Edster: SOLO LEVELING is god-mode anime! The latest episode (6) was unbelievably good and I cannot wait for what comes next! Make no mistake, every series I've watched this season has been good, but SL is heads and shoulders above them all right now. If it carries on in this vein, it could very easily break into my top 5 shows of all time which would be a hard crowd to crack considering they consist of AoT, FMAB, Shield Hero, Overlord and 86 which are all top-tier shows in their own right!
daniel: AGREED! SL Has been the TOP series this season bar none! The Latest episode got me SO pumped! I have read the Korean manga and I know if they keep up the good work the anime will rightfully claim its spot among the GREATEST!
Edster: Okay we're done with all the SL hype ranting for now! Welcome back to Chapter 23 of this story of ours. We are honoured that you are still sticking around for this awesome ride we're currently on as we come to the end of Season 2, and hope you are all doing well in whatever you are doing.
With all that said from us, time for what you are here for, Chapter 23! And as I said, we are ramping right up with the Demonic Disturbance in this chapter! 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 23 – Gathering of Heroes
"Good evening," the black-armoured warrior greeted in a deep, echoing voice as he rose from his crouched position. "So…which one of you…"
"…will be our foes?" His comrade finished, striking a heroic and gallant pose as the pair looked between Evileye and her masked assailant.
~TNT~
"That armour…those swords…their heroic aura and voices. Am I in a dream right now? They're really here!" "Sir Momon and Sir Alfred of Team Darklight!" Evileye called out, desperate to get there first before her foe could begin to sway them, not that she thought that wretched creature stood a chance of enticing these two legendary heroes. "I am Evileye of the adventurer team Blue Rose, and I plead of you to join forces with me! Three adamantite-ranked adventurers may be enough to take this vile foe down!" As the two titled their heads to look at her, she found herself flushing in both shame and…attraction? She was specifically affected by Momon, the Raven-Black Hero whose gaze was stirring something within her "No…I cannot ask this of them. I'd just be wasting their lives too after what happened to Tia and Gagaran…"
(Blue Rose? Isn't that meant to be the strongest all-female adventurer team in the world?) Alfred privately asked his comrade. He'd never gotten the opportunity to meet them before but had heard the rumours about how powerful each member was individually. Given what he'd heard…if he hadn't already been swooned by the beauties in his harem, he would have been tempted to claim one or two for himself given the chance.
(Indeed…how fortuitous that we can meet one of their number now, although it was a shame that Demiurge had to kill the other two. I guess he was either too over-eager or those two weren't up to his level of power) Momon answered regretfully, referring to the two charred corpses. (Still, we have a part to play, and they can always be resurrected if what we've heard about their leader is true. Let's get to it, shall we?)
(Right behind you, Suzi). "We'd be honoured to fight at your side, Lady Evileye," he gallantly told the petite woman, causing the small mage to gasp in disbelief. "Together we shall vanquish this monstrous foe and avenge your comrades!" He and Momon both drew their weapons and pointed them towards their opponent who had been watching motionlessly all this time.
"I was just about to enquire about your names, warriors, but the small maiden here has already let slip who you are," the suited demon spoke up with a small bow in their direction. "Though I have not been here in the human realm long, the names and reputation of Team Darklight are known to me, and I consider it an honour to make your acquaintance."
"You are unusually polite and honourable for a demon," Momon commented. "How about you tell us your name so that we can add it to the list of foes who have tried to defeat us and failed?"
"Such confidence…I look forward to stripping that away as I kill you," the demon answered with sadistic amusement. "You may call me Jaldabaoth, the demon king."
"You are certainly not lacking in confidence despite the odds you currently find yourself facing," Alfred commented as he arced his shield towards the suited demon. "Very well then, Momon and I can certainly play along…but by the end of this night I guarantee that we will be the victors."
"But before you die…tell us your purpose here," Momon demanded.
"Apparently an item with the power to summon and subjugate my kind has been located in this very city," Jaldabaoth answered as he stood back up to his full height. "I would prefer it not to remain in the wrong hands…I'm sure you understand…"
"How were they able to get the information out of him without even trying?" Evileye wondered as she watched the three converse back and forth as if they were old friends (little did she know how close to the truth she actually was). "They're first-rate adventurers alright…I just hope their blades are as skilled as their words…"
"Demi- *cough* I mean…'Jaldabaoth'." Momon caught himself in the nick of time, earning himself a curious tilt of the head from both Alfred and Evileye in the process. "Is there truly no option but to oppose each other in this manner?" Alfred was about to Message his friend to ask why he'd asked that given he knew how this would play out, but held himself back when he realised that Momon was just playing his role as a heroic warrior that protected the innocent.
"No, there isn't," Jaldabaoth replied almost…regretfully? "He certainly isn't your average demon…one minute he was gleefully killing my friends…now it sounds like he doesn't want to pick a fight against these two. Maybe his earlier confidence was all for show?" Evileye thought as Momon angled both blades at the demon.
"I see…well then, that makes our job easier, doesn't it Momon?" Alfred asked, sword raised.
"Indeed it does, my friend. We're just going to have to defeat him!" Momon answered. "I hope that's not too much of a problem for you, 'demon king'?"
"I will have to resist you, despite the odds being tilted in your favour…but I'm sure you already knew that." Jaldabaoth sneered as he bared his arms wide, his extended claws glinting in the moonlight.
"I expected no less…here I come!" Momon leapt at his foe with a challenging bellow, his two swords raised high over his head. As he smashed them down towards his opponent, Jaldabaoth got his claws up and met the attack head-on. After a few seconds in a weapon lock, the demon king forced his opponent back only to be met a second later by Alfred's furious charge. Reacting quickly, he got one claw up to hold back the silver knight's blow while lashing out with his other claw, only to have that be countered by Alfred's stout shield. With a quick burst of strength, Alfred forced Jaldabaoth back as Momon, having reorientated himself, proceeded to rain down a slew of furious blows which forced the demon onto the defensive while Alfred circled the fight, waiting for an opening.
"What is this…feeling I'm getting by watching them fight?" Evileye wondered to herself, feeling her heart and body go aflutter for the first time in over a century as she watched the two adventurers gain the upper hand against their foe. "How can this be? My heart stopped beating so long ago that I'd forgotten it had even existed…" She was so glad for the mask covering her face as she suddenly felt a rush of blood that felt as though it was going to light her face on fire. "Lord Momon…and Sir Alfred too, but especially Sir Momon…" she found herself internally squealing, her hands clasped together as though she were praying for her new comrades' victory. "You're…SO COOL!"
