Chapter 16: A Warlord's Pride

Author's Note: Hey everyone, another chapter another time for action. Things a bit different here as you are going to see as I attempt to push the story along to our next destination. This time some more interactions with other characters of note and finally putting a warlord to bed. I am doing my best to keep with the pacing still I been told that I am so I guess that is fine. Not going to hold you up much longer. Read on dear viewer.

/

Nacho's P.O.V.

The next few days the army I would support Brick, Lavi and the others with great efficiency. Upcoming cities and bases folded upon seeing us with only some fighting while others surrendered without a fight. The reputation I gathered with my time in the other army has spread. My appearance alone being the source of many low rank enemy soldiers surrendering. Typhon whelps continued to fight but I was able to kill them with ease. Frankly, it was getting too easy and a part of me was getting antsy for an actual fight. However, the more rational part of my mind won out and kept things reasonable.

With so much free time I was able to catch up more with Lavi and the others. Even offering rides if their legs got tired in some of the times we had to march. With Marshal and Kiki commonly taking it. The former often being the more excitable to see everything from the height of the beast, aka me.

"You sure are enjoying the view from up there aren't you, Marshal?" I joked as the squirrel folk was riding on my shoulders like a child.

"Well Nacho, since you are tall as heck and essentially a chimera monster of a man. A fantasy nerd like me can't help it if I want to pretend you're my legendary mount."

"Wouldn't a mount be a quadruped not a biped?"

"That's what makes you legendary!"

"Hehe, I see things haven't drowned out that enjoyment for you."

"Well I can't stay down about the way things are considering that there is enough depression in the world. Adding the fact you are here now and well I like to believe things are going to turn around for the better."

"I do my best. Though I am not one hundred percent used to being a wrecking ball of armies. Honestly, its almost scary to me how more accustomed to it I am getting."

"Well you are a big massive beast…kinda. I mean look at those muscles! I bet you could bench press a tank!"

"I haven't tried that yet, you think I can?"

"Oh heck yeah!"

Marshal's energy has been helping my mood as I felt a bit more special with his takes on my form. It's a bit infectious I have to admit as now I want to do the things he is suggesting I should do. Kiki would jump in and chide Marshal that I'm not some toy for his entertainment. He would say back that she would be asking me the same if they weren't dealing with a war at the moment. This talking back and forth reminded me of the daily grind around Mellow where it was just waking up, talking, doing tasks for my neighbors and just filling out requests for the museum. It was more peaceful days, days I wish I can have again.

"Hey Nacho, are you alright? You're spacing out there."

Lavi's words snapped me out of my thoughts, "Sorry, just thinking back on the good old days. Before…all of this."

"Mellow right?" Whitney asked, "You ran quite a town back in the day."

"Do any of you know the condition of it right now?"

Everybody either shook their head or said no, "Unfortunately no, but its safe to assume that it didn't survive the ravages of the land."

"I don't know why I keep asking…*sigh* I just lowkey hope that it somehow made it. Lot's of good memories there you know?"

Lavi grimaced, well I assume he did. He still hasn't taken his helmet off, "I know man, but not much you can do about it. If we find it again then we can rebuild."

"Back from zero, but for that Town. It's worth it."

"Hold onto that plan Nacho. You are going to need something to do when all of this is over."

I pondered this as eventually our next enemy infested city came into view. Unlike the last one they immediately started firing on us the moment we came into view. It was fear and desperation to kill their enemy before they get close. To me though, it was just an annoyance as I put Marshal down and rushed off to dismantle them. Panicked screams and shouts came as I closed the distance and paved the way into the city. Not much has changed from other encounters, but there was noticeably more serpents than normal. The warlord has been trying to reinforce his positions but obviously they have been failing. Nothing they can do can keep me from bulldozing their positions.

I was done with halfway through the city before the army I was supporting joined the fight. The battle was won at that point as I took five and sat down in some rubble. I sighed again as I mentally went through my growing to do list. For the Gods, for my girls, for the coalition and the people affected as a whole.

"What about us? Progenitor."

Zenith, once again speaking to me through means I don't understand, "I am…still trying to figure that out Zenith. Knowing that a civilization exists in the veil just throws me through a loop."

