XX

DEVS VVLT

『S-Day +133』

『Maze X – 5th Floor Safe Room』

“What kind of weapon is that?”

*bang*

“Haha, you missed.”

*bang**bang**bang*

“Nope, you can't hit me.”

*bang*

“That isn't a magic weapon is it?”

*bang**bang**bang*

“How much has Earth changed since I've last seen it?”

*bang**bang*

My magazine was drained and I quickly reloaded a fresh one into my pistol. I kept looking around me searching for the mysterious person that came out of nowhere. Each time I had fired a shot, he would disappear before reappearing somewhere else. Always nearby. Always just in my line of sight. All around me, all around within this room, but each time I would miss.

“Now now,” said the unknown man from outside my vision, “I did not come here to fight. Now, how about you put that interesting device away and we have a nice and calm discussion?”

“Y-yeah, okay, sure thing, Barry. By, *ahem*, by the way… how is Iris doing?” I attempted to coverup my nervousness with a bad joke.

Where the fuck is everyone? That was, like, 20 bullets!

“Iris? She's doing fine. I actually saw her on my way down to this region.” said the man as he appeared in front of me once more. He was floating in front of me, not sitting on anything as he floated. “And my name is not Barry.”

“Uh… oh.” I said a bit dumbstruck, not knowing how to react to his answer.

Anytime you're ready, just pop in and yell out 'surprise attack'.

“Good, okay,” the floaty man said, shaking me off of my confused state, “now that you stopped with your seriously unprovoked attack we can begin formal introductions. I am the god of trade and profits. Of merchants and travelers. Of knowledge and heralds. I am the whispering winds. I am the winged tempest.

“I am Mercury.”

I sat awestruck at the literal god floating before me. He looked proud and terrifying as he stared down at me. With skin of golden bronze and armor of cloth and metal, he looked aptly ethereal. A winged helm topped his head and winged boots on his feet. He looked more amused than angered at my shooting at him so I no longer dared to point my gun at him.

Okay, never mind. Don't come in and attack. Just stay where you are being completely fucking useless.

“As the god of trade and profits,” started Mercury as he took control of the scene, “I am here to trade knowledge and profit also knowledge. We will trade questions, with me asking first, then we will trade answers. Proper answers. No taurossshit.”

“Okay, yeah. I got it. Go for it, dude.” I was still intimidated by the god and just wanted him to leave, but there was no fucking way I would say that to him.

“Great!” he excitedly said, “You Earthlings have always been so compliant, if not a bit compulsive. Now then, when last I was on Earth there was a strange man that had brought elephants over the mountain. Tell me, what has happened to Rome, including that event?”

“Hannibal? Okay, um, he lost like half his army and most of his elephants crossing the alps. But every single battle he fought in Italy he won. The battle of Cannae was the worst defeat for Rome with, um, around 90,000 soldiers lost. Probably, no one really knows the actual numbers.” I regaled him with the history of Rome, or at least what I could remember of it.

Every detail that I could offer, I offered. Scipio taking control of the Legions and retaking Spain then attacking Carthage. Hannibal's retreat from Italy to defend Carthage. Scipio's victory by using Hannibal's tactic from Cannae. Hannibal's exile and eventual death by suicide.

“That's all nice and interesting, but I want more Rome stuff. Feel free to skip to some interesting parts. There's 2,000 years to cover after all.” Kami-sama urged me.

“Right, sure. So, basically Rome was at war with… everyone. Macedonia, Selucids, Carthage again and took control of Spain… Iberia, Greece, Persi… Parthia, Egypt.” I continued on.

From conquering most of the Mediterranean to the rise of Julius Caesar. How he became dictator and unified the territories into an empire and becoming almost-emperor before being assassinated. How his nephew-turned-adopted-son became the 1st Roman Emperor and solidified the empire as well as expanding it.

He followed every bit of my words as I spoke them. When I told him that Christianity rose and the old pantheon deposed, he had a look of displeasure. The empire became too large and difficult to manage and was split into 2. The west fell and never truly recovered while the east struggled to keep control of what was left.

