“This is nostalgic.“ Simos said now fully awake. His elbows both propped to support his inclined body.
“What is?” Delica asked.
“You know, with all of us riding at the back of Ilium. Me, mortally wounded. Lady Maou-chan, healing me. You, crying.”
“Hah, nostalgic,” Delica's brows' arched slightly in amusement, “when it all happened in one day?”
“It did, didn't it? Man, that was a long night!”
The part where Aiven was left out was not raised since the person himself doesn't care. He was busy taking account of their inventory.
The cool breeze of dawn greeted their party for the first time. Simos was slowly recovering. And Delica's purification was a success, you wouldn't have linked the dignified girl sitting promptly infront of him to the crazed Undead that wrecked havoc on the Cessine Fortress.
That was really a grueling night. Aiven breathe in fresh morning air and tried to relax his aching muscles. He really thought they would die!
They were now riding smoothly on a warm air packet that keeps them at a leisure pace. The horizon opens up before them in powdery streams of clouds tinged with the orange and carmine sunrise being slowly claimed by the cerulean skies. Behind them was the cultivated lands and farms which was hardly visible on their height, they could no longer make out the walls of Cessine City Fortress. The grassland where their city stands stretched through Gadawodd and Hawl's river veins and breaks down into streams as it enter the bordering forests of the kingdoms.
It was almost picturesque, especially with Maou-chan comfortably sleeping on Delica's lap, cradled by Delica's arms. A child in Maou-chan's age really needs sleep and what happened the night before has exhausted all of them physically and mentally.
The scales was biting on some their flesh, but it was made tolerable by a set of thick blankets made of soft fur and leathers latched from the dragon's underbelly. Not the most stylish drab, but enough to be bearable.
Once Aiven got a good grasp on his class, he promised to make a decent saddle for Ilium. Actually, what he has on mind was a tent. The air packets do not bring strong winds, it moves with the wind, so the very idea was plausible. But he has a long way to go. An image of a citadel carried by a dragon on its back came to his mind's eye. That would be really awesome. But he was not that ambitious, just a collapsible tent with a carriage-like structure would be enough for them.
Though he would need to fatten Ilium up to make the tent more balanced.
“Here you go,” Delica said, giving Simos a steaming cup of coffee. Leavened bread drizzled with butterhoney was being passed down one by one. The cup itself has [lava cubes] that keeps it piping hot, but would be lukewarn when touched by skin. Magic tools used for convenience has been on the rage for the nobles lately specially with the 500-year Demon War closing its chapter seven years ago.
When Delica's gaze settled on him, Aiven just said, “Your strongest, no sugar.” The usual.
Shaking her head disapprovingly, she continued brewing. The large vial in her hand was poured, stirred and shaken like a professional barrista, “Don't you think your slight obsession to drown yourself in pure coffee was the thing hindering your growth? You could beat a Sudri high in caffeine!” she asked, but there was still a hint of teasing on her.
“Impossible. Any Sudrine at aged three could brew coffee. And not everyone was stunted as Aiven here, no offense.”
None taken, afterall, the Sudri's Fire Mages were known to chew on raw coffee nuts. And it's not like Aiven was short, his batchmates just happens to be bigger than him. It's like his features was still that of his old world though his face has taken after his blood mother.
Even before his reincarnation Aiven has really liked coffee. His mother actually beamed when he started drinking three cups a day...a singular stereotyped to innate Fire Mages, but during those times, the best he could do with fire was a [Flint].
The beans cultivated and processed in Cessine City were one of the best he had tasted; aromatic bitteroot coffee with just the hint of ginger, Sufi Breweries, Buri Blend and any number of Cafes in the higher district--but Runsaer Kingdom was well-known for their exotic and particularly dangerous line of beverages and cuisines.
“Give him his coffee, it's either that or he'll drown himself in ink!” her brother conceded, sipping his drink with white smoke wisping through the air. But Simos suddenly went pale and looked at Aiven, "Aiven. I didn't mean--"
“Stupid brother. Do you really have to remind him?”
“Remind me what?” What are they apologizing again?
“Sorry about that,” Simos started keeping his head down in remorse, “we know scripture's a touchy subject, especially now that you have a tailoring class.”
“But--but don't worry! You could always take a another license to be a scribe! There's lots of Arvalarian who have multiple licenses for their crafts, like Grand Maester Tocelle of House Chattreuse and Maester Renish.”
