Within the capital of the Beastman Country, in a small room in her workshop, Kana was working on putting together a being made out of several pieces of beastmen. This being the initial process in the creation of a Flesh Golem. This small room was covered mostly in shadow with only a single magical light source on the ceiling illuminating her work. Doing this by hand was a rather tiresome and prolonged process. However, when one found themselves in a situation where weaklings made up most of the population, one couldn't recklessly show off all of what they could truly do.
The dead flesh on the table, was made up of the head of a Zoastia, and the body of a gorilla-based beastman. Kana being in the process of finishing the last stages of attaching the head to the body, and once that was done, the appropriate spells would be added to give it puesdo-life. Caught in a state between life and undeath, it would be then be conditioned, and have just enough intelligence to understand and follow simple instructions. Then the creation of the Flesh Golem would be complete.
Suddenly her attention went to the shadows. She tilted her head slightly to the side as she picked up the presence of someone else in the room. In the shadows she could see the silhouette of the new arrival quietly, almost soundlessly, moving towards her. It was about the size of the average human, possessing a male humanoid shape.
Not something one would normally see on this side of the lines. At least, not in good enough condition to be walking around upright, and with the skill necessary to sneak up on most beastmen. When he finally emerged into the light, his humanity became very clear, and standing not too far from Kana was in fact a human.
His name was Apollo Fedele Casto, and for a long time now he had been under the employ of the one both him and Kana referred to as "master", the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord. He was of lean build, which fit him as an Assassin/Ranger. His complexion was slightly pale upon closer inspection, with large portions of his skin covered in tattoos. On his right ring finger was a tattooed a crown of thorns, and the design that went from his finger, up to his hand, and eventually led to a series of tribal-based patterns completely covering his right arm, and the right side of his upper torso.
On his left he had a few designs inspired by the religion known as "Buddhism" found in the southern countries, leaving that side much clearer than the right, yet still visibly marked, with designs on his hand and left shoulder. On his back was the unmistakable likeness, at least for those in the know, of the Dragon Lord he chose to serve.
On the base of his back, there were several symbols from a strange language that he had come into contact with, when he worked with one of the more cultured individuals in service to the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord. These symbols, when read in the common tongue, would spell out the name of his wife.
He was wearing loose black pants, dark silver-colored kneepads, and dark boots. He was in the process of covering his upper-body with a skin-tight high collar sleeveless shirt with a leather vest over it, and wore cuffs that were copper-colored. All of which had a very subtle sheen that hinted at magically enchanted gear.
Apollo had long black hair that was held in a high ponytail. On his right ear was a simple looking ear-cuff, and his eyes were quite literally the eyes of an eagle. This was a clear sign of how high he had risen in the Dragon Lord's consideration after several successes, as he had gone through several alterations to enhance his performance.
His eyes were replaced with those of an eagle-type beastman for greater eyesight. His ears, while still human in appearance, had also been altered for sharper and higher range of hearing, and overall all his senses were on par with a beastmen. In fact, due to his training as an Assassin/Ranger/Spy, one could say that his senses exceeded that of a Beastman Regular.
Other portions of his body were added on to, or outright replaced, to increase his strength, speed, and agility, along with giving him high poison resistance. This not only showed how valuable Apollo seemed to be, but further showed why his master was considered to be the peerless in the realm of necromancy. A being that not only could freely manipulate the flesh of dead, but could do the same with the flesh of the living.
"Good to see you managed to get away from that battle." Kana said in a neutral tone, her attention still on the body.
"Fale succeeded in causing enough confusion to allow me to do so." Apollo calmly remarked.
"Yes, I was wondering what he'd done to handle the human army."
"We were ambushed. Goblins on wolves attacked us from the side of the city, along with Beastman Regulars and ogres. From the exit to the path we were also attacked by ogres, and from the other side of the forest we were assaulted by a Gigant Basilisk that was lured there just to kill us. After a while, the side of the forest on the city's side was set ablaze." Apollo informed with a bored tone. Like he was talking about an event that had nothing to do with him.
"Grmph! I see Fale went against what was established." Kana growled, her tone turning somewhat deeper at the end.
"Oh? Well, it's my belief that the human side would have surely lost, were it not for the appearance of the Espada. They were quick to turn the tide of the battle there. At least, from what I saw in the distance, before I came here." He replied, still with the same calm, almost bored tone.
This caught Kana's attention, as she turned to face the spy, walking away from the table in the center of the room as she earnestly spoke.
"I was told that one of the Espada could use the 5th-tier spell [Teleportation]. The small one with the different colored eyes. Was she there?"
"Yes. Her and the big one named Inon."
"They turned the battle for the humans?" She asked with her head tilting to the side.
"From what I saw, yes."
Kana cupped her chin with her thumb and index-finger thoughtfully as she replied.
