not stop there, as he delivered a few more blows. To the point he was certain she would not put up that much a fight.

"It's nothing personal, but my pet is not as young as it once was, so it likes easier meals from time to time." He nonchalantly explained.

"I-I'll… kill…y-you…" She mumbled.

Fale laughed, as he grabbed onto the fur on the back of her neck, and began to drag her across the floor, until he reached the hole and threw her in.

Shira found herself in a large cavern, from where the most light came from the large hole in the ceiling, with some crystals placed around it. She was on top of a small rock platform surrounded by water, with no signs of Rui. She knew exactly where she was. This was the "cage" for the pet of the former owner of the manor, with it now being used by Fale to dispose and punish those that displeased him. The creature itself was a species of giant salamander which had come from the southern territories.

As she struggled to get back to her feet, her vision blurry and her face bloody, Shira looked around. Her hand rose as if to protect herself from the thing that inhabited the water. In the end however, this was meaningless, as the blows she had taken were significant enough to slow her down. To the point she didn't even pick up on the water violently breaking behind her, as the behemoth emerged and swallowed her in almost a single bite.

"You were saying?" Fale growled, looking at the messenger from the corner of his left eye.

"Toa and his camp were destroyed." The messenger informed in a sullen voice.

"Hmph. He was always an overconfident brat. It was only a matter of time. Go." Fale said, waving the messenger away.

The next messenger went to Himassa, the city ruled by Tonga and Loa. In his case, finding the brothers was rather easy, since they had taken permanent residence in the large palace that once housed the city's mayor. Landing in a balcony, the messenger began to make his way to the upper floors of the building, since those were the ones where the brothers were normally found.

Arriving at a large chamber, which had a mostly semi-circular form, still maintained most of the decoration it possessed from its human occupants, including a piano. The messenger knew he was in the chamber where the brothers' harem was kept during the day. There were several sofas and pillows, that were placed so the females could rest and wait until they were called upon.

It was noteworthy, that while most of the harem was made out of same chimpanzee-type beastmen like the brothers, there were some females of other species, which also included many human females. Whatever the race, they all wore the same outfit, that seemed to cover the bare minimum. They also seemed to receive the same type of care, even if human.

This naturally led to many commenting on the brothers being strange and having weird tastes, since not many understood why they would bother wasting resources on the human females. Of course, none did this in front of them. Not only because the brothers themselves were powerful, but also because they were the sons of Haku, whom none dared to cross.

As the messenger stood in one of the many entrances to the chamber, a human female tried to enter the room. However, since he was in the way she was forced to try to walk past without bothering him. In the end she ended up brushing lightly against his wing, resulting in the messenger swatting the woman, his hand landing on her, and throwing the woman into the ground, who couldn't help but yelp as he fell. The avian beastman looked at her fallen form for only a moment. She had long blonde hair, blue eyes, and was wearing a worn out white dress.

"Bothersome human." He aggressively chirped, as he continued to walk into the chamber.

As he walked, not bothering with the female that was now on her knees, he felt someone else enter the chamber, this being quickly followed by the new arrival speaking.

"What happened here?" He asked in annoyance, causing the messenger to turn around.

He gulped at the sight of the new arrival of Tonga. He was a tall and very well-built specimen, with brown eyes, and three small braids on his slightly longer facial hair. He was wearing black baggy pants and a dark red sleeveless shirt. Tonga was currently in the process of helping the fallen human female up, his facial expressions showing what were clearly signs of concern.

"Are you hurt?" He asked, as the girl regained her footing.

"N-No." She meekly replied.

"Did he do this to you?" Tonga asked with a subtle growl in his voice.

"Y-Yes."

"I see. Go to your piano, begin playing when I tell you."

The human simply nodded and quickly did as she was told, with Tonga's attention now going to the messenger. Still, much to the messenger's confusion Tonga had a calm smile on his face as he approached him. Even when he feared for his life, the messenger couldn't help but take notice of his superior's seemingly preternatural fluidity and agility of motion.

"So? What happened?"

"S-She was in the way. She wouldn't move." The messenger replied, causing Tonga to laugh as he placed his left hand on the messenger's shoulder.

