A/N The Two Leaders

Alt title: A Trivial Matter

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Guest: Ninya seeing Zamaina turn into a pervert isn't necessarily a bad thing. It gives her hope! Remember, she originally thought he was gay.

gbibek2468: I'm glad for you.

Church21: I intend to feature the original NPC's more often in the future.

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-Date, Time-

'Thoughts'

"Speech"

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-Great Forest of Tob, 9am-

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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV

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Looking back, I see Ninya giving me the same apprehensive look. And taking a slight step back as she looks from my face, to the snake lady's chest.

"I'm just not winning today, that's fine." I sigh to myself as I turn to see a bunch of goblins pointing spears at us.

Good, some progress.

"Alright." I say as I step forward and plant a foot on the snake lady's neck. "Take me to your leader!"

The goblins all stare at us as the largest naga looks up from his skewered rat with disinterest. Before narrowing his eyes at us, and turning invisible.

He's about three hundred feet from us, and circling around the tree line. Using the brush to hide his movements.

'At that size, I'd imagine stealth is difficult.' I muse to myself. 'Honestly? Props for making it work.'

It's as I'm thinking this, that a goblin stabs at me. His stick of a spear snapping on my dark black cuirass. I watch in mild amusement as he freezes in place. Visibly trying to think about what just happened.

Looking down to the eager little goober. I squat down to about eye level with the tiny pest. Giving a false smile, I curl a finger and motion for him to come closer. When-

"Ahhh!" He drops his broken spear and runs off with his hands in the air. Causing me to chuckle at his cartoonish retreat.

Waiting for him to get a decent distance away, the other goblins all giving each other weird looks. Once the running goblin is out of eyesight, I continue.

"Ah, well that brought a smile to my face." I say as I stand up, much to the fear and apprehension of the other goblins.

I was going to kill him. But he made me laugh. So I'll just have to find my other example while I wait for the leader to be done observing.

"You're keeping an eye on him, right?" I tilt my head towards Aura.

"Hmm? Oh! Right!" She nods.

"Good, face him." I tell her. "Send the message that we see him."

I don't get any words from her. But I hear her turning to face the naga as he observes us from partway up a tree. Shocking him as he reels his head back in surprise. Moving as he leaves my field of vision.

"Yes we know you're there." I sigh as I cross my arms. "Are you going to introduce yourself? Or do I need to kill a few goblins first?"

I give an amused grin as the goblins in question take various stances of apprehension. Gripping their spears harder and swallowing some spit. Fear and worry plain on their features.

"Aaaah!" I have to hold back a laugh as I still hear the goblin running away.

"You've made your point." I hear a high, silken hissy voice say as he returns to view and slithers around behind the goblin wall. "Now, if you would remove your foot from my mate's neck."

"Hm? Oh right." I say as I had forgotten I had a foot on her neck.

As soon as I do, a goblin grabs her tail and drags her off. Her body, stiff as a board, making it awkward to do so. The whole display and time it takes, makes it clear that I'm allowing this as I stare down the naga with a practiced indifference. Like a wolf looking at something that could be prey, but is currently too full to bother hunting.

Yes I practice poses and lines.

"What is your purpose here werewolf?" The naga asks curiously after the serpent's mate is carried off.

Feeling curious, I unleash my Bloodlust Aura at level one. A werewolf passive that causes fear and panic. Similar to Momonga's Aura of Despair. Only this doesn't convey any negative energy, and is pure debuff with a slight instant death chance at higher levels.

The handful of goblins in front of me pass out after pissing themselves. With only one still remaining standing and- nevermind.

He just took longer to fall over.

The naga. However, merely grits his teeth and lowers his center of gravity. Hissing out a threat as he bares his sharp teeth. Showing he's prepared for an attack. And won't go down without a fight.

Honestly, I'm impressed. I, unlike Momonga, have an innate sense for an opponents strength. And I can sense this being is roughly on the same level as Hamsuke. But, Hamsuke submitted immediately upon a fear debuff. This one, grit his teeth and stood his ground. Even if it's a basic fight or flight response. He chose fight.

So, he has my respect in that regard at least.

"Hmm, impressive." I mutter before cutting off the aura effect. And the naga similarly relaxes. "Yes, I think you'll do nicely."

"What?" He hisses with an over pronounced H in what.

"Okay, so far I like you." I start off friendly enough. "So I'll give you a chance. Submit, or I'll make you." I finish with a grin.

He grits his teeth in thought. A near permanent glare on his long, grey face. His solid yellow eyes make it difficult to tell what he's looking at, but his body language shows he's paying most of his attention to me.

And then it briefly goes to Ninya behind me.

"Think about it and you die." I say in a low tone, causing him to flinch as he no doubt sees I noticed his attention shifting. "I'm the only one you need to worry about. So let's keep this to just us."

