So there is a reason behind this game like system? Behind Status, and skills and all that? This is massive!

"First of all, let me explain the truth of this world. Because that leads into the creation of the system. First of all, let me tell you that the Supreme God, Tektos...is a complete asshole. You cant trust him, and people from the main church might just be his minions there to enslave you, brainwash you, or kill you. There are innocents among them, but the main church is also full of twisted people. Including child predators for that matter, but I try to kill them when I find them, but to be safe dont trust them".

A few of them, especially Bell, didn't like the sound of some of that, but they listened intently. Rikuo as well, who was the most curious of all about these revelations, was listening with great interest.

"But the main enemy of all Otherworlders, of all beings in this world, is the Supreme God of this world, Tektos".

"The supreme god is the enemy?"

"So he wants to wipe out mankind or something?"

As some of the summons asked various questions, Aruu just shook his head.

"No. Vampire boy, you must have heard by now right? How Otherworlders typically end up dying once being discovered, and how no matter how many are summoned or reincarnated, they seem to get picked off one by one after a few years or so, if not en mass?"

"Are you saying that is Tektos, even though he is the one that supplied the summoning spells and such?"

"Every so often, he gets really zealous to sweep the board and start clean. That said, although certainly its better and you last longer if you fit in and adapt to the culture of this world, maintaining the culture of this world, or forcing people to worship him or his ideology is not why he does it".

Rikuo found himself tightening his own fists as he heard this. He had a bad feeling, like there was something terrible and aweful.

"This god, Tektos...do all gods follow his ideology?" one girl asked.

"No, not all of them....erm, sorry" Aruu mentioned, looking at the four of them who were still stretching while listening. They were still clearly embarassed, but at least for the moment they were not covering themselves. "You are embarassed, but seem to be adapting better then I expected...ah way, not what I wanted to say. What are your names?"

The eleven year old blonde haired boy, who had one beautiful deep purple eye and one vibrant lush green eye. "...you didn't know even though you came to save me? You can just call me Bell...just Bell is fine".

"Erm...if its okay, I would prefer to just be called Lyr. Like, from musical lyrics" the thirteen year old black haired girl with hazel eyes requested.

The red haired boy spoke up next, with eyes that seemed to match his bright red hair. "You can call me Note then".

"...I guess we are making this a theme then? Sure, okay. I am Ry, short for Rythem" the brown haired brown eyed fourteen year old said, sighing as if it couldn't be helped.

"You all know Bell is my actual name right?" Bell said, a bit shocked by everyone else.

"Yeah, but you also didn't share your last name...so this is our own way of moving on".

"Right, okay. And...you two are?" Aruu mentioned, looking to the only two clothed people in the room.

"Rikuo. I am actually thirteen".

"Ruuruu, but just Ruu for short is fine. I am also thirteen".

Everyone else aside from Aruu looked at them with a bit of doubt.

"Rikuo, before I continue...did you do some sort of advanced search method when you summoned them?"

"Yeah...I didn't want to just summon people and force them to be a part of the affairs of this world, so I limited the search by having the spell look for souls who...well, in the end, those who would not just like, but essentially need to be in another world. People who had nothing to hold them there, and would gladly come to and adapt to this world".

"I see...that explains why they seem to be withstanding such a situation. Usually, new summons are too embarrassed to even stand up, and just sit there touching...well, covering their private parts".

"Could you please not remind us...we are trying to use your story to distract ourselves right now".

Lyr especially seemed to be in the worst state, since she was the only naked girl in a room of boys, most of whom were also naked.

"Sorry sorry, I will continue now" Aruu said, resuming where he left off. "Anyways, to answer your initial question Lyr, not all gods agree with it, but as Taktos is the Supreme God and holds the most power, everyone has to play by his rules. He does have plenty of supporters among the gods though, but there are those who disagree, and some who are even taking action against him in secret...and not so secret, in some cases. Of course, his power is divine, but if he does things haphazardly and punishes without justification, even his supporters would rally against him, and that would be too much for him to deal with".

"I see....but, then if not for culture, why does he do all of this? And how does it relate to the System and Status?"

