Retrieving his gear, consisting of black-colored light-armor, along with his tachi and wakizashi, Arisuke walked through the portal in Las Noches that transposed him in a small empty room used for these types of teleportation in the Kuchiki home in the south. Emerging from the portal, Arisuke was greeted by a group of five individuals. Two were the remaining members of the Yasei no Kari. Vali was wearing his usual figure-forming vestments, while Kusumi had her hair held in a bun and was wearing an expensive looking flower-patterned kimono that greatly highlighted her beauty.
The others were Aizen's "duplicates". The first was Renji Abarai, who acted as a bodyguard for the Kuchiki family. He wore an outfit similar to the Shihakusho his original counterpart wore as a Shinigami Lieutenant, with his red hair held in a single braid. Byakuya wore garments like his original would have worn as a Captain, along with his distinct hairpiece on his head. Finally, was the candidate to be the Emperor's wife, Rukia. She likewise wore garments befitting a Shinigami Captain, and all bore katanas at their sides.
After several tests, the time had come for Rukia to face her final trial, which involved her fighting the being known as the strongest swordsman in the land. This was meant proving the extent of her power, and ability to stand as the mother of his children, and in a sense his equal in terms of personal power, before political power.
"Everyone is here. Very good. Let us move outside. They should be arriving shortly." Byakuya stoically pointed out.
"Yes. Lets." Rukia coolly added.
With Rukia taking the lead, the group made their way out of the room, through the manor they now called home. Going outside to the front, which was surrounded by a lush garden, some cherry-blossoms and other trees, along with a road that led out of the property. After a few minutes of waiting, a [Gate] opened a few feet in front of them and from within the portal emerged two individuals. These were the Ukita brothers, and level-80 immortal humans that in the past served as Area Guardians for the guild-base of the First Emperor, Yoshitsune.
Naturally, these details were not publicly known, though all were aware that they came with the First Emperor, were powerful but not the strongest of his forces, and that they made different career choices. Dai Ukita's powers were unknown to the public, outside of a select few. However, most people believed him to be a magic-caster. Either way he rarely participated in combat, having chosen to serve as one of the Emperor's many advisors and perform several other political duties.
In reality he was the original [Phantasm] user, and was to this day burdened by the fact that the only time he allowed his lustful desires to get the better of him, it led to the strengthening of a family house, and creation of a [Talent] that would eventually turn their backs on their people to go to the Slane Theocracy.
On the other hand, his brother Doppo Ukita, was the aforementioned "strongest swordsman" in the land. A samurai of great skill and experience that carried a single gold and red katana on his waist. Over the years he had trained several elite warriors, overseen the defeat of whatever forces tried to disrupt the peace of the land, and sired a family of his own with an elf.
As siblings, they looked rather similar in terms of their beauty. Both were possessed of toned and athletic bodies, dark-blue eyes, and long straight black hair. Dai wore expensive looking beige-colored robes, with blue lining and a golden mantel over his shoulders. He wore different rings and earrings, along with having a long goatee. Doppo was simpler in his tastes, wearing dark-blue, knee-high boots, loose-fitting trousers, white sash, dark-blue sleeveless shirt, and armguards that matched his boots, along with a katana, and his hair held in a ponytail.
Upon their arrival, the trio of Rukia, Byakuya and Renji gave the duo proper, elegant bows, while the Yasei no Kari remained unmoved.
"What a fine lineup." Doppo remarked with a chuckle.
"Kuchiki Rukia. I must say that you are the first to meet us with so few numbers, but my brother is correct. This is a rather troublesome lineup." Dai thoughtfully added, caressing his goatee.
"Offense is not meant to be made. I simply thought that they were the best choice as a showcase of my reach as an individual." Rukia informed with a cordial tone, getting a chuckle from Doppo.
"Oh? A very wide reach, I might say. A member short or not, the Yasei no Kari are a problematic lot, and an interesting choice as retainers. Not that it matters. Only Rukia-san and one other will be allowed to come with us, as per tradition. Now decide who will come. Time doesn't wait, and neither do I." Dai announced, continuing to caress his goatee.
