I had a nightmare where I accidentally cast the [Hellpsp-... I had a dream where I accidentally conjured a second Clara and wound up needing to stay on bedrest for several days and nights because I tried to create two perfect little Catlings within such a short period of time, and then we all failed in protecting Reygid because I was effectively immobile and somehow it all managed to end up falling to me; practically everyone died and at the end of it all? Cetilla spited me for forsaking the power of kindness in lieu of overly hyped up reproductive organs. Nyah. How did you sleep, Clara? Who's a widdle bundle of pure joy?! You are!~
Okay… So, tomorrow's the big night. The Mummy night. It's going to be utter madness, I can already tell. I have a nose for these things. I'll need something spicy to start off my night. Something extra hot. It's going to need to leave me in tears, just to forget about how absurdly stressful my life in this strange world truly is… We'll need taste testers. Someone to figure out whether or not it's spicy enough. Someone who doesn't give a damn about what gets thrown into their mouth… Someone get the Land Shark. Come, child!~ We're going for brecky~
And so, Clara and I strut our stuff down the street and headed straight for the Wailing Keep Kitchen. I've been trying to teach her how to walk with attitude in her Cat form. She hasn't learned how to use [Shapeshift] yet, so we're working with what we've got. I didn't bother getting dressed this morning, either. We're going in Cat style. The two of us, having father daughter bonding time… Ruler and his next of kin... In the very streets we serve to protect… Ugh~ It's like a fairy tale all of a sudden. She's the Princess. The real one; nothing like all those other girls simply CLAIMING to be royalty!~ I'm the King, obviously~
Commoners are gawking at us, and it's never been more clear before. It's been settled, some might say… It was always a little bit of a second guessing scenario; you know? Like, who's gonna get a ring on it? No one, because I already HAVE a child; see?! She's GORGEOUS, too! Someone stop me, I'm having too much fun with this right meow. Wait… Those don't seem like looks of jealousy, or of congratulations… These looks… These gazes… They're… Conrad?! What is going on out here all of a sudden?!
"It would appear that these creatures have been terrified by your excellence… Please do not mind their sheepish demeanor." [Conrad] explained effortlessly with a snide expression as he held his beak high.
Hmm… No, I don't think that's it. I'll admit that they seem a little bit frightened… But of my excellence? What? I'm a freaking Cat, yo… Oh. After turning around, I remembered something. I leave trails of fire in my wake. It's mostly just the paw prints… But still. Burning soil as I roam the grounds I'm sworn to protect isn't ideal by any means. This rather small nation is filled with farmland, agriculture is practically all we've GOT up here… I can't mess around lighting the place on fire; even if the flames do generally tend to stick to themselves and not cause very much long-term damage… But then again, I haven't tried walking in the same places night in and night out. I don't necessarily know for certain if there ARE long-term effects to my being here…
Thinking back on it… Well… The Wailing Keep, that's something. When it was cancelled in the Monster Kingdom forest… It left a sizeable area of basically dead ground in its' wake. It's possible that the soil in that area may be changed, but it's not clear whether that has ANY correlation whatsoever to the flames stemming from my paws. The [Wailing Keep] is a very unique ability, after all. But then again, let's consider the [Hallowed Gate]. I can easily conjure and cancel them at my own discretion, repeatedly if I so desire. Did I not just spam that very same ability during the attack against the Forest of Witches...? I might as well go assess the damage, but I doubt it will be anything noticeable, as the rest of the area is probably also pretty trashed from the fight… Conrad, please see to it that Clara is fed well.
Okay, so after flying to the Forest of Witches; it was pretty noticeable where the battle took place. There are glaciers of ice all around it, spiked into the ground; so it's hard to miss. Upon further inspection, the area that I sat in for the majority of the battle is… Right… Over… There. Fuck. The ground around here is naturally just… Grass, okay? It's a little bit rough in patches, and snow is covering a decent portion… But where I sat? It's not like that. The grass was burnt to a crisp… The soil almost seems grey… Lifeless, really… If I run my paws through the grass, it crumbles under the weight… And if I step down on the ground again… The soil itself breaks, and submits to ash. What… The… FUCK?!
Racing to the Monster Kingdom forest as fast as I could… I tried to analyze the damage. It's not the same. The area around the Wailing Keep isn't like this. It's less destroyed, and just more… Meh. It's dirt, for sure; but it's not about to freaking fall apart; OKAY?! I'm in the clear… On this one. What happened over there?! Janus?!
"It would appear that Lilith's High Curse had more effect on you than what you might have bargained for… I believe you were warned… It isn't suitable for you." [Janus] sighed while rolling his eyes.
"What's the worst case scenario?" [Nero] shot back with a frustrated expression.
"Worst case? You overheat." [Janus] replied with a carefree attitude as he shrugged his shoulders.
"...And?" [Nero] groaned.
"Die." [Janus] explained with a wry smile before disappearing into thin air as a few dozen cups of noodles began to fall to the ground beneath him.
...Mine. I'll be taking these, thanks. Always a pleasure speaking with you, Janus~
Okay~ So… I'm now a walking nuclear bomb or something. But I can self pro-create less problematic versions of myself, so… Nyah. It's a nice Tuesday. Things are looking up. Where were we?! Food! Yes! Spicy stuff! Oh! Cheap noodles! I can't carry them all, though… Conrad! Send some backup Crowliphistae! I wonder what Mary can do with these… Wait. Should I eat them the original way, or let Mary have her way with them? I feel like I want to try it the original way, just to reminisce about it… But then again; these noodles are SERIOUSLY cheap! Are they actually worth reminiscing over? I mean, Mary's DEFINITELY going to turn these into a delicacy; so why even bother? Okay… It's settled.
Walking back to Reygid was fine. It was a nice walk. It's going to be weird trying to not radiate too many areas. I'll need to pick my battles a little more carefully, and really spread out my mayhem~ Not one spot in Reygid shall be safe from MY wrath!~ If I spread out my combat abilities over literally every available spot in the Kingdom; then no spots in the Kingdom will end up having their soil damaged too hard. It's basic math and shtuff~ Combat abilities… Hah… As if I even have that many of them at my disposal~ Still though! They're too swoll for these lands, obviously! I'll do my best!
I was thinking such things as I showed Mary how to cook a cup of noodles the old fashioned way, right before I ordered the Crowliphistae to unload the remaining cargo into the Kitchen. Before leaving, I left strict orders with Mary that these were only for my, and perhaps a VERY important guest's mouths… Or her own, if she fancied herself a treat. I can't just give myself the good stuff and then not let the Chef have a taste; after all. It'd be highly unethical, and she'd likely spit in my food after anyways; so… It's a mutually beneficial arrangement that we've got going on here. She got to keep the tester one so that she could taste it and judge just how she'd like to try and prepare others. She seemed happy~
After arriving in the Dining Hall, I noticed that Clara had hijacked the second best chair at the kiddie table. She's sitting right beside Cindy, sorry Rachel; you've been replaced. I'm happy for her… She's fitting right on in!~ Wait… Isn't she a little bit young to be eating by herself? UGH! I'm so torn! I want her to make friends but I want her to be eating with me!
"Hey Nero, you forget how to get dressed?" [Cetilla] laughed.
"Do you think Clara's fitting in okay..?" [Nero] begged the question while hopping up onto the table.
"Eh…? This might as well be her first time around here… Hardly anyone got the chance to meet her last night, after all~" [Cetilla] sighed while seeming uncertain.
"Fair… But, like… Isn't she too young to get along with Cindy and all those other bigger kids?" [Nero] asked while tilting his head to the side.
"What do you mean…? Cut the umbilical cord, she's walkin; isn't she?" [Cetilla] laughed.
"She's like two nights old, tops." [Nero] shot back with a tired expression.
"You were catching Fish down by the River and bargaining them off for Brooms when you were just ONE night old, she'll be fine." [Roah] chimed in with a wry smile.
"I'm from another world… Clara's brand new or something… She'll probably need education." [Nero] grumbled while laying down on the table and glancing across the room at his daughter.
