"Excuse me!" Black Abyss turned around and drew her sword, pointing it towards the blond boy in shining platinum armor, eliciting a surprised reaction from him.
"So we were really being followed..." Titania exclaimed, looking at the young blond man, raising an eyebrow. "Still, he doesn't look like your typical kidnapper, does he? What do you say, Elise?" She asked the other beautiful woman beside her.
"I think we should burn him, Titania... But he's one of the targets who can't be harmed according to Lady Nyx..." She whispered softly and sadly, looking at the boy with a depressed expression.
"W-Wait. My name is Climb... I-I'm a soldier of the Kingdom, and I wanted to thank you for what you did... I should have been the one to carry out that job, but I couldn't arrive as quickly as you did..." He explained, bowing to both women with nervousness and embarrassment for having interrupted them so suddenly in such a suspicious place and for being pointed at with a sword.
Upon this, Black Abyss sighed and sheathed her sword.
"Oh, I see. Please forgive me, two women in an alley being pursued by a guy in armor... You understand my actions." She said, to which Climb scratched his head with a nervous smile.
"I-I'm sorry, I didn't think about that... I didn't mean to bother you in any way..." He apologized when Titania emphasized it.
"It's okay, you don't have to worry about that, helping someone in trouble is something common." Black Abyss said with a smile, repeating something she had heard somewhere, and which also made sense in the context of 'being a heroic figure', turning around. "Take care, young man, we're leaving now." Black Abyss exclaimed, waving her hand back.
"Please wait a moment. The truth is that... Although it embarrasses me to admit it, I have been following you, although it's just repeating what's been clarified. Actually, I don't mind if you laugh at my bold request, but if it's okay with you... Please! Could you teach me the technique you used a while ago?" Climb said to Titania.
"Teach you that technique? Well... It depends... I don't really have much time. Why do you want to learn my fighting style?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm training to become stronger and I want to learn even a small portion of the incredible moves and technique you showed a while ago." His determination and will were notable in his tone.
Black Abyss made a face... Should the Sun respond to this boy's words...? To his prayer to the divinity that illuminates the world? She made a face, thinking deeply.
The boy was a heretic, er, a human. And not just any human. If he were one of Titania's humans, one of the few there were at least, Black Abyss would do it without hesitation... But this was a human from Re-Estize... A country that didn't even view the Sun as divine because of the religion of the Four Great Gods...
However, the boy seemed genuinely interested, willing to learn. To worship her even~ Or well, those were basically her exaggerations.
But again... How many people found themselves in trouble and prayed for help from the heavens? To the divine light that emanated from nothing less than the sun in their most lonely and desperate moments.
And well, Black Abyss was that light. And this boy Climb... He seemed like a wayward sheep who had been worshiping the light without knowing where it came from... So it was time for Black Abyss to teach him what he should worship... In a certain way, of course. She smiled as she made her decision.
"I like your determination, but you must be aware that not everything can be obtained through training and hard work. Right?" Titania explained more seriously.
Climb pursed his lips, looking somewhat discouraged but understanding what Titania was talking about.
"Yes... I understand completely... I know I don't have talent for anything... But even so!... I want to become stronger!" His conviction was as hard as iron.
Black Abyss felt somewhat guilty for what the boy said, but the Sun did not hesitate. Although she was still somewhat concerned about who was missing from those following them, she was sure there were two, and she still felt the other one, but he wasn't showing himself. She furrowed her brow slightly, but then refocused on the boy.
"I don't mean to sound insulting, but none of my moves are something you can learn just like that. Still, I can teach you something at least." She exclaimed, putting her hand on her cheek, seeming determined after thinking for a moment. She would share some of her knowledge by enlightening his path~
Climb blushed a little, but quickly bowed deeply.
"I appreciate it very much!"
Black Abyss smiled somewhat amused by the boy's attitude. He was a heretic, but he was polite at least.
"Have you ever been close to death?" She asked the boy, casting a curious but doubtful look at him.
Climb blinked. If he thought about it... He had been several times, in the distant past. But it wasn't a closeness to death in terms of combat. It was due to hunger, cold, and injuries from living as an orphan in the dangerous streets of the lower districts of the capital... That... What was Titania talking about?