"Not that I would mind a duel with Kaas-dono.~" Doppo teasingly added.
"Not today." Vali promptly replied with a wearily tone and sigh.
"Indeed. But who knows what we'd decide to do when it comes to handling a force as unruly as yours. Now that it was weakened by fighters from the north." Dai probingly added.
"The Espada are not your average fighters, for the standards of either the north or south." Vali retorted, getting a knowing look from Dai.
"Mm-hmm. So we have been told... Now, the decision."
"If I can only take one, then I'll take my brother." Rukia replied, motioning to Byakuya.
"Very good. [Gate]."
Upon his command another portal opened, and Dai proceeded to lead Rukia and Byakuya to the place where the bridal candidate would endure her final trial. Walking through the portal, the four arrived at a small Colosseum like structure that was made of mostly of stone, with the middle filled with sand where fights took place. High walls separated these fights from those watching, and with two entrances to the fighting arena.
To watch the fights were only three balconies, with two above the entrances to their side. One was empty, while the other was filled with five individuals of different ages, and garbed in very formal wear, signaling their high standing within the nation. In front of them, higher than the other balconies, was the one where, much to the surprise of Rukia and Byakuya, rested the Emperor of Kokka no Shinku-Kokai, Daisuke Goto.
He wore high-quality golden and crimson robes and a small headpiece, and all the while rested on a massive and ornate throne-like chair. He was accompanied by four of his Warrior Ōoku, who were both his bodyguards and concubines. They were all wearing kimonos of different design, which revealed a bit of their body, for their superior to enjoy. Although as NPCs from YGGDRASIL, both their personal power and that of their items were far above the norm.
Sitting to his right was Kasuga; a level-65, five-tailed Kitsune, and the leader of the Warrior Ōoku, she was also responsible for acting as a mother figure, teacher, and wet-nurse for every descendant of the First Emperor. To his left was Rui, and despite her athletic figure she was visibly muscular, with slitted serpent-like golden eyes and long silver hair. Few knew she was a level-57 Dragonoid.
Standing closer to the edge of the balcony, in case someone was to try and attack the Emperor, were the other two Warrior Ōoku. Ito was a petit figure, with shoulder-length golden hair and blue eyes, and was a level-50 Immortal Human. Sitting opposite to her was Uta, whom had light-green eyes, short brown hair, and two cat-like ears emerging from under her hair. Her physique was slim and lean, and carried a Shakujō, a ringed staff, as a level-53 Cleric.
"Bow to your Emperor!" Dai commanded, with all immediately doing as instructed.
Even as they bowed, Rukia and Byakuya managed to take in the sight of the young Emperor as he looked down on them. Right away they could tell that despite being young and most likely inexperienced, Daisuke carried a clear fire and determination fit of an Emperor. Even more than before, they were justified to try and create a connection between him and Aizen. However, this also meant that the young Emperor might not be as easy to influence as one might expect due to his age.
The duplicates also managed to take in the air and despite being day, in their current location they could tell that the wind and even the disposition of the sky transmitted a different time than back at their manor. The air felt strange and somewhat unnatural. This made them assume that they were no longer outside, and were indeed in one of the guild-base's "floors" that belonged to the First Emperor.
This assumption was made based on what the Espada had learned from Cthalpi, and this assumption was correct. This was the 3rd-floor of the guild-base, and was mostly forest and lush fields, with a large river going through it, and a lake resting in one of its corners. There were also a few temples and homes where NPCs used to reside, though their numbers greatly diminished given their deaths from old age, including the Floor Guardian.
However, this led to a large portion of the floor being repurposed to serve as a memorial for the fallen NPCs, and the real tomb of all previous Emperors. Meaning that the public tombs to the fallen rulers were nothing but public memorials. Indeed, this floor had great meaning to it, and nowhere else was fit to hold this final test.
"You may rise." Daisuke instructed with a motion of his right-hand.
All present complied as Dai then swiftly resumed speaking.
"Rukia-san and my brother will remain here for the test. Byakuya-san, you will go to the empty balcony."