"Hahe! I see. I get it." Tonga chuckled.

This was quickly followed by a swift punch to the messenger's gut, causing him to bend forwards in pain. Which was then followed by Tonga sweeping his feet from under him, resulting in the eagle-type beastman falling on his face. Before he could react, the messenger felt Tonga place a knee on his back, and a hand grabbing onto the feathers on the back of his head, forcing him to look up.

"And who said you could put your hands on her!?" Tonga roared, with his wrathful voice echoing throughout the chamber.

"S-She…" The messenger tried to speak, just to get his face bashed into the floor several times.

"She what? Huh!? She what!? She's a good girl. She knows how to behave!" Tonga growled, forcing his victim's face back up.

"S-She showed me… no respect… She's just a human…" The messenger began, just to get punched in the side of the head.

"Respect? You come into MY den, stand around, push around MY females, and you DARE talk about respect!?" Tonga roared balefully.

The messenger was about to speak, but saw his possible salvation emerge from the entrance, when Tonga's younger brother Loa, appeared all the while being surprised by the situation. Loa was of a darker shading than his brother, with brown eyes, was visibly bulkier and more muscled than even Tonga, and was wearing only baggy, black pants.

"What are you doing?" Loa asked with a curious head-tilt.

"What's it look like? I'm teaching him some manners." Tonga calmly replied, as he let go of the messenger and raised to his feet.

"Oi. He looks like a messenger. He's probably here for a reason." The younger brother pointed out with a raised finger.

Tonga took this moment to look at the kneeling messenger, seemingly taking in his features for the first time with a raised brow. After a brief moment the older brother let out a sigh, as he scratched the back of his head.

"Well, he still shouldn't have pushed her." Tonga remarked in an annoyed tone, then pointing at the girl by the piano.

"Grrmm... Tell us what you want." Loa growled, approaching the messenger with narrowed eyes.

"T-Toa and… his c-camp... been destroyed…" The messenger informed, as best as his current state allowed.

"Kah! What a waste." Tonga sighed, looking at his brother.

"That's what happens when you go to a war with something to prove." Loa casually points out, as he then calmly kicks the messenger in the face.

"Leave."

"I…I have to… tell… Haku…" The messenger fearfully informed.

"Didn't you hear him? Leave." Tonga growled in response.

The messenger could only get back to his feet, give them a deep bow, and stumbled out of the chamber. The brothers were left to look at each other, trying their best to calm themselves down after what had happened. Luckily for them, their harem were more than willing to help keep the brothers happy, as they surrounded them.

"He was so rude.~" One chimpanzee-type cooed.

"You should have hurt him more." Another feline-type purred.

"Let us calm you.~" A redheaded human added in a seductive tone.

"We have to go see father." Tonga sighed, as he reluctantly and gently pushed the varied females aside.

"Give us some time, and we'll be back for you ladies." Loa said, as he also reluctantly distanced himself from them.

The brothers went to the last floor where there father's chamber was. Stopping at the door, they knocked and waited for someone to respond.

"Who is it?" Haku asked from behind the door.

"It's us father." Loa replied in a firm, but respectful tone.

"Enter."

Having been given permission, Tonga opened the door, leading them to the sizable suite their father occupied. Most of the furniture had been destroyed or removed, with the large bed having been mostly reduced to its mattress. There Haku was currently sitting, with four female lion-type beastmen resting around him. Haku was almost as bulky as Loa, his eyes brown, with his fur being much lighter than his sons, with a few shades of gray decorating it. He and the females currently wore no clothing to speak of, but this did not seem out of place as Loa dutifully spoke.

"A messenger came. Toa and his camp were taken out."

"Aaaah... The time has finally come... Stay alert. The both of you." Haku said in a sagely manner.

"We will." Loa acknowledged.

"Remember what I taught you. Stay together. If you do, there aren't many that can challenge you. Especially on the human side."

"This really that big a deal?" Tonga asked in a relaxed manner.

"It is. Tomo will finally take part in the war, right father?" Loa replied, looking at Haku

"That's true."