"It shouldn't be complicated. We are your children and as such you must have a plan for us. It's what I reasoned during my life so far."

"Well I can think of a plan, but not telling people about you really is limiting my options here, Zenith."

"All in good time, progenitor. I am glad though you indulged in this one's selfish wish to retain anonymity for the time being."

"I…felt that I should. Despite some parts of me thinking that I should have reported you earlier to the Coalition. Maybe it's because you were created by me that I felt that I had to do right by you. Despite how you looked, I can feel your…elation and childlike excitement in meeting me. I couldn't disappoint you."

"I am honored that you considered that much for me. However, that's enough about me. I have been monitoring your vitals and progression to your calculated strength. You are making great strides thanks to the conflicts you participated in. Unfortunately, it would seem you have plateau for now."

"I guess I don't have to worry then for anything sudden popping up on my power scale."

"Very true, gives you time to get acclimated with your current capabilities. However, please don't take too long. Stagnancy is a hinderance to evolution and I detest stagnancy."

"Right…well if something stronger comes, then it comes. Maybe the Ladon warlord might give some kind of challenge."

"I wouldn't set your expectations too high. I observed him, he is a mental mess…easily distracted by his heads. Only when his heads are thinking together he can pose some kind of threat. However, the only thing up his sleeves are different elemental breaths and trying to constrict you."

"Huh, thanks for the heads up Zenith. If he as weak as you say, then I'll guess I got nothing to worry about when I meet him."

"Him no, but this Sphinx warlord might be a problem. A few days ago he directed a trap for the Ladon warlord to follow. You probably felt it when your mate was in trouble."

I felt a little anger bubble as I recall that feeling. However, I recalled how hair trigger it was and trusted Ankha could handle whatever the problem is. Which thankfully I was right to do so, "That trap was their doing…clever but it didn't work."

"Indeed, you pick strong mates, progenitor. However, this warlord's thinking is not something to underestimate. Stay on your toes and he will fall easily."

"Alright, I'll make sure he will get his for his trap," I cracked my knuckles as Zenith's presence faded from my mind. I got up from my resting spot and thought about where that Ladon Warlord could be doing right now. It was happy chance that I ran into the Cerberus warlord while he was on his way back from his previous victory. This warlord…got to be hold up somewhere. Perhaps more towards the center of Crete? Guess that will come later when the chance comes.

The city fell under our control after an hour or so of fighting and I regrouped with the team. I chatted with them as the city got filled in with some stable defense points being sent by the Sphinx. Judging by the path we are on, we are just about close to catching up with the other team. Which is good as I been informed the Sphinx is just about ready to go to advance and is waiting on us.

"So just one more city and we can push the pressure onto this guy?" Marshal said as he craned his neck a bit.

"That's the plan, once everyone is rested, we can tackle the last one," Lavi looked over at our forces and smiled, "Which shouldn't take too long. With Nacho dealing with the hard work the rest of the army didn't have to sweat the fighting too much."

"Gee, lucky me," I only smiled as I got ready for the next battle ahead.

/

Normal P.O.V.

("Useless! Useless! Useless! Laiderius your forces are falling back!") Shouted a voice who was stomping around.

"It's the beast, brother! He is utterly slaughtering my forces and those that remain are mopped up by the coalition!"

"What about my traps? Surely you didn't use the one on the predicted sneaks that tried to get behind our lines?"

"The traps failed! When the beast crashed into our cities and tore up the place. The traps were destroyed in the process! It's not working as long as he keeps rushing in!"

"Raaa! Are you saying I miscalculated!? That I didn't account for the tendencies of the beast?! Well!?"

Laiderius gulped as he looked over to his sibling Trimongulis who is wearing a grim expression on his face. The fact the beast was bulldozing their defenses so effortlessly now contrasts against the original fight he had with him. It ended in a draw but even he could see the growing fury that the beast has left him behind. Looking back to his scarier brother he managed to let out an answer, "N-No…we're just incompentent…"

Androsphx cooled down a bit from that answer, "Don't you forget that. However, their speed has been unprecedented. It won't be long till they find more of our mines. Father will not be happy if we lose them. I also need more time for my project to deal with the beast. If things continue to go south Laiderius I need you to mount a defense and delay that beast as much as you can! Take Trimongulis if you have to but we can't let that monster and the coalition get the better of us! We may be runts of the liter, but we shall prove to father and our other siblings that we can fight just as hard!"