"Hmm." He let's out a low hum. "This one believes introductions are in order, no?"

"If that's how you want it to be, I'll entertain you for now." I say with a wider grin as I prepare a spell to, demonstrate my abilities.

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Aura Bella Fiora POV

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Watching Lord Zamaina skillfully back the naga into a corner is really something else!

"Hrmm, very well." The naga says with a hiss. "This one's name is Ryraryus Spenia Ai Indarun. I am the one known as The Demon Snake of The West. What would this one call you?"

Feeling the static in the air rise. I can't help but get hyped as I'm getting a front row seat! I'm not sure what to, but I know it's going to be cool!

"Well, I go by many names, and have been called many things." Lord Zamaina says as he casts a spell, using a lower tiered ranger skill to make the spell circles invisible. "But you can call me Lord Zamaina, The Tamer of Storms."

The other naga in the trees start getting uppity. And I sense they're about to attack us, might be because they see us as the weaker of the group. I mean, they're not wrong. Everyone is weak compared to a Supreme One! Still though, you'd think they'd have some brains.

"And just what could you have done to earn such a title?" The snake asks, likely according to Lord Zamaina's plan. How fo I know? Because he's chuckling at the dumb question.

"W-What's going on?" Lord Zamaina's pet vampire asks as she feels the static now thick in the air.

"I did just as I said." Lord Zamaina says with a chuckle as his markings glow a brilliant blue! "I tamed the storms."

It's at that moment, that the spell completes. And a loud crack is heard!

"Galvanized Field." Lord Zamaina casts, causing the trees all around us to be struck by lightning! Frying every bit of foliage in the nearby area and remove any and all places of hiding. As well as killing all the naga's getting ready to attack.

"Ah!" Zamaina's pet, Ninya I think? Eeps and jumps forward, clinging to Lord Zamaina's cloak.

I grab her by the back of her cloak's collar and pull her off the furred mantle. Resisting the urge to hit her for being so disrespectful! Doesn't she know that's the only thing left of his father?

How dumb can you be? No wonder she's just a pet. Not nearly as useful and reliable as a guardian like me! That's why I get the important jobs like building the fake Nazerick!

"W-What did you do!?" The naga asks as he backs up in fear, the naga's in the trees falling dead to the ground as the Camp is opened up to the sunlight. "My mates! You, you killed my mates!"

"You have a spare." Lord Zamaina points out to the naga still paralyzed on the ground. Having been merciful enough to leave him with that much. Not to mention he left him alive.

Really, he should be grateful!

"Hrrr, as a caster, you must be physically weak then!" The naga grits his teeth and launches at my Lord!

'Oh, you can be really dumb.' I think to myself as Lord Zamaina catches him by the throat.

I would help. But, I have a feeling I'd only get in the way.

"You would be forgiven for thinking that." Lord Zamaina says as he tightens his grip. "And you are right about casters being physically weak. But, I'm not a caster. If anything I'm a light armored fighter."

"Th-that!" The naga gurgles.

"I like you, so I'll let that slide." Lord Zamaina says before letting go of the naga, who coughs and grabs at his own, bruised throat. "Now, do I need to assert my authority further? You might not survive another demonstration."

"N-no my lord, your power, your unfathomable strength is clear to this one!" The naga says as he bows low. Proving once more that lesser beings can be smart.

Sometimes at least.

"You need not demonstrate further! You are clearly superior to this one in every way my lord!" The naga says. "You are more deserving of my rule! I only ask that I may be allowed to live! S-so that I may serve you of course!"

'Well at least he learned his place.' I think with a smile. 'But really, Lord Zamaina is being so merciful! He even allowed him to keep one of his mates rather than killing or taking them for himself!'

"Good." Lord Zamaina nods, and looks around. Likely seeing things I cannot, and making plans for the forest. "The wooden building to the south, you know of it?"

"The monument of ruin!" The snake says. "My Lord, my unequivocal master! This one heeds you bare caution, while your power is unquestioned there is much of the place we don't know and-"

"Go to it and wait there for now." Lord Zamaina cuts the beast off.

"M-my lord?" The snake probably missed hearing Lord Zamaina's words because he was too busy thinking of more praises.

That's the only acceptable reason he could've missed what Lord Zamaina said. And definitely not because he's questioning him.

"That building, it's mine. Or rather it belongs to the group I'm with." Lord Zamaina kindly answers. "Go there and wait for orders. If next I go there and you are not waiting, well. You wouldn't be the first snake I've skinned."

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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV

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"Well, I feel that went well." I say as the naga slithers off after assuring his mate was fine.

"You saw to it personally my lord!" Aura says as she leans forward to put herself in my line of sight without getting in front of me. "How could it not?"

