Warning: I'm putting this out just for formality sake, still readers discretion.
Chapter 9: Fate Worse Than Death
Chapels Outskirt
The smell of burnt flesh filled the air as Ben stood over the scorched and blackened form of Clementine. A good chunk of her skin had already been peeled off to the point that her bones were now visible. Unsurprisingly, her armour had been reduced to ash, along with whatever protectively metal that was on it, which all melted into her skin.
"Hurts doesn't it?" Ben asked almost curiously before kicking her stilled body over, making sure her eyes were fixed on him as he spoke. "I'm afraid things are only going to get worse from here. [Cursed Healing]."
Like something out of a horror movie, Clementine's body began to mend itself as a red glow suddenly engulfed her. Her scorched skin were now restored to their original form, along with her destroyed jaw which slowly grew back with the sickening sound of bones being shifted back into place.
The moment the healing process was done, Clementine's body immediately jolted up as she began gasping for air. Despite being completely healed, her lungs felt as though they were still burned as she struggled to take in air. Her entire body began trembling with the effort of breathing.
Turning to face the magic caster, she saw him cocked his head to the side curiously as his gaze remained trained on her solely with those eyes. They were piercing, like everything else about him. She was exposed. Weak. The reality that she never stood a chance made her sick to her stomach.
"...what…did you do…to me?" She managed to ask as her chest heaved unevenly with each breath she managed to take.
"You're curious about the pain you're feeling?" It was more of a statement than a question. "If you must know, the spell inflicts something called a 'Pain' status. I believe you get the picture?"
"...You fucking Basta-"
Clementine was instantly silenced by a back hand from Ben which ended up ripping her lower jaw off, again.
"Guhhhh!" In a rather uncharacteristic fashion, Clementine began trashing around in pain as she placed her hand over her bloody mouth.
Growing tired of her grunting, Ben flicked his wrists, causing four black portals to materialize around her. Purple chains suddenly shot out from each portal before wrapping itself around her wrists and ankles, hoisting her up in a X like position.
"[Weapons Master]"
Over a hundred portals suddenly appeared around them, with Clementine noticing various golden weapons ranging from spear, swords, daggers, hooks, you name it. All these weapons are seen sticking out from the portals.
Dread washed over Clementine as she struggling against her bonds. But it was pointless, the chains showed no signs of budging.
"[Negate Madness]." Clementine felt something shift in her mind once the spell was uttered. Realization hit her like a wave once she figured out what he was planning. "There's a limit to what the mind can take before it drifts into madness. I can't afford to let that happen to you."
The moment those words left his mouth, a sword instantly flew out of one portal before finding it's way through Clementine's left shoulder. Despite loosing the ability to scream, Ben could see the pain on her face and the fear growing in her eyes.
Another blade flew out of a portal before planting itself firmly into her thigh. Clementine desperately trashed in pain but this did not stop Ben. One after another, various weapons began imbedding themselves into Clementine. A spear through the knee, daggers through her palms, an axe to the shin. The process continued until all her limbs were covered in blood and weapons. For some reason only her arms and legs were being punished. Before Clementine could question this, the weapons on her suddenly vanished, causing pain to shoot through her as she bled uncontrollably.
Walking towards Clementine, Ben pulled out a scythe from one of his portals before swinging it at Clementine's stomach, causing her innards to spill out. Clementine watched helplessly as her stomach and intestines dangled around. Ben then walked behind her before using the scythe to impale her back. As the weapon stuck out through her front, he then pulled the scythe upwards as Clementine's upper body was being cut in half until Ben stopped at her throat. Pulling his Scythe out, Ben pounded the butt of the weapon into her head. The act was enough to break her eye socket and burst the orb within.
For a moment Clementine hung motionless. To any other person, she would be considered dead, but Ben could see her HP, though highly critical. But that would do…
"[Cursed Healing]."
Once again, Clementine felt her injuries disappeared before being bombarded by the pain from her previous punishment
"...No more…" Clementine begged as her body shook uncontrollably. Ben chose that moment to free her from her bonds.