Exchanging low bows, Dai and Byakuya took their leave from the fighting arena, with the duplicate taking seat at his balcony, while Dai appeared in the opposite balcony with the other five watchers. In the meantime, Doppo motioned Rukia to take a few steps away from him, while he did the same, creating some distance between them for their duel to begin.
"How will this test be done?" Rukia asked in a professional tone.
"It's very simple. We will spar, and once I feel like I've seen what you have to offer, I will stop the match and present my decision to Goto-sama." Doppo matter-of-factly replied.
"You will report your decision right away?"
"Indeed. There's no need to waste our times on candidates that cannot carry out their duty."
"Very well. Then I shall do my best to show what I am capable of." Rukia affirmed, unsheathing her blade.
"Ah, gooood.~ You may attack when ready." Doppo said with a pleased smile, taking a stance of his own.
"..."
Rukia did the same, thinking back to what she was told about the encounter Sajin, Ukitake, and Shunsi had with "Kana". Where their unique powers allowed them to put up a decent showing against such a stronger opponent. Using her senses and what she could feel from Doppo's presence, Rukia could tell that he was stronger than Byakuya or herself. However, despite that he should still be open to being caught off-guard by what she could do, just like "Kana" was.
Still, she knew that she couldn't take Doppo lightly. Not only was he stronger than her, he was likely more experienced, and probably the more skilled of the brotherly duo, due to his age and career choices. Meaning that surprises may not work as well on him as a pure fighter. Yes, that made sense to her. After all, someone like Yoruichi even with her skills was unable to fully out-maneuver the older and stronger Arisuke.
"In that case. Here I go..."
Taking her stance, Rukia lunged at the still unmoving Doppo, quickly closing the distance between them as she brought her blade up on her opponent. Unfazed, Doppo extended his left-arm, closing the distance and placing his hand on hers, and halting the momentum of the blade. At the same time his right-hand went to the hilt of his katana as he drew it with amazing speed in a quick-draw motion, prompting Rukia to create some distance between them using Shunpo. Moving with such blinding speed surprised everyone in the arena, except Byakuya.
His blade still levied in his right-hand, Doppo slowly started to approach her, all the while wondering what had just happened. Was that [Specter Step]? That didn't seem to be the case. This technique felt different, and its speed was considerable for what her level was supposed to be capable of. It was the most amusing turn of events.
"Let's continue." Doppo calmly instructed, as he continued to approach her.
Rukia took her stance and quickly considered what to do next. While she was certain he wasn't able to follow her Shunpo, at least for now, the fact he was unfazed showed her that clearly Doppo wasn't affected by a mere difference in speed. Something more drastic was needed.
With a meditative breath, Rukia went back on the offensive, performing a simple yet swift thrust. To which Doppo replied by bringing his right-arm and katana up. For a moment Rukia was confused, since his movements lacked any real strength. At least, this was true until his left-hand moved up, grabbing onto the hilt of his blade. As soon as both hands held onto his katana, it was as if time stopped for Rukia, as Doppo quickly brought his weapon down on her for what could only be described as a true killing blow.
Using her regular speed, Rukia dashed to his left, swiftly turning her thrust into a horizontal slash, aimed for his torso. When it seemed like she was going to land a hit on Doppo, the NPC took all the power he had placed on his swing, and redirecting it onto his legs, bending them and his torso, allowing him to bend his body under Rukia's attack.
While he was still bent, Doppo's left-hand sprung out to Rukia grabbing on to the left-sleeve of her white haori. Rukia left her katana in her right-hand and allowed Doppo to not only pull her sleeve, but also to regain his proper footing. She was now in a sense attached to him, making it easier for him to attack, and more difficult for her to escape. It was his strange flexibility that lessened her ability to land a proper blow on him.
With that in mind, she did the exact opposite of what anyone else would do, allowing Doppo to pull her closer. Rukia willingly approached him as well and placed all her focus into her next move. Doing her best to keep her left-hand pointed at the NPC, even as she was pulled, Rukia prepared her hand to perform the Oni Dekopin Hakuda technique, as she simultaneously performed a kick.
