A/N Pet Projects.
Alt title: non
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Anyumaaka: Because I want to dedicate a good chunk into Ninya and Tuare's reunion without just slapping it in the middle of the a chapter.
Church21: Zamaina joined Ainz Ooal Gown as a way to live out a power fantasy. But you don't spend 12 years with a group and not develop attachments.
Danafal: You're welcome.
Some1call4MR-E: Um… thumbs up!
Bradlysteak: oh, oh I have plans for the alcoholic false loli.
Just you wait.
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-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
(Text)
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-Re-Estize Palace, day after the Brothel Massacre-
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Princess Renner POV
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"It was a ghastly sight." Lakyus sighs into her cup of tea. "So I'll spare you the details. But needless to say we'll need to up our scheduled attack if we want to hit the eight fingers bases before they up their security."
I don't need to imagine. A subordinate of Lord Demiurge likely left no small mess in their rampage. Though, to leave all the women unharmed. Perhaps it is one with morals? No, more likely that the subordinate is being forced. And followed the order to the letter, but not the meaning.
Just like a devil to look at the details. Not that I believe the individual who did this to be a devil. Likely a heteromorphic race with the ability to hide amongst humans. Like werewolves, vampires, more intelligent elder liches and such.
"I'm terribly sorry!" Climb gives a bow. "If I had known apprehending Succulent and Cocodoll I-"
"This isn't your fault Climb." Lakyus cuts him off. "It's the fault of whatever attacked the Brothel. If anything, catching Cocodoll and Succulent helped us."
'Is she trying to make him feel better?' I wonder. 'Or does she truly believe that? I have a hard time telling sometimes.'
"Huh?" He asks in confusion, raising his head adorably, but remaining in a bow
"By capturing those two, you prevented them from reporting back to their cohorts." I inform as I take the moment to refill Lakyus's cup while she isn't looking.
It's a lie. There's no doubt Succulent is already out. Succulent being with Cocodoll means he was on a job, especially if they were in such a place. If he was on a job, then the Six Arms will want details of how it failed. And since no news of his death has flittered about, it's safe to assume he was released.
So, they likely intend to strike a blow against the ones who caused this. A show of power.
It's obvious really. Yet, they can't seem to see that. They think Succulent is still in prison.
"Uh, princess." Lakyus sighs as I fill her cup.
"Hmm." I stick my tongue out at her.
I'm almost disappointed. But I've long since learned to live with the short sighted. Perhaps, this path I'm on will lead me to a more interesting life.
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-Six Arms, capital hideout-
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Zero "Fighting Ogre" POV
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"Pathetic." I spit on the ground near the fool.
"I-I'm, I'm sorry." Malmvist quivers. "I-I, their illusionist, and the bard backing them up had killed everyone. I-I barely got out."
"If you were caught off guard, there's little to be done." Pashurian says as he crosses his arms with a clank as he looks to me. "But still, with Succulent dead. What's the call boss?"
That is the question. If Malmvist had to retreat, then they clearly have some skill. But, that can be chalked up to teamwork and planning.
An illusionist is one thing, but if they had a bard enhancing their powers. Then yeah, I can see how this happened. Even if both were mythril rank, a mythril rank bard supporting a mythril rank illusionist would be tricky even for me. And if Succulent was killed, then retreat was the right call.
"Davernach." I look to the lich.
"I'm and arcane caster, not a necromancer." He says immediately.
"Not what I was going to ask." I say with a pointed glare, warning him not to interrupt me again. "Do you have anything for illusions?"
He taps his rotted jaw in thought. Before turning it to the side.
"Not, directly." He says. "My nature as an undead allows me to detect any living, and unliving beings around me. So invisibility and illusions won't hide someone from me. But I still see the illusions that are cast. So, nothing for anyone that's not me."
"A shame." I crack my neck.
What to do?
Losing Succulent is annoying. But he'd extended his welcome already. So it was just a matter of time until the fool was put to pasture. The only real issue is that the Six Arms only has five members now.
"A shame." Edstrom sighs as she twirls her saber in one hand. "Suppose we'll have to go out talent hunting again. Finding decent help is always a pain."
