The Lightning Player

by Newb to the game

Taken from the past and shoved into the future. James's life was bleak. Until he learned of a new game that he had heard of before.

20. Demonic Disturbance

A/N Demonic Disturbance

Alt title: There is no second title

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Hwang Manuel: One of the twins is a lesbian, and the other only likes little boys. Yes, that is from the web novel.

Other than that, the ring he wears charms people. But it doesn't make them switch sexualities or do anything they normally wouldn't. It's like a one time hypnotic command of, "Hey, you like this person. You think everything about them is swell!" The odds of it succeeding are based on level difference. And the Blue Roses are all around level 30-40. With Evileye being about 50 or so. Evileye is immune because she's undead. Her infatuation is 100% circumstance of their meeting.

Church21: I was fifty/fifty on making Evileye fall for Zamaina. The thought it would be funny, because now he has a sort of Dracula's brides situation going on.

Shalltear is there because just before he left, Peroroncino wrote that she was madly in lust for Zamaina. Purely because he knew that if Zamaina ever saw it, it would annoy him.

Ninya was under the effects of the Garganach's Favor, but that wore off when she died. She sort of trauma bonded to Zamaina after being made aware of her reality.

Danafal: You're welcome!

Anyumaaka: Evileye and Ninya both have anti-detection items that protect them from being found out.

KaydenSR: I was half asleep and thought I was updating Cyril.

YeTianshi: Read text above

OverWarlord: read text above

Guest: Zamaina actually isn't all that lustful of an individual. Otherwise he'd be a lot looser with his standards. Gagaran speaks solely to his wolf side. Lakyus speaks to his wolf side and human side in equal measure. And Evileye speaks mostly to his wolf side, and partly to his human side.

Tia and Tina, not so much. That, and neither would be with Zamaina under any circumstance.

almamudshohag10: Hello

Carlmike94: A vampire loli foursome, assuming Ninya can get to Evileye's level of power and get Zamaina to see her as a person.

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-Date, Time-

'Thoughts'

"Speech"

(Text)

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-Re-Estize Capital, Warehouse District East End-

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Lysithea "Ninya" Veyron POV

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"You have this line covered Lysithea." Lord M- Sir Momon says as he turns back to the oncoming horde. "I'll cut through their lines, but I can't promise I'll get them all!"

He runs forward along with Nabe and Evileye. Looking for all the part as that of a gallant knight of dark justice as he charges. Even though he's one of the orchestrators of this.

I don't much care to be honest. This kingdom is rotten to its core. Why should I be upset that its people are being attacked? None of them cared about me. Everyone that's ever cared even a little about me is dead. All except for one. One gentle, all powerful god who saw something special in me and decided that was enough.

'Stop daydreaming you dunce!' I berate myself as I focus on the wave of hellhounds incoming. 'Prove you can do this and that you aren't a waste!'

Lord Zamaina warned me that these creatures won't hold back anymore for me than they are for the people. So I need to treat this as real, and that I can really die.

"Lysithea, ma'am!" One of the guards speaks up. "What do we do!?"

'Why are you asking me!?' I feel a slight panic set in.

"Stand your ground!" I say automatically as I hold out my staff. "[Twin maximize magic: Blowback!]"

I cast the rebounding spell as the hellhounds let loose a wave of fire. It doesn't do anything to them. But they can only breathe fire once every few seconds, and blowback is a tier two spell. Easy to keep reusing.

"Take them out then get back!" I call out. "I'm going to cast before they recover!"

I smile to myself as I watch the first line run forward and kill off a third of the hellhounds before coming back. Only one of the guards get injured, getting a light bite to the shin as the demonic dogs fight back. Luckily, he gets saved by a fellow guard who kills the dog and pulls the man back.

'This is, kinda fun!' I think to myself. 'Like this, I bet I can kill all the demons on this road without using all my mana! Take that you ratty haired blonde man stealer!'

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-Meanwhile, Re-Estize Capital, Warehouse District North End-

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Inazama "Zamaina" POV

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"It's so odd." Lakyus says as she stops for the third time to move children out of the road. "Why, why leave them? Why not take the children as well as the adults especially with that song playing on the wind. I get not taking them to get the adults to comply, but now?"

At this point, I'm getting inpatient. Jowei is waiting in a specific area that we are going to pass through. But at this rate we might as well just pitch a fucking camp!

'Calm down James.' I tell myself. 'Just get past this part and you'll be golden.'

"I'm not the resident otherworldly expert." A mythril adventurer says in a snarky tone as I feel him stare at my back.

"And just what is that supposed to mean?" I ask with a glare as I turn my head to the side and eye the paladin with greying hair.

"It just rubs me the wrong way." He says as he meets my eye. "All this happens, and suddenly your team shows up with all the answers. Answers that make sense, but no one can verify. Forcing us to work on a lot of assumptions. And then there's the fact that you've allegedly been to the feywilds."

"Calm yourself Godrick." Lakyus turns to the older man. "This is no time to make accusations, especially ones so baseless."

The man clicks his tongue as he approaches me and puffs his chest up. Poking my own leather armored chest as he looks ready to square up.

'He's not wrong.' I admit. 'But this needs to be dealt with now.'

"Listen here." I say as I grab his armored finger and toss his hand back. "If I had all the answers, then you wouldn't be here. As it stands we're all in the dark here. I'm just one of the few stepping up to make calls and keep people alive. Don't like it? Come up with something better."

