As the adventurers started to make their way through the district, Demiurge found himself standing on top of a tower which gave him a privileged view of the area. However, his attention wasn't on any of it. Calmly stroking his mask with his left hand, his attention still was on the Shalltear situation. She had yet to appear, and while he was certain she wasn't dead, part of him almost hoped she was. That would have been an easier situation to handle.
Demiurge considered sending in some minions under the cloak of invisibility and other magic, but in the end he decided against it. Not only was there a lot of attention around that area at the moment, but not knowing what actually got to her placed everything else at risk. So for the time being he had to see this mission through.
Down below the air was much lighter, even cheerful, as the masked Pleiades talked amongst each other and examined the tall figure that stood next to them. Its body was twisted and crooked like a withered tree, with the "branches" twirling around each other to form a torso, limbs, claws, and finally an elongated neck. It was a Circlet Demon, nicknamed "Stump" by Lupusregina, and was the first to be deployed by Nazarick.
Its presence was a test of what they could do with this type of demon in this new world. From its neck hanged a single head, which belonged to a male Magelos. A race of demi-humans from the Abelion Hills, that Demiurge had acquired via his work on his farms. This head in particular was pale, with faded and striped face-paint. Its eyes had rolled back into the skull, and a black-colored ponytail hanged from it.
"When can I be of use?" Stump asked, its thoughts transmitted via the Magelo's head/voice.
"Soon. We just need to wait for your other head to be delivered." Solution replied in an amused tone.
"It's over there." CZ2I28 Delta pointed out in an emotionless monotone, motioning to the sky.
The group turned their attention to where she was pointing, and saw an imp flying towards them with a head between its hands. This one was female, with long blonde hair and a green eye. The other one was damaged by the bite of whatever ripped her head off. The small demon floated down until it was in front of the group, where it finally bowed and presented them with its prize.
"What do you bring us?" Yuri Alpha asked in a stern, yet professional tone.
"This one was a [Bard]. She strengthened her own and weakened ours with her voice." The imp dutifully replied in a raspy voice.
"Oh! Perfect.~" Lupusregina exclaimed with a cheerful clap.
The imp then flew up to Stump, which turned towards it so that the base of the neck would be facing it. Stump's neck moved towards the head, which then stretched out some tendrils to pierce the skin and pull it into its body. Now the demon finally had its two heads.
"Can I go?" Stump asked in an empty tone, using the female head's voice.
"You may." Demiurge replied from the tower.
With that the demon gave a bow to the group, before using its natural teleportation ability to vanish. Although it wasn't alone in leaving for the battlefield, as three Scale Demons took flight from somewhere behind the tower and headed straight for the human forces, where another test would be conducted...
Back on the front lines, the groups headed by the Espada and Blue Rose had just finished up with packs of Hellhounds and Gazer Devils. By their relatively small numbers, they assumed that it was a form of scouting party meant to search the area. Lakyus had just finished up with a remaining Hellhound when an imp fell right next to her, two of Jaecar's arrows having tore through its body.
Near the building the 9th-Espada and other archers were perched on, Jillur, Tia, and Tina were looking around for any remaining foes when suddenly a single Gazer Devil fell to the ground. It's wings were torn to shreds as the creature scrambled onto all fours with what the others felt to be a panicked expression. Tia tried to go in for the kill, when a shout echoed through the air.
"Mine~!"
Clementine's gleeful shout rang through the air, as she jumped from a rooftop, and down onto the demon, ramming a blade through its skull. With that done she got back to her feet and calmly looked around. Tia took a step back when greeted by the clearly predatory glee in her visage, while Jillur simply let out a low sigh and spoke in an even tone.
"Go back to your post."
"Will do~!" Clementine said, jumping and climbing back to the roof.
"Jaecar, what can you see!?" Rylen asked, shouting to his fellow Espada.
"There are large numbers of demons moving through the allies and on the rooftops."
"He's got good eyes." Lakyus remarked, genuinely impressed.
"Indeed..." Rylen went to answer, when Jaecar shouted over him.
"Incoming!"
Out of nowhere, a massive form crashed right in front of Rylen. The elderly 1st-Espada took the resulting shockwave as if it was nothing, preparing his weapon for what came next. Suddenly, a large, green fist then broke through the dust cloud. Rylen blocked it with his wooden staff, and despite being pushed back slightly, he held firm to his ground.
The new arrival was a demon called an Overeating. Its eyes lazily looked over its prey, before it moved its arm back, preparing another blow. Rylen quickly reacted, spinning his staff in hand before thrusting it into the demon's gut. While this didn't kill the creature, it sent shockwaves through its flabby body, shocking and debilitating it, and causing it to bend forwards. Lakyus took advantage of its weakened state by charging in and swiftly beheading it before it could recover and use its deadly voice.
"Oi. That's some strong wood you've got there, elder.~" Gagaran boisterously pointed out with a grin.