"But doesn't that mean we have another reason to lay back and relax? It's not like any human group's gonna get past him." Tonga pointed out nonchalantly.

"Don't be a fool, Tonga. If the humans managed to push past Toa, it means they can push past other obstacles. They might even find a way here."

"Fine. I get it. We'll keep our guard up. As usual."

"Good. Now leave."

Giving their father a small bow, the brothers left, closing the door behind them as they made their way back to the chamber where their harem awaited their return.

One of the messengers managed to quickly find himself in the somewhat isolated area occupied by Scurll and her tribe. The area that was once rather barren, was now decorated with several huts, along with several large trees and patches of grass that was surrounding the village and a small nearby lake. The messenger decided to look for Scurll in the small arena-like building that existed in the center of the village.

This building was full of several monitor lizard-type beastman that made up the tribe. In another place they would be described as bipedal komodo dragons. Scurll was among them, sitting at the highest point of the small building. In the middle were two humans, a male and female, both naked, and looking very much afraid.

The messenger managed to land next to her, lowering his head in the presence of the rather large female. She carried a staff in her right hand, which was decorated with a large green gem. She was wore a long dark purple robe, which was torn at the end, and also had a necklace made out of pieces of skulls and teeth.

"What is it?" She asked, her head tilting in his direction.

"Toa and his camp was destroyed." The messenger plainly informed.

"Hm... What a waste." Scurll mumbled, as she waved the avian away.

Only when the messenger left, did she seem to relax as she leaned back in her seat, and while she seemed to be silent about the subject, a tribe member to her right, one of her children, spoke out about the subject in an almost excited tone.

"Does this mean Tomo will join the battle, as you predicted, mother?"

"I believe so. It also might lead to them expecting us to play a bigger part in the conflict…" Scurll replied, showing hints of anger in her voice.

"I'm ready to fight. I'll fight for our people. For you." He proudly informed.

"That doesn't please me. I've already seen too many of you die in this pointless war…" Scurll remarked in a grim tone, pausing before speaking again.

"But that does not matter now. Let's focus on the humans. Now, you two, I want first names." She announced looking at the humans.

"Beau." Replied the well-built male with short-cut black hair and dark brown eyes.

"Willa." Replied the slim female with shoulder-length black hair and amber eyes.

"W-Why are we here?" Willa hesitantly asked.

"I want something from you. Now, let's see… The both of you, mate for us." Scurll replied with a commanding tone.

"Wha..!? We won't!" Beau resolutely declared.

"Oh? You are both attractive by human standards. Why not?" Scurll asked, tilting her head to the side in confusion.

"W-We're brother and sister…" A red-faced Willa began, just for Scurll to speak over her.

"What of it? Many of those present here are my children, and that never stopped me from mating with them."

"T-That's sick!" Beau shouted in revulsion.

"It's necessary, but I doubt you would understand that…" The ruler of the village informed, going silent as she scratched the side of her head.

"But that's not what I really wanted." She sighed.

"I-It's not?" Willa asked, dumbfounded by what was going on.

"I was trying to make a joke. Make you two feel at ease. Isn't that something humans do?"

"Um... N-Not in these types of situations." Willa replied in a deadpan.

"T-Then, let's move on. I was informed you two are Gold-rank adventurers. I understand that means you have some skill. I want to know what you can do. Beau first."

"I-I was the warrior of my group. I use a sword." He reluctantly replied.

"I see. Willa next."

"I-I'm a druid."

The reaction was immediate, as Scurll's tail began to move back and forth in a strange showing of happiness, seemingly showing the duo how she was pleased with the situation. An action they could see stunned most of the others around her.

"Me too." Scurll informed with a pleased tone, and what could be interpreted as a smile.

The duo quickly exchanged concerned looks, as they had never come across or heard of there being magic users among the enemy forces. They had heard of some rumors, but most of those were explained away with some other cause.

"I've decided. You Beau will show my people your sword skills. You Willa will show me your skills as a druid. We might learn from one another." She declared, still with a pleased tone to her voice.

Again they were taken by surprise. Not only by this insane idea, but how none seemed willing to speak against it. Even if some looked a bit displeased with the idea of working with humans.