"He could have been suicidal." I say as I turn around to a wide eyed Ninya. "What?"

"N-nothing!" She says awkwardly, averting her gaze as she steps aside.

Shrugging, I walk forward and pick her up. Earning another eep as I set her on the Fenris.

"If anything, you were very merciful my lord." Aura says eagerly. "And patient too. I mean, he attacked you! And you gave him a second chance and everything."

Honestly I was just in a good mood. So I let it slide. The reason?

"Aaaahhh!" That goblin is still screaming and running! Though, I'm probably the only one who can hear him. Maybe the Fenris can hear him.

"What can I say, I guess I have a certain fondness for snakes." I shrug.

"Is that why you, nevermind." Ninya asks with a small blush.

'What?' I wonder to myself.

"That's right!" Aura snaps me from any further ponderings. "Your uncle was the world serpent right?"

"Hmm?" I turn to the eager dark elf, before remembering my lore. "Oh, that's right. I guess it's just in my blood."

"Wait, how is your uncle a snake?" Ninya asks.

Before I can answer.

"He's not a snake." Aura says indignantly as she crosses her arms at the vampire. "He was the world serpent!"

"She doesn't know what that means Aura." I say before turning to Ninya. "My grandfather, Loki, was a god of trickery. And he loved shapeshifting. His wife, my grandmother Angraboda, was a shapeshifter as well. And well, my father is a wolf, my uncle is a snake, and my aunt is an undead goddess of death."

I hold back a laugh at Ninya's slack jawed expression. Probably not helped by how casually I said all that. Like I just told someone 'Oh yeah, my uncle is Johnny Depp, and my dad is the president Dwayne Johnson.' And being serious.'

"Are, are you a god?" Ninya asks.

"Yes actually." I say as I turn to Ninya.

I actually am a god. Not in the all powerful sense. But I do have two god classes. God of Lightning, and Raijin. Raijin is just a secret god class I managed to unlock through very specific means. It's on a similar level to World Catastrophe and World Champion. If not a little lower. I am ageless, assuming lore being made real has any say.

Case in point, my world item, Left Eye of Odin.

Thinking about that, makes me look to Ninya. And remember Odin first appearing, and how he helped me keep her.

I, I don't really get it. But I see her the same way one would see a hamster or a small dog. She's just so helpless, it's adorable!

Of course, I can also see her growing strength. And I find that, attractive. Which is also weird. It's so alien, yet so natural. Like, I'm seeing a pet slowly turn into a beautiful girl, who may one day turn into a woman.

"U-um, s-sir?" Ninya asks with a blush as she tucks her chin into the collar of her cloak out of shyness.

I just chuckle at her antics and reach out a hand to ruffle her hair. She hates that. And the pout she gives me shows me just how unappreciated the gesture was as she fixes her hair.

I chuckle before turning around, finding Aura to be twisting her foot into the dirt. Hands behind her back and blushing as she keeps her eyes downcast to the earth below our feet. Ears wiggling up and down in a way I've come to learn signifies nervousness in elves.

"Is something the matter?" I ask, causing her to flinch.

"I-I don't mean to impose on you My Lord." She says in that cutesy tomboyish awkward way she does when she doesn't know how to say something. "B-But, could I, um."

Having an idea of what it might be, I reach a hand out and ruffle her hair as well. Shocking the child into silence before she tries, and fails, to contain a happy squeal. One of such unadulterated and simple happiness that only a child could pull it off. I pull my hand back and she coughs into her fist, a light blush and sincere smile on her face as she pretends she didn't just squeal.

"Alright!" She says excitedly as she runs past me and hops on the Fenris. "Let's go! The troll I mentioned earlier is a bit further away, but we should make it there within an hour!"

"How about I race you there?" I ask with a raised brow. "Point me in the direction, and I shall run there."

"Are you sure My Lord?" Aura asks with a worried look. "I don't mean to question you. But even at top speeds, we'll end up leaving you alone-"

"That wasn't a request Aura." I say with a smile. "In fact, I order you to keep up with me."

I then give a playful wink, letting her know I'm not being too serious.

She looks worried for a few moments. Before, like a light bulb flicking on, her face brightens. And she nods emphatically, pointing off to the east.

"There's an artificial cave system built on a clearing that way!" She says while pointing, and I grin at the direction she's pointing in. "There's a river you'll need to cross first, but that should be no problem for you my lord!"

Oh, this'll be fun!

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Third Person, Yika

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Yika was always the weakest of his brothers. And for a goblin, that says something. Having twelve brothers and all. Hell, six of his eight sisters were stronger than him. Not that goblin females tended to be much weaker than the males, but physically on average, the women were weaker.

But Yika had something that set him above his brothers. Something that allowed him to outlive all but two of them.

A talent.