"Nero… Clara's got Crowliphistae watching her back the whole night through; even past that if she's still not back into safe arms. You have nothing to worry about. If she doesn't end up fitting in with those brats, she'll fit in with your Clansmen." [Roah] exclaimed with a smile.
...He's hard to not listen to. Okay~ Whatever, let's focus.
"Alright, what's on the agenda; then? I was thinking about renting some Crowliphistae off to fledgling adventurers but it doesn't make sense to do it right before Monday anyways. What can I do to help improve our defenses? I'm honestly at a loss here… It feels like nothing's getting done." [Nero] sighed.
"I checked in with Rudou earlier this evening… He's got a huge shipment in, and is having it all moved to the local artisans as we speak… But you're right. Time is of the essence, he could probably use some help getting all the materials out of his place." [Roah] explained while seeming uncertain.
"Kay… Conrad, please handle the heavy lifting… Scarecrows; please try to handle anything lighter." [Nero] beckoned while placing a paw on the Lantern currently being held up for him by a nearby Crowliphista before turning back to Roah and tilting his head to the side.
"...The Elf is claiming that he's tired! Maybe find someone to replace him on the nightly fighting? The Monster Knights haven't really been training lately…" [Roah] muttered while seeming quite nervous.
...What? The Monster Knights… Haven't… Been training? [Shapeshift]!
"LISTEN UP! TOMORROW NIGHT, WE WILL FACE A DOOM UNLIKE ANY THAT HAVE FALLEN BEFORE US… YOU ARE ALL LIVING UNDER THIS ROOF, AND SO YOU WILL ALL SPEND THE NIGHT FIGHTING SOME SORT OF DUNGEON MONSTER TO MAKE YOU STRONGER SO THAT YOU CAN POTENTIALLY EVEN SURVIVE TOMORROW'S ENDEAVORS SO HELP ME LILITH OR I WILL REPLACE YOU ALL WITH HELLSPAWN, ABANDON THIS CONTINENT AND BE DONE WITH IT!" [Nero] roared over the table as orange flames flew across the room. Moments later, the tables were all evacuated; all but six creatures.
As I began to shrink back to a suitable size for conversation, I glanced around the room to analyze who dared to remain. One, thank the lord… Clara. Brave little bugger; she looks like she's about to cry but she's holding the tears back like an absolute legend. Two, Cetilla. Three, Roah. Four, Orianna. Five, Rosa. Six… Gayle Aldermune? The fuck? Excuse me…? You came here seeking a place to train, I tell everyone to go train; you don't stick to the flock? What? Your story doesn't match up, sis.
"State your nature in being here." [Nero] beckoned while glaring at the potential upcoming Countess of Vanheim.
"I thought I told you…" [Gayle Aldermune] began to explain before being brutally cut off.
"Your true nature." [Nero] shot back with a hateful glare. To which, the Countess-to-be stifled a laugh.
"...So you've figured me out… But what makes you believe I need answer to the likes of you?" [Gayle] begged the question with a wry smile.
"You're in my Keep... Sitting at my table… Eating with my friends… Yet you don't believe you owe me an explanation?" [Nero] asked once more while tilting his head to the side.
"You intrigue me, Nero… Here I was… Thinking I had you all figured out, yet it seems I was the one being watched…" [Gayle] laughed with a somber expression before removing her glasses to reveal a different face entirely…
Her previously blonde hair and blue eyes have been replaced with silver hair and red eyes… Her skin is pale, and she's your typical Loli. Her hair is more wavy than Luna's straight hair; but I'm convinced. She's a Vampire. In fact… I'm willing to place money on her being the one to bite Luna. Luna?
"...I believe you may be correct. When I look at her, I taste fear." [Luna] whispered into Nero's ear, side eyeing the Loli while simply peeking her head out of his shadow before disappearing back into it.
"...Taste… Fear?" [Nero] grumbled with a baffled expression before exclaiming...
"Never mind… Did you bite Luna and what the hell do you want with us?" [Nero] begged the question while glaring at the Vampire.
"Who… Me? No… That was someone else… I'd consider me to be the boss of that individual…" [Gayle] explained with a carefree expression. To which… Nero simply waited for a continued explanation.
"Fine… I heard that a Halloween Cat was born here, I wanted to see what all the commotion was about and probably establish some sort of dominion over the continent for myself; obviously~" [Gayle] confessed before devouring a Fish whole with a rather sadistic expression, seeming quite bored of the conversation and more enthused by the Food itself.
"...So she's strong?" [Nero] whispered while glaring at the Hobgoblin King.
"...She's masking her presence… I can't see anything related to her any longer… It's like Gayle Aldermune was someone else… This new individual can't even be appraised." [Roah] explained with eyes wide as he continued to glare at the Vampire.
...The glasses turned her into Gayle, so is it possible that some other item is masking her status completely? Or is it just some super insane ability…? It's hard to believe that if she was actually stronger than us… She'd still be able to mask it all… But if she can, then she can and I don't care to find out if she's bluffing? Do I care if she establishes dominion over the continent…? Not really… If she's strong enough to hold it; anyways… I certainly cant. But how do you reach a point where you're strong enough to hold a continent while being on an entirely different continent? I mean, it's not as though she got to where she was at by NOT saving a continent; you know? To get power, one must slaughter; and Dungeons provide the most experience. Where'd she get the power; and how'd she even find out about me? Was it the 'individual' who bit Luna? God! Why didn't she even give us a gender to go off of?! This sucks! Hand out a name already! SPOIL ME!
"Who bit Luna?!" [Nero] shot back with a determined expression as he stood up on all four paws.
"Tell me, why do you even care..?" [Vampire Loli] shot back with a wry smile.
"If I tell you why I care, will you tell me who it was?" [Nero] shot back with a wry smile.
"Sounds agreeable. You first." [Vampire Loli] shot back with a wry smile.
"How childish… I just wanted to know if it was a dude or another girl." [Nero] confessed with a wry smile.
"Oh, so then if I tell you it was a girl… Your true goal was achieved and you have no need for a name?" [Vampire Loli] laughed.
"Nope, I still want a name. Which broad was it?" [Nero] asked while tilting his head to the side.
"What makes you so sure it was a broad?" [Vampire Loli] asked before taking another bite of her Fish.
"What makes you so intent on dragging this conversation on through the mud and wasting everyone's time?" [Nero] asked while holding his head to the side.
"Not too long ago, some called you the Master of Time... I figured you'd find a way to bring the conversation to an end one way or another~" [Vampire Loli] explained with a giggle.
"Time's a tricky thing… Sometimes you want it fast, and sometimes you want it slow… But not everyone knows that it isn't a simple switch… It's a scale, and it can be difficult to return it to the natural flow of things." [Nero] explained with a tired expression.
"That was an interesting analogy to use while explaining the laws of time to an immortal being. His name is Laurence. Laurence Reinhart." [Vampire Loli] confessed with a smile.
"Do you name all of your underlings…?" [Nero] begged the question while tilting his head to the side.
"...Underlings? I only have the one. Laurence is more than enough to suit my needs~" [Vampire Loli] laughed.
"...How do you manage nations with only one underling?" [Nero] asked with eyes wide.
"I don't. Laurence handles them for me with HIS underlings! To be quite frank, I don't know how he does it; I don't want to know how he does it. He's a man of his word, he'll get it done eventually~" [Vampire Loli] explained while shrugging her shoulders.
...This Loli. This Loli is everything that I aspire to be. If only… If only my followers were even HALF as capable as this Laurence! I'd be living in paradise… Concocting a way to conjure martini's… Playing volleyball with clumsy BABES! Snuggling with Clara by the definitely not radioactive fire… AND MAYBE, if I'm extra lucky… I'd be able to find a hunky Legendary Lantern boyfriend for my cruel and manipulative Broom!~
The dream life… I'd probably be on Lorimaki Island. I heard that place is nice, but no one can seem to recall where the fuck it was placed on a map… Like, give me a map. You can tell me that travel overseas was abandoned a few decades ago or whatever; but like… Where did all the maps go? Someone, anyone… Point me to a map. I'll take any map. I'll take cursed maps at this point, GIVE ME A MAP!