"That can wait." I say as I look from her to the kneeling assassin. "What would you suggest, Malmvist?"
He gulps, and takes a breath before continuing.
"They're soon to leave the capital, I know that much." He says, before explaining. "Their manor was packed up. So it's safe to assume they'll leave soon. So, we don't have much time, but a full out assault may teach others to not mess with the Six Arms!"
He looks up with a desperate gleam in his eye. Likely took him every brain cell to think of that simple plan.
"And when would you suggest we go on this offensive?" I ask with a knowing smile.
If he suggests we make our move later, I'll know his colors. And we'll be down to four.
"As soon as possible!" He says, and upon not seeing me react, he keeps going. "Tonight even. Take them by surprise when they think they've beaten us back! Really show them that they know nothing of who've they've crossed."
"Not a bad proposal." Pashurian says with a cock of his head. "As good as any, really."
"I've no plans tonight." Edstrom says, as though she has a choice.
"Hrmm." I hum, before grinning. "Well then, pat yourself on the back Malmvist. You saved yourself."
He gives a hopeful, desperate smile at my words.
"But don't think you're in the clear." I flex my shoulders. "You still failed. If there are any hitches tonight, you will be paying for it. Got it?"
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-Later that night-
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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'Any moment now.' I think to myself as I stare out the window in my werewolf form.
There's an enchantment on it, keeping anyone from noticing me.
'About three hours until the attacks start.' I keep track.
Demiurge and Usani are ready to begin on their end. Just waiting for the signal.
Timing is going to ne everything here. As soon as I'm done here. I need to move, head to the outskirt manor where Momon will drop down. Hilma is set to be taken to Kyouhukou as soon as we're ready. The papers in the brothel giving us enough to know where the heads of the Eight Fingers are.
Soon, we'll be in control of about a third of the kingdom with them. And with Renner, so long as we can keep her puppy safe then we're golden with the princess.
"That was terrible." I snort at my own pun.
"My lord?" Sebas asks curiously.
I go to tell him it was nothing, when I feel the group of rifraff enter my Hunter's Instincts aura.
"It's time." I tell him. "Go wait for the four fools at the door."
"Of course my lord." Sebas bows and leaves me to my thoughts.
The time for our first steps on this world's history. The Black Scripture doesn't really count. They're a secret task force so nothing will be told of them. But this, this! This will go down in the books and sagas! The bards will sing and write poems of this night for years to come.
Who knows! Five hundred years from now, books will be written using key players from this event as inspiration for the characters. Two thousand years, you'll get historical fiction and games made using this event.
"I just can't wait to see how this will effect the future." I grin.
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3rd Person POV
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The group of five walk to the house. Containing a well dressed, red haired man with his chest exposed. A provocatively dressed, silver haired woman with tanned skin. An armored man, clad in full plate that hides any identifying feature. Though, the armor could be said to be his identifying feature. And a man in a purple hooded robe, moving across the ground as though he were hovering. The hood hiding his decayed face.
And at the front leading them, a beast of a man. With biceps the size of his head, and fists capable of casually punching through iron. Covered in scars and tattoos. A devilish smirk on his robust face.
Walking up to the door, he makes no attempt to engage in pleasantries. And thrusts his fist out, snapping the door off of its hinges and into the manor.
Whereupon entering, they're greeted to the sight of the butler in question. Stood tall and proud. Not at all phased by the door that passes his form and slams into the wall behind him. His stoic expression, is in fact one of distaste. But, as a butler as privileged as him. He'd never let an ugly expression cross his face if he could help it.
"Knock knock." The lead of the group, Zero, says as he stomps into the building.
"Welcome, honored guests." Sebas bites back his anger and gives a bow. "We've been expecting you."
Those words, cause Zero to freeze in place. His beady, dark eyes dart around while always keeping the butler in his peripherals. Seeing nothing out of place, the manor being just as Malmvist described it. Only set him further on edge.
There should be the scent of blood, the sign of stains in the wood. Unless this is the work of more illusions.