I pay him no more mind as I turn from him. The sound of Usani's voice ringing in the distance as she sings Nyx's Lullaby. Which actually caused one of the orichalcum adventurers that was meant to be with us to pass out not long after we entered the area.

"Now is not the time for arguments." Lakyus tells the other two. The paladin and a support mage. "That time has long since passed the moment we passed the wall of flame."

"Listen to her." I say casually as I make a show of looking out in front of us. Not that it really matters. Lakyus is the only one intended to make it back as a witness. "If you won't trust me, trust Lakyus."

"You don't-" The paladin starts to say, before I hold up a fist in the halt motion.

I draw my bow as everything goes silent. The only noises being that of snoring children and the distant sounds of battle.

Except for me. I can hear, a bit more.

Jowei decided to move. And he's moving towards us. Likely hearing us and trying to keep the illusion of him patrolling 'real'.

"What is it?" Lakyus whispers as she brandishes her sword. The paladin his mace and the heavy warrior his shield and sword.

You know that feeling you get when someone is watching you? Or how you can just tell when someone knows you're there? My Hunter's Instincts is like that, but amped up to eleven.

Jowei doesn't have many stealth skills. But it's enough that purely due to his level and my self imposed handicaps, it's messing with my perception. I can tell his general direction, but little more.

"He knows we're here." I say as I nock an arrow.

"Where?" The heavy warrior asks as we all back up to each other in a defensive circle. The heavy warrior behind me to my right. Lakyus behind me to my left. And the paladin directly behind me.

"I'm not sure." I lie as Jowei gets close enough for me to sense him past his skills.

I act panicked as Jowei moves in for a strike. "Move!" I kick the heavy warrior behind me out of the way. Moving him just in time to avoid a charged strike from the pink werewolf.

Though, the trajectory of the charge meant the paladin gets hit instead. As Jowei grabs his head and carries him across the street and into the wall of a building with a crash.

"What the?" Lakyus gasps as we turn to the crash.

"Holy hell." The warrior says shakily as he regains his bearings.

"Hell is right." Jowei says in his gravelly voice.

I don't know what decides the NPC's voices. Because I imagined Jowei with an English accent. But instead it's pretty accent neutral like most of the NPC's. Except for Speed, but that's probably because I wrote into him that he has an Irish accent.

Regardless. We watch as the dust settles and Jowei steps out of the debris. The limp paladin in his hand, grabbed by the head.

"Don't know 'bout holy though." Jowei finishes.

"Godrick!" Lakyus shouts as the bronze hovering swords on her hips fan out defensively.

Said paladin coughs up a spat of blood and croak something out as he reaches out towards us.

Only for Jowei to tense his grip, and destroy the man's head in his fist.

Credit where it's due. Lakyus doesn't play damsel, rather her grip on her sword tightens as she steps to the side. Giving me a clear shot of the werewolf.

Playing along, I let the arrow loose and nock two more in quick succession to fire. Jowei dodge the first by ducking to all fours and charging. Were the two silver tipped arrows find purchase in his shoulders. Causing him to stumble in his charge.

The heavy warrior takes advantage of his stumble and steps in front. Shield bashing Jowei in the face. Nearly losing said shield as Jowei swipes to try and grab the shield as he stumbles. Narrowly missing as the warrior kicks back.

Lakyus gives the werewolf no time to recover as she rushes forward and swings her sword down. Narrowly missing Jowei when he rolls to his back and spins like a breakdancer. Almost catching the woman off guard as her floating swords come down to take the worst of the hit. Though I hear one of them crack.

That's Jowei's unique abilities at play. His rare class, Bane of Shields, makes every attack deal more and more structural and durability damage to whatever he hits. It's a class specialized in destroying gear.

Lakyus doesn't seem to notice the loss of one of her sword's integrity as she holds a hand out. Making them fan out and stab Jowei back. Who slides back on the brick road about twenty feet away. Letting the attack take him a little.

Jowei looks up and snarls. His eyes glowing yellow as he takes a breath, his chest puffing out tremendously as he prepares to howl.

"Take cover!" I shout and we all dive to the side alleys. Lakyus to the left of the street, me and the warrior to the right.

"AAARRRROOOOO!" Jowei howls, shaking the nearby buildings and causing rubble to fall as windows shatter.

Yeah, that damage to structures and items? It applies to all attacks. Not just melee. In a funny way, he could literally huff and puff, and blow a house down.

"Fuck!" The warrior next to me curses as he holds his armored head. His ears likely ringing from the noise that assaulted them.

I look to him, and smell a bit of blood. Luckily it isn't a full moon or it would be a bit difficult to maintain my composure.

Actually, on second sniff. I smell a fair amount of blood. And remember the sleeping kids in the road and the houses.

'Fuck.' I curse to myself as I realize the howl probably killed or at least permanently deafened more than a few. 'Damnit. Oh well, eggs and omelets. Not much we can do for them now.'

"Keep it together man." I say as I reach into one of my pouches and pull out some silver powder. "We just need to run down the clock."

"Right." He huffs as he shakes his head and composes himself. "I got this, we can do this!"

He's gonna die.

"Right, run out and draw his attention." I tell him as I nock an arrow. Making him look back to me with an 'are you crazy?' expression. "Just trust me." I hiss.