"A-After that will you let us go?" Willa asked with a tinge of hope in her voice.

"If you survive, I will. I have an item that can change memories. I'll use that on you and then drop you somewhere safe." Scurll said in an almost motherly tone.

"We accept." Willa quickly announced.

"Wait, what!? We can't. They are going to kill us! They killed the rest of our group!" Beau pointed out as he gritted his teeth.

"In self-defense. You were the ones who carelessly walked into our territory." Scurll said plainly.

"You bi…" Beau went to shout, when Willa placed a hand on his shoulder and over his mouth to silence him.

"Stop it. If we have a chance at survival, we should take it." She said in a growl.

"I... F-Fine…" He replied in a defeated tone.

"Good. Welcome to our tribe."

Another messenger arrived at the city of Asike, which was ruled by Oka. Knowing the layout of the city, he made his way to the large tower like palace in the center of the city, which had once belonged to the city's government, but now belonged to Oka and most of her tribe.

Entering one of top floors via an open window, the messenger quickly found himself being pushed to the side, as a large crowd of beastmen went through the hallway. Some were dragging a spotted hyena-type beastman, a member of Oka's tribe, while others were carrying a pregnant human, who was wearing rags, and was bleeding heavily from her right shoulder. What the messenger found strange was the fact they did so using a small stretcher, and were actually being careful with her.

This massive crowd made its way to the final floor, where Oka currently resided. They went to a room where a large pool resided. It was embedded on the floor with a glass wall to give the user a clear view of the city. This pool which had once been full of clear water, was now full of blood. Human blood to be precise, as Oka held the belief that these baths of human blood allowed her to maintain her youthful look, her fur pristine.

Of course, she didn't go as far as wasting the bodies, as they were then used for the nights' feasts. In the room was also a human male, also in rags, with a collar around his neck. This was Oka current servant/toy.

Then the crowd entered the room, making sure that among those that entered was the one being dragged, and the stretcher with the woman on it. From the crowd a female of the tribe emerged, presenting herself as their representative, given the fact that in their society, females stood above all.

"My Queen! We come before you, to ask you to judge this scum for his crime." She declared in a strong, yet subservient voice.

It didn't take long, for the pool of blood to part as a massive figure emerged from within. She stood as tall as a large human, with a bulky body, currently naked and painted crimson by her bath. While her upper body clearly showed female features, everything from her mid-section down could easily be mistaken for a male. However, this was to be expected from her and all females of this type of beastman.

"What... crime?" Oka asked in a slow, uninterested tone.

"This male, Ake, assaulted and bit one of the mothers." The representative announced, taking a step to the side so Oka could clearly see the male and the injured human female.

The reaction was immediate as Oka growled in pure rage, marching towards the male who was still being held on his knees, and slapped him across the face with her right hand, keeping her claws extended so they would inflict further damage. Said further damage coming in the form of the gashes that soon decorated his face. Including one that took his left eye, leaving him to cry out in pain.

"You filth! How dare you lay a hand on one of the mothers!? What part of them being important do you not understand!?" She roared hatefully.

"M-My apology, my Queen. I been in bad mood and…" His words were quickly cut short, when her hand wrapped around his throat.

"And you take it out on them!? Don't you understand that these females are important to produce more humans!? That they're needed to feed you and all the rest? Not to mention provide me with new toys?" She spat, tightening her hold on his throat.

"Sorry… Sorry…"

This was all he could say as she finally let go of him, so as to turn her attention to the injured human female. Standing next to her was another female of her tribe, whom served as the expert in terms of human health and healing magic.

"Can she be healed?" Oka growled.

"Yes, my Queen." The healer replied dutifully.

"The child?" Oka asked, her voice turning into a deadly hiss.

"I-I think so. It'll take time and effort, but I think it can be saved."

"Good. And for the rest of you lot, let this serve as warning for everyone who finds themselves in a 'bad mood'."

As Oka said this, she lifted her hand towards the kneeling male, before calling upon the fire-type spell [Flash Burn] to set the male's fur on fire, quickly enveloping him in flames and him howling in agony. Since the vast majority of beastmen had hides covered in fur or feathers, this was a painful, and sometimes deadly weakness, with a strong enough fire-based spell.

