Nez

I wasn’t sure who was currently the most confused: Duke Dawnsfield or Senna. I should’ve put a in that room. I had no idea what the two talked about, but Nil had an expression I’d never seen him make before. When Luna called him Nil, he even defended her against her father. I’d say it’s some kid crush, but that doesn’t sound like Nil. Nil and Luna were waving at each other as she left. To surprise us even further, Nil just went and practiced his . Not some fancy . Not some . Just the basics. Senna looked stunned. What sort of did Luna use on Nil? I was really regretting not using now. I had the feeling the two wanted to talk without adults around but what could have possibly been said?

“Nez.” Senna chimed, giving me a baffled look.

“I didn’t spy on them.” I informed her with a shrug.

“Do you have any ideas?” Senna inquired. I’m as confused as you are.

“Possession?” I joked. Senna looked less than amused at my joke.

“What could the two possibly have talked about? Did they do something else?” Senna pressed. Her eyes were twitching a little. Not that her confusion is unjustified.

“Senna, they’re five; what conversation they possibly had, however, is beyond me.” I retorted.

“Why did she say Duke Dawnsfield?” Senna asked, looking utterly perplexed.

“Nil probably didn’t know his rank.” I told her. How did Luna know that now that I think about it?

“How did she know?” Senna probed. If I knew that, I wouldn’t be nearly as confused as you.

“No idea. I have a feeling if we probe Nil is just going to act stupid.” I answered.

“Why would he keep it a secret?” Senna mumbled, looking a bit deflated that I was likely right.

“Nil practices like a demon possessed in secret. It won’t hurt for him to have this little secret.” I told her.

“Fine.” Senna sighed.

“We can keep an eye on it for now, but I have a good feeling about her.” I comforted Senna.

“You better be right.” Senna retorted, glaring at me. I know you’re protective of him but relax. Not everyone has ill intentions. Granted, if you told me Duke Dawnsfield’s spoiled brat would somehow befriend Nil, I wouldn’t have believed it.

“It’s fine. Just take a few breaths. Stress isn’t good for the baby.” I continued while doing little deep breath motions.

“Would it kill Nil to be remotely normal?” Senna sighed as she shook her head a bit.

“He’s got quite a few and a strong desire to learn. It would be weird if he was normal.” I pointed out to her.

“That’s not comforting.” Senna replied with a sigh.

“He also is related to Nox and Azzeck; they are not the most normal too.” I pointed out. Senna chuckled.

“Okay, you have a point. Whenever Nil is a bit abnormal blame his father. You are absolutely correct.” Senna laughed.

“Exactly.” I agreed with a small chuckle.

“Is everything okay?” Azzeck asked as he appeared with a to check in on her.

“It’s your fault.” Senna informed him. Azzeck looked a bit confused.

“What?” Azzeck checked, trying to figure out what he was being blamed for.

“It’s your fault Nil is different.” Senna added. His confusion didn’t lessen.

“What happened with Luna? How is it my fault?” Azzeck inquired, looking befuddled.

“The two got along splendidly. Nil even took it easy for a day.” Senna explained with a smile and nod.

“That’s great! But why is it my fault Nil is a bit off?” Azzeck cheered, seeming to finally grasp Senna was teasing him.

“Can’t even take responsibility.” I teased.

“Shameful.” Senna taunted, giving him a smirk.

“I’m glad you found a way to relax dear. I need to get back to work.” Azzeck chimed as he gave Senna a quick kiss goodbye.

*

??????

I woke up, seeing my clock. That’s not right. How? I recalled the events I could remember. That sly dilwaul. I chuckled a bit. I think he’s the first to attempt this. I checked my . It reset; he reset the clock. That monster had to know it would kill the current him though. A price he probably paid willingly.

“Your Excellency, breakfast will be ready in ten minutes.” Mahdi chimed from outside my door.

“Thank you, Mahdi. Bring me a report on Tenebrae as soon as possible.” I requested, massaging my temples a little.

My mind felt a bit foggy as I tried recalling events. I underestimated him. He knew I was coming. To think he realized he would lose. It had been so long since one had been fun. I made my way to breakfast, seeing Mahdi was ready with the report. That was fast. His silver eyes were clearly concerned. I slowly sipped my coffee as I saw the altered events. Nil’s a lot smarter than I thought.

“What’s wrong Your Excellency?” Mahdi checked, clearly not understanding why I wanted this report.

“For the first time in a long time, I have someone to keep a thorough eye on.” I answered as I kept browsing the file.

“Who?” Mahdi probed.

“Nil Sathanas Crowthorne.” I informed him with a smirk.

“The plan to kill Nez Phoenen going awry was some bad luck, but I fail to see why that warrants your attention.” Mahdi stated, clearly not following.

“His little brother Ein survived our plan as well. It wasn’t bad luck, nor did Nil originally practice so early. That was a tactical, deliberate move.” I retorted.