"We'll make our stand here. There's no need go further. I can feel that they are coming here in response to our numbers and strong fighters. Archers! Magic-casters! Try to keep them at bay for as long as possible, but be mindful of not using up all you have for that task! Jillur. Gagaran. Tia. I want you to lead the lower-ranking adventurers in fortifying our position as much as possible! Then rest, pray, boost yourselves. Do whatever you need to do to. Just prepare yourselves for an onslaught." Rylen firmly commanded.
All did as Rylen instructed, while the sounds of loosed arrows and spells broke through the air, which managed to delay and even cripple some Gazer Devils. In a great showing of skill and ability, Jaecar managed to strike a jumping Overeating in the right spots to not only send the creature crashing into a building, but to also impede its ability to use its voice attack, as his [Martial Arts] enhanced arrows tore through its putrid flesh.
In the end, a crude barrier had been hastily built with several pieces from nearby buildings, and the humans were greeted with a vast, seemingly endless army of demons. This sent shivers through those that just moments ago boasted of their power and rank. Rylen was the only one standing in front of the barrier, as he ordered everyone else to stand behind it. Until he gave the signal. Which was the lowering of his currently raised left arm.
"Master Rylen. They are getting closer." Lakyus firmly pointed out from behind cover.
"Be patient."
It was true they were getting closer, but at the moment the demon army were still just shapes in the horizon, even if a very well defined one. Rylen did not want that to be the image they had of the enemy when the battle began. He wanted them closer, so they were within range to present better targets for their long-ranged attackers.
He also wanted to see if the enemy had long-ranged fighters of its own, and if so, what they would do. Once this was revealed, they could act and plan accordingly. With this in mind, he allowed the demons to get closer and closer, until there was at least three building's length of distance between both forces. Then, he finally lowered his arm and the battle began...
As the battle between humans and demons picked up in pace and intensity, the group made up of Climb, Brain, Lockmeier, Elsa, and Khajiit made their way through the network of alleyways that made up the district. Brain and Lockmeier led the group, with Climb and Khajiit in the center, while Elsa brought up the rear and kept an eye on anything that might try to sneak up on them. Which there hadn't really been much, outside of a small imp that unknowingly tried to approach them by the side, just to quickly be cut down by Brain.
The reason for this relative ease on their assignment to look for human survivors, was because of the presence of Lockmeier and Elsa. The skills of the two rogues allowed them to take the safest of paths. At least, that was until Brain killed the Imp, and as they reached a main road, the three Scale Demons that were heading for the frontlines flew over them. One then broke away from the formation, and landed on top of a building that was in front of them.
The beast didn't focus on them. At least not right away. It simply shook its body, flapped its wings slightly, and scanned the area while taking in the air. The group slowly moved back, trying their best to do so as fast as possible, while making as little noise as possible, so as to not arouse its attention.
"That one looks strong." Brain mumbled, his hand going to the hilt of his katana.
"Don't get too eager. For all we know, you killing that imp is what drew it here." Khajiit quietly hissed.
"What? You can't mean..." Brain went to argue, just for Lockmeier to interrupt him.
"Not now. We need to move back and behind the buildings."
"Agreed. Let's fall-back." Climb quietly added in a nervous voice.
"Yeah. I think Khajiit was right." Elsa said, as she looked clear above them.
Brain, Climb, and Lockmeier gazed in the same direction as Elsa, and were greeted by the sight of the Scale Demon, and its skull-like face staring right back at them. The beast let out a mighty roar and started flapping its wings, picking up a considerable amount of chilling air which in itself seemed to be filled with a sense of dread.
Their next decision was clear; they needed to get away from the incoming barrage. Which they easily managed to do by backing even further away from it, and jumping into an alley that was perpendicular to their current location. While this saved them from an attack, it did split up the group. To one side was Khajiit and Brain, while to the other had Climb, Lockmeier, and Elsa.
"Any more insight into the opponent, Karr?" Brain asked, looking around the corner to see the demon's location.
"It's a Scale Demon. Very powerful, but we should be able to defeat it with a proper strategy." Khajiit sagely replied.
"We can defeat it?" Climb asked from the opposite side of the alley.
"Karr has spent time learning demonology. If he says we can, then he's probably right." Elsa confidently added.
"Alright. So what can we do?" Brain asked, turning his attention to Khajiit.
"You and Climb are ideal to fight it up close. Lockmeier and Elsa should keep their distance. Elsa can provide support with her ranged attacks. I'll do the same with my spells, but I can give you some boosts to safeguard against the negative side-effects of its wing flaps. Also, look around and use your surroundings. By deciding to take more secluded routes, we can also use areas of the district that isn't as well-kept. The buildings aren't as resilient. Have it come to us, and it'll start damaging things around it, giving us places to hide and restricting its movements all in one fell swoop." Khajiit advised.
"B-But we cannot damage the buildings." Climb pointed out in uncertainty.
