Author's Note: First one I've done for this story, but given some recent reviews, I think it's justified. To begin with, I'd like to thank everyone that has made it this far into the story and took your time to review it. This A/N comes as an answer to some reviews where people have said that the story is "bloated", or filled with OCs. I say to them that I understand why you'd think that, and that naturally that wasn't my intention. I'll admit that perhaps I got too carried away with the concepts and characters I introduced. However, I found many of these as being necessary.
The world of Overlord is a living world, and I wanted to add onto it, and make it feel like a living entity where Aizen was thrown into it, exploring and influencing it. It also goes hand-in-hand with how Aizen does things. He's a planner and schemer. He plays the long game, taking as much time as he sees fit to do things. That's why this story might seem a bit slow. With how I'm doing his character, he's planning in the background, and using the Espada as his limbs to spread his influence. Hence getting to see more of them than you do of him most of the time. I mean, just look at his history in Soul Society! It was a full century before his plans were put into motion, and he was revealed as a traitor.
Now, when it comes to the story's structure, since I know a few of you prefer the story when Aizen, Ainz, and/or canon Overlord characters are the focus, I'll now give you some hints at what will be happening from this point on, so read on at your discretion...
Including this chapter, there's about five or so chapters regarding the Beastman War, and the liberation of the second occupied city and its aftermath. After that, naturally there's a few bits on the island or the south, but more focus will be placed on finishing up the war in the Dragon Kingdom, and then the events from Overlord, and the Espada in the Holy Kingdom.
And with that, we return to our regularly scheduled programming...
It had already been a few months since the forces of the Dragon Kingdom freed Asodosia, and ever since then their efforts were naturally placed on freeing the other major city after it, Himassa. The process of how the human forces would go about this wasn't easily determined, leading to long meetings between the Prime Minister, Falko Kemuel Jantzi, and the generals Ezekiel Ross, Sol, and Iain La Baran.
The issues were mostly brought up by Iain, who in his ever constant effort to please his master and strengthen his power base, tried to argue for keeping the Espada in reserve, while Crystal Tear, Labrax, and people like Abel Cujo cleared the way. However, in the end he was outvoted, and the majority decided to have the Espada work as the tip of their spear against the beastmen. Meaning Iain could only at best try to send them on dangerous assignments, but in the end this meant little.
The Espada were unstoppable, leading the way in clearing out occupied towns and villages, and taking on beastmen camps that some considered too much, even for Crystal Tear themselves. Their power and influence grew to the point they were put in charge of small teams, which used hit-&-run guerilla tactics to clear out their enemies effectively. In the end, Iain was left powerless to try and stop the progress of this foreign force, leaving him in a rather dire position with his superior, the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord.
For the Dragon Kingdom, their efforts came to a head with the last large camp between them and Himassa. A camp ruled by the former ruler of Asodosia, the Hobgoblin Fale. The attack on this camp took some time to organize. The human forces were brought close to it via newly liberated towns as a forward operating bases, in preparation for the head-on assault needed to even try to liberate Himassa.
After that, it was decided that the Espada and Crystal Tear wouldn't take part in the attack, in an attempt to keep them fresh for what was to come, with the attack partially being led by Labrax, and the promoted Commander Abel Cujo.
This particular camp was surrounded by large wooden walls and filled with several tents and a few simple buildings made of wood and rocks. Around it was a forested area with a large river going through its left, which continued on, circling part of the clear area Himassa inhabited. The strategy was simple; use the trees for cover and magic to conceal their sounds and scents, avoid any incoming projectiles and rush inside, overwhelming the beastmen as quickly as possible.
Having chosen the start of the day as the guards were changing shifts, the human forces swiftly attacked. The beastmen were taken by complete surprise, and for a while the humans were unmatched. Especially with top-class fighters in Labrax and Abel taking the lead. Even attacks from the Beastmen Betas and an Alpha present made the situation only more chaotic. This prompting the humans to spread their efforts throughout the camp.
Fale, came to this camp as an escape from the "oppression" imposed on him by Tonga and Loa, and here he was unchallenged. When the word of the attack came and he was told no White Buffalo or Espada were present, his interest subsided. For Fale this fight wasn't worth it. He was saving his power for those that he blamed for his missing left-hand, so there was no reason for him to be there, and any that thought otherwise was swiftly cut down.
With his magic weapon dubbed [Blood Cleaver], Fale went about cutting down whatever came across him on his way out of the camp. While in this case the blood wouldn't be used by the weapon to repair its user or itself, it slowly did increase the blade's power. Making Fale all the more dangerous as he continued killing. Little did he know that the confusion brought about by the invasion, earned him a stalker. One of considerable power by human standards. That being the Commander of this attack, Abel Cujo.