"...Yes. I could say I was, but at a very young age and due to poverty reasons." The boy admitted.
"Have you heard about Hysterical Strength?" Titania asked him with a curious tone.
"Eh? No? I don't think I have heard of it, no." Climb inclined his head slightly, still maintaining his rigid posture. Was it some kind of Martial Art? Or the fighting style she was going to teach him?
"I see... As a final question. I know you want to learn from me to become strong. But why do you want that?" She asked more seriously.
"Eh?" Climb stopped. And he thought.
His thoughts delved into the reason. Into that face that he always saw, remembered, and adored over and over again.
His response hesitated for a moment, but he finally decided, and with a determined expression, he answered.
"Because I am a man." He said with a smile.
Black Abyss looked at him for a moment, blinking, letting out a slight beautiful laugh before turning her gaze back to Climb. A side within Black Abyss, one that was illuminated by her light more than ever, but at the same time, in complete silence, felt very connected to the boy.
"I didn't expect that answer~ But I liked it~ Are you ready? You could really die if you say yes." She exclaimed with her divine, bright smile, although her words were more serious than they sounded.
Climb made a surprised expression for a moment but smiled with a determined nod.
"Yes. I'm ready... I really appreciate this opportunity."
"Draw your weapon, assume a defensive position. I want you to put all your will into living. Or at least for something important to you. Something so important that death seems insignificant in comparison." Black Abyss exclaimed, her face and voice changing to a much more serious tone.
Climb obeyed immediately, accustomed to following orders anyway, and drew his training sword from its sheath, assuming the position he had practiced so much. However, the second instruction was more... Er... Strange and complex to do, as it was quite conceptual.
Black Abyss turned to Alicia, whispering in her ear.
"Make a deathly attack. But don't show more power than I have already demonstrated, the other guy is still nearby."
Alicia nodded sadly and looked at Climb. She used the usual spell to maintain appearances, extending a hand.
"... [Maiden's Holyness] (Death Verge)" A white light enveloped Climb. This spell would keep him at 1 HP guaranteed in exchange for preventing the use of magic or abilities until the effect is activated. A strange support spell to have for a Necromancer, but Alicia wasn't just a Necromancer after all. "[Punishing Embrace] (Dead's Crushing)"
And with the spell, a light embraced Climb from all sides... Crushing him with a brutal force in one single impulse.
Climb wanted to scream, but he couldn't due to the shock of the pain he was feeling. He could feel several bones breaking and his organs being crushed instantly. The air was forced out of his lungs while it was a miracle that he hadn't vomited or emptied his intestines or bladder... Or vomited his organs out of his mouth in the first place.
His armor crumpled like paper, while some parts of his body couldn't even feel anything at all by this point.
And all from a single spell...
But... Despite all that, he remained standing, as if he were an immovable wall, his face showing the pain, shock, and desperation he was feeling, but his body reacted differently, a strength he didn't know he possessed was keeping him standing after remembering the face of that person so important to him while his legs faltered, forcing him to stay upright even in this situation...
Dying in the process of becoming stronger made no sense... He wasn't going to die there...
"Enough." Black Abyss said, and all of Alicia's spells were instantly removed by her. Black Abyss pointed her hand at the boy. "[Heal]"
And the white light appeared around Climb, the tier 1 healing spell completely healed him, but he still stood even with the residual pain in his mind.
Black Abyss smiled, patting Climb on the shoulder.
"That's hysterical strength. A superhuman strength that appears when everything you care about is at risk. Don't think you're not strong, with that, you could break down a wall with one blow even, but it's not something you can control, it just happens when you see death in front of you, but cling to life. Still, having seen death, I doubt anything will scare you again, your conviction is formidable~ The light of the Sun illuminates you~" Black Abyss exclaimed with a smile towards the boy as if she were delivering a gospel or blessing she had just invented, but liked~ At the same time, she spoke to him as if she were proud of him, while Alicia looked at her with her mouth slightly open, having learned something new directly from one of her Goddesses.
And when Climb was able to calm down, he looked towards both women, panting.
"... A-Although I'm being rude... My Ladies... W-What are...?"
