A/N Twisting The Knife
Alt title: Blood Party
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Crywolf178: Zamaina is probably the biggest hoarder in Nazerick. Mainly because he believed that he'd be taken to the new world, but it has been commented on in the past by his guildmates on how he refused to get rid of anything.
Hwang Manuel: Poor buggy boi.
Anyumaaka: Demiurge is still likely to play Jaldabaoth, his role is just too important to leave to anyone else. But, there is a smarter way to go about it. And Zamaina has more than a few ideas.
Also, Ninya is crazy. the trauma of being tortured to death after being forced to watch all her friends die, brought back as a vampire and spirited away to a realm of gods, and then being dragged through hell so that she could torture her torturer and killer.
It uh, it broke her.
Church21: In their Momon Inazama disguises, yes. Momon is still lv 100. While Inazama is locking away 40 levels. He's stronger than a Lv 60, about as strong as a Lv. 85 player because his build is that meta. But yes, in terms of pure stats, under [Perfect Warrior] Momon is stronger.
Also, Zamaina is a Ranger class, he's a glass canon meant for high speed high damage output. In PVP terms, he's top 5 in Ainz Ooal Gown.
In DnD equivalent. He's like an Arcane Trickster Rogue/Shadow Ranger multiclass.
KingOfEmptyness: Don't like it? Then fuck off and don't read it ya prick. At least your name is accurate.
Eurasian: Ninya is cute.
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-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
(Text)
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-Nazerick, Guild Master's Office-
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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"And the Abelion Sheep are people kidnapped from the Holy Roble Kingdom." I point out. "Mostly the outskirt villages. Places that'll take weeks to notice are missing."
Much like Carne. Had Gazef not been on a march after the knights, and Carne had just been wiped out by a band of monsters. Then it would be a few weeks at best, to months at worst, before anyone noticed.
"Wait, really?" Momonga asks with a slack jawed expression.
"Yes." I say with a nod.
He goes quiet in thought for a bit. Bringing a hand to stroke his chin. A motion that seems, ridiculous with his skull face, but I digress.
"I, I know I should feel repulsed by that." Momonga says as he parses through the notes on domestication attempts that I had Demiurge compile. "And, some of this is horrifying, but."
"You don't care." I answer for him.
He, somehow, gives out a long sigh as he rests his head in one hand. Setting the papers down like a tired and exasperated boss.
"Is, is that bad?" He asks, turning to me. "They, they're benefitting Nazerick. So, I, I can't bring myself to care too much."
"I, agree." I say with a sigh through my snout. "Honestly, I think the worst of this. Is just how extreme he's going about the domestication experiments."
"Yeah, that's excessive." Momonga says as he moves the papers. Finding the right one, he pulls up the report.
He starved two families, and then butchered their children. Minced them into soup, and fed them to each other. Across from each other, and with them in the know the whole time.
Results, one of the mother's took her spoon, and killed herself by gouging her own eye out and goring her own brain. The rest, only looked on with horror as she did it.
He repeated the experiment, only this time he didn't inform them of just what the soup was made of, until after. At which point their was a mix of the family members killing each other and themselves.
"The domestication experiments are a bit far." I say before muttering. "I mean, Stockholm syndrome should be effective enough."
Though, I suppose Demiurge wouldn't know about psychology. Maybe if he did.
No, if he did then he'd use it to make the domestication experiments cruel and effective. So far they're just cruel. Like throwing darts blindfolded, and hitting puppies.
"Should I have him shut the farm down?" Momonga asks genuinely.
"We need the supply of scrolls it provides." I say, not liking my own words. "But, I'll get him to stop the domestication experiments. And to stop skinning the children."
Their skin isn't providing quality scrolls anyway. At best the children's skin is providing tier two scrolls. And that was one time. Adults tend to produce a steady stream of tier two and three though.
"We really have lost our humanity." Momonga says as he pats the documents into a neat pile.
"I feel some of my humanity return when I assume my human form." I remark, before adding. "But, my human form feels wrong. It isn't me. And I still see humans as just another animal. No different than a dog that someone taught to speak."
"I see." Momonga mutters. "I, just don't see them as anything. Not animals, not insects, just nothing."
We're silent a bit longer as we contemplate our lost sensibilities. The lack of attachment we feel to the species we once heralded as kin. Now, nothing to us.
"Zamaina, James." Momonga says softly, snapping me out of my thoughts.
'He never calls me by my real name.' I think worryingly.
"Yeah?" I ask tentatively.
"Do you, think the others are out there?" He asks me, not daring to look at my face.
I look away. Not wanting to answer. My silence speaking louder than any shout could.
"No." I eventually answer. "It, it seems that, from what we learned from the scriptures, and Ninya. Players and other Yggdrasil artifacts appear every century. But, it would seem the requirement was, to be present during the shutdown."
Momonga sighs.
"That's, what I was afraid of." He says as he shoulders shake, and he bows his head in grief.
I place a hand on his back. Comforting my only real friend here. I know it's not necessary, his passive will take care of it. But it's the thought that counts.
"I, suppose I should be grateful for what I have." He says in a steady voice. "We have the Tomb, the height of the dedication to our friendship with the others is still here! And their children, we can, I know I shouldn't complain but-"
"Stop." I quiet him, and he looks to me with what I can only assume is a mix of anxiety and fear. "There's nothing wrong with wanting more than what you have. And there's nothing wrong with wishing back for what's gone." I say before giving a wry smile. "It's only human to want more."
Momonga is quiet for a bit longer, before suddenly bursting out into laughter. Pure, genuine laughter. And he stops for a second, before laughing again, and again. Eventually he does calm down. But it's clear his suppression had to work overtime.
"Haaaaa." He gives out a contented sigh, before turning to me. "Thank you James."
"No problem." I smile at my best friend. Before, still holding that smile, I slide more documents out of my inventory and in front of him. "Now, details of Project Gehena."
"Ugh!" He groans. "You had to ruin the moment!"
"Always." I smile.
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-Re-Estize Capitol, False Manor, 10:30am-
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Sebas Tian POV
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This, is utterly pointless.
"There's the fee for her missed service." The hooded man with horrible posture says. "That's three hundred gold. Then there's the fee for the inconveniences you've placed on us."