Abel made his way in between tents, buildings, and bodies, keeping his distance from the force that left only carnage in its way. The Commander had ended up splitting up from his preferred group, led by Worker Elim Cusak, in the middle of the confusion. He luckily ended up crossing paths with what was the true target of this raid, their leader. He wore mid-to-high quality mythril armor, and while good for defense, it also allowed him some much needed flexibility, since the rest of his body was usually good at taking blows.
He carried two swords with him to his right and left, just in case one was lost. In a small pouch he had the gifts given to him by the 5th-Espada, Carmyn. A result of the genuine respect, and even friendship that had formed between them. It carried six potions made by the Espada; two flasks of [Greater Heal Potion], distinguished by their green-color, and [Potion of Regeneration] that were identified by their blue-color, a [Potion of Greater Strength] which was teal-colored, and a [Potion of Greater Dexterity] that was vanilla in color.
How should he proceed? The hobgoblin held his weapon in his right-hand, using simple and brutish moves to kill. His left-hand was gloved, but for no apparent reason. His body was heavily muscular, meaning one of his attacks might not be able to cleanly cut through it. At least, not with the beast at 100%.
That huge blade was also worrisome. Something told Abel that it was no normal weapon. Abel had his potions, but should he use them right away? Carmyn had him swear to use it only when necessary, and this beast seemed powerful enough to warrant it. Yet, it was possible there was another way to approach this without using said potions now.
In the end, he decided to use a more "regular" approach, putting the potions aside until they were truly needed, and opting with facing his opponent using his own strength. Continuing to follow Fale, he was thankful that the enchantments that concealed his scent and silenced his movements was still active. Though they were due to expire at any time. Eventually, Abel found a suitable pile of debris and bodies to act. Picking up an extra sword and the body of a human, the battle began just as the magics wore off...
"Over here!"
Abel's battle-cry sharply caught Fale's attention, who turned around just to have the body of a dead human thrown at him. Even if he was taken by surprise, the hobgoblin easily managed to block with his left-hand.
"[Ability Boost]! [Strong Assault]!"
Propelling himself towards the distracted Fale, Abel jumped straight at his opponent's face. Using the body as a distraction, and the [Martial Arts] to do this even faster, he easily rammed the newly acquired blade through the body's armor and into Fale.
"GROOOOU!"
Letting go of the sword, Abel allowed himself to fall back onto the ground, already keen on avoiding the beast's reach. Especially now that Fale cried out in pain. The blade hit true, and although not piercing his skull, it did cut into Fale's left-eye, driving the hobgoblin into a rage, with murderous intent filling the air with every shout.
While Abel did well in striking the first blow, he was missing two things. First, was that the [Blood Cleaver] has an ability to heal its master. Second, was the fact Fale wasn't as idiotic or brutish as he seemed. His right-eye was still functional, and his rage had yet to fully interfere with his intellect. So as soon as Abel's feet touched the ground, Fale picked up on him and kicked him into the nearby bodies.
"Fah! Sneaky insect..." Fale hissed, throwing the "meat-shield" to the side.
"You should've stayed in the hole you were in."
Fale started to menacingly approach Abel, who quickly got back to his feet. His eyes were fully focused on the hobgoblin, and the crimson glow coming from his blade, coinciding with the healing of his eye. It was a magical weapon. Now he was certain of it. And one that could heal the hobgoblin. What a troublesome situation he had gotten himself into. Unsheathing his right sword, Abel took a stance, preparing to see what his opponent would do, and considering his next [Martial Art].
"Now, to crush you!"
Lifting his large blade, Fale bellowed a primal war cry as he was bringing it down on Abel, who was quick to react.
"[Evasion]!"
Abel's body swiftly moved to the side, successfully avoiding the powerful, yet simple blow his overconfident opponent tried dropping on him. This decision saved his life as Fale's weapon easily sliced through the small pile of bodies, making no distinction between skin, flesh, bone, or armor, and stopping only when it was embedded in the ground.
"[Ability Boost]! [Strong Assault]! [Heavy Blow]!"
Abel invoked his [Martial Arts], which was a powerful combination in his hands. Especially for a man who was known for his smart and clever fighting. As well as having built up the strength to kill Beastman Regulars with his bare-hands, and often broke nonmagical swords in his fights. In that moment, Abel performed a perfect 360-degree motion, adding extra momentum and power to the blow, certain it would cleave through Fale's wrist.
Or so he hoped, had it not been for Fale's attempted punch with his gloved left-hand. Unable to stop his attack, Abel saw the meaty fist get in-between the downward motion of his blade, and the right-wrist it was targeting. This resulted in his sword digging into the oncoming fist, embedding itself between the middle and ring-fingers.