“Whatever was left of the empire collapsed around 600 years ago…ish. Nowadays it's nothing more than an overpopulated tourist trap. I've never visited.” I quickly finished my history lesson with him. Though it was… liberally abridged, it could not be helped as I am not a historian.

“Satisfactory, I suppose. Though a bit disappointing, but all empires eventually fall.” He took a few minutes contemplating what I had told him before returning his attention back to me. “Your turn. Ask.”

A million thoughts came and went through my mind. Will I only have the 1 question then he leaves or will he stay and continue this 'trade'? A method back to earth? Teleportation magic? Could I ask about the oss curse even though there is no cure?

“What is the simplest method to return multiple people to Earth?” I resignedly asked.

“Hah, saw that question coming a mile away.” his expression changed from an ired look to one of amusement. “While I am forbidden from directly aiding you, I can at least reveal to you a method of doing so. Simply have a god send you back. Summoning otherworlders is a difficult feat and surprisingly, it was not the current gods whom discovered this magic. Imagine attempting to spear fish in the middle of an ocean in the middle of the night with only a torch. Difficult.

“The gods cannot send you back so easily. Though I said it was the simplest, pulling someone to this world is one thing, but sending someone out… imagine an archer attempting to hit one of the moons with an arrow, but it's daytime and he's blind and his arm is tired. But don't take this discouragingly, there are threads, you see, every summoned is connected to their world and because of those threads, those very summoned has the potential to be returned.”

“So, basically, find a god with enough power that's generous enough to send us back. Yeah, sure, no big deal.” I said summarizing his words. “Though, that doesn't explain 「Rifts」 or 「Altar Stones」.”

“It used to be called 「Summoning Stones」 back in the day. It was how summoning magic was learned. 「Summoning Stone」 deposits could become large enough that, when activated, would create 「Rifts」. Those 「Rifts」 could be somewhat controlled and directed. But it is a very difficult procedure.” He leaned back in contemplation. “My turn, tell me about that weapon you used against me. What is it?”

“A pistol or gun. An explosive powder encased in brass is triggered by the hammer of the weapon. A small ignition causes the powder to deflagrate rapidly and propels a small amount of metal outward.” I answered truthfully. “What's the origin of the Oss Curse?”

“Hmm, interesting. I just want to make this clear, I don't know everything, I just know what I know. Now that that's out of the way… it was invented as a weapon. In the years before us. The time of the gods before gods, they were known as the Primordials. It is the Primordials which once resided in Elysium that was responsible for its creation.” He pointed upwards to which my eyes followed to see… the ceiling. “Well, you can't see it now since it's not yet near and also because we're underground. But in a few months time you can expect an increase of 「Rifts」. I digress...”

He went on to explain who the Primordials were, albeit vaguely, and how the curse was invented. From his descriptions, they were what I knew as Titans and they created it in a research city called Ossetia. Hence the very cleverly (idiotically) named curse. In order to survive a great war, they needed an army. Humans were not yet fully evolved, but were highly adaptable while animals and monsters were strong, but massive idiots. Or something… this guy rambles a lot and goes off on tangents.

“The idea was to hybridize their strengths and remove any weaknesses. Well, it worked a little too well. Humans adapted to the curse and became what you are now while the 'Ossians' evolved to become Hykins. Lokins, Midkins and Hykins as well as the lower beings which could be controlled were sent to this world and to Earth for their war of survival-turned-conquest.” a pause was made while he used some kind of light magic to project 4 little balls of light. 2 were close to each other while the 3rd was a slight distance above the 2 and the 4th light above the 3rd light.

“Because Earth is something called an 「Anchor World」, it was connected to other worlds beyond our reach. These 2 dots are Elysium and Asphodel. We are currently on Asphodel. Elysium is currently somewhere behind the sun. But in a few months time, you will see it in the sky and think it was another moon.