“I've also heard Axiom Scriveners in the Holy Kingdom would normally took sub-class licensure in stone carvings so don't lose hope!“ Simos quickly added, giving a large pat on Aiven's back that slash a couple of his health.
Almost coughing his coffee from Simos' small act of encouragement, Aiven muttered “I don't want to be a scribe.”
““Eeehh??””
“I want to be [Scout].”
“That doesn't...make any sense. What about your subjects in glyphs you've been taking in the Training Grounds? The mountain of books in your collection? Bihorn Brushes sets, alchemical inks, scrolls?”
“Wait, didn't you said you volunteered to be a scout to explore old ruins, dungeons, so you could gather ancient texts and see old runes?!”
"Forced."
"Volunteered. Come on, Delica, 'til now?"
“I wanted to be a Scout so I could continue adventuring with you both.” Aiven replied, frowning a little at their blabbering. And an awkward silent came, two pair of eyes stared at him gaping. “W-what?”
Simos coughed, and smiled apologetically, “Eh, nothing. Nothing. I'm just not used...hearing you completing your sentences, you know?”
Delica giggled, obviously delighted to hear his answer, “Can't be helped, little Aiven, since all your retorts has always been a deadpan silence, the ever-universal glare or the simple groan that mercilessly kills the conversation,”
If he keeps his silence, he was suspicious. If he started talking, he was weird. Make up your minds, people! They both relaxed when he glared at them which just irritated him as he made his point.
“Come on Aiven, don't be like that.” Simos said, good-naturedly, “we also know you hate talking so you don't have to force yourself to talk.”
He does hate losing mana.
Delica handed him his coffee, “And you have no idea what your voice does.”
He looked at her puzzled, so Delica continued on, “your tone is oozing with mana. Pretty dangerous around beings who feeds on it...mainly us, don't you think?”
Her smile made him spine tingle with dread that his cup almost slip passed his fingers.
“If you want to ask me why I kept silent about it, it's because that place back then is so filled with such delicious miasma, I could not have noticed, so please stop giving me that accusing glare.”
“Ugh.”
“Ahah! Is that why those guys follow you?” Simos asked, his wounds forgotten, not that there is still trace of it after Maou-chan's healing.
“Uh? Delica's pets?”
“Hey! That's mean!“ Delica burst out, pouting.
“Ahahah, to call Undead as mere pets!”
What else do you call 'familiars' if not pets? He was not interested to be a tamer and with the high mana consumption rate of tamed familiars, Aiven easily scrapped it off to his list of things to spend his limited attention to.
“Well, it could be a factor. But you have to admit, Aiven's analytical skill is unmatched. The way you handled my Generals unflinchingly is remarkable.” Delica consented.
I didn't do anything remarkable. Seriously, where do they get their confidence on him anyway?
He paused then drink his coffee, savoring the taste before he went back to work. He want to sleep actually but his mind won't let him until he settled their current stand. Itching to do something, Aiven went back to his accounting duties.
Scribe? Really? All this time, they thought he would go for a scribe class? Why would anyone invite a boring useless scribe to their party? Sheesh, but what the hell, it's not that being a tailor is any different. *sigh
Six [Treasure Chest] bracelets hang on his wrists, 4 on the left, 2 on the other hand. And as natural as clearing up a messy cabinet, he opened all of them at once and started segregating the trash from the useful.
The [Inventory listing items] screen came to life almost overlapping infront of Aiven. Unlike the normal born people on this world, his brain was already haywired for multi-tasking. One of his advantages living in the technology-based era of mobile phones and computers.
Simos and Delica wasn't surprised at how easy it came to their friend. He makes it look so simple. A staggering amount of info was being loaded on Aiven's brain, and yet he could still scanned through everything with efficiency. The very first time they saw him do it three years ago, they were so unprepared they thought he has gone mad. But hours later and he was still functioning.
A monster.
----------------------------------------
Unlike them, he was the only who have handled taxes before, in a sense, so he really should be the one to handle their finances. He was just way too weak. I really am pathetic, aren't I?
As clumsy as Delica is, she just dumped all these materials and supplies on him--weapons, augmented items, and food supply that could feed a thousand for a forthnight.
The almost untouched wagons and caravans of subjugation campaign supplies--the loot from the Rust-Irons.
You would think by the chaos and all, Delica's familiars wouldn't have the sense to stash the loots away.