"Hmm... If two of them can do that... And there are more of them… Fale might not be enough…" Kana mumbled, going into deep thought.
"Huh... Should I try to turn things back in your favor?" Apollo casually asked, causing Kana to chuckle.
"There's no need. You've already done enough. Just make sure to get back and survive without being found out. In the case of Fale, let him fight them. Hopefully he dies, and the humans don't think too much on how he was able to set up a trap like that."
"Shall I eliminate him then?" The spy asked, a hint of murderous intent and bloodlust blowing off him like an invisible steam.
"Your eagerness is appreciated, but it's unnecessary. Even when I can understand why you would like this to be over quickly." She replied, seemingly causing him to take on a more outwardly relaxed posture.
While Apollo seemed relaxed, in his thoughts he was anything but relaxed, as he found himself faced with this ancient looking hobgoblin that seemed to know him very well. No, perhaps that was expected. He knew that when General Iain La Baran of the Dragon Kingdom contacted him to act as a regular Worker, he was doing so under the orders of their master.
A master that had informed him of the presence of a much more relevant pawn on the beastmen side. That being Kana. Meaning, that perhaps he should expect this ancient looking thing to know him so well. She was a valuable pawn as well, while Iain was a simple tool. A useful fool that betrayed his country for the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord.
"I'm glad you understand. My wife worries when I'm gone for a long periods of time."
"Yes, I know how your kind puts great value in time. Still, you have earned yourself at least one resurrection, and I'm sure the pay is not bad for you either." Kana remarked, with a almost mocking tone.
While Apollo normally wasn't one to talk back to his superiors, the remark about his "kind" did get his attention as he perked a brow. Taking into account the fact that Kana didn't seem to be the kind of individual to dislike a proper conversation, he decided to remark on her comment.
"Well, we who are not gifted with exceedingly long lives or immortality, can do little but value our time. Especially when it can be cut short so easily."
"Oh? And what about resurrection?"
"Don't misunderstand. It's useful sure. I'd just prefer to avoid death, than having it fixed for me." Apollo replied, causing Kana to scratch her chin in thought.
"Hmm... Fair enough. Then, what makes you think I'm not gifted with immortality?"
At that moment her voice once again turned slightly deeper, and her eyes became clear from behind her skull mask, allowing the spy to see them clearly. This leading to a flash of realization to fill his mind, as they looked ever so familiar. This was enough to stop Apollo in his tracks, lower his head slightly as he finally understood how serious the situation seemed to be.
"…Apologies…"
Apollo was stating his apology when sounds from outside stopped him halfway. Sounds that also got Kana's attention. They seemed to be muffled words and grunts, quickly followed by the doorknob on the large wooden door turning, the door failing to open only because it was locked. However, in the end this meant nothing, as whoever was trying to open simply pushed it open with no visible effort.
With the door flung open, the duo saw a figure covered in black fur. It was massive. So much so it had to lower itself so its head could look inside, revealing that the new arrival was Tomo. Even if Apollo wanted to hide, it was too late as he could feel Tomo's eyes on him. His gaze was piercing and overwhelming, and in no way like any other beastman he had come across. However, he could also clearly see that the new arrival had no interest in him, dismissing the human as his attention went to Kana.
"Why're you here, Tomo?" She asked, with a welcoming yet somewhat annoyed tone.
"I was told you know things." Tomo said, making his way inside and closing the broken door.
"I see... Leave us, Apollo." Kana instructed, leading to the spy vanishing back into the shadows without a moment's hesitation.
"And? What 'things' do you want to know?" She continued, focusing on Tomo.
"I was wondering if you knew anything about Crystal Tear." He said frankly, her interest now piqued.
While this had gotten her interest, she could feel how heavy the air felt around him. The quiet rage that filled his being was palpable with a simple mention of the name of the team that had killed his cub.
"You heard correctly. I do know 'things', and perhaps I know a bit about your quarry, but such information won't come for free." She plainly explained, getting him to raise an eyebrow.
"What do you want?"
"Just your body and your soul." Kana quickly replied, causing him to tilt his head, and narrow his eyes at her.
"Do you not understand?" She asked.
"I'm no fool. I understand perfectly."
"Then, do you agree?"
Tomo was somewhat taken aback by her suggestion of payment. He honestly couldn't understand why she would ask for something like that. After all, what would she gain from it? How would she collect her payment if he didn't die? And would this "deal" be relevant if she died?
"You think they'll kill me?" Tomo growled, letting some of his rage show.
"Oh, not at all. Your power is outstanding, and rare for your kind. As a Necromancer, I would be remiss for letting it go to waste, even in death." Kana replied in a very calm and understanding tone.
"Then, you'll have to wait for your payment. I won't die soon."
"I don't mind." Kana said in a relaxed tone.