Ugh… This Vampire… What am I going to do with her? What is she going to do with me, actually? Apparently, she's strong as hell. I don't really know, this is all news to me too; okay. Glad we had this talk, Penny; now please stop looking at me like that.
"I don't want a beach day, and I don't want to know who the Vampire is. I want to know if she's going to help us tomorrow because I'm kind of freaking out about it, okay?" [Penny] begged the question while profusely pointing at the deranged Loli.
"Good question. You gonna lend a claw or what? You like biting Mummies and other weird Halloween creatures that have been consumed by a twisted Clock? You feel like going in some rickety old house and beating a Clock and a Sphinx down for us?" [Nero] asked with eyes wide.
"Mreh… I'd have to ask Laurence if that's in his agenda… But I'd assume not, since he didn't mention anything about it… As far as I know, the current plan for this region is to simply and literally; watch it burn." [Vampire Loli] giggled.
"...Why commandeer the continent if you don't want to save the whole continent?" [Nero] shot back with a tired expression.
"...It's less enjoyable to save a perfectly fine city. When it's doomed, everyone thinks the world is about to end… And the show's almost over; that's usually the way Laurence prefers to operate." [Vampire Loli] explained while shrugging her shoulders.
...I take it back. I don't need followers like Laurence. I need followers as STRONG as Laurence, and at least 10 times more hard working. Okay? Okay. Glad that's settled, Conrad. Keep up the hard work.
"...Why? Have you considered why it's more enjoyable to save less people? You're doing half the work; you're not even trying, really… You're just coming in to sweep up the mess after everyone else literally died to clean it. You're just taking all the easy kills and maybe like one or two bosses that the others were too tired to face." [Nero] shot back before yawning.
"...I know what you're trying to do, sweetie… But I'm far too old to be swayed by such antics. I'm perfectly fine living my life the way I have for all these centuries. I don't need to suddenly save the world or anything just because you claimed that it would be a challenge~" [Vampire Loli] laughed.
"Oho? And what exactly have you been spending your immortality on doing; might I ask? What was it that was so important to you that you felt the need to allow for millions of innocent lives, and countless civilizations to be lost?" [Nero] begged the question with a smirk.
"You wouldn't understand." [Vampire Loli] shot back while avoiding eye contact.
"Entertain me." [Nero] shot back while squinting his eyes.
"Well… I explore. I search for ancient civilizations, really. I find things; I collect them… And I try to learn from them. Knowledge is the greatest power known to any man, woman, or child." [Vampire Loli] confessed before taking another bite of her Fish.
...That's a respectable thing to spend a long time doing… It can take awhile to explore any place, let alone a whole world... fuck… I have no problem with her any longer… But then again… Centuries? Uh… How much has she learned?
"Okay, fine… I get it. I didn't spend my entire life exploring, okay? It's what I've been up to for a few centuries, though… I wasn't expecting you to care about my entire life story?" [Vampire Loli] explained with a confused expression.
"How about a name? I'm Nero Miki." [Nero] introduced himself.
"...Gallsciu." [Gallsciu] introduced herself with eyes wide.
"Gallsciu…?" [Nero] asked once more with a cheerful expression.
"...Clemenz." [Gallsciu Clemenz] confessed while seeming somewhat shy. To which, all the ladies who had previously remained silent, took a stand.
"...You need to leave." [Cetilla Vellisroi] declared with a cold expression as her hair suddenly fell flat.
"On behalf of the family of Reygid, I; Orianna Reygid… First of my name; hereby banish you from these lands and decree that you never again step foot on this soil!" [Orianna Reygid] beckoned while pointing a claw at Gallsciu.
"Your family has been excommunicated from these lands for over a millennia and it is once again time that you take your leave. You were not welcome here then, and you most certainly remain unwelcome now." [Rosa Firemane] snarled as flames began to grow from her paws. To which, Roah raised an arm to hold her back.
...Tensions are high all of a sudden. All three of them have an issue with her being here… Roah's the only one who's fine with it…? Wait; no… Not even him? He's holding Rosa back… But it's because he wants to fight in her place?!
"Hold on… Can someone please explain to me the issue here?" [Nero] begged the question.
"Nero… The Clemenz family played a major role in Orpia's rise to power, causing the Monster Kingdom to fall… You have just as much a reason to distrust this wench as any of us." [Cetilla] explained while seeming completely ready to throw down.
"She probably had Laurence kill the Dawn Raiders so that Reygid would fall. We should cut her down where she stands." [Rosa] chimed in with a sharp glance.
"Hmph… Please; if they couldn't handle a slight increase in difficulty… That's on them." [Gallsciu Clemenz] shot back with a snide expression.
"Define slight." [Nero] shot back.
"So… I was taking a trip into the Mansion as it appeared to be a novel tourist attraction around here, wound up running into a circus; they treated me to one hell of a good time. When it was all said and done, I took a stroll down some dark rooms; beat up a few bad guys and had a little meeting with that Sphinx. I thanked him for the good time, but he was upset about all the bad guys I needed to kill in order to come and thank him… So, I had some old buddies whip him up a couple new ones. Nothing too serious, just a few tweaks; here and there~" [Gallsciu Clemenz] explained before shrugging her shoulders.
"This stuff is awesome, thanks for letting me try something new~" [Mary] thanked before placing a bowl down onto the table for Nero.
"My pleasure~ Also, what the absolute hell?! You met with the Sphinx?! Where was he?!" [Nero] shot back with a baffled expression.
"The basement. All the way at the end, if you turn right; there's an extra hallway. Leads through a few pretty nasty traps; but it's a straight shot to his place. He's such a hermit, staying all cooped up like that~ Fun guy, though." [Gallsciu Clemenz] explained with a carefree expression.
"I knew we could've made it..." [Cetilla] groaned while rolling her eyes before stomping her foot on the ground in frustration.
"Not now, we can't! She beefed it up!" [Nero] shot back with an exasperated expression.
"This is your fault for waiting so long..." [Cetilla] grumbled while seeming royally pissed off.
"Actually? I think I might've checked the Dungeon out before you all did…" [Gallsciu] muttered while clearly thinking to herself.
"...Strange how it took so long for her changes to arrive to the front-line though…" [Nero] muttered.
"Yeah, that's something I was meaning to ask you about; former Master of Time and all... I was trying to add it up, and it didn't quite match for me... Based on the Sphinx's prior calculations, those changes shouldn't have arrived to the front line minutes for at least a few years." [Gallsciu] remarked with eyes wide.
"How exactly was the system supposed to work?" [Nero] begged the question.
"Every day… One minute of time is copied, so it would've taken 1440 days before my changes actually came here." [Gallsciu] explained.
"...No clue. You know if there's a way to dispel Luna's curse? Or the Vampires she bites, or the Vampires they bite; for that matter?" [Nero] asked while raising an eyebrow. To which, Luna poked her head out from Nero's shadow and glanced at Gallsciu.
"...Probably not. Laurence is the Earl, after all~ Even if he's my pawn; he's too powerful to be easily forgotten about… And that's what it all comes down to when having a curse dispelled. Your soul needs to forget about the curse latching onto it, by whatever means. To dispel Vampirism, she would need to forget about the power that Laurence holds over her soul. Her subordinates, and or theirs later on; however… That's a different matter entirely." [Gallsciu] explained with a wry smile. To which, Luna returned to Nero's shadows baring a tired expression.
"Hmmm… That kind of sucks. What about magical tools or whatever? Your glasses had wicked abilities, maybe there's some form of accessory to help with making your soul forget about Laurence and his swoll self?" [Nero] begged the question while tilting his head to the side.
