Welcome one and all to the final chapter of the year, the landmark 20th chapter of the Nazarick Triumvirate. I hope you all are doing well, that you had a lovely Xmas and that you are looking forward to the New Year
daniel: Hey guys! Another day, another chapter! Had a lot of fun writing this as always! Wish you all a happy new year and can't wait for the upcoming anime! SOLO LEVELLING WILL REIGN SUPREME!
It is as my co-author said, a lot of good anime is coming to us in 2024. Solo Levelling in particular has caught my eye for some time now with all the hype surrounding it, and I can't wait to see it brought to life. In addition, we'll be getting the long-awaited 3rd season of Blue Exorcist after a long absence and I'll also be continuing to watch Shangri-La Frontier as it continues to air. And then in Spring 2024…oh my do we have a lot of absolute bangers coming our way including the second cour of season two of Mushoku Tensei, Season 4 of Demon Slayer and season 3 of Konosuba and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. 2024 looks like it's going to be really good for Isekai anime!
But that's not why you are all here…you're here (hopefully) for more Overlord are you not? Let's get to it then with the upcoming raid on the Eight Fingers brothel. How will things play out with Alfred/Henry added to the mix? We shall see! As always, the usual disclaimer that neither I nor daniel own Overlord or any of its characters, locations, events or anything else related to the anime, manga or Light Novels. The only things we own are our OCs, Henry and Fengxian. ENJOY!
Chapter 20 – The Spark
Between Sebas' previous knowledge of the area and the information the Eight Fingers assassin had provided them during their 'interrogation', the four arrived at the entrance to the brothel without any problems. That was as they'd expected it to be since the dangers would no doubt be lurking for them inside. They found an iron door between them and their objective as they approached.
"This is the entrance to the heart of the brothel. Given what our friend told us, it extends quite far underground and will no doubt be littered with traps and hidden dangers around every corner," Sebas surmised. The others nodded grimly, agreeing with his assessment, as the butler then glanced to their right up the narrow alleyway and pointed to the wooden door two houses up from them. "Then there's the side entrance he told us about, located in that building over there. Thoughts on how we should approach this?"
"One of us should launch an attack from the front and get their attention," Brain suggested. "Once they've been distracted, the other three can sneak through the side and get into the heart of the brothel without anyone seeing them and link up with whoever's assaulting the front door. That way we can find the ones in charge and take them out quickly before the alarm is raised…unless either of you two has a suggestion of their own?"
Climb shrugged before turning to Alfred as the silver-armoured adventurer considered Brain's proposal. Truth be told he'd be able to wipe out everyone in this establishment with ease if he went in all guns blazing, but given that, for the moment, he was playing the part of an adventurer he would have to restrain himself somewhat so as not to raise any suspicions. That and he was curious to see how strong Brain and Climb were in an actual fight to the death. "I've got no objections, and it looks like Climb doesn't either. How do you want to split us up, Unglaus?"
Brain paused for a moment and considered. Though he'd heard the rumours about this guy's strength along with the rest of his team, he wasn't willing to fully believe it until he'd seen the man in action. Though he had defeated those three assassins quite handily, he could easily have taken them by surprise and knocked them out before they'd realised he was on top of them. This time though they'd be on the enemy's turf…they'd hold the advantage of terrain and numbers even if Brain and his comrades were stronger. If the rumours did turn out to be true, then he'd want this guy watching his and Climb's back. And having seen the old man Sebas' strength for himself, he was pretty confident the old-timer could handle a frontal assault. "How about you get their attention while Alfred, Climb and I sneak in the back?" He eventually suggested to Sebas. "Climb can keep watch whilst Alfred and I clear the way, and then we'll all make our way to you. How does that sound?"
"That's a good plan Lord Unglaus…I'm up for it!" Climb stated confidently.
"I have no objections," Sebas nodded.
"Me neither. I'm happy to go along with it too," Alfred answered last of all.
"Can we please drop the formal talk already? I told you…I'm no lord. Just call me Brain…" the blue-haired warrior sighed.
"Alright, let's move in. We're fortunate not to have been spotted already, but if we idle out here too much longer the risk of detection increases," Sebas stated to get them back on track before turning his head towards all three of them. "One more thing…I'm planning to take as many prisoners as possible, but if any of them should resist I will kill them without remorse. Do any of you have a problem with that?"
The three younger warriors looked between themselves for a moment as if having a quick and silent discussion. Climb was the first one to answer. "Killing's unavoidable at this point. The four of us won't be able to arrest everyone we come across," the young warrior replied. "But if we should run into one of the Eight Fingers' captains, can I please ask that we take them alive if at all possible?"
This time it was Sebas and Alfred who shared a look. The adventurer nodded at the butler who, after nodding in agreement with his prince's orders, looked down at the blonde knight with a smile. "Of course, young Climb…I'm not a hardened killer after all," he answered him. "It's not as if my sole objective here is to butcher everyone I come across, so I'll do my utmost to accommodate your request."
"I agree…we could learn a lot from taking them prisoner, and once we put the fear of death into them they'll squeal to save their own skin," Alfred added darkly. "And once they've talked, I'm sure we can ensure their permanent stay in a jail cell, a fitting punishment given all of the suffering they've inflicted upon the people of this city." "After we take them back to Nazarick and hand them over to our interrogator first…now THAT's a punishment befitting their crimes…" he added to himself.
With their discussion taken care of, the four put their plan into motion. As Sebas watched to make sure the coast remained clear, Alfred, Brain and Climb quickly and quietly stole towards the hidden entrance and, after a small application of force on the silver-armoured adventurer's part, snuck inside, leaving the butler on his own once more.
"If it had just been young Climb and Brain, they'd have been in for a tough fight. However, with my lord now providing support, any foe they come across will be dealt with in short order. Still, I need to play my part to ensure our plan's success…" Sebas gave the metal door in front of him a quick tug but was met with stout resistance. "Picking locks is not one of my specialities…well, if I'm going to make an entrance I may as well do it with a bang…" He took a few steps back and planted himself in a combat stance before sending his fist flying towards the door, the force of his blow sending the door flying. He then took a brief moment to readjust his suit before walking inside through the gap he'd just created.
"What the hell?" "What's that racket?" Several voices spoke up from a room at the other end of the corridor as Sebas, unable to help himself given the nature of his day job, calmly picked up the broken door and set it back against the wall. He then turned his head to see several men staring at him in astonishment.