"If you would please follow me, my master would like a word." The butler says as he stands up with all the refinement of a gentleman.
"Davernach!" Zero looks back to the lich.
"No, he's alive." The lich says firmly as he walks into the manor. "There is no illusion concealing him."
Grinning, Zero turns to the man and sizes him up. Assured of his odds, Zero runs up and lets loose a strong right cross. His infamous strength on full display as he splatters a hole through the man's chest.
Or, that's what should've happened. Rather, the man remains unmoving, an impassive look on his face as he finally moves. And merely bats the man's hand away as though a fly had deigned to land on his tie.
"If you won't come along compliantly, I'll be forced to move you myself." He says in a gentle voice. Though his stern eyes promised he'll be anything but.
Zero grit his teeth and pulled back. Expecting something, anything! His instincts screaming at him to run.
Trusting said instincts. He turns to his crew, who are all paralyzed in fear. Edstrom is stock still. Face twisted in a silent scream. Pashurian's armor, giving off a rattle as he shakes in fear. Davernach, frozen, and dropped to the floor in bewilderment.
All of their eyes, stayed on him.
"What are you louts doing!?" He shouts, and notices the missing member. "Where's Malmvist?!"
"The red haired gentleman who was here but a few hours ago?" The butler asks. "If you'll look behind me at the second floor, you'll find him."
Feeling a chill go up his spine. And an internal cry telling him not to. To run, get out of here while he can! Take this opportunity and flee.
But, against that tide of fear. Was a wall of pride being held up by a flimsy sense of curiosity. So, against his better nature, he turned around. And looked up.
Malmvist, and Succulent. Eyes wide in terror. Malmvist's mouth hung, trying for all its might to let out a scream that his body would not allow. For how can a mounted head without a body scream?
But, but then who led them here? Who told them of the details? Malmvist was just with them. And Davernach had insisted he was alive. It was Malmvist. There was no way it wasn't!
Not knowing what else to do, Zero reacted in the only way he knew how.
With violence and aggression.
"I see, this is all just more illusions!" He rationalizes.
"Not this time." Sebas says firmly.
Not willing to accept that reality. Zero throws another punch, one Sebas catches at the wrist, and snaps.
"Argh!" Zero grits his teeth at a pain he hadn't felt in a long time.
"Come now, have some decorum sir." Sebas says before pulling the man forward and chopping the back of his neck.
Catching the man, Sebas's eyes snap up to lock onto the fireball launched his way. But if fizzes out from taking effect, having never had a chance to leave the lich's hand. the World Item Fallen Grace preventing all spells and skills from activating within a certain distance of the wearer.
"You're making me late." Sebas says, anger finally seeping into his voice, just as Pashurian lashes out his whiplike thread of a sword.
And Sebas catches the sword in between the space of his pointer finger and thumb.
Hefting the large man onto his shoulder, Sebas lets go of the sword. And turns to the stairs, heading up them with their boss. Before stopping halfway, turning towards the criminals. A glare present in his eyes, one that could cow a dragon.
"If you desire any chance at life. Follow." Sebas says, as though the thought of letting them live left a bad taste in his mouth.
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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'This is getting dull.' I think tiredly as I sip my Frost Berry Wine.
Sebas and Solution acquired it while out maintaining appearances. Giving personal farewells to all of the business associates they made. Acquired a decent bit of materials, all stored just outside the area we intend to raid.
I also instructed Demiurge to refrain from abducting anyone under ten years old. The reason I gave, was that we'd be putting a massive burden on the kingdom by leaving them. A massive influx of parentless, homeless orphans under working age?
That's a crime spree in the making. Give it five years, and those orphans will be running entire thieves guilds in order to survive.
Truth is, killing kids just doesn't sit right with me.
The wine is decent though. The bottle is enchanted to keep it cool, and it's rather sweet with just a hint of the sourness that the alcohol brings. And it's light too, making it refreshing as opposed to rich and heavy.
"My lord." Sebas says as he enters the room with the offenders. "My apologies, not all of them would come willingly."