"Grumph! Very well. Now, tell me what you know."
"Of course. But first…"
Kana lifted her right hand towards him, and a small light formed at tip of her index finger which she used to draw a symbol in the air, before then pushing it towards Tomo. The symbol quickly making its way towards him, it then made contact with him before then vanishing. Even if he didn't feel anything from this, it prompted a reaction from Tomo as his hand reached out, grabbing onto her neck as he lifted her from the ground.
"What did you do!?" He growled, their eyes truly meeting for the first time.
"I simple reminder for me. So, I know when to collect."
As her words entered his mind, Tomo focused on her eyes. They possessed vertically slitted pupils. Something he knew every well that a hobgoblin should not have. Letting out a low grunt at this revelation, he gently put her back down, allowing her to put some distance between them as she began to speak.
"Now then, let us start with the powers, abilities, and equipment of their leader, Cerabrate..."
Meanwhile, back in the beastman occupied city of Asodosia, the duplicate Grimmjow had his hands to his side, with his attention focused on a rather large hole in the wall. The area around him had been damaged by the different attacks Nato had thrown at him, including another usage of [Atmospheric Rift]. Grimmjow himself showed no real change since the start of their confrontation, and up until now having done little but play around with his determined opponent. Something that while effective, seemed to be failing to get Nato to actually give up.
This became all the more evident as his opponent stumbled from the wall Grimmjow had just sent him flying into with a kick. Nato looked half-dead. He was severely cut all over, which was caused by Grimmjow, and by his own high-risk attacks. The fact he was still walking seemed like nothing short of a miracle. His blade hung loosely from his hand, his right eye had been cut by his last usage of [Atmospheric Rift], while his left was still firmly placed on Grimmjow.
"Are you done?" Grimmjow asked while crossing his arms. His tone an odd mix of both annoyance and respect.
"N… Not… Not yet… I-I can do this all day." Nato replied, taking a stance.
"Cheh! What a pain. Fine, I'll show you your place." His opponent hissed, unsheathing his blade.
He then lunged at Nato, who even if he was at his best couldn't fully keep up with the duplicate's attack. Choosing to respond by preparing another [Atmospheric Rift], which he was sure would be his last. Yet, his preparations were for nothing, as Grimmjow then appeared next to him in a blur, and attacked him with upwards swing, slicing clean through Nato's left arm and leg, flooring him for good.
Having finished with this distraction, Grimmjow re-sheathed his blade, all the while keeping his attention on the still breathing form of Nato. Something that clearly took a great deal of willpower and effort to do now. Seeing this, the duplicate spoke up.
"Well? What do you have to tell me now?"
"Strong… Espada… strong…" Nato mumbled.
"Outside of the obvious!" Grimmjowed growled in impatient irritation.
"If ya' spoke… truth… I agree... you can rule us… Not as slaves…" The beastman began, pausing between gasps and huffs for air.
"Most do this outta fear… Our leader… izza monster… Without 'im… we'll stop this war… A good leader… will make us stop… attackin'…"
"Hoh... You're telling me, that if we get rid of your ruler, and replace him with someone else, this war will end? That's nice, but what do we gain from this?"
"Debt. We'll be in your debt. A wise ruler'll know that going against the strong is foolish. A wise ruler will show how useful we are." Nato replied, using the last of his strength to form a clear sentence.
Almost right away Grimmjow understood what this meant. If they killed the War Troll in charge, and had someone strong and loyal to them take on that role, they would have almost an entire nation under their influence. Just by the sheer power difference alone. Meaning the Beastmen Country could be theirs in almost no time at all. A small, toothy, and cunning grin decorated Grimmjow's face as he replied to Nato.
"Well... I guess that's better than nothing."
Having said this, he kneeled next to Nato, and materialized a green healing potion from the pack on his hip behind his back. He tried presenting it to Nato, who at first seemed to deny it. Most likely because of its color and foreign smell.
"Oi. Drink it."
"Y-You… poison me?" Nato mumbled, spitting some blood as he did.
"Huh!? Don't be an idiot! This will heal you!"
Nato looked at Grimmjow briefly, not fully understanding how this strange potion would heal him. However, even as he was laying there bleeding, he was still able to process the conversation that had just happened. He could tell that his opponent had believed his story, and that he had seen the worth his people would have if they simply had the right leader. For the first time in a long time, Nato felt like he could truly go in peace. That no matter what happened, he wouldn't have any real regrets. With this in mind, he opened his mouth, allowing Grimmjow to pour in the potion.
The effects were almost immediate, as Nato felt his lost vitality quickly returning to him, followed by popping and stretching sounds as his missing limbs began to take form. Right away he sat from the pool of blood he was laying in, and both his newly healed eyes going to both his hands. The right arm he had lost long ago had been restored! He couldn't believe what was happening, and did everything he could to make sure that it was real, from pinching himself to slightly biting his hand.