Having played her part she waved them and the flames all away, with the stretcher being quickly carried out with great care so as to not further endanger the woman's life. The male was left to be dragged out of the room via chains, with the stench of burnt fur hanging over him and the air. Even after her order one remained beastman. This being the messenger who had been quietly waiting for his opportunity to speak.

"What do you want?" Oka growled impatiently.

"Toa and his camp was destroyed."

This was met with laughter as Oka reacted to the news. Showing herself highly amused by the deaths of her fellow beastmen.

"Hah! Some good news. Finally, things will get a bit more interesting." She said with a amused tone, as the messenger took his leave with a bow.

Having calmed herself, Oka turned to approach her male slave. Approaching him until she was almost pressing up against him. Naturally the human let out a low whimper of fear, as he could already imagine what she would do to him.

"Why don't you help me relax?" She asked with toothy grin.

"I-I…" The slave tried to speak, until he felt something pressing against him.

"A-As you wish."

"Good boy."

In the capital of the Beastman Country, Nato was making his way through the streets. Given the fact he currently had nothing to do, he was hoping to spend the rest of his day with good drinks, food, and females. As he was looking around, he happened to see a known face emerging from another street.

It was Hash, a terror bird-type beastman. His head was very eagle-like with light brown feathers that covered most of his body, along with some white colored ones. He was wearing a large cloak that covered everything but his head, but could be pushed aside at the front so he could use his arms. On his head he had a few artificial braids that gave him a sort of elegant appearance.

"Been a long time since I've seen you here, Hash." Nato greeted in a friendly tone as he approached him.

"I wouldn't be here if I could help it. But I had a few things to do." Hash informed disinterestedly.

"Those the pains of bein' a leader." Nato chortled.

"Not something you understand." Hash replied in a deadpan.

"Heh. Nope."

"That being said, what brings you here?" Hash asked calmly.

"Just looking for somethin' to kill some time."

"A waste of your skills. Why not come with me, and help me raise the younglings?"

"Ya' know I can't do that. 'specially with our plan." Nato replied, resulting in Hash making a rather grim expression.

"Speaking of which…" Hash began, when Nato suddenly spoke over him.

"Shi, over here!"

Hash's attention went to the small crowd that filled the street, from where emerged the wolf-type beastman Shi. He was wearing dark gray baggy pants, and was wearing a hooded coat made out of the scales of some creature.

"Why are you here?" Hash asked, his tone hostile.

"He's here to do me that favor, right?" Nato calmly asked, looking at Shi.

"Yes. I was on my way there." Shi replied in a neutral tone.

"Haha! Good. Thanks!" Nato said with a laugh.

With that Shi was gone, showing that he truly wasn't there to speak and was just doing his best to keep up with Nato's whims.

"Why'd you bring him into our circle?" Hash asked with narrowed eyes.

"His power cannot be ignored. Even you can't ignore that."

"I still don't like him. He has no pride as one of our own. He left as a youngling, and came back for no real reason. He's not one of us." Hash pointed out, again his tone hostile.

"L-Let it go. Least for now. With enough time, he'll surpass Tomo, and we can challenge Kaze."

"S-Speaking of which, I don't think you plan will work now." Hash said, his tone once more going grim.

"Why not?"

"I was informed just a moment ago, that Toa died."

Nato seemed to grow pale as he began to run in the direction Hash came from. While Hash had been informed of this, he was certain Tomo hadn't and taking into account the time of day, he knew Tomo would be at their usual bar.

"Where are you going?" Hash asked, as he swiftly followed after Nato.

"I'm gonna find Tomo. If we get there before someone tells him, the plan can still be saved."

However, it seemed like fate was not on his side, as both stopped and stumbled as they felt the ground tremble beneath them. This was followed by the sounds of panic filling the nearby street. Composing themselves, they continued to the location the bar was, just to see what remained of its side walls, with the rest having been reduced to debris, along with several fissures going in every direction.