"That matters little now. The buildings are empty and..." Lockmeier began, but stopped when his senses perked up and he looked towards the demon.
A powerful roar filled the air, as the Scale Demon finally decided to focus on its prey. With one mighty push from its wings, the demon launched itself from its perch and into the alley. The space was a bit cramp for it, but that meant little in the face of its raw power, and soon enough it was in front of each group. Elsa acted quickly and fired a [Martial Arts] enhanced arrow at one of the demon's eyes. However, failed to hit its mark when it moved its head slightly in her direction, causing the projectile to bounce off.
In response, the demon lifted its maul, damaging the structures around it as a result. Several pieces of debris fell around it and the trio of Brain, Climb, and Khajiit until it thunderously fell in front of Elsa and Lockmeier, who barely avoided the blow.
As this happened, Khajiit was casting the [Reinforce Armor], [Lesser Strength], and [Mind of Undeath] spells on Climb and Brain to raise their defenses, strength, and to protect them from mind-affecting magic and/or abilities. Then the duo invoked their [Ability Boost] Arts as they prepared for battle, with Khajiit casting an attack spell of his own.
"[Maximize Magic: Acid Javelin]!"
The demon screeched in annoyance as the oddly purple-colored bolt of acid struck and burned at its body. It turned to face them, which only resulted in further damaging the buildings around it, and creating a clear opening in a building to the left of the trio.
"Come on, you ugly bastard! Come and get us!" Brain growled, running into the building thinking of using the cramp space against the demon.
Khajiit and Climb followed after him, with the demon doing the same after the young fighter threw a smoke-bomb loaned by Lockmeier at its face to further encourage it to follow. The plan was to lure the beast inside, where the cramped space would affect its range of movements, attacking it from time-to-time, and make it collapse the building on itself. While it was strong, they doubted its power was such that a structure falling on it wouldn't leave it open to attack, or even momentarily incapacitate it. They could only hope that the gambit would pay off...
As the battle raged on, the "arrow" comprised of Momon, Evileye, Nabe, and Juno eventually reached Jaldabaoth. They decided in advance that Momon would take on the great demon himself, while the rest of his group would take on any other demons that might be present. Although, now that they had found him, it appeared that he was alone. Or so it seemed.
Shortly after they stared down with the demon, five masked "demon maids" appeared, all of them wearing similar outfits and the same mask. Except for the "insect maid" that Evileye and her teammates from Blue Rose faced down and nearly killed. Evileye could practically feel the bloodlust from it as its gaze locked onto her.
"Damn it! I underestimated Jaldabaoth's forces!"
Evileye's voice was the very definition of perturbed as she looked upon the new arrivals, and felt that their strength equaled that of the insect maid in varying degrees. She worried that they didn't have the numbers to deal with this development. However, Momon seemed unfazed as he spoke.
"I will leave the five of them to you. Then here I come, De-Demon!"
Momon then charged at Jaldabaoth, who forced the demon through a building behind thought the sheer speed and weight of his assault. This resulted in their leaving the area, and their respective teams staring each other down. Evileye was quick to steel herself for the coming fight, and once more having to face a threat of demonic nature in her long life.
"Then, I'll take three and you two take one each. How about that?" Nabe suggested in her usual cold tone.
"Are..." Evileye quickly went to counter, when the blonde maid broke away from her group.
"I'll be taking the jade-eyed one." She pointed out, smoothly moving towards Juno in a casual gait.
The Espada gave her team a nod and broke away from them to greet her opponent, who gave her a nod as she spoke.
"I am Epsilon. I will be taking your eyes tonight. I have a necklace they would go great with.~" The masked demon playfully announced, pulling a blade from her left palm as if it were made of jelly.
Juno took a deep breath as she unsheathed her blade and took her stance, while thinking on the current situation. It had been some time since she had been in a battle situation like this. Even if she was ordered to play along with her assumed level of power and see how things played out. The air around her with the scents of fire and blood were strong even where she stood, thanks to her enhanced senses. Along with her current "overwhelming" opponent, it made her body recall something it genuinely had not felt since she met Aizen.
However, she knew there was little actual risk in this. Only that of failing to hide her true power and jeopardizing Aizen's plans. The idea of which being the only thing that filled her with any true fear. Looking back at the rest of her team, it seemed they decided on one-on-two fights, which only made her feel like she had to be even more careful about showcasing her power.
"I am the 4th-Espada, Juno Ulmeyda." She firmly announced.
The maid gave her nod of acknowledgement before leaping towards her, bringing her blade down on the Espada. Juno waited until Epsilon was within range to bring her blade up with a mighty swing, but the lower-half of the maid's right arm suddenly bent at an unnatural angle. This surprise caused Juno to miss, and for Solution to land in front of her. Flipping her blade in her hand, the tip was facing upwards as she brought it up to Juno's face.
"[Slash of Light]!"