Though exceedingly rare, it is possible for a demihuman, or even a heteromorph to be born with one! And Yika was one such lucky few. His talent, Danger Sense, allowed him to asses the overall danger of any given situation as it happened. And that helped him avoid death where he saw countless others die.

When his tribe was brought under the Demon Snake's rule, the naga had eventually taken notice of this. Keeping a tight watch on all those he rules in case of any treachery. It was only natural that an intelligent creature make use of every tool available to it, to ensure its own survival.

And Yika, became such a tool.

Yika would be sent in at the back of his scouting party. Never the first to encounter danger, but always the first to be pulled from it. Yika's warnings had save many of the naga's 'elite guard' on many occasion. But that never changed what he was.

A tool, meant to be used by the strong.

So, it was when the werewolf had shown up. That Yika had seen an opportunity, he cowardly got into formation with the others. Something that confused his fellow guard as Yika always took the rear. But, it gave them a false sense of confidence. One Yika was hoping to take advantage of.

But they didn't. So Yika, in a desperate attempt to spur on his hated companions, attacked first. He had planned to stab, and fall behind the line, allowing the werewolf to do, as werewolf's do. And tear into the camp as he fled. But plans, rarely went smoothly.

Yika hadn't expected his spear, haft whittled by their best woodcarver using wood from the strongest trees in the whole forest. And iron capable of piercing stone, carefully forged and traded for a hefty sum with the Giant of the East.

Years of experience and honed skill went into his spear. Into all of the Demon Snake's elite guard's spears. It was why there were so few!

Still, years of collaborated experience and honed skill. Snapped in one thrust.

Yika couldn't believe his ears. At first, he had thought that he had stepped on a stick. So he looked down, and his mind froze. The spear had snapped! The head, bent!

Wood capable of propping up a goblin's full weight, and iron capable of piercing stone. Broke!

Yika could only stare at the unfathomable site. So when he was snapped from his thoughts by the bared teeth of the beast. The pearly white grin set upon pitch black darkness. Decorated with brilliant blue markings and shining blue eyes. It was like staring at a thundercloud personified.

So, he ran. Hoping to get a head start on his kin. One didn't need to run faster than the predator, just be the faster prey. His wailing was meant to send the camp into a panic. He was the glorified warning bell after all. He threw his hands up to make himself more visible and perhaps more deranged. A sort of last minute thought of, 'If I act odd enough, maybe the wolf would pass me over?'

Like, maybe it would think he was diseased? And leave him be.

All of this, was just what Yika told himself as he ran. The truth being that fear had consumed him so utterly. That he had become nothing more than a mindless, raving animal. Desperate for just a little bit more time to live. His screams, reminding that he's still alive.

He might have calmed down, if not for the sharp cracks of thunder. And bright flashes of light coming from behind him. With tears in his eyes, he screamed himself hoarse.

"Ha, ah, ah, haaa!" Yika panted as he doubled over. Hands on his knees as he caught his breath. Having felt he just outran his death.

"You good there?" A deep, almost gentle voice asked.

In Yika's exhausted, oxygen depraved haze. He thought it might be one of the ogres. Not realizing the voice wasn't simple sounding, or that it was too clear and unmuddled by the bumbling creatures clumsy understanding of speech.

So, he looked up, expecting to see the tan, or brown thick skin of an ogre's leg. Only to be met with the eyes of the storm.

"Aaaaaahhhh!" Yika turned around and threw his hands up, determined to run until he left the forest.

The humans would kill him. But it'd be a death far swifter than being eaten and torn apart by a werewolf.

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"Aaaaaaaaaaaaah."

I laugh at the shrill scream of the goblin. I was glad to know the direction of the Giant of the East's den, because the direction Aura pointed to, was exactly were the goblin was running.

Shaking my head in amusement, I turn around and run. The world around me turning into a blur of greens and browns as I run. Not bothering to activate any skills or spells. That'd be overkill.

In game, my speed and attack power put my DPS on par with Ulbert's strongest spells. But, it was mostly my absurd speed. If I didn't make a build that broke the game's speed metric in the same way Momonga found a build that broke the game's magic metric. I'd probably be taken from top five strongest in the guild, to top twenty.

Coming across the river, my speed is such that I don't need to jump or anything. Just pull my feet up and let physics carry me like a thrown object. Flying over the twenty foot expanse of the river. Sensing something magical in it, I make a mental note to check it later.

It's not long, only about five minutes of running do I make it to where I believe the Troll has made his hideout.

"Mrmm!" I hold my mouth shut and pinch my nose.

I'm no stranger to bad smells. Ninya and Shalltear are vampires, and they do emit a faint scent of rotting flesh. Not that they are rotting. But still. And the second floor is full of the scent of death.

But this odor.