If he's not mistaken, the supplies were confiscated by Acromion's unit. Isn't he the familiar who gave him his first pay-out? Come to think of it, why would a walking corpse have spare coins to pay him anyway?
He can't help but be amused. That Undead Beastial has the making of a money-grubbing bastard! He likes him already.
Going over the loot, Aiven was thinking they could resell the weapons but all of the weapons were mostly base tier double-edged swords and spears. What's worse, it has the Fallen Rust Iron Insignia at the hilt. Too suspicious! There's no way he could sell these without linking them to the total annihilation of the Oreindr House. The arrows could be useful. There was no markings on them and they seem to be normal aside from the magic-casted ones which could fetch a more hefty price. But the feathers used were all the same. It's from a Burnheart Pigeon, a local avian at the Termina Silva Forest, the same forest they just passed by hours ago and the one that separates the Sila-ir and Oreindr lands.
Its color was brownish red. Similar to the Rust-Irons vermilion coat of arms.
His House Banner doesn't own an army so he was not sure if the feathers has meaning or not. He'll ask Simos later.
Looking at his growing list of questions, it's obvious that Aiven's concern was more focused on the food supplies.
Sacks of rye bread, potatoes and some ingredients for porridge. There's also the abundance of meat. What do you expect from warriors? It was just too much. There was no way they could finish it off. It'll only just take a week before it all spoils. He could save some with preservatives and ice magic but most of it would end up as garbage by the end of the month.
Let's just pray they'll encounter a starving village on the way.
Actually, maybe they should look for one. He could really use a normal bath and bed any time soon. He sighed, ah the pains for small comforts.
The items were all good. Their expiration were still years from now and since they have lost most of their newly bought supplies from Cessine Fortress, these potions and herbs were definitely welcome. No such luck on needles though.
For the item supplies, he'll mark them as hands-off for now. There was no way he'll sell them. The possibility of fraud and swindlers were too engraved on his old-world self, that his apprehension towards the merchant guilds could be seen as pure paranoia and unfounded--any merchants would be offended. Still, he was clear on his notion to limit transactions to merchants as much as possible.
He was still not finish on Delica's loot but his mind was already wandering elsewhere. You can't blame him because after this, he has to take care of 'that'.
Afterall, it's not only Delica who brought something over.
The pouch securely fastened on his belt has been uncomfortably filled with not just one black box, but eight! The other seven black boxes contains the whole Treasury vault of Canary Gold. Simos brought it along when he retrieved their family heirloom.
Just thinking about it already makes his palm sweat like crazy!
He could already imagine the treasures and golds stashed on these black boxes. But he has to steel himself. If the high class items were there, then the possibility of the Fallen Canary Insignia stamped all over it was high! Slash that, it's a certainty! Their status were too low in terms of level to use any of them, aside from Simos. And on a selfish note, he was a crafting class. Nothing was useful for him there even if he got the minimum level requirement. Again the loss was too much for his heart! He could almost weep.
Thinking back, it isn't the time to dawdle about it. Their very future hangs on every and any resources they could put their hands on.
With a nagging idea, Aiven cut into the siblings' normal bickering, “Delica, your Dwarvens, could they still smith?”
The two stopped and Delica placed a hand in her chin in deep thought, “Hmm, I don't think it'll be possible with their status overriden by [undead class]. They still have their living memory, so they might have the know-how.”
So melting the metals would have to be pushed back from their schedule. They don't have a furnace so that could be a long way off.
Wait...living memories.
“Tailor? Any tailor?”
“Eh? Um, sorry Aiven, none of my lovelies has Tailoring Class.”
“Tch.”
“Hey stop thinking they're useless just because you can't use them at the moment!”
Aiven answered her with a shrug and busied himself again. They went back to a restful silence while Aiven continued in his musings.
----------------------------------------
The weight of his ceremonial dagger from his House Banner was pressing on his skin. His hand moved and felt the crest on the scabbard. A lone shield. A House that protects. With his next agenda, he would really need the protection of his Banner.
While the sun still gives off a comfortable glow, Aiven started to wake Maou-chan.
With a yawn, the little girl wiped away the sleepiness on her eyes. “What is it Ai-neechan?”
Clearing his throat, for a tense moment all his party members' attention came to Aiven. And with as blunt as he could be, he finally said how he plans to adopt Simos. Saying they were shocked was an understatement.
“Oi Aiven, this is not a passing matter. You know my name's history! Knowing who I am, I don't think your House would approve!” Simos said as he straightened his position.