"Good. Looks like I caused enough of a racket to draw their attention…" "Excuse me, could you please direct me to your manager?" He asked in a dangerous tone despite the seeming light-heartedness of his question. "I have a few complaints that need to be addressed personally!"
~TNT~
Their elderly comrade's distraction had worked a treat as Climb, Brain and Alfred only encountered a small mob of Eight Fingers flunkies after sneaking in through the side entrance. Having been in both their cups and the middle of a game of cards, the inebriated and unsuspecting men were quickly and quietly subdued by the three able-bodied men. As Brain and Alfred laid their unconscious bodies against the walls of the room, Climb took out one of the bells gifted to him by Gagaran which he always kept on his person a quick ring, revealing a hidden trap door within the stone slabs that covered the floor.
"Looks like that's where we're going in," he pointed out to the two older men as they strolled over, intrigued by both the bell and what it had revealed with its glowing blue light.
"That's a pretty handy set of bells you have there," Brain commented.
"Tools such as those would come pretty handy for exploring an underground lair or a tomb," Alfred added, curious as to what sort of magic was in these bells. "Whereabouts did you get them from?"
"A certain lady gave them to me for just such an occasion," Climb replied as he put the first bell away before taking one of the others out of his pouch. This one was in the shape of a small triangle with a glowing green gem in its centre. "It should make up for the lack of a thief among us." As Alfred and Brain watched on with fascination, Climb went over to the hidden trap door and rang the bell three times over it. In response, the panel glowed the same green-coloured light as the gem on the bell which was followed a split-second later by a clicking sound, as though something had been unlocked. Climb then leant down and grabbed the edge of the slab before pulling it upward, revealing a crossbow hidden underneath that had a poisoned arrow already loaded.
"A poisoned arrow…clever…a useful fallback should the guards get overwhelmed," Alfred noted as he examined it. Given the colour and amount of liquid on the tip, it looked like a fast-acting poison that would kill the affected target in seconds. "You were right, Brain…these aren't your run-of-the-mill gangsters if they use booby traps like this. We ought to be prepared for more of this and far worse the further we go in."
Brain nodded before addressing Climb once more. "You probably ought to stick behind us and cover this door in case any more bandits return. Between Alfred and I, we should be able to handle any traps or ambushes we come across."
Climb shook his head. "I'm not very good at indoor combat. If there are more open areas awaiting us downstairs, I'd rather take my chances and fight with you down there."
"He's right, we stand a better chance of survival if we all stick together," Alfred agreed.
Brain couldn't fault either of their logic. Truth be told, he'd much rather have both of them covering his back down there instead of facing a whole lair of bandits on his own. "Alright then…shall we get going?"
Climb and Alfred nodded determinedly. Drawing their swords, the three men carefully made their way down the stairs towards the heart of the Eight Fingers' lair. As the most heavily armoured of the three, Alfred went first, followed by Climb with Brain taking up the rear.
~TNT~
*SMACK* *SMACK* The sound of knuckles meeting flesh, along with the muffled cries of a woman in distress as well as the familiar repugnant chuckles emanating from one of the rooms along the corridor he was currently walking down, was enough to make Sebas' blood boil even further. If that wasn't enough to give away what was going on in that room, the weaselly voice that spoke up in accompaniment was further proof. "Hey what's wrong…are you through already?"
"I know that voice…so it would seem the oh-so eminent Lord Heivish is morally repugnant in both deeds and vices," Sebas growled. "At the very least, he's made it easy for me to find him." Mercifully the sounds of fists hitting skin stopped, only to be replaced by the nasally wheezes of the bloated human as it sounded like he was getting his breath back. "I'd best hurry…I will not allow one more innocent woman to suffer the same fate as Tuare did!" His course set, Sebas increased the pace of his stride as he approached the door where the sounds had originated from. But just as he was about to put his hand on the door Steffan spoke up again, causing the butler to pause.
"You're not bad…but the girl who ran away had a scream that really drove me wild!" These words, accompanied by the noble's wretched chuckle, were the final straw for the normally composed butler as he proceeded to fling the door open with a loud BANG to reveal one of the most disgusting and wretched visages he had ever set eyes upon: Staffan Havish, completely butt naked, sitting astride a young woman who was sobbing in pain and distress and whose skin was covered all over in blood and heavy bruising. Startled by the sudden crash, Staffan turned around only to flinch in horror at the sight of the angry old man gazing at him with complete disdain and disgust.
"So…hitting girls brings you pleasure, is that it?" Sebas snarled in quiet rage. As the slobbering noble struggled to comprehend why he was here, Sebas quickly strode over and in one swift motion slapped Steffan across the face, sending teeth and blood flying and leaving a giant red mark on the noble's cheek, causing him to cry out in pain.
"Y-you bastard! Y-you won't get away with…AGGGH!" Whatever else the pudgy noble was about to say was cut off as Sebas proceeded to smack him once more with the back of his hand. But the elderly butler wasn't down there as he continued to rain down slaps on the battered noble's cheeks, alternating between the front and back of his hand whilst doing his best to limit the power behind his strikes. If he had hit him with his full power, the disgusting man would have been dead in an instant, and Sebas planned to teach him a lesson in pain and make him feel ten times over the agony he had put Tuare and the rest of his innocent victims through.
"M-Mercy…please!" The bloodied man begged piteously the best he could with his utterly ruined mouth as he tumbled off the side of his bed, arms raised as if to block any further blows.
"What? Don't you like it when the boot is on the other foot?" Sebas asked dangerously as he approached the cowering man. If the foolish man expected any form of mercy from him after all the pain he had caused Tuare and countless others, as well as for daring to imply he would defile the body of one of his maids, especially one that was claimed by his master the Crown Prince, then he had another thing coming
"O-of course not! Now stop it! Don't you know who I am?!" Staffan wheezed as though that made everything alright. Spoiler alert: It didn't.
"A mere fool. A disgusting parasite unworthy of the gift of life," Sebas answered, his gaze leaving Staffan momentarily to examine the battered girl who was now curled up in a foetal position and was sobbing brokenly. Seeing a maiden in such distress was almost enough to break Sebas' legendary patient and calm demeanour, but he kept his cool even as the rage burned in his eyes which were now once more looking at the cowardly noble with undisguised hatred. "For heaven's sake…how can you even live with yourself for causing such a disgusting sight?"