"And then there's the fee for getting rid of the document charging you of violating the slave trade!" Constable Heivish says with a cheerful grin that splits his face.
"Yes, overall that would bring it to five hundred gold." The man says with an opened palm exposing all digits to indicate five.
'This is beyond extortionate.' I think to myself as I keep my composure.
Though, they are trying that composure. To its very limits. Not even mentioning the girl's condition and how obviously illegal this is. How morally and ethically bankrupt they're being.
They are actively impeding me from completing my orders. I could forgive such a thing, if it were out of ignorance, coincidence or unrelated circumstance. But this?
'Calm yourself Sebas.' I tell myself as I take a deep breath.
"That is beyond extortionate and you know it." I say, keeping myself from gritting my teeth in anger. Though I can't quite keep my irritation from my tone.
"If you can't pay it you should've kept to yourself." The hooded man grins.
It thankfully doesn't cause an immediate escalation.
"Old man!" I feel my blood run cold as I hear the voice of my lord in his human guise. "What's going on?"
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-10 minutes earlier, Nazerick-
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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'This is interesting.' I note as I overlook the papers in my hand.
The Re-Estize kingdom is more of a mess than anyone actually realizes. There is no real hierarchy here. Hell, the great nobles are only great due to their wealth. Which of the noble houses that are called The Great Nobles, has changes infrequently throughout the Kingdom's history. With house Raeven only becoming great with the current head.
It's a system that's meant to foster healthy competition and spur progress. But all it did was manufacture a system that causes people to, not necessarily be better, just be better than the next guy.
In other words, lots of sabotage and backroom deals going on. And half of these guys don't know how to clean up after themselves. Sure, by this world's standards they're making it difficult to pin down any shady dealings on them. But I grew up in a world where you had to smile in the face of a man you are preparing to fire and make homeless, while making it look like it was entirely his fault.
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The fact I don't feel as bad about that as I used to, says a lot.
'Am, am I changing?' I think before I correct myself. 'No, I am changing. The question is, how much? And, do I want to do anything about it?"
[Lord Zamaina] I hear Solution's voice, bringing me from my thoughts.
[Solution? What has you calling me?] I ask, and my mind immediately goes to canon and how Sebas was accused. But, I ordered Sebas to search for a girl being used as a slave prostitute named Tuareninya Veyron. So that shouldn't be it.
[There's been an issue.] She says with a dire tone. [The investigation Sebas was carrying out for you has been met with, complications.]
[What, kind?] I ask. Feeling my confusion shift to anger as she explains.
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Stepping out of the guest room I passed through a gate in. I look over to the three individuals, using a Mask of Many Faces as we've called it. Making myself look like a younger Sebas with brown hair and wearing a dark blue suit of my own.
"Oh!" I say with a bow. "My apologies gentlemen, I was unaware we were entertaining."
"It's quite alright." The fat pig who smells of butter and used socks says. "Though, seeing as we have another attendant here, perhaps you could offer refreshments?"
"Yes, we've been discussing for a while now." The man who is slightly stronger than the pig asks. "So if you'd be so kind as to go to the kitchen and make us a fresh pot of tea."
'He wants me gone.' I read between the lines as he shifts his side slightly, just enough to cause a glint and draw my attention to the dagger at his hip.
While the pig, is an oblivious idiot.
Sebas snaps his head to the two with startling speed. As he goes back to addressing the two.
"No!" He says and stands up. "I-I'll make the tea if you need any."
"Master Sebas." I say with a bow, causing the man's heart to pound so loud I wouldn't be surprised if the two humans could hear it. "Please, don't strain yourself. That being said, I'm afraid the last of our tea stock was used earlier. It's why I came out here to discuss replenishment."
"Er, um, right." Sebas says as he turns back to me and recomposes himself. "L-lad, if you would please. I'll be with you in but a moment after I've dealt with this."
The man in a hood uses an illusion. Leaving a copy of himself behind as he stands up, invisible and walks towards me with quick, careful steps.
I pretend to ignore him as I continue, even as he holds a blade to my neck. Just short of piercing.
'Do it.' I nearly grin at his audacity.
"But the lady of the house is getting, y'know." I give a worried look. "I fear she may throw another fit soon."
The man smirks before turning around and heading back to his seat, melding in place of his illusion.
"We were just wrapping up here." The scarred man says as he stands up, much to the confusion of the pig. "You know what you need to do, master Sebas."
"What?" The pig says stupidly as he stands up as well. "But what of our agreement?"
"You'll get your dues, Lord Heivish." The man says with a hiss in his voice. "But this is where we part with the good people of the manor. For now."
"A-are you sure?" I ask as they head towards the door. "We may not have tea but I'm sure-"
"We're fine." He says as he opens the door and pushes the fat man out. Turning to face us, he gives a smile as he closes the door behind him. "We'll be back soon enough anyway, you can have tea prepared by then." He closes the door after the parting message.
I hold up a hand to stop Sebas from doing anything as I close my eyes and listen in on the two.
It's just a bunch of the snakelike man instructing the confused and entitled idiotic pig. The constable being too narrow sighted to see what was going on. Once they're out of my ear shot, I move my raised hand to my face and remove the mask. Returning my appearance.
"At ease." I tell Sebas as I use my inventory to swap to my normal gear I walk around in the tomb in. The black wolf furred mantle, black cuirass, brassy gold accented and scaled green, handless gauntlets, dark brown loin cloth with green sash. Giving me a sort of, Celtic Nordic king of the wilds look.
"My lord, I am appalled at myself!" Sebas says as he kneels and keeps his head down. "That you would need to come here and degrade yourself so as-"
"Stop." I say as I walk over to the couch and use a quick first tier spell to send it back with a gust of wind. Appearing as though I sent it back with the flick of my wrist.
I then move to sit, pulling an item of furniture out of my inventory known as Woodlands Chair. It's a chair, similar to the Jarl thrones that are in Skyrim. Only instead of stone, it's made to look like a tree grew into the shape of a chair. Being a thick walnut that tapers off at the top into a flowering top at the back. The flowers that bloom, being random upon each deployment.
