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-Baharuth Empire near Yrulridge-
Kathrin petted the Hippogriff with Arche, Bardic, and Rita riding close. As they approached the spot on her map somewhere between a small city and a large town. Waving her hand out as the nine shadow demons launched in to find the information she wanted. Arche managed to see their magic, and Ritana, with her passive sight, spotted them. Only Bardic could not see the shadow demons more focused on the city guards.
Arche was still overly cautious about this situation. Then again, this would probably end with a fight should any of the members try and run. “Shouldn’t we have brought more people with us, lady Kathrin?”
Rita shook her head, narrowing her eyes at the enemy hiding below. “They would notice any undead or large groups. Xennessa’s sorceresses are busy with the others.”
“My lioness and my own research lead me to believe one of the head cells should be here. Be on guard once we get into town.”
Kathrin leads them closer. Her two bodyguards kept scanning the area around them. “How can you be so sure? This could be just another surface crack with the real hole somewhere else.”
Rita rides closer, punching her friends’ shoulder. “Do not doubt mistress Kathrin, the last three all had message carriers coming from this town.”
“No need to get snappy lass, but these lot are a slippery bunch. Never liked cloak and dagger jobs.”
Kathrin gave an approving nod even if she could see the appeal to the tactic. They knew they couldn’t fight the last three raids proved that. Most of them crumbled in a real fight, and those that didn’t couldn’t hold out long. But the rumors and conflict they created were making it a headache for the blood knights.
Though smarter than death knights and slightly more versatile. They had short tempers and could be taken out with a strong enough surprise attack. To counter this, they had a few hidden in the shadows that attacked when ambushed.
This tactic only worked a few times, taking out 18 wind flow members, all of which had [true death] cast on them as a precaution. But the rest were still lurking trying to find their weak points. She had a time limit before it would be logical for the Slane theocracy to send them back up in some way.
Patting Rita on her head-scratching behind her ears, a known weak point of all cats. “Worry not Bardic, my lioness shall be the bait to lure them this time. You and Arche will be her support use the message scrolls If things go upside-down.”
This news did cheer the dwarf up a little he hated playing the bait. They had to be sure it was a scripture hideout. Or they would use the attack against them already the last three tried to turn the sheep against them. Shame really while their devotion to their cause was admirable, and foolishness in thinking she wouldn’t make an example of them.
Did they really think she would stand for them encouraging treason or crime in her empire? The only reason she tolerated the underground contacts was their usefulness, along with the knowledge that others would pop up in the vacuum.
Upon nearing the gates, Kathrin already saw a problem with the blood knights where missing. The illusion over the horses of the guards was another. Last, the armor had uneven spots and had the wrong metal composition.
Giving a warning hand sign to Ritana Thief’s code had its uses. Even if strange something the fake guards had failed to learn. By their lack of reaction, they were suspicious but let them pass into the city.
Once in the alleyway, she put up a silence field after taking stock of the area. “It seems they are craftier than I expected though still subpar in skill.”
“You noticed it too mistress how many blood knights should be stationed here?”
Kathrin grimaced, noting that all of the blood knights were not responding. The wind flow alone shouldn’t be strong enough to kill all of them. “26 in total, not counting the four that should have been sent here a week ago.”
Grimacing as her packmates’ eyes showed her the names and descriptions of every legion soldier and watchmen that should be stationed in Yrulridge. “Those two are not part of the watch or army. Neither are most of the guards we passed.”
“So, we are in a goblin den then. Blight, shouldn’t there only be six of them?”
Kathrin went over all the information the shadow demons were relaying. While not all of Yrulridge was taken, most of the city guards were replaced or captured. On top of a person or a group that had taken out the Blood knights. The sheep were fearful of three places in particular.
“Change of plans Ritana and bardic will gather information like the Gathwaled quest.”
“Ugh, not that type of job, I hate those.” Rita hushed bardic, encouraging him that it wouldn’t be so bad as that adventurer job. Before both of them headed out to ask around.
[twin: perfect unknown] [mass fly]
They flew above the town overlooking the streets. To be safe, another [silence zone] was put up.
“Arche stay put; I need to message lord Kyuketsuki.”
With a nod, the human obeyed.