"What do you mean~?" Titania asked with a smile and a curious tone. At the same time, somewhat cautious... If this boy, although she liked him, still a heretic, dared to inquire too much about the light of the Sun... Well, he would end up blind.
Climb just swallowed and calmed down.
Actually, being able to kill him with just one spell... He knew someone who could do it, and surely Fluder Paradyne from the Empire could do it too. It was just impressive to find someone equally strong but not as rare as it seemed. There were many strong people out there.
"... No, my apologies." He answered somewhat nervous from the feeling of almost having died... However... This Hysterical Strength... It was really impressive if what the woman said was true.
"Fu~ Try to calm down~ Your body is still full of that energy, it's normal, it's called Adrenaline~ You'll feel like you're trembling and you won't feel pain anymore~" Black Abyss explained.
Climb blinked... And was surprised. After all, it was true. Beneath his armor, he was shaking like a leaf in a storm, his chainmail hitting his armor constantly because of it... That woman undoubtedly knew many things... He knew more or less about adrenaline, but normally one would think he trembled out of fear... But he wasn't scared...
"And I forgot to introduce ourselves, my most sincere apologies~ She is my companion, Elise~ My name is Titania, again~ We are Adventurers~" She explained, showing the badge on her shoulder, he hadn't seen it since it should be around her neck, but without a doubt...
The boy's eyes widened. That explained everything... They were... Black Flower... The Adamantite team that quickly rose in the adventurer guild of E-Rantel and made a name for themselves throughout the kingdom and beyond surely... All that in less than two months...
"A-Amazing... It's an honor!" Climb bowed to Black Abyss and Alicia. "And thank you very much for accepting my selfish request!"
Titania laughed, scratching her cheek.
"No problem, Climb. It's not like you asked for much. Besides, you learned something valuable I suppose." Proclaimed the Paladin, putting her hands on her hips, proud.
He laughed nervously, lowering his head a little, he had been on the brink of death... Thinking about her was the only thing that held him to life, but... All that strength he felt at that moment... Surely, if it wasn't something valuable, he didn't know what it was...
"I would like to be able to teach you more things, but as I said, we are Adventurers, and we have important missions as Adamantite~ We bid you farewell, young Climb~" Black Abyss said waving her hand, it was time for her to do important things... Kind of.
Climb was about to speak, but a voice behind him interrupted him.
"W-Wait! I have to ask something!" The concerned voice of the man made itself heard, making Climb turn around while Black Abyss and Alicia looked at him seriously. Another heretic... She would stop bothering to correct herself. "First of all, I sincerely apologize for interrupting the three of you. Forgive me. I couldn't bear it any longer."
"Huh... What do you want?" Titania asked more seriously, her beauty would take away seriousness, but after seeing what they were capable of, and knowing their name and deeds, it was intimidating... "Is he a friend of yours, Climb?" She asked before the man could answer.
"No, he isn't..."
"Umu." Repeating the funny phrase that Dont used, she murmured. "I see, then you don't know him either..."
"Above all, my name is Brain Unglaus. Once again, allow me to express my apologies for interrupting you. I truly am sorry." The man with blue hair made a deep bow for several seconds before raising his face to look at the three people.
"Uhu..." Black Abyss let out, no longer looking so serious and seeming more curious, but this Brain guy addressed Climb in words then.
"How...? Why...? How did you endure that...? Why did you stay standing after those spells...?" Not only did he sound worried, but his voice showed the need for an immediate answer, a desire to know how someone who definitely didn't look capable of enduring spells like those had managed to do such a thing...
Wait... Didn't Dont say something about a so called 'Brain'?
Oh boy... Black Abyss would have a good talk.
…
Damn…
She wasn't getting a response from Black Abyss... Either she was busy, or she just didn't want to tell her anything, end of story... And the latter was making her somewhat anxious.
"Well, whatever." Dont shrugged, attempting to deceive herself and downplay it all, all while listening to the giggles of the Succubus.
That Coco Doll guy or whatever couldn't even withstand a simple [Charm Person] from one of them, so he was pretty much putty in their hands now.