By way of reply, Staffan managed to get to his feet and stumble out of the door whilst Sebas was distracted with his victim. "Intruder! Come quick!" He shouted as best as he could through his broken teeth as he toppled to the ground once more. But as the seconds ticked by and no one answered his pleas, the fear in him spiked once more. "W-where are you fools?! Why isn't anyone coming to help me?!"
"Simple…they are either unconscious or dead and rotting," the old man's voice spoke up from behind, and as Steffan turned his head he saw the suited fellow approach him with murder in his gaze whilst calmly adjusting his suit and tie.
"I-impossible! You're lying!" The broken noble tried to protest.
"Now then, given what you've done and are intending to do, I see no reason to keep you alive. It's fitting that you would die here in the same place where you committed the most heinous of your crimes," Sebas said as he loomed over him.
"No no wait, please! W-What are you doing?! You can't kill me! I haven't done anything wrong!"
Once again, Staffan's pleas fell on deaf ears. And Sebas was in no mood for forgiveness after what he'd seen. "In light of everything you've done, you still don't realise that you deserve to be brought to justice?" The blank stare emanating from the disgusting man's battered face caused Sebas to sigh in disgust once more. "Despicable…"
"I can make you a very rich man! Just n-name your price and I'll honour it!" Staffan begged in one last desperate attempt to save his life, using the same method that had gotten him out of similarly difficult situations. Unfortunately for him, he was dealing with one of the few men in this world who couldn't be bribed, and as the butler's eyes narrowed he only just now realised his mistake…his very fatal mistake, as it turned out.
"Only concerned with your own vices and greed…you are the true definition of a soul who is unworthy of life!" Sebas launched a powerful kick at Steffan's bloated chest, rupturing the slimy nobleman's organs and causing him to collapse to the floor in untold agony. "Now, lay there and rot like the disease you are…" With these parting words, Sebas turned around and walked back in the direction he'd originally appeared from, leaving Steffan to die slowly and painfully from the internal bleeding, a fitting end for the craven who had assaulted and left his precious Taure for dead, defiled and caused untold suffering to countless other innocent maidens and who had also dared to think he was worthy of Solution Epsilon, she who would one day be the Second Queen of Nazarick.
~TNT~
As the three warriors continued to make their way through the underground passages, they made quick and quiet work of any traps or unsuspecting bandits in their way. Alfred did most of the heavy lifting when it came to holding off their enemies, and then when it came to potential traps Climb would use the bells in his pouch to detect them, allowing the group to either bypass them or have Brain disarm them.
Arriving at another set of doors, Climb rang his bell again, but nothing was detected this time. Rather than taking this as a sign of good fortune, the three continued to remain wary by slowly pushing the door open in case there were any ambushers waiting for them on the other side. Once he was satisfied the coast was clear, Alfred went in first with his sword and shield bared, followed by Climb with Brain bringing up the rear.
After closing the door behind them, the three looked around to see that they were in an underground cellar of some kind. Boxes littered the walls around them, and the only other door was a single frame located at the opposite end of the room from where they'd entered. Though it looked clear, the three left nothing to chance. With Alfred keeping an eye out, Climb rang the bell that would detect any traps, only for it to come back with nothing. Brain then struck the ground with the hilt of his blade just to double-check, but again there was no response or activation of anything.
"No traps…no waiting guards…I don't like it, it's too quiet…" the experienced warrior muttered.
"Agreed," Alfred added. Though there weren't any traps or bandits waiting for them, something in the air still seemed off, as though something was still about to be sprung. "Keep your guards up and your blades close, and keep a special eye on all these corners...those are the perfect hiding locations for anyone with Stealth or Illusion magic." The other two nodded as the three warriors, standing back-to-back as best they could, slowly moved their way through the cellar towards the door on the far side, holding their breath and keeping their eyes fixed all around them, especially on the corners of the room. Along with their slow and careful movements, Brain continued to tap the ground with his hilt in case any hidden traps would be in their path, but mercifully nothing was sprung as the trio came up to the door. Brain motioned for the others to stand guard whilst he pressed his ear to the door, instantly picking up on the sounds of revelry and laughter coming from within.
"Sounds like there's a real party going on in there…" he murmured. "I'm going to go break it up…you two good to wait on me here?"
"We'll be fine," Climb reassured him bravely, giving his comrade a warm smile. "Just make sure to come back in one piece, okay?
"Be careful, Sir Unglaus, but be quick as well. I'm still getting an uneasy feeling from this place," Alfred added, keeping his eyes fixed on his surroundings.
"I'll see what I can do and see if Sebas needs assistance as well. Try not to get killed whilst I'm gone," the blue-haired warrior told them with a wry smile before passing through the door. As it closed behind him, Climb returned his gaze to both Alfred and the area surrounding them.
"You still seem on edge, Sir Alfred…do you really think there's still a trap waiting for us?" The young blonde asked.
"Call it a feeling in my gut or warrior's instincts, but yes…and now that it's just the two of us I'm expecting trouble," the silver-armoured adventurer replied. "Stay on guard…I'm going to do another check around the room, see if there's anything we missed."
"Got it," came the young lad's response as he lifted his blade and entered a combat-ready stance, much to Alfred's silent approval.
"Even this deep in the heart of the enemy's lair, he's keeping his calm and his wits about him, plus his stance and grip are solid, ensuring that he won't be caught off guard from any surprises…whoever taught him really knows their stuff, and I know Ki would approve as well…" Satisfied that the young man would be watching his back, Alfred went over to several of the larger crates stacked against the side of the room and gave the first one he came across several taps with both his sword and shield, only to get no response. He tried to pry it open, but with the amount of strength he was limiting himself to he couldn't make it budge. "An empty crate that's jammed shut…what am I missing here?" He pondered as he pulled himself up on one of the smaller crates to the side and tried to force the top upon, only to find that jammed shut as well. "Guess there's nothing in there after all…let's see what's in these smaller boxes on the side…" As he pulled the lids off of them, he had to stop himself from blushing at the neatly pressed maid uniforms folded inside. "Not as good as the ones my girls and the rest of the Pleiades wear, but still nice to look at…" He was just about to open one of the other crates when all of a sudden the side of the larger crate he had examined just a moment ago was blown open from the inside. Putting the maid uniforms down, Alfred retreated to stand side-by-side with Climb, his armaments bared, as two individuals casually appeared from within. "I knew there was something off…glad to see my hunch was correct…"
"Sir Alfred's warrior instincts must be really sharp if he still felt something was wrong even after we made sure the coast was clear…either that or he sensed them from the beginning and was waiting for them to make the first move…" Climb reflected with slight awe even as he bared his blade at the new arrivals. "Seems like Miss Gagaran and Lady Evileye weren't exaggerating his capabilities at all…"
The two individuals now facing them both had their own uniquely disturbing looks which unnerved the two brave knights a little. The one on the right possessed pale skin akin to a vampire's, but unlike Shalltear whose own brand of paleness wasn't unsightly to look at, this man's complexion was both dull and ugly which was only compounded by his dark-blue sunken eyes and a short crop of sandy blond hair that was partially long on the back. His lips were coated in pink lipstick which contrasted the stubble of the beginnings of a moustache on his upper lip plus a shadow of the beginnings of a beard on his chin. He was clad in what looked like a circus ringmaster's attire with a collared blood-red shirt and tight purple trousers, complimented with similarly tinged gloves and boots. As for the man on the left, his skin was pale also but not as sickly looking as his comrade's. He possessed small, sharp eyes that were studying his opponents carefully as well as a scar that ran down from the right side of his face, passing through his eye and ending at his chin, and wore black leather armour, brown pants and a green-hooded cloak, the hood of which covered his neat crop of ginger hair.
