Chapter 126: Return of the King
In the capital's Mitsugoshi branch, Beta along with all Shadow Garden members present in the capital witnessed the bright red light pillar and the message left by the late king through holographic recording. That can only mean one thing.
"That message… 666 must've obtained the key then. And the Cult must've responded. We must protect 666! Come 664 and 665! We must protect her!" She commanded the only available Numbers present in the Mitsugoshi branch as other members have other assignments, particularly to search for Rose and to quell the ongoing civil war and prevent the Necromancer's forces from stealing corpses. Even Epsilon and Delta are currently unavailable as they left to search for Rose's whereabouts after her father was killed last night. Hearing her orders lifted the spirits of her former teammate and friends, 664 and 665.
"Lady Beta! So you're not abandoning her after all!" Exclaimed 664, the squad leader of Rose's team, enthusiastically.
"Thank goodness, we're going to save her!" 665 said as she sighed in relief as the whole incident made her lose her infamous appetite that she haven't eaten anything since morning.
"I don't buy 559's story of her betraying us. This must've been a misunderstanding… or the Phantom is at fault. Either way, we cannot allow her to fall to the Cult's hands!" Exclaimed Beta who, as Natsume Kafka, actually befriended Rose before she joined Shadow Garden, thus she have a degree of care and trust towards the princess.
""Yes, Lady Beta!"" Exclaimed both 664 and 665 as they created black cloaks out of slime and followed Beta to the source of the light.
Mordred stood above the water with a shocked face as he witnessed my transformation. He soon replaces it with a slightly angry face. "I must admit, you surprised me for a second there. But if I think about it, it makes sense that you're the Phantom considering your unique control over magic. Don't tell me that Alucard is you as well?"
"You are correct. I was the Alucard who defeated you months ago. Heh heh heh." I taunted, which made him become more enraged.
"Which means the entire story of slumbering legends are merely lies. To think that you would work against me since back then. You've truly betrayed the Cult, haven't you?" Mordred remarked with a frown, still sore about his humiliating defeat against Alucard.
"Betray the Cult? No. What I'm doing is what every member of the Rounds do in their spare time, scheming against each other. I'm just following examples. Heh heh heh."
"You've turned members of the Rounds against each other than even Lord First Seat has taken notice. I must applaud you, Necromancer. No one has ever shaken the Rounds ever since Alexander the Great. But Lord First Seat doesn't need to dirty his hands on a fraud like you! I shall do it myself!" Mordred said as he pointed his sword at me.
"Oh? Fraud am I? Even though you're using a sword made by me?"
"You're a fool to hand over a power like this to me. Now I shall make you regret ever giving me this Artifact!" Mordred declared as he once again sliced through the air and I dodged the attack, which results in the wall in the direction of his slash to be sliced cleanly despite his blade not even close to reaching it.
"You're the fool here. I made that sword… which means I understand its power more than you who merely used it." A programmer would understand the software he coded more than its end user after all.
"Don't underestimate the Cult's knowledge, you upstart! I have far more knowledge of space magic than you think! Did you know that there are other worlds besides this one?"
"Of course I know. I came from another world after all."
"What!? You!?"
"And your plan is to use the Black Rose to open a portal to the 4th Realm, which is currently the closest realm orbiting this one. Isn't that right?"
"Tch. I admit that you're far more knowledgeable than I anticipated. But that doesn't change the fact that you're helpless against a sword that cuts through space itself!"
"How did you think I was able to dodge your attacks, then?"
"What?"
"You didn't think that far? You're even more of an idiot than I thought."
"Why, you…!"
"Allow me to enlighten your limited knowledge then. I created that sword and its enchantments, which means I understand how it works on a fundamental level. That also means I can easily detect the space that was about to be cut whenever you swing that blade. Not to mention…" I monologue before swinging my hand in a cutting motion, which cuts Mordred's cheek (and the cave wall behind him) before he could react. Stalactites also fell from the cave ceiling when they are cut by my spell and was dropped into the water.
"I can use that blade's power without the blade."
"You…!" Mordred angrily swings his sword again and again but I kept dodging it because I can sense which space he is cutting with my mastery of space. He eventually stopped when he realized his attacks are futile.
"You meddlesome creature…! Why won't you die!"
"By the way, I created another blade and enchanted it with space magic." I said as I summoned one of my newest floating swords, which is enchanted with space magic enchantment. "Do you want to know what it can do?"
"Isn't it the same as my blade?" Mordred said with an unimpressed face. Oh he is in for a surprise. A deadly surprise. Heh heh heh.
"Oh it can do much better than that. It can do this." I snapped my fingers and the floating sword teleported to Mordred's chest.