Yeah!*

"That being said, you two are dismissed! I better hear some good news the next time I see you…both of you."

Laiderius gulped as he and his sibling looked at each other as they walked off together. As soon as they were out of ear shot. Trigmongulis made his thoughts clear, "That Beast is going to die by my hands! I'm the only one who should be known for wrecking cities so fast!"

"Your pride aside…I never felt all the voices in my head go silence at once like that. This is serious…I don't want to face a monster that could do that."

"Androsphx wouldn't let you run if you could. Not that I would as that be for pansies! Yeah puny pansies!"

"I think it's inevitable that we will be facing down the beast. The best we can do for ourselves now Trimongulis is start working together on a plan. Combining our might give us a chance at withstanding him."

"Grr…but that would mean sharing the glory with you if we kill him!"

"There is no glory if we die like dogs! We must be smarter if we are to survive!"

Trimongulis growled, "I refuse to be left in the dust of that beast! I will head out and fight him myself! I stake my pride on this!"

"Brother don't!"

"I will hear no more of it!"

Trimongulis walked off in a huff as Laiderius was left to figure out what to do now that he is going to be left on his lonesome. Their odds of winning against the beast are slipping away bit by bit. If his brother couldn't listen to reason, then at the very least he can prepare while his sibling is being slaughtered.

/

Nacho's P.O.V.

The battle for this last strong hold city has proven to be almost no challenge. Which honestly is something I should be getting used to at this point with my…strength. Training in the underworld with Hades and now applying them here makes me feel…over prepared. Much of the enemies that thought they stood a chance. I cracked my neck a bit as the last remaining enemy who wanted to fight stepped up to the plate. Before I could finish him off, I sensed something behind me. Something strong as I got out of the way as a hail of bullets rained from behind me and shot the monster in front of me full of lead. He was then finished off with a swift sword strike that split it in half.

"A little warning next time if you are going fire bullets from behind me, you know?" I turned around to see the geared-up Johan. Who I can tell is him based on his uniform.

"What? Not like they can hurt you Nacho," Johan reloaded his gun as he walked up to me.

"No, but I rather let you hit your target than have me block them. Though color me surprised…Johan right?"

"Yeah, but from here on you call me Hardass okay?"

"Right, call signs I get it. Still doesn't explain why you are here J- I mean, Hardass. We are just about done here."

"Well, I was supposed to meet you mid-movement to this city but there was a hold up. So here I am in the aftermath. Still though I was able to at least help before you…cleared out much of the city."

"Yeah…uh that isn't too alarming, is it?"

"Well…yeah, it's pretty alarming. No beating around the bush there. But many at the Sphinx are glad that it's pointed towards our enemies."

"Well, it's what I do best to support the coalition. Granted I don't call it a comfort being this powerful. I been working through the sudden surges of strength I been having during this campaign so far. Nothing to worry about it, but I have been on quite a mental journey to not let it get to me. Freya, Crackerjack and Lavi been helping me stay in the game."

"Ah I see, that's good. Well me, I'm here to keep an eye on you because of your recent performance."

"For the Coalition I presume?"

"Nah, for me, beastie."

I was a little surprised when Johan said that. I gave him an odd look as I rolled my arms, "Huh, that's not something I expected to hear. I guess I see no problem with it. By the way, how's Ankha? My senses tell me she is fine, but I want to know from you."

"Like you said, she's fine. A bit tired, but mainly fine. Not sure how you would know that though."

"Well…I don't quite understand it myself how it works. It's probably common knowledge on Sphinx, but Ankha and Isabelle are carrying a carrier strain of the virus in my body. It supports their body and essentially upgrades their immune system. It also acts as a life monitor link between us. I can…sense if they are under stress, pain and their general mood. There doesn't seem to be a range limit, but whenever they are in danger. It essentially sets off an alarm in my body. I had to fight the urge to support her when those Serpents attacked your teams."

"Interesting…Ankha never mentioned that to me."

"Probably because she doesn't quite understand how it works either. It defies logic frankly."

