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-Phovine-
Rita used [twin fold slash] to cut through two more monsters with her flaming sword. As she glanced back at the people behind her. This had turned into a mess after the parasites, lady Kathrin had sent them to wipe out change tactics. Before they were hiding, making her and bardic stealthily have to track each one down, then find a proper place to end them.
Everything was going fine, and velvet had tracked down the main hosts for this cell to the head priests of the main temple of the city. Then tonight, everything changed; the parasites quit hiding and started to bring out everything they had. Infecting as many as possible and Rallying demi-human slaves to rise up.
In response, Rita and bardic gathered up every adventure or magic caster proficient in fire magic to burn out these monsters before everyone in the city got turned. Velvet had gone to investigate the walls after hearing a boom.
‘I hope lady velvet does something soon; otherwise, we might have to wipe out the whole city to keep this contained.’ Rita bitterly thought to herself as she dodged and cut another group down with several [twin fold slashs]. Seeing a larger one come into view, this one was at least four times as big as the others. With a large group behind it marching her way. There was no way if they got close that she could protect everyone they had gathered.
Glancing over bardic was still busy dealing with a group as the voltaic adventurers helped him hold them back. Rita had a frown form on her lips, looks like she would have to deal with this one alone.
Rita took a breath gathering the mana needed for this charging up a massive fireball in front of her watching it grow. This spell she had been working on after the battle with the wolfs. Sweat rolls down her body as Rita tried to cast this new spell for the first time. Hoping it would work better than on the altered version of [fireball], she called [Rapid fireball barrage].
Now she had perfected it as a whole new spell, which was costly and was ten times as destructive as the panic wild magic she instinctively used in the heat of battle. Refine into something better for large groups of enemies something more potent than the fifth tire[Grand fireball], her first 6th tire spell.
[Grand fireball storm]
As the magic eye opened in front of the ball of flames launching a deadly hail of boulder-sized fireballs. Concentrating, Rita kept shooting flames until she was sure there would be nothing left of the wave.
Panting as she let the spell fade seeing the absolute desolation of scorch stone road and burning buildings as flames blocked the path. She didn’t have time to worry about this. As Bardic came over whistling at Rita’s power. “Sweet shot, is that the new spell you have been working hard on?”
Rita nodded yes before gathering the crowd's attention along with the other adventures. “Alright, this part of the city looks clear Voltriv, your group take point and get them out of Phovine. Bardic and I will go searching for others who need help.”
The leader who had a bandage over one side of his face came forth. “Ok, stay safe! let's move out.”
Rita took the lead as they ran through the streets, focused on saving as many as possible. She didn’t know how they managed to infect so many with no one noticing before now. Still, one thing was bugging her why did they change up plans. They could have taken over the city despite her and bardic hunting down so many. If they kept up the past way of spreading.
Cursing her lack of focus as a tentacle arm grabbed her once she cleared a corner. Something bites into her skin as she hissed in pain, stabbing the monster with her burning sword. Making it back up, glancing at her arm to see a small parasite. She was worried at least till she felt a pulse of energy through her.
The green worm squealed and dropped off her arm. Withering away on the ground, Rita turned to the monster seeing it just as confused as her.
‘Thank me later, little kitten, I will not allow such weak parasites to control one of my pack!’ Rita heard lady Kathrin’s voice in her mind. Rita then launched a [fireball] at the parasitic monster watching it burn.
As bardic came rushing around the corner. “You ok, lass got ambushed by one myself.”
“Yes. We need a better plan; otherwise, this whole city might be lost.”
Before Rita could take off again, she got an image in her mind of the gate she entered the city in. with a clear order from lady Kathrin. {Save Arche Eeb Rile Furt and team Foresight! Then regroup with velvet and head to Arwintar.}
Rita felt conflicted about the new orders for mistress Kathrin her hands shaking before sighing. Her shoulder slumping in defeat, her mission had been to save this city. Had she failed almost feeling well up tears before her tail shifted as mistress sent emotions, not of disappointment but understanding and joy?