~TNT~
Their infiltration had come with a few close calls with roaming members of Eight Fingers, but eventually Climb, Brain and Lockmeier had reached the base's prison cells. However, and much to their alarm, the cells were all empty when they arrived.
"Damnit…either we were mistaken, or they caught wind of our approach and moved her!" Climb cursed, throwing his fist against the stone wall in anger. "How will I ever be able to look at my Princess or Sir Sebas again when I couldn't even save a single, young maiden?"
"Easy there, young Climb," Lockmeier consoled him with a reassuring arm on his shoulder. "Even the greatest warriors and adventurers are prone to failure sometimes, but that is a part of life. We just have to hope that the girl is still alive wherever she is, or that Sir Sebas can get to her first." He then turned to face Brain who'd been silent up until now. "What do you suggest we do, Sir Unglaus? We could either search the rest of the mansion or make our escape and hope that Sir Sebas is successful."
Brain pondered Lockmeier's suggestions while also struggling to overthrow the uneasy feeling that he'd been getting in his gut ever since they'd found the cells to be empty. It didn't make sense…the letter Sir Sebas had received clearly stated they had this girl, Tuare, under lock and key, so it would make sense for her to have been here. But instead, they'd found nothing. Could it be as Climb had said…that Eight Fingers had caught wind of their approach and moved the girl? Or could it have been a trap, designed to lure a strong fighter such as the likes of himself or Sir Sebas into an ambush on unfamiliar ground where they could have been picked off? Either way, Brain knew what his answer was. "We ought to leave, now. Something feels really off about all this…"
"Are you sure, Sir Unglaus? Tuare could still be locked up and tortured somewhere!" Climb protested.
"If she's not here, she's elsewhere in the mansion…otherwise they wouldn't have sent Sir Sebas that letter, which means he'll be more likely to find her if that's the case," he reasoned. "The best we can do is get out of the way and not end up having to be rescued ourselves. Sound good?"
Lockmeier nodded his support, and though Climb didn't like it he conceded that Brain's logic was unassailable. "I just have to hope Sir Sebas is more fortunate than we have been…" the young warrior brooded as the three left the way they had. Lockmeier once more was out in front using his stealth skills to scout ahead, with Climb right behind him and Brain bringing up the rear.
Fortune seemed to smile upon them as the trio drew closer to the secret entrance they'd come through, but that all quickly changed in the span of a few seconds as Lockmeier, having sidled up to a passageway corner to check that the coast was clear, was suddenly flung backwards towards where Climb was standing. It took the young warrior's heightened awareness and quick reflexes to not only avoid the flying adventurer but also to grab him and lower him down against the wall as he struggled to recover from the surprise attack he'd just suffered.
"My original plan was to have Succulent disguise himself as that young girl and have him lure you in this direction…yet it would appear you took the bait well enough as it is," a dark and sinister voice chuckled as heavy footsteps could be heard echoing towards them. "Besides, if he was weak enough to fall to the likes of you…he would've been useless anyway." As the owner of the voice rounded the colour and stepped out of the shadows, Climb gasped and Brain's eyes widened as they beheld the giant, bald dark-skinned man standing before them, clad in a light purple open jacket that left his muscular chest on show as well as similarly shaded pants and boots, with a mauve loincloth wrapped around his waist.
What was most striking about his appearance however, aside from his calm and confident expression, were the litany of tattoos that were emblazoned all across his body in the shape of various animals. There was a buffalo on his chest, a rhinoceros on each of his arms, a lion's head on the right side of his face, a falcon on his back and (unsighted to Climb and company) a pair of panthers on his legs.
"I know you…you're Zero!" Climb exclaimed, eliciting a deep and sinister laugh from the man in front of them.
"So you know me…I'm flattered…" the now-named leader of Six Arms drawled as he approached them, his gaze shifting to Brain. "And I never forget a face…you're Brain Unglaus, aren't you? I heard you were the one who put paid to Succulent…" Zero's expression fell into a frown. "If he was bested by a man past his prime such as you, then as it's as I said just now…he was not worthy of being one of the Six Arms. But…credit must be given where it's due, so in light of your past accomplishments as well as your skill, I will give you one last chance to spare yourself." The grin returned to his face as he made his pitch. "Prostrate yourself before me, and swear your undying loyalty to Six Arms…and while you're at it, kill the kid and your accomplice for good measure."
Brain's only response was to grunt amusedly, a reaction that didn't seem to surprise the muscled man as he held out his palm and clenched his fist. "I figured that'd be your response…" he sighed as he drew his foot back and entered a combat-ready stance, both fists clenched and aimed right at Brain's chest.
"Climb, stay down and see to Lockmeier…I'll deal with him," was all Brain said as he drew his sword and stepped forward to answer Zero's challenge. Climb was initially tempted to protest and offer his assistance, but upon quick consideration, he desisted and did as Brain asked. They were in a narrow hallway after all, and Zero was far stronger than he could ever hope to achieve. All he would do was get in Sir Unglaus' way.
The two skilled warriors only faced each other down for a few seconds before Zero launched his first punch straight at Brain's head. Seeing him coming, Brain quickly ducked aside and around the corner Zero had come from as the Six Arms leader's strike impacted the wall where he'd originally been standing, leaving a cloud of dust and broken chunks of rock in his wake. Roaring in frustration, Zero attacked again only for Brain to counter it with his blade. However, instead of leaving a mark or cutting into Zero's skill, the sword was instead deflected as though it had impacted against another weapon instead of bare skill.
"How the hell did that not at least draw blood?" Brain wondered before realisation set in as he remembered everything he'd found out about Zero from both the earlier briefing as well as the Six Arms leader's fearsome reputation. "Damnit…I should've remembered that he's a monk…which means his body is just as durable as armour." "Well shit…always thought the whole iron-fisted monk thing was just big talk for the ladies, but you sure took it literally, didn't you?" He quipped as he stepped back to create some separation.
"You got a smart mouth on you, Unglaus, as well as the skills to back it up…" Zero smirked, relishing the feeling of a good fight that he hadn't had in so long. "Looks like I may actually have to try and take this fight seriously…this is the first time someone's been able to last this long against me."
"You aren't so bad yourself," Brain grudgingly admitted as he backed a little more, giving himself more of the corridor behind him to work with. In a fight against such a dangerous opponent, he'd take every advantage he could get.
"Let's fight like we really mean it eh? Come and hit me with your best shot," Zero challenged, beckoning the blue-haired warrior to bring it.