Luckily for her, Doppo was preparing for his next swing, when her kick barely made contact and she unleashed her technique, which sent the NPC flying a few feet along the floor, along with completely ripping off her left sleeve.
Silence fell upon the event. Everyone from the south was surprised at what had happened. It was unprecedented for someone of her level managing to send Doppo onto the floor. Especially without anyone present hearing her invoke a [Martial Art]. They could see that Doppo wasn't injured, since at best she had only managed to cover him in dust, but it was still unexpected.
At the same time Byakuya and Rukia were also stunned. For Byakuya, something he could see, and Rukia for something she felt, smelled, and tasted, would be the blood dripping down her face. It would seem that either Rukia wasn't an expert at Hakuda, or Doppo was faster than the duplicate could handle, was decisive enough in making sure that her attempt at getting the better of him, left her with a shallow but significant gash.
Rukia let out a low breath and cautiously watched on as Doppo simply jumped back to his feet, sheathing his blade. His expression soft, and for a moment she thought that the match had ended. That was until Doppo took a low stance, and then launched towards her. Rukia instinctually went on the defensive, but as soon as she prepared to react, Doppo was already on-top of her, leaning in close before he once again unsheathed his blade.
Pulling on his katana, Doppo landed a clean hit with the end of his hilt upon Rukia's gut, forcing her to stumble backwards just as he pulled his blade out of its sheath for a wide vertical-diagonal swing, forcing her to pull herself back and use Shunpo to put some distance between them again.
Doppo remained calm thoughtout. Despite the versatility her speed enhancing technique granted, it was not something he couldn't handle, now that he had seen it again. Her kick was the most curious thing, since the movement of her leg didn't seem like it would carry that much power. In that regard, Rukia was lucky to have timed the Hakuda technique and her kick in such a way, that even Doppo believed the impact had come from her kick.
Either way, the NPC placed his focus back on her, and was pleased with what he had seen so far. She was clearly used to fighting, and was well-trained in using her blade. Whatever her techniques were, she knew how to use them at the right time, and she was keen enough to know that she had better to keep her distance from him, but to also know that she had to get close in order to proceed. He found himself oddly enjoying this test. A rare occurrence.
Again, Doppo started to slowly approach Rukia, with her again taking her stance as she waited for him to get closer. Eventually he got close enough that Rukia had only to take two steps forwards before bringing her blade upwards to slash at Doppo. In turn, he sidestepped her attack and thrusted his blade forwards, which Rukia managed to avoid by bending her body to his right. Though he missed, it left her open to a wide and powerful follow-up attack in a skillful horizontal swing from Doppo.
Rukia barely managed to duck as the blade passed over her, slicing a few strands of hair. At the same time she sheathed her blade, since she could see an opportunity in that Doppo was now somewhat open with his dominant arm extended. As soon as she crouched, Rukia pulled her katana out to perform a powerful and lightning speed slash known as Hitotsume: Nadegiri. This was a Zanjutsu technique, that was based on delivering a powerful and quick blow that could cut down even heavily armored opponents.
Performing the attack, Rukia quickly used Shunpo to regain some distance between herself and Doppo, whom was once again caught by surprise, as his sash and shirt were cut open, with blood spurting out from the newly formed slash on his torso. This filled the arena with audible shock at Doppo's wide-eyed expression, since for all they knew, for him to actually be cut should have been impossible. Not taking into account the fact he was wearing regular gear made in this world, her blade should not have been able to actually draw blood from him.
"You idiot! Don't drop your guard!" Dai worriedly cried out.
Daisuke simply watched on, clearly intrigued and impressed by what Rukia had shown so far. So much so that he was already of the mind that she was perfect to be his bride. She was strong, skilled, and very beautiful, and at this point he could only hope that Doppo as the judge thought the same. After all, despite Daisuke's position as Emperor, he had no real authority in the Selection. Unless of course he decided to ignore the decision of the judges. Though that might cause more problems down the road, Rukia seemed worth it in his eyes.