"And after we went through the trouble of receiving them." I sigh as I swirl my pewter wine cup. Glass is too, fragile for me. "How inconsiderate. But, that's to be expected of self serving vagrants. You can set the oaf down Sebas."
"Of course my lord." I hear before the soft thud of a body is heard.
I hear four heartbeats, and smell six individuals. But besides that, my Hunter's Instinct is telling me who and where the everyone is.
Kouri, is hiding in the corner. Floating in a reclined and lax position. Bobbing his head to an invisible tune in his head.
That's how specific my aura is.
"Right then." I sigh as I reach over and set the cup down. Earning a hiss and a few gasps as my clawed, black furred hand is made visible.
I then stand up, revealing my seven foot plus height. Causing heartbeats to increase as I turn to walk around the desk and regard the group in front of me.
"Well now, aren't you the interesting posse of playmates?" I smirk.
They are interesting. Like finding a guinea pig with a unique fur pattern.
The Monk Shaman and Sword Dancer are especially interesting to me. Mostly the monk though. His abilities are unique, and I haven't seen many shaman tattoo monks in Yggdrasil.
Oh, he's the one unconscious. Hmm.
The armored man and lich are nothing special. Not in the slightest. But, I figured I'd make the offer because I have no reason not to.
"Wake him up." I say, not specifying, because it's not needed.
Sebas nods, and reaches a glowing hand down.
"Pah!" Zero gasps as he launches up and looks around, before spotting Sebas and getting into a fighting stance.
"So you wake up, and your first instinct upon doing so is to fight?" I ask, earning his attention as he swings around to face me. Eyes going wide in realization. "I can respect that at least, you have my interest Zero."
"And just who the hell are you?" He growls, muscles bulging in preparation for a fight. "Some no account wolfman in fancy robes."
I grin, even as Sebas goes to correct him. I raise a hand to stop the man.
"Hmm, alright." I say as I step forward. "Here's how this will go. You get one chance. On your knees and submit to me and my authority. Do so, and I'll grant you a gift greater than any gold can measure. Refuse, and I'll eat your heart."
"You think I'll submit to some no account who I'd never heard of before!?" He shouts. "Do you know who I am!? I'm the fighting ogre Zero! The strongest fist in the kingdom! The man with iron skin!"
"I know exactly who you are." I say with a sharp toothed grin. "And I also know you're trying to provoke me. To see what I'm made of."
His heart, despite his outburst. Hasn't raised in beat, not even once. He's completely calm.
"Ptch." He clicks his tongue before smiling. "Well now, aren't you the clever little doggy."
"You DARE!?" Sebas roars as Kouri prepares a spell.
"I'm not offended." I smirk, causing them some confusion. "Why should I get upset when a cat meows? Or when a dog barks? Or when the sun sets? Or when a fool, runs his mouth. Not knowing the consequences? It's just nature."
That provokes a response from Zero. His heart going up in tempo a bit. But he schools it quickly enough.
"You've got some nerve, speaking to me like that despite-"
"I'm running out of time and patience here." I cut him off. "Your answer?"
Now that pisses him off. And I sense his ki going into overdrive. He's preparing an attack.
[Sebas, step away.] I send the message.
His World Item might prevent this. And I really want to see this play out.
"Oh yeah?" He grits his teeth as he calls on all his animal tattoos. "Here's your answer!"
He unleashes a punch, one that exceeds the level of strength his body should ever be capable of. And it make solid contact with my face.
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"So is that a yes or no?" I ask as his muscles steam and quiver from the strain he just put them through.
"What? That, that's not, even if you're a werewolf." He mutters numbly. "How?"
"If it makes you feel better, my snout itches." I say consolingly. "We're out of time. Brace yourself, this will hurt."
"What?" He asks in a shaky voice as I grab him and pull him in, biting down on his shoulder. Feeling savory, rich blood enter my mouth. I refrain from pulling back and ripping a chunk out. "Aaaaaaghh!"
I open my mouth and push him away. The skin of his shoulder turning a sickly shade of white. As his veins pulse and throb, bulging a purplish black as the first phases kick in.
"I'm out of time." I turn to the knight and the lich, pointing a finger. "Arc Volt" I cast, a blue crescent blade of electricity extends from my hand and decapitates the two.