Her invoked [Martial Art] caused her sword to glow in a bright jade-color as she brought it down in a swift, imposing motion that blew some of the lingering dust away into the distance, and sliced through her opponent's arm. This revealed a bluish, ooze-like substance inside of the maid's arm, which did not seem to phase her.
"Oh my.~"
The maid's coquettish voice was all Juno heard before the maid stretched out her left arm in her direction. The hand clenched into a fist, making contact with the Espada's chin, and sending her onto the floor, allowing Solution to easily reattach her arm.
The blow wasn't significant to her as Juno quickly rolled back to her feet. Her left hand went to her chin and neck, making sure her opponent hadn't left a piece of herself on her body. Much to Juno's relief that wasn't the case, since dealing with what she knew to be a slime wouldn't be exactly easy. Especially when she was limited in what she could do.
"What now?" Epsilon nonchalantly asked, taking her stance.
Without saying a word, Juno simply attacked with a barrage of sword swings. Most of which were only meant to force Epsilon to dodge or block them with her blade. At the moment, Juno wanted to see how far she could push the maid with the limited power she was allowed to use, and for the most part, the maid was unfazed. Struggling only when Juno decided upon a more elaborate and complex series of moves. Still, even this did little to overwhelm the maid in any significant matter, and soon enough Epsilon started to throw in attacks of her own.
The Espada blocked a few, but allowed some to graze her armor. This continuing for a few moments until Juno went for another swing with only her right hand holding the sword, and her left to guard her face. Solution avoided it by leaning back, but when she returned to a fully vertical position, Juno came in with a surprise left-cross. The blow's impact with her masked face caused Epsilon's head to spin around in a perfect 360 before stopping.
"My turn."
Solution swiftly executed a left-cross of her own, which Juno was poised to counter, only to have her legs kicked from under her by the slime's right leg that shot out in a blur of zigzagging motions. As the Espada fell forwards, she quickly shifted her left arm so her hand would go to Juno's neck.
"[Instant Counter]."
Juno quickly and calmly invoked an Art that returned to a combat worthy stance, unleashing another sword swing in that moment that was meant to slice the maid under her left arm and out her right shoulder. Something Solution caught-on as her right arm stretched to her left, using her dagger to block the sword swing.
The superior material of her dagger effortlessly blocked Juno's sword as the ringing of metal-on-metal echoed throughout the area, and was followed by her left arm retracting into her body. Her lower jaw then shifted and lowered itself from her mouth under her mask, revealing a tendril springing out and wrapping itself around Juno's throat.
"Have something to say now?" Solution mockingly asked, as a mouth formed on the tendril that was now constricting Juno's neck.
"[Focus Battle Aura]!"
Juno's invoked [Martial Art] placed her fighting spirit into her blade, giving it attributes equal to a magic weapon as it shined a bright jade. She then stabbed it into the slime's tongue, which almost immediately caused it to let out a low pitched hissing noise. This only increased as the Espada moved her weapon closer to the face, forcing Epsilon to release her hold and jump away. The maid quickly retracted her bisected tendril, reforming her left arm shortly after and letting out low, amused chuckling as she condescendingly spoke.
"You can actually touch me~? How amusing...~"
As she spoke, her body twisted and shifted, with her head turning and contracting. Her arms bent as her excitement grew, in the face of what seemed to be the first prey to actually give her some fight, despite her orders to hold back on the bulk of her strength and abilities.
"...But let's not stop here.~ These games are always more fun when the prey goes down screaming and fighting for its life. Now, amuse me more~!" Solution laughed, lunging at Juno who fearlessly stood firm, in spite of the mocking laughter from the slime.
As battles raged on, Ainz and Demiurge sat down in an isolated room with Mare standing by to discuss the events currently taking place in the district and their purpose. The conversation began with Ainz noting how he wanted the people he had protected on his way to their current "battlefield" to be kept safe so as to boost Momon's reputation. Demiurge was quick to inform his forces of this before Ainz moved on to different topics.
As their conversation was about to progress, he then remembered one of his "teammates" that accompanied him into the fight with "Jaldabaoth".
"What about the rest of the Espada?"
"I have taken it to heart to ensure Ainz-sama's interest in them is well-founded. I have deployed a Circlet Demon, equipped with the head of a magic-caster and a bard, along with three Scale Demons to test them. One of them is dealing with the group led by two of their unranked members. They are making admirable progress in their fight, displaying a competent level of ingenuity by using the buildings around them. The other two and the Circlet Demon are facing off against the main human force, along with a force of lesser demons. These Espada are also holding on quite well, even if supported by Blue Rose and the newly arrived Gazef Stronoff." Demiurge replied with almost business-like professionalism as he pushed his glassed up.
"..."
Ainz was unsure of what to think. As Demiurge worded it, it would seem the Espada were being put through a life-or-death trial to determine their "true worth". While Ainz understood the concept of making sure something was truly worthwhile so as to not waste time on them, he would prefer it if this didn't result in major casualties to the Espada and most of the stronger humans of the Kingdom.