"My glasses are trivial compared to what you're talking about. Souls are difficult to tamper with… You'd want an artifact capable of causing amnesia in the literal soul. It's dangerous magic, what if her soul forgot who it was attached to in the first place? How powerful she was? Where she was? What she even enjoyed in life? You can't mess with this and expect a positive outcome, it won't work." [Gallsciu] shot back with a serious expression.
Jeez… I guess she's right? Uhm… Luna? Sorry? I don't know how to help… This Lady is insurmountably more well versed with this realm than I am, and she's saying it's absolutely no bueno. She's literally spent hundreds of years scouring for things related to what we want, and she says it probably doesn't exist. OH! WAIT! What if she has Lianix's highly sought after boy toy?!
"...Legendary Lantern." [Nero] shot back as the flames on his Broom suddenly began to burn brighter.
"...Eh?" [Gallsciu Clemenz] let out while tilting her head to the side.
"I. Wield. Lanterns. I need one. Or, more specifically… She needs one. As soon as possible, or she might incinerate us all in the very near future." [Nero] explained with a tired expression before placing a paw on his Broom. To which, a bright gust of orange flames ensued; leaving the entirety of the Dining Hall's floors, and table tops to slowly burn.
"HEY! MY FISH! CUT IT OUT!" [Gallsciu] beckoned with a wicked look on her face as she slammed a knife down onto the table.
"You've been scouring Melchiodore in search of ancient civilizations for the better part of the last millennium, have you not?" [Nero] shot back while continuing to place his paw on the Chaos Liannas String Dark Phoenix Claw Broom. To which, Gallsciu profusely nodded her head with eyes wide.
"Then in your travels, you've come across many great and LEGENDARY THINGS; have you NOT?!" [Nero] shot back with eyes equally as wide.
"Uh-Huh, what of it?!" [Gallsciu] shot back while continuing to nod her head as the flames creeped closer and closer to her delectable Fish.
"Where… Is… The… Legendary… LANTERN?!" [Nero] roared as all eyes in the room glared deeply through the flames with total malice toward the Vampire Loli. To which, she swallowed her saliva.
"T-" [Gallsciu] began, before stopping and beginning to visibly think to herself as she turned her head to the side and raised a finger to her lips.
"T-?" [Everyone present] shot back as several eyes began to twitch or roll back into their appropriate skulls.
"...On one condition." [Gallsciu] declared with a solemn expression as she gazed down at her meal. To which, Nero tilted his head to the side.
"Free food. Whenever I want it, as much as I want; all the time if I should desire. Also, Mary's going to need to be capable of overseas travel during special occasions." [Gallsciu] demanded with a wry smile.
"Free food, whenever you want… But only as much as you can eat. Also, Mary's going to need to be staying within the Wailing Keep or by my side at all times; even special occasions. However, you may bring up to 9 guests alongside you; to partake in said free food on special occasions limited to once every 14 days. As a means of compromise, I will permit you to bring one guest daily; or two guests every second day for your own personal enjoyment. All guests, including yourself will be permitted to a room in the basement. Absolutely none of your guests will be permitted to the Treasure Room; also known as the Master room… But you can enter so long as you are guided by a Crowliphista… Meaning, only during the night." [Nero] corrected her before begging the question…
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"Do we have a deal?" [Nero] asked while tilting his head to the side.
"...It sounds manageable. The Lantern was last sighted by me near Tillipa Valley at the peak of a Mountain guarded by some Trolls in a Shrine that they falsely believe to have been made specifically to worship the God of Soup; Awzriah." [Gallsciu] explained while seeming completely at ease with the situation.
"...Why didn't you grab it?" [Nero] shot back with a slightly pissed off voice.
"Uhm…? Hello? Why would I want a worshipped Lantern? I have absolutely no need for a regular Lantern, let alone a worshipped one. I didn't sense anything particularly special about it… It was quite bright and I wanted to leave." [Gallsciu] shot back as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"It… Shone?" [Nero] asked with eyes wide.
"Hard to miss. Villagers nearby use it to remember where they are at night, as do travelers when they're searching for land. If you take it, you'll permanently change that region; not only for the Trolls." [Gallsciu] explained while seeming somewhat concerned.
...Travelers wouldn't know it had disappeared and could effectively lose their lighthouse. Villagers could start getting lost at night and attacked by monsters, the Trolls would have nothing left to worship for their God of Soup… But I'd be guaranteed a good night's rest… And probably be more capable against threats. But… It's a light Lantern? I would've expected a flame element… Light isn't really my thing, y'see… My Clansmen rely on the night… This might actually be a dud Legendary Lantern in the first place. Is it possible that there's more than one Legendary Lantern in Melchiodore? Like… Why?! It seems so counter productive to have me trying to find the right one! Huh?! Did I… Just feel a heart beat coming from Lianix?! Oh… The flames are violently beating off of her handle… Once every few seconds. Is she trying to say something? Honey… I don't know morse code. We need an alternative.
"Do you speak Broom?" [Nero] let out before turning to face the Vampire.
"Brooms don't talk." [Gallsciu] shot back with a tired expression.
"False. Cursed Brooms can enter their wielder's dreams and endlessly torment them, making face to face discussions in a dream-like state… But I too, have not found a way to communicate with her during my waking life… She seems to always see or know what's happening around her, though." [Nero] explained with eyes wide as he glared at the beating Broom.
"It has sentience?" [Gallsciu] asked with eyes wide.
"It also has a wicked taste for blood, Lanterns, maggots, and newly born Halloween creatures." [Nero] confessed as he felt shivers down his spine.
"What happens if it doesn't get the Lantern?" [Gallsciu] asked with a serious tone of voice.
"It will continue to either torment me in my dreams, talking down to me and explaining how every little detail of my life was an utter mistake; believe me… I will break from it… Or it will play with my kin as I watch from a distant; slightly more disturbing location… Or it will molest me as it's too lonely, and leave me in a sleepless state as I never quite know what kind of dream I'll be falling into next." [Nero] confessed with eyes wide.
"...Get rid of her?" [Gallsciu] offered.
"Our Souls have been fused. I'll never lose her. I have an ability specifically to help me find her when she's been lost. She'll follow me into the my next life as well." [Nero] explained with a slight laugh before turning to Conrad's nearest Crowliphista.
"Bring booze please~" [Nero] requested with a happy tone of voice.
"Right away, Master." [Conrad] declared while continuing to sit there. Moments later, another Crowliphista arrived carrying a barrel. And then, another. And another right after that.
"Brilliant work, Conrad." [Nero] exclaimed while nodding his head and glancing at the incoming Crowliphistae as they gently placed each barrel down onto the table.
Ahh~ One of them is pouring me a bowl full, it's excellent service around here ONLY; folks~ First class dining! First class living, really… I'd wager I get my liquor even faster than some rich people back on Earth!~ I've got this shit on speed dial, yo! Tastes terrible, but it's here when I need it; and it feels like I'll never run out of it so long as I keep Georgia and all of her connections safe~
"Alright, so… Here's the deal. If you want unlimited dining at the Wailing Keep while avoiding all unnecessary delays… You need to keep Reygid, Nidallia, Vanheim, the Fae Forest, regrettably Orpia, and even the distant Monastazia safe. We rely on the nearby bounties, and business deals to obtain our ingredients. If people start dying, we could easily lose all of what we've got going on over here. Permanently. If you need to keep half the continent safe to make sure things keep going smoothly, I don't see the reason in not simply saving the entirety." [Nero] explained before beginning to indulge in his feast.
"...That's a fair enough point, but there's one issue." [Gallsciu] chimed in before continuing to explain…
"I don't take orders from you, or anyone else… I'm not in the business of saving people. I gave that life up a very long time ago, and I have no intention of turning back now. Establishing dominion, saving lives… That's Laurence. That's his thing. It's up to him how he achieves what he does, I simply know that usually… After he's completed one of my ridiculous tasks; he's managed some way to have gone above and beyond in the meanwhile and established total control over the region. I don't care about it, he just does it for some reason. I originally thought it was to impress me, but after a certain point of me not caring… You'd think that he'd get the point and try some other method. Also, I don't give Laurence new orders until he's completed his prior task… I wouldn't know how to tell him to help you even if I wanted to. He could be anywhere right now." [Gallsciu] confessed before continuing to indulge in her meal.