"Aghhh….!" Mordred coughs up blood as my blade suddenly appeared and is embedded on his chest before he could do anything about it.
"It can teleport." I finished as I watched him dropping to his knees.
"You think… Cough… You can get away with this…?"
"Oh I think I can." I said as I used my floating sword to lift him to the air, not allowing him to drown in the water he was standing on, and bring him close to me so I can gaze upon him closely, as if staring directly at his soul.
"You and Fenrir are fools if you think you can use my own creations against me. I know what I made better than you ever could, be it their weaknesses and limits, their reach, and even countermeasures against them." I said as I recalled the mind control Artifact I sold to Fenrir some time ago, which he entrusted to the Thirteen Night Blades to be used against me… as Claude. I will soon have a very fun time twisting his scheme inside out. But for now, Oriana takes priority.
Mordred widens his eyes but he clearly didn't have the context about Fenrir's plans. Despite being colleagues in the Rounds, they still scheme against each other and wouldn't freely share information after all.
"You… who the hell… are you…?" Underneath the mask, I grinned. It's been a very long time since I uttered my catchphrase.
"I am the Necromancer. Ruler of Death… and Master of your fates." He widens his eyes at my declaration, which reminded him of what I can do, what I was known for besides being an Artifact creator.
"And you won't be able to get away with defying me. From now on, you will be my eternal slave."
"No… you don't mean…!"
"Oh I very much mean it, Mordred. The Alexander you mentioned is already my slave in death. You should join him. And don't worry. I will soon make the rest of the Rounds join you both so you won't be lonely. Heh heh heh."
"NOOOO!" He shouts as I used my magic to steal his soul, leaving his corpse lifeless and motionless. I shall reanimate him later using his subjugated soul. I unsummon my blade, which took his body along with it, took Clarent back and left the hideout before the Shadow Garden members arrive here. As much as I want to play with them, my Queen Rose is a greater priority after all.
Ah, it's been a while since I acted as the Necromancer. It's good to be back.
We arrived at the subterranean lake and traversed through it on foot by using magic to walk on water. To think the Phantom- Necromancer would create another hideout in the capital so close to the first one… If only we could predict this, we wouldn't send too many personnel out of the capital to search for 666. But what's done is done and we must focus on saving 666. I just hope Necromancer isn't there. I don't think I can handle him alone.
But when we arrived at the lair, we only found signs of battle and no one was there.
"We're too late…" I grit my teeth and clenched my fist.
"Lady Beta…?" 664 asked with a worried face, perhaps surprised of how much concern I gave 666. I've been friends with her long before you two after all.
"Nothing. 664 and 665. Call for reinforcements and have a beastkin track 666's scent."
"At once!" The two of them left to carry out my orders while I stayed back to inspect the place. The layout of this place is similar enough to the first lair. It even has a pipe organ, although it has been sliced cleanly by someone. Most likely Mordred because who else would react to the late king's message if not him and who else possess a sword with long range slash similar to Epsilon's technique?
Necromancer must've made short work of him if they weren't here by the time I arrived. The thought of the Rounds fighting each other is reassuring but when it comes to Necromancer, who is far more dangerous than all the Rounds combined, him emerging victorious is not a good sign at all, especially considering he can enslave his defeated enemies with his vile magic.
No matter. All Seven Shades will soon gather and we shall do our best to at least thwart his schemes in Oriana.
I arrived at the royal castle, entering it through the main gate instead of sneaking in like last time. The guards not only allowed me to pass but also bowed before me.
"Hail Queen Rose!" The guards greeted me as I walked the hallways towards the throne room. Some nobles also lined up to greet and bow before me… though some of the have that grin… the same grin they wear when Perv and my father visited Midgar during the Bushin Festival. Of course not all of them are on my side. But I am not alone. Many of the guards followed me close behind as I walk. These guards are no doubt more loyal to my father than to the Cult.
Soon enough I arrived at the throne room and saw some nobles and a girl standing beside the throne. The girl greatly resembles me but younger and was dressed in a dress.
"So you're Clara." I addressed the girl but she did not respond. She remained standing with a blank look in her eyes.
"Welcome back, Princess Rose. It is good to have you back. However, you have a contender for the right of the throne." A royal guard, whom I recognize as Gwyn, who have served the royal family for years, spoke condescendingly. To think he is part of the Cult as well.
"You heard my father's message. He named me the heir to the throne."
"We cannot in good conscience leave the kingdom in the hands of someone that the warmongering king named as heir. Please do not sully the royal family anymore and-" I lost it when he called my father a warmonger and immediately decapitated him before he finished his sentence. All the nobles present are startled.
"She is like him after all!"