Especially since, from what he could remember, Scale and Circlet Demons weren't exactly the easiest of enemies to handle at the levels of power most people of this new world were. Even for what he could tell of the more "exceptional" cases of Gazef, Blue Rose, and what he knew of the ranked members of the Espada.
As he thought on this, Ainz also noted how Demiurge seemed restless, even concerned. It was a rare thing for him to be able to read the demon's expressions. Ainz thought this was just because of the pressure he would imagine would come from the nature of the mission. It was very similar to what he had seen in his past as a salaryman when an employee was expecting to be berated by his boss.
"I see you went through great lengths to put them to the test." Ainz remarked as he still pondered on the issue.
"Of course! I wanted to make sure they are worth of your consideration, Ainz-sama."
"I understand... However, be sure that you do not put any more pressure on them and others like Gazef. For now, we do not want the Kingdom to take that heavy a blow yet. It is still Momon's base of operations after all."
"Understood. Ainz-sama."
"Now then, tell me about everything else you have planned." Ainz said.
After a brief back and forth where Ainz faked having noticed only three of the four planned objectives in the capital, it was followed with Demiurge explaining how Jaldabaoth's assault on the district was meant to cover for their attack on Eight Fingers, to obtain additional resources, capture humans, and raise Momon's reputation.
With an item to be planted in an Eight Fingers controlled warehouse, it would serve as the physical evidence for the presence of the demons. Said item being a statue with multiple arms holding jewels, each containing the 10th-tier spell [Armageddon Evil]. It was created by Ulbert Alain Odle; Ainz's friend, guildmate, and Demiurge's creator.
Ainz agreed with the plan, but convinced, that said item should instead be the prototype of the statue, which Demiurge agreed to. While Ainz offered the more "complete" version to him as a gift, there was a strange "break" in the Arch-Devil's cool, calm exterior as he hesitantly spoke.
"...There... is also the matter of those that brainwashed Shalltear..."
Demiurge said this as he fixed his glasses and used a handkerchief to wipe his profusely sweating forehead clean. His gaze shifted between a now fidgeting Mare, and the confused Ainz, as he tried to form words.
"We cannot be certain of their presence in the Kingdom. However... she has recently gone missing..."
"Explain." Ainz said in a commanding tone.
His fists curled as he awaited to learn the true nature of the situation. Anger and hatred, thick and cloying, bubbled up from within his empty skeletal chest as the memory of having to kill Shalltear flashed in his mind. For months they had yet to glean even a single clue regarding those whom brainwashed Shalltear, but did this mean they had finally made a move!? Ainz's desire for answers were near a fever-pitch as Demiurge quickly, yet nervously explained.
"There was an area near the edge of the [Flames of Gehenna] where lesser demons were going missing. To investigate I what I felt should have been a simple enough matter, I sent Shalltear. For a while there was nothing, until I recieved a [Message] from her requesting the use of her full gear. After that, there was nothing. I went to investigate the area with two of the Pleiades, but outside the damage resulting in what I could conclude was a fierce battle, there was nothing."
"..."
The air around Ainz shifted as his anger and frustration broke through the natural limitations imposed on him by his [Emotional Inhibitor]. How was this possible!? To lose her again, it was too much to consider right now, but it simply couldn't be ignored. His eyes went to Demiurge and Mare, who were lowered in his presence as if waiting for him to drop an executioner's blade across their necks.
Poor things. It wasn't their fault. Or at least, he didn't think it was. Just as before, if anyone was to blame, it was him. For having sent them into this area without knowing everything they could have possibly learned, and for not keeping a closer, scrutinizing eye on Demiurge's activities.
He felt that had he had known of what Demiurge planned to do, perhaps he could have added something into the planning phase. He was harshly reminded of how his NPCs continued to look down on the world outside Nazarick as weak and pathetic. Below their notice and caution, despite the few times he's tried to rid them of that mindset. Now it all came crashing back down on them.
Eventually, his emotions started to be suppressed, for which he was thankful. He needed to think clearly on what they would do next, and information, no matter how painful, was the key to doing that.
"Is she dead?"
"She is not, Ainz-sama. We confirmed it with Albedo." Demiurge dutifully replied.
Despite not needing to, Ainz reflexively breathed a sigh of relief. An act that did not do unnoticed by the NPCs present as they too seemed to relax, even if only a little.
"Alright... We'll end this mission as soon as possible. I want all fighting to end in favor of the Kingdom and Momon. Do you understand, Demiurge?"
"I-I do."
"After that, the people will be busy with the aftermath. I will likely be tied up with whatever celebrations the Kingdom might have, so I want you to personally look for her. Use the highest level of precautions needed, but I want answers." Ainz firmly instructed, rising to his feet, still feeling his emotions boiling just beneath the surface.
"I will not fail you." Demiurge reverent affirmed with deep bow.
"Umu... Good. Now, let's resume our fight."