“Rita, what's wrong.”
Rita turns away for the other route pushing down her mixed emotions about these orders.
“I am feeling drained is all. Let's go I think I know where a few more people are.”
She couldn’t disobey orders even if it hurt a little, taking in ruins and burning buildings. This felt like a loss, and failure to her still mistress Kathrin would not give her those orders without good reason. All she could hope was that she had saved enough lives.
Running into a few more groups of the infected monsters before they came upon the main road to the gate. There were a few monsters here, but one caught Ritana’s attention. It had a cloak on with that same owl mask over its face and war scythe in one hand with the other hand shooting black spines at a group of guards. The inadequate city guards were cut down to ribbons in pools of blood.
Rita calmed her fear, scanning the area for Arche or Foresight. Turning to bardic silently telling him to wait. She didn’t see the person mistress wanted them to save, so they must be hiding gathering her strength of will she gathered every last ounce of magic she could muster.
[Maxzamize penetration widen Magic: Grand fireball storm]
She hailed the area with fire, hoping Arche wasn’t nearby because she didn’t know if she could take on the mastermind responsible for so much death. With the element of surprise, she hoped to take him out. She didn’t stop casting the spell until all her mana was gone. Panting hard to get air as her [flaming sword] spell faded. Covered in sweat still, she had her martial arts she could use if it came down to it.
When the heat and smoke cleared away to reveal most of the area covered in ash and flames. She almost sighed, seeing the monster gone. Then fear and shock rose to see the leader still standing his cloak burned and scythe missing, revealing his green and blue tentacle form. Looking closer, he almost looked more like a plant than a person. He stands under a shimmering blue barrier that fades shortly after.
She grimaced as they took notice of her and Bardic.
“Impressive for a mid tire spell. Still, I won't let you have Arche. I owe that true vampire for what he did in Arwintar.” Its voice was gruff and annoyed vines shifting and snaping around it.
Rita knew this was out of her league still. They appeared to be a magic caster, so if she could close the distance, she had a better chance. Holding her swords out, looking past the monster to the gates as mistress was sending signals to her tail that Arche was just outside the gate.
“Uh, lass, are you sure you want us to fight that one. As much as I love a good fight, this one is stronger then I would like.”
Rita shot an annoyed glare at bardic she wouldn’t let this chance slip by charging at the monster. To her surprise, it was like time jumped ahead, having to dodge left than to the right to avoid two hails of spines. Spotting the mastermind was standing on a half-burned building looking down at her.
‘What was that I should have seen him move. Or heard or seen him cast those spells.’
“You look confused. Do you even know what I did? Does that true vampire not train his tools properly. Maybe you are just a pawn?”
Rita growled, analyzing what just happened. It had to be magic of some kind. But she had never seen anything like this before. Not even when Kyuketsuki was fighting shalltear. Putting the matter aside, she put away her swords and pulled out her bow and one arrow. Getting ready with a new strategy
‘If I can't get closer, then I will go for a range option. Till I can figure out how to stop it.’ Activating [ability boost] and [greater ability boost]
“You think being fast will help. Allow me to prove you wrong.” The mastermind taunted vanishing again as Rita felt lady Kathrin's gift alert her that time had jumped forward.
Jumping back as the ground where she once stood exploded. Her eyes spotting the mastermind shooting off two quick arrows boosting the damage it would do with [heavy strike] twice.
Rita again felt the flow of time jump. No, it was like it skipped a few minutes. Dodging and getting two more shots off, only again, the flow of time skipped as the mastermind was standing a few feet in front of her now.
She fires an arrow with heavy blow impacting before having a vine pierce her shoulder. Biting back a scream of pain, Rita used her good arm to quickly pull out her sword and activating [twin fold slash] twenty times in a row.
Stopping to pant for air, her muscles burning as she felt fatigued catching up with that gamble. She wouldn’t be able to use many more martial arts before she was out cold.