"A virus strain that allows you know how your girls are doing. That is a…mixed bag buddy."

"You have no idea, but it's there and it has its uses."

Johan simply nodded as he noticed a monster sneaking away and shot him quickly and effortlessly. We were about to continue our conversation until Lavi and the gang showed up. They were surprised to see Johan but was brought up to speed for his reason for being here. Which was followed by Lavi's reason for seeking me out. The city was officially ours and it was time to set up the area for our occupancy. In addition to sending the signal to the Sphinx to use the Gate to jump into the new position. Johan helped in the effort and in a day we were able to set up a Coalition and Greek Military base in the city.

During the meantime Johan would probe more about my abilities. My strength, my abilities thus far, and generally how I was able to plow the cities so fast. I answered the best I can and he listened intently as he stopped his questioning.

"Interesting…so you really don't have a clue when the next power comes. You basically have the power of thermite explosives in slime form, and you just have a knack for learning new techniques with your current skill set."

"That is the best way to summarize it. It comes naturally yet a little too natural for my liking. However, I'm trying not to think about it too much. I had done too much of that already. Still though I can feel it's just barely scratching what I can do."

"Barely? *Whistle* Beast of Calamity indeed if that's what you feel. Don't think that's going to make your opposition within the Coalition feel very comfortable."

"I never asked to look like this Hardass. Unfortunately, it's something we all have to get used to. Five years in the Greek Underworld and still getting adjusted."

"I say you were plenty adjusted if you didn't realize how tall you were or how heavy you were supposed to be."

"Oh boy, don't remind me. How in the world did I not notice that? This reminds me of the time I confused being in heat with a rut."

My eyes widen as Johan looked at me with an incredulous expression, "You did what now?"

With my face flushing redder than it was before, "F-Forget that part!"

"Pfft, you sure like to talk don't you? Even with somebody you barely know?"

"Ehhh…a habit. When I was running my town I found that initiating conversation is the best way to create a link between people. People stop being strangers at that point. Granted not friends immediately, but it's a step."

"Heh, a bit naïve but I see where you are coming from. Not something I would expect from a walking disaster that you are."

"Join the club, *sigh* but it is what it is."

"Amen to that. With that said, I got to check something out. Talk to you another time, Nacho."

I smiled a bit as he left and helped finish off with the preparations. I patrolled a bit, but everything seemed to be in order for the time being. At least until I spotted a nearby fire in the distance. Not just any fire, one that was getting bigger and with it the sounds of marching. An army of decent size was walking into view. With it a familiar smell of a burnt canine… "Trimongulis with your little army…" I opened my comms with Brick to inform him of this development. He was thankful that he was informed before telling me to take care of it. I acknowledged the command and decided to make my presence known.

Taking flight into the air I zoomed over and crashed into the ground a fair way from the army. The Cerberus warlord was leading from the front and was still burnt and showing burn scars from my crimson fire.

"BEAST! How dare you grow stronger since our last fight! I was still recovering from what you did to me last time!"

"Yeah!"

"What he said!"

I blinked a couple of times after hearing the reason for his rage, "Uh…I'm sorry?"

"Grrr…our last fight ended in a tie. We were equal in strength and somehow you manage to take over some of our bases and strongholds faster than I did!"

"Is that what this is about? You can't be serious right?"

"Beast it may not matter to you. But for me, this? Is all I have! My army and I will smash you FLAT!"

He was serious and I was honestly stunned when he let out a battle cry and sent his army of what I can only guess making up of thousands at me. He himself leading the charge. Under normal circumstances this would have been overwhelming numbers. For normal me anyways, but my recent exploits had me feel…nothing. This just reeks of desperation to me as I took a small prepared breath. Ki rising, I decided to use this moment to practice some of my skills. Firstly, my earth ki attacks. I created two walls from the ground and sent them forward. Already halting sections of the army rushing towards me. Trimongulis was already on me as I prepared another earth skill. Weaving left and right, dodging his attacks, I summoned not one but three earthen spires to pierce him multiple times. I repeated this a couple more times before I felt some of his soldiers rushing from behind me. In retaliation my blade tail twitched before I twist my body into a large spin that allowed the blade to swing wide and cut many of them down. Even a couple of hounds that were unfortunate enough to lunge at me.