"The alarm indicated the intruders were already past here," Succulent, the hooded individual and the very same man who had, along with Staffan Havish, tried to bully and extort Sebas earlier that day, spoke up. "That was the point of using this secret passage to sneak out and wait for them."
"Calm yourself, my dear fellow…there's no good whining about it," the other man placated him in an eerily simpering tone. This man's name was Ampetif Cocco Doll, the leader of Eight Fingers' slave trafficking operations.
"You two are from Eight Fingers, aren't you?" Climb snarled.
"Ah, I know this little boy," Cocco Doll almost cooed as he turned his gaze upon the young blonde-haired knight. "He's the underling of that wretched harpy, Princess Renner."
"That he is, Cocco Doll," Succulent added as Climb growled at the insult to his beloved Princess. Only Alfred's calming hand on his shoulder stopped him from lashing out. "But this other man…I don't know who he is…"
"And you never will," Alfred stated calmly. "All you need to know is that I will be the one who will bring you to justice."
"Never fear, my dear Succulent…I know exactly who this man is," Cocco Doll spoke up as he hungrily eyed both men in front of him in a manner that the both of them had to hold back gags. "After all, word has travelled fast of the rising adventurer team coming out of E-Rantel. You are Alfred, the 'Platinum-Silver Hero' of Team Darklight, are you not?"
"Succulent? Isn't that the name of one of the guys who tried to intimidate Sebas into letting them have MY Solution?!" It took all of Alfred's control to not instantly boil over in anger. Solution was HIS woman, no one else's, and just the thought of another man desiring her was enough to get his fires going. It took a few seconds, but he was able to keep himself cool which would allow him to approach this encounter more carefully. "It would appear tales of our deeds have even reached the ears of criminals. Normally I'd be happy to hear how far our names have spread, but these two give me an uneasy feeling just by their appearance alone..." "I am," the adventurer confirmed, albeit begrudgingly. "Your network of contacts and associates must truly be impressive to have heard of us already, though I am surprised you haven't shared that with your associate here."
"I do not concern myself with your ilk, no matter what deeds you claim to have done," Succulent spat "And that absurd moniker? Don't make me laugh! You're surely just a spoiled upstart noble of another country playing to be one of the Thirteen Heroes as part of a stupid dream! Such childish posturing will be your end!"
"True true…even as an adventurer of some renown, he is beneath our notice. But this boy here, the young bodyguard of Princess Renner?" If it were possible, Cocco Doll's expression had turned even hungrier. "I wouldn't mind having him for my collection." The pale-skinned man's gaze shifted sideways to his associate. "Mind catching him for me?"
"I'll have to charge a separate fee, but sure…this will be a piece of cake," the hooded man sneered, striding forward and taking out his sword. Climb steeled himself in preparation for battle, but both he and their two opponents were caught off guard when Alfred moved in front of the boy, his sword and shield raised and his steely gaze underneath his helm fixed squarely on Succulent.
"If you want the young lad, you're going to have to go through me," he almost snarled beneath his helm. "I've been itching for the chance to beat up some criminal scum for a while now, and you'll do just nicely."
"Sir Alfred, please…at least let me help you fight him!" Climb tried to interject, desperate for the chance to prove himself. But the silver-armoured adventurer raised a hand and shook his head.
"You've already been of great help, young Climb, but this fight is personal," Alfred told him. "I happen to be a good acquaintance of one of the noblewomen in this town, and just before I arrived here she told me all about how this creep…" He pointed a finger straight at Succulent. "…and his overweight walrus of a friend had tried to intimidate her butler, the very same Sir Sebas who we spent time with earlier, and even dared to suggest they would 'take' her away as a form of 'composition'…" Climb's face paled as he understood what Alfred truly meant by that turn of phrase as the man's finger started trembling. "Needless to say, I cannot let the insult against the good lady stand and am here to repay that in full."
"Oooh, how so verrryyy interesting…" Cocco remarked, giving the now-annoyed Succulent an amused glare. "You never told me about this, my dear Succulent. Intimidating butlers and attempting to purloin noblewomen, are we? Such uncouth behaviour from one of the Six Arms…"
"Don't lump me in with Staffan's twisted desires…I was just there as security," Succulent spat back as he glared at the adventurer standing before him. "As for you, 'Hero'…if you want to make this personal, I'm sure I can spare some time teaching you a lesson. You are standing in the way of my next bounty after all…"
"Please make it quick, Succulent…I don't have all day and quite frankly neither do you," Cocco yawned. "Just make sure not to damage the boy too much… there are all sorts of lovely tortures and pain I wish to inflict on him before sending what remains of him to that wretched harpy of a Princess in a body bag." His previous carefree tone had now morphed into anger. "That will teach her to interfere in the business of the Eight Fingers!"
"He dares insult my Princess again?!" At that moment Climb understood what sort of emotions his current comrade was going through. After all, anyone who insulted his patron in that manner would soon find themselves at the mercy of his wrath. Granted he couldn't act such when the other members of the royal family and the nobles spouted their daily insults and grievances against his Princess, but he could and would act against these criminal scumbags who were intent on undermining the Kingdom and subjecting the innocents of this country to even more misery. "Sir Alfred…" he tried again. "Allow me at least to watch your back while you handle this guy."
"Thanks, Climb…this will be quick," Alfred replied as he advanced towards Succulent, his shield out in front with his sword raised behind him.