"Heh, sounds good to me," Brain said as he re-sheathed his katana before lowering himself into his usual stance, hands wrapped around the hilt of his katana and eyes closed, taking a deep breath before releasing it as the familiar red glow of his Field skill suddenly blazed to life in its usual three-meter circle around him.
"Ah…one of your trump skills if I'm not mistaken. If I pass within that barrier, I'm done for," Zero observed, the smirk never leaving his face as he brought one of his fists forward. "Such a shame you can only use it when standing still and on the defensive." He shot his fist forward, causing Brain to tense up, only to stop his attack short before it passed through the range of the spell. "It's adorable really…don't tell me that's your ace in the hole? If you think you can win this fight by defence alone…then you are very much mistaken!"
"Close, but not quite," Brain smirked in return. "Using Field on its own may not be that impressive, but when combined with some of my other techniques…well, only one person has been able to withstand it." Upon seeing the confused look on Zero's face, Brain's grin only got wider…though he made sure not to let it fester into overconfidence. "When I combine it with my God Flash…that's my real trump card that cuts and bleeds my opponent dry before they have time to react. I call it…Wind of the Great Forest. Let's see if you're tough enough to stand up to it…"
"Fascinating…" Zero almost drawled as he arced his fist back again. "But I bet I could punch through it without breaking a sweat, so let's see which is faster…your 'trump card' or my fist. What do you say, Brain? Shall we put our speed to the test?" But before the two warriors could resume their duel, a familiar voice rang out from the passageway behind the blue-haired warrior.
"So this is where you've been hiding?" Sebas' voice rang out, causing both Brain and Zero to halt their respective attacks in astonishment as they watched him walk down the corridor towards them as though on a casual midnight stroll.
"How are you alive?! The others should have ripped you apart in no time at all!" Zero demanded, losing some of his composure upon seeing the elderly butler without so much of a scratch on him.
"Your colleagues are lying in pools of their own blood out on your patio, providing good sustenance for the crows," Sebas commented casually as he took his place beside Brain who gave him an appreciative smile in gratitude.
"You beat them so easily and made it here without a scratch that fast? Yeah, like I could ever believe that." Zero scoffed.
"The truth is often seen as impossible, especially by the foolish," Sebas retorted, causing Zero to snarl at his impudence.
"Sir Sebas…we are deeply sorry, but we couldn't find Tuare in the cells!" Climb reported as he carried a stumbling Lockmeier past the astonished Zero and towards where Brain and Sebas were currently standing. "She's probably been stashed elsewhere in this place…we have to find her and save her quickly!"
Sebas couldn't help but smile at Climb's earnestness. "I appreciate your suggestion, young Climb, but there is no need. Young Tuare is fine, as you can see for yourself." With a small wave of his hand, Sebas made a beckoning motion behind him which prompted the nervous young blonde, clad only in a white shawl, to peek her head from behind Sebas' back. "Tuare…please wait here with my friends while I take care of this, okay?"
"Okay…" was all she murmured as Sebas walked past Brain towards Zero. Sensing that the old man was about to take the fight out of his hands, Brain instead took up a defensive position in front of the girl while Climb continued attending to Lockmeier.
"Time out, Unglaus…I've gotta send this grandpa to the undertaker," Zero sneered as he shifted his gaze to his next opponent before addressing him with an undercurrent of annoyance behind his next words. "You just couldn't leave well enough alone, could you old man? If you dare step to me…you'll wish you had, for the true terror of Six Arms stands before you!"
Instead of looking afraid or even a touch concerned, Sebas just continued to stare down Zero like he was an insect unworthy of his time. This lack of reaction annoyed Zero to the point where he decided he was going to break this old fossil in half for his impudence with his strongest possible attack. "You asked for it, old man! Panther!" The tattoos on his leg lit up in a purple glow. "Falcon!" This was followed by the tattoo of the bird on his back that lit up bright blue. "Rhinoceros!" As Zero lifted his arms, the tattoos on them glowed in a nearly blinding green. "Buffalo!" Zero puffed his muscled chest out as the symbol on his chest proceeded to glow an angry red. "And Lion!" As he roared to the heavens, the corresponding animal tattoo lit up a fierce orange. "YAAAAGGGGHHHH!" He bellowed, bringing his fist back as it glowed in a kaleidoscope of the aforementioned colours before launching it full force at the butler's chest, and as it impacted Sebas' flesh it produced a blinding cloud of smoke that momentarily shielded him from view as all those watching gasped in disbelief and fear, thinking this had done the old man in. However, much to their collective relief, the smoke cleared a few seconds later to reveal that Sebas had barely reacted to Zero's attack. In fact, if his look was anything to go, he seemed insulted at such a weak blow from such a strong fighter.
"Wha-? Impossi-!" That was all Zero could utter as, in a display of speed that was almost too fast for the naked eye to follow, Sebas raised his boot and brought it straight down atop Zero's skull, piercing his flesh and bones and causing the man to collapse to his knees as a river of blood started to flow from the point of contact. "H-how? You're not…human…" The leader of Six Arms rasped before collapsing to the ground. He was dead before his head hit the floor.
"That was certainly a close one," Sebas commented almost casually as though he hadn't just got done slaughtering the most powerful of Six Arms with a mere glancing blow while dusting down his suit. "But as misfortune would have it, I was a tad bit stronger than that oversized brute." As he turned to look back at the others, he saw them all, except for Tuare who was looking mightily relieved, staring at him dumbfoundedly with their jaws almost hanging off the ground. "Now then…shall we leave before his underlings come running?"
~TNT~
The clash of steel and blades between Momon, Alfred and Jaldabaoth was as fierce as it was even. Even though he was outnumbered two-to-one, the demon was proving surprisingly adept at being able to block, dodge and weave his opponents' powerful attacks while even managing to throw in a few techniques of his own to keep the pair of adventurers off-balance. Having momentarily caught Momon off balance with a slew of powerful blows and sent him stumbling back, Jaldabaoth then parried a blow from Alfred before using his foe's momentum to hurl himself up into the air. "Aspect of the Devil: Tentacle Wings!" He shouted, causing a pair of black wings to spring forth from his back as he glided over Alfred towards where Evileye was watching the duel. Before the magic-caster could react, the demon shot a cloud of spiked bugs in her direction. Evileye crouched, hoping to ward off the blow as best she could, but when she looked back up she saw, to both her astonishment and secret delight, Momon standing in front of her deflecting the parasites by spinning his massive blades in a circle before him.
"Good…you weren't hurt, were you?" He asked concernedly, head turned to face her as Alfred moved to intercept their opponent.