And now, he was being interrogated until he was dry of all information he had on the Eight Fingers. There probably wasn't much they didn't already know, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
For now, according to the recent report from Eyesight, that Riku guy hadn't shown up in the area that Miia practically obliterated. In fact, nobody showed up there, except for any random animals scrounging for food or whatever.
The Dryad was moved to Titania, being a Fairy and all, and was being integrated into the garden, where there were plenty of Dryads and higher beings, but they might help her feel more at home at least. She was somewhat helpful in informing them more or less about what that tree was, though it didn't do much good in the end, since they reduced it to ashes. However, Black Abyss proposed that small reward to the Dryad, and Dont didn't care either way, so she approved it too.
The little thing's tree was moved to the Garden, and well, it's being lovingly cared for.
Additionally, they had to test if Titania could adopt new residents from the outside.
Well, truth be told, Dont wouldn't want anyone setting foot in Titania unless they were a prisoner ready to be tortured to death, used to obtain resources, experiments, or something of the sort.
She was already experimenting with using other creatures for the creation of scrolls, as human skin only withstood some tier 1 spells.
Anyway, Dont emerged from the dungeons of the mansion, followed by a new entourage of Succubus she summoned with some of the souls she got from her last raid.
Some were used to create Shady Devils or simply food for the demonic beasts.
"Akacia, I've got more girls for you." She called out to the High Succubus she managed to summon. A level 50 one, who acted as the leader of the maids, and the beautiful maiden simply gave a bow with a seductive expression. Only thanks to her being a pretty woman and the strongest among her entourage, not counting the two level 80 Mercenaries, and the weird name she gave her, she could remember this one.
Wah... It was hard to resist just pouncing on the pile of Succubus and having a good orgy...
No! Bad thoughts! Dont shook her head. She was in work mode basically.
She had plans to carry out, and while they had some time, they couldn't afford as much maneuverability as to procrastinate.
Anyway, a Shadow Demon informed her of some nonsense that ended up leaking to the Eight Fingers for some reason, so she just had to set up the stage and get ready. They basically wanted to attack her mansion, take her and her maids as 'revenge' or something, because it all happened based on the fact that Succulent came to visit her and didn't come back. Plus, to see if they could find Coco Doll in the mansion.
Her little trip to that brothel wasn't exactly public after all, but eventually, guards discovered that the brothel was empty because clients who came later found nothing.
The bastards claimed rewards for 'finding a clandestine establishment'. Dont made sure to have the Shadow Demons note down their identities.
The Queen of Titania walked to a window and looked at the blue sky.
No matter how much she looked at it, it was beautiful.
Almost as much as Titania's internal skies.
But speaking of Titania, how will everything be there~? She knew Bachelory was still sorting some things out before giving Superbia temporary duties, so it wasn't a concern.
Well~ She just had to wait a few days, and she could carry out her wonderful plan~ She smiled as she breathed in the fresh air deeply.
…
Titania~ What a wonderful place~ Perfect inside and out, on the side, above and below~ The city was gigantic and beautiful~ Just like its people~
A true golden city, full of joy, where different species coexisted in harmony regardless of their alignments, whether divine or demonic, a true utopia in the real world.
In Titania's 34 main streets, perfect sculptures made of crystal and gold of each member of G.O.D.S. could be found. They were the Gods of each Titania inhabitant, the Supreme Lords, of which only 2 remained here, Dont-Say-My-Name and Black Abyss•White Flower, who received prayers and supplications from the citizens of Titania every day.
Children played in the large and beautiful parks scattered throughout the city, while parents dined in nearby restaurants, with no need to worry about anything at all. After all, none of them even knew the concept of 'criminals' within Titania. That was something experienced by those outside, those who didn't accept the G.O.D.S. Supremes as their Gods, and therefore, it was one of their many punishments for such insolence and audacity.
Sin was a punishment for those who didn't embrace the Gods who were the Supreme Lords.
"Hahaha~! Does a scum like you really think you can defeat the Supreme Queen of Titania~!? I am Dont-Say-My-Name~! You are nothing~!" The favorite game of the little ones was the interpretation of the Supreme Ladies destroying the ungodly from outside.