In the center was Tomo, his eyes focused on the several mangled corpses that now surrounded him. Seeing this Nato was quick to approach him and speak in as calm a voice as possible to get Tomo's attention.

"Calm down, Tomo. Don't react like this."

"They massacred my boy. Pet told me how Crystal Tear killed him. What they did to him. How those cowards attacked him when he was down. How they humiliated him! How can you ask me to calm down!?" Tomo roared, his composure completely lost.

"A-And they have to pay for it, I agree. But we have a plan. Remember that Tomo. We can't challenge Kaze without you!"

"Yes… I'll make them pay, and when Crystal Tear's dead, I'll rejoin you." Tomo said with cold fury in his voice, then turning around and beginning to walk away.

"Where are you going?" Hash called out, since Nato had been left speechless.

"To Kana and Kaze. I'll announce I'll enter the war, and make sure I end this quickly." Tomo replied, with a now rather emotionless tone.

"H-Hash?" Nato mumbled as he fell to his knees.

"Yes?"

"I-I, at least for now... I accept helping you with the younglings."

As Nato watched Tomo walk away, seeing his plan to bring together as many Lords as possible to overthrow Kaze crumble, Shi was arriving at his destination, having only felt the vibrations of the disaster. His destination was an establishment named "Rat Hole". A large building where males could go to partake of females.

A simple business, yet a very profitable one that mimicked what traveling beastmen had told them of in human lands. When he entered the building, he was greeted by a young looking, male rat-type beastman who stood behind the reception desk, with a large hall to his left leading to several doors with the several females.

"I was told I could find a female named Liger here." Shi stoically said.

"That'll cost you. She's a rare one." The receptionist pointed out with a smile.

Shi eyed the young beastman for a moment, about to present him with payment, when the curtains to the opening behind the receptionist burst open. This revealing a much older male rat-type beastman who used a cane to walk. Appearing before them, the elder gave the receptionist a blow to the head with his cane, before then turning his attention to Shi.

"Ignore what my youngling said. He still young. Since it's first time you come here, Lord Shi, this one'll be on the house. One hour, whatever you want, as long as she's alive by the end of course." The elder said.

"Very well." Shi said with a neutral tone.

"I'm glad you understand. She's in final door to the right." The elder said, to which Shi nodded before leaving.

"What was that for?" The receptionist hissed as he rubbed his head.

"You might be good talking, but you don't know who the clients are. That was Lord Shi. His power like that of Lords Tomo, Haku, or Hash. You'll be wise to treat them well." The elder sternly replied.

"You didn't need to hit me for that."

"You're a slow learner, boy. The pain'll help you remember. Now go and prepare to clean her when he's finished."

"Clean her? Since when do we clean them before the day ends?"

"Again, you're slow. Their mating instincts' as large as the power they wield. She'll need cleaning."

Opening the weak looking wooden door, Shi entered a relatively small room. The floor was covered with hay, there was only a small window from where light could come in, and the air was thick filled with a strange smell. Liger was in a corner, sitting in the fetal position, and on her neck was a collar, where several symbols had been etched upon it. Her fur looked damp, with her breathing was low and labored.

Her eyes weakly went up to meet the new arrival, who was now standing in the center of the room. She seemed to go and say something, but stopped herself before any words came out.

"I was under the impression you would be livelier." Shi said in a neutral tone.

"Just get it over with." Liger mumbled.

"Why don't you escape? There doesn't seem to be anything binding you to this room."

"That bitch placed this magical collar on me. It keeps me here. Stops me from disobeying others. Now, get it over with!" Liger hissed.

"That's not why I'm here. I'm here because Nato asked me to talk to you."

This got her attention, as her gaze stayed on him, letting out a small weakened sigh. She let her legs slide, along with her arms falling to the side.

"What does he want?"

"He wants you to know that you're here because of your own foolishness. That you were too weak to have succeeded, that he tried to warn you, and it's a miracle you're still alive."

"I know! You think I haven't had time to think of that!? I don't need anyone to tell me!" Liger spat back, clearly enraged.

"That's what I said, but he insisted that I remind you. He also wanted me to say your mother is alive and safe…" He stoically continued, when she interrupted him.