"Show him the strength of the Illusion Demon, Succulent…or is that moniker simply for show?" Cocco challenged, knowing that the best way to get the assassin to fight well was to rile him up with taunts and mockery.
It seemed to be working as Succulent's expression morphed into one of pure annoyance. "Grr…I'll make sure to deal with them before any more reinforcements come barging in. Shouldn't be too much of a challenge, plus I don't want anyone else getting in my way. Just remember that our true victory lies in your escape, so make sure you don't do anything stupid to get yourself killed. We can't afford any more distractions after…" Their tiff was cut off as Climb, thinking fast, quickly dashed around the back of Alfred and positioned himself in front of the door that Brain had gone through a short while ago.
"Neither of you will get past this door so long as I or Sir Alfred are still standing!" The young knight declared passionately.
"Ballsy claim little man, but once I'm done with your 'friend' here, you won't stand a chance!" The Six Arms member retorted before charging towards Alfred with his sword bared. Alfred braced himself for the onslaught, but as his opponent closed in he noticed to his sudden puzzlement that not only was the man's blade glowing a pale green, but it was also moving about very weirdly in his field of vision. It was taking all of the adventurer's focus to not be thrown off guard by it.
"The other scumbag called him the 'Illusion Demon'…which means he uses illusion spells," he realised as the hooded man's blade dove towards him. "A tricky school of magic to fight against, but as long as I stand my ground and keep on guard I should be alright. Just got to watch out for any freaky shit he might pull…" He raised his shield to block the man's blow, only for the blade to pass through it and head straight for his side. "Shit, he's good…no ordinary blade or school of magic could pass through Touch Me's legendary weapons!" Using his quick reflexes that were a staple of his build Alfred dodged to the side, resulting in the blade only glancing off the side of his armour rather than piercing it which he was sure was what his opponent was intending, not that he could ever dream of scratching let alone piercing the armour due to the sheer level difference.
Succulent's eyes widened a little upon seeing his attack so easily avoided, but he managed to keep his calm as he moved in for the attack again. This time he intended to confuse his opponent even further by giving off the illusion that he was zig-zagging from side to side at a rapid pace before landing his strike. While that attack may have worked on a less-skilled warrior, Alfred was no novice and wasn't fooled in the slightest. Keeping his eyes fixed firmly ahead of him, he waited patiently for the man to strike and then simply dodged out of the way again, heading in Cocco Doll's direction. This caused the Eight Fingers leader to back away in shock as Succulent, upon seeing the danger to the man he was ordered to bodyguard, quickly took up a defensive position between him and Alfred.
"Thank you…that nasty brute almost caught me with that blade of his…" Cocco simpered.
"Sorry…this one is proving trickier than my usual opponents and caught me off guard," Succulent apologised sincerely. "No matter…he can't keep it up forever, and when he lets his guard down I'll make sure to kill him quickly."
"You'll try at least…" Alfred thought to himself. Despite his impressive moniker, this man wasn't proving to be half as dangerous as he had expected. Still, he couldn't get too cocky as he might have some tricks up his sleeves that he was waiting to reveal if he sensed the adventurer would let his guard down. "I'll play with him a little more just to see if he can provide me some measure of a challenge, then I'll be sure to put him down hard for what he said about my beloved Slime…"
"Sir Alfred is just as amazing as Miss Gagaran and Lady Evileye said…" Climb marvelled as he watched the adventurer hold his ground in the face of his tricky opponent. "This guy would no doubt be a tough opponent if I were facing him, and I'd wager even Sir Unglaus would find him a challenge. But Sir Alfred's on another level…he's not letting this guy's magic get to him at all…"
Alfred decided a change of tactics was in order. He'd gotten a grasp of Succulent's offensive plays, so now it was time to see how he'd hold up with defence. Before the man could attack again, the silver-plated knight lunged forward and swung at his opponent, only for the man to smirk as his attack seemingly passed through his arm before clashing against what sounded like a sword despite there being nothing there. "So that's what he's playing at…let's try a few more times just to be certain." Making sure to measure his blows, Alfred rained down several more strikes against his opponent, only for the Illusion Magic user to shift his body at seemingly impossible speeds whilst creating the illusion that each blow had seemingly hit its mark, or allowing the sword to 'clash' against his blade as it had previously only for it to continue on its trajectory a little further before hitting its mark. These series of tricks were not only unbalancing the adventurer slightly (though thanks to his natural agility it was more frustrating than anything since it didn't take too much effort for him to compensate for what was going on) but also getting annoying. Given the choice, Alfred preferred a straight-up fight with no tricky or subterfuge magic getting in the way rather than one where he had to try and calculate and second-guess where his opponent was. This wasn't due to any laziness or lack of battlefield tactics on his part, but more that he felt it was a…dishonourable way to fight. However, given the sort of person he was fighting…he shouldn't have been so surprised by these sorts of underhanded tricks and techniques.
"Not bad," he grimaced after Succulent avoided his latest strike. "You may not be physically strong, but your technique is pretty damn good…and combining that with Illusion magic…that makes you a damn tricky opponent."
"I see there are some brains under that helmet after all," Succulent sneered, his confidence rising given how much trouble his opponent seemed to be having against him. "Yes, I have trained in both the Illusionist and Fencer classes. My tricks are nothing more than invisibility spells combined with illusion magic. Simple yes, but really quite effective…especially against an opponent who is physically more endowed than myself." Succulent shifted his sword slightly in his grip, tilting the blade towards his opponent's gleaming helm as his smile grew wider. "Not many can grasp that, instead merely relying on brute force to claim victory, and I will grudgingly admit from what I've seen so far that you are by far the strongest opponent I have ever faced. However...when it comes right down to it…are you able to discriminate between reality and utter fiction? Multiple Vision!" Before everyone else's astonished gazes Succulent created two identical copies of himself from seemingly nothing, meaning that Alfred was now facing down three tricky opponents instead of one.
"I had a feeling he'd pull something like this, but no matter….such a trick won't be able to fool me!" Given Alfred's incredible sense of smell both physically and magically, it didn't take long for him to pick out the real Succulent from the illusion. Somehow the man had been able to switch the position of his actual body when he cast his skill and was now on Alfred's left-hand side as he was looking at them. Taking a moment to compose himself, Alfred flourished his sword out to his right before charging forward, intending to swing his blade in a wide arc that would bisect both of the illusions before striking Succulent himself.