"Hey. Don't go and damage it right after you got it back." Grimmjow remarked with an eyeroll, prompting Nato to look up at him.
"Why? I was dead. No longer needed."
"Huh!? Who else would tell us about how your society works, and who to spare or kill, dumbass!? Now get on your feet. Someone's here for you."
As he said this, a vertical line formed in the air and then split apart, opening up a bright portal, whose light forced Nato to protect his eyes with his newly reformed right hand. This blocking his view from the individual that emerged from it.
"Why did they send you, Aaroniero?" Grimmjow asked in a bored tone, looking back at his comrade.
"We were free."
"Tsk. Whatever. Take him. He'll be useful to us. And Nato, make sure you do as you are told. It'll only better your people's chances."
"Ya' don't need ta' tell me. I kno' very well what's at stake." Nato growled back as he was sheathing his blade.
"Put this on ring and follow us." Aaroniero said with a friendly tone.
He presented Nato with a ring, who looked on in confusion as the duplicate used the terms "we" and "us" to described himself. Setting that aside, he put the ring on, that then morphed and adjusted its size to fit his finger. This immediately told him it was a magic item, which wasn't nearly as shocking as the bright portal he stared at in both awe and fear. Receiving a knowing smile from Aaroniero, he fought every instinct that was screaming "danger!", as he then followed closely behind into the light...
During Grimmjow's "conflict" with Nato, Harribel found herself battling the massive salamander. All the while, the group she was tasked with protecting took care of whatever Beastman Regulars that had not been killed by the creature. She made quick work of the beast as her current assignment allowed. Not to mention how she had to contend with a massive beast like the salamander was. Even so, she managed to wear it down, until ultimately the creature fell, being finished up with a stab to its head.
"I can't believe you actually did it! What sort of [Martial Arts] school did you go to?" The oldest rogue in the group excitedly said as he approached her.
"Did everyone make it?" Harribel asked, ignoring the question and acting as if nothing had happened.
"Everyone is alive. Even if some are in better condition than others, healing won't be needed." Hissa replied, approaching them, and giving Harribel a grateful look and nod.
"Ah, good. We can keep moving. Especially now they're aware of us." The elder said, now having his wits about him.
"Agreed. The sounds of battle and flames are enough to tell us something went wrong." Hissa added in concern, a glint of worry in her eyes as she stared off into the distance.
"We will meet up Grimmjow, then we can move out." Harribel frankly stated, turning her attention to the manor from where her fellow duplicate was emerging.
Right away all eyes went to his lack of proper armor, which fully exposed his upper body, including his large scar. It was very effective to distract the women of the group as their mouths hung open with an "O" shape, from their current objective. Not counting Harribel and Hissa.
"Can we get going now?" He asked in a disinterested tone, as he approached the group.
"Indeed. We were waiting for you after all, Grimmjow." Harribel replied.
"Keh. Great. Then, let's move along. This place is starting to bore me." Grimmjow casually said.
His demeanor stunned the group for a moment, before they then gave him admiring smiles. From their perspective, despite what should have been a hard fought battle that would have left them exhausted, he pushed on regardless without complaint. Instead he opted to forge ahead to liberate this city, and they couldn't help but respect him for it, even with the annoyed scowl he wore on his face.
With that, the group began to move deeper into enemy territory, leaving behind the large corpse of the salamander. As they moved away, a surviving wolf-type beastman stumbled back to his feet, having barely survived the attacks from the rogue. He began to make his way towards the manor, walking past the corpse of the creature. His mind was going through the utter humiliation he had gone through, when a bright portal opened to his immediate side, and massive dark-skinned humanoid emerged from it.
"Ugh... Why is it always me…" Yammy sighed, as he looked at the massive salamander.
"Hu…" The beastman began, before Yammy noticed him with a grin.
"A bonus! Suerte!" The duplicate happily declared, before grabbing onto and throwing the beastman into the portal.
After this he placed himself behind the corpse, and began to push it into the portal. All the while cursing those that thought it was a good idea to send him out to do the dirty work.
During this, somewhere near the center of the city, the beastmen were running in all possible directions, and having lost their will to fight. The source of their great fear was the uncountable trail of corpses left behind by Nazz, Leinas, and Nnoitra. Given the fact they were taking the situation seriously, their opposition was akin to that of paper, with nothing up until this point offering any significant delays. The only thing that really made them stop their progress was the necessary collection of bodies, which they sent back to Las Noches, using similar cube-like items they sometimes use to teleport.
"Don't run you cowards!" Nnoitra roared, kicking a severed head at a distant, escaping beastman with enough force to knock it out mid-run.