"She studied in Midgar! Of course she's gonna learn all their barbaric ways!"
"Warmonger's daughter!"
"Murderer!"
"Barbarian!"
"Monster!"
I should've expected this but hearing them whisper about me in such a manner hurts. But I cannot give up now. The presence of some of the guards following me close behind is reassuring enough and it gave me the strength to go on.
"All of you be silent." I sternly commanded them and they immediately became silent.
"Did you not hear what my father said? He was manipulated by the Cult of Diablos into committing regicide. Now our country is on the brink of war and it needs a new leader." I declared before pointing my sword towards Clara. "Do you have the resolve to lead this kingdom?" I asked her and she still does not reply. With Gwyn no longer speaking on her behalf, she can only respond by unsheathing the blade on her hips. The nobles merely watched as they waited for the victor to be decided. What a bunch of disloyal snakes.
"Very well. Have at you!" I accepted the challenge and she charged forth with her blade in hand. Her speed is impressive… if I haven't been trained by Instructor Lambda that is. After receiving the Shadow Garden training, her lunge seemed too slow and amateurish. I easily parried her strike and pushed away her sword. Now weaponless, her previously expressionless face began showing signs of fear as I walked slowly to approach her.
When I am directly in front of her, she closed her eyes, waiting for her death. But instead of death, I gave her a hug.
"You've went through so much, haven't you? The Cult must've treated you like a weapon. Don't worry. From now on, you are my sister, Clara." I whispered in her ears, which prompted her to cry.
"Uwaaahhh…!" She cries as she hugged me back tightly.
Clone or not, she is still my flesh and blood and I will not let the Cult use her again.
Author's Note:
In case you didn't know, Clara is Rose's little sister in the web novel. She did not exist in the light novel though, hence I brought her here as Rose's clone. Rose is certainly gonna treat her like a real sister though.
Receive The Wind Humbly: Another great chapter! Thanks for the reply, and honestly your thoughts on the creation of this mc makes sense, and offers some sweet insight into the character of the mc itself. Although I am surprised you were able to create such a (truly) villainous character without ever reading "Reverend Insanity". Well if you ever are in the mood for. truly evil protagonist, give that novel a try. It has well over 2000 chapters.
Answer: I might do that when I have time an in the mood for cultivation novels.
Guest: "I'm better than you" is basically Claude's way of saying skill issue at this point. With his first two battles with Cid referencing fighting games, I am now imagining him as a toxic gamer. XD
Answer: Lol maybe he is.
A-Yellow-Lizard: I love unapologetically evil villains! They're my favorite type of protagonist and I dislike how stories always feel the need to add sympathetic traits to them. I mean, I kinda find them hot, but still. Once again, no amount of poetry is able to describe it lol :D
Answer: Yeah, villains don't have to be sympathetic all the time. Sometimes villains should just enjoy being evil.
borregodillon9: The Japan arc is gonna be fire
Answer: I hope to make it flamin' hot.
TheVirtualPug: Mordred is dead.
Answer: Yes he is.
Guest: Bald scissor man is Sundowner, a villain from the video game Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. He is a warmonger who profits off of war. His favorite historical event was 9/11 since it kick started the war on terror. He fights using two swords that can attach together to form a giant pair of scissors, and a shield that counterattacks with an explosion if struck. During his boss fight, when putting up his shield he yells out "I'm fuckin invincible!" which has become a meme. In fact, the whole game is meme worthy. One of the bosses even gives a speech about memes before you fight him. The game had a re-emergence in popularity thanks to the youtuber Max0r's "Incorrect Summary" parody video on the game. The game also has an amazing soundtrack that can fit into any fight scene if you want to check that out.
Fun Fact: The game was referenced in the anime "Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out." The titular character was unable to defeat Sundowner and thus called him a "bald scissors dude."
Answer: Interesting. I didn't play Rising Revengeance and mostly only know Senator Armstrong memes. Senator Armstrong memes are used a lot in the The Eminence in Shadow discord server.
Guest: I know I shouldn't say it, especially considering that I didn't read this fanfic fully, but please let Rose remain on good side, at least neutral to shadow and necromancer. She's too pure of a girl(Sherry is canon, so it's okay) for all this manipulations. And about reveal of identities for her(phantom is necromancer, shadow is cid) from TheVirtualPug- it would be an interesting canon divergence.
Answer: As you can see in this chapter, she is still a good and compassionate person deep down. She also still have Cid to cling to. But she has to be a very stern leader in order to protect Oriana. This time she does not have the support of Shadow Garden and thus has to rely on a bunch of disloyal snakes and warmongering warriors after all. That is the trap that the Necromancer has brought her into.