"Oh, fuck me." I groan as I step back and gag.

Ugh! It's like, wet sewage and dog shit! From an obese twenty year old dog with sour stomach! All mixed with dried piss and eugh!

"Aura get here fast." I beg to the world as I step away.

I'm sorry! But you are a servant. No way in hell am I going in there.

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-20 minutes later-

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I watch as Aura arrives with Ninya on the Fenris. The poor beast panting as Aura seems to have rode the mount to exhaustion.

"Great job buddy!" Aura says as she slides off the wolf, patting its side and running a hand through its fur. "Take a break Fen, alright?"

With Ninya only halfway off, the Fenris. The mount takes Aura words as permission to just nope itself into a nap. Falling forward and laying down. Causing Ninya to scream in surprise as she falls and falters, falling forward with the creature and landing in a belly flop next to the wolf.

Not paying her any mind. Aura rushes forward and presents herself before me with a salute.

"Reporting for duty sir!" She beams.

"Right." I say with a nod, deciding to get straight to the point and get this over with.

I already have one ruler of the forest. I don't need another. And from what I remember, this one is, dumber is the nice way of putting it.

But who knows, I've been wrong before. And it is possible for things to be different.

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"And send the corpses to Nazerick." I say as I sigh at the charred remains.

It didn't.

He challenged me and then wussed out like a bitch.

At which point I cast a fifth tier spell, Voltaic Surge, and killed everything in front of me.

"Hmm, actually." I say as I look to the strongest Troll, Gu. "Let's see if this works."

I hold out a hand and prepare a spell. The rings of nordic runes circling around my hand as I decide to test a certain spell.

"Stein's Resurrection." I cast, lightning spreading from my finger tips and striking the troll's chest.

In game, it was one of several gimmick spells one could get from completing a quest on Halloween. It's a reference to Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, and only tier six. But it resurrects a recently defeated enemy. And has a fifty percent chance to do so as a random type of zombie with greater strength, resistance, magic defense and physical defense. Anything from a Frankenstein, to a Plague Bearer.

But there was always a ten percent chance the creature would be hostile upon resurrection. So there was a chance you'd just made yourself a stronger enemy. And killing it a second time didn't award any experience points or extra drops.

It wasn't like that originally, but the devs patched up that exploit real quick.

I have two other resurrection spells, but this one is the most, obtuse. So I want to see what it does in this new world.

"Urgh!" The troll gets up, shaking off the burnt flakes of skin as a new layer is revealed. And he looks around in confusion as I faintly hear Ninya fall over behind me.

"Alright!" I call to the beast, making it look at me. There's a certain recognition in its eyes. "Ready to listen?"

The troll looks around, and I prepare to put it down a second time.

"You, brought me back?" It asks. "Why?"

"You dare question Lord Zamaina?" Aura says as she stomps forward impudently, stopping before the troll and pointing an angry finger at the beast. "You should be glad he even thought to bring you back, and should be groveling on your hands and knees before him!"

"Y-you're right!" He says and bows his head low. Kowtowing on the ground before in near religious reverence. "I'm sorry! I never should have challenged your might oh mighty god! Forgive the cowardly Gu and his stupidity!"

Aura just used her pheromonic breath on him. Making him fearful and submissive.

"Better." Aura crosses her arms and nods.

I, didn't think this through.

What am I going to do with a war troll? He's too dumb to govern, and it's not like we need his strength.

Fuck it. Problem for the future. For now, time to check in on Carne.

"Aura, take him to the decoy and put him to work in construction." I tell the pint sized beast tamer, before looking to the troll. "And you, follow her every order as though it were my own. I don't care if it's to be a table to eat off of, she gives it, obey it."

"Right!/Yes my god." The two say respectively, and I cast Gate behind me, leading to the woods just outside of Carne.

"Ninya!" I call to my pet. "Come on!"

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Lysithea "Ninya" Veyron POV

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"Come on!" He calls before whistling to draw my attention.

Getting up, still reeling from the shock of watching a troll be brought back to life! And just before that, he was struck with lightning and fried to a black crisp!

And that was after moving so fast, it seemed as though he teleported! If not for the wind, slight static and lack of magical residue. I would've thought he had teleported.

"C-coming!" I shout as I get up and follow after him. Throwing my hood up and hiding my skin from the sun as the clouds start to part.

That, and we're going to a human settlement. And I forgot my mask.

It's as I walk through the swirling purple and black portal that that information sinks in.

I forgot my mask!

"Ina-Zamaina, lord, I um, I don't have my mask." I say nervously as I look around, seeing us be moved to a new part of the forest.

"Stop calling me Lord." He says as he grows shorter before my eyes, his fur receding and I feel his temperament sour slightly.