Yes, you can store furniture in your inventory. Just nothing absurd that would stretch the meaning of, a single item. Though this chair was stored in my room's personalized inventory. I took it out to see if it was possible to actually use.
Results were satisfying.
I sit in the surprisingly cozy chair and assume the Jarl pose. Leaning back to one side while keeping my back straight, my right elbow on the arm as I keep my hand near my chin. My left arm resting.
"Nothing that happened here, is a result of your ineptitude." I say sternly in a tone that leaves no room to rebuke. "Rather, it is the result of this kingdom's corruption. And I sincerely doubt you are the cause of that."
"But my lord." He nearly begs. "To force a situation where you are to degrade yourself so!"
"Degrade?" I cock a brow. "And just how did I degrade myself?"
"You, you took on the role of a servant." He says as he looks up with concern. "And towards that scum no less!"
"So?" I ask with a raised brow. "Sebas, I did what I did of my own accord in order to get those men to leave. I'd have killed them on the spot if it wouldn't cause issues later."
That's a lie. I posed as this so as to not tie in Inazama. Inazama isn't supposed to be in the capital until tomorrow, tonight at the earliest.
"You shouldn't have had to do that." He insists.
"Is that pity I hear?" I ask with a raised brow.
Sebas looks at me as though I slapped him in the face. Not sure how to answer the question, he closes his mouth and stares at the floor.
"Take a seat Sebas." I gesture to the couch across from me, and he does so. "We're about done here anyway. As in your primary mission that is. So, let's wrap this up. Tell me about the girl you found."
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-2pm, Back alleys-
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Staring at the man who followed the blonde that was following Sebas. I recall the events of the show from more than thirty years ago. By my reckoning. And I realize this is Brain Unglaus.
Nodding to Sebas, I let him do the bloodlust thing with Climb. Which causes Brain to press his back to the wall as he hides from the skill. Clutching his chest as he keeps his eyes clenched. Also, he peed a little.
Once Sebas is done. Brain slowly opens his eyes, and sees me. Leaning against the opposite wall with my cloak up. A basic level twenty Cloak of The Wilds.
I wasn't using any skills, just relying on natural ability granted by my classes. So there is no reason he wouldn't see me.
And I don't care. We're just baiting the Eight Fingers.
"Sup?" I nod my chin.
"Uh, hey." He says numbly.
Brain looks at me owlishly. Blinking a few times to confirm that yes, I am real. Stealing glances to the side where Sebas and Climb are.
'Oh, looks like they're closing in.' I think to myself as I sense the assassins creeping in on our position.
"I'm not stopping you." I say and nudge my head. "Go on blue boy."
"Blue boy?" He furrows his brow before shaking his head and taking the opportunity to head off towards the butler and bodyguard.
Walking slowly behind them, I wait out their conversation as the assassin's take their positions.
Brain sees the assassin's, and sees me walking over without a care in the world. And comes to the natural conclusion that I'm the enemy.
"I knew you looked shady." He grins. "So, were you frozen by that wave of-"
I don't respond as I duck, slink forward and under his guard before coming up next to him and catch a throwing needle in my hand.
"No." I say as he looks on with wide eyes. "I'm just in a bad mood."
Sebas steps aside alongside Climb as I walk towards the two on the other end of the alley. Intent on beating what I want out of these bastards.
I'm not a good person. I'm selfish, lazy, gluttonous and manipulative. But, I have my loyalties. And one of them is to those I call mine. These bastards are in line with those who would see one of mine hurt. No matter how indirectly, they're in my way. And that's enough to sign their tombstones.
'I need to get a handle on this rage I feel.' I tell myself as I recall how I felt when the Swords of Darkness died.
"Take the other three." I tell the men behind me as I stalk towards my prey.
The assassins lower their hips into a battle stance. Brandishing daggers at me before the one on the right charges.
He may be faster than ninety percent of people in this country. But that still makes his movements appear to be in slow motion as I grab his wrist and hold him up, his feet dangling slightly as I pull him up to be face to face.
I don't say anything as I crush his wrist. Earning an ear splitting scream from the man before I drop him and bring a knee up to his jaw. Knocking him out as the second throws another set of needles at me. Projectiles that I catch, and throw right back. Killing him as they land in his eyes and mouth.
It's almost comical how he just falls like a puppet with its strings cut.
As soon as that's done, I walk around the corner and leave the three men to their discussion.
I'm in no mood to talk right now. Besides, like I said earlier, Inazama isn't supposed to be in the capital. So, if asked, I'm a special bodyguard to the merchant's daughter that Sebas caters to. Ahem, Solution, Ahem.
Should dissuade too many questions about me.
[My lord.] Sebas messages, likely with the info of where the brothel is.
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-20 minutes later, Nazerick, Library of Ashurbanipal-
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Lysithea "Ninya" Veyron POV
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Holding my hand out, I focus the well of arcane energy in me. Guiding the mana to its place. Tracing the intricate design layer that weaves the energies of the world to the effect needed.
"Okay, Translocate Damage!" I cast and feel the effects take hold.
Deciding to test it, I close my eyes and slam my fist on the table.
"Eep!" I squeak, expecting pain. But, peek an eye open when I don't feel anything of the sort. Just a bit of mana loss. "I did it!"
I cast my second third tier spell! And I'm only sixteen!
I pump my fists in the air victoriously, when I hear a woom sound behind me. Turning to the noise, I see a portal of swirling purple and black darkness had opened up behind me.
Before I can react further, a hand reaches through and grabs my wrist. Yanking me through as I squeal in surprise.
Suddenly finding myself in a well maintained and decently furnished lobby. Stone walls, wooden floor, well lit. I look around at the broken tables and chairs strewn about.
As well as several bodies.
"U-um, where, are we?" I ask as I look to Zamaina who had let go of my wrist. And then I smell the pungent odor of blood and something else. "Urgh! What is that?"
"Probably a mix of jizz, blood, shit and piss." Zamaina says as he walks behind the counter and grabs a screaming man who tries, and fails, to stab a knife into my lord's throat. The blade shattering on impact. "Here, you can have this if you're thirsty."