Yet her attacks didn’t make the monster drop her or entirely cut through his limbs or body. Finally, the beast lashed out with another tentacle grabbing her other arm, stopping any further attacks.
“Very spirited that even hurt a little. Still, you should stop soon, ahhh!” The mastermind dropped her as his vines penetrating her shoulder withered.
Rita smirked, jumping back, cradling her shoulder blood dripping down from the wound. Quickly pulling out two healing potions and drinking them. Sighing as it took a few minutes for them to take effect. In this time, she glanced around to see bardic subtly waving him on to go ahead.
The mastermind took notice of this mumbling a spell as a wave of gas consumed bardic. Once it cleared, he was out cold on the ground.
“I see now your no true lycanthropy. You just have some automation slime mixed in your blood. Here I thought you and that maid where a werecat. Even though I can’t turn you against your master. You're out of your level and out of mana and getting tired after all those martial arts in a row. How do you plan to get past me to your friend alone?
Rita scowled, holding the sword with both hands glancing at the bow on the ground. Though she preferred to use her sword and short sword, she didn’t want to drop them, and she could use one sword faster and with more force than two.
She needed to get past this monster, and with bardic down, she would need a plan to get both of them away. Which would make it impossible to complete her mission? Despite the fear in her heart Rita steadies her rapid breathing as another message from lady Kathrin came to her mind. {Stall him! Lord Kyuketsuki and I will arrive shortly.}
She beamed circling the monster slowly before rushing at the beast, feeling time pause again. She stumbled forward as her target vanished.
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“You just don’t learn. Still, your loyalty is admirable, something I would expect no less from my own followers. In just a few more minutes, my drones should be finished killing the guards and Arche along with her team. How does it feel to know that you were so close only to fail your masters.”
Rita turned back to him growling. He was trying to get under her skin. Still gloating in the middle of a fight would be his downfall. She kept trying to cut him down as he sidestepped or deflected the cuts with his vines. Finally, slapping her blade out of her hands, entangling Rita’s wrists.
Rita glared up at the monster of vines with hate trying to pull her arms lose.
“Times up looks like you failed. How does it feel? Knowing tomorrow, I will march on Arwintar and end him along with my master.”
Then a ripping sound gained both their attention as lord kyuketsuki stepped out; first, blades were already drawn, with lady Kathrin’s army of royal guards carrying a new royal banner (Kyuketsuki’s flag style from Nazarick). Fluder was close by studying the [gate] spell writing down notes. Students of his close by looking ready to act.
The mastermind couldn’t help but notice that every human had a similar appearance to Rita with the same color eyes, ears, and tails. He turned to glare murder at Rita, who was smirking hotly back.
“Yes, your time is up, and it looks like you fail.” Rita taunted back, throwing back his own words at the monster.
Kyuketsuki kept his glowing eyes locked on the parasitic monster. “Kathrin contain this mess put out the fires. I want every single infected cleared of this city. Heal or revive those that can be saved give a quick and painless death to those who can’t.”
Kathrin turned to the crowd casting a few buffs to them.
“At once, my love. You all heard the emperor hunt down the invaders, put out the fires, and reclaim this city. If your empress sees even one infected host not cleaned, you will be punished.”
Kyuketsuki hears them move out of range throughout the city. Shalltear aided by the blood knights, and vampire brides should be able to help if needed. He would not move his gaze from this enemy and let them slip away again.
Just in case Kathrin was hidden nearby, if he tried to run, she had orders to fry them.
“At first glance, I would say you’re a death vine. If not for those powers which belong to an Adrofine parasite caster class. So would you mind telling me how you have that class before I erase you?”
The monster of Vines let his plant exterior wither to show the green-skinned worm-like creature underneath. Standing on four tentacle legs with four tentacle arms. Its head had four eye stocks and a round serrated mouth. Still holding Rita’s wrists with two of its tentacle arms.