Meanwhile back in the arena, since Doppo was still vertical, Rukia once again lunged at him using Shunpo to vanish and reappear behind him for a horizontal swing. As soon as she reappeared Doppo spun around and ended Rukia's initiative by placing his blade on her throat.
"Test concluded~" He amusingly remarked with a smirk.
"A-Already?" Rukia asked in surprise, unsure of what to think.
"Indeed. I too am disappointed, but I've seen everything I need to." Doppo replied maintain that same smirk whilst sheathing his blade.
"R-Right. Also, I have to say your senses sure are something to have stopped that last blow." Rukia said, also sheathing her katana.
"When you're as old as I am, you pick up a thing or two.~ Nevertheless, you have quite the interesting set of abilities, and quite the remarkable blade. No ordinary weapon would be able to cut me."
"T-Thank you." Rukia said, relieved that he didn't seem to think too much of her.
"Heh! Don't thank me yet.~" Doppo chuckled, before promptly approaching and bowing towards the balcony where the Emperor was now standing up from his seat.
"As the judge of the final test, tell me Doppo-san, what do you think of the candidate?" Daisuke regally asked, reigning in his own anticipation.
"As you have seen, Goto-sama, the candidate is quite a fine warrior. She proved herself to have experience and the instincts of an elite warrior. She possesses fine weaponry and abilities that even leave me surprised. All and all, I think that she is worthy of her level and... she is worthy of standing by you, Goto-sama." Doppo proudly announced.
"I thought as much from the cut and dirt she left on your body. Very well..."
Much to the surprise of those present, the Emperor jumped from his balcony and landed in the fighting arena, now standing face-to-face with Doppo and Rukia. An act that prompted the four members of the Warrior Ōoku to jump after him, as well as Dai, before promptly surrounding both him and Rukia. Byakuya likewise entered the arena in the same way, since as things were going, this wouldn't cause any aggressive reactions towards him.
"G..." Kasuga tried to speak, but Daisuke simply walked past her and towards Rukia.
Even if she was still bleeding, Rukia now focused on the man that was approaching her. He was quite handsome. More so than most other men she's seen outside of Las Noches. Which for her made the marriage and seducing portion of her mission much easier. When Daisuke finally stopped a few feet away from her, Rukia went to bow, but the Emperor promptly raised a hand to stop her and spoke.
"Kuchiki Rukia, I congratulate you on having made it this far. I'll have someone heal you and then take you back home. Later this day you will be told of the date of the ceremony and from there on be helped in preparing for it. But this is simply a formality. While it is true that we will only see each other again at the day of the ceremony, we will be husband and wife, Emperor and Empress. I hope you understand what that means and that we can be amiable." Daisuke said in a soft yet dignified tone of voice.
"My lord, I am well aware of what my position means, and I would have never accepted coming here if I wasn't ready to carry this burden with you, as your wife and Empress." Rukia remarked, getting a chuckle from some of the NPCs and Daisuke himself.
"Indeed... You do not seem to be as foolish as to do something like that. Until, the ceremony, Rukia-san."
Giving Rukia a nod, Daisuke turned around and took his leave. He couldn't say that he was nervous. After all, he didn't know that much about the woman that was to be his wife and bare his child, beyond the official facts. However, looking at her and after having this brief exchange, he felt confident. Confident enough that he was certain that this would lead to the strengthening his bloodline was needing.
For her part, Rukia was relieved that everything was going according to plan. Now all she had to do was prepare for the ceremony, get him alone, and find the opening to bring Aizen here, and have him speak with the Emperor. As she thought on this, Rukia was indeed healed and sent back home, and once there she was quick to use her ring to send all of this information back to Las Noches.
By the time that this information made its way to Aizen and Amelia, the duo had just finished making use of one of the rooms in their new base. Amelia was still lying in bed, her damp body covered in sheets, but outside of that, given the familiarity she now had with him, and how that had affected her body, she didn't seem in any need for extensive rest or healing. Aizen himself was already sitting up on the bed, the sheets covering his lower body, as he finished taking in the new developments that was passed on to him.