I then turn to Edstrom, walking right up to her.
"What can you do?" I ask.
"M-m-me? M-m-my lord?" She asks fearfully.
"Yes, what can you offer that only you can give me." I ask impatiently.
"I-I-I, if you want my lord." She says as she moves from a kneeling position, to a more provocative one. Spreading her legs as she leans forward, one arm under her breasts as she looks up to me shyly. "I, have one thing you might want."
"Forget it." I sigh as I backswipe my hand.
Her head, now independent of her body, splatters into the wall behind her. Painting the forest green interior in a Jackson Pollock of red blood, brain matter, bone splinters and a few strands of silvery hair that stick to the blood.
Her body slumps forward. Twitching as blood spurts out of her neck.
"Take the man back to Nazerick, inform Pestonya to keep him breathing as best she can but don't do anything that would alleviate the curse." I tell Sebas, before turning to Kouri who has made himself corporeal and is lightly tapping the dead woman's body with his foot. "Kouri, what are you doing?"
"Waiting." He answers. His hands on his hips as he stares at the corpse. "Damn. Was hoping for some ghost titties. Oh well! You win some you lose some."
'Don't ask.' I tell myself.
"Kouri, go regroup with Usani." I tell him, earning a salute as he trust falls backwards into the floor. Abusing his phantasmal nature to just ignore structures.
Kouri, is actually Punitoe Moe and I's attempt at finding the job combination to get World Deceiver. The world level illusionist job class that once every three days, allows the user to cast any spell from any magic tree or tier, for free.
We couldn't figure it out.
[Demiurge, it's time.] I message.
I'm really cutting it close here. Because timing is everything with this. Even a little bit off, and I might as well kiss the optional objective goodbye.
"Alright." I sigh as I transform back into a human and equip my Inazama gear. "After you've handed him off to Pestonya take the other three's bodies and move them to the great glacier. Contact Aureole Omega for a gate." I nod to Sebas as I open a gate.
He steps through with the screaming man, and I close the gate before opening another.
I'm about to step through, when I quickly turn around and grab the bottle of wine. Toss it into my inventory and head through the portal.
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-Later that night, Hilma's Manor-
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Evileye POV
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"AaaRrrGGhhaaa!" The maid screams and squeals as smoke sizzles from her form.
"What the hell?" Gagaran mutters softly.
My magic is meant to target insects and insectoid monsters. So the fact she's screaming in pain can only mean-
"Stay back." I warn the two as they get behind me.
"Aaaaah!" The creature whines as her face falls off, six disjointed legs curling up.
"A mask? No, her face was a bug?" Tia says as she analyzes alongside me.
One would think the ideal thing to do would be to attack while she's preoccupied. And maybe it is. But the problem is that we don't know.
Attacking now could cause her to make a desperate, all out ploy in a panic. Attacking us recklessly and with no regard to her safety. Or she could explode.
I've seen it happen.
"Look out!" Tia shouts as I feel her grab me by the back of my cloak and pull me.
Not a moment later, I'm greeted to the sight that would've been my death. Rocks and rubble spraying up as though the ground were water and someone slapped it.
"What the!" Gagaran gets in front of me to block another hit, and I hear the harsh clang of metal on metal. "Holy hell!"
"Move!" I hear a deep, guttural voice filled with rage as I look up and see a large clawed hand coverrd in pink fur, grab onto Gagaran's hammer by the neck, and swing her out of the way as she tries to keep hold of her weapon. Revealing a large, hulked out pink werewolf with gleaming yellow eyes.
'This thing, he's stronger than me!' I realize as it stomps forward.
Sporting no top, but a black metal shoulder pauldron on its right arm. Scaled armor running down said arm. Black handless gauntlets on both forearms. And a black loin cloth.
'A greater werewolf?' I ponder before Tia tosses a smoke screen. 'It has to be! There's no moon out tonight!'
Regular werewolves are people forced into a more bestial form at the full moon. Greater werewolves, don't need a full moon. Just night.