UGH! WHAT THE FUCK?! Why is she so absolutely difficult?! She's supposedly super strong and has ridiculous connections but what does that even matter if she's too proud to lift a finger?! Who hurt her?! Seriously… Who. Hurt. You?! Ms. Not in the business of saving people because she gave up that life? Like, what?
"Can't you just be the bigger person and save us for a little while until he notices and steps in to offer a hand? If he's trying to establish dominion over the region, he'd definitely notice if you casually slipped out and saved a few cities from impending doom; don't you think?" [Nero] shot back with a tired expression.
"You don't know him how I do. He'll think it's a game, and raise the stakes to challenge me. You could end up with even larger problems if you accept my help and stop preparing yourselves." [Gallsciu] shot back while shaking her head.
"When was the last time you spoke?" [Nero] begged the question.
"...Right before I arrived here as Gayle. He fed me so much vague information about this little motley; I simply HAD to return to this continent using a false persona." [Gallsciu] confessed while shrugging her shoulders.
"Okay… So, it's not unreasonable to assume that he'll come and give you another update on his progress in the near future?" [Nero] begged the question.
"Well… Now that I'm actually here, he's probably avoiding me because I'm not in an easy place to speak privately? I don't know… I'm in his game now, to some degree. I took the bait, and with me having removed my glasses… I'm more than likely playing in his eyes." [Gallsciu] sighed while rolling her eyes.
...She's literally no help. I feel like I've wasted a large part of my night speaking with her, but she also always seems to have a definitive answer to my questions… It's addictive speaking with her. It's almost like the Allwessistant Dott. She's just jam packed with info that I desperately want, except Gallsciu's got more attitude to her. She's a living, breathing… God Vampire. Speaking of which, if Laurence is the Earl… And she's his superior… What rank is she again? Freaking Queen?
"Who are you? Speak formally for once, please." [Nero] asked with a curious expression.
"The Lone Lady, Gallsciu Clemenz; first born daughter and next of kin to Lord Meltannis Clemenz… First cousin of the current Vampire King; long may he reign… Rodrick Clemenz. Let it be known that though we share the same name, as the farmers around here might put it; we are not of the same grain." [The Lone Lady, Gallsciu Clemenz]
...She's… A Vassal family Heiress to the freaking King of Vampires… Not a Queen, but basically… If a bomb struck the King's Castle; she'd have a real claim to being the Princess and next in line for the freaking Throne… Lilith. She's a calamity in the making. I don't know if I should be pissed off or thankful that she's no longer participating in this twisted game… She was born with just about as much potential as I was; if not… Far more. She's got immortality, and a critically acclaimed ROYAL disposition in a VERY dangerous race holding a Curse that's as infectious as it is dastardly. It's too much. She's too much. Everyone knows that Vampires and Elves are of the same cloth. One of which is impossibly more difficult to defeat than the other, but allegedly; they have weaknesses. Sun. Same, bro. I CAN'T beat her! Not to mention… If we DID get involved with her, what would her father think? She's his first born daughter… If we actually managed to kill her, we'd definitely die; right? If the father didn't kill us, the King certainly would; right?! Oh god…
"Consider the idea of us somehow garnering Laurence's attention… Any chance we can rely on other Vampires to come and rescue these lands? There's a perfectly good Human Kingdom to the north of here, and I bet the Beastkin, Orcs, Elves, Dwarves, and Witches would have no problem donating their blood in exchange for protection…" [Nero] begged the question while tilting his head to the side.
"...Eh?" [Gallsciu] let out while tilting her head to the side.
"...What?" [Nero] shot back with eyes wide.
"You'd try to sell off the blood of the region in exchange for protection from an armada of blood sucking Vampires?" [Gallsciu] shot back with a baffled expression.
"In a heartbeat." [Nero] confessed while blankly staring at the Vampire Loli.
"...And if you're struck with a crisis in the midst of the day… Are you prepared to forgive the sleeping Vampires for the loss of your loved ones?" [Gallsciu] begged the question while raising an eyebrow.
"Wholeheartedly." [Nero] replied with complete and total ease.
"It's easier said than done, you know… What happens if too many lives are lost during the day for the Vampires to continue being fed during the night?" [Gallsciu] asked once more while continuing to hold her eyebrow high.
"Vampires who submit themselves to me no longer require sustenance at all, so if that does happen… An alternative in which everyone survives still DOES exist…" [Nero] sighed.
"But at that point, is it fair to the Vampires that you called for? Having them come here to protect you for food, and then when the food suddenly vanishes; at no fault of their own… Being told to give up their freedoms in order to continue protecting those who can no longer feed them? At what point do the creatures you intend to protect take action for themselves and need to give something up? Not even you can provide immortality to these creatures indefinitely." [Gallsciu] shot back with a cold expression.
...She's not wrong. It really isn't my job to save people who aren't willing to risk it all in order to be saved. At the end of the day, the vast majority of this continent would seem to prefer a peaceful; high standard of living even if it means a sooner death… Rather than a harsh; low standard of living even it means a longer life… Or perhaps, a future; for their nations. The people in the past on this continent… They had what it took. They knew what they were doing, and were fighting to keep it. This new generation just SUCKS!
Thinking back… The only groups of individuals on this continent still living life as if it were a crisis… Are the creatures inhabiting the Forsaken Isles and Chasms. Not the Goblins or the Harpies per say… But the very weak monsters struggling toward Evolution and simply fighting hunger on a daily basis. Those monsters barely able to secure food; let alone congregate and form nations… Those are our best hope. They all know what it means to scrape by, and want for something more. They seek power. They are willing to fight for it. They're worth saving, by all means.
"Find the adventurers everywhere, including the nomads of the north, make appeals within every nation of this continent… Anyone willing to fight has been summoned. Find the orphans and artisans everywhere as well. Capture every single wild monster on this continent that does NOT originate from within a Dungeon; including the monsters of the Chasms. Find them homes within Halloween, the Forsaken Isles, Reygid, or the Wailing Keep. Keep them safe, and feed them. Help them grow to power and gain both greater intellectual capacities; and fighting abilities. Truth be told, we don't need to save every single soul on this continent. However, I won't settle for us not at least saving those who are able to help us in some form... Or helping those who want to leave the continent do so. Let it be known to every living being across the continent; the Allweiian Arc has officially opened. Anyone within the four destinations will have a very high chance at being saved when this continent falls. Under the protection of Halloween, the Lone Lady, and so many others... We will stand tall and remain as the last stronghold on this continent; offering a method to safely depart to the protection of much greater nations. We offer an escape from the growing darkness all around us. It's all that anyone really seems to want around here anyways~" [Nero Miki] declared while placing a paw on his Lantern.
"...Escape? Where are we going?" [Cetilla] chimed in with a serious expression.
"...I'd guess Monastazia for meow… We'll simply move everyone with the Hallowed Gates as the situation arises." [Nero] explained with a sigh.
"How will we manage food for all of the settlers?" [Rosa] asked while furrowing her eyebrows.
"...We won't. We effectively abandon all title and power the moment we leave here. We hold no land, we hold no farms. We hold no real means of procuring further wealth other than having artisans working hard within the confines of Halloween, so farming is probably not feasible… The soil there is tough. We simply hold our lives, and our skills… I'll be able to conjure and sell clothing regardless of where I am, I'd reckon many artisans are similar… But need us to find them materials along the way. We'll be a roaming convoy of teleporting gates; only stopping during the day… We'd be at the mercy of whatever Town we landed in to not try and lay siege to our Gate as we slept… It's not a perfect solution, but it's workable as long as we don't continuously encounter regions stricken by poverty or fear for the unknown. Also, there's no reason for us to continue to shelter every single creature that steps through a gate. If they want to recklessly travel from Town to Town with absolutely no clear direction in mind, we offer a means of doing so. We'll try to keep them safe, but we don't guarantee them food if they don't guarantee us Coins or protection… It's as simple as that." [Nero] explained with a serious expression.