It had been some time since the last time they were together, and Amelia decided that they would do well to make up for lost time and celebrate this new stage of the plan. Aizen agreed, simply due to the fact that he was aware of the benefits of entertaining his right-hand's desires. Although, he also took enjoyment from the time he spent with her, especially when Amelia was still among the few people that knew him so well, and having seen him in both his highest and lowest points since his arrival in this new world.
"Well, from what Rukia said, despite being young, this Emperor Daisuke does seem to be a rather competent individual." Amelia casually remarked.
"Not as easily manipulated as we might have expected. Is that what you are thinking?" He asked, looking down at her in amusement.
"Oh, among other things.~ Despite not being as immature and naïve as Queen Calca, he is still the heir to a great dynasty. He's more than likely doing his best to continue it and add his own passage to the history of his nation. I think this will make him more than open to negotiations... If the right offer is made. But I still have my reservations regarding the idea of getting him alone so you can talk to him." She thoughtfully replied.
"I understand your reticence. It is indeed a gamble to go into the heart of a foreign power to speak with their leader. However, their nation is a distant, powerful, and secretive one. It is best to get to him in one bold move, than to wait weeks, months, or even years to finally find a proper way to get close to him. And you are already aware that I will take all precautions."
"Naturally~ It would certainly make things faster than with other nations. Shame, I can't be there to see it." Amelia pointed out with a pout.
"Well, I can't put my right-hand at risk."
"Hmph~! Sweet talk can only take you so far."
Aizen simply smirked as he got back to his feet. Now standing by the bed, he looked at Amelia and then went back to thinking of their next step, which meant getting close to Queen Calca Bessarez...
"I would prefer if you didn't think of other women while you were with me, but I agree that we should start looking for an opening to get close to her..."
Aizen lightly smirked and hummed in amusement at this. It was also a rarity for someone to accurately guess what he was thinking. Even if the current topic made it fairly obvious.
"...Not only that, but I suggest that we should start taking on requests, even if they're small, just to start creating an impact in this nation and garner attention. Also, I say we should call back Alvis and Cayo. I would say the same for Jillur, even after the break you gave him." Amelia mused in a now more professional, calculating tone.
"Jillur is deserving of his respite, and the same could be said for Annika, while she is without her partner. Although I agree that we should start getting work done. Alvis and Cayo can be called in, and I say we keep Clementine and Khajiit where they are, so as to not pool all our resources here just yet. We can always call upon more duplicates when they are needed." Aizen smooth argued.
"I'd prefer us using ranked members, but I guess that for the time being that works. And it's not like Rylen, Jaecar, and Elsa will be gone for too long, if things go well."
"That being said, perhaps we should focus our attention on their current assignment. Not only to see what can come from it, but to be ready in case we need to take action." Aizen mused, getting a smirk from Amelia.
"While I wouldn't mind some 'action', after learning more about Nazarick from Cthalpi, I'll admit that it's too soon for that. So why don't we go and get cleaned up and then get to work~?" Amelia asked with a clearly suggestive tone.
"Hmph. You are incorrigible. Very well. Let us go get 'cleaned up'." He remarked, with a light chuckle.
"Oh! I was also wondering, wasn't the Sea Dragon meant to be a 'her' based on what Evileye said?" Amelia asked, getting up from the bed.
"That is what she said."
"And the one you subjugated was a male, so what do you think happened? Maybe she was talking about a different one?"
"It is possible. From what we researched, there seemed to have been more than one dragon that in a sense held the title of 'Sea Dragon', so it is possible a change happened, and she simply wasn't aware of it." Aizen analytically mused.
"I guess that makes sense. And he didn't seem to be at a loss for confidence when it came to these waters being his territory, so it's not like we got tricked into speaking with the wrong Sea Dragon."
"Indeed. Now, let's get going." Aizen said, earning himself a mischievous look from Amelia.
While the tone between them was light and relaxed, both understood that Rylen and Jaecar's current mission was one of great importance and great risk. It had to be pulled off perfectly, or risk much of what the Espada had done until that moment.