"You..."
Fale let out a venomous hiss, his mind completely ignoring the pain as he simply wondered what was happening. What had he done to deserve this humiliation, for this human to damage him like this, and for him to remember the human hand that now served as his left.
"...Not bad..." He hissed, his damaged left-hand forcefully wrapping around the sword that was still embedded into it
Letting go of his weapon's handle, Fale landed a quick blow onto Abel's gut, forcing the human to bend over. This was followed by his fist swinging upwards, delivering a powerful uppercut which sent Abel flying, coughing up blood and a few teeth as a result.
"Hmph! Shame ya' got me in a bad mood."
Pulling Abel's sword out of his hand, Fale threw it aside and picked up his, once again using the stored blood to heal himself, even if it felt like a waste to use almost all of its stores on this one human. Still, it mattered little when he was about to kill him, and replace the missing blood power in short order.
"[Lightning]!"
"Graaaaaagh!"
A female voice echoed through the air as a bluish-white lightning bolt streaked by, hitting Fale square in the back. The hobgoblin howled in pain as his attention turned to the new arrival. Or rather multiple new arrivals. Elim found his superior, along with the rest of his team. Staying at a distance was the former elven slave, Saida. Along with her lover and former master Mira, who was the one to unleash the 3rd-tier spell upon Fale. Elim then rapidly dashed forward, followed by Melle and the rogue, Hissa.
Elim and Melle picked up speed as they took the lead. Hissa stayed behind them as they quickly approached Fale, who reacted with wide sweeping motions of his blade, easily forcing them to keep their distance from him. However, this also meant his attention was focused on them, and not on Mira and Saida, whom called upon further spells to accost Fale. This was enough of an opening for Abel to return to his feet as anger and adrenaline took hold. Taking a deep breath, he unsheathed his remaining sword as he readied himself.
"[Ability Boost]! [Strong Assault]! [Full Throttle]!"
With a burst of speed accompanying a feral warcry, Abel's blade went through Fale's back, with nearly perfect placement. However, Abel's heart skipped a beat as he noticed his aim was off by a mere few inches, failing to strike the spine and cripple Fale. That blow had affected him more than he thought.
Fale was now in acute, excruciating pain, followed by a sudden tightening of his muscles, and a distinct lack of breath. Too close! That is what his instincts told him. He came too close to taking fatal damage. Now the time for playing around and releasing his frustrations was over.
"Damn you!" Fale shouted as he spun around with renewed vigor.
"[Evasion]!"
Abel was a fraction of a second too late. While he managed to avoid death, it came at the cost of the lower portion of his right-arm, and was thrown onto his back. When his body struck the ground, his eyes widened as he heard some of the bottles in his pouch shatter and break, with pain coursing through his body. As angry at himself as he was for this blunder, Abel powered on through it, as he then saw an opening to take out Fale.
"D...!"
Fale's speech and body froze as two other swords pierced his back. One of them found that central point, cutting the strength from his body as he fell on his knees. This well-placed blow paralyzed him, providing Hissa an opening as she jumped on his shoulders. With a small object in her hand, she promptly rammed it down his throat before jumping away.
This object was a small sphere of Saida's making, which possessed explosive properties derived from something she called, "black powder". This became rather clear to all, when a powerful convulsion wracked Fale's body, followed by his torso bursting open. One final gasp escaped the hobgoblin's lips as he then collapsed, dead.
A collective sigh of relief filled the air, as Elim and his group rushed to Abel's side. Much to their surprise, despite some difficulty he manage to get back to his feet himself. This prompted Elim to laugh as he helped Abel remain vertical.
"Ha-ha-ha-ha... Ah, you're just making us look bad at this point."
"Not... at all... Phew! Couldn't have done it without you." Abel weakly retorted with a sigh.
"Mira. Saida. Can you do something about his arm?" Melle asked in a deadpan as they all gathered around Abel.
"It's a missing arm..."
Mira went to reply, stopping when a dark aura began emanating from Fale's body. This sapped away the lighthearted environment and prompting all to look at their fallen enemy. The dark aura originated from his left-hand, extending up the arm and into the rest of the body. At that same time, the magical properties of [Blood Cleaver] left the weapon, causing it to crumble into rusted, metal fragments.
Once the aura fully covered the body, the left-hand crumbled to dust, leaving only the damaged glove. Then in a horrifyingly macabre display, Fale began to move and rise. However, in the eyes of those present they could tell this wasn't Fale. At least not exactly. His green complexion turned pale with milky blank, glossed-over eyes. He was now undead.
"Damn you..." The corpse hissed, shocking all those present.