"H-How does he know that?"

"His sources told him about it. Also, he said for you to be patient, and do your best to put up with this. That eventually you'll be freed." Shi added.

"That's easy to say. Everyday doing this… I've even considered giving up, letting go, and accept that those mongrels are forcing upon me…" Liger momentarily fell into silence, before she spoke again.

"… Are you sure you're not here to do anything to me?"

"I am. But if you continue with that attitude, I'll have to tell Nato that you're a lost cause."

Shi expected some reaction from this. However, she was silent, seemingly moving her head in a nod-like motion, before her eyes going to the ground, and her body curling back into a fetal position.

"Is there anything else you want?" She asked in a calm tone.

"Since you can't fight properly, no." Shi replied, taking a seat.

"Then... why're you sitting?"

"I was given an hour, so you'll be using it to rest. Either me or someone else will come to see you from time to time. Make sure to hold on until then."

"I... I will." Liger said, sounding as confident as she could at the moment.

"Then, for now, rest."

Back in E-Rantel, Amelia was anything but pleased with the current situation. She had been with Aizen for pretty much every step of the way, including when they gathered the Espada. However, she had been forced to stay behind when he went on that ship with Obed. She had transmitted the information she had received from Ada, and had been informed of them arriving on said island, after that she had heard nothing.

She was livid at feeling herself left out of something that felt so important, and VERY interesting. She wanted to be part of it, but Aizen had denied her this. To the point he didn't even answer her attempts at communication with him.

To make matters worse, as she sat behind her desk, Juno to her right, she was faced with Momon and Nabe, who from what she understood had come to collect the free request they had been promised via Aizen. Of course, she remained the complete professional, with her posture perfect, and ready to welcome these new "costumers".

"I understand that you have a request for us?" She asked in a professional manner.

"Yes, I think that the time has come to take you up on that free assignment. Especially when I face myself with a great need for it. As you may remember from our meeting in the guild back then, I am a foreigner. So my knowledge of the surrounding countries relative to the Re-Estize Kingdom is rather... sparse. I begin to feel this even further as I think of the possible quests that may take me to said countries. Making me think that perhaps I should go about acquiring information about them…" Momon was replying, with Amelia stepping in to finish his thoughts.

"And that was when you thought of us?" She asked with a slight smile.

"Exactly. I request that the Espada gather this information for me."

"Hmm... Very well then. Like any other request, this will be seen through by a team of two Espada. Given how large of an undertaking this is, it will take approximately three months to complete. Is this acceptable?" Amelia asked in a professional tone.

Under the helm of "Momon", Ainz wasn't that happy with this time frame. Yet he could not complain. It was the information he needed, collected by people who were familiar with these countries, and knew exactly what they were doing. At this point he could not ask for more, and could understand why it would take so long. This wasn't like in his original world after all. Compiling this information would take time and effort, and for the low, low price of "free", that only further convinced him to accept it.

"Yes, it is. I do not mind waiting." He said in an equally professional tone.

"I'm thankful. Then I will contact you at your usual residence at the Shining Golden Pavilion in about three months." Amelia informed, getting back up and extending a hand to him.

"I'll be waiting." Momon said cordially, shaking her hand.

Having finished the meeting, Momon and Nabe left, being escorted by the maid Unohana, leaving Amelia alone with Juno. The 4th-Espada then being taken aback when she saw her superior openly laughing.

"Hah! This is going too be easy. We can just use all the information we've already gathered so far." She said as she laughed again.

"Then we will keep him waiting three months, for information we already have?" Juno asked in an uncertain tone.

"Indeed~!" Amelia replied, seemingly back in high spirits.

"Not to mention that this at least showed us that he doesn't know anything about the countries around this Kingdom. If I had to guess, that ignorance is why he is hiding his true nature. Tehehe. Even if he doesn't know anything about the other countries, he should have worded his request a little differently." She added, still very amused.

"Shall we inform Aizen-sama about this?" Juno asked dutifully.

"No." Amelia quickly replied, appearing to be pouting as she folded her arms.

"Hmph. I'll consider it if he accepts my communication attempts."

"..."