“If you attack me, you will be hurting your tool.”
Rita tried to warn him of the time magic before she felt time skip again. Only this time, her lord had the monster at sword point, and the things around her have frozen in place, not a sound could be heard; her arms were free as well.
Looking over to see the copy of lord kyuketsuki pointing to her chest, which had an amulet on it glowing blue.
“Sorry, I didn’t give you something sooner, Rita, but I didn’t think he would know [time stop] or at least some variant of it.”
She got up and retrieved her sword and bow before turning back to the two.
“You are quite impressive. I am to assume the moment I drop this spell, you will kill me.”
Kettor gave a fanged smile shifting to his original appearance his now clawed hand's inches from the monster. He didn’t speak, watching to see what his enemy did. The moment he moved, he would follow if this Adrofine had a delayed spell; he had a wide range, delayed counter ready. No matter what the moment they drop, he would end them.
“Why are you against me? You should know the humans will never accept those like us. Or my master. Killing me won't change this. My master will be waiting for my return even if you kill me, he will come after you.”
Kettor was silent, glaring at him. He couldn’t hold this forever. He wouldn’t be tricked or allow them to one-up him anymore. Even if their master came after him, he would just kill him too. He only wanted to know one thing. “What is the artifact you stole from my ruined supply keep.”
The worm twitched, realizing part of the reason he was going to die. Before laughing much to Kyuketsuki’s confusion.
“I see you want revenge as well. Ironically, I heard your little maid died. What was her name Jade? You know that keep had an item I have been looking to revive my master I believe it was a world item. As he called it able to revive anyone no matter what killed them. Too bad, I already used it to bring back my master. Once I was done, it vanished from my hands. It is funny if you think about it.”
Rita fell to her knees at the over welling hate rolling off lord Kyuketsuki. It was suffocating watching as he gripped the worm's neck tightly. Growling yet despite his long blade fingers, the green worm was not hurting.
“I am Rediavine Eed Markshack! Though I am to die, I die knowing my master will avenge me!”
Just as the world began to move again, it was like lord kyuketsuki went crazy, stabbing and slicing the blue worm to bits.leaving deep gashes in the ground as his claws thrashed Repeating die over and over, he genuinely seemed like a monster at that moment, at least till she noticed the blood tears freely flowing down his face. It took several minutes for Rita to work up the nerve to approach him in this state.
Seeing the pain in those madness filled eyes, Ritana ran up to him, hugging his back, trying to pull him back.
“It is over. He is dead!” She yelled, hugging him tightly, feeling nothing but rage and pain.
When he did calm down, the green worm was little more than a blue smear in a crater. Rita felt overwhelming tiredness and pain, although she didn’t let go. Even as this dark bloodthirsty air tried to crush her flat or push her away. Rita knew she needs to comfort lord Kyuketsuki before she lost him to this madness.
Throwing her off, he turned to her his claws inches from her face and chest. Still, she didn’t show fear knowing it was just the pain blinding him. It was almost like something was building up inside him. As the light of the nearby flames dimmed around them.
Growing darker and darker with only Kyuketsuki still in view. Rita didn’t edge away from the blades letting it cut her cheek and body. As those blood tears didn’t stop flowing, dropping on to her armor and clothes.
“It is ok, lord Kyuketsuki. I'm here. You need not fear. I know it hurts. I still miss my mother and father, but we have to move on.” Rita gently rubbed his face despite the long tongue around her throat. Smiling gently at the person she cared so much for.
It took a few minutes before he seemed to snap out of it, changing back to usual backing away from her. As the cold darkness faded, as the world and light returned into view. Fear plain in his eyes. “Rita, I almost I'm so sorry I was just so angry.”
Rita, unfazed by the change, only beamed brightly, walking up and hugging him happy to have him back. “It is ok, Jade is gone. I know how hard it feels to let go, but you have to move on. It will only hurt more obsessing over it.”