Lifting himself until he was on his hand and knees, Fale swiftly charged with surprising celerity. At such short range no one was able to escape. Elim and his group were either thrown to the side or pushed down under the undead's weight. Abel meanwhile was grabbed by the neck by Fale and forcefully slammed onto the ground.
"Damn you!" Fale hauntingly cried out, slamming a foot onto Abel's chest.
A pull on one of the three swords still lodged in his back distracted Fale from his current prey, prompting him to turn around, his right-hand ready to swat whoever disturbed him. Then the swift motion of a spear sliced it off. As Fale finished turning around, he saw Melle being thrown aside by a newcomer; a hooded, masked figure carrying said spear. This only added to his wrath as he saw someone interfere with his revenge.
"I told you all to wait... Well, that matters little now. Get back, all of you! And those that can't get up, are to be dragged by the rest. Now, come at me." Labrax commanded, distancing himself from Fale.
"You interfere?" Fale growled, his face twitching with rage as his eye glowed with pale-yellow light.
"I do~... [Come Forth: Ongyo-Ki]!"
Jumping further away, Labrax distanced himself from Fale as a black aura burst from his body. Landing on his feet, the aura shot upwards as it took a humanoid form. In the shape's "right-hand", a large staff took shape ending with a blade. A weapon common to the south called a "Naginata". Finally, the figure took solid shape, standing taller than Fale and wearing a black full-body suit with armored portions over it similar to what could be seen in the south. It wore a horned mask, decorated with a blank expression.
This was [Ongyo-Ki], the name given to Labrax's [Phantasm]. This was the great [Talent] passed on to the first-born of his family, and the result of a one-night stand between his ancestor and one of the NPCs serving the First Emperor of southern country of Kokka no Shinku-Kokai.
"Don't just stand there! Get up and start throwing fire at this thing! Melee Fighters! Get a weapon and distract it! I'm not as young as I used to be! I can't hold it back on my own!" Labrax commanded as Fale charged.
Placing Abel in a somewhat comfortable position, Elim and his group did their best to carry out Labrax's commands. Fale's hand meanwhile regenerated, and charged at Labrax to tackle both him and the [Phantasm]. However, the moment he got close, [Ongyo-Ki] swung its massive weapon down on the undead hobgoblin. Surprisingly, Fale threw himself to his right. Just enough so that the weapon's blade sliced through only his left-arm, allowing him to close the distance between himself and Labrax, in an attempt to send him flying with his right.
Luckily, Labrax was a skilled and highly experienced individual, so Fale's massive form almost on top of him did not faze him. In fact, he already prepared a counter measure. On command, [Ongyo-ki] kicked Fale's chin, damaging his lower jaw and sending him onto his back. Leaving him open to a few spells from Mira and Saida. Even if the spells were starting to annoy him, especially the flames, Fale was mostly surprised as to how the [Phantasm]'s massive form had completely slipped his mind.
The explanation was simple; while [Ongyo-ki] was mainly focused on power and weapon-based combat, it also was capable of incredible stealth. Which Labrax was able to use without summoning the entire [Phantasm]. This stealth was good enough that, for someone as single-minded as Fale was now, it was almost as if it wasn't there.
"Keep pressing! Revenants can only be downed with fire or by having their head destroyed!"
A few moments before events reached this point, and Fale was being converted into one of the undead, something else happened. Nazz was in a nearby camp overseeing this operation, and the moment the conversion happened, his draconic senses picked up on this energy. So intense that his real body, even at such long distances from its location, felt a chill go down his back.
Formulating whatever excuse first came to mind, Nazz rushed out with incredible speed for what many saw to be superhuman in full, adamantite plate. His mind went through so many possibilities as to what could have possibility produced such a concentrated, well balanced, and refined quality of [Wild Magic].
Reaching the camp, he went through what was now a mostly human occupied area, until he reached the battle with undead-Fale. At this point, the Revenant was already missing its head, but the lack of proper means to fully destroy it meant the battle was still far from over. Not even thinking twice, Nazz rushed into the scene, focusing his destructive purple flames into his sword, before unleashing a powerful barrage of strikes, with the flames eating through the hobgoblin's body, and the head that rested on the ground behind it.
Strength left the two-halves of the body, with the flames eating away at it as they collapsed on the ground. Just then, a slight green aura seeped out from the damaged areas. An aura that immediately got Nazz's attention, bathing him in a sense of familiarity, and prompting him to unleash another swathe of purplish flames on the body to fully erase it from the world.