He tosses the grown man at me where I barely catch him. As a vampire, my strength is more than triple what it was before. That is to say, I wasn't that physically strong to begin with.
Still stronger than any non adventurer or guard.
'It's not that I'm not thirsty. But, is this okay?' A small part of me asks.
"Ahh!" He shouts before punching me in the face, causing me to let go of him to nurse my nose.
It's as I'm rubbing my nose that I hear a wet squelch followed by a heavy thud in front of me. Peeking my eyes open, I spot the man on the ground. Dead with a throwing needle in his head.
"Um, what's going on here?" I ask nervously as Zamaina digs through a few drawers behind the counter, stashing some books and papers into the void he calls his inventory.
"This, is an illegal brothel." He says as he turns around and ducks below the counter. "We, hmph, found your sister." He continues to rummage, and I hear him break open something metallic. "There you are."
I feel my undead heart beat with hope! Hope that I've not felt in so long, not since first becoming an adventurer.
Before that hope morphs into a sickly feeling of despair. My stomach aching in nausea as I realize, and piece together all the context.
"Sh-she's here?" I ask with a shaky voice as I step over the dead bookie.
"No." Zamaina says as he comes up with a red book in hand, and pulls out a pair of glasses. "She was here."
I once again feel that pit return with greater force. And I hear my own guts twisting as I feel I might puke from the pain in my tummy.
"Th-then where is she?" I ask in an even shakier tone as I reach the counter.
"Back at the manor Sebas is using as a base." He says distractingly as he flips through the book.
I feel a wave of relief wash over me. Having feared the worse, that she was here and being used as some sort of sick toy.
'She was here.' The darker part of me brings up, and I feel a new emotion bubble up. One that scares me a little.
"Okay?" I ask as he keeps his eyes trained on the book. "What are we-"
"Here it is!" I'm cut off as he smiles, before frowning as he trails his finger down the page. "Hmm, maybe I should, no. That's too far. No need to involve the innocent and orphans."
"Um." I look around, still nervous and anxious at all the blood and the general atmosphere around me. The corpses being a rather, unsettling addition.
No matter how sweet some of it smells.
"Just, finding evidence." Zamaina looks and turns the book around, allowing me a look at what I recognize as a ledger.
With his finger hovering above the name that freezes my cold blood. With a burning sensation growing in my chest.
-Tuereninya Veyron, 12 appointments, set for disposal. Status: Unclear
Zamaina then flips through a few pages, and points to several names and dates, as well as notes attached to each of the, 'appointments'.
-Extra charge for damage
-Steffan Heivish's favorite, likes her screams, reduce her drugs to keep her coherent
-Contracted a venereal disease, noncontagious. Value not decreased
-Contracted Syphilis, lower price
Every line, all attached to dates that have my sister's name attached. And that's only the notes for two days.
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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I'm not a good person. I'll be the first to admit it. But even I, a man eating monster with plans to upheave this country and take it over in a bloody civil war. Even I have codes of ethics.
I'm not interested in excessive cruelty, when the one it is perpetrated against hasn't earned any ire. If she were a thief, a murderer, or a bandit. Then I wouldn't care.
But the girls here, have done nothing. They're taken from their homes and enslaved under the debt forgiveness loophole.
And seeing the pain it causes Ninya, infuriates me to no end.
"Let's go." I say as I take the book and stash it in my inventory.
She's hyperventilating, which is odd because her heart isn't beating. But still, her eyes are shaking and wide as she looks up at me with a speed that I didn't think her capable of.
"W-where, why?" She says with tears pricking the edges of her eyes.
I don't say anything as I guide her down the hall. And pass all the soundproof rooms. Though, they're not sound proof to me. And what I hear, makes me hunger to see blood spilt.
This is the difference between me an Momonga. Neither of us are particularly good people, but I can feel for those I don't particularly care for. Evil, doesn't mean bad. It means selfish and uncaring. You can do bad things for the right reasons, and it's not evil.
Similarly, you can do good for the wrong reasons. Doing good, doesn't make you good if it's for the wrong reasons.
Like now.
I keep my hand to Ninya's back as I guide her to the familiar scent and voice. Coming to the dark wooded door, I grab the handle and crush it. Letting it swing open as we're greeted to the sight and scent of the pig's greasy, hairy backside. So fat and out of shape, I'm surprised his sweat doesn't smell like butter.
"Huh?" He hums as he looks up from the girl he was brutalizing, the light cast from the hall gaining his attention. "Oh, what's this? Got a new girl for me to try out?"
He grits his teeth and falls off the bed, his pathetic cock shriveling to be somehow smaller and disappear under his fat rolls as he pisses himself.
The reason? I had unleashed my bloodlust at his words. But held back from putting my hand through his chest.
"Steffan Heivish?" I ask as I put my arms behind my back and cut off my aura.
"I, duh yes?" He says dumbly, confused from the turn of events.
"Perfect." I say as I pat Ninya's back. "Enjoy yourself."
He smiles dumbly as Ninya walks forward. Likely thinking I was talking to him.
Stepping away from the scene. I close the door and head to the others, hopefully one of these shit stains has a decent tasting heart.
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Lysithea "Ninya" Veyron POV
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"W-well I suppose I can forgive the abrupt interruption." The disgusting pig of a human says as he moves to stand.
Not letting him speak, I grab the dagger on my waist. Concealed by my cloak. The dagger of my friends, lost and gone.
"What are you- Aaah!" He cries out as I lunge forward, plunging the black blade into his knee. "Ha! Haaaaaa! What you!"
I take my gloves off to reveal my claws and grab his throat. Slamming him down on the floor.
"Stop this! Are you insane!?" He cries out before I stab his shoulder. "Ah! Why are you doing this!?"
"Why?" I ask as I move to straddle his chest. "Beg me again pig, and I'll tell you."
Before he can speak, I wrap my hands around his throat and squeeze. His fat, uncalloused and greasy hands grabbing my wrists as he gurgles his spit.
"What's that?" I ask with a smile creeping on my face. "Aren't you curious? Just ask."
"Agh! Kck!" His eyes bulge, and I loosen up before he passes out. "Puh! Why are you doing this!? Don't you know who I am!?"
I know enough.