As they discussed how the Espada would play a part in the discovery of the "mysterious" Tomb, the inhabitants of Nazarick were finishing up their own preparations to the "spider web" that the Workers would be stumbling into. At the same time on the 5th-floor, what was now a common event was coming to an end, in Cocytus' training sessions with Shalltear, where she was learning how to fight more like a warrior.
These lessons had been taking place ever since Shalltear suffered what was for her, a sound and humiliating defeat at the hands of a disguised Rylen. A man that, despite being a stranger to her, had showed himself to be her better in skill and technique. Ever since then, Shalltear had been making an honest and surprising effort to better herself as a fighter, so that she would be prepared for the next time she came across that same strange man.
To say that these were strange times was an understatement. Never before had any inhabitant of Nazarick seen Shalltear see something through with such zeal, even after so many tantrums and beatings at the hands of Cocytus. Even as they now came at the end of their latest session, and despite Shalltear having improved her fighting style drastically, she still once again found herself laying face-first on the snowy floor of the 5th-floor.
For these sessions, Shalltear had taken to wearing sneakers and a track-suit that had been left behind by her creator Peroroncino. She used this after having been told that a "school-girl" uniform was perhaps not the best for the occasion. Both her and Cocytus were using long-bladed "sword-spears", since these were similar in size to Shalltear's [Spuit Lance]. At times Cocytus would use a staff-like weapon similar to the one used by foe she wanted to defeat, but he tried not to use it all the time, so she wouldn't get too specialized in only one particular opponent type.
As he looked at the still fallen Shalltear, Cocytus once again felt his body be filled by feelings of respect and admiration for both Shalltear and her nemesis. In the case of Shalltear, it came from seeing this new side to her. While he would rarely point out dislikes in the personalities of fellow creations of the Supreme Beings, he would have to admit that Shalltear had always been lacking to him in a sense. To see her now manage to evolve, especially as a warrior, from her own experience, reminded him of his own experience with the Lizardmen campaign, and how he should continue to strive to better himself.
At the same time, he was also envious of Shalltear, because while she had mentioned that even her opponent had admitted himself to be weaker than her overall, he was still able to push her to such an extent. As a warrior, Cocytus too wanted to come face-to-face with someone of that caliber and experience a proper duel, and a chance to learn from being on the losing side in single-combat.
This is what led to his feelings towards the man that attacked Shalltear. It made Cocytus so curious and keen about this world, and the secrets it still held from them. He wanted to come across such people. To cross blades with them, and earn a hard-fought victory. As he thought of this, Shalltear finally began to stir and eventually sat up with a pout on her face.
"Dammit! Stop hitting me in the head!" Shalltear roared, her voice echoing through seemingly the entire floor.
"Shalltear. You. Have. To. Stop. Lowering. Your. Guard. When. You. Have. The. Advantage." Cocytus matter-of-factly pointed out.
Shalltear's pout turned to a simple look of annoyance, as she swiftly got back to her feet and brushed away snow that remained on her shoulders and hair. As much as it vexed her getting hit on the head for her mistakes, Cocytus was right in that she had yet to master her nature. It was an extremely difficult thing to do, as it turned out. Even more so when it went against the will of her creator, since surely, she was like this for a reason.
Yet, this reason was still unknown to her, and perhaps because of that, Shalltear was able to, for the most part, ignore the doubts she had regarding the change this man had brought out in her. This resolve was helped by her bruised ego, and her desire to have him laid defeated at her feet, after being outclassed by her refined warrior skills.
"This lesson is coming to a close, right~?" She asked, looking around.
"Correct."
"Why not get a Doppelgänger to turn into him, so I can cool off?" Shalltear lazily suggested.
"I. Was. Told. Not. To. Use. Anymore. Doppelgängers. Since. You. Killed. The. Last. One." Cocytus stoically replied as an icy gust was expelled.
"It was an honest mistake."