Surprised Jowei let this go on. I know we're putting on a show. But he doesn't have to let us have time.

The warrior sighs, shakes his head and runs out. Brandishing his shield and sword as he bashes the pommel of the sword onto the metal surface of his shield. Shouting like a maniac as he draws attention to himself.

I aim the arrow I prepared for Jowei. Containing a loose bag of silver powder as-

I roll forward as I sense Jowei leap to the roofs. Heading straight for me. My roll is perfectly timed as he slams down where I was not a few seconds ago.

I get to my feet and backpedal, avoiding a flurry of swipes that would've gored a normal man. And it doesn't take me long to figure out Jowei was letting us talk, in order to catch us off guard.

Jowei charges at me, and I roll to my back. Preparing to plant my feet on his chest and launch him like I did in the forest. But he stops short of running over me and grabs my leg.

"FOOL ME ONCE!" Jowei yells as he swings me into one of the alley's walls.

"Inazama!" Lakyus and the warrior yell as I'm swung.

"Martial Art: Fortress!" I shout quickly as I'm put through the wall and into someone's kitchen as Jowei lets go and lets me fly into a table.

Again, I can't use martial arts. Or at least I haven't learned any. But it's impossible for someone to tell if someone is using a martial art, and it lets me bullshit a lot.

Still gotta play it out though. Fortress only lasts a split second. Meaning the table I just slammed through would hurt me. So I lay here for a few seconds because getting back immediately would be suspicious.

"Ugh." I fake a groan as I roll out of the debris. Getting a little too absorbed in the roleplay.

I can hear the sounds of fighting going on outside from the two adventurers fighting Jowei. The heavy warrior somehow still not dead.

Looking around, I see I'm in the kitchen of a tavern. Remembering how it looked from the outside, I know there's a second story. And windows to those rooms.

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Lakyus Aindra POV

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Stuck in the middle of the street, I face the beast on the far end as he throws Wilgus at me. Luckily Wilgus manages to correct himself mid air and catch himself, stabbing the bottom of his kite shield into the road and slowing himself as he lands next to me.

"Fuck me, any plans?" He asks as he gets back into a defensive stance. "Kinda running on instinct here."

This is truly a cunning foe. He took out the paladin first, eliminating our backup faith caster. Then targeted Inazama our main support. Leaving it to just me, and Wilgus. Wilgus has a silver coated shield and sword, but it means little when the werewolf moves faster than he can attack.

And the same goes for me. As I'm barely keeping up, and unable to focus long enough to cast any spells.

'I may have to use it.' I think to myself. 'I was hoping to save it, but at this rate.'

"This's been fun, but we're done here." The beast says as it takes a charging stance. Crouching to all fours as I see its muscles tense and bulge beneath its fur.

"Stay behind me!" Wilgus says as he stands before me and holds up his shield.

Just for added measure, I move my dancing blades to cover him and give an additional layer of protection. One that does little as I hear the high pitched rings and twangs. The tell tale sound of metal snapping as I feel the connection to three of my swords shatter.

My heart drops as everything moves in slow motion. The nine foot tall, pink beast grabbing the top edges of Wilgus's shield, and ripping it in half. Tossing the two edges to the side as Wilgus lets the leather strap rip.

The beast rears back and opens his jaws, preparing to bite down on Wilgus's head. And I can only watch as I scream at my body to move, but my legs aren't fast enough.

Then, I see the soft glint in moonlight as something strikes the beast in the side of the head. Exploding into a sparkling powder and causing the werewolf to hack and cough as it recoils back and holds its throat.

Looking up and over to where the arrow came from. I see the resilient Inazama, blood staining his forehead and shining from the light produced by the wall of fire in the distance. But eyes fierce as he hangs out of a second story window and keeps his gaze locked on the werewolf. The sight of the battered hero filling my chest with a burning resolve.

"Wilgus retreat!" I tell the shield bearer. "Warn the guards on the line that we might need reinforcements!"

It's an empty placation. An excuse to send the now incapacitated man away without wounding his pride.

'I just pray the others are fairing better.' I think to myself.

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-Main Battle, Warehouse District, Main Square-

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Keno "Evileye" Invern POV

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"This isn't fair, monsters teaming up?" I gripe out loud as I dodge the magic pellets the shorter demon maid is unleashing.

'Though I should've expected it.' I tell myself as I cast Crystal Wall to give myself some breathing room. 'That werewolf came to help the bug demon. So two demon's helping each other in a fight is to be expected.'

"What the!" I exclaim as my wall is shattered under the taller demon's fist, and I barely have time to react as she rears back her other fist. "Maximize Magic: Translocation Damage!"

I finish the spell just before her punch connects with my mask and launches me back. Cracking my mask near the bottom, the magic effect I had on it likely dying out as well.

'Shit!' I curse as I berate myself for underestimating the brawler. 'And just earlier today I was berating Climb and telling him to learn about magic in order to combat it. Here I am, on the backfoot because I neglected to learn about melee fighting styles.'

"You have my respect." The taller maid says as she gets into a fighting stance. "Most would've lost their head by now, literally."

"Save your respects demon!" I shout as I ready a spell. "Triple Maximize Magic: Shard Buckshot!"

She brings her gauntleted arms up in a cross guard to protect herself from the worse of my attack.

"You let your guard down." I hear a soft voice say from behind.