Even at their young ages, they could perform magic, conjuring harmless weapons that served as the weapons of the Supreme Ladies. Like that little demon girl with tiny horns and black hair role-playing Dont-Say-My-Name playing with the other children, while together they had created some kind of ugly monster with fleas with their spells, which is how they saw everyone from outside.
A little Angel child stepped forward, wielding a white halberd of divine energy.
"So many worlds, and not a single worthy enemy! I will end anything that dares to threaten Titania!" The boy exclaimed, playing the role of Black Abyss•White Flower, and together with the little Demon Girl, they attacked the beast, engaging in an epic battle where all the children watched in amazement as the two little ones dismembered and destroyed the energy being they had created together, while the parents happily watched the future generation of Titania.
And with two final attacks, they vanquished the monster from outside, once again saving Titania from evil, while all the children applauded them.
The proud little Demon Girl laughed, just as they believed the Supreme Queen acted, while the Angel Boy smiled widely, crossing his arms, observing the infinite, in a scene reminiscent of the end of a short film, just as they thought the Supreme Lady, Black Abyss•White Flower, would act.
Further away, in the center of the city, was a beautiful palace, gigantic, a marvelous creation, known only to the Supreme Lords and those they permitted entry, and yet, people passed by around it, none daring to cross the boundary of the Supreme Ladies's sacred areas... Such was the divinity and sanctity of this land.
However... A few children playing with a ball nearby kicked it too hard, causing it to go through the fence, although no one could see it because it ended up behind a bush.
The boys instantly panicked realizing the terrible insult they had committed towards the Supremes, freezing as someone with a black hood and a very large physique emerged from the shadow of the bushes, took the ball, and disappeared. The boys were confused as they saw a shadow in front of them, so something very tall appeared behind them...
And when they turned around... The ball was handed back to them with gentleness, without a hint of anger from the being in front of them, showing complete understanding and compassion.
"Be more careful. Such an insult to the Supreme Ladies will be forgiven only for such good children as yourselves. Now go play somewhere else." The whispering and delicate voice, like the whisper of the wind, spoke to the children, although it felt as if it were whispering directly into their ears.
The children nodded firmly and, running and jumping, went off to another playground, excitedly talking about how great the Supreme Ladies were and how they would join the army as soon as registrations opened again.
Without a doubt~ If there was such a thing as a utopia, Titania was the best of them all~ And Bachelory, looking from one of the windows of such a palace, understood it well~
This was the utopia that their Gods and Creators had built, they had given them absolutely everything, life, happiness, and even love, everything they had they owed to them, and now... Only 2 of the 34 that used to be remained... Such a thought almost depressed him, but it wasn't a time for lamentations. If only 2 remained, then he would work twice as hard, no, triple and whatever it takes!
Just to meet the minimum expectations of the Supreme Ladies, they had built all of this, and now they were leaving them the task of protecting it, and they would do so at all costs, even if it meant destroying the whole world outside of Titania.
…
"Then~ Where are they supposed to gather~?" The angelic voice, seductive yet filled with endless cruelty, echoed in the dungeons.
And beneath the heel of such a charming specimen of a woman lay one of the envoys sent to 'kidnap her'.
The words flowed from the man's mouth like water amidst groans of pain.
The Queen of Titania only smiled widely.
Finally... Tonight! The plan would be carried out!
Not only would they send resources to Titania, from humans to souls, food, and materials, they would also see if they could attract the attention of those who used that world item against her or Riku, in addition to improving the public reputation of Lady Nyx and the Adamantite group, Black Flower.
The Shadow Demon whispered in her ear. Her... Ally was making the right preparations.
"Have a Shady Devil grab Coco Doll. Heal him first. I want to give a little surprise~" Dont's wide smile terrified the few prisoners still alive.
Her summons immediately obeyed to the satisfaction of the Queen of Titania.
"Now~ I want another Shady Devil to leave the following message at the location they just gave me~"
…
Zero. For what others is just a number, is reason to fear for others.
Because that was the name of one of the strongest men in the kingdom. The leader of the Six Arms, the elite unit of the entire criminal organization of the Eight Fingers.
It is said that his strength is such that he could defeat Gazef Stronoff one-on-one.