This was not spur of the moment. He has put a lot of thought on this and he has decided that this was the best course of action for them.
On the records, Aiven was the sole survivor of his banner, this makes him the current head of House Gallinthe by default. So it would be possible for him to create a blood contract with Simos.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
House Gallinthe was once a commoner's name mostly found in the Kingdom of Arvalar. Their ancestry can be traced to one of the small settlements that was absorbed in the Kingdom when the Three Kingdoms were just being formed. It was only through his father's stubbornness that the name was carried over when he rose in Banner Nobility which made his name more detestable to the Higher Bloods, since most of those who were granted of titles opted for a more heraldric name.
The last time he checked, his status as Herald was already placed under his titles. It would take a Bearer of Regalia to personally give and take this title away so the their banner still stand. His parents must have surrendered the title to complete their escape.
“I agree with Aiven.”
“You too?” Simos was aghast staring at Delica.
“I know you also have the Herald Title from our Fallen House, if we weigh the pros and cons of having the same banner of a Common House and that a Fallen Gold, whether as a relative or a shade, it's obvious which of these, people would pry more. In any case you would need a new identity, especially now that you are pronounced dead...again.”
“Ugh, how many times did we died already?!”
“Officially? Or literally?”
With that Simos and Delica started to smile. They were back together. They were still in enemy's territory but the thought that no one died permanently, made everything feel that things were not that bad.
Aiven faced Simos. He was looking straight at his friend, and with a practiced draw he unsheathed his ceremonial dagger. The engravings glistened with his House' crest and he handed the scabbard to Simos.
Simos was quiet, alternately glancing at the blade that was pointed at his chest and the scabbard made of ivory and silken threads.
A reluctant smile, then Simos said in resignation, “Do you really want me to be a part of your House?”
Aiven shook his head, and he could see Simos' face falling. “No, I want you to be part of my family.”
Simos smiled then, almost in embarrassment, “guess it can't be helped.” With his right hand, he clasped the naked blade until it draws blood. The insignia glows a pale light and while the metal was still drenched in his blood, Simos sheathed the ceremonial dagger, closing the blood contract between them.
Words for the Mana Contract came to Aiven as the connection between them started to solidify. Argh too many words. Let's shorten it a bit.
Wait, wait. Name? Crap, what should I name him? I need to give him a new name? Argh, whatever.
“Simos of Renounced House. Under my Name as Herald of House Gallinthe, my ancestor's blood on white banner, speak your new name.”
It took a while for Simos to pick up what Aiven said, and he sighed, “This is just like you, very well, I'll take the name Remus. In memory of my master.”
Remus. Is he talking about Musre? Remus and Romulus. The twins nursed by a wolf and then founded ancient Rome. Which one of them died?
“Remember the day of your second birth, Remus of House Gallinthe.” The image of them, Aiven's hand on the hilt, and Simos--now Remus, on the scabbard, makes it look like they were shaking hands with the dagger between them. Then the contract was sealed.
There's a growing restlessness in the back of Aiven's mind, just a nagging voice. Afterall, if he goes back to his past memories, isn't adoption also some of kind of marriage in Japan? The practice was for same-gender actually but, it's not like this was the same! It's a blood-contract! And for crying out loud! They're both minors, and he does not swing that way! This internal argument went on for a long time as Aiven tries to justify his decision. Well, it's over so whatever.
“Whoa, that wasn't so bad,” Simos said, checking his status immediately afterwards.
Aiven did the same, but there was nothing different in his status.
“Congratulations...Remus!” Delica said.
“Congratulations!” Maou-chan mimicked more enthusiastically.
Then a notification box appeared.
You have gained the Blessings of Hringra.
May you look upon my brethren in prosperity.
+Your Karma Status has been restored to neutral
+Fame [30]
Oh boy! Karma points? Neutral?!
With the shock of the notification window, Aiven clasped Simos in his shoulders. He was so happy he has to restrain himself not to give Simos-Remus a hug.
“W-hat? I should be the one thanking…”
But Aiven wasn't listening. He knows about the rumors but he didn't expected that he'll get this bunos.
Simos must also have the same blessings. It must be the reason why Simos didn't accumulate much negative karma even considering his dark past. Isn't that unfair? Well simply donating to their temple could gain karma, so you could say these points was a bit shallow on his opinion. It didn't surprise him if the gods would just give it away like some coupons.