Looking to the unconscious girl on the bed. Beaten bloody and raw. Her face which might have once been a thing of beauty to be proud of. Swollen, bloody, broken. Now resembled ground beef more than a face.
"Someone unworthy of the blood in their veins." I answer as I bring my right hand with the dagger up, and plunge it down into his shoulder.
"No stoaaaaghhhh! Ahahaha!" He cries out as he wiggles under me, but I squeeze my legs as hard as I can and crack his ribs. "Ahh!"
"How many times have you been asked the same?" I ask as I bring the blade back up. "How many begged you to stop!"
He weeps pathetically. So used to a cushioned livelihood, a little pain brings him to tears.
He doesn't know pain. Not like me.
"Ahhh!" He cries as I stab back down. "Please! Money, I, I have money!"
All the wealth in the world. Is meaningless to me.
"How many did you hurt!?" I ask as I clench my fist around his throat, the one not holding the blade. And strangle him again. "How many families did you help, destroy!?" I stab his chest at an angle, making sure not to puncture his lung like Lord Demiurge taught me.
"Ack! Why!?" He gurgles out as his eyes bug. "What, diiiai?"
I let go again, letting him breathe as I bring my dagger up. And wait, I wait for what feels like an eternity as the crying pig collects his thoughts. And once he looks into my eyes, and they widen In fear.
"Be glad." I smile. "This is a mercy compared to what I went through to die. And it's far less than what I'll do, to the man that started this."
Baron Revak.
"Wait!" He squeals like a stuck pig.
I plunge the blade down into his neck. Blood spurting up and hitting my face. It smells so good. But, I'm not giving this filth the satisfaction of being any sort of useful. Even in death.
I stab again, this time in his heart. And he jerks under me, blood spurting from his neck as he tries to scream.
He'll remain a useless, rotten pig. Unfit even for parts. Maybe the worms will be happy with him.
I stab again, but he doesn't scream for me this time. His head has gone slack and his eyes rolled back. And I feel, disappointed.
I feel a hand on my shoulder. And I look up into the kind, blue eyes of my savior and lord. The one who's given so much and only asks that I be loyal in return.
I smile as his visage brings me calm. And I reach my arms up, hoping for some warmth out of him to contrast this cold place. I know I have no right to ask him anything, when I've given nothing of myself in return. But, I can be selfish, right?
He does that, and more. I would've liked a hug. But he picks me up, and I melt into his warm embrace as he carries me like a princess! So kind, so generous.
"I love you." I whisper to my lord as he carries me through the bloody halls. The home of my sister's torment, destroyed and desecrated. Her tormentors dead and rotting.
And carries me back to the realm of the gods.
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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"I love you." The bloody vampire says with a drunken smile as I princess carry her out of the halls and through a portal to the throne room, where I teleport to the baths.
I set Ninya down. Still smiling serenely and splashed with blood.
"Clean yourself up alright?" I say as I ruffle her hair. "We don't want your sister seeing you all bloody do we?"
I turn to the attending maid and instruct her to take Ninya's clothes and wash them, before turning back to Ninya. Who had already taken off her pants and cloak with me right here. A small blush on her pale face as she pauses and averts her eyes.
'Okay, how does a vampire blush without a working circulatory system?' I can't help but wonder.
"I-If you stare, it's embarrassing my lord." She says with a sheepish smile as she pulls her shirt down to cover herself more.
"I was just going to say I'll return in an hour." I say, noticing the small twitch at the edge of her smile.
"O-oh, okay then." She says, still looking from me to the floor.
Turning around, I head around and go to the men's bath. My clothes are self cleaning, a quick unequip and reequip and the grime is off of them.
Problem is, that grime has to go somewhere. Hence the need to wash off.
Pausing, I turn around and notice that Ninya is following me, the maid following behind her as she holds the clothes Ninya had discarded so far.
I wordlessly point to the sign that says men's bath. And watch her face fall as she looks over and reads it. Before smiling and puffing out her own chest as she holds her arms behind her back. A blush on her face as she stares at the floor.
Now, normally I see Ninya as a pet. But that's in my werewolf form. As a human, I do see her as more of a person. But, no.
I still don't see her like that. She's too low leveled for me to find attractive in that sense. Maybe if she were a tad stronger. I'd consider it, for her sake if nothing else. But, how do I handle this without hurting her feelings?
"W-we could-" She starts shyly, and I point to the women's section. "Okay."
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-Meanwhile, the above ground cover for the brothel-
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Sebas Tian POV
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I can already sense that my lord was here. He's not anymore, but that's besides the point.
I'm in a rather tough spot now, seeing as I have a cover to maintain of the mysterious cloaked man being a secret bodyguard. And now this.
"It looks like the trapdoor was opened already." Brain says as he motions to the hole in the floor that might have once been a secret entrance. "And it looks like whoever did this, had a hell of a grudge."
"Lord Sebas, could it have been your mistresses secret guard?" The young Climb asks as he turns to me.
"I, don't believe so." I have to lie. "I can't say for sure, but while it's not something I'd put past him, I'd have to confirm it later."
"Where is he by the way?" Brain asks with a casual air.
"I imagine that once the assassin's were disposed of, he returned to the manor to insure the young lady's safety." I say before thinking of something. "Come to think of it, he left immediately after dispatching those two, so there's no reason for him to know of this place. No, I'm quite sure it's impossible that this was him."
"If you say so lord Sebas, I believe you." The bright lad says, before Brain holds up a hand and motions for us to move back as he moves away as well.
It would seem he's noticed the two stragglers.
"Ugh, this is SO not good for business." I hear a more, effeminate male voice say.
"Quiet Cocodoll, we don't know if there's more than those two around." I hear the voice of the snakelike man from earlier, Succulent.
"Cocodoll?" Climb whispers in recognition.
In a few more seconds, the two men walk out of the hole, where Brain rushes the hooded Succulent from behind and pins him down with a blade to the back of his neck.
"What the hell!?" The man gawks as the one behind him shrieks and tries to run away.
"Well, look what we got here." Brain says with an amused tone. "Caught the fox sneaking out of its burrow."
"I'll get the other one!" Young Climb says as Brain pulls the hooded criminal up.