{Ah, my dear kitten, are you hurt do you need my help. I have not heard from you in how many days has it been?}
{7 days, 8 hours 53 minutes and 20 seconds since.}
Kathrin fidgeted, unsure if it was safe as much as she would love the help. Her lord’s safety was the highest priority. Still, her heart fluttered with joy and longing at his worried and loving voice.
{Work my love. It seems the wind flow has help that can take out 30 blood knights. Along with most of the town guard. I suspect a player at hand but have no confirmation.}
The angry growl gave her the inclinations that something else already had him annoyed. This only further angered him frowning should she abandon the empire and go to him. Rita would be disappointed, but Kathrin was pulling herself back from opening a gate to check on him. Arche couldn’t be trusted to see Nazarick yet.
{Hold on I will-
{NO! I can handle this, my love, at worst we know my revival backup should work this time.}
{You know how I feel about that after Jade. I could just ask Jester to check.}
{Can you safely say that your fighting capacity hasn’t been affected?}
The silence stretched on for a few minutes before he answers.
{No. promise me you will come back.}
{Always Ritana knows what to do should I fall in battle. I also have plans for Arche safety.}
{Alright my moonlight, I trust you. I shall take care of my own issues.}
{Would you spare a few minutes to talk. I miss you so much.}
Kathrin struggled to contain her rage as Lord Kyuketsuki informed her of the events. She knew the seductress vampire couldn’t be trusted even after his lord had given her a leading role of retaking the dragon kingdom. Never once questioning the lamprey despite her past betrayal.
Giving as much comfort and understanding to her lord as she could. Listening and talking for a few hours while the elite knights and shadow demons gathered information.
Once Bardic and Ritana returned, they confirmed her fears. Only a few days ago, six strange people came into town with a mercenary band they cut down the blood knights in a drawn-out fight and replaced the guards. The sense of the people seemed to be tossed. Some still believed in the emperor, while others helped the invaders take over.
More than enough evidence to bring them down. Horses in Kathrin's territory, illegal weaponized silver, attacking city guards, and treason against her and lord Kyuketsuki’s rule.
Now was the much harder part how to root out this infestation brute force would wipe out the town but make them martyrs. While kathrin couldn’t allow them to go unpunished, there were the civilians and possible players to worry about. Reviewing what she learned, the fact that the blood knights where killed in a drawn-out battle suggested they weren't strong enough to kill all 26 blood knights at once. Yet the four that arrived died quickly so they could take on small groups of blood knights. Putting the threat at around mid-level forty at least unless they were underplaying their power to draw her out.
Scowling, she knew what she had to do even if she despised torture, unlike Clemvet. It was saved for only the most hated of enemies or desperate situations. Time was against them, not just for Kathrin’s own want to end this quickly. Even the shadow demons would have to get lucky to learn what she needed.
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-A few hours later-
Both guards remained unaware as Ritana and Kathrin snuck up behind them. Caught unaware and tired from the long shift, they passed out teleporting them to the abandoned house. Where Bardic and Arche were waiting.
“So, what now?”
Ritana shifted uncomfortably with what was needed. Sure, she had tortured the Viscountess, but she was evil. Spilled how much she missed the demi-human slaves and her own wicked goals. The kind of evil Rita wanted to rid the world of or punish. These were people that might just be hired to do a job. Even if they were working for the wrong people, they had their own reason for what they were doing.
Kathrin put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I know you hate this part, my lioness, but we need to know. If you can’t, then I can ask lord Kyuketsuki to send Clemvet over. While we take a few more to be sure of the information.”
“Is that safe they might catch on?”
Kathrin gave Bardic a small dark grin. “I summoned some beasts to attack the walls. We can take about ten more five if they are cautious. Two of the shadow demons already located the cells where the surviving city guard is being held. We just need to know how many and if there are any players among them.”
“You aren’t going to…are you.”
They all looked to Arche. The poor sheep showed another reason she couldn’t be trusted to visit Nazarick. Even if Kathrin hated this as much as Rita, this couldn’t be avoided. The enemy had already done the same to their own people.
“You and Bardic won’t be needed for this part. Just keep watch in the other room.”
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Kathrin looked to Ritana as they silently talked in thoughts and looks. Ritana sighed before admitting She didn’t think she could do it no matter how much Kathrin wanted her to. Sharing a comforting hug. It took a few seconds for a [gate] to open that Clemvet walked out of.