"You idiots! What did I just say about sizing up opponents?" I yell out as I fly back out of the smoke cloud. "Run!"
"Agh!" Tia shouts as she's thrown out of her own smokescreen, and past me into the treeline. Hitting the bark of a pine with a sickening crack. "Gck!"
"Tia!" I shout after my friend.
"Stay focused runt." I hear the deep, bestial voice right behind me. "You've got bigger things to worry about."
I don't get to turn around before my leg is grabbed, and I'm swung like a doll.
"Translocate damage!" Years of combat push my instincts, which is what likely saved my life as I make contact with the paved road leading to the manor.
The spell transfers damage to mana loss. And that hit, took a tenth of my total.
"Shard Buckshot!" I hold my hand out and cast, only for the crystals to do nothing but shatter against his chest.
"Aaaaah!" I scream as he drags me across the pavement in a twirl, before suddenly stopping.
Looking over, I see the meathead. Face scraped and bloody as she pants. Her hammer swung down and sopping the arm clasped around my ankles.
"Hands off our shorty!" She shouts and uppercuts the wolf's jaw.
Only for the beast to grab her fist in his. And crunch it, along with her magically enchanted gauntlets.
'This is it.' I realize with a bit of fear, and a sense of finality as I feel the end approach.
Still, I can buy time!
"Reverse Gravity!" I cast on Gagaran as she's thrown.
That should buy her time before she's-
"Well hello there." I hear a silky, devious voice say. "Pink, let the girl go."
"But!" The werewolf looks back, before snorting and releasing me. "Rrrr!"
"What?" I can't help but voice my confusion as I'm released, and the eight foot tall hulking beast steps aside.
Revealing Tia, her neck slit. Eyes wide in fear as she lays in a crumpled heap on the ground. Dead.
Gagaran is being held up by the neck. A tall, thin mask wearing dark elf lifting her with the ease one would expect from an artisan holding a jewel up to the light. Inspecting the piece set before him.
If the werewolf is stronger than me. This, this is a being that transcends reason!
'It's been about a hundred years.' I think as I look between the werewolf and the dark elf. No, that's a metallic tail behind him! 'Could, could this be-'
"Hmm, not you." He says, the steely blue mask reverberating his voice. Before he tightens his grip and her armor crinkles.
"Stop! Please!" I find myself begging. Tears pricking the edges of my eyes.
'Wait, where's the bug maid?' I wonder.
"Drop her!" A voice sounds out further behind him. Causing the demon to flinch.
But, what could cause this thing to flinch?
My unvoiced questioned is answered as the demon steps aside. And I'm greeted to the sight of a ranger in a green hood. Splendid black wooden bow with silver inlays, an arrow nocked and aimed at the demon.
His foot, on the demon maids head as she trembles in agony.
And, the adamantite plate on his neck.
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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FUCK!
I sent the Runners to backup Demiurge in carrying out Project Gehena. But didn't specify who should help out who. So this fuck up is mine.
The Runners, not including Usani, average in the mid seventies as far as level goes. And Jowei, the pink werewolf, specializes in brutal combat. One of his classes is even dedicated to breaking opponent's equipment.
"And why would I do that?" Demiurge asks, making use of the lip bug I instructed him to use.
'Sorry Entoma!' I make a mental apology to the acting maid as I press harder on her neck.
"I highly doubt you-" He starts before I aim the arrow down at her head. "Hm… I see."
He lets go of Gagaran and tosses her behind him.
Returning the curtesy, I step off the maid's neck. And step away.
"A human with manners." He cocks his head. "How quaint. What is your name?"
"Inazama." I answer. "You?"
"You may call me, Jaldabaoth." He mockingly bows.
Notice the phrasing. Demons, devils and angels can't lie about their names. It's impossible. They'll die.
But, he didn't say, my name is Jaldabaoth. He said, you may call me Jaldabaoth. However once enough people start referring to him, and identifying him as Jaldabaoth, then it becomes one of his names. Because it's a matter of identity and self actualization. He can't lie about his identity.
"A demon with manners, how quaint." I shoot back, earning a morose and mocking chuckle. "So, mind telling me what you're doing here?"