My eyes widen as I turn to the other maid who had managed to sneak up behind me. I don't even have time to lament how she was right as she kicks me in the gut. Making me double over forward before she brings the handle of her weird crossbow up and nails me in the chin. Knocking me over on my back.

The taller one dashes forward and goes to slam her fist down on my head before I use the still active fly spell to skirt off to the side.

"She's resilient." The tall one says again, though this time to her partner.

"Annoying." The shorter one says. "She needs to just die already."

"Like hell I'll die that easily." I grit out as I hold my hands out. "Twin Maximize Magic: Shard Stream!"

'I have a deal with a dashing rogue that I absolutely intend to cash in on!' I think to myself as the straight line of sharp crystals shoot out wherever I face my arms.

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-West Warehouse District, Main Road-

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Gagaran POV

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"Damn!" I curse as I block the hit from the giant demon's fist. "If only my original gauntlets weren't busted to hell!"

"Stop whining." Tina says as she jumps back from the demon's cloven hooves, avoiding a kick from the injured bastard. "At least it wasn't your hand that was broken."

"I'd honestly prefer that!" I grunt as I swing my hammer and catch the cloven foot as it overextends from missing Tina.

"Aaaaaaaggghhhh!" The horned demon roars as I smash its foot into a mangled mess.

"Masochism?" Tina asks as the mages behind us send a barrage of spells to the beast. "Didn't know you were like that."

"I'm not that freaky." I give a light chuckle as the demon turns tail and runs. "It's just easier to heal a hand, than it is to replace a magic item."

"Lady Gagaran! Lady Tina!" The Mythril ranked mage, Ingeris, calls out. "Should we make chase?"

I open my mouth to respond, before my warrior instincts kick in and I turn back to the main road. And notice the soft singing that was playing the entire time has faded.

Something Tina notices as well.

"You sense it too?" I ask as I ready my hammer.

"Yeah, something's about to happen." She says as she grips her knife harder.

"Alright, orders!" I yell back to the group of mages. "We aint moving, we aint letting anything through! Take this as a moment to catch your breath!"

Something tells me that this is either about to get a lot worse. Or hopefully be almost over.

'I just had to think it.' I curse my luck as a pack of hellhounds pour out from the alleys all along the major road.

"Hellhounds!" I call back to the mages. "Prepare for fire breath and get some walls up!"

I grin as I feel a series of spells buff my resistance and abilities just in time for the first wave to approach us and unleash a torrent of fire from their maws. I charge forth through the fire and twirl my hammer.

"Arrrooo!" The beasts whine like injured dogs as I hit them dead on, following through with my swing to catch the two on the right next to it.

"Martial Art: Ability Boost!" I activate and reverse the swing of my hammer as I pivot my leading foot to the left, and take out two more hounds on the left.

My forearms burn from strain without the buffs my gauntlets gave me. But it's something I'll just have to put up with for now.

"Ah!" I hear behind me, and turn to see two of the flying imps grab Tina and carry her up.

"Tina!" I yell up to her as I go to throw my hammer and kill one of the demons. Only to be stopped as one of the hounds behind me jumps up and bites my arm. "Agh! Get off, mutt!"

I shake it off, only for two more to bite down on my other arm. Leaving me unable to help my friend. And the mages are too busy protecting themselves to get Tina either.

"Damnit!" I yell as I throw another pair of hounds off me.

I look up to Tina, and feel my heart relieve as I see a pair of throwing knives land in the back of one imp's head. Dropping it like a fly and giving Tina the opportunity to grab a knife from her belt and slit the other's throat. Flipping in the air as she lands next to her sister.

"You should be resting." Tina says as they both come to my aid, slashing demons and kicking hellborn butt!

"You should be twenty feet in the air right now." Tia says in response as she ducks under my arm and slits a hound's throat.

"Touché." Tina says as she kicks back and throws out a fan of knives.

"You won't hear me complaining!" I grin as I tighten my grip and swing a haymaker, pivoting me around to face the oncoming horde again.

"Course not." Tia scoffs.

"You'd be dead." Tina finishes.

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-10 minutes ago, Ruined Building-

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Momonga POV

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"And the third benefit to this venture is the establishment of the Demon King Jaldabaoth." Demiurge says.

"To set a precedence for your plans in the Holy Roble Kingdom, yes?" I recall the plan Zamaina relayed.

"Precisely." Demiurge smiles as he adjusts his glasses. "My original intent was to conduct Operation Gehenna in the Holy Roble Kingdom. But the esteemed Lord Zamaina informed me that keeping Jaldabaoth's actions confined to one country may… diminish his relevance on the world scale. And thus diminish any efforts to combat him."

'In other words, by making Jaldabaoth international, you make his threat level more real!' I realize. 'A raid boss that stays in one place is one thing, it's the problem of whoever is in the area. But a wandering raid boss is something everyone pays attention to in case it moves into their area.'

"I understand." I nod to the demon. "I am also led to believe we are using Blue Rose's attack on Entoma as the driving force for this event?"

"Yes, as you and Lord Zamaina so wisely surmised. A simple invasion would be seen as inevitable. But an invasion done in retaliation, well… humans can only blame the ones responsible for antagonizing the threat."

"Putting the adamantite team in our debt." I conclude confidently.