"Because, as beings get older and exist for longer, they can eventually become more okay and used to things. Like me, I have been alive for more then a thousand years in this world, so I can stand here in front of you all like this without issue. That said, that doesn't make me some weirdo or vouyer. I just dont care, but I will still put on clothes if I am going out to do stuff or the like. Thats because age alone doesn't turn someone into a creep, or an asshole who enjoys watching mass murder and violence for his own pleasure".

Hold on...what is he getting at...

Rikuo felt as if he might be starting to understand where this was going.

"And so, he decided to use this world for his own pleasure as well. Setting up the pieces, having wars and heroes, adventurers and dungeons and other things. Because that is what this world is to him. Its his gameboard, his video game screen. They move the pieces, make their decisions from afar, going against each other and the Demon Lords and Demon King".

Everyone felt a wave of emotion and fear fall over them as they heard this, with the new summons falling back on their rears from sheer shock.

Right...now that I think about it, before I was born in this world or got my memories at least, but after my death...the system was talking through the procedure...they mentioned us as "players". So that was why it said that?

"...wait, so the gods of this world...this whole world, at least to Taktos and his group...its just a game, and we are just...pieces on a board to him?"

"Yes. And that is why he made Ciel create the System, and the Status. To provide basic information and ways to measure one's strength. Its also meant to be a support system, to make the fights more interesting, but also...its to help try and limit anyone gaining the power or ability to affect or go against the gods, by providing those linear, easier to go down pre-set paths".

"He made Ciel...so Ciel is not allied with him then?" Rikuo asked to confirm.

"Oh dont get me wrong, Ciel is an idiot. He is also a genius, but still an idiot at the same time...trust me, I have more then enough experience with him. But no, he ultimately is a good person at heart, and wants to break this cycle. But he doesn't have the power to go against the Supreme God, so until something changes, or one of us gains the power to challenge him somehow, that wont change. They made sure to modify and update the Status System long ago to prevent that though".

Bell couldn't help but notice that wording.

"Modify? Update?"

"Ah, the truth is, when I first reincarnated in this world, it also featured levels and attributes, such as strength, dexterity, agility, endurance, magic, and charisma. However, although some of us had been able to surpass the limits expected of us, they did not change it until the Demon King started to find various exploits, and began gaining power to rival that of the gods. Fearing this, they altered it so that while those of us that gained power from it did not lose what we had, we or anyone else could not gain any more power from it. I think, before this was finally done, the Demon King broke several level caps. He was a little over level two thousand I believe".

Hearing that sent shivers down all their spines. There was such an absurd thing that was in this world.

"Anyways, but now you understand it right? The truth of the world, and why it has a game like system?"

By this point, even Ruuruu could not stand, and Rikuo had not been standing from the start. The other four were in shock as well.

I knew something was up...the fact that a god was telling me to break past the limits of the system...so this was why. This was why Ciel told me that, why there is a system in place. Right now, all of our actions so far most likely...they have all been because we are pieces in a game...does that mean we are being used even right now?

Rikuo felt as if his world was shocked. But Aruu just clapped his hands together.

"That said, if you want to survive all this, you all will need to get as strong as you can, as quickly as you can. As of right now, I can sense it outside...there is a ridiculously high amount of Otherworlders in this area alone, and from what I investigated on the other side, there was a lot brought here even before all the kingdoms and such started to do Hero Summonings. Otherworlders are used because of their potential, but remember how I said Taktos clears them out every so often?"

The group did remember that, and nodded.

"Its because he already has some worries about the Great Thirteen, the thirteen Demon Lords that have evolved far beyond normalcy and obtained great strength. His prefered method of dealing with them is to use Otherworlders and Demon Lords and have them kill each other. That said, if Otherworlders survive for too long, they can become a threat to him, so he eliminates them all as well. So you will need to gain strength, but if you make as little noise as possible, following the culture and beliefs in this world like their holidays, religions, dress code, typical food dishes, nude swimming, adventuring, not minding that children can work and do jobs in this world, so on, you should be fine".

"Is it really that important though...to adapt and blend in?"