"A-ah…yes, I'm fine…" she stammered, another blush forming behind her mask before noticing with alarm one of the wriggling parasites bury itself in his shoulder plate. "Lord Momon…look on your shoulder! Are you alright?!"
"What are you-oh, looks like I didn't get all of them." Evileye's heart continued to hammer away even faster as the black-armoured knight simply reached up and plucked the parasite from where it had nestled before crushing it casually between his fingers. "Something this minor is of no issue, so don't worry about me. I'm just glad you didn't get hurt." His genuine display and words of concern left her quietly moaning in pleasure, words failing her for the first time in so long. Just how had this gallant man reduced her to this state so quickly?"
"Bravo! I'm honestly shocked that you managed to keep her alive!" Jaldaboath praised as, after dodging another of Alfred's blows, he jumped up into the air again to keep out of his range while bowing at the same time. "It's not often I get to praise my opponents, so well done to you both!"
"You talk too much…and I have no more time for it." Plunging his swords into the ground, Momon turned around to look behind and, pleased by what he saw, reached down and took the furiously blushing Evileye in his arms.
"L-Lord Momon!" Evileye almost squealed as she instinctively curled into his armoured chest. "Forgive me, bards of the world! Heroic knights really do fight to defend their maidens! I should have never doubted you!" But just before she could continue to live this heavenly dream, she found herself unceremoniously shifted so that she was now being held underneath one of his massive arms like a sack of potatoes. "Now I feel more like baggage than a maiden…" she grumbled to herself. "Knock it off, damn you! This isn't the time for silly daydreams!"
"Looks like the odds are about to tilt further out of my favour, so before that becomes the case I'd best be on my way." As Evileye turned her head, she noticed to both her astonishment and delight two more figures approaching the fight. Her delight quickly faded to a scowl as she noticed they were both two incredibly beautiful women whose worried and concerned gazes were fixed on Momon and Alfred. "It was too much to hope that Lord Momon and Sir Alfred came alone without their companions…how can little old me compare to those beauties?"
"I must find the item I seek by any means necessary," Jaldaboath continued waxing as Nabe and Eleanor came to Alfred's side, their weapons bared towards the floating demon. "Heed my warning well, adventurers: A circle of hellfire will soon cover this city, and should you foolishly choose to follow me and pass through these flames you will be subjected to a slow and painful journey to the afterlife. Farewell." With a flap of his wings, the demon took off into the night sky and vanished from sight.
"He got away! Should we pursue my-Sir Alfred?" Nabe caught herself just in time as the two girls turned to face the silver knight.
"No…leave him for now. He may have run and hid for now, but judging by his words he'll be back," Alfred answered as he sheathed his weapons before smacking his fist into his palm. "And when he does show his face, we'll be ready for him."
"No! We have to stop him!" Evileye squealed from underneath Momon's arm, causing the others to look back at her with amusement (in Alfred's case) and displeasure (for both Nabe and Eleanor).
"Picking up chicks on the fly now, are we Momon?" (Don't let Shalltear see this…she'd be so jealous!) Alfred joked openly and via Message as the three wandered over to them which caused Evileye to blush even harder and the dark-armoured warrior to sigh before looking down to address the petite woman.
"No…Sir Alfred is correct in this instance," he explained patiently, ignoring his comrade's teasing. "If we went after him now as we are, he'd start fighting back like he really means it. And if that were to happen…even we would find it hard to stand against him even with our superior numbers."
"He's still protecting me!" "You truly are gallant!" She swooned, causing Momon to sigh again as Alfred had to fight back the urge to burst into laughter at both her words and his comrade's reaction to them.
"Come…let's see to your friends while you catch us up to speed on what just happened," was all he said as, trailed by his comrades, he carried the gushing magic caster over towards the corpses of Tia and Gagaran which immediately sobered her up as she began to tell the tale of their battle against the bug maid. Without needing so much as a signal, Nabe and Eleanor pulled out two large white blankets and laid them on the ground as Alfred gently and respectfully carried their bodies over one by one.
"…After that, we managed to drive the insect maid right down to the ground," Evileye was saying just as Alfred had finished laying Tia and Gagaran's still bodies on the cloth.
"Is that right?" Momon asked, both surprised and impressed at this small magic caster's power which had been able to subdue one of the Pleaides of Nazarick, albeit with assistance from her comrades whilst it was taking everything Nabe had not to lash out in retaliation for what this one had done to her sister maid with Alfred needing to pull her close and give her pats on the head to calm her down as he sensed her distress. "And were you able to kill her?" Though it was voiced concernedly, it was more to ask about Entoma's health rather than Evileye's. If this woman had really killed one of his dear friends' beloved creations…
"No, unfortunately," Evileye sighed as she knelt beside the bodies of her friends and thereby missed the easing of everyone else's shoulders now that they knew Entoma wasn't dead. "Jaldabaoth made sure that didn't happen.
"I see…but don't be too hard on yourself. Given a demon of Jaldabaoth's power level, it is highly likely that his minions are strong in their own right," Alfred interjected while laying a hand on Momon's shoulder, as he could see that his friend was as livid as his beloved. "And it may be that he only attacked you to defend the insect maid rather than out of any malice. Wouldn't you agree that's the most likely scenario in this case?"
"Perhaps…but I fear we may have tugged on the tiger's tail in the process…and gotten bit," Evileye replied forlornly before looking up at all of the assembled members of Team Darklight. "But you heard what he said! Trapping an entire section of the city in hellfire…no way that's just simple retaliation for going against one of his underlings. He would have done it even if his servant hadn't been attacked, I'm sure of it! My friends were right to challenge her…anyone else would have done the same in their shoes."
"O-of course, without question," Momon said firmly, regaining his composure. "It was never our intention to blame them for their fate. Indeed, the loss of such strong and heroic adventurers is a blow to us all and even more so to you since they were your comrades. We humbly beg your pardon."
"What Momon said…I just wish we could have gotten here faster…" Alfred grimaced with a clenched fist, drawing worried looks from both of his girls.
"Oh no…p-please lift your heads," Evileye pleaded to them both, even if her words were mostly meant for Momon. "A man as handsome as you shouldn't be…AHHHH!" She let out a girlish squeal and clutched the top of her head in embarrassment. "HANDSOME?! What am I saying?! It's like I can't help myself when I'm around him! It's been a few hundred years since my last crush but there's nothing wrong with that is there? No! Absolutely not! A man as strongly built as him is totally worth it!"
"Um…Miss Evileye?" Momon's voice was enough to break her out of her daydreams while only adding to the warm feelings that were now rising inside of her.