“This world here,” he pointed to the 3rd light dot, “is called Mictlan. It's not very important, but it did spread culicidae to Earth. Then this is Earth, connected to 5 other worlds. When the Oss Curse made it to Earth, it had lost its effectiveness. The hybridization would no longer take place and the afflicted humans would simply die off. When we left Earth, it was so ingrained into the populace that we expected humans to eventually be wiped out or severely thinned.

“I got a little overzealous and ranted a bit. We should take a break and have something to eat. I would assume you have something to offer to a god. But I am just and fair, I will cook something and you bring something to drink. You can also check on your companions since you've been sending glances at the doorway since we have been conversing. They're perfectly safe, I can assure you that, they're just under a sleeping spell. I can teach you if you wish.”

Mister Ramble McRambleface finally let me go to check on the others. True to his word, they were all asleep. I slapped… lightly patted Alicia's face in an attempt to wake her to no avail. The others as well. Each of them snoring like comfy little puppies without a care in the world. And here I am freaking the absolute fuck out while there is a god in the kitchen making…

Steaks?

I left the sleeping quarters and snuck my way into the latrines in order to drain away the concentrated fear that had been built up. With that out of the way, I now had a choice to make: try to ambush and kill Mercury or not try to piss off the god. Easy choice, I took out a few casks of imperial wine and carried it to the meeting room. Ingratiation is the keyword here. If he 'profits' from our encounter then I should as well.

As I returned to sit down, I could see plates, silverware and candles appearing before me. Plates of minotaur steaks, a roast pig, goat meat cooked in wine, various fruits, a big ass bowl of olives, various desserts, peking duck, a large bowl of rice and 2 bowls of…

“Uh… ramen.” the words left my mouth in disbelief.

“Lamian,” he corrected me, “I figured that since you're Serican, you would enjoy it. I would have brought more, but it's a bit far from here to Serica and my little bag can only carry so much.”

“I'm Japanese not whatever you just called me.” I corrected him this time.

“Serican, whatever, not important,” he went on to pick up the plate and start piling on food as he continued talking, “Right, so, as I was cooking I realized it would be better to just talk less formally. You take too long when it's your turn to ask a question. Loosen up. Be more comfortable. Ask questions.” he was floating as he shoveled food into his mouth. It was really annoying.

“Fine, whatever, you know I was about to sleep when you showed up right?” I asked him as I took my plate.

“The night is young and so are you.” his eyes shifted to the casks on the table, “Is that wine?”

“The finest imperial wine stol…, *ahem*, 'procured' from the emperor's private cache.” I placed my plate aside and began pouring 2 cups. “I want to make it clear that just because you put out candles it does not make this a date. I like girls.”

“With those 3 beauties sleeping in the other room? I kinda figured that. Is that Serican girl yours?” he muffledly asked as he continued shoving food in his mouth.

“She's Japanese,” I said, rolling my eyes, “and yes, she is my wife.”

“You both share blood, is she also a summoned?” he said as if it was a normal thing to say.

“Um, are you serious?” I asked him.

He simply nodded.

“...Yes, we were summoned together. What do you mean we share blood?” I pressed my questioning.

“Shame, it would have been fun to converse with her as well, but I have only been granted permission to speak with you. Well, whatever, you 2 share blood close to that of siblings.” he refilled his emptied plate as he continued to speak, “Don't worry about any children you bear with her, Earth has problems with consanguineous offspring, but there's no need for worry here. Mana is self-correcting. Your offspring will be stronger.”

“What the shit? We're not related.” I rebuffed.

“Blood does not lie. Speaking of which, there is something wrong with yours.” his eyes squinted as he scrutinized my person. Seconds passed before he loosened back up and continued stuffing his face. “Not important, mana self-corrects any afflictions as well. Up to a point anyway. Cock-rot is a thing you should be wary of. Afflictions you bring to this world can also become problematic, but the summoning method usually offers some kind of cleansing. Anyway, let's get back to it. I'm not allowed to stay too long, few weeks at most. Gods and mortals and whatnot.”