"Whew~ Something's changed in you… I don't think you've always been so harsh~" [Cetilla] sighed while fanning herself off with a sleek white fan which she definitely did NOT have a minute ago.
"I can work with this, actually…" [Rudou] chimed in as he stepped into the Dining Hall.
"Nero's backbone is good for business?" [Roah] sighed.
"Well, not particularly… But with us moving from Town to Town all the time, we'll have no issues trying to sell any cheap wares that may land in our paws… I'd reckon that your business with Clive might also see a large spike in sales~" [Rudou] explained with a wry smile as he approached the ensemble and took a seat at the table before turning to Gallsciu and continuing...
"And who might this lovely new acquaintance be? My name's Rudou, and you're?" [Rudou] begged the question before kissing the top of her hand.
"Charmed… I'm Lady Gallsciu Clemenz. Nero, keep this one around. He's got class." [Gallsciu] yawned.
"Yeah… He's not going anywhere. Also, just a random thought… but what do you call this region? You're smart and intelligible." [Nero] begged the question.
"...Reygid?" [Gallsciu] asked with a confused expression.
"Nah… Like, the continent." [Nero] clarified with eyes wide.
"Oh, well… It really doesn't even classify as one. That's why I was a little bit surprised to find so many different civilizations settling here, and Dungeons plaguing the place as well~ Quite the strange ecosystem you have here, really… I guess it all just goes to show how the wrath of the Dungeons will follow you anywhere… Anywhere life goes…" [Gallsciu] explained before muttering off to herself.
...What?
"What the fuck am I living on if not a continent?" [Nero] shot back as an eye began to twitch.
"...Eh? Oh… It's a deceased Katasutorofutātoru's carcass which seems to have been left with quite a large scale of residual energy after having been defeated… And then someone with a TON of time on their hands, and power… Went and dropped a million tons of dirt down, and then planted seeds everywhere; relocated the carcass perfectly so that snow would naturally form… And stuck a giant molten lava core in the right shoulder. Whoever it was… They really went ahead and played God with the corpse; you know? It's truly a marvel to behold, I had no choice but to explore it quite deeply when I first encountered it. This whole thing is a work of magical art that must've taken someone over a century to mold." [Gallsciu] explained with eyes wide.
"What the fuck is a Katasutoro whatever?!" [Nero] shot back with a deranged expression.
"...Well, the better question would be 'what WAS a Katasutorofutātoru'... Because they've long since been extinct. This was probably the last one of it's kind… And you can tell that it was quite old, because of all the Mountains protruding from its back... Those are actually the marks of a disease which plagued all of their kind… Katasutorofutātoru's were capable of manifesting a LOT of Mana, and used most of it to travel, hunt, and grow in size. As they grew older, their shells would absorb some of their Mana in order to reinforce themselves as they expanded to allow for the creature to continue growing in size. As this process went on, the shells obtained excess Mana which they did not need; and in order to store this Mana for more dire moments threatening the Katasutorofutātoru's life… The shells would manifest those mountains to store the residual Mana. As more Mana became available, more mountains would scale off their shells; and those mountains would eventually weigh the creature down into the bottom of the sea; and drown them… Some Miners would often enjoy riding Katasutorofutātoru for months, mining away at their mountains and trying to sell valuable stones once they had a chance to safely return to land. Katasutorofutātoru grow into their shells at a very young age, they can't be removed… While the creature mainly spends time on the water, they can also inhabit the ground for short periods of time. It's possible that the shells could have been removed from them if given some help at a very young age, but Katasutorofutātoru only ever bred once in a millennia; so it was exceedingly difficult to help them… Truly, it's a tragedy that none of them ever had the chance to have their shells removed before they eventually were all killed off by them… I still don't understand why this place floats, or why the Katasutorofutātoru died off before the shell sunk. Usually, the shells sink along with the Katasutorofutātoru; so you'd only find a Katasutorofutātoru shell at the bottom of the Ocean. Someone killed this one and then hollowed it out, managed a way to make it permanently float, and then sealed up all the holes… AND made this ridiculously well thought out environment." [Gallsciu] explained with a tired expression.
...I'm living on a dead prehistoric Turtle, and it too; had a self-suicide fault added to its race… I could cry.
"From here on out, refer to Katasutorofutātoru as what it was; please… It was a Mountain Turtle." [Nero] muttered.
"That's disrespectful on so many levels…" [Gallsciu] groaned while rolling her eyes.
"Not my fault you didn't save the Mountain Turtles~" [Nero] sighed.
"Hmph!" [Gallsciu] let out while crossing her arms.
"Okay… So, what about this? What monsters were involved in the creation of my beloved Chaos Liannas String Dark Phoenix Claw Broom? Other than the Dark Phoenix, obviously… What's a Chaos Liannas?" [Nero] begged the question with eyes wide.
"Ahh… Nice find, by the way. Chaos Liannas was a beast of Legend, even after I was born. All I know is what I learned from the history books and word of mouth… But the Chaos Liannas was a one of a kind Halloween variant of Liannas, it was what happened when the Queen of Liannas had her heart broken. It was so terrifying, that the top four families had to get together just to put the entire race down. No other Queens were ever crowned after the Chaos Liannas had been executed; because the entire race was systematically removed from Melchiodore. It was a bird, so it flew. Most of the Liannas were resigned to the Easter Clan, they tended to inhabit caves near the tops of mountains, or the tops of very tall trees; not unlike the ones adorning Vanheim. They would normally be highly efficient in Lightning Magic, but the Chaos Liannas was much more capable of Fire Magic; it was said that her flames burned just as violently during a storm as they did under a bright blue sky… And that what she had burned, remained burnt." [Gallsciu] explained with terrifying accuracy.
...She knows far too much. I'd keep her around to be my scholar, if nothing else. But… She's allegedly far too busy doing ancient Vampire Loli things.
"I'm sorry… Are we just going to ignore the Tribe of Trolls mistakenly worshipping a bright Lantern in exchange for the God of Soup… Let alone, that a Tribe of Trolls on some mysterious Mountain worships the God of Soup?" [Cetilla] begged the question with a skeptical expression before continuing…
"Practically none of her story makes any sense!" [Cetilla] exclaimed hysterically.
"By nature, Trolls have brittle teeth… Soup, for them... Is a delicacy; by far, the preferred meal of all time." [Gallsciu] explained while seeming completely at ease with the situation.
"...But HOW did they mistake a bright Lantern for something related to SOUP?!" [Cetilla] shot back as she slammed her hands down onto the table before snapping her neck to face the Vampire Loli.
"Spoons… Spoons are bright, and shiny… One requires Spoons in order to dine on Soup with proper dinner etiquette. It was said that the 23rd Tribe Leader saw something shiny in the far distance, and mistakenly thought it to be a Legendary Spoon. He had the entire Tribe relocate in the hopes of attaining this rather rare Spoon, only to learn that it had been a Lantern all along. It's been a long held hope for the Tribe that one day, they will learn how to smelt the excessively bright Lantern down into a set of equally bright Spoons. They've all become relatively fine Smelters in the meantime, but if we're being honest... They aren't THAT good." [Gallsciu] explained with pinpoint accuracy. To which, Cetilla muttered something under her breath before throwing her face down into her arms.
"What about the army of Vampires? Do you actually have the power to call upon the King?" [Orianna] begged the question through furrowed eyebrows and crossed arms.
"...No, not really. I took my leave from the vast majority of high society a very long time ago. I have armies unknowingly loyal to me, somewhere… But I honestly didn't care much to memorize any exact details as I haven't had any need for them. Laurence might've used them a few times, I haven't the faintest clue~" [Gallsciu] confessed. To which, sighs were a common sound heard across the table.