"Well then, it would seem I was unneeded." I remark.
No doubt my lord has already dealt with all those who need dealing with. But still, I'll not be lax in my duties. So I feel it would be best that I see this through at least.
My lord's last orders were to assist these gentlemen after all.
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-Later that night-
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"Tell me, is there anything you'd like?" I offer the fearful maid clinging to Sebas with such force, you'd think he were a tree in a hurricane.
'Hmm, she's likely traumatized of humans.' I think as I rest in my chair.
Ninya did say I have looks that could pass for a noble if my hair were blonde or maybe even brown. So perhaps that's adding to her fear?
"It seems you struggle to talk." I say in a measured tone. "You are aware that I am Sebas's lord, correct?"
She nods fearfully, and I have my confirmation.
With that thought in mind. I transform back into my werewolf form. Watching as her eyes go wide, and listening as her heart calms.
"Hmm, I see." I note with a tone of pity as she calms. "The world of humans, is no longer open to you. Is it?"
"U-um, I'm not sure how to answer that my lord." She says softly. "What, what do you mean by that?"
"The fact you speak so clearly now confirms it." I sigh.
To be so utterly traumatized of people. That my normal form is more comfortable to be around. I can actually see how Ninya became so twisted once given a little bit of power to call her own.
"Forget it, tell me what you want." I say with a wave of my hand.
"I, I want to stay with Sebas my lord." She says softly, and I can see the soft expression trying to worm its way onto Sebas's face.
"Hmm, you have no family that you'd like to return to?" I ask, mildly concerned for Ninya.
If Tuare doesn't want to see her. I won't force it, as much as it might hurt Ninya to hear that. I'm not that kind of person.
"I, have a little sister." Tuare says sadly. "But, I'm not even sure if she's still alive."
I have to hold back my laughter at her choice of words.
"Hmm, what's her name?" I ask.
"It was Lysithea, my lord." She answers, and I smile at her answer.
"Well, I can confirm she's not alive anymore." I say, not being able to help myself. And she casts her eyes downward, seeming to just, accept that answer. "But, you'll be able to discuss all that and more later."
"What?" She looks up with wide eyes.
"You'll understand in time." I say and stand up, nodding to Sebas. "Take her to her room, and return. It's about time to wrap things up."
He nods, and I turn to the curtained window. Looking out as though it were open.
[Demiurge] I message.
[My lord! I am at your beck and call.] He announces, and I can imagine him bowing as he answers me.
Demiurge, I've learned. Is programmed to be so loyal to Nazerick, he will willingly delude himself to an absurd degree in order to justify any mistakes we may make. Going so far as to claiming the time I accidentally knocked over a vase, to be a test of the maid's diligence.
So, he's trustworthy, so long as you avoid being vague with him. Because he will choose to interpret it in the most sadistic way possible.
[I'm going to open a gate, It's time to initiate Project Witch.] I answer. [It's a delicate role, so there's none I trust to handle the initial phases more than you.]
Momonga already knows about Project Witch and Project Gehena. Turns out, Demiurge does tell him everything. It's all in the documents he sends. Momonga just had undiagnosed ADHD and hyper fixates on certain things, while passing over others. His attention struggles to stay on anything he's not forcing himself to, or not interested in. So, he tends to skim documents.
He's gotten better with how often I yell at him for it.
Hell, in the original documents, he called the Abelion Sheep, Human cattle. He changed it to Abelion Sheep after that miscommunication in the throne room. He thought Momonga was joking, sonhe changed to let Momonga know he was in on the joke. Momonga knows now. But, the thing is.
Momonga doesn't care. And frankly neither do I. We've agreed that the benefits to Nazerick outweigh our discomfort. And it truly is just that. Discomfort and nothing more.
[You honor me my lord!] Demiurge relays. [I should have all the necessary information. I swear on my life I'll strive to see this to perfection!]
[I expect nothing less Demiurge.] I say as I feel the grin creep onto my face.
Project Witch, is the plan by which we'll destroy this kingdom from the inside out using Renner to sow seeds of discourse in the palace.
Project Gehena, is the plan by which we'll add to that process of erosion. Taking hold of the Kingdom's stockpiled goods, much as was done in canon. While also taking over Eight Fingers.
With the nobles at each other's throats. And the national reserves gone, on top of the harvest decline from the yearly war with Baharuth. This country will rot from its belly as greedy nobles fight each other while the common man slowly suffers and starves.
In other words.
Let them eat cake.
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-Next Day-
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Malmvist POV
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"You're certain this is it?" I ask the disappointment as we stand at the end of the street to the wealthier district. Not far away from the manor of the man that disrespected and humiliated the Six Arms over a worthless slave girl.
"Without a doubt." Succulent says as a well dressed gentleman accompanied by a very buxom beauty step out of the manor. "That's them. They seem to be leaving, which means the manor is currently unguarded!"
He's awfully cocky for one we just busted out of jail.
"If you say so." I shrug as I wait, along with Succulent, for the two to disappear down the road. Before waving to the help to come along. Seven thieves in our employ.
Walking leisurely behind them as they scamper off. I roll my eyes at their horribly suspicious demeanor. The key to not standing out is acting like you belong. And here I am, wasting my talents for these no account thieves and foot soldiers.
"Utterly pathetic." I sigh.
They should've just sent me, and me alone. I would've gotten in and out with no issue. Though I suppose we'd still need Succulent's illusions to carry the girl away without issue.
It'd be rather annoying if one of the guards not on the payroll caught us. Then I'd have more work to do. And it'd have to be unpaid work.
"We're in." The thief working on the door says and opens the door to, a surprisingly empty foyer.
Looking around the interior. I can't help but feel as though something is off. The dark wooden floor is polished to a shine. With the crystal chandelier above us being lit and adding a homely lighting, to an otherwise empty room. Further ahead is a balcony overseeing the foyer, the stairs on the left and going straight. But again, there's nothing. No plants, no carpet, no paintings nothing.
"Are you certain this is the home of a wealthy merchant?" I ask as we step inside.
"Certain of it." Succulent says as he looks around, just as puzzled as I. "But, it wasn't this empty a day ago."