He hates being in his human form. In his own words, it's like putting on the tightest, itchiest suit. And, looking back at how I would always bind my chest. I see what he means.

'Funny how before, I was annoyed at how my chest was growing.' I think as I look to my own chest now, no longer bound and having a slight soft curve. 'Now I'm annoyed that I'll never grow.'

Funny how priorities change.

"You won't have to worry too much about that in Carne." Zamaina says as I see his attire change in a glittering flash of light. Going from the dark, regal hunter design to a more, casual hunter design as he puts a cloth on his face and ties his hair back. "Trust me."

"O-okay." I say uncertainly.

We walk in relative silence for a while longer. The only sounds being that of our feet on the forest floor. The canopy above us keeping the sun from bothering me too much.

I, I need to ask.

"Zamaina?" I speak up, earning a soft hum as he turns his ear to me. "W-what am I to you?"

He slows to a stop, and turns to face me. Pulling the cloth down to reveal a genuine smile as he kneels before.

"You're my adorable little Ninya!" He says in a higher tone as he ruffles my hair.

"O-oh." I say as I feel my undead heart thud in my chest.

The way he said that so sincerely! He must really mean it.

"S-so I'm not just some pet to you?" I ask, needing to be sure.

"Of course not." He says kindly as he stands back up. "If you were just some pet, I wouldn't have tried to bring you back. I'd have gotten a new pet."

He then turns around and continues on his way. Leaving me to follow with a happy smile.

'So I do have a shot!' a small part of me says. Before remembering, well.

Looking down as Zamaina turns around. I frown at my figure. As an undead, I'm, not going to be able to develop any further. I'm stuck like this. Maybe if I had another year or two, I'd have filled out perfectly!

I think back to the floor guardian, Shalltear. And remembering her proportions. I sigh.

She looked younger than me, and yet so much more mature. And I know how Zamaina's tastes are, I saw him staring at the snake lady's chest. Which is good, in a way. It means he isn't gay like I originally thought! So I at least qualify! And he finds me adorable!

But still.

What do I have, that he can't just take for himself? He is a god after all.

"Some people have all the luck." I sigh, thinking of the busty vampire.

"What's that?" Zamaina asks, turning his head to eye me.

"Oh, um!" I flinch, not meaning to say that out loud.

'Quick! Think of something!'

"C-can I ask you for a favor?" I ask shyly.

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-Carne Village-

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Enri Emmot POV

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"Okay, I think I've got everything for the trip!" I say from atop the wagon with a confident smile. Though I can't deny how nervous I am.

"Right!" Nfirea says with a nod. "I'm really sorry I couldn't come with you, but-"

"I understand Nfi." I say, though I, really want to argue. To tell him to come with me to the city. It's a three day trip by wagon and I'm just a simple village girl. But, I can't do that. He's needed here to help the goblins suffering from the trauma of the ogres.

"Nfi huh?" I hear a smooth, deep voice say as it comes from around the village wall.

Recognizing the voice, me and Nfi look over to see the Ranger friend of Lord Momonga.

"Lord Zamaina!" I call out and wave, but pause upon seeing the hooded figure walking behind him.

'Lord Momonga wears a mask, and Lord Zamaina wears a cloth covering his face.' I think to myself as I notice the figure, a girl about my age or maybe a winter younger, seems to be trying to hide her face. 'Maybe it's a cultural thing?'

My eyes are drawn to the mysterious, black haired girl trying to hide under her hood. She seems so, suspicious.

"L-Lord Ina-Zamaina!" Nfirea stutters. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, just checking in on the place." Lord Zamaina says as he looks up at the watchtowers. "You're under I and my friend Momonga's guarantee of safety. So it's good to check in from time to time."

'He's right there!' A part of me yells. 'You can tell him about the Giant of the East, and the Demon Snake of the West! Surely they'll help!'

But I can't. It's because they'll no doubt help that I can't bring myself to say anything. The village already owes Lord Momonga and Lord Zamaina so much. If we can't fend for ourselves after all they've done, then what's the point?

We'll be nothing but burdens.

"Oh, w-well if you need to know anything you can just ask me!" I try to stay calm despite my beating heart. "Pretty much everyone comes to me with issues nowadays so, anything you need to know I'm right here!"

I hop off of the wagon so that I'm not above him. Not wanting to be rude to one of our saviors and make them upset.

"Right, well." He says as he looks to Nfirea, letting me breathe easy. "First, I'd like to know how your potions are coming along. I know Lupusregina is meant to be a go between for us but, well you likely know how she is by now."

'No kidding.' I think to myself. 'She's a kind lady, but she seems to mess with people for the sake of it! Always just appearing and playing silly jokes that really aren't funny.'