She felt at ease as Kettor hugs her back, easing into it even if the pain lingered. It wouldn’t vanish all at once. She knows that well enough, but it can become tolerable in time.
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-Arche-
Fear filled Arche as she backed up a few steps huffing glancing over at the others none of them wanted to get close to this strange monster. Sparing a glance at the two burned corpses of the infected guards.
Hesitant to with the idea she could just go around, she needs to get back to her sisters. At the same time, she stared past the walls of the city where smoke was rising out in massive columns. Clutching her staff as she cast [fireball] once more at the mass of tentacles.
“Arche I think we need to go around there is nothing we can do here.” Roberdyck patted her shoulder, pointing to the walls going around the city.
Arche widened her eyes at him; he would be one of the first to say they should stay. Then again, her spells and Imina arrows were only slowing it down.
“No, we need to stay and fight! all we have to do is hold it off, and help will come.”
Arche stared at both Imina and Hekkeran with a shocked look did they not see they couldn’t beat this thing. If it got close, they would be infected like the guards. Ranged spells and arrows weren’t working just like at Lograth.
“You can’t be serious. If this thing gets close, we will turn out like those guards.” Arche panted as she edged into the forest casting another [fireball]
Staring into both Hekkeran and Imina's eyes, she could see them shaking, yet they didn’t follow Arche and Roberdyck standing there ground. She then sent a pleading gaze to Roberd, who looked away before tossing her his bag of coins. “Go, Arche, we will hold it here.”
Arche caught it, staring in horror at her team. They were going to die here if they stayed.
“Run all you would like. You will all die.” Roared the monster charging them.
Arche stared as their backs thinking of her sisters if she died what would happen to them. Then again, if she left now, she had no illusion they would die, not that she could do much to change this.
Arche turned to run with tears in her eye, hearing the cracking of a tree as shambling slithering vines drew closer. Hearing Hekkeran shout out something, she turns to see the monster a few feet away from her.
Arches teary eyes widened in shock shaking with fear if the tendrils touched her what would happen. Trying to jump back time slowed as she saw the outstretched arm inching closer even as Hekkeran slashed away at it again, and Imina loosed a few more arrows.
[Holy punishing chains] a voice echoed as bright flaming chains burst up out of the ground stopping the monster in its tracks. The monster Screaming as it burns trapped and unable to move, allowing Arche to fall back on her rump.
Watching in numb shock and relife as two spike balls on chains Shotforword eviscerating the monster into chared vines. As a red-haired battle maid stepped out of the shadows
“Sorry, it took a little longer than expected to get here.”
Arche’s attention was drawn to the battle maid, one who should be dead. Confirming something else, Kyuketsuki was alive. Here they were saving her again, taking out a monster in two hits. They struggled with for several minutes just to stop.
“Glad you showed up when you did.” Hekkeran thanked Velvet, helping Arche up to her feet.
“Please follow me we are gathering all the survivers to [gate] to Arwintar till this mess with Phovine is cleaned up. Also, Arche, your sisters are waiting for you at the royal palace.”
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As Arche followed Velvet down the halls away from the courtyard, doubt and fear lingered in her mind. How had her sisters end up here, or where is Kyuketsuki chief among her many questions?
As the grand doors to the throne room opened, she took in the broad place, walking up the red carpet to the thrones. In one seat was Kathrin, no longer dressed as a richly decorated armored noble. Kathrin was adored in a long white and gold dress with black gloves and boots a crown of her own.
Across from her was kyuketsuki adored, not in his battle gear, but a new gold and red gown which was befitting an emperor with his own crown. His head resting on his open palm, smiling at Arche. To either side where two of the famous elite four with to replaced two she had heard of but not met till now.
What kept Arche's attention both Ureirika and Kuuderika giggling with big smiles. Sitting around a table with a board of some kind with small pieces on them. Lady Tearus moved her piece to three spaces.
“Oh, you landed on my square now you have to pay up to stay at my inn.” Ureirika giggled, reaching out a hand.