"[Denonic Summoning: Chaos Hyenas]". Crawling out from a shadowy portal, five Large Hyenas stepped into Clementine's view. Unlike regular Hyenas, these creatures were larger and had blood red eyes
"No-No! No!-NO! GAAH!"
As Clementine begged for mercy, she was greeted by the hyenas attacking her all at once. One Hyena had made the first lunge, leaping at Clementine, pinning her down, and successfully biting Clementine's jaw. She fidgeted around, trying to push it off her, but it's jaws were in a vice-grip, and soon penetrated muscles and sank deeply into her bone. Ben felt Clementine strength vanish as warm blood began to taint her face and hair. Adding more pressure to Clementine's jaw, the sound of crushing can be heard as the Hyena proceeded to mutilating her mouth. The creature then viciously ripped her entire mouth and swallowed before feasting upon where it had torn it out.
Two more Hyenas bit into Clementine's thigh and began a tug-of-war over who got it, which ended up tearing said area all over the place.
One Hyena went after her rear region, digging it's teeth into her anal cavity as it forcefully began pulling out the organs connected to that region leaking blood all over the place. For about a minute the Hyenas continued their assault with no intention of stopping, that was until they suddenly disappeared.
Ben walked over to the bloodied form of Clementine. The sight almost made him throw up, with all of her organs in full view, but just as the feeling came, he angrily shoved it back down.
"[Cursed Healing]."
An intense feeling of dread washed over Clementine as she heard those words.
Chapel
On leaving Narberal to deal with Khazit, Ainz went deeper into the chapel where he came into contact with Nfirea. As Ainz looked at him, the red light in his eye sockets dimmed.
He wore a strange, transparent outfit which drew attention to his body, but Ainz's attention was on his face.
Someone had cut him across the face and punctured his eyes. From the tear-shaped clots of reddish-black blood that wept down his cheeks, it was clear that he was blind.
"Well… blindness can be cured… magic really is convenient." The question now was Nfirea's current condition.
He had been standing up here, but had not reacted to Ainz's arrival. Even if his eyes could not see, he should have known that someone was coming. However, there was no reaction, which implied one thing, mind control. The question now was what sort of control he was under.
"It must be this."
Ainz's gaze settled on the spiderweb-like crown which rested on Nfirea's head. Or rather, it would be better to say that nothing else looked more suspicious than it.
Just as he reached out to remove the crown, Ainz stopped himself halfway. Since he did not know what had caused this, he should not make any careless moves. Therefore, Ainz cast a spell on the crown.
"[All Appraisal Magic Item]."
In YGGDRASIL, this spell would tell its caster about a magic item's creator and manufacturer. The spell could also be cast here. No, beyond that, information which could not appear in YGGDRASIL showed up in Ainz's mind.
"The Crown of Wisdom… I see. However… this item's abilities don't exist in YGGDRASIL… so it's a magic item that could not have existed in YGGDRASIL." Ainz sighed after learning all this, and began thinking about what to do next.
He was mainly concerned about the benefits of bringing Nfirea back to the Great Tomb of Nazarick. The prospect of gaining a rare magic item and an equally rare talent-holder was very attractive. However, his hesitation only lasted for a moment as the image of his guildmate appeared to him.
"I don't think Ben would be too kin to me picking this item over the boy." Ainz sighed. "Well, since we accepted this task, failing it on purpose would stain the name of Ainz Ooal Gown."
"[Greater Break Item]."
Ainz cast a spell on the crown. The sight of it decomposing into sparkling dust was quite beautiful.
Ainz tenderly embraced the limp youth and gently laid him on the ground. Then he examined Nfirea's face.
"After this… all I need to do is heal his eyes… though I probably shouldn't do that here."
Ainz touched his face and then rose slowly. With Nfirea in hand, Ainz quickly left the area, only to walk into the battle going on between Nabe and Khazit.
"I almost forgot about them." Ainz was about to make a move when he heard something. It was the sound of something whistling through the air. Narberal flung herself to the side as a massive creature rushed past her body, and after hovering behind Khazit, it landed on the ground.
It was a composite entity that stood three meters tall, made of countless human bones. It was designed to resemble a being with a very long neck, wings, and four legs, a Dragon. Its tail, also made from innumerable bones, lightly thumped the ground.