However, the tricky fighter had one more card to play as he watched Alfred sweep towards him. "Scintillating Scotoma!" All three copies spoke up, and as the spell hit Alfred found himself momentarily confused as a blind spot appeared in his field of vision, wavering between light and dark in a manner that was intended to catch the one affected off-guard for a few seconds, thus allowing the caster of the technique a few precious moments to counter. Seeing the silver-armoured warrior stumble for just the briefest moment was enough for Succulent and his two copies to swoop down on him from all sides, but unfortunately for the man Alfred wasn't as stunned as he'd hoped. Drawing on the strength and resolve of his dragon heritage, Alfred was quick to banish the blind spot from his field of view which allowed him full visibility of what Succulent was intending. Quick as a flash, Alfred dodged to the side and circled his assailants, bringing his blade across in the arc he'd planned from the get-go only this in reverse given the direction he was now facing. As his blade passed through Succulent's copies they vanished into thin air, and as the sword hit its intended target his opponent collapsed to his knees, spitting out a mouthful of blood before falling on the floor in a heap.
"Just goes to show that tricks and illusions have nothing on raw power and magic…still, that guy put up a hell of a fight. Just a shame I couldn't drag out his pain after what he and his associate intended with Solution…" But as Alfred got to his feet and was just about to address Cocco Doll whose expression had turned pale upon his associate's defeat, a shout from behind from Climb immediately raised Alfred's hackles once more.
"Sir Alfred! Watch out!" The blonde-haired knight's yell came just in time, allowing Alfred to swing himself around and bring his sword and shield up to block the thrust from a very much alive Succulent. "Another damn illusion, letting me think I'd managed to kill him!" Alfred seethed as he watched his opponent get back to his feet none the worse for wear. "That's it…I'm sick and tired of this shit!"
"You're lucky that snot-nosed brat was there to save your hide," Succulent growled, annoyed that his trick hadn't paid off in the way that he'd hoped as from behind him Climb let out a sigh of relief, so glad was he that his alertness and quick-thinking had helped Sir Alfred out in his moment of apparent peril. "But it won't happen again once I gut you both…"
"ENOUGH! I tire of your games and empty parlour tricks!" Alfred's voice suddenly boomed in a much deeper tone of voice, sheathing his sword and shield as he advanced on Succulent who was taken aback by both the adventurer's actions and the sudden shift in both the tone and power and his voice. "You claim to be the 'Illusion Demon' and a master of both illusion magic and swordplay, but you know NOTHING of what a true illusion is. Allow me to show you first-hand a glimpse of REAL POWER, one that cannot be disguised behind tricks and illusions!" He suddenly smirked beneath his helm as he remembered what Succulent had said earlier about blurring the lines between reality and fiction. "And when I am done with you…in your final moments, I wonder which reality you will prefer…the one you are currently seeing, or the one I am about to show you? INTIMIDATION…LEVEL ONE!"
In the blink of an eye, Succulent found himself no longer standing in the storage room. Instead, he found himself firmly chained up in the blackest of cells in the deepest dungeon one could ever fathom. The chains around his wrists and ankles were so tight that he found himself unable to move a single muscle.
"What the fuck is this?!" He exclaimed in mounting panic, finding himself unable to call on his magic. And no matter how much he struggled, the chains keeping him against the walls of the dungeon didn't budge an inch no matter how hard he struggled. "COCCO! IF THIS IS YOUR IDEA OF SICK JOKE I'M NOT IN THE MOOD!" He roared, spit flying from his mouth. "I'LL KILL YOU IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE!" He was beyond the point of caring for his employers, now just wanting to get the hell out of this rotting kingdom and be done with all of this.
Before he could yell or scream any more, a sight out of the deepest circles of hell came about as innumerable demons began to flood his cell. They were all so horrifying and deformed in both their appearances and behaviour that bile quickly rose in his throat and he ended up puking on the spot. And then, just to compound his current wretched state even further, one of the little bastards came in close and licked all the way down his face to taste him.
"HELP! HELP ME DAMNIT!" He cried, his previous arrogance, composure and smugness all melting away in the face of this terror. But instead of bringing help, his screams only served to make the demons around him slobber even more as they closed in on him.
And then the pain began as they began their feast. It was a pain beyond the worst and darkest of his nightmares, one that assaulted his very soul and being with more pain and terror than he could possibly comprehend. And yet despite the agony he was going through in both body and spirit, the sweet release of death wouldn't come…at least for a long while yet. His life of sins and criminal deeds was catching up with him, and until he suffered ten times over for each sin and misdeed he had committed then the pain, which felt like hell on earth, would continue.
"MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP!" He shrieked as the demons continued to gorge on his body and spirit. But no mercy ever came.
Back in the real world, Alfred watched on in satisfaction as Succulent's entire body, having collapsed to the ground not long after his skill had activated, twitched and spasmed all over the storage room floor, froth pouring from his mouth and his eyes rolling into the back of his head as he proceeded to piss and soil himself from all the terror and pain he was currently experiencing in his mind.
"Just another small stepping stone on the road to our conquest…" And with that assessment, Alfred lifted his sword and, with a single stroke, cleanly beheaded the hooded man. Thus ended the life of one of the fabled Six Arms, his soul dragged into the lowest depths of hell where it would be subjected to eternal damnation, a carbon copy of the torture he had just endured. A fitting end for such a greedy and immoral soul, especially given his actions and implied threat towards his beloved and treasured slime, his dear Solution Epsilon. "Let that be a lesson to anyone who even DARES to think about laying a finger on one of MY women…"
As this had all been going on, Climb and Cocco Doll had been watching completely paralysed. The former had managed to retain most of his senses thanks to Sir Sebas' earlier lesson, but even so, the power he had felt was on a whole other level than anything he'd experienced previously. "Lord Stronoff was indeed correct…there are those with unbelievable levels of power out there now. If they are all as powerful and terrifying as Sir Alfred…" Climb didn't even want to comprehend what that could mean in the future.
As for Cocco Doll, he was completely dumbstruck and horrified. No such power had a right to exist in this world! But what was far more concerning for the Eight Fingers leader at that moment was how his legs, no matter how much he was mentally ordering them to make a run for it, weren't listening. Even more unfortunately for him, his bladder seemed to be working perfectly as he had pissed himself out of sheer horror from what he had just witnessed, a feeling that only worsened as the cause of such terror turned around and casually walked over in his direction. With a swift and almost careless wave of his arm, Alfred's shield bashed against Cocco Doll's head, causing the man to crumple to the ground as he was instantly knocked unconscious.