They were victorious, and while Nazz seemed calm in the guise of his armored-self, as everyone approached him, the Dragon Lord was in fact calming his breathing. He felt what was behind that body, in the same manner he knew that his presence was felt by the other side. Zyl'vryg Grayl'dranth, also known as the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord. There was no other option, surely. Among the great necromancers of their kind, not even Cure Elim Los Malvar who had once stolen that title from Zyl'vryg, could replicate the feeling brought about by a genius of the upper echelons of their kind.
Naz'da'gar Cyddrunarth knew that he was a completely different being in many ways, than he was before meeting Aizen. However, deep down even now, he feared the prospect of facing off against the True Elder Coffin Dragon Lord. He didn't know why. Especially after becoming as powerful as he is, but something told him that in many other ways, he was still as weak as he once was when comparing himself to a superior user of [Wild Magic] in Zyl'vryg Grayl'dranth.
Back in the camp, the human forces were starting to fall back, having minimal casualties with their victory. As they left, Elim couldn't help but distance himself from his group and the still injured Abel, wanting to question both Nazz and Labrax on what they all witnessed.
"So, that undead hobgoblin... You called it a 'Revenant', right?"
"That's right. They're very rare existences, in a similar fashion to an Elder Lich. Usually they're the result of restless spirits returning to their body, going out in search for those that wronged them. Luckily the circumstances for them to manifest are difficult to achieve. I've only fought five in my whole life. Including this one." Labrax replied in a sagely manner.
"I see. Well, to me it seems he must've been turned by a spell, right? His hand collapsed, and then there was this... aura. Surely it was a spell." Elim pointed out, getting a nod from Labrax, as he replied in a grim tone.
"Indeed. It's a worrisome thought. I'm unaware of any Revenants being created by the hands of others. I heard that the enemy had a Necromancer on their side, but something like this? It's unprecedented. At least to me."
"Agreed. Argh. What a pain... Still, we were lucky Nazz was there to save us, right?" Elim asked in a more cheerful tone.
"Don't mention it. I've fought one before. I felt something similar to that time, so I just rushed here on instinct." Nazz casually replied.
"Heh. Lucky us."
For Nazz this wasn't unheard of. He knew through rumors and books that documented how the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord freely deployed Revenants, in just another showcase of his near complete control over the dead. Safe to say, he would need to speak with Aizen about this as soon as possible.
As the day moved onwards, the news of conquering the last camps between the humans and the next major occupied city filled the land. Including all of those residing in the capital of the Dragon Kingdom. For Iain, this wasn't the only bad news he received, as he was summoned for an audience with the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord. He was quick to answer, and once again kneeled before his master in control of his golem body.
Although this time he wasn't alone. Under the gaze of the two massive red orbs that were the Dragon Lord's eyes, there was another golem, whose identifying symbol he did not recognize. From time-to-time smoke was blown at them by the Dragon Lord, as he used the pipe that floated next to his head.
"You have done well in coming here on such short notice, Koromi." Zyl'vryg magnanimously said, his attention on the golem next to Iain.
"It is an honor to be called upon by you, my lord. I do live to serve you, even in light of my clan's latest failure." She sincerely remarked, prompting the eyes to move on to Iain.
"Indeed, Koromi. You live only to serve me. Do not forget that. Now Iain, perhaps you may be wondering why I called Koromi here. I thought that perhaps you needed an example. A showing of what success brings you." The Dragon Lord menacingly informed, taking another drag from his pipe.
"Koromi is an immortal vampire. So great is her usefulness to me, that I decided to keep her alive indefinitely. And as you can see, her mistakes weigh on her, no matter how rare or small they are. While you Iain, bring me constant failure! To the point that your usage as a political pawn is becoming questionable, and my need for information sources does not justify your existence."
The young general could do little but lower himself even further under the booming voice of the Dragon Lord. His mind raced through whatever he could say in order to keep himself alive. Surely, he was not as useless as that? He had come so far, done so much, and gained so many supporters. His dream to be King of the Dragon Kingdom could not end now!
"I've long given up on your ability to get the Espada killed, and have given that job to another. However, you surely should be able to send the rest of the humans to their deaths, and yet fail at it. With the reputation of Crystal Tear lowered in comparison to the Espada, you are running out of arguments and excuses, correct? You are being pushed into a corner and at this point. I am willing to cut you lose. So, tell me why I shouldn't do that?"
"M-My Lord, I am still a great for of information for you. I can still disrupt their forces, not as well as before, but I can still do it. And with the people under me, I can disrupt other operations, not to mention... if you wish... take the queen from her throne and hand the Kingdom to you."
"If I wanted you to hand the Kingdom to me now, I would have ordered it. But I will say this Iain; I will spare your life and you will cease all attempts at sabotage until instructed otherwise. Understood?"
"Yes, my Lord."