"Well this is interesting." Ainz muttered to himself as he continued to watch the ongoing fight.
This was the monster known as a Skeletal Dragon. Narberal did not consider monsters of its level strong, but the Skeletal Dragon had a trait which was very dangerous to Nabe.
"Fuhahahaha!"
Khazit's mad laughter echoed through the surroundings. "Skeletal Dragons and their absolute immunity to magic are a magic caster's worst nightmare, aren't they!?"
Narberal strode forth. The Skeletal Dragon swiped its forepaw in response, but Narberal nimbly evaded its attack. The wind of its passing tossed up Narberal's hair as she rushed in at the Skeletal Dragon's chest.
Then, she concentrated all her strength and swung with all her force. Her blow sent the three meter tall Skeletal Dragon flying. Shortly afterwards, it hit the ground with an earth-shaking crash.
"What!?" Khazit's jaw dropped as he stared.
Skeletal Dragons were made of many smaller bones, and they certainly looked light. However, they only appeared light. Magic casters, who spent their days pursuing greater magic power, should not have had enough strength to pull off a move like that.
Khazit hurriedly fled behind the Skeletal Dragon's vast body, and then he shouted:
"...You, who are you? A mithril… no, an orichalcum ranked adventurer!? There shouldn't be anyone like that in this city did you pursue Clementine or myself to this place!?" Khazit grit his teeth in agitation.
"Well, panicking like this does suit a click beetle like yourself."
"You, you!"
Crafting this Skeletal Dragon had required two months of elaborate rituals and an immense quantity of negative energy. How could it be beaten so easily? He had worked and planned many years for this.
Just as Khazit was turning red with rage, the Skeletal Dragon creaked as it slowly got up. There was a massive fissure in the bones which formed its chest, which spilled bone fragments as it moved. It could not take another hit like this.
"No! I won't! I won't let you! [Ray of Negative Energy]!"
A beam of black light shone extended from Khazit's hand and touched the Skeletal Dragon, quickly healing its injuries with negative energy.
"So it's immune to magic, but it can be healed with magic."
Khazit ignored Narberal's mockery and continued casting spells.
"[Reinforce Armor, [Lesser Strength, [Undead Flame, [Shield Wall]."
He cast buff after buff on the Skeletal Dragon.
Now the Skeletal Dragon's bony body was sturdier, stronger, and wreathed in life-draining black fire. It even had an invisible barrier in front of it which acted like a shield.
"Well, if you're doing that, I'll play along."
"[Reinforce Armor, [Shield Wall, [Protection Energy - Negative]."
Narberal layered defensive spells on herself as well.
Once both sides had finished buffing themselves, it was as if a bell had gone off and the two of them went at it again.
Narberal swung her sword. She landed a forceful hit on the Skeletal Dragon's foreleg, but then Narberal furrowed her brows.
Although she could easily strike her opposition like just she had earlier, this was hardly a good matchup for her. She was not skilled at melee combat and her weapon was not suitable for it either.
The Skeletal Dragon was made of an assembly of bones, so piercing and slashing weapons did very little damage to it. However, Narberal did not have bludgeoning weapons, which were ideal for the task, so she had to resort to using her sheath. Although she had the advantage, the poor balance of the improvised weapon meant she could not effectively damage the Skeletal Dragon.
The Skeletal Dragon's forepaw swiped over the crouching Narberal. Though it missed her with its kick, the black flames wreathing its limbs washed over Narberal. However, she resisted them with the [Protection Energy - Negative] spell, and the black flames vanished without a trace.
If she had not protected herself, she would probably have been hurt by the additional effects of the blow even if she had avoided it.
"[Ray of Negative Energy]."
Khazit healed the Skeletal Dragon's wounds with a magic ray.
This was also one of the reasons why Narberal was frowning. No matter how much damage she did, Khazit the backliner immediately healed it all. She knew she had to attack Khazit first, but the Skeletal Dragon between Narberal and Khazit did not permit her to do so.
Even a piercing spell like [Lightning] would be stopped by the Skeletal Dragon's magic immunity. The area-effect spell [Electrosphere] would also be stopped by Khazit's defensive magic, its damage reduced to insignificance.