However, before they could indeed resume, Demiurge would need to damage Ainz's armor to a certain extent, so as to reinforce the portrayal of a grueling battle to others. A narrative that Ainz felt, now more than ever, they needed to maintain, in light of recent events with Shalltear's disappearance.
Meanwhile in another area of the district, Climb's group had finally managed to collapse a building on top of the Scale Demon they were facing. It surprisingly succeeded in momentarily burying and pinning the demon under debris, allowing their party to regroup.
"Stay on your guard." Brain cautiously instructed.
"You don't have to tell me twice." Elsa snidely remarked, readying her bow.
Shortly after the debris started to vibrate, followed by the Scale Demon rising from it with a roar, and now missing its maul. However, that did not mean that it was less deadly than before. Lockmeier and Climb stepped back, while Elsa and Khajiit took positions to the sides of the demon, and Brain stood in front. Once in formation, "Karr" and Elsa respectively opened with their own attacks.
"[Twin Maximize Magic: Acid Javelin]."
"[Piercing Aura Weapons]." Elsa called out, firing three arrows simultaneously.
Two acidic bolts struck the right side of the demon's face, while the three arrows went straight into its left eye. For all intents and purposes, the Scale Demon was effectively blinded as it cried out in genuine agony.
"Come on, I'm right here! [Field]!"
Focusing on the sound of the human, the demon simply lunged without thought, ready to bite and claw apart the closest thing to relieve part of its anger. However, this meant it entered Brain's range of attack, and he wasn't going to let it go now.
"[God Flash]! [Fourfold Slash of Light]!"
Ordinarily, the [Fourfold Slash of Light] Art executes slashes that could not be controlled or directed. However, thanks to Brain's signature [Field] Art, he was now one of the few that could and with near pinpoint accuracy, as he combined the three different [Martial Arts] to create an entirely new one that he had yet to name.
Four beams of light sliced through the demon's neck in what seemed to be at the same time, and in the end not even the Scale Demon's thick skin could resist as the head fell away from the body. Brain managed to dodge the falling corpse, but soon after fell to his knees, almost fully spent from the augmentation [Martial Arts] he previously invoked, and his new technique he called upon to finish the demon.
"Impressive." Elsa remarked, genuinely impressed by his feat as the group approached him.
"T...Thanks..." Brain laughed, stumbling back to a standing position.
"Should we take a break?" Climb asked in concern.
"No need. I'm fine... mostly..."
"We'll give you support if you need it." Elsa added.
"Very well. Let's continue then."
Shortly after, their group did indeed come across survivors, and were slowly able to guide them out of the combat zone. Although, while they were freed from any more combat, they now had to deal with the concerns and needs of people who were nothing but lost and confused in their current scenario. Still, once again the combine efforts of Elsa and Lockmeier were able to lead them out of the area. While Brain thought they were exceedingly lucky, unbeknownst to him and the rest, they were allowed to leave...
On the frontlines, things weren't as simple. Not only were the number of lesser demons difficult to fully wipe out, but the Circlet Demon Stump was well protected by two Scale Demons, which it boosted and was able to somewhat heal, as it rained down multiple 4th-tier [Grand Fireball] spells on the humans.
As things went, Gazef and Rylen were handling one of the Scale Demons while the rest of Blue Rose fought the other, and the rest of the remaining Adventurers and Gazef's Warrior-Band worked together to keep the rest of the demons at bay. Jaecar was supporting them, trying his best to get his arrows through the minor demons to strike at Stump.
Stump did little for the demons falling around it, focusing only on making sure humans did not approach it, and the Scale Demons were always close to 100%. More than enough to handle these humans in its opinion. The bodies of the injured or dead humans were strewn around it, felled either from the lesser demons, or the lucky fools who managed to get close to it. Stump's disregard for them was akin to trash, so when Jillur stealthily made his way through those bodies covered in the blood of human and demon alike to its side, it did not notice.
The 7th-Espada waited until finally one of Jaecar's arrows got close to Stump. The demon lazily swatted it away, but nevertheless this momentary distraction was what he needed to jump out from his hiding spot and tackle Stump. It wasn't knocked down, but was pushed back a few feet in its surprise. Its two heads turned to the Espada now wrapped around its waist, readying its claws to swiftly deal with him.
"[Hunter's Bursting Arrow: Red]!"
As a consequence of its focus on Jillur, and its misjudging of the other Espada's projectiles, Stump did nothing before the arrow made contact with the female bard's head, causing it to explode in a crimson explosion. Jillur jumped back just in time to avoid the demon's claws. Even if it was now missing one of its heads, it seemed even more motivated than before.
"Graaagh! Damn you! [Grand..."
Stump's words came to an abrupt end when its remaining head was forcefully separated from its body. Clementine rushed past it, having used one of Lakyus' Floating Swords to deliver the blow. The demon was frankly shocked by her speed, and it was enough to leave it wide open for Jillur as he invoked one of his abilities.