"Nice try, 'buddy'…but the only place your legs are taking you is the inside of a nice and cosy jail cell," Alfred commented almost off-handedly before turning to Climb, who was still paralyzed in astonishment from everything he had just seen and felt. "Good thing Sebas gave him that lesson beforehand, otherwise he might have suffered the same fate as that bastard…" "Would you mind giving me a hand securing this one, Climb? I imagine the authorities would be very interested in what he has to say."
"S-sure," Climb stammered, still struggling to come to grips with what had just happened. But at least they'd struck a blow against Eight Fingers by removing one of the Six Arms and capturing one of their leaders. His Princess and Blue Rose would no doubt be delighted by what he and the others had done. But as he and the silver-armoured adventurer proceeded to tie up the unconscious gang leader, Climb couldn't help the question that came to his lips. "I mean no offence when I ask this, Sir Alfred, and I know we can't change the past…but wouldn't it have been better for us to capture Succulent instead of killing him?"
Alfred paused what he was doing, and for a moment Climb was worried he had angered the man. "Let me ask you something, Climb," he replied. "If that man had slandered and was complicit in an attempt to take away your Princess and have her violated without her consent by a greasy, fat noble over and over again…would you have acted differently in my place?"
Climb couldn't help but shudder at the implication of the man's words. If that bastard had done what Alfred was implying to his beloved Princess, he would undoubtedly sworn to do everything in his power to make him suffer ten times over for even daring to defile the most beautiful flower in all of Re-Estize. "I wonder…how much does the noblewoman Sir Alfred was talking about really mean to him that caused him to react in such a way?"
Taking Climb's silence as an affirmative response, Alfred finished tying up Cocco Doll and had just hauled him over his shoulder when Brain returned from out of the same door he had departed through. Upon seeing the unconscious body of Cocco Doll and the decapitated corpse of the man who had been Succulent, Brain had many questions about what had just happened. Alfred and Climb informed him what had gone down, obviously leaving out the part where Alfred had subjected Succulent to his Intimidation skill since neither was sure how Brain would take it. Brain then told his story about how he'd neutralized all of the Eight Fingers members he had come across as well as some tasty intel which he proceeded to share with them both.
With their mission now complete, they all headed back through the passageway Brain had come from which led into the base proper, linking up with Sebas in the process who proceeded to tell them all about his encounter with Staffan and his freeing of all the slave girls who had been subjected to his cruel fetishes. After they had exchanged the story of their own encounters, the four men left the base behind and separated back to their respective homes with Brain promising to make sure that Cocco was handed to the respective authorities alongside highlighting Alfred's role in the endeavour, thus ensuring that the growing legend of the Platinum Silver Hero would continue to rise and showcase that the title was no childish posturing.
Once Brain had finished dealing with Cocco, he returned to Gazef's house where he regaled the veteran warrior with the story of what had happened that day over a nice warm meal accompanied by a bottle of fine wine, a gift from the King. As Gazef listened he couldn't help but be proud of what Climb had accomplished by helping out with a raid against Eight Fingers and overcoming his fear. He was also intrigued by the adventurer Brain mentioned and the strength and power he wielded. Could he be another in the same league as Master Ainz, Lord Constantine and Lord Fen? He'd be sure to keep an ear to the ground regarding this team's activities.
~TNT~
"My lord Constantine…if my actions over the past few days have displeased you, then know that I take full-" Whatever Sebas was about to say was cut off as Alfred raised a firm hand to stop him.
"Not here…not where unfriendly eyes could be watching," his Crown Prince replied. They were currently walking back to the mansion directly from the brothel. Sebas nodded and fell silent as the two carried on their way. But as they entered the gates of the mansion, Alfred brought them to a halt outside the main doors. Looking in both directions to ensure they were alone, the silver-armoured adventurer removed his helmet before piercing Sebas with a firm glare. "Now then Sebas…tell me everything that happened, and leave nothing out."
With the understanding that Solution must have told her Prince everything earlier, Sebas knew there was no chance he could get away with lying or omitting anything from his report…not that he desired to in the first place. After taking a breath to compose himself, Sebas told him the full story of how he'd encountered and saved Tuare before bringing her back to the mansion and having Solution. He also confirmed that he'd told Solution not to inform either him or Lord Ainz of these matters since he believed that not only was it beneath their notice but also because he knew they were currently occupied with their own concerns and didn't want to bother them with what he viewed as a paltry affair. He then spoke about Tuare's recovery, how she'd fitted in as a maid and how fond he'd become of her and vice-versa, and also of Solution's further concerns which he again had told her not to speak of. Finally, he spoke of the encounter with Staffan and Succulent and his actions in the marketplace, meeting Climb and testing his resolve before finishing with Brain's appearance and request and then the ambush from Eight Fingers that Alfred had helped deal with. His report made, Sebas bowed his head to await his master's judgement.
Alfred had said nothing during Sebas' account, only asking one or two quick questions for clarification. After Sebas had finished, Alfred paused for a brief moment to consider all that he'd heard. Truth be told, even if his actions had compromised their mission…if Alfred had been in Sebas' place, he definitely would have done the same thing due to his compassionate nature and his innate desire to protect all innocent life, no matter how small they may be in the grand scheme of things. As a result, he realised he couldn't be too harsh on Sebas even though what he'd done had gone against the direct orders of one of the Supreme Beings. "I'd best leave his fate up to Suzi though…when it comes to Sebas, I'm far too biased due to my close relationship with both him and Touch Me…" "I cannot fault you for your actions, Sebas," he told the butler. "In fact, I would have been disappointed in you had you done otherwise. However, it cannot be ignored that by your actions, you not only went against the direct orders of my Father and I, but you also risked compromising your and Solution's mission and potentially Nazarick itself, and for that, your actions will have consequences." Sebas nodded in understanding, having expected such a response. "However, it would be improper for me to pass judgment on your deeds due to our close relationship. Once he has been informed of the full situation, it will be my Father, Lord Ainz himself, who decide your and Tuare's fates."
"I understand my lord Constantine. And it will be to my everlasting regret that I have disgraced not only your name, but the name of our Master and Nazarick itself," Sebas apologised contritely. "And if the judgement of our Master deems my fate to be the ultimate one, I want you to know it has been my honour to serve you directly. I also, if this is to be our last conversation, wish to pass on the last orders of my Lord Touch Me. After his falling out with Lord Ulbert that eventually caused both to leave Nazarick, he gave me one last command: Serve you first and foremost and guard your beliefs and ideals. Since that day, I have fully dedicated myself to not only the service of yourself and the rest of the Supreme Beings but also to staying true to my creator's final wishes."