"Stop destroying the bodies, Nnoitra. Lumps of flesh are useless to us." Leinas growled in irritation.
"There's enough of them for what we need. What's the problem with mangling a few?" He said as he bisected the unconscious beastman with a twirling, running swipe of his weapon.
"... It's disgusting and unnecessary."
"Hah! Says the bitch, that uses explosions." The duplicate spat back.
"What did you…" Leinas went to say, when Nazz spoke over her.
"You can settle that later! We have arrived at a blockade."
The trio arrived within a small square, with the building in front of them, and several others toppled on their sides. This explained the noises they had heard not too long ago. As they looked around, already sensing several presences surrounding them, their attention eventually went to the individual standing on one of the large building's balconies. The beastman magic caster in service to Fale, Ev.
"You bastards! You did well making your way here, but your progress ends now!" She proclaimed in anger, firing a spell at the trio.
"[Acid Javelin]!"
The projectile's trajectory made it so it would ultimately hit Leinas' face, and to this the female Espada reacted by swatting the acidic projectile out of the way with her lance. But doing so in such a way that she hit Nnoitra in the face with it as payback for his earlier insubordinate comments.
"We don't have time for this! Either attack us or run away. Whatever you choose, the result will be the same. We will get to the front gates." Leinas resolutely shouted.
"Hmph... Even if we are one down." Nazz mumbled, looking down a seemingly knocked out Nnoitra.
"Bah! Our magic is superior to those of humans. We'll not be so easily defeated!" Ev declared, letting out a growl to signal her minions to attack.
From each side emerged several beastman magic casters that Ev has spent her life training, along with several other beastmen and goblins, who charged at the duo while the casters prepared to rain spells down upon the Espada, who in turn, simply went head-on against the enemy as if they were nothing.
Ev's opinion was quickly and violently changed, as the two Espada made quick work of the magic casters she had gone through all the work of gathering and/or training. In mere moments that work was reduced to nothing as the Espada moved as if in a blur. She was in shock, standing on the balcony motionless hearing nothing around her. That was until her eyes looked upon the field littered with corpses, and the Espada beginning to make their way towards her building, as if taking a casual stroll through the woods.
She panicked, rushing into the building and then desperately looking through her things, searching for something that could save her. A mysterious crystal that contained the 5th-tier [Teleportation] within it. This crystal, along with a few others, had been gathered by her during her life and travels outside her territory, in an endless search for magical knowledge. These crystals being mostly found by humans, who were then unlucky enough to catch her attention and were killed for them.
As she turned her study upside down, Ev came to a terrible realization: the crystal was missing. How was that possible?! She made sure it was safe, and only a select few of her people knew about it. None of them would dare to defy her, as all of them knew better than that. Unless, Fale somehow learned about it. Only he would risk facing her magic for something like that. She couldn't believe it. Fale had robbed her out of her only chance at survival.
"There you are." Came Leinas' calm, simmering voice from the open doorway.
Ev gulped. She could feel that this moment would define her future, and that she would either live or die, based on what she did next. Gritting her teeth, Ev began to gather her magical energy, preparing to blast the Espada with all she could give, taking a deep breath she turned around.
"[…"
Nothing came, because as soon as she turned around, Ev was greeted with a lance to the neck, allowing her to only let out a muffled gurgle before going limp, dead as if she was nothing.
"That bastard Nnoitra. I should kill him for that attitude of his." Leinas hissed, ignoring Ev as she fell on the floor.
Sighing, Leinas used another cube like item to teleport Ev's body to La Noches, before walking back to the entrance of the building where Nazz and Nnoitra were waiting.
"Leinas, you b…" Nnoitra was about to say, just to be interrupted by Nazz's blade swiftly placed upon his throat.
"Silence, Nnoitra!" He growled in anger.
"F-Fine."
"Same goes for you, Leinas. You can settle this later."
"What are we waiting for then? Let's get going." She coolly remarked, beginning to walk away.
Fale was absolutely livid as he watched his plan crumble from a distance. The flames that were meant to swallow the forest and the humans were starting to die down, and could hear the cries of his minions dying, along with the loud groans of some unknown creature. He had already broken the window he was standing in front of, along with biting his lip to the point it drew blood, and now as he tried to think of his next move, his mind was being bathed by the mad shrieks and rantings from someone in a room not too far from him.
"Who's making that damned noise!?" He roared, looking around.
All cowered, completely silent, which would eventually lead to one of them suffering Fale's wrath in some shape or form. That was until luckily a wolf-type beastman entered the room, dragging with him a small, white furred male fox-type beastman with him. He was wearing leather made shamanistic garments, with a few feathers on his right, necklaces, and bracelets made out of small bones and feathers. He had painted several symbols on himself, including a stag shaped one on his face.