"[Natural Steel Weapon]!"
Due to his strength level and mastery over the Art, his hands became as hard as adamantite as he lunged at Stump. It tried to block with its right hand, but the demon's wood-like body did little against Jillur's powerful thrust that broke through its arm and cracked its chest. Stump stumbled back, but Jillur was not letting up as he jumped into the air to press his attack.
His left hand was as straight as a blade, and when he came down, he cut thought most of the demon's torso in a single stroke. Pulling his arm away, Jillur allowed the gleeful Clementine to reduce what was left of Stump to shreds.
With that done, Lakyus called her [Floating Sword] back from Clementine, embedding it in the back of the Scale Demon both her and her team were fighting. Its holy nature caused the creature to cry out in pain, allowing Tia and Tina to attack it from both sides, blinding it. Now disorientated, the demon was open to a mighty [Martial Arts] enhanced blow from Gagaran's [Fel Iron], which forced it to bend over, and right into the final blow from Lakyus.
"[Dark Blade Mega Impact]!"
A wave of dark energy was released from [Kilineiram], slicing through the Scale Demon's neck, killing it instantly. In the case of Rylen and Gazef, the duo had now put some distance between themselves and the demon who had long lost its maul, thanks to the irresistible cutting power of Gazef's blade and one of the Kingdom's treasures, [Razor Edge]. Now it could only swipe and bite at the fighters. A melee that favored them, despite its immense size and strength.
"Gazef. Can you still use the [Sixfold Slash of Light]?" Rylen stoically asked.
"I can."
"Then, prepare yourself. I'll create the opening."
Rylen charged in with speeds that still frankly awed the younger Gazef. It seemingly left himself open to a left-handed strike from the demon, only reacting to it at the last possible moment, so as to take the beast by surprise by his counter as he invoked two different [Martial Arts].
"[Invulnerable Fortress]. [Strong Assault]."
The demon made explosive contact with his staff, and while Rylen was sent back a few feet, the demon's arm contorted, twitching and seemingly shattered from the inside as it went limp with blood falling from several freshly made cuts. It roared in pain, just as Gazef came running in and jumped towards its face. Not wanting to suffer any more damage, the demon went to counter him, but its reaction was too late.
"[Sixfold Slash of Light]!"
Their actions were near simultaneous, as Gazef was swatted away by what was left of the demon's right hand, and his attack sliced and cleaved through the Scale Demon's head, turning it into bloody chunks of meat, making its strike on Gazef a meaningless final act. As the dust settled, and the remains of the demons dissolved in to motes of ash, they stood victorious on the frontlines.
The only battle left was for Momon to defeat Jaldabaoth, or so Evileye hoped as she, Nabe, and Juno found themselves surrounded by the demon maids. Still, even in the middle of this she wondered if the women to her sides were both godkin. After all, their power was considerable to have made it that far and survive. Even for Juno, who had only faced one of the maids, it was an impressive feat, and raised her opinion, and curiosity, of the Espada as whole.
Her concerns were diminished when Jaldabaoth came crashing through a nearby building, Momon following shortly after. What followed only made her respect and affection for the dark warrior grow as he spoke as if he had yet to go all out against the great demon, just to follow this with another breathtaking exchange that ended with them exchanging their mutual respect for each other. A scene that made her remember a time when Gagaran mentioned something about warriors coming to know each other well through nothing but their exchanges in combat.
"In that case might I make a proposition?" Jaldabaoth said, snapping Evileye's attention back, as Momon raised his chin to Jaldabaoth, signally him to carry on.
"If I concede this battle and the victory to yourself, perhaps we can both walk away from the precipice?" He added in an almost gentlemanly manner.
"Are you kidding me!? After causing so much chaos and death..." Evileye quickly went to spit back, but Momon calmly spoke over her.
"It's all right. I accept."
"But milord Momon, why..." She tried to argue, but the demon spoke over her.
"It baffles me why a man of Momon's caliber would bring an air-headed woman like yourself along. Do you genuinely believe that the reason no demons have intruded upon this conflict is simply due to your friends and allies?" He condescendingly said, pausing as he shrugged and held his arms behind his back before continuing.
"...They are not here because they are waiting throughout the capital. I need only to give a simple mental command for them to rampage..."
He added, the possible scenario prompting Evileye to speak over him as she tried to get the better of him in the conversation.
"Then, if we defeat you..."
"Even if you kill me, the demons won't vanish." Jaldabaoth retorted, leaving Evileye to curse her own powerlessness.
"Then, I'll begin my withdrawal. Still, it is a shame I couldn't recover the item we sought. Farewell. I pray we never meet again." Jaldabaoth laughed under his mask, and with the maids gathered around him, they vanished.
"They're... gone..."