"Yes, Lord Momon?" She asked eagerly, unable to contain the slight swaying of her hips as she turned to face him which didn't go unnoticed by Alfred, thereby giving him more teasing material he'd be sure to use on his friend/adopted father later.
"Is there anything we can do for them…even if it's just to carry their bodies back to safety?" He asked. Evileye sighed before turning back to the bodies of her fallen comrades as Alfred and Eleanor, perhaps sensing their intent, moved to cover them respectfully.
"No…it's fine. My friend will be along shortly. She'll be able to cast Resurrection magic on them," she told them, sparking their interest.
"You have a party member who can cast Resurrection magic on them?" Alfred vocalized their thoughts.
"Y-yeah…our team leader Lakyus can invoke Raise Dead, a fifth-tier spell. It's impressive I guess…" Evileye trailed off as Momon and Alfred exchanged knowing looks from beneath their helms. So far they hadn't met anyone outside of Nazarick who could cast anything above the fourth tier of magic, so to know that there was someone who could cast even higher…was definitely worth investigating.
"And will your friends be able to engage in combat soon after?" Momon asked.
"I'm afraid not…this sort of magic costs too much lifeforce at the time of resurrection. It'd be too much of a toll on them." Evileye answered with another shake of her head. "They wouldn't be able to move around much on their own, much less fight. I wouldn't even suggest it for someone weaker than them…they'd have been reduced to ashes from such an attack."
"Not a major loss…if that Marquis who hired us was as good as his word, the adventurer teams he promised would join us should be able to compensate…" "Unfortunate…but if you don't mind, could we wait here with you? We'd all like to meet this leader of yours…Lady Lakyus, was it?"
That got a reaction from Evileye, though not the one any of them were expecting (except for Alfred). "Why the heck would you want to meet Lakyus?!" She shouted abruptly, spinning around to glare at Momon with her hands on her hips. It was all Alfred could do to hold himself back from laughing at the obvious show of jealousy whilst at the same time having to keep a hand on Nabe and Eleanor's shoulders to prevent them from lashing out at the small girl for (in their eyes) daring to confront their father-in-law.
"F-forgive me…my intentions are to meet the leader of Blue Rose. She is a fellow adventurer after all, and our senior in experience," Momon reassured her while continuing to remain oblivious to what was really going on. "Is there some reason why I shouldn't?"
"N-no…no problem! Not in the slightest!" Evileye squeaked.
"Very good," Momon sighed in relief before turning to his comrades. "Whilst we wait…Alfred, why don't you catch Nabe and Eleanor up with the situation here?" (And whilst you're doing that, inform Demiurge it's time to move to the next stage of his operation) He added privately.
"Can do," Alfred replied to both his spoken and unspoken request. "Come on ladies, let's leave Momon and his little squeeze here so that they can have some privacy." He then proceeded to punch Momon's shoulder plate playfully. "Have fun, you big lug." With a wave of his hand, he motioned for Nabe and Eleanor to follow him, leaving behind a confused Momon and a blushing yet completely embarrassed Evileye.
"Squeeze? Privacy? What the heck is he…?" The penny suddenly dropped as he realised just what his friend was implying. "DAMN YOU ISE!"
~TNT~
(As you wish, my Crown Prince) Demiurge cut off the communication before walking over to where the rest of his 'subordinates' were currently gathered. Lupusregina was fretting with concern while she healed Entoma's injuries, the bug maid's once-more intact head resting on Yuri's lap as the eldest among them stroked her head soothingly to distract her from the pain. Fengxian, or rather, 'Samael', and Solution, now donning the same robe and mask as her sisters, were watching over them, with the blonde-haired paramour of the Crown Prince showing a great deal of concern while whatever expression the Grand Marshal was wearing was hidden by his mask. As for CZ, she was currently standing at a height watching over the area they were currently located in, thus ensuring they wouldn't be surprised.
"There you go, Entoma…all healed up!" Lupusregina told her sister brightly as the last of her wounds closed and the dried blood caking her uniform vanished. "I'd recommend taking it easy for a while, but hopefully you'll be fully recovered within the next day or two.
"Thank you, sister…I will make sure that foolish girl pays for what she did to me!" Entoma growled as she got back onto her feet.
"As much as I admire your enthusiasm, Miss Zeta, I'm afraid we cannot risk what happened to you occurring again. We are at a crucial stage in our plans as our lords have given us the go-ahead for the final phase." Everyone proceeded to gather around as Demiurge spoke these words. "We will go ahead and summon the Flames of Gehenna and our demon army, and while they are causing havoc throughout the capital we shall complete our other side objective before awaiting Lord Ainz, Crown Prince Henry, Lady Albedo and Miss Narberal as they fight their way towards us. You all have your assignments for whom you'll be facing, but I am altering it slightly in case that pesky magic-caster shows up again." He turned his mask towards Entoma and Yuri. "Entoma…I want you to join CZ in 'fighting' Miss Albedo, and Yuri, you will fight that girl if she shows up again."
"Okay…" Entoma grunted petulantly as Lupusregina rubbed her hair affectionately. As much as she wanted to protest, it wouldn't do her any favours in the presence of one of the Supreme Beings. Lupusregina then handed her the set of robe and mask that was designed for her, which Entoma excused herself momentarily to change into.
"Understood, Lord Demiurge…do you wish her alive or dead?" Yuri asked with a crisp bow.
"From what I understand she is a part of one of the strongest ranked adventurer teams in the kingdom, and it would appear from what I observed that our masters have shown an interest in learning more about them AND her," he answered, with 'Samael' nodding in agreement. "However, she did grievously injure one of our comrades, so I would suggest roughing her up as best as you can without killing her."
"As you wish," Yuri answered, raising her head.
"Excellent…" Demiurge then proceeded to turn around and conjure up another Gate between them and Nazarick, and as he waited on the arrival of his summons he proceeded to surround the entire distract they were currently based in with towering green flames that lit up the night sky. As the others all looked on with anticipation and excitement, Demiurge motioned for the Evil Lords that were currently passing through the Gate to join him. Once they were all assembled, Demiurge's mouth widened in a grin of both malice and excitement. "Now then…shall we all get started?" It was time for the show to begin!
~TNT~
As the others returned to where Momon and Evileye were still standing over the fallen members of Blue Rose, it was Nabe who first noticed them. "Sir Momon, Sir Alfred…I think you'll want to see this," she spoke, trying to hide her excitement as she pointed over their heads. Turning around, the rest of them spotted to either their horror (in Evileye's case) or anticipation (as was the case for Momon, Alfred and Eleanor) the massive walls of flames that had suddenly risen into the night sky and had encircled the warehouse district.