"So… Let me get this straight. Your entire family is super powerful and has been banished from these lands for centuries… You are incredibly powerful as well, have tons of people backing you, demand respect from us… Yet have no intention of using your power, summoning the people backing you, or giving us any real advice for how we might survive this endeavor that you could totally solve?" [Nero] begged the question with a tired expression.
"...That's pretty much it, yep." [Gallsciu] confessed while shrugging her shoulders.
"...Then why are you even here?" [Nero] repeated the question.
"...At this current point in time, I'm waiting for you to leave so that I can go and ask Mary for more Fish." [Gallsciu] confessed with a sigh.
...What a massive waste of my night.
"As expected… We should rid ourselves of her immediately." [Cetilla] declared with a solemn expression as she finally raised her head from her arms.
"While I appreciate the optimism… I'd much rather ask her to leave. So, Gallsciu… Since you're openly intending to be an epic waste of our space; I'll have to ask you to please vacate the Wailing Keep. In the future should you desire to meet, I request that you await my presence outside of the Wailing Keep. You have 10 seconds before emergency protocols activate and the Wailing Keep recognizes you as a threat to Allwe. " [Nero] exclaimed with an unusually joyful expression before winking as he slightly tilted his head to the side.
"...Wait, you can do that?" [Roah] begged the question with a frightened expression. To which, Cetilla took a stand and immediately began to float as the previously inexistent winds inside of the Dining Hall began to rage wildly.
"...Oh." [Roah] muttered before getting up and conjuring his Hallowed Hammer as he turned to face Gallsciu. To which, Nero began to grow in size to fit the room as flames engulfed his nearby surroundings.
Crowliphistae are covering the chandeliers, you cant see light in this room any longer… Just orange. Scarecrows and other Halloween Clansmen litter the walkways around the tables. Time isn't moving at the right pace, and things are beginning to seem distorted. Penny and Wendel are singing… I can't tell which song it is, but it sounds nice. It's… Gentle. Soothing… Plates are flying… Why are plates flying? It's not like they're haphazardly being carried by Wind… These Plates are genuinely flying directly at Gallsciu with pinpoint accuracy… She dodges, they follow. Forks and Knives are also following her, quickly… Glasses are flying, too! What the hell?! NO! I won't allow my barrels to be next! After scrambling a little bit, I secured all three barrels beneath by massive paws. They won't be going anywhere… Not that they've started to act strangely, anyways~
But… It's hard to dismiss. Some of my furniture seems to be intent on killing itself in order to wound Gallsciu Clemenz. After the Plates and Glasses shatter on impact, the shards continue to pursue her. If they shatter to an intense degree, they slowly regenerate themselves… It's the Wailing Keep Sama! He's arrived. Oho? The hollow sets of armor decorating my Throne Room have also come to life, and are carrying their weapons into the Dining Hall; adding even more numbers to our cause! Something about them looks… Chivalrous. They have that Knightly vibe, you know? They're pulling at my heartstrings and stuff!~ All that time… All that time Wailing Keep Sama has spent stealing my Mana… It's good to know that it went to some use~
"...Pathetic." [Gallsciu Clemenz] muttered before swiping her right hand to the side, through the air. Moments later, dozens of Plates exploded; and a few of the Haunted Knights did as well; while others simply fell down or were thrown back a little ways. Damage to the Scarecrows was catastrophic, as several exploded and were left as nothing but piles of straw before dissolving into orange flames.
...That was deadly. What even was that?! CHEATS! HACKS! HACKER! Agh, fuck… She's getting started. She's meow having a serious main character moment while she lays waste to my followers; one by one… She's massacring them all with pinpoint accuracy, the delivery is masterful. She side jump kicked Wendel in the face. Really, right from the side... And Wendel's head blew off the side. She stood there, continuing to stand for a few moments before evaporating into flames. It was epic. Right before she died, she side glanced Gallsciu; saw the killing intent, and passed off Clara to a Crowliphista which was masterfully swooping in at the PERFECT time to secure her right behind my front paw. That was it. That was all Wendel could manage doing in the time it took for Gallsciu Clemenz to run up and side kick her face straight off the bod. It was brilliant. A real team play, thank you; for thinking so quickly in the heat of the moment… Wendel, and Conrad. Benji; since you seem idle, if you would be so kind… Get Clara back into Halloween.
"Right away, Sir…" [Benji] swore. To which, a Kitchen Knife was thrown across the room, and sliced him in half.
"...Heh." [Gallsciu] let out with a sadistic expression before using her other arm to punch the brave Christina's exposed left boob; shattering her spine under the pressure as the boob exploded into a bloody mess… A moment later, she revealed Christina's beating heart to the ensemble before ripping a chunk out of it through grinning teeth a split second before it could even evaporate into flames.
"Shall I call for the Monster Knights and other non Immortal beings?" [Crowliphista] begged the question.
"W-What, are you absolutely insane?! Half of them will be obliterated all the same!" [Nero] spat back with a deranged expression.
"What are we waiting for? Let's go." [Cetilla] beckoned with a bold expression as a literal tornado surrounded her in the midst of the Dining Hall.
"Wait for it…" [Nero] muttered while continuing to glare at the Vampire Loli.
"Wait for what, exactly?" [Orianna] muttered while holding onto the fur of Nero's right leg.
"...Our opening." [Nero] explained as the flames around him grew larger.
Wolrietta fought valiantly. She almost landed a hit, but ended up being slapped. Yeah… It was a hard slap, but a slap nonetheless is what did her in. It was a triple kill, actually; she convinced two reckless Scarecrows into jumping in with her. They all died via the one slap. Wolrietta died second, having the stalks of hay from the already dead Scarecrow beside her literally cut her face apart. One hell of a hard slap. At the same moment, however… One of Conrad's Crowliphistae managed to get a cut in. On the backside of her right ankle, there's a thin gash. She'll be on the alert for it now, so we should try to get one in on her left ankle as well.
Agh… She's no longer staying as still. It's more difficult to coordinate attacks on her this way, with her running around and literally killing things as she roams… I guess; just… Do your best, everyone! I believe in you. At least one of these Haunted Knights will manage to land a stab in!
**********
Time is pretty disorienting… After a while, when all the Haunted Knights had perished, and all the dishes stopped regenerating… When all of the weaker Clansmen had perished… Gallsciu Clemenz had a total of 6 wounds. One cut on the backside of her ankle, which has been repeatedly opened at least three additional times. It's bleeding, not too much; but you can tell there's a little bit of discomfort going on down there. The second wound is a stab right in the gut, from the left side of her body. It's pretty deep, but she's been able to guard it quite effectively ever since the Crowliphista landed the hit. She has a light cut on her left cheek; but it's nothing serious. If anything, a slight annoyance to her. We have a bruise on the front of her right thigh, and she broke two different nails. Middle finger on the right hand and pinkie finger on the left. I'm going to go ahead and make an executive decision that we aim for the first and second wounds. [Clansmen Capture]!
Moments later, I had recaptured both Cetilla and Roah. Rosa, Orianna, Rudou, and Clara are being escorted by Luna, Serena, George and a flock of Crowliphistae out of the Throne Room while Conrad uses the remainder of his Crows alongside Molag Dregora's Shadow Balls to disorient Gallsciu. Our one godsend… Throughout this entire battle, every single Wraith has remained unscathed. They're currently cheating. They've been hiding beneath the floor, slowly sucking away Gallsciu's power. It's not much, but I'd like to think that it's been helping. Penny has remained by my side, making things excessively difficult to understand… But I'd also like to think that my mental capacity is able to withstand her constant torment otherwise known as singing.
After the delicate creatures had escaped, Roah and Cetilla swept into the fold together. Gluttatosk's been summoned. I'm to capture him on arrival into the Dining Hall. Luna's returning to Halloween and will begin to slowly heal the fallen Clansmen. Cetilla's Tornado has grown to an unfathomable degree… I don't even think it's a Tornado anymore. It's just a ridiculously bad weather forecast meow. It's difficult to move, and my flames struggle to breathe under it. Gallsciu's clearly feeling at least some of the weight, considering that she's barely dodging Roah's swings.