Evileye took to the sky, and saw that the wall of flame was gone. Juno was sheathed her blade, and turned her attention elsewhere when she saw Evileye jump on Momon with a joyous cry. Whatever was going on between them was something she did not want to be involved with. Shortly after, what was left of the human forces arrived, including her fellow Espada. With some encouragement from Evileye, the oddly shy Momon declared their victory with a shout in which everyone joined.
News of this victory quickly made their way back to the palace, along with the news of the dead, the missing, and the raiding of the warehouses by the demons. This information was a perfect excuse for Aizen and Amelia to politely and quietly excuse themselves to a private room, which Aizen isolated using the Kidō barrier, Hachigyō Sōgai.
"In the end we profited greatly from this attack. We managed to further increase the popularity of the Espada, gave your family an advantage by moving the contents of your warehouses early on, and gained even more insight on Nazarick." Aizen pointed out in a pleased manner.
"If our assumptions regarding this invasion being orchestrated by them for their own benefit is correct. That aside, what you say is true, we have gained a great advantage, but the Kingdom has lost a lot. The fact it was attacked by demons, will drive people away, and just hasten what the annual wars have been doing, which is getting closer... Hmm... I think this is the time for us to act." Amelia suggested contemplatively.
"Hm? What are you suggesting?" Aizen asked in curiosity.
"I'm sure you can guess. We begin making a more active effort in our planned move into the Roble Holy Kingdom. You already sent people to work there, so we tell them to pick up pace so we can get our base ready and begin preparations on moving." She matter-of-factly replied.
"To suggest us moving there so promptly isn't a good option at the moment, no matter how bad the Kingdom is doing. We have little to no presence in the Roble Holy Kingom..." Aizen tried to point out, when she huffed and rolled her eyes at him.
"That's not it. We start to build and spread our reputation there, while making preparations to leave. We can even go there briefly without making it an outright, definite move. Not to mention this and the annual war are great excuses to put things into motion. And let's be honest... This is fun and all, but we'll need to put your plans of changing the world into motion sooner or later, no?" Amelia asked with an eager smirk.
"Hm. I can send the order to double their efforts. With Hilma on our side, she would be perfect to be sent in and start to make us known there... And I agree that since things have been going very well for us, we can take the risk of moving things along at a faster pace." Aizen smoothly replied.
"Exactly. And I'm certain she will be very open to the idea of helping us.~"
"Ah. I'm sure you have your ways of making that happen. Then, it is agreed. Get word to Hilma. I'll send Urahara his new orders as well." Aizen announced, preparing to tear down his barrier.
"Hehe... I can tell you are as excited by the idea as I am. Even you'll get bored of all of these theatrics."
With the rise of the early morning, everyone's focus was on trying to find more missing people, and tending to the injured, the exhausted, and the deceased. Demiurge returned to the capital, along with some Shadow Demons, and the Pleiades who used magical items to put up a barrier around the area of Rylen's and Shalltear's fight to allow them to better search the area.
Not only had Demiurge brought items to hide their presence and help them detect an enemy or escape easier, but he also contacted his new ally in Princess Renner, to ensure no one would approach the area. With Nigredo in Nazarick keeping watch over their efforts, nothing would escape their notice.
Their search yielded nothing, until Demiurge was near the center of the crater, and the air next to him began to crack as if glass. This keenly got his attention, when suddenly Shalltear's arm sprang out from within, wrapping around his neck, and clamped down hard on his throat with strength far exceeding his own. Demiurge placed his hands around her wrist in a vain attempt to free himself. She continued to push herself forward, and the air continued to crack until it shattered outwards, and Shalltear emerged in her full panoply.
Shalltear was absolutely livid. Her rage-filled eyes glowed like two red suns as they focused on the now kneeling Demiurge. His mask-less form was bathed in crimson light as she noted that and the discomfort on his face. Letting out a low hiss, she dropped him without preamble and looked around. First, she made sure the entrance to her temporary prison was closed, and then she focused on the maids that were carefully approaching her and Demiurge.
"Where is he!?" She indignantly growled.
"W-Who?" Demiurge asked, massaging his throat, as this was the first time anyone had handled him in such a manner.
"The man who trapped me in that place! I'll repay him tenfold for what he did to me!" Shalltear spat back, her eyes still scanning the area, bathing it in the continued crimson glow of her eyes.
"There was no one here when we first arrived... But Ainz-sama is waiting for our return. You can explain yourself then." He explained, now fully vertical and dusting himself.
"Lead the way then." She commanded with a feral growl, realizing the object of her humiliation wasn't present
Demiurge was tempted to try to calm down, but the fact she seemed so contained and focused in a way, even with the clear rage that was emanating from her, was quite impressive. After all, one of the reasons why he assigned her such a marginal role in their efforts in the capital, was due to his concerns about her [Blood Frenzy].
"Ahem... Very well."
With that Demiurge used [Greater Teleportation] to transport himself, Shalltear, the maids, and the Shadow Demons back to Nazarick. Hers was a story that he himself was eager to hear, as well as that of the Supreme One, Ainz Ooal Gown.