"Mistake. Or. Not. It. Cannot. Happen. Again. Remember. When. We. First. Started. These. Lessons. A. Powerful. And. Skilled. Warrior. Won't. Show. You. Everything. He. Can. Do. Right. Away. Especially. When. The. Fight. Ended. With. You. Being. Sealed. Only. In. A. Serious. Fight. Will. He. Show. You. All. He. Can. Do. Killing. Lookalikes. Won't. Help. You." Cocytus promptly added, getting a low growl in reply as his mandibles clacked dangerously.
"I-I'm well aware. And don't worry. When the time comes, I'll make sure he shows all of himself to me~" She replied while licking her lips, to which Cocytus was unamused.
"We. Shall. See. If. You. Allow. Your. Urges. And. Desires. To. Take. Priority. You. Will. Leave. An. Opening. For. Him. To. Exploit."
"I-I know that..." Shalltear mumbled, taking a swing at the snow to vent some of her frustrations, leading to a large wave of snow being picked up and thrown about.
At the same time as the wave of snow reached its peak, a [Gate] opened on the other side, from where Albedo and Aura walked out, and just in time for both to be bathed in the snow. Something that wasn't really a problem for Albedo, even as she shook and brushed away the snow that rested on her head, shoulders, and wings. While Aura more openly showed her displeasure, since she now found herself waist deep on the snow.
"Shalltear, be careful with that!" Aura growled out, as Shalltear and Cocytus became aware of their presence.
"Oya~! What's that? I can't hear you from down there, Shorty." Shalltear remarked with a sarcastic laugh.
"Speak for yourself, Fake-Boobs!" Aura quickly fired back.
"Why you..."
The True Vampire angrily went to talk back, when Albedo suddenly spoke over her with an extremely passive-aggressive tone.
"Shalltear, should you not put aside such time-wasting things as this 'training', and get ready for tonight's events?"
"It's not a waste! But as much as it pains me to admit, you are correct. It is an important day. So, for Ainz-sama, I will be taking my leave." Shalltear admitted, putting her training-weapon aside, turning around, and prepare to leave.
"Still, I must say that I have improved much." She calmly added.
"How so?" Albedo asked, though showing no clear interest.
"I don't think that before I started improving myself, I could speak and understand gorilla so well~"
With that final remark, Shalltear promptly started to walk away, doing so with long strides and keeping her chin and nose up in superiority. Albedo on the other hand was quick to grit her teeth, the veins in her forehead bulging as a purple aura burst out from within her.
"You damn lamprey..." Albedo growled, ready to act just when Cocytus lifted one of his hands.
"Lady. Albedo. Please. Calm. Down. Ainz-sama. Needs. Us. To. Get. Ready."
"That's right. Just let that Fake-Boobs walk away. We need to get ready." Aura added, even if she was clearly ready to distance herself in case something happened.
Albedo for a moment tensed her entire body, but being reminded of how their Supreme One was counting on them, and how surely a good performance would bring about much praise and love, she swiftly calmed down and let out a sigh.
"You're right. We have to do our best, so Ainz-sama will give us his praise.~ Oh, Ainz-sama~!" Albedo said, blushing and fidgeting in place.
"R-Right." Aura mumbled, still considering distancing herself from Albedo.
While Albedo fantasied about Ainz, Aura slowly walked away, eventually returning to her floor, planning to use Mare as an excuse to why she left Albedo's side. Cocytus decided to go and make sure all the NPCs, Lizardman and Hamsuke were in place to meet the intruders. Meanwhile, Shalltear returned to her quarters in the 2nd-floor.
Shalltear too was interested to see how this night would go, but she couldn't express outright excitement, since she already knew that their prey were weaklings who were walking to their doom. Deep down, she hoped that the same man that had attacked her would somehow make an appearance. So much so that she had already prepared many excuses to try and fight him.
For her it was a pleasant expectation to have, along with the desire to hopefully get one of the cuter intruders as a pet if that was possible. So, as she allowed her now naked body to slip into a large, hot bath, while her Vampire Brides tended to her needs, Shalltear allowed her mind to wonder through all these things. Without realizing how ironic it was that the one she aspired to defeat would be closer to her home than she would realize...