Roah's getting much better with his Hammer… He no longer appears to be fighting. He's dancing through the wind. Swaying his Hammer through the raging gusts, he cuts through the storm and uses the weight of his moving Hammer to carry him into his next swing or thrust. It's like… A martial art. He's a professional meow… A true warrior. I think I can hear the sounds of his every step… But it might just be the wind. The battle's been beginning to feel like a one on one… But I know better. If my flames can't breathe… Neither can Gallsciu.
The surviving Crowliphistae have all flocked to me, grabbing hold of my coat for dear life. They're prepared. When Cetilla collapses, we'll have a moment in which Gallsciu needs to recollect her breath. In that moment, Conrad will appear and deliver the infamous 1000 Talon Strike with all his might, before I tackle her; Roah will attempt to bash her repeatedly as I hold her down… And then George and Serena will return for one final hurrah. Somewhere along the line, Gluttatosk will enter the fold… Wherever he is~ We should also try to get Ben, if possible.
"I heard there would be food." [Gluttatosk] declared with a solemn expression upon gaining a solid glance at the chaos unfolding in the Dining Hall.
"[Clansmen Capture]!" [Nero] roared.
Moments later, right before the final remaining Butterknife was lobbed at a poor Land Shark's face… I had gained a new Clansmen! He's incredibly effective when hungry, or fed! Really, as long as he's not dead; he'll work!
"So… What's the sitch?" [Land Shark] begged the question while poking his head out from behind the Halloween Cat's left leg.
She's the Vampire King's Cousin's daughter and she's undesirable. Try to bite her right ankle clean off; it's already wounded.
"So she's… Exotic?" [Gluttatosk] asked with eyes wide.
"Incredibly rare… Aged to perfection." [Nero] sighed while glaring at the Vampire Loli as she slipped on a Fish bone and dramatically fell over; seductively gasped… And then STILL managed to evade Roah's Hallowed Hammer by the nick of a ribbon in her hair as she pulled herself back up and continued on to face him with a smile.
Moments later, Gluttatosk happily ran toward his death and dove head first; like a true Shark… Right into Gallsciu's left leg. She seemed stunned, at first. But then, when his mouth opened; as he catapulted toward her… Revealing his incredibly sharp teeth; her face quickly turned to horror. She punched Roah in the nose and stomped on Gluttatosks face. He ended up eating shit on the ground, I believe he broke something in his face… But he spit some blood and teeth out… Got back up; and tried again. This time, with a grinning and battered up Roah by his side. These idiots… I love them.
This time, when Gluttatosk dove for Gallsciu's pussy… Roah swung his Hammer straight for the right side of her head. She ducked out of the hammer, but got a face full of Gluttatosk. She's now stumbling to get back up as he continues to dangle on for dear life; head deeply lodged into his teeth… Blood flying all over the place. I can hear her screaming from inside, but it's not a scream of fear… It's a warrior's scream. She's about to do something absolutely insane.
She… She grappled both sides of his mouth with her hands, and slowly tore him apart from the inside. He exploded into flames, so it wasn't incredibly gruesome for long… But when I saw the blood and guts, I saw them. I saw them all. Gluttatosk wasn't natural on the inside. Gluttatosk was like a bag of… Food. And Fish. Mostly just Fish. He was filled with Fish… THE FISH! WHERE DID HE GET ALL OF THIS FISH?! He doesn't even chew half of them… One of them exited his stomach… And it was still alive. It's still here, flopping around on the ground even after he evaporated. That thing… That Fish went to Halloween and back. It was captured, and released… Without my permission.
"How…" [Nero] muttered with eyes wide, mouth gaping open.
...Wait. If I… If I devour her… Will I be able to last long enough to return to Halloween? If I bring her with me, to Halloween… And I die… Will she be locked in Halloween with me for an eternity until I claim the realm? Even just… Even if Gluttatosk devoured her, and then returned to Halloween through my Lantern… I could cancel all the Hallowed Gates and lock her away for eternity; without my death being a requirement. The only issue is that he's meow at practically zero MP. He'd have a split moment to do it.
Oh, fuck… George and Serena stepped in; Serena dropped a few Bombs… Was instantly tackled and then strangled… And then George was mortified; probably as his one role in the party was to block, yet his ally died before he even had the chance… And then Gallsciu ripped a Bomb from Serena's cold dead hands, whipped it across the room at George; stunned him momentarily… And by the time that he had regained his composure; she was standing right beside him; with a finger pointing directly at his eye. She slowly drove it into his skull, Roah came up from behind her and tried to slam his Hammer into the back of HER skull; she literally popped a squat… It missed, and instead finished off George.
Everything… In the end… Everything, lands to me. I don't suppose YOU have any game changing abilities, Molag? Didn't think so. We're supremely fucked. This would've been a great time for me to use my year-cooldown ability… But honestly, I can't imagine a need for it meow. I'm too late. I have to say, though… I kind of thought we'd lose this battle to begin with. I certainly wasn't the one who picked this fight; Cetilla~ But I DID warrant it; so nyah…
[Shapeshift]! [10 Minute Makeover]! [Pumpkin Bomb]! [Pumpkin Bomb]! [Pumpkin Bomb]! [Pumpkin Bomb]! [Pumpkin Bomb]!
After glancing at my status… Nah. [10 Minute Makeover]!
...Nah. [10 Minute Makeover]!
Okay… So, I have around 442,000 MP remaining… 18,000 P. DEF, and 14,000 P. DEF. I look like… A Cowboy. Okay, grabbing my Lantern and Lianix… Let's get to it. I'm going to actually use them as weapons. I'm going to hit her with my Broom, or my Lantern. Yep. It might look lame, it might even sound lame… It's sure as hell going to feel lame; but I'm hoping it burns her alive. Cetilla, you're going to need to let my flames burn for a little while… I need things to get hot in here. Lianix… Convince her JUST how badly you need a Legendary boyfriend~
"[WAR MEOW] ONE MORE TIME FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK WHO COULDN'T HEAR ME BEFORE!" [Nero] roared as he slowly approached Gallsciu as flames erupted from his feet; spread all around the room, and engulfed the walls.
As she gasped for air, Roah finally got a hit in with his Hammer. Sadly, he too; was at a loss for air… And only managed to hit her ankle before collapsing. It was the ankle that had already been wounded… I felt immense joy from that fact as I whipped my Lantern, slamming her bloody face; as Conrad appeared to deliver his 1000 cuts. It appeared as though I saw her skin rip apart in a mere second, tiny cuts layered one after another as if they were fine sheets of paper stacked in a book... I saw them split apart and begin to sizzle. I believe I may have saw a piece of tooth fall from her mouth as she struggled to get back up. I could see a faint red mark left on her skin, as if she had been branded by the heat of my Lantern. I slapped her with it again; and again. I hit her face, each time; beating it more and more. She stopped getting back up, but she'd try to. I had my foot standing on top of Lianix; who was placed across her back. Smoke rose from my shoes as if I were melting her flesh simply by standing on her. I continued to use the short chain of my Lantern to whip her fallen head with the actual Lantern itself, and began to fell immense pleasure from seeing her hair burn off; revealing the battered and melting scalp beneath.
Each time she would wince in pain, my Broom would wedge further into her back; and cause her to scream louder. The fire in the room didn't stop burning… It turned purple, and continued to rage on into the next day. Penny's mind games eventually wore off… But I kept brutally murdering her for hours. The last words she ever said were broken, and difficult to make out at first... I later came to understand what she meant. She said that it was definitely one way to keep growing stronger... She was either mocking us, or commending us... For having asked for her power in our war, being refused; and then taking it the old fashioned way. I was restless, and sore by the time I dropped my Lantern and took a seat on the floor nearby. All of the furniture in the Dining Room had burned. It seems that even the Wailing Keep is eventually susceptible to my flames... But it will come back. And she's dead. She's really dead. Laurence is next. [Daily Candy]...