"That…is concerning…" was all Alfred could bring himself to say out loud. "Leave it to Demiurge to put on a show…"
"Yeah…" Momon stuttered just as the toll of the bells rang out from all across the city.
"That'll be the capital's warning system, telling all the citizens to stay inside and for the guards to assemble!" Evileye quickly clarified. "Once Lakyus gets here, we should probably make our way to the guild hall and meet up with any other adventurers who are here."
~TNT~
"What will you be doing now that we're done?" Climb asked Sebas, who was carrying an exhausted Tuare in his arms, as they, Brain and Lockmeier all exited the Eight Fingers base.
"I'll be taking Tuare to a safe location," Sebas answered, trying to control the blush that was about to form on his cheeks as Tuare nestled her head closer to his neck. "Once there, we'll lay low until things are safe and then return home. I won't let what happened to her ever occur again."
"I understand," Climb said with a grim nod that was mimicked by Brain and Lockmeier. "Just so you know…everything you've done…really means the world to us. Thank you."
"Please…think nothing of it," Sebas assured them as he looked down at Tuare's sleeping form. "You have helped me keep my promise to Tuare…" "And Lady Ninya…" he added to himself. "I will repay the three of you someday. Of that, you can be assured."
"We were glad to…huh?" Climb suddenly stopped, his eyes and those of everyone around him widening as they saw it: the massive pillar of green flames that had shot up out of nowhere not far from where they were standing.
"What are those…what's happening?" Brain asked as the bells suddenly rang out all around them.
"We need to get to the guild hall and come up with a plan for…whatever that is," Lockmeier said quickly before turning to Sebas. "You two had better get to safety…I doubt you'd want to risk getting her caught up in this."
"Indeed. Good luck, all of you," Sebas said, The group then split off, with Climb, Brain and Lockmeier sprinting as fast as they could towards the guild hall while Sebas headed down a side alley with Tuare. Once he was sure he couldn't be located, he contacted Shalltear and had her make a Gate for him and Tuare back to Nazarick.
His part was over with for now, and for that he was grateful. As much as he believed in his lords' plan, he was glad he didn't have to play any further role in it. For now, he could focus on getting Tuare back to health and integrating her into the Nazarick staff.
~TNT~
Everyone in the capital, and even those who lived on the outskirts, couldn't miss the towering array of flames that had suddenly appeared and surrounded the capital's warehouse. Screams began to ring out as the panicked civilians all rushed to either barricade themselves in their homes or get away as far as possible. As for those trapped in the district, all they could do was hide and pray that they wouldn't be found by whatever malevolent forces had caused them to appear.
But the royalty and forces of the capital were not idle long. After getting over their initial shock, the castle guards began to ring out the warning bells that would rally the rest of their comrades to arms. At the same time, all of those adventurers currently in the capital hurriedly gathered their weapons and equipment and headed pell-mell to the guild hall. Whatever was going to be done to counter whatever was going on, that was where it was going to originate from. This included Team Darklight and Blue Rose after Lakyus had arrived at their location and resurrected Tia and Gagaran.
Those responsible for coordinating things from their side also began to play their part. With the King's blessing, Prince Zanac, Princess Renner and Marquis Raeven departed the royal castle on their own missions. Clad in full armour, Zanac and his guards headed out first to ensure the safety of the civilians, while Renner and Raeven headed to the guild hall to rally the adventurers and lead the eventual counterstrike against…whatever these flames were.
~TNT~
As Team Darklight arrived at the guild hall, they were both surprised and delighted to see how packed it was. No doubt some of them had only come for the gold and other rewards promised by the Marquis when he'd recruited them (just like he had 'recruited' Team Darklight) to help combat Eight Fingers and figured a bunch of demons (which had been glimpsed wondering around the Warehouse District) would add a lot more change to their bags, but from the sound of the gossip and determined voices around them most were here to defend either their families, countries or way of life from a sudden demon attack. And then there were the odd bunch or two who were either just eager for a fight or who were looking for a chance to show off and potentially raise their adventurer ranks in the process.
One such team caught Momon's eye as he entered the hall, and as their members waved at him, he and the others politely waved back having gotten to know them during their adventuring time in E-Rantel. This particular team, known as Crimson Zephyrs due to their specialization in quick and powerful attacks, was another all-female team like Blue Rose but wasn't currently as well-known given how they'd only been a proper team for the best part of two years. They were all between the ages of 18 and 21 and each had their own reasons for being an adventurer, but having come together through various circumstances they had blended well as a team and achieved outstanding results in whatever skirmish or quest they undertook to the point where they were currently mithril ranked. Their leader, the black-haired and bubbly spitfire-like Rurina Rose was, interestingly enough, the youngest in the group at 18 and wore a crimson cloak adorned with silver embroidery, a chainmail hauberk, and black leather boots. Strapped to her back was a silver-bladed scythe known as Crescent Storm.
Standing beside her and once more looking quite exasperated with her leader's behaviour was the elegant 19-year-old former heiress Wilhelmina Frost, who sported white hair tied back in a ponytail atop which rested a circlet imbued with a rare sapphire, a flowing azure gown with silver trimmings and knee-high grey boots. At her waist was the immaculately forged Frost Seraph, a rapier with an intricate hilt that was imbued with ice magic capable of precise strikes. Wilhemina had been born into a noble family but chafed under the restrictions as she longed for a life of adventure where she could make her own name rather than rely on her family's. Having run into Rurina one time when she'd managed to slip the confines of her home and hearing about her dreams, Wilhemina had wasted no time in leaving behind her life of luxury to pursue the journey of an adventurer and had adapted very well despite her spoiled upbringing.
Standing a bit further apart from everybody else and looking quite nervous around everyone gathered was the third member of Crimson Zephyr, 20-year-old Blaise Blackthorn. Quiet, shy and oftentimes reclusive, the gear Blaise wore reflected not only her personality but also her role as a thief, consisting of a simple dark green hooded cloak that covered her long black hair and leather armour with emerald accents, and hidden under her cloak with a pair of short swords with retractable blades designed for swift and silent strikes. Blaise's village and entire family had been wiped out by marauding bandits a few years back, leaving Blaise as the only survivor and forcing her on the run. Skilled as she was at avoiding notice, she was eventually cornered by a separate group of bandits looking for an exotic hook-up only to be rescued by the rest of Crimson Zephyr. Grateful to them for saving her life, Blaise had joined their team and had gradually come out of her shell over the past few years as a result.