We talked. We ate and talked. We ate and talked and drank wine. He just rambled on and on about Earth and this planet. I told him about modern Earth and what little I know about astronomy. He was quite excited when he found out about having a planet named after him. He also hated the idea that Mars might be colonized in the future because he hated Mars. Called him a 'cunt-licking shit-bagger'.

I had to spend a few bullets when he suggested having an orgy with the sleeping girls. Of course, I missed, but my point was made. He also asked about the orks, minotaur and pink slime. Pinkface had revealed itself earlier, without my knowing, and was busily sneaking food away. When I told him about how I captured the ossians, his face became serious.

“So she gave you permission to use it. I will warn you now, the Grimoire is a very dangerous tool. Civilizations have fallen because of Grimoires. The Primordials, the original creators, are no more because of the Grimoires.” his face once more became relaxed, “But like I said, I do not have permission to interfere. Angie will probably have to take any and all responsibility for whatever you do. There's no need to worry about her, she is a masochist. Loves pain. She's beautiful too, if you can look past her scars. A young serican body. Mmm.”

“Right, okay, understood. I… I'll be careful.” I once again became nervous when his voice became terrifyingly stern.

“Just remember, Grimoires are born from the soul. If it becomes damaged, so too will your soul be damaged. Well, it really only has real consequences for us Dei.” his face then became wrought with sorrow. “It was why there are so few of us left… Fuck you Mars…”

He was a terrible drunk. With slurred speech, he spat vitriol toward the 'traitor gods'. Just on and on about random shit that was of no interest to me. Anytime I would try to find out information that would be useful for me he would try to answer before slurring away. What little information I did acquire were random tidbits about the world.

The planet was roughly 2-3 times larger than Earth. The gravity was a comfy 1g and kami-sama's answer to that was 'mana'. There were more continents than Earth with most being Australia-types. We were currently in the southern hemisphere somewhere around the temperate zone which made it perfect for the Mediterranean-esque climate.

Occasionally he would look in a specific direction and each time he would seemingly speak to someone. When I noticed that the wine casks were empty, I pulled out another. This damn god drank 2 and a half casks worth of wine.

“What was that?” he asked me as he watched my removing a cask from my magic bag.

“...Bag of Holding?” I somewhat answered as his figure blurred. Without me realizing, he had taken my magic bag and was drunkenly inspecting it. I guess I was drunker than I thought.

“Crude,” he said as his face was stuck inside the bag's opening, “「Amplipflierp Shtone」 is q-quite clever. *buuurrp* Your lack of security means anyone can use it and most of your enchantments are of poor quality. Oh! Except for this enchantment! Does this disable the 「Mana Stone」 when it is nearly depleted? So is that why there are so many 「Mana Stones」?”

Did he sober up instantly?

“Right, the 「Mana Stone」 goes offline in order to recover mana while another 「Mana Stone」 takes its place. I learned it from examining an ice box that was mostly 「Mana Stones」.” I answered very clearly and not at all slurred.

“Before I journeyed to this region, I was told Vulcan had settled in these lands. He was the one to give me my spatial bag. It isn't as sophisticated as yours, but it is much more secure and stable and much less crude.” he returned my bag and continued drinking and eating with renewed vigor. “I'll need to find out if he's still alive and nearby.”

My vision became foggy. I had not been keeping track of the time and it was already the next day. My mind was wracked with pain. My neck. My back. From my small bag, I took out my medication and consumed it. I laid me head down onto the table waiting for the surges of pain to pass.

“I see, the reason your blood felt off, the reason she has taken a liking to you and your reason for inquiring the origin of the Oss Curse…” from my blurring vision, I could see his face immediately sobering as he spoke to me, “Angerona is merely delaying your demise. A quick death is a mercy to what suffering she is forcing upon you.

“The pain in your head that you feel is the curse attempting to take your mind. Pleasures stifle it, especially those of the flesh. It consumes your mana, stamina, vitality and life force. At the point of which you become weakened, the pleasures you once took solace from is turned against you. You'll want more and more and more until you become stricken with madness to the point that you would even think a cat is fine too. And when that happens… your bodies will meld to become that of a monster. An Ossian.”