"We have no right to impose our wills or culture on this world, or force them to change. And standing out ourselves can be dangerous, and even if it wasn't...its their world, their culture. Even if its dangerous, or weird, or embarrassing, or something you are not used to...we might be forced to adapt to their culture, but that is the respectful thing to do. You shouldn't arbitrarily force them to change because you dont like or enjoy something, and you should go along with it out of respect. I cant promise my answer is perfect, but that is the best conclusion I came to. And especially right now, this is for the sake of all our lives, and the lives of everyone in this world...though, I would give the same advice even if it wasn't".

The group seemed to nod and understand, as they felt a massive explosion outside.

"Hey, so what exactly is going on here?" Aruu asked.

"At least one Demon Lord is causing an army of Demons to attack the Imperial Capital, probably to try and kill me and a bunch of other reincarnators, and also probably to stop the summoning and kill everyone here. In all honestly, I should have probably returned immediately, but...this felt important to listen to".

Aruu nodded, and then decided on his next course of action. He suddenly stretched his arm out as it turned into a large slime like arm, and pinned empty air to a wall. At least, it appeared that way, but then an Imp appeared there, looking quite scared.

"Yo, Ritz. Nice to see ya".

"D-D-Demon Lord Aruu..."

"Wait, Demon Lord?"

"You get declared one when you are actively looking for ways to kill Taktos".

"Ah...I get the feeling there is more to it though" Ruuruu muttered.

"Well, you are not wrong. I did properly evolve into a Demon Lord after all. Now, Ritz, its so great you are here. As I mentioned, everyone here should be fine or get used to the ways of this world, but as it happens, its still considered quite embarrassing for adventurers, warriors, ect, to be caught naked on the battlefield. If I recall correctly Ritz, you have the ability to teleport to all of our Demon Lord castles to serve as a messenger for Rassle, and can also teleport to any location you have been to in the last twenty four hours right? So, you can run home for me, and get me my work clothes...ah yes, and some clothes and gear for these four, correct?"

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Ritz just nodded, seeing the supposedly innocent but actually terrifying smile that appeared on Aruu's face.

"Good. Then go and get some things for me. Obviously, you have no say in the matter" Aruu said, as a part of his slime arm detached and then crawled inside of the imp's head. "Cause, I will totally lacerate or reprogram your brain if you dont return here with the goods in the next five minutes".

"Hiiii! I understand, I am going I am going!"

The imp suddenly disapeared, teleporting away.

"Right. Rikuo, you go on ahead. I am going to quickly give these guys a full medical checkup".

"Wait what do you mean by..."

Before Bell could finish, his arms suddenly became tentacles and picked the four of them up, as they seemed to move around their bodies, collecting information from everywhere while held in place so they would not squirm.

"You had a nicer way of doing that I bet though" Rikuo muttered as he left.

"Eh, did I hear you ask to take part as well? I would have to strip you first..."

"I said nothing have fun I am going now!" Rikuo declared as he and Ruuruu left.

Once he left, Aruu sighed.

"Oh, I forgot to mention, but while modifying your souls, I made you all pseudo-immortals. Should help in the long run, and it means you have plenty of time to adapt to this world and get stronger, though I still recommend doing it as fast as possible"..

Such an absurd thing was said.

----------------------------------------

Meanwhile, a few minutes earlier...

"Didn't the gate close? How are there still this many? I through they were thinning out, but up here on the upper floors there are so many of them!"

Rayheart complained a bit as she cut through another demon, continuing to move and never stopping. Lutessa was the same, as were all of their companions that were with them right now.

"The throne room is just up ahead...hopefully we are right that the others rallied there".

"I am sure Kotori would have told us something if they were not!"

Yulari said such a thing, but Rayheart was not sure his visions were always so accurate or telling. It seemed to be very inconsistant at times.

We still dont know what parts of it meant, like the four tokens.

While thinking that, they saw the entrance to the throne room, and a rather large demon with a massive weapon fighting someone. Using an ornate but powerful sword filled with magic, and magic also in his off hand, there was a boy there that triggered the pangs of familiarity for Lutessa, Fang, Ardet, and Arlit, but not for Rayheart or Yulari.

"Raevin! Get clear!"