The skills he gained in his infamy were still there though, his level 4 [Aura of Animosity] and [Aura of Aggravation] was still active. The [Deranged] status of his job class was still there. But at least his infamy has toned down.
“Blessings...from your ancestor.” Aiven confessed.
“Oh I see. That makes sense, you are my kin now afterall.”
“Ah I also remember that one.” Delica muttered. “How unfortunate I lost that blessing! It was really helpful in my line of job before, you know? Being a god-blood sure is fanciful.”
“God blood?” Maou-chan asked, listening to their discussion.
“You see, my brother here, Master, has the blood of gods flowing in his veins. He was a descendants from the long line of The God of Heaven, Hringra, Keeper of Scales and Justice.”
“You too?”
“Uh no, Master. I'm just your average [Vassal Lich]. But I will serve you with utmost reverence!“
“So one of your grandmother is married to a god?”
“Raped more likely. When gods aren't busy helping their worshippers, they help themselves to their worshippers.”
Simos, is that really something you tell a six-year old?
“Except for my Covenant, Myrkva of Hallow and Shadows, of course. Because every living he touches dies.”
Then Delica continued explaining. There were a lot of benefits in being a god-blood. These people were few in numbers but were well sought by the kingdoms. They were known to be gifted and could go beyond the ability of humanoids. But they were also feared and detested for their advantages.
Remus has the ability to use Heaven affinity magic, a special type magic that only decendants of Hringra could use. And the other one was his [Spirit Limiter], the ability to bypass the restrictions of spells and imbued artifacts, relics and arcanes. This means, he could use any spell and equipments no matter what level tier or class they are, as long as he has the capacity and ability to wield them. That was why Aiven calls Simos a cheat character.
“That's amazing, Si-Remus!” Maou-chan corrected herself and Remus visibly reddened in embarrassment.
But Maou-chan was already staring at the blood still dripping on his hand. Before Remus could ask, his hand was enveloped with light and was cleared of wounds in an instant. At least she learns fast.
----------------------------------------
Now that's over, next would be...
Aiven then went beside Maou-chan. “Maou, if you'll have another name what would it be?” Aiven asked.
Simos and Delica exchanged glances. They easily understood what Aiven wanted to do.
He also plans to adopt Maou-chan.
“Are you serious?! Nah, forget it, of course you are serious. Simos said, and he continued muttering, "adopting a fallen and now the Lady Maou-chan...you really are weird.” Apparently adopting a fallen noble was taboo. But who cares anyway?
And it's not like he has a choice. He can't let these two wandering around with their names a huge give-away. And also, the demon lord would cause havoc 500 years from now. By that time, he would be dead. He'll let his descendants handle it.
“A name? For me?” the little girl tilted her head. “Yuusha!”
“Denied.”
“Eh? But, Yuu-neesan's name…”
“Find another name.” Yuusha, the demon lord... just thinking about it makes his head hurt.
“I think Yuusha is a great name.” Delica said, eyes sparkling. Your drooling over Lady Yuusha is showing Delica.
It took a couple of suggestions until Maou-chan decided to call herself Mayuu, Myu, Mieu.
Mieu... It feels off for Aiven, especially since it sounds like a cat meowing. But if this what makes the girl happy, then so be it. And with the same ceremony with Simos, Maou-chan became his relative. During the congratulatory exchanges, Aiven expected a notification window to pop out again but nothing appeared. That's weird, being the demon lord, shouldn't she also have an effect? Hm, probably has to do with her seal.
“Me too! I can't let it be only Remus and Master! You have no choice but to adopt me too!”
Aiven gave an SOS signal to Simos. Both youth exchanged looks of understanding and this time Simos stood against it. “Don't be unreasonable Delica. The traditions and rules of the surface doesn't hold you anymore.”
“B-but..”
“I like Delica's name.” the sealed demon lord said.
“I see, so Master likes my name. Ara, then I am satisfied.” And it was settled.
Thank goodness. Nice one Maou! If he ends up also adding an Undead in their family ancestry, his mother would skin him! Not that adding a god-blood and the demon lord was problematic enough.
And Delica doesn't need a new identity because there's no way he'll let her be seen in public. If possible, it would put a lot off his shoulder if she just stay peacefully at the [Treasure Chest] Necklace he gave to Maou. Indefinitely.