“What do you mean Your Excellency?” Mahdi inquired, oozing pure concern. You can relax a bit, but that’s not in Mahdi’s nature.

“Nil altered the events that were to happen; he also made sure not to inform them of my existence so as not accelerate the clock. It isn’t losing if the match was never fought. I have to give him credit, he’s the first Reincarnator to force a rematch.” I explained. And he realized that there are restrictions to my interference until a point. How did he figure that out?

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“We should still be able to use Solomon despite his interference. That human king is still fully on our side as well. Nil should be easy to attack and isolate steadily.” Mahdi pointed out, looking annoyed.

“I’m aware. We’ll stick to our plan for now but will need to consider adjustments. He made such minor changes, and it’s amazing how large of a change they’ve created. Nil is more cunning than I gave him credit. Regardless, what was on the docket for today? My mind’s a bit foggy from being reset to here.” I ordered. Thankfully I set up to account for variations in decisions. Good thing it worked against Nil resetting the clock for himself.

“There’s a Reincarnator on Meliti that you were going to deal with today. of . First name is Zr-“ Mahdi began.

“Zro Oxkebure. I remember now. This will be no problem.” I finished. This is going to take some sorting out.

Now that I was more on track, I enjoyed breakfast. As I ate, Ariam burst in. What does she want? Mahdi glared at Ariam for her sudden intrusion. Ariam is allowed where she wants to go, Mahdi. I guess he might be on edge from what I told him. Ariam was smiling wide as she plopped down in the seat across from me.

“$^!*$ how is it this lovely day?” Ariam asked as she put her boots up on the table.

“Why do you still try and call me by my name? I thought I made it abundantly clear that I erased it.” I probed, sighing a little.

“Because ‘Your Excellency’ is about as snobby as the Reincarnators you despise.” Ariam taunted. Mahdi obviously bit his tongue. Mahdi might need a vacation. He’s always high strung though.

“I have plenty of titles to go by.” I pointed out, knowing how little it would sway her.

“But I liked your name. Was erasing it seriously necessary?” Ariam whined, giving me her pouting face.

“It was. It needs to be known to all that I am not just separate from them, but they are not worthy of even knowing my name.” I explained. Ariam was giving me an oh really? stare in response.

“Really sounds like pretentious nonsense to me.” Ariam teased. I sighed. That’s what she wants.

“If you want something to do, a Reincarnator known as Nil Sathanas Crowthorne managed to reset the match with me. Either figure out how he did it, or how to adjust the plan moving forward.” I informed her as she grabbed the file.

“Reset how?” Ariam asked thumbing through it quickly.

“He altered events that already happened to destroy the timeline he was in and give his younger self a better chance in our match. I have no idea how he did it.” I explained. Ariam acted like the ground was shaking in response.

“What?! the great $^!*$ doesn’t know?! It’s possible?!” Ariam mocked as she acted like she needed the table to remain in her seat.

“I’m knowledgeable, not omniscient. I thought he had , but he might not.” I retorted. Ariam is in a mood today.

“What if he has a like you?” Ariam probed. She’s probably right; it’s the most likely case.

“ has always been associated with Kron. I guess the being able to manipulate Fate is quite possible.” I stated. I doubt his ability will catch up to mine on Tenebrae though.

“Didn’t you mock Tenebrae as being behind the curve on knowledge? And someone from there managed to hit you with a that altered your plans immensely. You might need to retire in shame.” Ariam taunted. My eye was twitching a bit.

“Why are you being extra bratty right now?” I sighed before sipping some coffee.

“It’s fun.” Ariam answered immediately.

“Fine. We can go out later. Before that, I have a Reincarnator to kill; his time is up.” I conceded. She won’t stop until I give her something.

Ariam looked mighty pleased with herself as I stood up. Mahdi walked with me to the of Meliti. The two of us walked through it, immediately being greeted by immense heat. This place was such a crappy desert. I almost didn’t want to conquer it. I am not leaving a single one of them alive. And if I had to come here to deal with a Reincarnator, I would take the world into my kingdom.

“Who are you?!” Zro snapped at me.

“I shall introduce his Excellency, the Nyx Mage, He Beyond , the Void King!” Mahdi exclaimed. Two titles and an Excellency; Mahdi is being fancy today.

“What do you want?” Zro checked as he began forming his .

“Normally, I’d play around a bit, but today I have to do some research and an obligation later. I’ll make this easy; I’m here to kill you Zro.” I answered, wanting out of this heat.

Zro didn’t waste a moment to attack me as Mahdi faded away. Zro had an interesting . He appeared in my shadow to attack me as he manifested a claw of . Zro had some interesting ideas. I mimicked the shadow trick, attacking him with his own claw. He was absolutely confused.

“What?” Zro exclaimed as he narrowly dodged the attack. His was a bit better than the rest.

“Any you can make, I can make. You did have some interesting ideas for , but I can remember them all now. Outside of being innovative, you were astonishingly weak. I guess necessity breeds innovation. Farewell.” I informed him as I made a blade of light.