"Certainly not for one so polite." He says as he puts a hand behind his back. "You see, I and my subordinates have been in this city for quite some time now. Minding our business as we look for an artifact that has made its way into the hands of ones we'd like to keep it out of. However."
He looks back to the two ladies of Blue Rose.
"It would seem that even if we mind our own, we will still be met with hostility and hindrance." He growls.
"What's going on here?" Gagaran whispers.
"Shut up and don't draw attention to yourself." Evileye reprimands.
"Any chance we can resolve this peacefully." I try, dragging this out as I sense Momonga nearing.
"We're beyond that point I'm afraid." He says, looking back to me, tilting his head for dramatic effect as he raises his hand. Preparing to snap his fingers when.
With a slam that would destroy anyone's knees. Momonga, in full plate, lands before me in a battle ready stance.
"Making friends already, eh Inazama?" He quips as Demiurge takes a step back, kicking Tia's corpse back in the process.
"Another one?" Demiurge says, just loud enough for the two roses. "How many of this caliber must I endure?"
"I beat you here." I say as I move besides him. Taking point just behind his guard, Entoma pretending to be unconscious.
"Save the boasts for later." Momonga says.
In response, I turn my head and pop my neck. Which is the signal for Demiurge to continue.
"Pink!" He shouts demandingly and motions to us, before swinging his arm to the two roses behind him. "Kill them."
Jowei charges, much slower than he can actually move. But still blindingly fast by this world's standards.
Not saying anything, I launch the hollow tip arrow full of silver powder. Hitting just in front of the werewolf, it bursts and floods the air before him. Making him dive to the ground and paw at his face in pain and irritation.
It's an act. Once you get to certain levels of werewolf, your Silver Allergy weakness lessens.
"Martial Art, Greater Flow Acceleration!" I call and charge forward at a speed similar to Jowei.
No, I can't perform martial arts. But. I can activate skills, while calling out the names of Martial Arts. And bullshit the fuck out of what I'm doing.
Not like there's any way to actually tell if someone is performing a martial art. Something we discovered with extensive testing.
Running forward, I grab Evileye and toss a bag of powder at Gagaran's feet.
Levitation powder. Expensive as shit. But it lasts thirty minutes on whatever you throw it at.
"Ah!" Evileye squeaks.
"Wha whoah!" She fumbles as I pull some rope out of my pouch and lasso her. Princess carrying Evileye while dragging Gagaran behind me like an armored balloon.
"Get back here!" Jowei roars as he chases after me while I make a beeline for the woods.
"Let us go!" Evileye says as I blur through the woods. "I can fly and lead him away!"
"You're not fast enough." I say simply.
"But!" She tries to say.
But I cut her off by tossing her in the air and yanking Gagaran forward to soar past me.
"Wooaaaahhh!" She flails weightlessly as Evileye catches the rope holding her, and casts fly to keep herself afloat as she drags her along. "I'm gonna be sick!"
As I said before, Evileye isn't fast enough. And Jowei jumps up after them, arm reared back for a swipe that'll no doubt kill them.
"Ability boost! Greater ability boost! Highspeed!" I announce, bullshitting more martial arts.
Jumping up into the air I catch up to Jowei and grab him by the leg, pulling out a silver dagger. I stab it into his ankle, causing him to cry out and fumble his swipe.
"Argh!" He cries out as we crash to the ground. "How much silver do you have!?"
"Enough!" I say as I pull out a silver thread from my bag, and pull it against his neck.
"Ack!" He fake chokes as he thrashes around. Slamming me against a tree where I bite my tongue to fake coughing up blood.
He eventually tosses me off, rearing back and throwing himself forward like a mechanical bull. Snapping the thread with the force.
Tumbling to a roll and sticking the landing. Me and Jowei stare each other down. My electric blue, into his baleful yellow.
Jowei makes the first move, charging forth in order to barrel me over.
It's worth noting, I'm downgrading my form. Jowei is upgrading. I have, in order of weak to strong. Human, Werewolf, Blood Moon, Thundering Beast.