"Good. This is a turning point for this war, and in the battles to come in the next few days, a lot of things will be decided. Dismissed." Zyl'vryg coldly commanded.
Obeying his superior's command, Iain returned to his body, still wrapped in fear and anger over what was said to him. Because while he naturally feared the Dragon Lord, he simply couldn't stay indifferent to the being that was putting his dream of royalty at risk. So now in the back of his mind, an independent plan started taking shape.
Meanwhile, the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord pondered upon what he learned from Fale's defeat. There was no doubt now that the one known as "Nazz" was a Dragon Lord. More specifically, an avatar of one. Going by what he felt, this one was indeed powerful, yet whose mastery over [Wild Magic] wasn't as refined as his own. Although that wasn't surprising. Yet the immaturity in how the energy was shaped and controlled, went against the magnitude of the power he felt.
Which only made this situation even more interesting. He was almost certain that the one behind the armor was most certainly Naz'da'gar Cyddrunarth, the Catastrophe Dragon Lord. This in some ways explained what he's seen. The Catastrophe Dragon Lord was always known for his more destructive ways, and not his elegance or skill with [Wild Magic]. Of course, this didn't mean he could be ignored. Not at all.
While his overall skill wasn't top-tier, his unique ability could not be underestimated. It was so fearsome that the Platinum Dragon Lord himself decided it was best to kill Naz'da'gar with a fast and efficient sneak attack. This fact amused Zyl'vryg greatly. To think that some child had pushed the Son of the Dragon Emperor to employ such means.
The presence of a fellow Dragon Lord could explain the Espada's power. Since [Wild Magic] was the means to very different ends in empowering beings or items. Though it did not explain how someone like Naz'da'gar Cyddrunarth had been able to empower them. It was not his forte after all. Nor how he had grown so much stronger. Though things were turning out to be very troublesome, the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord knew that he could wait to act until after the battle for Himassa. Until then, he would continue to watch, and manipulate things from the shadows.
Within the city of Himassa, the news of Fale's defeat wasn't a surprising one. When word came that the humans would reach them, Tonga and Loa, with the counseling of their father Haku, started to prepare their forces. While they knew that the humans had the advantage when it came to equipment, tactics, numbers, and the like, they were certain their superior position, natural power, and spirit would earn them victory.
Currently, Haku was making his way to the room Tomo decided to occupy during his stay in the city. This being just another room whose furniture had been pushed aside, with a large mattress placed in the center for Tomo to sleep in. Entering the room, Haku was greeted by the sight of Tomo sitting on the floor and drinking from a large bottle wrapped in human skin. Its mere presence filling the primate-type beastman with nostalgia as he closed the door.
"You finally decided to drink it?" Haku asked, approaching Tomo.
"In a few days, we go to battle. It'd go to waste." Tomo plainly replied, looking at Haku as the latter sat in front of him.
"Yes. Fale lost, and the humans will be here in'a few days. Would you join us in preparing?" The primate-type beastman asked.
"You know I won't. My part in this battle was decided long ago." Tomo remarked, handing Haku the bottle.
"Is that why you drink? Because you think you'll die in the battle?"
Asking Tomo the rather straight-forward question, Haku took a sip from the bottle, prompting his body to squirm as soon as the liquid touched his throat. The ancient liquid was akin to fire, and for those weaker than them it could lead to a grave condition or even death. Still, it was the spoils of a great and old battle. It would be a waste not to drink it.
"Hrmm... We'll all die. Sooner or later." Tomo flatly replied, uninterested in the conversation.
"They'll die first?" Haku asked, getting a nod in reply.
"Right... Do you remember where we got these bottles?" He pointedly asked, changing the subject.
"O' course. Only time me and Leo fought together. Still, we should've done somethin' with the body after the glory, but we 'ere young." Tomo said with a sigh followed by taking the bottle from Haku.
"Hah! Young. Ignorant. A dragon's body would've scared the humans inta' place." Haku laughed, as Tomo downed the rest of the bottle.
It was a feat saved for the mightiest of heroes and beings of legend; the slaying of a dragon. Such a thing had indeed been accomplished by Tomo, and the late ruler of the Beastmen Country, Leo. The creature itself had also been young and ignorant, deciding that it and its measly treasure could make its home in their land. Little did it know who inhabited it and after what was said to be a day of battle, it learned that dragons are indeed not at the top.
The topic allowed the conversation to take on a lighter tone. Something Haku was eager for since he felt a change in Tomo, and how the powerful beastman had become more and more of a recluse as the battle approached. Haku could tell that even with all of his power, Tomo was mentally preparing himself to die in battle. To die doing all he could to destroy Crytal Tear. To kill those who killed his son. Yes, this tone was perfect for a conversation between two old friends. Both preparing to fight for what they believed in and those they cared for.