Kathrin would have loved for Ritana to be able to do this, but that heart was part of the reason. Her lord was drawn to the human, breaking it would only hurt them both and go against her lord’s wishes.
“So, I get to play with these two. What too weak to do the dirty work?”
Kathrin glared at the assassin. “Rita has morals and heart, unlike mad dogs.”
Clemvet scoffed, waving them out of the room. “Morals won’t help you survive, nor will it get you the information you want. Something the Slane theocracy wouldn’t hesitate to do to either of you if caught. Heck, they would love to kill you for being non-human.”
Rita snapped back. “We are supposed to be better than that. The supreme being doesn’t want mindless killers. Why he tolerates you is beyond me.”
“Not understanding that shows your ignorance. At least I know why you are, even if I dislike your whole warrior of justice crap.”
The assassin laughed condescendingly at that, giving a look of superiority. Rita held up her glare despite the difference in strength. As they left the room, Kathrin gave her a pat on the shoulder and an understanding and proud grin.
“Don’t let her words get to you. You both have different purposes for the needs of the supreme being.”
Ritana absorbed her words before showing a weak smile and following into the night.
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-Next day-
The information Clemvet got out of them before dragging them through the [gate] for whatever lord Kyuketsuki wanted with them. Was of great help even if they look ready to die Kathrin didn’t care and Ritana cringed if she did the questioning, she might have saved them the hell they went through. Enemies or not, people should be treated with respect, not like animals.
“We learned that minus the seven we got and the ten killed by my summoned monsters last night. That the mercenary band has 86 left, only a group of six killed most of the blood knights. Two of which the leader I believe to be possible players.”
“So, what is our plan of action a few too many to just start a brawl with.”
“Don’t forget the civilians. It is our job to protect them.”
“There are only ten magic casters across everyone I saw. Though none of them have more mana then lady Kathrin.”
Kathrin hummed in thought before an idea came to mind. It would turn their own zeal back on them. If they wanted to draw her out so badly, why not oblige them.
“Simple, but first, Bardic and Arche, I need you to sneak into the holding cells and free our guards. While my lioness and I distract them.”
Rita gave Kathrin a worried gaze. “What about the citizens.”
Kathrin gave a big fanged smiled petting Ritana’s head. “Let me worry about that if they manage to overpower me use the emergency scrolls. They want to test my resolve as high empress let me show them what I have learned.”
All of them shared a worried glance that looked reminded them a little too much of lord Kyuketsuki. When he set his mind to something.
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-later-
Kathrin kept her emotions hidden under a kind smile walking through the street to the main inn and barracks for the city guard. The sharp eyes of the fake guards watched her as did the civilians.
Downed in her royal gown and wielding her spear like a walking stick. Stopping in front of the hall, grinning like a cat that ate a canary. None of them dared attack first knowing the people were watching. Even if they didn’t know how the empress got in the city unnoticed.
“Are you going to come out, or would you like me to come in to talk about the release of this city and its city guards.”
All the fake guards shared glances too afraid to attack. Knowing the rumors of her achievements in battle. As the doors opened, six robed members proudly displaying the wind flow origins walked out. Followed with a group in mismatched armor and weapons crudely put together. Still, most of their gear was better than the trash gear of the others.
Kathrin narrowed her eyes, analyzing the armor. Most of it was dropped items from YGGDRASIL quests. Even if only a mix of low-mid tier gear, it trumped the rest of the trash gear she was used to seeing in the new world.
“So, the demon empress graces us with your presence. I must say you work quickly to find us. Even the old true emperor would take months to even know we are here.”
Kathrin ignored the sneer and jab at her, judging all of their abilities, numbers, terrain, and possible escape routes. Gaging the people’s response to the crowd, the control they had over the town was weak. Sure, that she could get the sheep to follow her even if she died. Kindness and compassion is the key with a little knowledge of supply lines and factions.
“I could not stand by while you steal the food of my people, kill my loyal guardsmen and women, and bring unneeded friction to the prosperity of the empire.”
Already feeling the watchers, the shadow demons informed her that they were broadcasting out. The fools would be their own downfall.
The lead priest stepped forward, pulling down his hood showing his scarred eye and aged face of a dangerous warrior someone who had killed many. The man's lone working green eye dulled by time spent spreading death and filled with hatred. “Don’t speak like you care monster. My eye can clearly see you have long ago given up your humanity. We know of your strange magic to control others through cursed bites. Here in the daylight of the six gods, your beastly powers are blocked. You steal free will and ruin lives. I would know I have killed beast like you before.”