Then, perhaps by using an enchantment-type spell, she could force him to lower his defenses and win the encounter in one stroke…
"[Charm Person]."
"[Mind of Undeath]."
Narberal and Khazit cast their spells at the same time. Narberal directed a spell which would charm humans at Khazit, while Khazit cast a defensive spell on himself which protected him from mind-affecting spells.
In the end Khazit smiled triumphantly, while Narberal frowned and clicked her tongue.
Perhaps she had been distracted by Khazit's smile, but a shadow appeared over Narberal's face.
A white object filled Narberal's field of vision. She deftly ducked her head and braced the tip of her sword against her shoulder, turning her sword into a shield. The impact spread through her sword arm and the shoulder which took the blow, practically numbing her entire body and tossing Narberal's body into the air.
This was the result of the Skeletal Dragon aiming a tail swipe at her face.
"Ohohoho."
Though her balance had been broken, Narberal had not fallen down, her legs skillfully braced against the impact. Still, she had been driven back.
This was a good chance for a follow-up attack, but the Skeletal Dragon remained where it was. Its job was to protect Khazit, and so it could not stray too far from him. After sensing this from the Skeletal Dragon, Narberal shook her hands to clear off the numbness and soreness.
Just then, Khazit poked his head out from behind the Skeletal Dragon—
"[Acid Javelin]."
"[Lightning]."
Khazit launched a green, spear-like object that streaked towards Narberal's body. The javelin, which should have dealt her acid damage, stopped several centimeters away from Narberal's body and vanished without a trace. At the same time, the lightning bolt Narberal shot from her fingers was blocked by the Skeletal Dragon's tail and fizzled out.
Khazit and Narberal glared at each other.
"…A defensive spell? How annoying."
"…That should be my line, you bagworm moth. How about coming out from behind there and facing me fair and square?"
"And why do I have to come out?"
"Doesn't staying here ruin your plans?"
Khazit knew that Narberal had his number and narrowed his eyes. Narberal smiled nonchalantly.
"…It can't be helped."
After making his decision, Khazit clutched the strange sphere and raised it to the heavens.
"Now behold the power of the Orb of Death!"
The earth trembled, and Narberal's body shook as well. This was a sign that something big was coming.
A massive fissure appeared in the ground, and a white monster slowly revealed itself.
"…Another one."
"Hmph! The negative energy's depleted now, but after I kill you and your friend, I can spread death throughout the city and recover it all!"
Khazit's shouting was angry and emotional, in contrast to the unfazed Narberal.
"Hyaah."
Narberal forcefully exhaled, then sprinted forward with preternatural speed. Khazit was taken by surprise and could not react in time.
The Skeletal Dragons stomped at Narberal, who had entered their attack range, with their forelegs.
Narberal turned and evaded the stomp of the Skeletal Dragon on her right, but the other one was waiting for her. It swept its tail along the ground, like it was going to scythe the grass.
The tail which had nearly hit her thundered through the air in front of Narberal as she leapt a long way back. Then, the tail suddenly changed its direction, swinging down on Narberal, who had just jumped clear.
Narberal avoided the earthshaking blow from the left, but the Skeletal Dragon on the right swiped its forepaw at her as well.
"Guhhh!"
She raised her sword to block the Skeletal Dragon's swipe. Although the paw's crushing pressure was extraordinary, Narberal still stood strong underneath it, and even forced it away. The right-side Skeletal Dragon stumbled several steps back, causing a brief lull in the action.
"…What are you? Blocking it without martial arts… how did you learn to do that!?"
"It is because I was created by the ones who are greater than the gods, the Supreme Beings."
"Are you kidding me!?"
"Even if you knew the truth, you would never understand, and to think you would go so far as to to call me, one who spoke the name of the Supreme Beings, an idiot… this is why I say human beings are planarians."
Narberal turned a keen glare on Khazit. It was a cold, piercing stare that made him want to back away from her.
The frightened Khazit gave an order, as though to wipe away his fear.
"Skeletal Dragons, get her!"
The Skeletal Dragons kept within range of Khazit and made their move.