Around the same time as this conversation took place, Abel was visited by Carmyn. At this point he had already been healed, but since he kept to his tent and requested no other visitors, that weren't her, he could hide the fact that his injuries had been healed via potions and not thanks to her. Currently, Abel was standing near a makeshift desk with a few papers on it, while Carmyn sat on what was simply made bed.
"You know I gave you those potions for a reason, correct?" She asked in an annoyed fashion.
"I am well aware. However, I saw fit to try and not waste such a precious gift on something that could have been resolved without them." Abel defensively replied.
"Uh-huh. A poor choice, considering."
"It could have gone better, if it wasn't for his magical weapon. But yes, I was lucky that Elim and the rest showed up when they did."
"Yeah. 'Lucky' is putting it lightly. Still, you're healed, you have new gear, and it's time to leave, no?" The Espada matter-of-factly remarked, jumping off the bed.
"I would prefer if you reconsidered taking me with you. I do better in the front lines, and some prefer to have me there for moral than..." Abel tried to argue, when Carmyn laughed over him.
"Hah! You speak as if I was giving you a choice. Remember Abel, there are few people I actually consider of being of use outside of the Espada, and ever since that night after retaking Asodosia I wouldn't have anyone else come along for this assignment. It's a testament to your skill and worth." She frankly explained.
"What about Elim and his group?"
"He and Leinas seem to be a couple, so she sees worth in him. And taking them doesn't mean taking any more of the Espada with us to secure the area. Not that I doubt you couldn't do that for yourself."
"You praise me too highly. Heh." Abel pointed out with a light, self-deprecating chuckle.
"Doubt it..."
As Carmyn spoke, Elim entered the tent unannounced, but still cordial enough to give those present nods and greetings.
"I was told you were here. So, it's time?"
"I still fail to see what she finds interesting in you, boy. But yes, 'it's time' as you put it." Carmyn groused in reply.
"Great. I'll go get the rest of my crew, so we can go fight..." Elim went to say, but Carmyn was quick to correct him.
"Secure... You and your group will be coordinated by Abel to secure both me and Inon during the fight."
"Still, if this is meant to be the strongest beastman in the city, surely..." Elim tried to retort, just for Abel to interrupt him.
"You know that's not what was decided. Just go and get your team."
"Alright." Elim resignedly sighed, taking his leave.
"Again, I fail to see why Leinas even bothers with him." Carmyn wearily sighed.
"Perhaps the answer is simpler than it looks?" Abel suggested with a chuckle.
"Perhaps. Let's go after him. No need to wait here."
With that they followed after Elim, and soon enough regrouped with him and his group. It only took them a few minutes to gather all of the necessary supplies they would need to secure the area Inon and Carmyn had decided upon for the Sexta-Espada's battle with Tomo. Once that was done, all were taken there via [Teleportation] by Carmyn.
During that evening another meeting took place. Brought about by Naz'da'gar Cyddrunarth's call to Aizen regarding his suspicions about the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord, with a third individual added to said meeting upon Aizen's instructions. It took place in an area near E-Rantel, with Aizen arriving first, followed by Naz'da'gar's armor-avatar "Nazz", and lastly the armor-avatar of Tsaindorcus Vaision, the Platinum Dragon Lord.
"I have to admit, I wasn't expecting you to contact me. I do hope you did not lie about the reason for this meeting." Tsaindorcus plainly remarked, his attention placed on his fellow Dragon Lord.
"I contacted you because Aizen-sama instructed me to. If I had it my way, I wouldn't have bothered." Naz'da'gar growled back.
"Let us not waste time on this. We all have things to get back to after all." Aizen calmly pointed out.
"Indeed. Now, if what you've said is true, and I were to scale this situation, it would be superior to Shalltear Bloodfallen, but below her and the rest of her group. Well, I say that based on what you've sent me, Aizen." The Platinum Dragon Lord informed, even if he didn't sound too sure.
"Oh? I wasn't aware we disclosed that information to him." The Espada remarked in surprise.
"Of course. We are in a partnership of sorts. I thought it would make things uneasy if one side was to find that the other was withholding that information from the other. After all, this is something that concerns all of us."
Naz'da'gar simply nodded, noticing from Aizen's tone and wording that whatever he had passed on to Tsaindorcus, was nowhere near all the information they possessed.
"Still, is it accurate to categorize this Dragon Lord as such a large threat?" Aizen asked in curiosity.