"It is as you say my lord." Demiurge smiles. "Truly, the intellect of the Supreme Ones is one to be reckoned with. One look at my plan was all it took for you and Lord Zamaina to make vast improvements."

'The hell is he on about now?' I think to myself. 'Zamaina just told me Demiurge's plan and I thought oh, but what if we do this? Like making it look like we're fixing someone else's mistake so they feel like they owe you one… no matter, just gotta play it off like I know exactly what's going on.'

"It was nothing, Demiurge." I wave him off. "So long as you have learned from the changes, it is a gain."

"I assure you my lord." Demiurge says with a bow of his head and a hand to his chest. "Learned I have. In some way I feel I've been granted access to the view that is the mountain of the Supreme One's very essence."

"Enough flattery." I say as I stand. "You have the item prepared correct?"

"Of course." He nods as he stands as well. "The item is well hidden in the warehouses. Tucked away safely in the private storage of the heir apparent. Pandora's actor has already taken the time to forge a set of papers indicating the prince was well aware of the artifact coming to him through, less than reputable means."

'He means to throw shade on the prince?' I ask my self as to why he would do that. 'Zamaina mentioned something about revolution, but what does that have to do with the prince? What kind of revolutions would need a prince in a bad light… not industrial, agricultural, maybe political? But don't those usually end in-'

"Civil war?"

"Exactly my Lord!" Demiurge says gleefully. "With recent events casting the government in so incompetant a light, the people's unrest is merely a matter of time."

"Eh?" 'Did I say that out loud? Shit! Wait… recent events? Did the crown do something dumb in recent times? This is too much to think about at once.' "Right, of course! However I feel we're straying too far from the task at hand. Is phase two ready?"

"Of course." Demiurge answers. "Merely say the word, and the curtains will fall."

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-Return to present, Main Square, Warehouse District-

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Evileye POV

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"You good to keep going?" I ask Nabe.

"Worry about yourself you overgrown mosquito." She says as she draws her sword, likely running low on mana and making an effort to conserve it.

I think I've come to understand her a little. That's her way of saying don't worry about me. Because she refuses to accept help unless it's necessary because she refuses to appear weak.

Especially considering the team she's on. It's a sentiment I'm familiar with.

"Good to hear it." I say with a smirk as I ready my magic against the mostly unfazed demon maids. "Then let's do this, together!"

Nabe clicks her tongue, before suddenly. A crash is heard as the demon Jaldabaoth is thrown through a building and left skidding on the pavement. Barely catching himself by extending his claws and digging them into the ground. Standing up and carefully dusting himself off as he straightens up.

"I must say Sir Momon, you are truly a worthy adversary." He says, his metallic tail flicking aggressively behind him. "It's almost worrying that a warrior of your caliber is running amok in the kingdom."

My eyes shift from demon to demon. Not sure from where the next threat will come from.

"I must thank you!" I hear as Sir Momon walks out of the rubble, unscathed as he stares down the demon Jaldabaoth. "It's not often I get an opponent that I can truly fight against. It feels, what's the word? Real, yes I'm really enjoying this."

I suppose for a warrior as strong as Sir Momon, a fight like this must feel exhilarating. After all, once you get to a certain level of strength everything becomes boring.

'I wonder how Sir Inazama is fairing?' I can't help but wonder. 'No doubt he's swooping around the battlefield and saving the day as Lakyus, and I just ruined my own vision.'

"Frost pain, Modified!" Sir Momon announces as he pulls out a magic weapon, gaining my attention as I realize I let myself stupidly get carried away with my fantasy.

'Knock it off Keno!' I yell at myself. 'You're acting like a pathetic damsel in distress, hopelessly waiting for prince charming to save you and that is not who you are!'

"Circle around the left while the maids are distracted, I'll cover you!" I tell Nabe.

"Don't tell me what to do you insect!" She says as she nonetheless does so.

I have to do my best. Just like everyone else.

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-North Warehouse District-

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Lakyus Aindra POV

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"Aah!" I cut off my scream as Inazama picks me up and jumps out of the way.

'How strong must he be, to pick me up while I'm in full armor?' I feel my heart thud for reasons not related to the battle. 'Am I even needed here?'

"Heads up!" He shouts and tosses me up.

Snapping out of my daydream I straighten myself out and roll as I land on the second story balcony of a flower shop. Immediately running the length of said balcony as the werewolf tries to follow me, only to crash through the supports.

"Fucking hell!" I here him yell as I jump off the end and swing on a hanging sign to ease my decent as I turn and run back for my sword. Seeing the werewolf on its back, crashed through a flower display.

Grabbing Kilineiram from where it was dropped. I turn and prepare to use its special ability. But not before setting the stage to be just right.

"Widen Maximize Magic: Sanctified Field!" I cast. Illuminating the area around me as I feel the holy aura infuse into my very being. Fueling my every action.

I prepare my ace attack as I see Inazama use a corded rope of silver to choke the werewolf. "Sir Inazama!" I call in warning, and he looks up. Merely nodding as he kicks his legs back and digs them into the shop's broken windowsill. Holding the werewolf in place as it tries to move against the noose.

'He's sacrificing his safety to ensure I have a clear shot!' I realize. 'Sir Inazama, you are a true hero.'

"Dark Blade!" I yell as I hold the corruptive sword up above my head and let its dark impulses fill me. Gathering as I swing the blade and unleash its perverse influence in the form of a destructive wave. "Mega Impact!"