Alfred found himself driven to tears by Sebas' honest words as well as the last decree of his dear friend and idol Touch Me. "You would be so proud of Sebas, my friend…he is a true reflection of your noble and selfless heart, and I wish I could thank you in person for gifting him into my service. I won't disappoint you, this world will know true fairness and justice…" The Crown Prince of Nazarick wiped away his tears to then reach out a hand and placed it on Sebas' shoulder, causing the old butler to look up in startlement upon seeing his Master display of emotion. "I'm proud of you Sebas, and I know if Touch Me were here, he'd be even prouder," he told Sebas honestly. "But don't count yourself out yet, Sebas. I will do my best to see that you are spared because I still need you now and into the future we are building."
Sebas found himself completely tongue-tied, so overwhelmed was he by his Master's selflessness and kind words, that all he could do was follow on behind as Alfred pushed open the doors of the mansion. As they entered, they found Solution waiting for them in her Pleiades uniform, a grim and serious expression on her face.
"Crown Prince Constantine, Lord Sebas," she spoke up formally. "Lord Ainz has ordered for you both to appear before him. He is waiting upstairs with Lord Fengxian, Lord Demiurge, Lord Victim and Miss Ninya." Her gaze then shifted to Sebas. "He also requests that you bring Tuare to him. He wishes to speak to her personally."
~TNT~
Climb took a deep breath and knocked on the door of his Princess' private quarters. When she bid for him to enter, he carefully and quietly opened and closed the door before lowering himself into a deep bow before her. She was currently looking out of the window with a posture that betrayed her worry. "My Princess," he spoke reverently, not raising his head or eyes. "I'm sorry for being gone so long, and for causing you any form of distress due to my absence."
"I was terribly worried for you Climb," she answered softly, closing the window and turning to face Climb who was instantly ashamed to see the worry that marred her beautiful face as she walked towards him. "I couldn't help but fear the worst had happened to you." She then indicated the very same small table that she and Lady Aindra had been seated around earlier that day. "Let's talk. I want to hear everything that happened to you."
Though he felt embarrassed about sitting at the same table as his patron, Climb acceded to her request and sat down opposite her before launching into the tale of today's events. Once he'd finished her tale, Renner couldn't help but smile happily as she told him how very proud she was of all of his brave deeds today, and asked him to pass on her personal thanks to his three comrades should he run into them again.
"The timing of your actions has proven to be very fortuitous for what is going to happen next," she told him as she poured them both another round of tea. "Tomorrow, or the day after at the very least, we will be launching attacks on seven of their facilities. After today's raid, we can assume that Eight Fingers' security will grow tighter as more time passes."
"I-I'm so sorry if I've jeopardised your operations…" Climb apologised sincerely, only for Renner to shake her head.
"Please, don't be so hard on yourself. Our intentions would have been hard to mask anyway, and now they are in the open," she reassured him. "In one day they have lost both Succulent and Cocco Doll, which will be enough to shake the very foundations of their organization. Which is why I, along with Blue Rose and any other adventurers I can find, will strike again as soon as possible." She offered her hand out, palm facing upwards as her voice became more confident with every word she spoke. "They'll have more than a bloody nose to deal with once we're done with them, so how about it? You in?"
"Always, Princess," Climb replied eagerly as he placed his hand in hers. He would gladly do anything to both atone for his actions and to please his Princess.
"Then it sounds like the next day or two is going to be very interesting," Renner said with another warm smile as she squeezed Climb's hand. "So please watch yourself, okay?" Climb nodded immediately, and the two passed some more time with conversation before the young bodyguard eventually retired to leave her to her rest. As soon as he left, and after looking at the mirror and deciding which smile would be best to fool the clueless girl, Renner then called in the maid who she knew was spying on her to help prepare her for bed whilst at the same time regaling her with stories about how brave and awesome Climb had been today. Though the maid seemed happy for her with her replies, Renner easily saw through the façade. Behind her pleased smile, she could see that the insolent girl was furious about having to act delighted for the deeds of a mere 'commoner'.
"For her disrespect towards MY puppy, and for daring to think she could get away with spying on me…I'll see to it that her death is a painful one…" She thought sadistically to herself. Every day, it was getting harder and harder to not show the true smile she hid behind her false, innocent one. "Oh yes…I will make sure her screams give me pleasant dreams for weeks to come…"
daniel: And it's done! More progress is being made for the Conquest of the world! And Climb proves himself more! Renner sure is something ain't she?
Henry will make sure that Sebas and Tuare are safe, especially after such a revelation about his idol. He owns it to him for such support from day 1
And to all the readers who think it's cringe Henry calling Ainz Father, I admit that is jarring but they're entirely playing a role for the Guardians and the world at large, they still see each other as brothers and best friends first and foremost.
Wish you all a happy new year and for the next year to be filled with more chapters and more for you guys!
Edster: I think my co-author has said it best! With the Eight Fingers now shown to be vulnerable, the board and the chess pieces will be moving. Renner has her own plots (and yes, more yandere Renner is BEST yandere Renner!) and you can be sure our group will take advantage of all this and more to further their own schemes.
Again, mostly a rehash of episode 9 but with differences due to Alfred's involvement. Staffan and Succulent suffer the fates they deserve for daring to disrespect Alfred/Henry's girl, Climb and Brain get to witness a glimpse of Alfred's true strength, and the legend of the Platinum Silver Hero continues to grow! But now we come to the consequences of Sebas' actions as Ainz himself prepares to sit in judgment. And we'll have a little family reunion on our hands going into the New Year as well before we kick off with the fun part of the season: Demonic Disturbance is coming!
Tomorrow we get the announcement for the next Overlord movie project for the Holy Kingdom. Depending on how that goes down, it will affect our plans going forward but I am looking forward to it!
Going into the new year I'll be kept busy with work and then my brother's upcoming nuptials in March, but I'll be doing my best to keep to a fortnightly schedule even if things may and probably will change in the months ahead. But as always, my co-author and I cannot thank you enough for all of the support you continue to show this humble story of ours, and we look forward to seeing you next time in the next chapter of the Nazarick Triumvirate. I hope you all have a Happy New Year and look forward to continue sharing this with you through 2024 and beyond!