Kathrin refused to scuff at the notion Lycan beasts giving a harsh gaze and fierce grin. “I only give my blessed bites with consent to uplift and save humans. What about the people you have taken hostage and killed?”
“Shut up, monster!”
One of the wind flow members moved silently, letting a silver-coated dart fly. Kathrin tilted her head to avoid the projectile. “I see you can’t even be civil about this. I only ask for the freedom of this city’s people and its city guards that have not been killed by you lot.”
The grizzled man pulled back the younger one as the people started to whisper. Already the trap was set to win or lose this would motivate others to stand against them. Despite Kathrin’s rage at them, she kept her face calm and gentle, not showing any hostility. Kathrin was a high empress, a person of unbendable will power, allowing her aura of calm and strength to pierce through the hate-filled humans’ words.
“You do realize we will kill you here, right. You only got one guard, and you're outnumbered.”
Kathrin beamed and giggling unfettered at the man’s words. This human was not of this world. Being this close, she could feel the avatar's aura of this person. She couldn’t allow them to live if they dared stand against her.
Stepping forward to Ritana surprise with open arms, not an ounce of hostility. “I need no guard to fight dogs like you. For I cherish my dear knights’ life like I do every one of the commoners or people in this city. If fighting me will allow you to let them leave peacefully, then bring it. As empress of these good people, I offer a duel for the safety of every one of them.”
“No, thanks, not too keen on risking my life that way. Sorry I got my own reason to stop you even if you are nicer then the rumors said.”
The crowd exploded in yells of outrage and disbelief even if half the crowd disliked her. She offered up her life for them, and it was flat out refused. Tactically smart but it turned many against them.
“I was told to ask if you know what this coin is before I kill you?” The mismatched armored warrior held up the unmistakeable YGGDRASIL coin.
Kathrin was tempted to answer just to see what they knew, but it didn’t matter. Only if they could impress her, the goal was to win the people’s hearts, not win against rats unworthy to be in her empire.
Relaxing as her eyes scanned the crowd around her about 50 enemies. Most of them were trash, but there were a few to look out for.
Twenty mercenaries charged in thinking they could catch her off guard from many angles. Stabbing the bottom of the staff into the ground and her palms facing two enemies. [Legacy of lightning] [twin: Shock Lance] it was a weak spell combo, but so low cost she could repeat it as many times as she needed. Along with being controlled to the awe of the people near her.
None of the vermin got close before dropping either dead or unconscious. Most looked the former rather than the latter how weak. “Are you done? I didn’t come here to fight or kill you. Leave, and no more will perish.”
Oh, she would hunt them down if they dared fall for such a cheap trick. All the shadow demons were ready to follow the leaders. To her disappointment, they didn’t take the bait. But she already heard the archers pulling back the strings.
[silent: Magic Shield 4th] [silent: counter spark]
Without turning, she could hear cries of pain, counting another ten downed by their own arrows now magically charged being shot back at them. Five others wounded by the wines of pain.
Glaring at the leaders with only her eyes as her face was a calm unreadable mask. Faking concern for the sheep. “All I am asking is to ensure my people's protection. Expect to be killed if you try to kill others. Stop now, and I will heal those I can.”
As expected, none took the offer shame would have made then harder to kill. Repeating the combo [Legacy of lightning] [Shock Lance] 3 times till only a hand full of them remained. With another silent combo for the hidden archers. Even with more slowly trickling in to help, it didn’t change the fact that she was grinding their numbers down.
Beaming at the cheers of the crowd with only a few remaining, she could see the leading group was getting antsy to attack. Readying herself for the real fight to begin.
“Enough you want a duel fine, Janri, and Gazedrin, come on.” Watching these humans come forward. Whispering into the leader’s ears, this would be tricky she couldn’t show off. Lord Kyuketsuki had warned her of the careful balance of PVP.
Pulling out her spear silent [Discern Enemy] [Life Essence] [Mana Essence] [False Data: Mana] [False Data: Life] the five most basic and vital spells in PVP.
All three were as expected, the human ranger tried to hit her from range. While the other two charged to get close. She kept deflecting and keeping them at the point of her spear. Janri’s grip loosened as she counters twice, disarming him and dodging the other sword. Not allowing Janri to pick up his weapon, she cut off his arms at a weak point in the elbow joints.