I don't see much as the brief flash fills my vision. But I feel the attack sap some of my strength as it manifests in this plane. And I hear the tell tale sound of the slash making contact with its target. Blinking my eyes, my vision returns to show me what's left of the destroyed building.

"Sir Inazama!" I call out as I rush over and go to search for the gallant man willing to sacrifice himself to take out one of the biggest threats to the people.

I feel a pang of relief as the rubble starts to move. Only to feel that relief turn to dread as the arm that shoots out, is furry and pink.

"No." I say softly as I realize it was hopeless. If the combined might of two adamantite adventurers couldn't stop this beast. Then, what are we up against? And what of his master?

We're doomed.

"That, actually hurt." The pink werewolf emits a sound that is somewhere between a chuckle and a growl as he smiles at me. An eager smile that sends chills down my spine. "Oh, tell me you got more of that in you."

I, I don't. Not really.

"Come on!" The panting wolf howls as he stands to his full height, outstretching his arms in an open challenge. "Give me your best shot!"

I grit my teeth, steeling myself to end this. One way or another.

"Hold it." I feel my heart skip a beat as I hear the voice.

At some point, my attention was so focused on the werewolf that I failed to notice Sir Inazama had risen out of the rubble as well. Just behind the werewolf.

'Of course!' I can't help myself from smiling in relief. 'The werewolf took the majority of the attack, so the only harm Sir Inazama would take would be from the building falling. And assuming the werewolf fell on him, he'd be protected from the majority of that as well.'

He truly is a man blessed by the gods. In skill, character, looks and luck. There can be no other explanation.

"Oh, for fuck's sake." I can't help but feel myself pause at the wolf's attitude as his shoulders slump. Before he brings a clawed hand up and prepares to strike. "Just die already!"

"No!" I yell as I go to run, only for the strangest thing to happen.

Sir Inazama, tosses his bow to the side. Causing the wolf, and myself, to pause in confusion.

"What?" The wolf voices our combined thoughts on the situation.

"It's been bugging me." Sir Inazama says as he stares the wolf down. "Werewolves are either loners, or pack hunters. Yet here you are, working for a demon. At first I thought you might be an exception and it was just that. You working for a demon. But then I realized something, you're dragging this out."

It feels unreal to hear Sir Inazama say that. After how hard we've been fighting to survive, to accuse the enemy if holding back? How could he figure that out unless he himself was doing the same?

"And just what makes you say that?" The werewolf demands to know in a low tone.

"For one, you're not attacking me. You're talking." Sir Inazama smirks as he points out the obvious. "If you wanted me dead, dropping my bow wouldn't stop you."

Now that he mentions it, why did he stop? By all rights he should've taken the kill.

"You got some balls human." The wolf snarls as he lets his arm lower to his side. He then looks out to the horizon at the sun barely peeking over the edge of our field of view. Painting the edge of the sky in a hue of purple and pink. "That's my cue."

He then turns on his heel and bolts off. Leaving me stunned at the speed in which he fled. Moving so fast that had I blinked, I would've sworn he was teleported.

'If he is possessed of that level of agility, then why didn't he use it?' I ask myself as I already know the answer. 'For whatever reason, he was holding back.'

"How, did you?" I try to get out, before my body stops. Screaming in protest as the exhaustion finally sets in now that the threat is gone.

"Figure out he was holding back?" Inazama asks as he goes to grab his bow. "He was a lot faster in the forest. And for all his strength and speed, he let Wilgus get away."

'He's right.' I realize softly. 'Godrick was killed in an instant, yet after that… aside from breaking my dancing swords and Wilgus's shield. He, didn't really do much.'

But still.

"That can't be it." I say as we walk away from the collapsed flower shop.

"There's a bit more, but it mostly pertains to werewolves and how they live." He says before wincing and grabbing his side.

"Are you alright!?" I ask as I go around to his side and look for blood.

"Yeah, I'm fine." He holds a hand up to reassure me. "Just, sore. Adrenaline wearing off and all."

I step back from him with a sigh of relief.

Overall, I think we came out on top here. For the most part. I can revive most of the fallen. And the Princess is providing all the gold so now it's just a matter of rebuilding.

I just hope the others made it out okay.

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-Central Warehouse District, Main Square-

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Momon POV

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"You're using children as hostages!?" Evileye yells.

'Yeah that's, like way beyond fucked dudes.' I think as I keep my composure.

"Is it really that surprising?" Demiurge scoffs and holds his arms out as though to say, duh. "Consider me a goal oriented individual. My current goal, is to retreat. Should I not then use all the resources I possess to their best ability?"

'I mean, when he puts it like that. Then it makes sense.' I consider the likely outcomes. 'We told Demiurge to leave the children alive and to not take them, I get it! It's a bluff!'

An effective one too. I doubt anyone here is heartless enough to risk children being killed in a demonic frenzy.

"You truly are evil." Evileye growls, clenching her fists in anger.

"Quite so, now then-" He starts to say before Jowei charges into the square. Coming from the roads to our left and bounding towards Demiurge. "Ah, my loyal hound. Were you not meant to keep these rabble out?"

Jowei slows down and moves to walk on two legs as he approaches Demiurge.

"I got held up by another group." He says curtly. "Had to deal with them first."

I hear Evileye suck in a breath. Likely out of concern for the group.