"You do not know him. If you did you wouldn't ask that question. Zyl'vryg Grayl'dranth is an old existence. One from a time where our kind was still in its prime, and his power is a good showing of what we once were, even if he is considered a genius. I rate him that highly not only because of the power he would have naturally acquired with age, but all that he is said to have achieved via research and experimentation. There's also the fact that as of now, his current location is unknown. As is the true extent of his armies, followers, and means. I wouldn't wish his wrath on anyone. Not even myself." Tsaindorcus cautiously replied.
"It's safe to assume that his careful nature is what has allowed this war to last this long. He's most likely using the beastmen as pawns to hide his involvement. Probably assuming that his undead would have either been too strong for the enemy, or killed before their true nature could be ascertained. Naturally, had it not been for us, these assumptions would have been correct. All things considered, the reason for this war is probably the Brightness Dragon Lord. Few others would have been able to get this reaction out of him." Naz'da'gar stoically added.
"That does sound like a rather complicated situation. Then, the question is, how do we defeat him?" Aizen calmly asked.
"Did you not understand what we said!? As it is, your actions are probably angering him further. If you make an active effort to defeat him, who knows what will happen." Tsaindorcus confoundedly pointed out, clearly taken aback by Aizen's suggestion.
"Must be hard to think of solutions when you can't stab them in the back." The Espada remarked with a chuckle.
"You gave me no choice!"
"You..." Nazz growled back, when Aizen raised his hand.
"Naz'da'gar, one thing at a time. You think he is your better?" Aizen pointedly asked.
"The full extent of his skills is unknown. His intelligence and strategic capability is beyond mine, with years to perfect it. At best I can only outperform him in terms of raw power... But given the circumstances, I will challenge him to a duel." Naz'da'gar resolutely declared.
"Are you mad? Do you even know who to challenge? Or are you assuming you can make him come to you?" Tsaindorcus asked in uncertainty.
"Kana. All of the information we have indicates that the necromancer is a hobgoblin named Kana. She is the best option. We are pressing the Beastmen, so he will make his move soon."
"At what cost? What can you possibly offer him in exchange for dueling you?"
This question also got Aizen's attention. After all, based on what happened with Cerabrate, he knew that duels between Dragon Lords meant that each side gambled something. Meaning Naz'da'gar would have to put something on the line. In the face of this question, the armor controlled by Naz'da'gar looked at Aizen, clenched his fists, and then resolutely answered his fellow Dragon Lord.
"My terms will be that if he loses, he'll abandon the war and remove any influence he has over the beastmen. If he wins, I and the rest of the Espada leave, allowing him to finish what he started."
Tsaindorcus took a step back, trying to process the massive gamble his junior was suggesting. He even looked at Aizen to see if he had anything to say, but nothing. What was happening? How could both be so calm in the face of the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord? And again, what was it about Aizen that made him able to reel in Naz'da'gar?
"Then I take it the only thing you wanted from me was my insight into him?" He resignedly asked.
"That's correct. You could have known something we did not, but it seems you didn't have much to add. Though perhaps you would have been interested in knowing what he is up to." The Espada frankly replied.
"Aizen, surely you do not agree with this? It's too much of a risk." Tsaindorcus argued.
"I must disagree. If Naz'da'gar thinks he can win the duel, I will accept his decision. However, I do request to be his witness." Aizen pointedly informed.
"As you wish." The Espada agreed.
"Do you need me for anything else?" Tsaindorcus asked, seeing he had no other reason to stay.
"We do not. I thought there would be more to discuss regarding this matter." Aizen replied
"I see... Very well. To know that the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord is active is better than nothing. Whe... If you lose, contact me again. The situation might still be recoverable."
With that, Tsaindorcus took to the air as his panoply of weapons floated around him, and vanished into the night sky. When he was gone, Aizen would break the silence with his calm voice.
"I must say, when you first told me about the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord, I thought you weren't going to face him."
"Neither did I... However, I have something with Draudillon. Even if it's just her trying to produce a stronger heir. And there is the vault to consider. If I win, I can have Zyl'vryg open it for us, giving the Kingdom what they need to survive and rebuild."
"Oh? You think he will open it? As it stands, if he loses he'll already be forced to retreat." Aizen said with a perked brow and interested tone.
"I'm sure I can appeal to his curiosity. Also, the duel ends when one finds the location of the other, so I will have the upper-hand. Especially with you there, Aizen-sama." The Espada calmly replied, eliciting a smirk from Aizen.
"Very well thought out. As usual, keep me informed. Dismissed."
"Thank you, for your time Aizen-sama."
With that, the armor-avatar bowed, and was engulfed in purple smoke, teleporting back to the Dragon Kingdom, and leaving Aizen to leisurely walk back to E-Rantel. All the while thinking of how interesting things were getting, and how close the end of the war seemed to be.