“How can you use ?” Zro snarled, preparing to dodge.

“Oh? Did you assume I had ? I guess it’s an easy mistake to make. When I said I can mimic any , I meant it.” I taunted with a smirk.

“That’s imp-“ Zro began.

In an instant, I used to destroy his head. Idiot couldn’t even sense I was prepping another . He was too focused on the . From nearby, I heard a bereaved cry. Oh? I guess he had a lover. I walked over, seeing her screaming at me. Loving one of those monsters. I reunited her with Zro. I will scrub every last trace of them from every world. I shuddered. Imagine breeding with the vermin. It’s near bestiality. Luckily, scrubbing every last trace of Reincarnators from worlds was not difficult. Just a tad tedious. But like most infections, you have to thoroughly get rid of where it may have spread. Made it so much easier to get rid of them along the way. Which Nil has now made more difficult.

“That was boring. You know the drill Mahdi.” I stated as I returned through the . Hopefully conquering Meliti for me will get him to relax a bit.

“Why did you even bother killing him if he was that weak?” Ariam inquired as I stepped through the .

“The only good Reincarnator is a dead one. You should know that.” I shot back. Didn’t even take me until lunch.

“Not that I’m disagreeing with you, but if your didn’t tell us, I wouldn’t believe it.” Ariam retorted, dancing around me a bit.

“Not my fault I can’t stop them from coming into this Realm. And if the Lords won’t do anything to stop their scourge, I will.” I added on. They’re like an unending infestation.

“I know. I know. Come on, let’s go to Arcadia! It’ll be fun, $^!*$.” Ariam declared before grimacing a little.

“Do you hate the fact I erased my name that much?” I probed. Her pouting face gave me the answer.

“Yes, I liked being able to call you by your name. So, what a Reincarnator was able to figure it out?” Ariam pouted, looking upset.

“Who knows what else they could do with it.” I defended myself. Might have been a tad hasty if I knew Ariam would dislike like it this much.

“I still think it’s silly.” Ariam pointed out.

“It is pragmatic. Who knows what she could have done with it.” I insisted. I’m taking no chances what one of the roaches could come up with involving a person’s name.

“Be that way; I know I won’t change your mind. Come on, someone’s been neglecting me.” Ariam sighed.

“I’m sorry.” I apologized. I might need to balance my time better.

Ariam grabbed my hand and dragged me towards the for Arcadia. Maybe I have been working a bit hard recently. It was a lot of work ruling my kingdom. Still a lousy excuse. Didn’t help that Reincarnators were an unyielding infestation. I’d rather have to deal with roaches than them. Focus. It’s time with Ariam. We walked through the and were promptly greeted by thunderous applause.

“All hail the Void King! All hail the Void Queen!” was chanted so loudly my ears were ringing.

I looked at Ariam, who was smirking. The two of us walked through the crowd, with countless people cheering for us. After a few minutes, I used to get us some peace and quiet. I used a bit of to disguise the two of us. I just want some quiet time with Ariam.

“I liked the cheering.” Ariam groaned, leaning against me.

“My ears are ringing.” I defended myself, trying to pop my ears so the ringing lessened.

“I know. It’s why I chose here.” Ariam informed me with a smile.

“I’m sorry. Let me make it up to you.” I replied. Please know what you want.

“Hmmm. How do I want it made up to me?” Ariam mused. She already knows the answer, that’s good.

“Please Ariam. I deeply regret my actions and want to make it up to you.” I groveled. Her face let me know I hadn’t groveled enough.

“I am sorry that I haven’t spent enough time with you. I will manage my time better so we can have more dates. I don’t deserve someone as amazing and understanding as you.” I added on, hoping it was enough.

“Let’s go to the Azhman Park and watch the ducks.” Ariam answered. She wasn’t that annoyed thankfully.

I followed her to her favorite bench. I should’ve guessed this. Ariam leaned into me as she summoned some feed for the ducks. We tossed some for them as Ariam was smiling. She loves this place. I used some to make a few rainbows appear. She looked at me with a smirk as she knew what I did. We relaxed there for a while enjoying the scenery. It’s so peaceful here.

“So, how does it feel knowing a Reincarnator managed to change the game on you?” Ariam probed as she nestled into my arm.

“An unexpected setback. I just need to get ready for dealing with him a bit more than the others.” I answered.

“You’ll get them all, right?” Ariam checked, snuggling into me a bit more.

“I have zero intentions of ever sparing one, don’t worry.” I assured her. Lords I wish they’d just stop coming.

“It’s why I can forgive you being busy.” Ariam informed me.

“Don’t worry, not even Nil will be able to escape my justice. There’s not a point in time, a place in space, nor a rock to hide under where I won’t find him. Rest assured love, I will exterminate every last Reincarnator.” I assured her as I set my head on hers. She gleefully snuggled in.