Narberal evaded the attack of one of the Skeletal Dragons and moved to close in, but she was forced to avoid the other Skeletal Dragon's attack and missed her chance. This back and forth played out for quite a while, until a decisive blow was struck.
"[Acid Javelin]."
Narberal subconsciously turned her head and avoided the magical javelin headed at her face.
That was a grave mistake. The attack would not have done anything even if it had hit, so she could have safely ignored it. However, it came right at her, so she evaded it by reflex. This was a mistake that only a magic caster, who had not improved their close combat ability, would make.
That mistake had grave consequences.
Whoosh! Narberal's field of view changed dramatically as an ear-splitting impact rang out. She was tossed to the side.
She experienced a brief period of weightlessness before falling heavily to the ground. Her left arm had taken a tail sweep from one of the Skeletal Dragons. The non-stop spinning disoriented her and she had no idea where she was.
Her body was protected by all manner of defensive spells, so there was no pain. However, the two Skeletal Dragons raised their forelegs over Narberal.
One might say she was out of options normally speaking.
"Surrender, and I'll spare your life. How about it?"
A sadistic grin bloomed on Khazit's face, as he assured himself of his impending victory.
Of course, Khazit was not going to spare her. That look on his face was the kind that looked forward to the girl begging for mercy before he trampled her pathetic form.
Narberal, who had raised her torso off the ground, was so furious that her face was twisted up.
"…erable… human…"
"…What?"
Narberal looked Khazit in the eye and said. "You miserable little human being. How dare you utter such nonsense, you pile of trash."
Khazit's eyes went wide and he shuddered with rage, and he gave the order to finish her off.
"Destroy her, Skeletal Dragons!"
The two dragons raised their forelegs, and Narberal smiled.
The words Ainz reached her ears.
"That's enough playing around Narberal Gamma! Display the power of Nazarick!" Ainz said, finally tired of Khazit weak performance. The cultist was seriously surprised to see Ainz standing there nonchalantly with Nfirea in his hand
"…Understood. Then, I shall no longer face you as Nabe, but as Narberal Gamma."
The Skeletal Dragons brought their forelegs down, intending to crush Narberal's body beneath their forepaws. At the very last moment, Narberal cast a spell before being reduced to paste.
"[Teleportation]."
Narberal's field of vision immediately changed.
She was now about five hundred meters in the air.
Without wings to keep her aloft, Narberal plummeted toward the ground.
The wind shear roared across her body and the ground drew close. Narberal laughed:
"[Fly]."
Her rate of descent slowed and then stopped, until Narberal hung in the air, looking down on the battlefield from just now. Khazit and the two Skeletal Dragons looked around in shock, as Narberal was nowhere to be found.
So, you can use the [Fly] spell, looks like you're not bluffing. Although, how did you avoid that last hit? I didn't see you behind the Skeletal Dragons…"
That puzzled question reached Narberal, who was slowly descending from the heavens. Khazit had no idea why she had not used the [Fly] spell to escape. She could have done so when encountering the Skeletal Dragons, but she had not. It baffled him.
"Hmph, you think you can win? Against Skeletal Dragons, who are immune to magic?"
"There are any number of ways to win… but before that…"
Narberal grabbed at her shoulder and pulled off her robe.
"Rejoice, inferior lifeform. You have the honor of doing battle with Narberal Gamma, one of the battle maids who are the loyal servants of Ainz Ooal Gown, the Absolute Rulers of the Great Tomb of Nazarick."
Her equipment was completely different. She now wore gauntlets and greaves of gold, silver, and black metal, as well as a set of maid-themed armor which looked like it had come out of a manga. In place of a helmet, she wore a maid's white-brimmed headdress. In her hands she held a staff of gold inlaid with silver.
Khazit narrowed his eyes in puzzlement as he saw the maid before him, and when he finally realized what was going on.
"What?"
He exclaimed in surprise.
Of course he would have been taken aback when the magic caster before him turned into a maid.
Although he was annoyed by her nonsensical get-up, Narberal's serene expression filled Khazit with a sense of danger. He immediately ordered the Skeletal Dragons to attack. The two Skeletal Dragons drew close to Narberal with surprising speed, swinging their forepaws, which were made of countless bones. Before they could strike home, Narberal cast a spell.