Rayheart shouted that, as she charged forward while swinging her Holy Sword. Raevin quickly hopped back, and at the same time spirit arrows rained from behind Rayheart and struck it repeatedly. Rayheart then went full charge, however her speed and power increased further as the twins cast support based spells to help her.

The results from this was a massive slash against the demon, and one of its arms coming off, but it was still well alive. This was followed by Yulari though, who went in from behind as it tried to counter attack Rayheart, and aimed for its head with both her swords. Cutting clean through, the head rolled off...but it just laughed at her as it kept attacking.

"Fang!"

"On it!"

Fang rushed over at full speed, going to crush the head, while Yulari aimed at its heart. It tried to knock Yulari back while also stepping in front of Fang, kicking in the location he was about to be in to knock him away and do damage. This did not work though, as suddenly his leg caught on fire which hurt and surprised him, making him stumble backwards as Fang went inbetween the legs and reached the head, crushing it with a single blow. And while it was off balance, Yulari and Rayheart both attacked its chest and cut their way to the heart, slicing it in half.

And yet, it was still moving.

"That thing has two hearts! It will regenerate unless you destroy both, the second is on the other side of the torso!"

"On it!" Rayheart said, cutting open the torso wider. It flailed around to knock them away and make them retreat, but a few arrows passed by his limbs and went into the open wound, piercing the second heart. With that final blow, the demon collapsed, having finally become a corpse.

"...I guess that was a higher level Demon" Rayheart mentioned, when she looked behind. In the room, in the very back, the crown princess was treating injured royal guards, and it was only Raevin left that was able to fight. There were also several corpses of demons similar to the one they just killed, along with the corpses of weaker demons. "What happened here? You lasted longer then them?"

"No, as the royal guard, they insisted on taking the front instead of a noble child. As such, they all recieved more wounds then me first...I had a potion so I healed myself, while the princess and king use their powerful life magic to heal the guards".

Understanding the situation, they all came into the room, and checked around. The others were relieved to see such reinforcements, but they did not look all that happy.

"This is not enough. Guys, we have an issue. We ran into a crazy powerful Demonized old man named Demon lord Urtan. We used an expensive disposable short range teleport crystal to send him off and survive, but he will be back any minute now".

As she said that, they could hear an army of Demons closing in on their location. It seemed like they had overrun most of this area of the castle by now. At least none were coming in through the skylight, but who knew how long that would last.

Yulari then looked around, and noticed a few people missing. "Where are the others?"

"Herra got isolated from us, and Sora and Arila went to intercept and deal with an issue. Iosi then sensed something as well, and went to deal with it since he thought the fight might get too explosive to happen here".

Even though that seemed bad for them, Rayheart was smiling internally.

Thats good Kotori. So you are not facing whatever you saw alone.

"Everyone!" Herra's voice screamed, as it boomed through the halls. "Elite Assassins, prepare for combat!"

The moment she said that, Herra ran around the corner and entered the room, with spectral daggers homing in behind her.

"Sanctuary Barrier!"

The twins immediately Dual cast a spell, and created a barrier in which Herra could pass through, but the daggers were repelled. That said, the moment they were, they exploded violently.

"What assassins exactly?"

"Remember how I said when we talked earlier, the assassin group we fled from? Pretty sure these guys are the more elite versions of those guys. I was able to kill a few I think, but the moment I started coming here they targeted me en mass. I cant deal with them all alone, and they keep cutting through my Shadow Art String...well, I do admit I stole that idea from them in the first place".

The way she kept binding and slicing others to pieces even when she was not there was by using Shadow Arts to create a sort of invisible string, spreading it around eveywhere, then tightening it around their enemies and applying enough pressure to cut them to ribbons.

However, this was essentially adapted and stolen from their operatives they fought in Tyrla, so after using it one time, they adapted.

I wasn't even aware there were people outside the room looking into it, but they clearly had to. Any technique I use is never as effective again, I have to keep changing up my style just to deal with them, let alone kill any of them. These guys...are way superior to me.

Unfortunately, both of their ominous statements came to fruition, as both the elite assassins and the army of demons arrived.