His name was Nemo, or at least that was what he said, as no one remembered having come across him, even if he said that he had come from this territory before he and his pack had left for the mountains. Only for him to return, fur turned white, and his mind broken. He was seen as bothersome, having been beaten to near death several times for his rantings, nad having managed to make it to this city simply because Fale found him amusing.
Currently, Nemo was on his back, recovering from the beating the same beastman who had dragged him in had given him, in an attempt to silence him. Surprisingly, it now seemed useless as he had wisely gone silent the moment his eyes fell on Fale.
"What is the meaning of this, Nemo?" Fale growled, looking down at the weak thing.
Much to the surprise of all present, and Fale's anger, Nemo began to chuckle, rolling so he was now face down on the floor, before continuing to push himself up, his chuckling slowly turning into laughing.
"Hehe... Haha... HAHAHAHAHA!... He comes for you, Fale!" Nemo declared in his mania.
"I'm in no mood for your ramblings, runt!" Fale roared back.
Instead of being intimidated, Nemo replied with tearing open his garments, revealing a large scar across his chest and the drawing of a buffalo's head on it. His eyes were crazed as he pointed at Fale.
"He comes for you, Fale! As I warned you long ago, the time would come for you to be judged for your sins. And now, listen! The White Buffalo calls for you! He's coming for you, Fale, like he did for me and my kin in the past. This is not your land, and he's here to take it back…" Nemo began, briefly stopping when Fale grabbed him by his ripped clothing.
"You'll be silent, if you know what's good for you! Remember who's keeping you alive, Nemo…" Fale spat, before Nemo interrupted him with laughs.
"HAHAHAHAHA! I'm already dead! But you can still live, Fale… the beast's keeper can be influenced… Not that someone like you'd ever give away anything!" Nemo growled back.
As he did so, he began to break down into sobs, as he remembered how he and his pack had not given up anything, and tried to appease the beast and those it served. As his memories went back to the past, something violently came rushing back in. Something that eclipsed the White Buffalo, and something he had been unfortunate enough to meet after he and what was left of his family managed to escape it.
"B-But don't worry, Fale… this is good land… Good land… You'll be able to keep your soul after it's done with you." Nemo said, before biting the hobgoblin's hand.
While Fale wasn't affected by this, the act itself could not gp unpunished. He easily lifted Nemo into the air before smashing him back onto the ground, which was enough to send the sound of broken bones and pierced flesh echoing through the room.
"You were saying?" He said, lifting Nemo back up.
"You… deserve it… Things like you… deserve it…" Nemo replied, bleeding from the mouth with a few fangs missing.
"… The White Buffalo's too good for you… and for those who follow you… This land's not yours! And we're all going to pay for what we've done!" He shouted in a frenzy, despite his injuries.
"Is that it?" Fale said, anger clear in his tone.
"No…" Nemo replied, spitting on Fale before continuing.
"I-I'm ready… only regret that the Wendigo didn't take me then… What about you… Fale?"
"I won't die, Nemo. But, you don't hafta worry. I'll make it painless."
Tightening his grip on Nemo, Fale turned to the window, and then launched the small beastman out of it. As he was flying into the outside world, he simply said "Finally", before splattering onto the ground below. Taking a deep breath, Fale calmed himself, feeling much better after having done something to let out some of his pent up rage. Now he felt able to fully take on the problem in front of him.
It was clear that a hands-on approach was necessary, and luckily for him that he still had some of his stronger warriors on standby just in case. Which along with him would surely be enough to take care of these Espada, and whatever had Nemo so worried.
"Get my weapon. I'm going to take care of this myself." Fale declared.
In the path, Fale's plan had truly crumbled, with almost all of its effects having been reversed by the arrival of the Espada. The humans had regrouped and were beginning to fight the beastmen back, killing all those who didn't manage to retreat back into the city. Their advance was more or less being led by Inon who indiscriminately killed any beastman within his range, with the White Buffalo killing those who were at a distance.
In Carmyn's case, after leaving the Gigant Basilisk to rampage through the nonhumans, she had taken the reigns of the magic casters, and organizing them into a healing and range attack based force. Without any dedicated archers and magic casters of their own, Fale's forces were being widdled down by the support the magic casters were bringing to the forces of the Dragon Kingdom, now that their ambush had been routed.
Having just dropped an armored Ogre with a single uppercut, Inon looked back at the weakening wall of the fire, managing to see a path to the city gates. Scanning his surrounding, he made sure the humans were winning before he worded his next instructions.
"Attack the gate! Force it open!"
In reply the White Buffalo, who was also just finishing running over an ogre, let out a groan, before turning its attention to the fire, and running through it to see its new orders through.