'That's right, Lakyus is her leader.' I recall.

"You took care of them, right?" Demiurge asks with a biting tone, before looking back to us. "It doesn't matter, we're done here. Enjoy your peace while it lasts, heroes. You may find it fleeting if you're not careful."

With little fanfare, Jowei, Demiurge and the other battlemaids minus Lupusregina and Naberal, all fade in a glitter of light. Teleporting out of the city without revealing the Gate spell.

"I suppose that's it then." I sigh, ready to go back to Nazerick and just pass out on my bed.

Not that I can sleep, but I really want to.

"Shorty!" I hear behind us.

Turning around, I see the rest of Blue Rose approaching along with a bunch of guards and adventurers. Some looking beat up and others barely surviving.

"You survived!" The large lady says with a beaming smile as the twins hold her up on either side.

"Of course I did!" Evileye scoffs. "If anything I should be congratulating you two on not dying."

"Momon, Sir!" I hear from behind me once again.

Turning around, I see Ninya running over to us.

"I, successfully held the east line!" She announces proudly. "And we didn't lose a single guard or adventurer!"

'Damn, that's actually not too bad. To get a full three stars on your first strategy attempt.' I think as the square fills more and more with adventurers piling in.

"Well, it's your victory." A platinum ranked adventurer says as he knocks on my armor. "Come on, give us a victory call!"

'Really!? That's so dorky and uncool though!' I feel my emotional suppression kick in and I notice everyone looking at me expectantly. 'Well, if it's what they want. Don't want to come off as prudish or stuck up.'

"If that's truly alright, I don't want to impose or anything." I say, hoping I can back out without losing face.

"Come on!" The large lady says as she gets to her own feet without the twins assisting her. "It'd be lame if anyone else did it!"

The adventurers and guards all give a round of encouragement and agreement. Letting me know I don't really have a choice in this situation.

"Very well then." I say as I raise a blade to the air and let out a roar of victory. One that quickly gets accompanied by roars of the people around me.

'This is so embarrassing!' I whine.

The roar ends, and we all calm down as-

"I'll be right back." Evileye says quickly as she takes off. Heading to the north almost comically fast for her size.

"Hey, shorty where're ya going!?" Gagaran calls after her.

"Check on uh, Lakyus!" She calls out as she disappears around a corner.

'That makes sense.' I think to myself as I realize her team leader isn't back yet. Neither is Zamaina but, he's probably just acting the part of the tired adventurer wherever he is. 'Wait, wasn't he with Lakyus?'

"Wait a minute!" Ninya suddenly shouts as she gives chase after Evileye. "You sneaky little brat!" Her voice trails off as she sprints after Evileye.

…

"Damn, guy's a real heartbreaker huh?" Gagaran scoffs.

You know, I would be jealous. But I can only imagine the headaches he gets dealing with it all. I can barely handle the anxiety of one Albedo.

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-Warehouse District, East End-

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Lakyus Aindra POV

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"It seems like, it's really over." I give a sigh as I stab Kilineiram into the ground and collapse against a wall.

"Yeah." Inazama says simply as he wipes blood away from his forehead. Looking down the road as the morning sun casts him in a radiant visage. "Or at least, the worst of it."

"What do you mean?" I ask, tilting my head in confusion.

He doesn't answer me, instead turning his back to me. Looking out past him, I notice some of the children moving. But others, are not. And it's then that I understand his meaning.

"If it's not one thing, it's another." I hear him say softly, almost unperceivably quiet under his breath.

The children. They'll all be left to their own. If they're lucky, they'll have family in other parts of the city, or their family survived all of this. But regardless, the toll on them will be immeasurable. As blasphemous as it is to say, in many senses those who died.

Are the lucky ones.

"We, should get some of the guard in here." Inazama says as some of the children start crying and calling out for their parents.

"Wilgus should have already gotten around to that." I say as I get up. "I must say, I'm surprised you're still standing after all that. I mean, you look more hurt than I."

He certainly took more hits. Got thrown through at least three walls. His timing of Fortress must be something else to help him survive that many hits.

Not that his armor would agree. The right leather pauldron is missing. And his left leg has gashes in the thigh padding that indicate it was torn right through. Though there's no blood on his skin. Just a bit staining the area around it.

"You know I can, always heal you if you need it." I offer my fellow adventurer.

"That's fine." He says, turning to look at me with his dazzling blue eyes. "I took a potion while I was buried under the building."

That explains the lack of injury. I must be more tired than I realize. To not come to the obvious conclusion.

"Still, it wouldn't hurt to give you a once over." I give a small smile.

'What am I saying!?' I ask myself as I feel my face burn. And it burns doubly so as I see him raise a brow at my suggestion.

Before he can say anything, and before I can save my dignity. He turns away from me as I start to hear the pitter-patter Sound of someone light running.

And not a second later, Evileye comes bursting around the corner. Looking both ways before spotting us, and running over.

"You're alright!" She shouts as she sprints over and tackles Sir Inazama into a hug. Dangling from his midriff as she buries her masked face into his chest.

"Woah!" He says as he takes a step back to steady himself against the projectile that is my teammate. "Um, yeah. Not dead."

"But you're injured!" Evileye says as she looks up. "And covered in bloo-" Evileye pauses.

'Crap!' I think to myself as I notice the issue. 'She's been clean for so long, she doesn't need to be this close to fresh blood.'