The wrong area to have low tier armor to her spear the razor-sharp magic metal cleaved it before the other could do anything. Slashing out her spear at the archer. [Lightning Claw] unable to move before the blade-shaped lighting cut through them.
Turning to the last, holding her sword and shield tightly. [Sleep 4th] fighting off the effects of the spell prevented them from defending as she slipped under the shield, stabbing right through the chest armor to the heart.
Turning to the last of the three main targets. Kathrin bites back her hate at the act as she gave an apologetic bow to them. “Sorry, I took them seriously. They were weaker than I thought. Surely you care about your men enough to pull back before I show no mercy.”
She watched the leader pull off the draconic helmet, his well-aged face in a rage at this. Showing the black hair and grayed a little by time. His dark green eyes filled with sorrow and anger, framed by his tanned scowling face.
Kathrin readied herself bracing with [delayed: magic shields] as the primary leader charged her with the helmet off, she could see he was higher than she suspected. Using two combo attacks, she knew from YGGDRASIL, forcing her to teleport back as her [magic shields] take the blows.
He was hiding his health as it didn’t change despite the few grazing blows, she got in. A warrior to be sure, but he could still have spells ready. Watching as one of the priests tried throwing a dart at the crowd.
Beaming inside despite the pain of the shallow cut as her nanobots scrambled by the silver. The nanobots would take hours to isolate and remove the silver before the wound could heal. The crowd was on her side, forcing a frown at them; they seemed surprised by her lack of pain despite the bleeding.
“Lady Kathrin!” she sent a glare which told Rita to hold back.
“You are indeed a monster to fight, but if you insist on pretending to care. Then let us see you fight while defending your people.” All six wind flow members pulled out silver-coated weapons. The civilians gasping in fear, some already running.
Kathrin hissed unwilling to risk such a fight she cast [Chain lightning dragon]. All the wind flow members dropped as chard corpses along with the other mercenaries in the area. Leaving just the mid-level 60 to fight.
“I offered you a duel to avoid this outcome. Do not blame me for their deaths.”
Pulling out the scroll as it burned up blocking transmission magic, that should be enough of a showing. Hearing cries of shock as the broadcasting magic failed them. Time to cut loose and finish this mess admittedly, they were skilled for a human player. The crowd cheered her on or cowered at her might. As Bardic and the others came up from the holding cells.
“Come earn a warrior's death with your friends.” Allowing her body to crackle with lightning.
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-Ash pit-
He was a little surprised to see leinas with the collar around her neck standing so close to Solic. Not that he would complain. They both looked happy enough, so he congratulated their relationship. Nimble could be gotten later first. He had a lot of preparations to do. Having the ash kin prepared the rooms as he teleported the marriage papers to him burning Velvet’s, for now, he could always remake it later. If the two ever unfused.
Kathrin would still be empress (1), and Shalltear was staying at Bride two (4) if she proved it. Then came the hard part already Clemvet eyes gleamed at him, creating stilettos. Silently cursing as he tried to talk Clemvet down. Which didn’t change her stance on the matter. She kept asking for the highest rank possible. So, bride mistress (2) was what she took, leaving Ritana at the same position the first bride (3) much to his disappointment, but he still had a lot of work to do.
With the matter settle, he changed the papers to match before teleporting them back to each of the holders. Holding onto Shalltear’s that would be settle soon. Pulling out the rare mana potions, he only had a few of them. He spent the next two days training up world corruption and the martial arts he knew before Kathrin contacted him.
He really needs to get a watch to stop losing track of time. Being in Nazarick might be fun, but being on time was critical.
Kathrin called back again on the third day of his preparation, asking for Clemvet. Who brought back bodies for him to test on beaming as he reached world corruption level 5. Before remembering that, his stats were still at what he should be at level 91. That was going to be annoying; luckily, he still had time before Momonga showed up.
He spent that time learning four more martial arts with [ruined replication] from leinas and [ruined imitation] to altered two into something he could use. Finding that some martial arts required specialized training, understanding, or handled an aspect, he could not use like [Four flames shell cracker strike] with fire.
Overall, he had 11 he could use to make up for his lowered stats and was ready for the games he prepared. First, he needed Shalltear and Momonga to show up. He was ready for anything.
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-End of chapter-