"Well no one was seen entering or leaving in the time between then and now." I scoff as I run a finger along a table near the entrance, and inspect it to find not a speck of dust. "But, this place is remarkably clean. So, hmm."
"Um, can I help you gentlemen?" We all freeze as we look over to a door that must lead to the sitting room.
It's a boyish looking butler in a blue suit. White tie, white hair and blue eyes.
"Hmm, well no witnesses." I sigh as I take out my rapier, Rose Thorn and lunge forth. Crossing the distance faster than the man can react. And plunge the blade through his neck.
It sinks through with no resistance. And I pull back with a sigh as he slumps to the ground, dead. Swinging my sword to the side to swipe off the blood, I resheathe the blade and turn to the others.
"Well?" I ask as I kick the body to the side and nod to the room. "What are you waiting for, a handwritten invitation? Go."
The six or so thieves run into the room as-
Wait.
"Where's the other one?" I ask as I look back to Succulent.
"Other what?" He asks with a raised brow.
"There were nine of us." I say with a glare. "I only counted six thieves."
Succulents eyes go wide as he realizes my meaning. And turns around and to searche behind himself. Only for the door to the sitting room to close behind me on its own with a soft click.
"What!?" I brandish Rose Thorn as I jump back from the door.
"Hmm hmm hm hm." The dead man chuckles as he, he's not there. Where.
"You know, I'm aware you were being sarcastic." I hear a beautiful voice call from the second floor. "But waiting for an invitation would have been the polite thing to do."
Snapping to the sound. I'm nearly dumbstruck in awe of the beauty before me. A figure so perfect it might have been cut from marble. Silvery white hair with a soft shine of blue. Deep, ocean blue eyes on a fair skinned face bereft of any imperfection. Wearing a dazzling dress of glittery cerulean, going up to cover her neck and accentuate the blue gem surrounded by a gold holding. The dress covers her arms and fades into a soft snowy white at the ends. Covering the back of her hands and held in place by the gold rings on each of her middle fingers. The slit in the side of her dress, meant to give a hint of leg, only tease further as they show her to be wearing white pants underneath.
And that voice.
I've been to many high end events in my time. And heard many songstresses. And I also know that a pleasant voice, does not mean one is skilled in music.
"But, I suppose that's to be expected of your kind." She gives a knowing smile as she walks down the stairs, eyes locked onto her hand on the rail.
Drip
A drop lands on my forehead. And I go to inspect it-
"Nothing to say?" She stops me from doing so as I feel the need to keep my attention on her. "A shame, to see you so awe struck. Though I feel I'll like your expressions, when you realize you're out of luck."
"What?" I ask as she, almost sang that line, as everything melts away but me and her.
She walks up to me, a soft, kind smile on her face as she doesn't look up. Appearing almost shy.
Is, is this love? Is this what the stories have all promised? I felt as though the bards and other such exagerated.
"A shame, here I thought you strong." She says as she brings her hand to my cheek, and I cup it as well. At a complete loss for words, at the beauty before me. "Yet here you fall to me, at the sound of my song."
"All would fall before your grace." I find the nerve to say. "From your enchanting voice, to your gorgeous face."
She looks to me with a smile that closes her eyes and giggles. Such a melodic sound.
"I wasn't expecting that one." She says as she opens her serpentine eyes, and my heart stops. "As a show of respect, I'll give you the dignity of knowing how you die."
Drip
Frozen in shock, she tilts my head to see.
And I nearly faint. But years of dangerous work, honing my swordsmanship and refining my skill.
"This, this isn't real." I say as I stare at the missing thief. His eyes bulging as he's strapped to the chandelier.
By his own intestines.
"Now you see, you would be forgiven for thinking that." She brings my gaze back to her, and I jump back, and turn to the door.
But it's not there. The door isn't there!
"Th-the door." I say as I feel around the wall. "Where is the door!?"
"It must be an illusion!" Succulent says next to me. "Some illusions, can even trick you into fully believing things that aren't real!"
"Is that true!?" I look to the man, then to the giggling, snake eyed woman with fin like ears. Long nails and fins coming from her forearms. As well as a webbed membrane under her arms that connects to her sides.
A siren!
"I don't know!" Succulent shouts, and I look to the beady eyed man. And I freeze as the whites turn black. And his eyes turn an electric blue. "You tell me." He says with a sharp grin.
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-Meanwhile, back of the house-
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Tuareninya Veyron POV
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"Yahtzee!" The tall, green haired man with green eyes shouts as he jumps up and pumps his fists. "Booya baby!"
The black part of his eyes are like a star with four points.
"Speed!" The high pitched girl with blue hair admonishes, though it sounds more like a pout. She has blue eyes, and white wolf ears. "You nearly scared her!"
"Oh! Um, sorry." He says and sits down, scratching the back of his head. Just behind his long ears. "Didn't mean ta startle ya."
Lord Sebas says they can be trusted. And he assures me that none of them are human. And Lord Zamaina said so as well. And well, he's not human either. Though he is a werewolf.
But, I'm not a virgin. So I doubt he has any interest in me like that. I've never heard of werewolves taking impure maidens before.
"It's okay." I say softly and pick up the cup. "So, um, h-how do I play again?"
"Aaaaahhhh!" I nearly drop the cup and dice at the sound.
"That was me!" The other one here says, just outside the door to the room. "Jus stubbed my toe!"
"Ya sound like a gurl when you scream" Speed shouts back. "Or a harpy!"
I give a small laugh at their lax nature with each other. And, I can't help but feel as though, for once in my life.
Things will be good.
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Bonus
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-Nazerick Bath-
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Lysithea "Ninya" Veyron POV
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Sinking into the warm, relaxing baths. I sigh out bubbles as I let my mouth sink below the waterline.
'Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to proposition him while covered in blood.' I think to myself as I look up at the ceiling. 'Aaaah what was I thinking!?'
I want to crawl under a rock and die! Again!
"If only I knew what I was doing." I whine.
"Doing what?" I hear a serene voice ask, causing my head to snap over towards the sound.
'Why is everyone here so gorgeous!?' I whine as I look at the fair skinned, white haired beauty.