Seeing another group of people in need of healing, Carmyn began to make her way back to the ground, slowly deactivating her [Fly] spell, before her feet touched the dirt. With her attention focused on the injured as she cast [Light Healing], it seemed like she was completely unaware of a goblin emerging from a nearby bush, with a small bloodied spiked-mace in its hand. Seeing how its intended victim was completely unaware, it then jumped, just to get taken out by part of a broken sword thrown into it.
"Hey, now. You should pay more attention." The new arrival said in a good spirited manner.
Carmyn calmly looked at him, just to see that it was the same soldier who had talked the rest of the human forces into listening to her, regrouping, and then to keep pushing forwards.
"I knew it was there. It's just easier to swat it out of the way when it gets close. I can't waste mana." Carmyn replied in a disinterested tone.
"Oh? I apologize for the assistance then." He remarked with a smirk, his attention then going to the injured.
"That aside, why don't you go back to work,…" Carmyn began, pausing since she did not know his name.
"Captain Abel Cujo. And, as things are now, I prefer to make sure you don't waste mana, as you said. Especially when the Espada are our strongest force at the moment." He informed with a light-hearted smile.
"If you insist."
Carmyn then went to work on healing the downed groups, while Abel kept watch, with two swords still hanging from his waist, and another in his hands. As he scanned the area, he saw an injured wolf-type beastman approach them. The creature was covered in several cuts, and had an arrow in its left shoulder.
Abel was unmoved as the creature snarled at him, and menacingly motioning towards him with an axe. Letting out a sigh, Abel began to slowly approach the beastman, seemingly stumbling on something as he did so. While the stumbling did not affect him, it seemed to signal the beastman that was the time to charge. It let out a war cry and came at him with axe raised, just for Abel to back away from it. Taken aback by this act of cowardice, with the sport of the kill being taken away, the beastman intensified its attack, continuing until its foot came down on the spot Abel had stumbled on.
Immediately a sharp cry of pain echoed through the air, as a dagger pierced through the beastman's foot. With it stumbling back, it was left completely open to Abel's attack, who quickly closed the distance between them, performing a upwards swing that cut through the beastman's chest and right arm. This casued it to drop the axe, which Abel grabbed onto, and drove it into the creature's skull with full force, killing it.
Abel sighed as he saw his opponent's body drop. He was starting to feel tired, and while it was a pain, he knew this was to be expected when one found himself in such a mess as this mission. It had been some time since he had had to face such numbers of beastmen, but at least his body was holding up to the added strain.
Really, he felt himself lucky for having noticed the discarded dagger among the bodies of the fallen between him and that beastman. Even if he was sure he could have taken that beastman in combat, he didn't feel like he was in a place to waste his energy. Not with more battles to be fought. Including watch the back of one of the most valuable members of their forces in Carmyn of the Espada.
"I'm done. You can go back to work." Carmyn announced, bringing him back from his thoughts.
"Are you sure? What will you do if your mana runs low?" Abel asked in concern.
"I guess, you would protect me in that case?" She asked in a somewhat annoyed tone.
"Indeed. I would be foolish to risk the death of an Espada."
"Very well. Follow me."
Meanwhile, the White Buffalo had broken through the trees and was now making its way through the trap filled space between the forest and the city. Within the city walls, there were already beastmen waiting for it to get close, readying arrows and throwing spears. Most were hoping the beast would be taken down by one of the many traps in the area. In the end, it seemed like luck was on the beast's side, as it either activated no traps or those that were activated had no affect. So much so that a few arrows and spears were already hurled at it, just to bounce off of its hide.
Finally, the beast activated a trap right in its way, causing the ground to give way under its weight, dropping it into a deep pit with spikes at the bottom. This earned the White Buffalo several mocking cackles from the beastmen. Cackles that only grew louder as Fale and his group walked into the square that led to the front gates.
Fale was now carrying his weapon on his right shoulder. It a massive cleaver that ended in a rounded tip, was called the [Blood Cleaver]. A magic weapon he had acquired long ago, but only recently was it upgraded by his master. With this upgrade, Fale's weapon now allowed him to absorb his opponent's blood with it, so it could heal himself, or repair his weapon if need be, and boost its attack power with enough absorbed blood.
"What happened?" Fale asked, as several beastmen approached him.
"Beast tried to attack gate." A rat-type beastman replied.
"It was big. White." Another said.
That caught his attention, and he raised an eyebrow at this. Could this have been the White Buffalo Nemo had mentioned? Did this mean that the thing he was hearing from his base was dead? How disappointing. He had actually worked up some expectations from what Nemo had said, but in the end it seemed like he was just a mad rambler. Suddenly, a loud groan echoed throughout the area, followed by a loud declaration from the beastmen still standing watch over the gate.
"The beast rises!"
The ground in front of the pit-trap began to give way, as the mighty beast forced its way out of the hole. It seemingly suffered no ill-effects from the fall, or the spikes, and then continued its charge as if nothing had happened. The rest of the way to the gate offered no real resistance to the beast as it charged head first into the gates, and a single blow being enough to break them down as if it was nothing.