For awhile they practiced getting used to their new identities. Correcting each other when their names slips, having conversations, until it became a second nature to them to respond to their names. Aiven also conducted a smalll ceremony for himself. Taking the full commemoration of his ascendance to the Heraldry, but he keep silent about it from his friends. It was normally a big celebration with a feast and offerings, but they don't have that luxury. Along with the ceremony was the Pledge to his House which he also shortened, and a grand motion to take a second name.
He choose the name Ainee.
“Ai-nee-ch, eeh...Ainee, are you okay?” the little girl asked concerned on the change of his expression.
No, he was not okay. But it's better than explaining why 'his youngest sister' has been calling him Ainee. The demon lord can't really call him any other name than that. She picked up Remus easily but when it comes to him, ugh, well he'll just go with it. It's not like he'll have the title forever. Right there and then, Aiven made it one of his life's goal to properly and officially relinquish the title to his real sister when the time has come.
Thinking about it, what was his sister doing right now? Leian should be fine. With the rate their going, he won't be surprised if his little sister outlived him by decades. He could make an effort to find his family but Aiven knows making contact with them right now would expose everyone to too many complications. He should just trust them and prays that his mother and father, wherever they may be, would forgive him for using their House this way. But he knows they would understand, why else would they transfer the title to him?
----------------------------------------
“We have to go down, Ilium's [Dragon Form] would dispel after an hour.” Delica announced minutes later, the 666 minutes countdown of the Draconic's inert skill was getting close. Aiven already read that part when Delica shared her familiar's skills earlier. That was why they're altitude has been slightly dropping by the minute.
Hmm, Mieu quickly look from left to right, “where are we?”
“Fellen's Valley, at the northernmost tip of the Edelei's Meadows. East of Arvalar, SouthWest of Runsaer. See that lake, Lady Mieu?” Remus pointed at the small body of water just past the green depths of the mountain ridges, “That's the Hawl's Den, nasty hole on earth, we'll circle around it and follow the High Road once we move on land.“
“I see,” She said, but she was clearly still confused with the barrage of foreign names. We really need to teach her a lot of things. “And where are we going?”
“We are going to the Black Kingdom of Runsaer.” Delica announced.
“Got it.” She smiled, happily agreeing without any clue what place that is. “And uhh, why exactly?”
“You see Master, Runsaer was the only kingdom at the moment where we could move freely and still have access to the Regalia.”
“To gather more information?“
“Yes. But before that, we need to cross the Austrine Borderlands. I think we could settle at the border by dusk.”
“Good.” She replied, with feign superiority, her back poised as she copies Delica's posture. She's trying too hard. Then she noticed the drinks they have and peered over Delica expectantly.
Seeing this, the lich offered her a cup, too big for her hands and Mieu brightened up. “Here's yours, Master.” She seize the steaming milk with both hands and tentatively sip the warm liquid not wanting for her tongue to burn.
She reminds him of a hamster nibbling a sunflower seed.
It took a couple more minutes when they finally reached the top of the forest's trees, and when they got behind a steep ravine, Ilium announced, “Braced yourself, Masters.”
With the simple wingbeat, the trees got cut and flattened until a good space for landing suddenly cleared under them and with a smooth swoop, they touched ground. The dragon lowered its head for them to go down, “Thank you Ilium. Please rest now.” Delica murmured and without anymore words the dragon was called back. His body dissipates in a small particles and compressed into a gem no bigger than pebble that was smugly fitted to her staff.
In the small circle of empty foliage and destruction, a group of four adventurers can be found. They stood there in silence trying to absorb what just happened to them and what they plan on doing next.
It was Remus who broke the silence, “Let's go, before anyone links us to Ilium,” he picked up the little girl in the same bridal fashion as before, “Same formation on Milodas. Vicinity check, Ainee. Area Affinity, Delica.”
Aiven and Delica sprang to their feet. Aiven started to activate his skills when Delica voiced out, “Fellen Valley Area Effect: Blessing of Freyra's Leaves,” Everyone in the party already knows the general description of the area when they entered the valley. The typical [Welcome Screen] came up two hours ago but because of Delica's sensitivity to mana, she could pull out more details, “+20% on Water Affinity, Earth Affinity. -30% on Dark, -20% Air Affinity. The Terrain also gives Four-Ten Drop Rate on Earth Magical Beasts.”
“No hostile in 3 block radius.” Aiven chipped in. It looks like the dragon's appearance scattered the Magical Beasts in this forest. Their destination was towards the main High Road that connects the Three Kingdoms of Man. They already have a general direction when they see the area from above. “Beasts are 1st-tier minimum, max Advance levels, raw level ranging from 100-140, no notable variants.” Then he paused, his eyes gleaming from using his [Mapmaking Skills]. “No civilization picked up yet.”