"Hmm…can't forget my Ki training. So easy to get caught up with my body can do…" I scooped up a small rock and focused on it. Trying to recall my ki training and the skill I can use with it. I felt my Ki transfer into the rock and it became round. Following it up with a roll the rock grew larger as it rolled. Turning into a boulder and running over more of Trimongulis's army.

"Die, beast!" I blocked the swing from Trimongulis's burning club which caught him by surprise. His burning form meeting me in the eyes as I raised my opposite arm and revealed it covered in rocks. I released the energy, and the rocks exploded off my hand in the direction of the warlord. Smashing into his faces and forcing him to back off from the damage and multiple impacts. Covering my hands in stones to add more weight to my punches as I beat down the warlord with one punch and another. All before ending the combo with a double fist chest punch that exploded the stones and sent him tumbling.

I was baffled how easily I was pummeling him. Did I injure him enough to impact his physical abilities in our last fight? I'm not trying really hard to beat him yet his army and him are devastated. I haven't even tried some of the more fancier stuff from my training in Mythcia.

"Hey, are you fighting at full condition? Because you really shouldn't be fighting me if you are still suffering from injuries. It doesn't feel too good beating an opponent who is already weakened before the battle began. Now hunting is a different story and…"

"SHUT UP! We are not weak! We aren't runts! We…aren't!"

I think there is something else going on with this fight based on that declaration. More than just the difference of our strengths. It was more personal to him, but he is becoming predictable. Bad idea, as his swings of fire came coming. Trails of fire left behind as his club swung through the air. Making erupting impacts whenever it hits the ground. Normally this would have been dangerous to deal with. However, one did blast my face, and I barely felt a thing. I actually wonder if fire does anything to me anymore. In retaliation, I decided to switch up to some Soul Skills. My hands glowed with my soul's strength as I rushed in and started rapidly punching him in the chest. His armor defending against nothing as my fists punched not just his body but soul as well. Sending him stumbling back before I followed up with a soul powered projectile that appeared slow until I punched it. Causing it to break and shoot a piercing blast that hammered the warlord to the ground.

Taking a deep breath, I felt a division in my body as spiritual copy of Bladeius appeared next to me. This skill last, I recall was taught to me by Hades is only able to be used if somebody is able to regain their soul echoes of their previous lives. Requiring more power for multiple summons if multiple soul echoes were regained. I nodded to my old self and rushed the warlord in a flurry of attacks. Me continuing my punches and my other self with blades made of soul power. Finishing up with a round house kick from both of us that sent the canine crashing into his own men.

"H-How…how…how can you have so much power?! You never used these in our last fight!?"

"Yeah, that's my bad. When you have many tricks of trade you tend to forget what you have up your sleeve. This was what I learned outside my abilities as the beast. Unfortunately for you I needed someone or something to stretch those muscles."

"You…you…are a monster…no! no! I won't run! We won't run!" Trimongulis gave one last warcry as I recalled Bladeius back into me. I stared at him as he closed the distance.

"Sorry that your pride is shattered, but the least I can give you is a warrior's death."

I focused and emitted the explosive slime on my fists as I took a stance. When he was close enough my crush claw grabbed his weapon. While he was stunned by the act, I quickly punched it which destroyed the weapon in the resulting explosion. Game over, I unleashed a flurry of punches as my brain recall back when I fought the Shagaru Magala like this. My explosive finish, my slime was left on his body with each punch. All sparking in crimson fire as more punches landed. Mid combo I switch to my crush claws which grabbed him and slammed him into the ground. The explosion lifting him into the air briefly before a haymaker sent him careening into his own men.

"You're already dead," I turned around, arms crossed with a smirk. I always wanted to say that line, and on cue a massive explosion was released. Not only presuming to consume the warlord, but another large chunk of his army. I turned around to see the dark cloud of smoke from the destruction. I walked over to survey the carnage to make sure the warlord didn't survive that attack. When I was close enough to the crater, I opened my wings and beat them a few times to push the smoke away. When it cleared, I could see just how deep the explosion went and how destructive the blast was. Strewn bodies laid about, limbs scattered or otherwise vaporized. Some barely clinging to life while some are still struggling to recover from the explosion. Being barely out of instant death range. The survivors looked at me with pure fear as I hopped down into the crater and inspected the remains. The Cerberus warlord's remains were plain to see. He's truly dead now. His body now charred with a blasted open chest cavity, missing arms, a missing leg, and two of his heads were utterly recognizable.