"U-um, yeah." Nfirea says nervously. "W-well we've figured out how to use some of the equipment you sent us so-"

"Figured out?" Lord Zamaina says in a curious tone as his eyes gain a bit of the same glint to them that Miss Lupu's sometimes get. "What do you mean?"

He said it calmly, but I can tell his mood hangs on Nfi's next sentence.

"O-oh just um." Nfi starts sweating. "W-we just, it's all so complicated and-"

"You're not in trouble." Lord Zamaina says. "I just want to know."

Nfi gulps, and takes a deep breath before answering.

"We, don't know how to use, a lot of the stuff you gave us." Nfirea says, ducking his head down out of shame.

I can only imagine how he feels. To be a renowned apothecary, and be given apothecary equipment and not know how to use it?

It's like a farmer who's never been taught you can't plant in the winter.

Lord Zamaina walks up and puts a hand on Nfirea's head. Causing him to flinch, and I see Zamaina's brilliant blue eyes crease. Showing that he's smiling.

"You're fine Nfirea." Lord Zamaina says comfortingly. "If you didn't know, you didn't know. Just ask next time, alright?"

"U-um, we did." Nfirea says, and I feel my heart pound as Lord Zamaina stops.

"Come again?" He asks.

"We, we already asked." Nfirea explains as Lord Zamaina removes his hand. "Th-the maid, Lupusregina, said we had to figure it out ourselves."

It was a moment. A brief split second but I swear I saw something, feral in Lord Zamaina's eyes. But, I must have been imagining it. Like how sometimes I swear I can see Miss Lupusregina's eyes glow in dim light.

"I, see." He finally says before turning to the gate. "Well, if that's all. I think I'll inspect the village, see what juicy gossip is about."

'No!' I think frantically as I move to stop him.

If he starts asking around. Then surely he'll learn about our issues with monsters in the woods! He'll think I lied and, and I-

I'd be so ashamed of myself.

"Um that's really not-" I start to stop him.

"A request? I know it wasn't." He says as he opens the locked gate. The thick log that was keeping the gate shut. Snapping like a twig as he opens the large double doored gate as though he was walking into his home.

"Oh, uh, my bad!" He chuckles, though I don't sense any humor as he crouches down and lifts each end of the massive log that needed an ogre to heft.

He then holds the broken ends together and says something I can't quite hear before laying the now mended door bar against the wall.

"H-h-he's a caster as well?" Nfi squeaks.

I feel a cold sweat gather as I tear my gaze away from the slowly retreating form of the man. And notice-

"U-um, c-can I help you?" I ask the hooded girl awkwardly as I notice her staring at my chest.

"Lucky." She sighs before I notice her eyes, and feel my heart stop as I notice the ruby red eyes.

"V-vampire!" I instinctively shout.

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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV

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"V-vampire!" I hear Enri shout behind me.

"For fuck's sake." I sigh as I turn around and trudge back to the three, Nfirea is preparing a spell, and Enri had ducked behind the cart as the goblins near her took up fighting stances.

Reaching them, I see one of the goblins nock an arrow on his bow.

"Yes she's a vampire, she's mine." I say somewhat exasperated as I reach Ninya and pick her up like luggage, earning a groan from her as I walk back into the village and set her down to walk on her own.

It's a few seconds later that I hear the group finally speak up.

"Um, what, did I do something wrong?" Enri asks.

"Um, I don't, know." Nfirea says.

I ignore listening in as I decide to investigate just how negligent Lupusregina has been in reporting back to us.

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-Nazerick Bar-

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Lupusregina Beta POV

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"Hey there Suzy!" I wave as I plop down on the bar stool. "Hit me with the good stuff!"

"Miss Lupusregina." He says in a tired, grumpy voice. "Would you please not, plop onto my seats? I expect a certain level of etiquette you know. Especially from one of the Pleiades."

"Pfft, bah!" I scoff as I throw my upper body on the counter. "You're such a stickler for rules suzy!"

He doesn't answer me. And instead ignores me!

"Hey!" I whine playfully as I look up. "Don't ignore me Suzy! I might really cry over here ya'know?"

He then wordlessly places a cup in front of me. And empty clear glass.

"Huh, what's this?" I ask as I pick up the glass and look under it.

"So that you may cry yourself a drink." He says coldly.

"Ow!" I recoil at the comment. "If words were weapons, you'd be a guardian with those lines!"

He ignores me again.

Sighing, I sit up right.

"What can I get you miss?" He asks.

"You're a real buzz kill ya know that?" I grumble as I rest my head on my hand.

"So, you don't want anything?" He challenges.

Seeing that I'm trying to, what was it the Supreme Ones called it? Trying to get blood from a stone? Seeing that I'm trying to get blood from a stone, I drop my antics in favor of getting a blood mead.

"Blood mead, extra honey." I say. "And one of those little umbrella thingies too!"