Jowei has, Hybrid human, Werewolf, True Hound. He's in his werewolf form. Making his power relative to the average level eighty.
Whereas mine, is relative to a level sixty. Until I use my God classes. Then it's closer to eighty five. Not every job class is made equal. Even still, my stats are that of a level hundred player. Just not boosted by any werewolf passives.
So, as he charges, I slide. Before stopping as he moves over me. On my back, I kick both legs up into his gut. Launching him off the ground and sending him flying with his own momentum as he crashes through the trees.
Pulling on my Hunter's Instincts. I sense that Evileye is still in the air above us, along with Gagaran. Likely still watching the fight.
"Ready to call it quits!?" I ask as I get up. "Or do I have to put the dog down?"
"Your jokes are as rancid as your scent." He growls as he gets back on to all fours.
"Ow, my poor feelings." I say dryly.
Jowei gets ready to charge, before a fireball slams into him from the side.
'And that would be the back up.' I think as Ninya descends shakily. Still getting used to fly.
She's using a magic item to fly. Training in how to move before she learns the spell proper.
"Argh!" Jowei growls, before taking a deep breath. Rearing back, and letting out a massive roar.
Everyone sans me covers their ears at the roar's sheer volume. And if Gagaran was any lower in level, she'd likely pass out in fear. Evileye and Ninya are exempt because of their undead status giving them immunity.
I stand here and stare him down as he finishes the skill. Staring him down as he huffs, he goes to say something. When I knock an arrow and let it fly, hitting him in the nose.
It's a cheap shot, I know.
"Agh!" He covers his nose. Before a high whistle echoes through the woods.
Jowei looks to the direction of the sound. And growls at me, before bounding off to the sound. Leaving me and Ninya to watch him go.
Ninya is aware of the plan. Mostly. So there's little issue with her here. There's just this bit of improve I forgot to account for.
"Inazama!" Ninya shouts as she runs over. "Are you okay!?"
"Sir Inazama!" Evileye calls out as she descends. "Are you alright!?"
As soon as she touches down. Her and Ninya look to each other. An awkward silence soon extending over the area as they, just keep looking at each other. The brown cloaked, white mask with glossy red eyes looking slightly down at the red cloaked, white mask with black cracks. What I wouldn't give to know what they were thinking right now.
"Uh, not to interrupt whatever this is, but help?" Gagaran says as she slowly spins in the air. "Oh not upside down again!"
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Bonus
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-Nazerick Treasury-
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Pandora's Actor POV
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"And then the plan was to dash away with the wind!" I announce, one hand outstretched to the sky as the other covers my heart. "But alas! My time has yet to come." I say with a mournful hiss as I lower my head.
"You must not fret dear actor!" Narfuto says as she outstretches a hand to me, the other over her own heart. "For your time to shine will certainly come!" She clenches the outstretched hand into a fist. Eyes clenched and teeth grit. Her cheerfully high pitched voice, making her line comically lacking in seriousness.
"Oh to be released upon the great stage that is the world!" I declare wistfully, looking back up to the great lights of the treasury. Leaning back against the arm of the couch as I put the back of my hand to my forehead. Displaying my dismay. "To put on display, the genius and talent mein vader bequeathed upon me! To inspire the deep emotions that I myself feel!"
"To be the dastardly villain." Narfuto says darkly, leaning forward with her knees bent, one arm out behind her, the other with her hand covering her face with the exception of her glaring eyes peeking out through her fingers.
"Or the gallant hero!" I stand up proudly, fist to my heart with my other arm behind my back.
"The damsel in distress~" Narfuto swoons back onto the couch with her hand to her forehead and her eyes closed.
"The tragic-"
"Hey dorks!" Kouri cuts me off as he appears, resting his arms on the back of the couch. "I'm bored, whatcha got for me?"
Me and Narfuto look to each other. Before looking to the phantom.
"I have tea." I offer.
"Ooh! Ooh!" Narfuto raises a hand. "Do you have mint tea? I like mint."
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A/N
My new job might slow releases down on all fics. It's an overnights position, so I'm making really good money. But my schedule is gonna be screwy for a bit.
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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