As the crowds began to close around her, Blaise found herself shrinking into the embrace of her partner who instinctively put an arm around the shy girl and held her close. This was the fourth and final member of Crimson Zephyr, the blonde-haired, spunky and always-spoiling-for-a-fight adopted older sister of Rurina, 21-year-old Ysolt Sunfire whose loud and brash personality was well reflected in her choice of attire and weapons: A flame-patterned red tunic, leather trousers and golden gauntlets that could be infused with fire magic to enhance her already formidable punches. Having grown up and gotten close to Rurina through living in the same village all of their lives, Ysolt had made the easy decision to join her 'little sister' when she decided to become an adventurer and the pair had only forged a closer bond ever since to the point where they each considered the other their actual sibling.
Pleased to have seen Crimson Zephyr as one of those teams who'd be fighting alongside them, Alfred's eyes also quickly spotted another team who they'd become familiar with in E-Rantel. Like Crimson Zephyr, the Chivalrous Legionnaires were also mithril-ranked, but unlike the Zephyrs they had an even split of 2 young men and young women between the ages of 20 and 23. Their leader, an earnest 21-year-old blonde-haired young man by the name of Johan Archer was clad in a simple chainmail shirt, a green surcoat with a yellow crest and sturdy leather boots as well as a longsword strapped to his side and a tower shield to his back, was nervously discussing strategy with the second member of their group who was smiling and reassuring Johan constantly. This was the famed crimson-haired warrior Pernelle Ironheart, a 23-year-old lady warrior who had already made quite a reputation as a skilled fighter who could one day rival the likes of Gazef Stronoff, Brain Unglaus and Gagaran as one of the most powerful warriors of all time. She wore bronze plate armour with a red cape and a laurel wreath adorning her helm, and strapped to her back was a long-spear and round shield adorned with a golden emblem. She had once saved Johan from a sticky situation where the still-naïve warrior had gotten in over his head, whereupon he'd begged for her to instruct her to make him a better fighter. Touched by his earnestness, Pernelle had agreed to adventure alongside him and guide him on the path of the warrior.
The third member of their group, the excitable and quirky ginger-haired 20-year-old Norah Thunderheart was currently chatting the ear off of the other member of their team, the taciturn black-and-purple-haired 22-year-old thief Lysander Redleaf. They had been childhood friends and had virtually grown up together, and so naturally when Norah had yearned for the exciting life of an adventurer Lysander had immediately deigned to follow her to keep her out of trouble, and after meeting up with Johan and Pernelle one-time in E-Rantel and getting to them, the two pairings had instantly clicked and had come to form the Chivalrous Legionnaires. Norah was clad in a fur-lined battle skirt, a bronze chest plate, and lightning-shaped bracers and had a massive warhammer strapped to her back, whereas Lysander was dressed in a simple earth-toned tunic, light leather armour and carried a pair of twin daggers that had concealed throwing blades hidden within their hilts.
Once all the teams had gathered around the large table that was set up at the centre of the guild hall, the quiet hubbub of their talks was quickly silenced as Princess Renner elegantly flowed towards the head of the table, with her ever-present bodyguard Climb, the famed warriors Gazef Stronoff and Brain Unglaus and Lakyus, Tina and Evileye of Blue Rose at her side (Alfred had to make a great effort to tear his eyes away from the blonde beauty, having been slightly captivated by her upon their first meeting). As they walked past everyone, lots of voices broke out in gasps and whispers of awe upon bearing witness to both the beautiful and inspiring princess and the famous warriors in their midst.
For Momon, this was his first time laying eyes on Brain and Climb since Alfred had met the latter two previously. He had, of course, heard of Brain's formidable reputation from both Shalltear's and Alfred's reports and could now put a name to a face. As for the blonde-haired boy sticking faithfully to his Princess' side, he had listened to both Sebas and Alfred regale him with the lad's eagerness, potential, earnestness and dedication to both his duty and his benefactor and been quietly impressed by what he had heard. As for Gazef…they, along with Eleanor, knew first-hand of his skill and reputation and were bolstered to see him among the group.
As for the golden-haired princess who was preparing to address them all while standing above a large map that had been laid out in front of her…both men could see why she was so adored. Not only was she both beautifully and elegantly dressed, but her whole posture and expression radiated gentle kindness and care. That, and the fact that she was here among the adventurers instead of sequestering herself away in the castle, impressed both men who were used to leaders who detached themselves from their subjects and instead only cared for their own vices and power, both in the media they had consumed and the former Earth in what they had lived, so to see a future ruler act in such a contrary manner was both intriguing and comforting.
"Noble and brave adventurers, thank you all so much for responding so urgently to this dire situation we face," she began in her clear bell-like voice, her eyes and expression set determinedly as she proceeded to indicate a circled area of the map showing the capital's districts. "Only an hour or so ago, a wall of flames sprang up in this area of the capital, cutting it off from the rest of the city. However, according to Miss Lakyus and Evileye of Blue Rose…" She inclined her head towards the pair. "…these flames appear to be massive illusions and cause no harm upon contact."
"I touched it with my own hand," the leader of Blue Rose confirmed, her commanding voice carrying around the table and, unbeknownst to all, spiking Alfred's interest in her even more. "It didn't feel hot to the touch and I passed through to the other side without any issue." Her determined expression then set into a frown. "However…I can also confirm the reports that an army of lower-level demons has infested the area behind the flames." This drew concerned murmurs from several of those present.
"Their leader has identified themself as…Jaldabaoth, an extremely fiendish and powerful demon, and many dark and evil creatures of power are serving under him," Renner added.
"How strong are we talking?" Johan asked.
"Two of the members of Blue Rose, the warrior Gagaran and the thief Tia, were killed upon encountering him," Lakyus answered grimly. Even though she had resurrected the pair who were currently resting out of harm's way, it had still pained her greatly to see their corpses upon arriving at the scene of their fight. This comment drew further worried mutters from several of the adventurers, one or two of whom now looked incredibly worried
"And he did it with one powerful attack," Evileye added darkly, which only added to the festering bubble of fear that was starting to form around them. Seeing this, she quickly moved to placate their doubts. "Calm yourselves, and do not give in to fear! Yes, this demon's strength is formidable. I confronted him myself and was powerless against his might, but we have two amongst us even stronger!" She then spun around and pointed at the four members of Team Darklight who were leaning casually against the back wall while listening to what was going on. "The Raven-Black Hero Momon, and the Platinum-Silver Hero Alfred!" She declared, her words drawing excited gasps from those who had heard of their pair's formidable reputation and skills in battle. If Evileye was right…then surely with such powerful heroes on their side, they'd surely be victorious!