Lady Tearus leans forward, pulling a cookie off a tray a servant was holding nearby. “Couldn’t you let my poor piece stay for free pleas for a friend. I will even give you a Cookie.”
Ureirika giggled “OK lady Tearus.”, taking the cookie Kuuderika pouted cutely. “That’s the third time you did that sis. This is not how you play this game, right mister Kettor.”
Kyuketsuki chuckled, waving the servant to step back. “It may be played differently, but so long as you are all having fun, that’s what matters. Still, Tearus, Kuuderika has a point you are using that trick a lot. How about a punishment.”
Arche watched as kyuketsuki created a magic eye over his palm [slime jet]. He spoke as a blast of green and blue slime-covered Tearus’ white and gold dress, even her hair. Earning a giggle of both girls at sight. Strangely Tearus didn’t get angry as she would expect most nobles too.
“Now, play the rest of the game like that, and I will wash it off with you after the game is over.” To which Tearus agreed without complaint.
Finally, kyuketsuki noticed Arche and velvet.“Hello, Arche, it is good to see you again. I hope your road back wasn’t too stressful.”
Both sisters dashed over to their sister with large hugs. “Arche Onee-san your back, we are so happy to see you!”
Arche enjoyed the hugs and warmth from her sisters. “I am glad to see you two what happened while I was away. Why are you two here.”
“These wicked people came and killed papa and mama. Then they took us than miss Kathrin, and Kettor came and saved us. Since then, Kettor said we could stay here at the palace, miss Kathrin and lady Tearus have been eating with us, teaching us and showing us these cool games. Even some magic look! [Bunny ears]” They both cast the first tire magic. It didn’t do much besides create bunny-like ears over their heads. It only lasted a few seconds before vanishing both of them sweating but smiling proudly.
“I’m glad to hear that you too. Still, I would like to talk to mister Kettor alone.” Arche stared at kyuketsuki with hesitant eyes.
“Tearus change of plans, why don’t you play tag with them. then go to the library and read them a child-friendly book.” Kettor warned her he didn’t want another awkward conversation with the twins.
They watched them all leave the room before Arche glared at Kyukettsuki. “What happened to emperor Jircniv!”
Kettor sighed. He knew this was coming. It didn’t make it any easier to say, entwining his hands together. “He is dead by the wind flow scripture’s hands. I couldn’t leave the empire in the state. It is without a leader. So I took his place and as I promised you Arche and your sisters are free to live here as long as you wish. All I ask is that you help Kathrin with some tests.”
Arche narrowed her eyes try as she might kyuketsuki don’t show any sign of deceit. thinking about it, he only seemed to do right by her keeping her safe and alive. “What kind of tests. Is this about my talent?”
Kyuketsuki nodded, waving over to Kathrin to explain. “We wish to test the limits of your talent and see if it might be blood transferable. Should you agree, along with personally teaching all three of you a full education. We, of course, will not fully begin to train your twin sister till age 15 if they wish with your permission.”
Arche trembled hesitantly to agree even if she found little reason to disagree with the deal. “What if I want to leave here and take my sisters with me.”
Kettor gave a gentle smile at her hostility. “Then I will personally give you an item to summon a bodyguard and enough supplies and money to take you where ever you wish. If you want to stay, we shall pay you, and the palace shall always be open to you so long as I remain alive.”
Arche went through everything she knew about kyuketsuki or was it Kettor now. Settling on her decision, he had yet to harm her or her family. In fact, his followers had saved her more times than she ever cared to admit. “Alright, as long as my sisters and I are happy, I will take your deal. But I want to be at the arena when you make the announcement.”
This statement caught both kyuketsuki and Kathrin by surprise, Arche could see the gaping mouth of kyuketsuki turn to a forced smile eyes narrowing. “Alright, when we publicly announce ourselves as the new king and queen, you shall have a front-row seat.”
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-End of Chapter-