I sighed as I crouched near his body, "I'm sorry your journey ended here. We may have been enemies, but there was definitely something more to you. May you and those who have died here rest."

I looked at his broken armor and reached out. Grabbing a section with his symbol and breaking it off. A trophy/memento of our encounter. Not as sturdy as it was before, but otherwise something to remember the warlord by. I felt the Baron walk pass me as I leapt from the crater. I look over to Trimongulis's remaining army who were too afraid to move. Shaking my head I spoke to them, "You know you guys can retreat now? I'm not going to kill all of you. There isn't a point really."

They remained frozen until one of them got the nerve to move. It was one of the hyena folks who cautiously walked towards me. I can feel his fear, but I also can feel he has no intent to fight. He dropped his weapon and shield when he was close and got on his knees, "Gr-Great beast! There is nowhere for us to go now. We cannot return to aid the remaining brothers…if it means facing you again in combat. In the face of overwhelming power, we were utterly powerless. We who have sacked many cities and met the weapons of our enemies."

"Uh, yeah I supposed that's true. You guys could just go AWOL? If you know what that means."

"We would be hunted down and killed for deserting Typhon's army. We truly have nowhere to go."

"Aw geeze…well if I take you guys with me you would be taken as prisoners of war for the Coalition. After that I am not sure what would happen to you."

"If that is the only option. We will accept great beast, but there is something I wish to ask…if you will allow this inferior being to ask."

"I uh…sure, go ahead I don't see the harm in it."

"Let us join you!" The hyena man cried as he prostrated himself before me, "Lord Trimongulis believed in his father's ideology of the strong deciding what is right. Your strength far surpassed our lord. It's only right we follow you now as our master. That is if you will have us."

Ow my bleeding heart. I think my human side is overpowering my beast side as there was only one choice in my opinion after hearing everything, "You may join me…but under the condition we do things my way. I cannot free you from the harm you did to others, but at the very least we can put your strength to good use."

The hyena man profusely thanked me for my mercy and for allowing the remaining members of the warlord's army to join me. While they will be taken as prisoners of war first, but at the very least they will have somewhere to go to when they are released. Though I will have plenty of explaining to do when I return to the others.

/

Johan's P.O.V.

"Truly terrifying," The beast in action was a sight to behold. I witnessed the entire beatdown and decimation of Trimongulis and his army. The beast using powers not recorded before was a surprise for sure. I do assume this earth and soul skills he showcased were back before he became this. Despite his size he was able to easily handle numerous enemies at once.

I was right to keep an eye on him because of this. His abilities are beyond what that bestial body can hold, and what he can do with that bestial body is purely destructive. The worst part of it all is his humanity. He wasn't going all out against them, so in turn he is still hiding some of his abilities from us. Either that or he has yet to figured them all out himself. Adding to that, is him recruiting the remnants of the enemy army is concerning. Although since he is bringing them first to the Coalition that will at least look better for him in the eyes of the superiors.

"The body of a beast, but the heart of a human…contrasting qualities. I am wondering what's going on with that soul of yours Nacho. It's like there are two sides to you that are separate but together…if that makes sense. I can see why the girls try their hardest for you. I hope you can do the same. Love is a powerful thing…I should know…" I created a small ball of fel fire in my hand and stared at it. Being reminded of my own struggles with what I was given, "We're more alike than you know."

Killing the flame and I got up and ran back to base. Last thing I need is questions on where I been.

/

Little fact corner: When I write for abilities for characters for these stories. The list tends to get large and frankly most of the moves and such I have to make up names for on the fly. Mainly because if I didn't I would be spending too much time working on them. Seriously I got like notes on notes of this stuff and separating them for who has what during which part of the larger story is quite tiring on the mind. So Nacho's abilities here are more or less what I think he learned from his experiences so far. Granted he has so many ability branches in my notes, him forgetting some is like me forgetting what he can do.

This is TheFoolOfTheNoon, signing off!