Upon closer look, I see she has blue scales on her neck and shoulders. And her kind eyes are a deep, sparking lake blue with snake like pupils. And her ears, are like small fins.
"Um, nothing." I squeak as I look away, before feeling a warmth envelope me.
'When did she?' I think as she wraps her arms around me in a gentle hug. Having moved through the water so fast, I'm almost certain she teleported.
"Come now." She whispers in a sweet voice that sends a chill down my spine, and makes me question certain things about myself. "Wow! You're so smooth. Your skin that is."
"U-um, thank you?" I mutter as I wonder what's going on. "You're, warm."
"I imagine I am." She says with a heavenly laugh. "Now, why don't you relax and tell me your worries. Hmm? You can tell me, I promise I won't make light of your troubles."
She holds me tighter, and her voice brings me comfort as I relax into her soft embrace. Not even caring for the nakedness between us.
"I, I made a fool of myself." I admit as I partially close my eyes.
I don't know why, but she has this presence about her that makes me feel at ease. And I relent, telling her everything that happened at the brothel, and how I clumsily tried to offer myself to Lord Zamaina.
"And now I don't know what to do." I say as I rest my head back, and look up at the woman with a smiling face.
"Well, it sounds to me like you have an idea of what you want to do." She says as I blush at her tone, one that makes me aware of the skin contact between us. One of her hands running over my breast and down to my belly button, and back up to hold me. "But, as for how to go about it. Why not just come out and say it sweetheart?"
I go to say something, but feel myself relax further as she begins running her hands through my hair. My worries melting away.
"Would, that be alright?" I ask as I feel myself almost fall asleep.
"Just trust me." The woman says, and I fall asleep. The last thing I see before doing so, is that of her wide, sharp toothed grin. "Though it's a shame. You're such a cutie."
'What?'
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Waking up, I look around and find myself still in the bath. Though, not in the bath. On the floor next to it. Naked and dry.
"And just what do we have here?" I hear the voice of the busty vampire ring out from the entrance to the women's bath. "A lazy little meanderer."
Looking over with a snap. I go to say something. But I'm stuck at a loss for words.
I must have been mistaken. Because while she does bear a striking resemblance, and sounds like her. I know that is not Lady Shalltear.
"Um, who are you?" I ask the flat chested little girl. "Are you, Lady Shalltear's sister?"
"Uh! You little ingrate!" She growls, and stomps over to me. Throwing off her towel as she approaches. "Just because you're my Lord's pet doesn't give you any right to-"
"Noisy and uncouth guests are not worthy of the baths!" The lion headed statue roars as it starts moving. "Remove yourselves, before I remove your heads!"
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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"Aah!" I hear Ninya and Shalltear scream.
The golem is harmless. It just picks up anyone breaking the rules, and throws them out of the baths.
Fun fact! It also switches baths depending on the day.
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Usani Lee
[Loveliest Runner]
Creator: Yamaiko/Zamaina
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Heteromorphic Race
-Racial levels-
Fish person 15
Siren 10
Legacy of Melpomene 5
-Job Levels-
Bard 15
Sorceress 15
Entertainer 10
Duchess of Helheim 10
Witch of the North Wind 10
Grand Announcer 5
Monarch of the Symposium 5
Total: 100
-Stats-
Sense of justice: -100 Neutral Evil
HP: 70
MP: 90
PHY. ATK: 50
PHY. DEF: 70
AGILITY: 70
MAG. ATK: 80
MAG. DEF: 90
RESIST: 85
SPECIAL: 90
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-Bio-
Mysterious and seductive. Usani is the lead of the runners. Manipulative and capable of weaving plans within plans that span multiple objectives while never revealing her true intentions until you're already in her grasp.
And she does appear to have such a nature.
But in truth, none of that is actually true. Usani just puts on that persona. Feeling that she needs to be seen as this strong minded being in order to be worthy of her position as Nazerick's lead to the Runners.
Her true personality, is that of a mischievous teen, mixed with a tired mother. She melds well with her subordinates, and keeps them in line. Be it holding Speed back, stopping Jowei, encouraging Narfuto, or making sure Kouri stays out of trouble. Though that last one is nearly impossible seeing as Kouri will make trouble for himself.
Usani takes great pride in her voice both as a siren, and as a bard. Having trained her voice to the point she can cast bardic intonations just through softly humming.
Usani likes spending time with those she calls friends. And enjoys working with them, even troublesome ones. She is an animal lover, and prefers girls sexually.
It doesn't take much to reveal her true nature. Small things like trivia questions, or technical questions can frustrate her and get her to slip from her seductress mastermind persona.
In short, if she rehearses. She can maintain her persona. If something irks her, it slips. Though, to outsiders, they may never see her mask slip. It is only around the ones she puts the mask on for that may ever see it slip. Her own insecurity causing her to overstress appearances when around those it matters. And the stress making it more likely to slip.
She likes chocolate and strawberries. Though she hates white chocolate.
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A/N
Yes, Usani was testing the waters with Ninya. See if she could score before she had to head out on a job.
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Eye of Tobs asked for some of his skills on QQ
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He has a skill known as The Thunder Beats With The Drums of War
From his Raijin Class
Basically, it removes resistances and defences from enemies with each "beat" of the drum (Attack within 30 seconds) and adds half the numerical value to all his items. Once a day, 30 second cast time
Then there's Judgement Call of The Heavens, from Raiju
It's once a day, and causes all magic attacks to be nullified so long as 1 designated enemy is alive
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Then there's Storm's Calling from God of Lightning
It causes all storm based attacks to double in power and is five times a day.
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Then, for have 3 divine or higher classes, there's Down From Olympus.
This is a once a day skill on par with Super Tier Magic
A casting time of 1 minute. For every 20 seconds it is uninterrupted, it doubles in range and power. One of 10 effects may be chosen for every 20 seconds of cast time.
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Cast Super Tier Creation
Cast Galvanized Field 10th level
Cast Noah's Requiem in the field of effect
Double all equipment effects
Cast Tartarus Unleashed
Cast Sodom's Downfall
Cast Thunder God's Rage
Cast Super Tier Nyx's Descent
Cast Mass Resurrection
Cast Heaven's Choir Ensemble
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