"[Dimensional Move]."
"That again!"
Once more, Narberal vanished without a trace.
Khazit looked to the sky to look for the missing Narberal as he thought of what had happened earlier. However, it was his pain that told him where Narberal was.
"-Gyaaah!"
Khazit's wail resounded throughout the graveyard. A searing pain pierced Khazit's left shoulder, and the pain spread through his body with the pulse of his heartbeat.
A shocked Khazit looked at the wound, at the sharp blade that protruded from the wound.
"-Gah, gaaaah!"
the next moment, the blade was savagely withdrawn, and pain washed over him again. The sensation of something scraping his bones filled his body, made worse by the agony that gripped him. Thick blood gushed from the wound, staining his black robe.
Drooling from the intense pain, Khazit jerked his head back to see what was going on.
All he saw was Narberal, looking at him curiously.
"Did it hurt that much?" Narberal was holding a black-bladed dagger in the hand that was not holding her staff.
Khazit was in so much pain that he could not speak.
Magic casters typically shunned the frontline, and Khazit was the sort who was served by and dealt out pain to others. Thus, pain was not a common experience for him, which was why his tolerance for it was so low.
Oily sweat beading on his forehead, Khazit issued a mental command to the Skeletal Dragons. Narberal fell back, drawing away from the approaching Skeletal Dragons. The [Fly] spell was faster than the running speed of a normal man.
The two Skeletal Dragons charged into the space left by Narberal.
After hiding in the safe space behind the Skeletal Dragons, Khazit's calm returned to him, and he finally understood the kind of spell Narberal had used.
"So it was teleportation magic!"
[Dimensional Move] was a third tier spell, but to magic casters, it was an escape spell used to put distance between themselves and their adversaries.
However, that was only the case for magic casters, who were an unathletic lot. For a magic caster with fighting prowess that was on par with a warrior, that spell was arguably more valuable than even a weak attack spell, given that it was very difficult to defend against.
Khazit pressed down on his shoulder and glared at Narberal.
"I see, so you were planning to kill me with teleportation! You must have escaped with teleportation as well just now!"
Indeed, it was a tricky trump card to deal with. Since magic was useless against the Skeletal Dragons, the sensible thing was to kill their controller. In addition, with Narberal's skillful use of teleportation, Khazit would have a very hard time dodging.
However, Narberal casually answered "How could that be?"
Khazit could not comprehend what she was saying for a moment, and blinked nonstop. Narberal returned the shortsword to its sheath, and began explaining:
"I was simply demonstrating that I could kill you easily."
Narberal had shown him how she could turn a thoroughly unfavorable situation around, but she had completely abandoned that method. Khazit had no idea what she was up to.
"…Are you mad?"
"Granted, you are a flea, but what kind of answer is that? Use that head of yours a little."
Khazit shuddered as he saw Narberal's cold glare.
He was not trembling in anger, but in fear. Unease welled up within Khazit's mind.
"Well, it's about time to wrap this up. As a servant, it would be rude of me to keep Lord Ainz waiting… You seem to think magic is useless against Skeletal Dragons. Then, I shall enlighten you, shore fly. The fee for that lesson will be your life."
She released her staff and clapped her hands together. As she drew them apart again, tongues of white lightning arced between them. They took the form of dragons, and the air around them began glowing and crackling with energy.
The white radiance seemed to engulf Narberal.
"…Erk."
Khazit stared, at a loss for words. He could understand that this was a mighty spell that exceeded his own frame of reference. Amidst the actinic white radiance, the cold smile on Narberal's face branded itself onto his eyes.
The massive bodies of the Skeletal Dragons loomed before him. As he recalled their existence, an alarm screamed within him.
"...You, you think you can beat Skeletal Dragons, who are immune to all magic? Go! Kill her!"
Khazit's shouted order was laced with the panic he could no longer hide.
As the two Skeletal Dragons drew close, Narberal laughed. It was the laugh of a merciless master correcting her foolish pupil.
"Immune to all magic? It's true that Skeletal Dragons resist magic, but that ability only applies to spells of the sixth tier and below."