He had dark skin, huge muscles, with several red tattoos of what seemed to be animals. A dark blue vest that barely covered much of his bare torso, loose black pants, and boots. And most notably, ironically, he was as bald as an egg.
And now... He couldn't be more annoyed as he read the note attached to the forehead of one of the envoys sent to search for that stupid bitch.
It was an insult... A mockery! Besides being a challenge. A foolish one, however. She was underestimating them...
That stupid bitch wanted to fight him alone against the remaining Six Arms and himself!
How dare she!?
However, he had to give credit to the fact that that woman took care of Succulent. While Succulent was the weakest of all the Six Arms, he was still surely at Orichalcum or Mithril level.
In addition to dealing with the kidnappers they sent. They were enough to take any maid in the mansion along with the owner...
But that could be due to those two bodyguards who always accompanied her.
That guy in armor, and the shadowy one, from whom he received reports, but underestimated.
If they were able to deal with Succulent between the two of them... Yes, then it might well have been possible.
However, there is still how they dealt with each of the kidnappers, but he didn't want to think about it.
He would punish that bitch himself. He heard she is pretty, maybe he'll give her to Coco Doll if they find him after he tries her out.
His smile, which was like a murderous growl and a bloodthirsty expression, made the shadows shake slightly, but for another reason.
…
Her first mission was to eliminate a Wyvern nest. These were very hostile as well as powerful creatures. Usually, it would take at least two Mithril-level individuals to defeat just one of them. However… Black Flower wiped out an entire nest of 8 Wyverns with only two members, albeit they were Adamantite-level.
Still, it's not like they killed them…
"Ha!"
Titania struck downward, hitting the head of a Wyvern and pinning it to the ground, but not killing it.
"That's all of them now." She said, drawing her sword and cutting off one of the Wyvern's legs, collecting eight rear right legs in a bag.
Though with a healing spell, she restored the animal's leg, and with another spell, she chained it. This was very easy~
"Alicia, send a [Message], have them come pick up these Wyverns. We need to study them and see if we can train them to guard the outskirts of Titania." Black Abyss exclaimed, brushing the dirt off her hands.
"Of course." The Undead promptly obeyed, contacting the Palace of the Pact of Titania.
Shortly after, a [Gate] opened nearby, and several of Carmellitian's subordinates arrived to grab the Wyverns.
They resisted, but against level 75 creatures, they couldn't do much.
Happily, Black Abyss had continued with her assigned missions, dealing with a supposed dangerous pandemic focus in the middle of a lake, dealing with a series of High-Level Undead, although they were only level 35... And by nightfall, she was returning to the capital of Re-Estize with a very large bag full of evidence of completed missions.
Humming a tune, she entered the city again, heading towards the Adventurer's Guild. There was no one on the street at this hour, which was quite comfortable for Titania and also not. She wasn't used to attracting attention, so she was more than happy with it, but she didn't like the night. She was the divine Sun. The light that illuminated, that attracted attention because it marked the day. The night, both in mood and true power, was the lowest point of Black Abyss.
Not only was her construction stronger during the day, but the night simply left her feeling more bored and cold. It bothered her a bit, but it also gave her a feeling of rest. The sun couldn't shine forever in one part of the world, and it could 'rest' for that part of the world.
Well, it was something strange that Black Abyss had been feeling a lot lately. It was worrying because it was affecting her mentality and mood... Surely based on her race as an Urielle and her class as a Solar Paladin... But well, she couldn't do much about it... She just had to be careful not to let it affect her too much.
…
"Good evening, gentlemen." The charming lady in a gothic dress greeted, causing those present to stare at her intently.
After all, it was expected that the woman would at least have the decency to enter through the door with her bodyguards, but she either killed everyone in her path or entered silently.
"So, you came~ I thought you were just boasting like a spoiled child, but at least you're capable of following through with your threats."
Zero, the largest and strongest of the group of six present, laughed.
Dont returned a condescending smile, glancing around at the thugs in this small area and at several nobles and higher-ranking individuals from the Eight Fingers.
She didn't need to give any new orders. Her Shady Devils and several Succubus were already mobilizing inside the facility, taking any prisoners, guards, documents, and so on and bringing them to Titania.