“1st tiers, what a pain. I'll get my twin blades, Leather Armor ++Enchant. We'll prioritize speed.” Remus murmured.
Aiven started giving out their equipments together with their resupplied bracelets.
“I'm fine with my equipment, but I suggest a protective earth cloak for Master Mieu. We're good with the stats, but I don't like the level gap between our party. Is it possible for one of my familiar to tank? I'll cover for Master.”
“No issue there,” Remus said and tried to gave Maou to Delica. But Mieu said she wants to walk on her own and started to struggle away from Remus. He looks rejected.
A little independence was good for her. With these two siblings, he wouldn't be surprised if the demon lord grow up into a spoiled selfish brat. Well, not if he can help it! He still has a few agenda up his sleeves.
Right now, Aiven has just landed on a golden opportunity that would not present itself for anyone.
The Demon Lord was still an innocent child. A pure adorable innocent six-something-year old. That means he could brainwas- *cough* influence her and steer her away from becoming a despicable ruthless all-powerful being that would razed against the all-known surface of Frear! Being bossed around by a brat doesn't sit well on him.
He might not be able to make her a morally good person, afterall, he isn't really into the good vs. evil...villains vs. hero... the whole labeling system. As far he knows, he has always been on a neutral apathetic. If you don't mess with his friends, he won't bother with your existence. Well mostly because his friends were already too much for him to handle.
Before she became a full-grown demon lord, he would make her his student! And he'll make sure to mold her into an upstanding model student.
Aiven placed his hands on Maou-chan's delicate shoulder and with a grim smile, he announced, "Maou, your training begins today."
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Extras: Their omitted convo on top of Ilium.
"So what is our story?"
“Four innocent siblings dreaming to become adventurers to travel the Known Surface.”
“Three innocent ordinary siblings.”
“Not fair Ai-i-nee! I can't be stuck in hiding inside a chest! I could be a cleaning corpse.”
“We are traveling novices, we cannot possibly afford a cleaning corpse.”
“Incognito then. It would be suspicious if children of no status suddenly offered coins on the streets for information. You could be nobles in disguise going for their 'Path' as custom. Hundreds of nobilities goes their passage around the Continent, a few more posing as one won't be a problem.”
“I'll be the big brother! We would stand out if there's no adult figure in our party. I could pass as fifteen anyway. I'll have to work on my disguise since I don't look like any of my cute little sisters. Isn't that right, Mieu?”
"Yes Simos!"
"That'll be Remus from now on. Remember, I'm your older brother now."
"Remus! And Ainee-cha...Ainee, will be my older sister?"
"Wonderful Master Mieu. Though it'll be Lady Ainee for me, huh?"
"..."
“Nee, Master Remus, don't neglect your other sister too.”
“My other sister is extremely shy. Isn't Ainee adorable?”
“Definitely Master! Her silent cool beauty would freeze anyone on their tracks, but my Master is still the cutest!”
“...”
"Hahaha, we're just messing with you Ainee. So anyway, we'll carry over our names to the adventurer identities. It'll make our authenticity better which would be a huge excuse in case someone use high level appraisal on us.”
“So what's left is the [Identity Rings]. How many are left?”
“4, 2 on Delica.”
“It looks like most of the identities left are wiped out. You could reset the rings, right, Ainee? Okay, we'll need each to have two rings. One for the adventurers part which would be our default rings. The other is for the Incognito nobles. When they got exposed, we still have Gallinthe's Banner to fall to. So we still need two more. Ainee, do you think you could make me level 80? I don't like starting from Rank-F rank. It'll eat a lot of our time. ”
We'll it's better than asking for a level 250. That time in the Rat's Ear Dungeon was horrible! I can't still forgive Si-Remus for forcing them on that forgotten Dwarven Arch!
“Also make Master Mieu age as five.”
“Too young!”
“Well, we can't be sure if Master Mieu is capable of aging in her sealed body. So even if we have to stay for two to three years in one place, Master's abnormality won't be a give away.”
“Eh, I won't grow up?”
“Hm, even the Lady Yuusha didn't age.”
“But, but I want to grow up like Yuu-neesan!”
“It's still not confirmed yet, Delica's case is a lost cause, but I haven't heard the Hero fighting a toddler Demon King during any of the Demon Wars in records.”