"Let go of the fear that threatens to cloud your hearts, brave heroes. I know this may appear hopeless, but I wouldn't have assembled you all here if I didn't believe we could win," Renner told everyone passionately. "Look at who has joined us this night! Along with Sir Momon and Sir Alfred, the two men who were able to fight the demon to a draw, we have the honourable and legendary knight Sir Gazef Stronoff, my father's most trusted and capable soldier. We also have Brain Unglaus, whose reputation and skill is on par with Sir Stronoff's." Brain scratched his hair awkwardly at the girl's praise. "With all of these mighty heroes on our side, I know we can pull this off! So please…all of you brave souls gathered here tonight, lend us your power and noble hearts so that we may destroy those who threaten the lives and homes of all we hold dear!"
After a cheer from everyone present, Renner laid out the plan that she, Gazef and the Marquis had come up with once news of the flames appearing had reached them: Once the demonic forces began their attack, the majority of the adventurers under the command of Gazef and Lakyus would hold them back in a rearguard action and thus keep them distracted to allow Team Darklight and Evileye the opportunity to break through the firewall and confront Jaldabaoth and his minions personally. Originally it was just going to be Momon and Alfred, but Nabe and Eleanor had stubbornly refused to be parted from their comrades' sides and Evileye was desperate for payback against both the demon and his insectoid maid for the pain and suffering they had caused.
"There's one more issue we need to take care of before we proceed," Renner then said once this had been decided. "There will be groups of civilians currently trapped within the flame wall that will need rescuing once we begin the operation. If the demons are holding them captive…they'll probably be using some of the warehouses and have likely split up families to discourage dissent." Everyone looked grave at Renner's words as the Princess turned pleading eyes to her loyal bodyguard. "You'll rescue them…won't you Climb?"
"Without hesitation…even if I die trying," was the young blonde's instant response that impressed the hell out of Alfred and Momon. Even Eleanor and Nabe couldn't help but feel the tiniest bit of respect for the fledgling knight.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Brain strode over and placed a reassuring hand on Climb's shoulder. "Princess…would you mind if I tagged along and kept him out of trouble?" He asked, earning a grateful smile from Renner and a nod of approval from Gazef.
"You would be most welcome, Lord Unglaus," came her heartfelt response, with Lockmeier also agreeing to go along with them a moment later. The young Princess then turned her eyes back on the rest of the assembled heroes and adventurers. "Thank you everyone. I shall remain here, and pray to the gods that all of you return to us safely. May the Light shine upon you. Happy hunting!"
Her final words were once again greeted with a fearsome roar, with those who were particularly touched by her words and actions this night even breaking out into chants of "Long live the Golden Princess!" before dispersing into their assigned groups with renewed vigour and heightened spirits. Everyone present, from the Chief Warrior himself to the lowest-ranked adventurers, were ready to do their part.
~TNT~
"I must say, you and the Marquis have put together quite the plan," Prince Zanac commented to his sister. Having done his initial part in making sure the citizens in the capital's other districts were safely back in their homes, the armoured Second Prince had rejoined Renner and Raeven in the upper room of the guild hall where the Marquis briefed him on what he'd missed while Renner settled for gazing out of the window as she watched all those assembled prepare for the night ahead.
"Indeed…although there is one aspect I can't help but be curious about. Isn't the mission you have sent your 'precious' Climb on too risky?" Raeven asked pointedly. "Though your plan ensures that most of the demon army is drawn away, to send him into the heart of their current territory could still lead to his demise if he is not too careful."
"He'll be making rounds inside the capital along with your soldiers, will he not?" The sudden shift in the eeriness of Renner's voice made both men uneasy. "And it's not like he'll be entirely alone either. He'll have Lord Unglaus and Sir Lockmeier at his side, and with their presence, I am sure he will not come to harm." Her head then tilted slightly, as though considering something. "However, if he does meet his end, my dear friend Lakyus will simply use Resurrection on him." She then extended her hand out in front of her and pressed it against the window as she looked down upon her 'dear puppy'. "And when his life force has been weakened from such a spell, I will ensure he is taken into my tender care. Since it would've been my order that got him killed to begin with, no one would dare object…I would only be doing what's right…"
"So that's your game…" Raeven murmured, thoroughly disturbed by what he'd just heard.
"I suppose that was your plan all along, dear sister," Zanac added, doing a better job of hiding the shudder that had passed through him upon hearing his sister's true desires.
"Indeed it was…" And as she turned to face them, both men recoiled in horror. It was the sort of face one would see in their nightmares, a truly disturbing sight that looked so out of place on the princess' normally smiling and benevolent mask. Her normally bright eyes were now sunken orbs that were as black as midnight, and instead of her radiant smile was a twisted and sadistic grin that one would find on the faces of the devils they were currently facing. Suffice it to say, neither the prince nor the Marquis would sleep soundly for a long time. "I'm sure my 'puppy' will last the night…after all, my new business partner did promise to ensure his survival. Everything is going according to plan…no matter what happens tonight, I will come out the winner as well."
daniel: Another day another amazing chapter! Thanks to everyone who has joined in this adventure! Next time we shall have the climactic battle! The Triumvirate's plans are going just as planned! Yandere Renner is best Renner and it appears Alfred has taken an interest in the leader of the Blue Roses as well!
Edster: Not as long as some of our usual chapters, but it was good to get everything set up for the epic finale coming next time! Momon and Alfred sent Jaldabaoth packing, with Evileye still falling head over heels for our towering black hero, Sebas doled out sweet and efficient justice on Zero and got Tuare back to Nazarick in one piece, and the flames of Gehenna have risen! But the other adventurers and Heroes are uniting to fight them back, and we'll see just how well they do in just under a fortnight!
And Yandere Renner seeps through once more! Oh how I adore her!
And yes, for those observant enough to notice…those are Team RWBY and Team JNPR from RWBY under different aliases and team names right at the beginning of the gathering. We just wanted to add other faces besides our crew and Blue Rose, and those were the ones we picked! We might bring them back down the line, but rest assured they'll add to the effectiveness of the defence force and make a good impression at the same time.
As for the next chapter, I can GUARANTEE that it will be released on Sunday 25th February, because if I didn't then it'd be an extra two weeks of making you all wait whilst I'm in South Africa and I'm not that cruel to subject you to that. So yes, expect to see it drop then as we wrap up Season 2's events before I go on holiday. Once again, daniel and I greatly appreciate all of your love and support for this series, and we will see you next time for Chapter 24 of the Nazarick Triumvirate!