The only thing left was these guys.
If she was honest, she would give Zero a level 30-40 or a bit more, based only on his HP with [Demon Eyes] and what she could roughly calculate. He was strong for this world, certainly, and could defeat several of her Succubus and one or two Shady Devils if it weren't for their stealth abilities, but that was it.
"I don't take threats lightly after all~" Dont chuckled softly. "Charles, Charlie, take care of the riff-raff~" The Queen of Titania ordered her two level 80 NPC Mercenaries, and they nodded with a bow, starting to walk towards the rest of the weaker thugs.
They wouldn't last long, even if it was clear they trusted in their numbers.
After all, what could a bunch of flies do against mountains?
Zero just laughed as he watched 'Nyx' dispose of her own bodyguards to deal with the weaklings of the common thugs.
How foolish.
"Well~ People will arrive shortly, so I would appreciate if this is quick~ State your names or titles, those silly things~ I'll grant you that mercy and kindness~" Nyx said confidently. For the Six Arms, it was nothing else but foolishness.
Zero laughed again and gestured to his subordinates. They only complied with amusement.
They might as well put on a show with this maiden before finishing, for the present audience~
One of them, dressed like a toreador with a rapier, handsome and red-haired, began.
"I am Malmvist, of the Thousand Deaths."
Yes, sje remembered it a little. A stupid nickname. It was that he killed a thousand individuals in one-on-one combat.
If they were to nickname Dont like that, they would surely call him the Trillion of Deaths or more.
The next one was a woman with bronzed skin. She woke up something in the Demon.
She was dressed in fabrics and attire worthy of an exotic dancer from the Middle East many years ago on Earth, before the area became a dump for toxic and nuclear waste, when kingdoms that didn't even know about oil existed.
She had a scimitar in each hand, and several more swirling around her.
"Sword Dancer~ Edstrom~"
She would save her for later~ After all, she wanted to try some things out.
She glanced to the side, to the next one. He was a man covered in black full-body armor with gold trim. He was tall and robust, worthy of a knight if he weren't for the trash he really was.
"Peshurian. Void Cutter." He said dryly, with a deep voice.
That title interested her. If he could really cause some kind of spatial damage, she might as well keep him.
And then she looked at the last one before Zero. He was a Undead.
A Lich, rather. She couldn't tell if he was an Elder Lich or not, as that term could vary between this world and Yggdrasil. He was draped in a black robe with red and skeletal details, and held a black jewel in one hand.
"Immortal King, Davernock."
Dont wanted to make fun of that name, but it didn't matter to her if she was honest.
And finally...
"Fufu~ The Battle Demon, Leader of the Security Department of the Eight Fingers, and Leader of the Six Arms. Zero."
... And the queen of Titania couldn't hold back her laughter.
Bending slightly, she grabbed her stomach after hearing Zero's title.
"FUHAHA! B-Battle Demon? JAJAJA!" Dont almost choked on her laughter if she could choke.
But of course, for Zero, it wasn't funny at all. He grimaced annoyingly and clenched his fists.
"Tch. Disrespecting me like that. I'll teach you a lesson, bitch."
Adopting a battle stance, ready to leap at Dont, Zero wasn't even going to use his abilities. Just one punch would be enough to break that bitch's ribs and knock her out from the shock of the pain.
"JAJAJA! Ah! Ah... That's a good laugh~" Dont calmed down a bit seeing Zero's position, and waited for his move.
The bald man smiled arrogantly and maliciously. He would teach this bitch to respect him. He took a deeper look at her.
In fact, she was much more beautiful than he thought. And she had a nice body. He might as well keep her for himself after giving her a lesson.
Dont looked at him in silence, until a Shadow Demon whispered in her ear.
"... Uh oh, my time is up." Dont complained with a click of her tongue, and used a skill.
Zero blinked when Nyx disappeared from where she was.
And Malmvist also blinked when he stopped being able to breathe, as hot liquid began to soak his chest.
Looking down, he noticed how his throat was cleanly cut.
And he couldn't do anything but let out muffled sounds and collapse.