And leading the group, was Demon Lord Urtan, and another figure wearing all black, and even had a black mask on.

Darius? Has to be, but why is he masked? Does he have no confidence, or does he plan to pretend to save the royal family later, use it to boost his status and prestige? Or perhaps, he is worried about any of us escaping, and being used as witnesses to this event.

"To think you would use such a silly trick. You have only delayed your deaths, and brought upon the deaths of all these others. Hyper Speed..."

"...Frozen Ceremony!"

Suddenly, the entire area around the Demon Lords, Assassins, and Demons became frozen, as ice spikes came at them. Urtan cut them all down, except for a few which the larger man knocked away with his armored fist and arm.

However, although it was slight, the movements were slower.

"Sorry I am late..." Rikuo said, as he came into formation, as Rayheart, Lutessa, and Raevin took the front with him. The future four faction leaders had now lined up together, teaming up to take on the threat in front of them.

And of course, Ruuruu was with him in weapon form.

However, their opponents were two Demon Lords. Given what Rikuo just heard, this was going to be a bit tough. He did have one plan, but it meant buying time for about five or so minutes.

In theory, it sounded short, but in practice, in combat and especially against such powerful foes, five minutes was a very long time. After all, Rikuo had already seen that combat is not always as drawn out as one would think, unless there were large numbers. And their enemy had both numbers, and strength.

"There is no reason to waste any more time" the masked person spoke, his voice distorted. He then raised his hand, and suddenly powerful and painful sound waves came out.

Everyone immediately found their minds clouded and confused, and in some pain. It was impossible for anyone to focus, which meant they were essentially helpless.

"Ultra Flying Slash".

Urtan released a simple technique from where he stood, intending to cut them all in half.

"Imperial Ice Wall!"

But it was countered by a powerful water spell that formed a barrier. The barrier was shattered, but no one behind it took any damage. As for the caster, it was Rikuo, who was still standing.

"His mind should be occupied with that attack...he must possess a mental related unique skill, either one that lets him process things easier or faster, or one that lets him think multiple things at once, something like that".

Darius, or at least the one they believed was Darius, figured it out in an instant. As a result, they both released attacks this time. Urtan's shattered the ice barrier that was thrown up, but several smaller barriers appeared and blocked Darius' attacks. The simpler barriers were broken, but barriers appeared behind them and blocked them.

Is it that other caster again...no, wait. There are two others who have shaken off the effect already!

"Those twins in the back...they actually recovered, and are restoring everyone else's minds!"

Urtan realized it now, somehow those twins were not under the effects. But it was a bit late, they had been too overconfident, and the twins cast their magic, clearing the minds of everyone else and letting them be capable again.

"I guess, we will have to go all out after all" Darius said, stepping forward. He realized instantly he was now a bit more sluggish, as did Urtan. However, that did not stop them from beginning their attack. Rikuo, Raevin, the twins, and Lutessa all deployed various barriers as they fought, while Rikuo also tried to freeze the ground the enemy stood on. Without stable footing, he hoped to slow them down and reduce their attack power.

And yet, Urtan who realized that moved behind him already.

"Not good enough" he said, cutting off Rikuo's head.

"Oh, are you sure?" Rikuo's head said when it suddenly re-attached to his body and he unleashed a point blank icele attack from his right hand and a lightning bolt from his left, both specced for maximum power as they hit.

Even Urtan had found himself caught off guard by the vampire boy, and took some damage. It regenerated immediately though, but as it did Rikuo unleashed blood attacks from his blood that was on Urtan already, dealing some more damage.

Even a vampire should die from getting his head chopped off, especially by a Demon Sword infused with Demon Lord energy...he must have the Revive Skill. In which case, we have to kill him multiple times.

Urtan calmly analyzed the battle as he sent flying slash attacks at the group. They were intercepted by a werewolf boy though, who cut them down with claws somehow.

But, the stage had already been set. Rayheart and Raevin were knocked back by a powerful blow from Darius, who then raised his sword and imbued it with massive amounts of black flames. Yulari seemed to prepare something, but then as he swung down the flames split in two!

I can only absorb one! He knew that and used it to his advantage!