Then it stopped, scanning the area around it, as if seeing what it should do, now that the order to force the gate open had been seen through. After looking around for a brief moment, its eyes finally fell on Fale. As if it could see that he was the real target of its master's assignment.
"Kill it!" Fale declared, prompting all beastmen to attack the beast
As if replying in kind, the White Buffalo also resumed its advance, and easily ran over everything in its path, either trampling or sending its opponents flying into the air, and quickly cutting through the buffer between itself and Fale. The large hobgoblin simply grinned at this, preparing his blade for a massive blow. Tensing his muscles, he had completely ignored almost everything between him and the incoming beast that died.
When the final minion fell, Fale brought his blade down on the Buffalo with full force, and moving his body slightly sideways as he performed the motion, cleanly bringing it down on the beast, and hitting it right between the horns. The blow connected, but instead of breaking through, it was sent back, causing Fale to stumble backwards by the force behind the blowback of his initial blow.
Luckily for him, he was no longer within the White Buffalo's direct path, but he was still close enough that the creature's left horn slashed through his side, and pierced his left hand. Meaning that while he wasn't going to lose his hand, Fale quickly found himself being dragged along by the beast.
Even the extra weight was not enough to stop or even slow down the creature, as it abruptly turned back to continue its bloody rampage on the remaining beastmen. Fale could only hiss in pain and curse the beast, Nemo, and whoever else came to mind that he could possibly blame for this humiliation.
Yet, he knew that he couldn't go on like this forever, or wait for the beast to refocus on him. Taking into account there were still a few others to kill, Fale decided to free himself from the beast and recollect his thoughts. Given the fact he was still holding onto his weapon, Fale quickly sliced his left hand off, freeing himself from the Buffalo as it continued its rampage.
Fale rolled across the floor a few times, before going to his knees, and his right hand grabbing onto his newly created stump. Looking around, he went to see who remained, that he could order to protect him. Fale quickly realized he was alone, or that those that could possibly work as good shields were already dead.
Biting his lip, he cursed the current situation, understanding that he was defeated. However, he was not out of possible cards to play. Letting go of his stump, he picked up his weapon and placed the handle in his mouth, before producing the crystal he had stolen from Ev from his pouch. Giving the creature one last look, he swore his revenge on it and the humans, before activating the [Teleportation] spell and vanishing.
Shortly after, the White Buffalo dispersed into a plum of cold fog, after having been summoned back by Inon. This having been ordered by Nazz as he, Leinas, and Nnoitra arrived at the area the beast and Fale had just been in.
"Finally!" Leinas declared, letting out a sigh.
"Still, no signs of Fale." Nazz remarked.
"Hm? Perhaps he ran away." Nnoitra suggested with a yawn.
"Or he is somewhere around here." Leinas remarked, motioning to the piles of flesh the Buffalo had left behind.
"Or he escaped using magic. I did sense something as we came here." Nazz said.
"Perhaps so." The female Espada mumbled.
"Why don't you try to search the area for him? Your senses are the best for this. Nnoitra and I will clear out anything else of the enemy that might remain."
"Fine…" Leinas sighed, beginning to walk towards the corpses.
With that the battle for Asodosia, was essentially over, and most of the city's population of beastmen, goblins, and ogres had either been killed off, or fled from the Espada, and the beastmen remaining at the path were few and far between. The enemy force was no longer a threat, with just a few scattered groups of beastmen that needed to be wiped out. Nothing more, nothing less.
Meanwhile in Cesar's camp, Pantera was resting in one of the long built shelters, not because she was tired, but simply because she had nothing better to do. All the while Sajin sat by the entrance, awaiting Cesar's return.
As Pantera let out a yawn, preparing herself for a nap, her senses then picked up on something moving through the forest, slowly approaching the camp. Even if she couldn't pick up the smell, she could tell it was something much larger than Cesar. Apparently Sajin had also picked up on this as well, as he was already on his feet when Pantera emerged from the shelter, and their collective attention focused on the same spot within the forest.
It was from that very direction that a large projectile was hurled at them. A projectile that upon closer inspection was revealed to be Cesar's body. Sajin was quick to place himself in the way of and grabbing onto him before he could smash into Pantera.
Cradling Cesar in his arms, Sajin was quick to examine him, and see how injured he was, or if he was even still alive. All the while Pantera's attention was still on the forest from where a stranger eventually emerged. Sajin could pick up on the new presence, and he only looked at its source when he managed to determine that Cesar was in fact still alive, even if barely. Standing at the edge of the camp, was one of the Beastman Lords, Sabre.
"So, who's next?" Sabre said, giving the duo a large toothy grin.