"Right away miss." He says as he starts mixing.

"Why do I suddenly feel like I'm in trouble?" I think as I get a cold chill down my spine.

I usually enjoy those.

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Bonus (Warning! Scene contains SA)

Yes, it involves Shalltear

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-Nazerick, Frozen Prison-

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Shalltear Bloodfallen POV

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"And this will administer an electric shock every time you cum!" I say as I tape the shock crystal to the naked girl's chest.

Well, it won't. It'll shock her anytime I decide it will. But she doesn't know that, and I need to make her nice and compliant for my lord!

"Mrrrmm!" She sputters through the ball gag, her chains being adjusted so that her arms are stuck above her head as her legs are spread wide open. "Mrhmmhm!"

"Hmm, I have a few tools." I muse as I notice her twitching and spasming as the earlier crystal I inserted in her vagina is hard at work. "Tell me prisoner, are you a virgin?"

I feel it might be a tad late to be asking that. But, if she is, then a lot of the toys Lord Peroroncino gifted to me are unusable here. Lord Zamaina did say I can't harm her. And I fear taking her virginity may run counter to that order.

"HRMM!" She screams in the gag as she jerks wildly, her eyes rolling up, her flesh quivering and her breast jiggling as she cums. Spraying her blanket in her own fluids.

In keeping with my promise, I activate the crystal.

"Rrrrrmmm!" She cries as a small, painful but harmless shock courses through her.

"I asked you a question pet." I say. "Answer it."

With eyes bloodshot from tears, chest heaving from going nearly two hours now. She nods and hums an affirmative.

"Tsk." I click my tongue in disappointment. "I was ordered not to cause you any injury. So rejoice and thank my masters for their mercy as you may keep your purity. For now~"

Her cries at my words are so sweet on my ears!

"Hmm, you know." I say as I look at the girl and send a mental command to the magic crystal, stopping it. "You do love napping. Like a certain cat I know. What if I were to give you a tail?"

"Hrmm?" Her brows furrow in worrying question above her glazed eyes.

"Yes, I think I'll make a nice little kitty out of you!" I say cheerfully as I clap my hands together eagerly.

Her eyes refocus, some intelligence returning to her as I think of what else to do. I already plan to give her a walk to the Room of Truth. Show her how well her friends are doing.

Dress her up nicely beforehand of course! Make her look as though she's in the lap of luxury as her friends see the traitor she is.

"After that, if you're a good girl, we can take a break." I smile as I think of how Lord Zamaina will reward me for breaking her spirit.

Oh how I wish he'd tie me up, ravish me, push me down and just use me! Shock me, hurt me, breed me. Oh to satisfy his every need! He just needs to say the words and I'll do it! It's what I live for! To satisfy his, all of the Supreme One's will!

'Lord Zamaina, look at me!' I swoon internally. 'Aren't I doing such a good job!'

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Bonus 2

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Narfuto Sweet Wolfy

[Silliest Runner]

Creator: Ankoro Mochi Mochi/Zamaina

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Heteromorphic Race

-Racial levels-

Werewolf 15

Spirit Wolf 10

White Fanged Wolf 5

-Job Levels-

Rogue 15

Assassin 8

Ninja 6

Master of Shadow 2

Bard 3

Total: 65

-Stats-

Sense of justice: 150 Neutral Good

HP: 66

MP: 23

PHY. ATK: 70

PHY. DEF: 40

AGILITY: 85

MAG. ATK: 30

MAG. DEF: 20

RESIST: 80

SPECIAL: 60

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-Bio-

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Narfuto is a cheerful, squeaky voiced girl. Possessing a bright spirit, great humor, and decent optimism. Like all the Runners, she has some singing capacity. But unlike her fellow werewolf Jowei, she does not focus on it.

She likes cute things, and is adorably innocent. Possessing a childlike wonderment of the world, and a fear of 'rule breaking.' Though, the only rules that matter, are the ones set by the Supreme Beings.

Those who meet her, could best describe her as a calmer golden retriever in personality. Goofy, active, and surprisingly wholesome. Many find her a delight to be around.

That being said, she has no empathy towards those who would make themselves enemies of Nazerick.

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A/N

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So, chronologically, the events go.

Arg of the Gifu tribe arriving at the village

Cocytus vs. Lizardmen

Enri subjugating the ogres.

Enri in the city

Attack on Carne.

Then the events of the Men in The Kingdom Arc starts, with Sebas and Climb and Brain in the capital.

Vol. 8 was a bit of a prequel to set up necessary info for going into Vol. 9

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More comments! I want them all! Every one of them! Especially speculation, I love speculative comments.

Fuel me my NOOBIANS!

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Find me in my channel, newb's-grotto, on the discord.

Link to the discord: discord .gg/DarkWolfShiro