Certainly, that was quite the problem that was provided. So she raised her box to the left attack...and then she opened it. A powerful magical blast shot out, intercepting the black flames, and then she turned it to the right and had it absorb that attack.

That is, if I didn't store up a powerful attack Kotori mustered the previous day.

It could only absorb one charge per day, and could only hold one charge at a time. However, there was no rule that said she could not release a charge acquired from a previous day, unleash it the next, and then absorb a new charge on that day.

This managed to catch Darius off guard for a change, and let Rayheart go in to cut him down.

"Idiots".

But that was a trick, and he immediately countered Rayheart with a surprise attack, knocking her back as he summoned three large black flames around his sword this time.

"This is the end of you".

Everyone tensed up, preparing to deal with it, as the magical energy swirled around, and even shattered the skylight.

"...Meteor Strike!"

Or at least, that was what they though until a boy came down through the skylight, and struck Darius with his sword while utilizing the magic, disrupting his attack and this time for real catching him off guard, causing him some soreness in his wrist as he swung his sword around and knocked his small agile attacker back.

Aer managed to land right next to the offensive line of attackers, but as he was knocked back, Saphri had flown in and unleashed a powerful breath attack while he was occupied, dealing another surprise blow. Darius seemed to shake it off as Saphri took position with them, but it certainly looked like some damage had been done.

But...that is nowhere near enough...

Raevin thought that, as he saw Urtan unleash another attack, with everyone having to focus there barriers there to block. This left them open to the ranged attacks of demons and assassins, who did not dare fight close up and get caught in the attacks of two Demon Lords.

Lutessa shot some of them down, and with Aer there he had Saphri intercept them with some breath attacks as his fires continued to burn upon Darius.

"This fire...I see now, you do not possess normal fire magic do you, Dragon Knight" Darius muttered. "This is...Dragonfyre. You are the last Reincarnator in the capital now I believe".

Rikuo. Herra. Ruuruu. Raevin. Aer. Rayheart. Yulari. Lutessa. Ardet and Arlit. Fang. Leaving aside Harzen, all of these allies, these forces, had gathered togehter now on this battlefield, in this throne room. Fighting side by side.

Urtan chuckled. "So, they finally all gathered here....hmm, then who is holding up Harzen? No matter, lets just finish this now. That Dragonfyre looks annoying to deal with, but it will not change anything".

To think from a single attack, especially one from Meteor Strike, he would learn about my Unique Skill Dragonfyre. This guy is a serious problem, but so is the other. And we cant fight both...

Indeed, the situation was getting critical. Rikuo counted that they needed another minute or two before he could put his plan into affect, as he already was preparing his magic. But, the two Demon Lords looked like they had no intention of doing so.

"Black Flames, consume all their souls and show them the foolishness of their wasted efforts".

As he said that, several black crystals began to glow across his armor.

And meanwhile, Urtan took a combat stance. The amount of power and pressure they felt, it was frightening. They all went into defense mode, but they could not be sure it if would work against such power.

"And let their souls be damned by your awesome might".

Darius just chanted some incideous spell, as the black flames grew bigger, more intimidating.

"Demon God Sword Style: Reaper flash".

"Consume them until nothing remains, Death Blaze!"

And so, the two attacks came at them, breaking through all the defenses in an instant.

"We win..." Darius muttered.

And the black flames reached their marks...at least, that was what should have happened.

"Who said that was all the Reincarnators in the Imperial Capital?"

Music began to play, as the attacks were not only stopped, but repelled, forcing the enemies to brace themselves. A musical composition full of hope, it was actually incredibly familiar to Rikuo and Herra. This was a song that played in one of their favorite animes after all, it played every time right when the badguys were about to win, a protagonist appeared to save the day and change everything.

And as the music played, this massive and powerful barrier had engulfed them all. It was clearly damaged in several areas, but it was holding strong. The group looked back at the source, and all of the reincarnators felt it. The pangs of familiarity, as they saw a Foxkin boy wearing servants clothes stand in the center of their formation.

The Reincarnator, Haru, as well as the third princess Emilia had arrived on the battlefield. With all the reincarnators in the capital present now, this battle was not over yet.