The rest of the Six Arms didn't even have time to do anything before Dont grabbed Malmvist's rapier with great speed, and threw it like a javelin towards Davernock.
After all, the Demon Queen wanted to know if even with her shooting enhancements, the Undead would be able to survive an attack with such a weak projectile and penetrating properties.
She hummed disappointedly when she saw the Lich's head disappear as it was torn off by the rapier.
His body collapsed as it turned to dust.
Only after this, Zero, Peshurian, and Edstrom managed to react. Zero was still equivalent to Adamantite, and the other two were equivalent to Orichalcum. The only thing that prevented them from reacting earlier was the speed with which Dont moved.
"[Rhinoceros]!" He shouted quickly, as the rhinoceros tattoo on his arms lit up, and charged like a bull towards Dont with his fists ready to strike.
Edstrom deployed her scimitars and Peshurian placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Dont smoothly slid out of Zero's trajectory, which, while powerful as a freight train, was straight as a rocket and easy to dodge, and positioned herself in front of Edstrom before she could blink.
The woman did what she could and controlled her scimitars thanks to her Talent to direct them towards Dont, but the slight red gleam in the gothic's eyes made all strength leave her body.
[Demon Eyes] were truly useful against weaklings. A mere [Sleep] effect could instantly put someone of approximately Orichalcum level with a light attack build to sleep.
The scimitars still followed the initial command and slashed towards Dont, only to bounce off an invisible barrier, falling inert after carrying out their initial command but having lost connection with their now sleeping owner.
"Eat my Dimensional Cut!"
Dont raised an eyebrow. Quickly reaching into her inventory and pulling out a Relic-class dagger.
She placed the dagger between herself and Peshurian's weapon, and the knight's urumi cut effortlessly against the dagger's edge.
"Hm. Well, I can't deny that your bluff of using such an attack is efficient." Dont had to compliment the human. After all, she had even been cautious in case that attack really was on that scale.
"[Panther]! [Buffalo]!" Zero shouted, charging faster towards Dont.
She smiled and took the stunned Peshurian by the hands, and as if they were dancing, spun him around... Only to place the unfortunate human in the middle of Zero's attack.
The bald man couldn't really stop his charge, and his fist crushed the knight's spine.
Neither Dont nor the Six Arms noticed at any moment how the Dark Hero Armor and the Headless Guardian's Valor were easily massacring the thugs. The Six Arms were too busy dying basically, and Dont had no interest in them.
Peshurian was thrown to the side by the force of Zero's blow. It would have been impressive if he wasn't dead.
Dont smiled at Zero, who was shocked by what had just happened.
"...Y-You..." The bald man growled, jumping back in a start.
Who would have imagined that the slender and elegant female merchant would have the strength of an Adamantite? From her speed, she must have been a Rogue or Assassin.
But still... With Zero there, and the Six Arms, all with a level of strength of Orichalcum, they should have been able to overwhelm that woman...
Zero growled again. He would have to give it his all in this attack...
"[Falcon]! [Lion]! [Buffalo]! [Panther]! [Rhinoceros]!" Zero roared, activating all his Shaman tattoos, invoking the power of the animals he had tattooed on his body.
Power overflowed from his body. It was a definitive attack that could kill Gazef Stronoff in one-
"Yeah yeah, very pretty." Dont said disinterestedly as she was now behind Zero, casually walking away from him.
The so-called Battle Demon blinked, and saw his vision split into several parts.
What was once the tower of muscles that was Zero was now a pile of meat, blood, and bone squares.
The spectators watched in horror as Nyx Morgause, a mere merchant, killed the Six Arms without receiving a single blow, and without any difficulty... Damn, she wasn't even sweating... Of course, their surprise was interrupted by death between the axe and/or sword of Nyx's bodyguards.
"Anyway~ With my lovely Succubus invading the rest of the Eight Fingers' facilities, by tomorrow, they will no longer exist~" Dont pointed towards Zero's corpse and chanted. "[Order Mid Demon: Battle Demon]"
The minced meat disappeared in the flames of the red pentagram that formed. One way or another, Zero truly became a true Battle Demon.
{Battle Demon PNG}
"It's time for the final phase of the plan to begin~"
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