The Skeletal Dragons would not reach Narberal for some time yet. During that delay, the strangely calm Khazit finally realised the meaning of Narberal's words.
"-In other words, Skeletal Dragons cannot resist the spells of a higher tier which I, Narberal Gamma, can use."
She was not lying. That was what Khazit's instincts told him. In other words, this woman could eliminate the Skeletal Dragons and slay Khazit as well.
"Why!? My sweat and blood of five years, gone in less than an hour!"
As Khazit let out that mournful wail. "I spent five years preparing in this city! I've held onto this dream for thirty years! What gives you the right to destroy all of this!? You, who appeared out of nowhere!?"
Khazit's cry was answered by cold laughter.
"I have no interest in the dreams of inferior lifeforms. Although, your so-called effort did manage to make me laugh. Still, I do have some words for you… well done on becoming a stepping stone for the Supreme Beings."
"[Twin Maximize Magic - Chain Dragon Lightning]."
A roaring, coiling stream of dragon-shaped lightning appeared around both of Narberal's hands.
The lightning discharges were wider than her arms, and they struck the Skeletal Dragons. The vast white buddies shuddered from the impact. The twin lightning blasts wrapped around the Skeletal Dragons' bodies, burning the false life that animated their corpses out of existence.
The end came in an instant.
Under the power of the magic lightning, the Skeletal Dragons and their supposed absolute immunity to magic were torn asunder.
Even though the Skeletal Dragons had been disintegrated, the lightning strikes did not disappear. The two arcs of dragon-shaped lightning seemed to be searching for their quarry, then they raised their heads and sprang at their final prey.
Khazit's vision was obliterated in a sea of white.
He had no time to beg for mercy, nor did he have time to scream.
The tears at the corners of his eyes flashed into steam, leaving behind a whispered "Mum" The searing light consumed Khazit, and the lightning pierced him without mercy.
Khazit's body went into full-body seizures, as though he were performing some strange dance where he stood.
The current penetrated deep into Khazit's body and ignited him from the inside. After it had vanished, the smoking Khazit collapsed to the ground.
The stench of burning flesh filled the air.
Narberal shrugged, and muttered something to the pile of scorched meat that had once been Khazit. "Even insects smell good after they've been roasted… I wonder if it would be fine to give him to Entoma as a present…"
A mocking smile came over Narberal's face as she mentioned the name of her human-eating colleague.
"Amazing!" Hamsuke, who had been ordered by Ainz to hide in the shadows rushed out to meet Nabe who was being approached by Ainz
"Well done Narberal." Ainz said
"Your praise is wasted on me Lord Ainz." She bowed before revealing a black orb in her hand. It looked uneven, like a pebble one might find by the side of a river, and it did not seem very valuable.
"…What is that?"
"It seems to be something which the flatworm I fought treasured deeply. However, I do not know what effects it has…"
"Is that so?"
Narberal the NPC knew far fewer spells than Ainz, and most of them were combat spells. This was why she could not appraise its value.
"We'll look into this later." Ainz said before taking the orb. "But first, we need to fine Ben. [Gate.]"
Chapels Outskirt
"[Cursed Healing]."
Clementine had honestly lost count on how many time said spell was used on her, but she had come to accept the brutal reality that whenever said spell was uttered, her torture would continue.
The Mage looked about ready to continue her torture, but then something suddenly caught his attention. Taking his gaze away from her, Ben looked at the now forming [Gate, as he watched Ainz, Narberal and Hamsuke walk out of it.
"I hope we're not interrupting anything?" Ainz asked as he glanced uncaringly at Clementine's bare form. Shifting his gaze away from the woman, Ainz turned to his guildmate. From what he could tell, the boy's face wore an unreadable expression. He looked like someone void of any emotion whatsoever. It was as though he took what ever empathy he had and crushed it. "Are you alright?"
"I'm…fine." Ben managed to say before noticing Nfirea in Ainz's arm. In a split second, the expressionless mask he wore turned into one of rage. "They blinded him." he spat bitterly
"Nothing a little healing can't fix." Ainz said
"Shall I dispose of this fly?" Narberal asked as she looked about ready to kill Clementine right there.