“Hey! I could get a new body, you know?! But not now, cause I don't think I can pull it off...now that I only have...1/100 of my ability. *sob.”
“…”
“I know it's my fault so shut it 'Lady' Ainee! Speaking of my familiars, I could really use some spare. I would have a need for it if I'll use my babies.”
“Sure. How many do you need?”
“About one hundred eight?”
"Forget it."
"It's five! I...will make up to it as I go along, I guess."
“So that's a seven [Identity Rings] more. *sign* If only they weren't that expensive. ”
“I, um, just a suggestion. Do we still have our adventurer's plates? Can't I use them?”
*Ainee nodded.
“Whoah! That's a wonderful idea! Your familiars could pose as us---when we set up adventurers. We couldn't use them when passing Cessine since we don't know how much info the enemy could trace back to us. It'll be too much loss to toss them away. Who are our most popular in the guild? Savan?”
“Lost it.”
“Eh?! What did you say? Not my the Iron-rank Monk. Do you know how hard it is to rank up on the guild while joggling four identity plates?!”
Who asked for you to register four times?!
“How about my Sintarus? Sain? Crap, Sintarus was in my inventory! Argh! I was working on him just this vacation! Asking to reforge our adventurer's cards is too much hassle. Ugh, I could have made it as an Apprentice Geomancer, I was this close in creating golems.”
*Ainee pressed only one adventurer's plate to Remus' palm and the boy snatched it up like a child, he quickly put it on and opened his status with a silent sigh of relief.
“Hah, only one of them survived? ”
“Remus”
“I know, I know. I'm not going to sneak out claiming to be another adventurer when posing as another one and jeopardize our shaky identity. The only back-history we have is that merchant Cirque, other than that, no one has yet heard of even a shadow of our existence. At least we could claim that we were using different name at that time with you, little sister, slipping her real name. As expected of Aiv-i-nee, heh, Ainee to think so far as carrying the name over.”
“But it is still a mere day-old background. ”
“Don't think too much about it Delica. It's not like we have enough preparation when we stumbled on 'Destroy the Whole World' Quest from Lady Yuusha. Anyway, we could still backtrack a little. I still got Sain but, ugh I'll have to give him up. This is really trying. ”
“Don’t worry Master Remus, I'll take good care of it! Let's see. I'll get another female. I didn't lost my adventurer plate, so I'll give up on my Danira. That'll make a Copper-Rank Swashbuckler and Shadow Priestess to joggle with my familiars. Thank high heavens we always wear robes when dealing at the guilds! Right, Lady Ainee?”
“You're enjoying this.”
“It's just your imagination, nee My Lady? Kuuu- this is so much like playing! I like it when people look down on me, makes it all too satisfying when they see how deadly wrong they are.”
“I don't get it. But anyway would your familiars have any problems with weapons and class distinction Delica?”
“For the nth time, their class is still that of [Undead] so as long as they don't fight, their corpse armory won't trigger! They could just hand the weapons as accessory.”
“Don't rage, a lot of you're summons are Beastials so I was a bit concerned on them using other weapons not of their kin. They do still stick to their clan's values?”
“Nope, they discarded it together with their shadows' sentient. Only their 'Summoning Request' links them from their limited living memories.”
“What clans were your familiars, anyway? Hah, I'm not familiar with the clans of Demi-humans. But I've always wanted to have a spar with a Beastials of Arbelos. They are one of the best swordfighter in the Known Surface.”
“Impossible, they are very secretive and exclusive that you'll only find them on the GodStairs Mountains on the Pride's Teritory. They have such a foothold on the mountain that the only humans allowed are the Long Walkers.”
“When did you became expert on Beastial Pride?”
“Hoh, you might not notice but I do have a tiny pack of Beastlies to command. ”
“More than half, right? I saw some Retiarus and Laquearius Beastials. I think the Laquearius is Lamina?”
“Just because Lamina uses a whip doesn't make her a Laquearius. She's not even a demi-human! She's Elven for the Shadow's sake. Seriously, Remus you really can't define a Beastial by their weapons, you know? Not all trident-wielders are Retiarus or dual-wielders a Dimachaerus.”
“That's odd, I didn't know Elven can have 'that size'.”
“And now you define race by their chest size? ”
“I-I didn't mean that! She doesn't have Elven ears so..I just...Ainee, help me here! It's common knowledge, right?”
“...”
“I know you can talk!”
End Convo
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