I need to separate them and make sure she doesn't do anything she'll regret.

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Inazama "Zamaina" POV

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'Shit!' I think to myself. 'Of all the times to get excited.'

I've got one girl who's plenty strong for my tastes currently clung to me. Another who's pretty strong and checks all the boxes for looks, offering to give me a checkup.

And the girl clung to me can absolutely tell I'm at half mast.

"You know, I might have some supplies back at my room in the inn I'm staying at." Evileye says as she wiggles and rubs herself against me.

"That's more than alright, Evileye." Lakyus says as she grabs a hold of said girl and pulls her off of me.

"What the- Lakyus!" Evileye thrashes in her arms. "Let me go!"

"There you are!" I look up and see Ninya round the corner Evileye came from.

"Great, now the imposter's here." Evileye squirms. "Lakyus, let me go or so help me!"

"I'll just, um, we'll be going!" Lakyus laughs nervously as she backs away.

"What are you doing!?" Evileye begs to know as Lakyus carts her away.

"Keeping you from losing yourself to your cravings." Lakyus whispers.

"Is that what, no!" Evileye continues in her futile struggle. "Lakyus you're misunderstanding! If I don't…"

And now they're too far for me to hear.

"They're weird." Ninya says as she watches the duo leave beside me.

I go to say something, but it's around this time that the now awake children double down in their panic and crying. Cutting off any train of thought I might've had.

At least the children aren't my problem. They're the kingdom's.

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Bonus

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-Nazerick, 9th floor-

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Demiurge POV

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Stepping through the gate into the throne room, I'm greeted to the sight of my intellectual peer. Albedo, standing next to Lord Momonga's throne.

"I trust all has gone well and according to plan?" She asks with a serene smile.

"Was there ever any doubt?" I ask in return.

"No, I suppose not." She says as she looks to the throne of our most glorious and esteemed leader. Her smile becoming more genuine. "It was a plan molded by the Supreme One's themselves."

"Precisely!" I grin as I recall the original I made, and compare it to the plan orchestrated by our unfathomable leaders.

"You're in the process of going through and organizing our gains, correct?" Albedo asks as she starts descending the steps of the throne's podium.

"I am." I nod as she reaches me and we begin walking together. "I'm having Pride and Envy handle the logistics. With the current number of Abelion Sheep being added to my stockyards. I believe I may venture into breeding a domestic species. We certainly have a large enough sample size that inbreeding should be easily avoidable now."

"Hmm." Albedo hums in thought. "On the topic of domesticating the worthless species. It makes me wonder. Why would our lords specify that we leave the children behind. Would they not be useful tools in seeing if raising them from a younger age would be a viable path?"

"My dear Albedo!" I chide darkly as I adjust my glasses. "With your specialty in management, it should be obvious no?"

"I've been preoccupied with other matters that require my attention." She says in a darker tone. "So I haven't been able to give it much thought."

I chuckle appeasingly. Knowing she understands that I mean little by my statement.

"It all pertains to the future of the Kingdom." I enlighten her. "Orphans and the poor are the most likely to engage in disruptive crimes. Under normal circumstance, they're manageable. But dumping that large a number all at once? On top of the randomly selected adults we left?"

"The already disorganized and politically weak kingdom will be pressured in a way they can't deal with." Albedo surmises. "They'll need to make tough calls and invest heavily in public works in order to offset any issues in the future. If they don't, then crime, corruption and instability will rise to an all-time high."

"And with how divided they are, it's improbable that they'll be capable of any meaningful measures." I agree.

"Thus, the kingdom's noose tightens." I grin in ecstasy at the thought of it all crashing down. "From strains both foreign and domestic. I give them five years before riots start, seven before they call for intervention. Nine before they're territories collapse. After that, it's a matter of picking up the pieces."

"And that's including our lords' other plans and how they'll play out." Albedo says, causing a shiver joy to run down my spine.

"Oh the machinations at work." I sigh as I run a hand through my hair. "How I long for the day I can glimpse an understanding of how they see the world, see us."

A hopeless dream. But as the saying goes, perfection is a goal that never ends.

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A/N

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Ask about Zamaina!

His gear!

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His abilities!

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Church21 wants to know: What would Zamaina's bite do to a none human? Can he wolf them up? If he bit evil eye or Ninya would they become a hybrid?

Answer: It depends on the species. Lycanthropy is disease based curse. So unfortunately Evileye and Ninya wouldn't be affected because they're undead and thus immune to disease.

As for anyone else? It depends on the race really. You'd get an amalgamation of the OG races premium traits carried over into their werewolf form.

Like a naga might have a larger jaw with a venomous bite and a whiplike tail alongside a longer and more slender body.

A troll would be massive with a healing factor that would allow them a lessened weakness to silver.

Unique job classes can also result in the appearance of unique race classes. Like Ninya's talent and Sage class mixing with vampire blood to give her the rare race class, Ulstrel. A type of vampire known to feed off of animals and use their blood for nourishment as opposed to human blood. In other words, Ninya doesn't need blood of sentient creatures. She can feed on anything with a pulse and drinking blood powers her magic.

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Ect!

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Sorry this came out so late but the Overlord movie came out and, well it killed my vibe for a while. Movie was shit.

Also, I'm sorry for the bare boned A/N here. I'm sick as a dog right now so I can't really write anymore.

But, as always.

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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