"No."
"Then what are you going to do with her?" Ainz asked as he watched Ben approach Nfirea
"[Greater Healing Light]."
A green glow then engulfed the form of Nfirea. Despite his unconscious state, Nfirea seem to let out a relieved sigh as he sank into the soothing wind of the healing spell.
Once he was done healing the boy, Ben began walking towards Clementine as he answered Ainz question. "I'll be taking her to Nazarick. Could you look after their bodies until I return?"
"Sure thing." Ainz said
"Thank you." Ben said greatfully
"It's not a problem…just don't overdo it."
Without another word, Ben then proceeded to use his [Bifrost, to teleport himself and Clementine.
Fifth Floor
This particular region of Nazarick was many things, but what seemed to stand out the most about the Floor was the existence of the 'Frozen Prison', home to one of the most twisted being in Nazarick. This was one of the few areas Ben actively avoided during his younger days in the guild, and more so now that everything was real. But right now, the shimmering sound of the Bifrost revealed Ben to be standing in the prison, while holding up Clementine by her hand.
"Lord Ben." A cheerful voice called out to him the moment to he appeared.
The individual behind the voice was none other than Neuronist Painkill, Nazarick's chief torturer and information extractor. Her appearance was that of a huge grey bloating corpse with tentacles, heavy makeup, and very long fingers with sharp inch-long nails with nail polish. Despite her form, she is seen wearing a black leather outfit akin to a Dominatrix.
Clementine visible cringed on seeing Neuronist, and Ben didn't blame her, but right now he wasn't here to sympathize with the murderer of his friends.
"Painkill, I'll be leaving her in your care." Ben said as he tossed Clementine towards Neuronist.
"My, my, such a fine specimen." Neuronist said as she circled Clementine like a predator. "Though she looks like she's been to hell and back. To work on used goods can be such a pain. Perhaps I should just kill he-"
Neuronist suddenly felt something tug her attire as she suddenly found herself staring face to face with Ben. "I did not bring her here for you to kill Painkill." Ben said as Neuronist felt herself turn red in embarrassment and fear. "Do whatever you like with her, but by all means do not touch her life. Understood?"
"Understood." She answered, causing Ben to let go off her. With nothing left to do, Ben turned to the exit of the prison before leaving Neuronist with Clementine.
Once he was gone, Neuronist turned to face Clementine who wore a scared expression as she slowly backed away from the torturer. "To anger a Supreme Being like that is quite the feat girl. Ohoho…I can't wait to make you tell me the details of your deeds…"
Fifth Floor Hallway
Not even a minute after leaving the Frozen Prison, and Ben could already hear the screams of Clementine as he left the floor. Choosing to ignore her cry, Ben made a decision to head to his room.
His deeds today had rendered him exhausted, though not physically but mentally. Ben seemed to be lost in thoughts as he stumbled through various hallways in Nazarick, ignoring the greetings of many NPCs
Every step he took felt like a struggle. So far, he had managed to suppress his emotions, ignoring the guilt of torturing Clementine, the pain of seeing the sword of darkness dead.
As the hallway to his room became visible, Ben felt various flashbacks of his time with the adventurer group. Peter's leadership, Dynes fatherly nature, even Lukrut's jester like attitude…and then, Ninya…
The thought of the Magic Caster's corpse caused his legs to suddenly give out, making him crash to his knees
"Lord Ben." Ben raised his head to notice a concerned Albedo, who seemed to have been waiting Infront of his room, but on seeing him was now rushing towards his direction.
"... I'm…fine…" He said, trying to wave her concerns away.
"You're crying." Albedo said as she knelt down to his level. True to her words, Ben then noticed the faint stream of tears on his cheek.
"I'm crying?" He mentally asked himself, as though unfamiliar with the act. "I barely knew them but still…"
His thought process was interrupted by Albedo enveloping him in her arms.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there to prevent this pain you're feeling right now." Albedo said as she held him tighter. "So please, pour out your grief to me."
"I'm tired." He weakly said as felt himself cry until everything went dark.
Author Remark: So from a scale of 1 to 10, what do you guys think of this chapters gore?