“G-grimoire…” I stuttered out.

“The Grimoire will not help you. It is beyond even the-”

“Quest…”

“Quest? Explain.” he ordered.

“… Grand Quest… Cure.” every word from my lips was a struggle.

“Impossible. The Grimoire will never give a quest of falseness. There is no cure. The Dei have never been able to cure the incurable. Why would it give you such a quest?!” his face broke into a rage of confusion. “What?!”

I had thought he yelled that last part at me, but I was wrong. His head was turned away from me and up toward the ceiling. He seemed to be having a conversation or an argument with someone. After some time he turned his attention back to me.

“I had intended to spend some weeks learning from you, but something more pressing has called my attention. Farewell, Naoki Kuroba of Earth, this will be the last we see one another.” just like that, he appeared and was gone.

☘ ☘ ☘

『Angerona's Villa』

“We can't just sit here anymore! Mercury could have killed him at any time. You saw his face when our champion's curse was discovered. Angerona, we have to go to him now!” Felicitas screamed as she went into a frenzy.

Her nightly voyeurism was interrupted when Mercury appeared in the display panel. She watched and listened to every word uttered from their lips. Once she had heard enough, she ran to Angerona's room with hands banging on the door. The noise awoke not only Angerona, but Ira as well. Once both women were mentally capable, Felicitas explained what she had witnessed.

All 3 women now convened to the main room and activated the primary display. Felicitas transferred her video playback from her private display to the primary. She started the video to where Mercury had appeared and was shot at by Naoki. They watched and listened to every action made and every word uttered.

They watched and listened.

“Alright,” Angerona began once the display showed Mercury having left, “Let's make our preparations to leave.” A few moments later, Mercury returned to view and, after confirming Naoki had fallen asleep, began cleaning the table of food and utensils.

Ira, who had remained quiet, spoke up, “Unlike Fortuna's island, ours is small and slow. It will take years to reach that side of the world unless you wish to convince our champion to travel and meet us halfway. But if he wishes to claim the mountain as his domain, it will be difficult to do so.”

“Which is why we need to move now.” urged Felicitas.

☘ ☘ ☘

『Vaticanii Estate』

“Was it wise, to reveal ourselves to them?” asked a man.

“Of course it wasn't fucking wise. What would possess this idiot to reveal all our work on the miniscule chance of recruiting someone who was responsible for dismantling our efforts in Aventine!?” chided another man.

8 men surrounded the 5 men who had been involved with the 'summoned' incident. Each one turning their eye to Vaticanius who's face appeared sallowed. Each one trying to comprehend the turn of events.

“Well,” began a 3rd man who appeared to be the leader of the 8 men, “There's nothing we can do now. Any attempts to silence the 2 children would have consequences. We cannot allow all our hard work to go to waste, but we can no longer use Vaticano as our meeting place.

Another man approached the sitting propraetor and called his attention, “Paullus, you understand the Vaticanii can no longer be associated with us? You understand you must take responsibility for your actions.”

“1st Umbrius and now Vaticanius. Decades of work wasted. Who's next? The Tuscuii? The Cispii?” the 2nd man asked rhetorically.

The 8 men took the 4 seated men away and left Vaticanius alone.

☘ ☘ ☘

『S-Day +134』

『Maze X - 5th Floor Safe Room』

I awoke with my face still on the table. No, beneath my head was a pillow that had not been there earlier. I looked up to see Alicia sitting in front of me. My body felt stiff as I realized I had not moved much from where I was sitting. She looked to be eating breakfast as she noticed I was now awake.

“Morning onii-chan, did something happen?” she said rudely whilst in between chewing.

“Um, yeah. Shit got weird last night.” I simply replied, vaguely remembering what had happened a few hours earlier.

She quickly finished her meal and took large gulps from whatever she was drinking. “Yeah, I bet. We found a bunch of casings everywhere, I cleaned it up for you by the way. You even took a ricochet in your arm, but don't worry, it was just a flesh wound. Claritia fixed you up. So, what happened?”

Before I told her anything, I pulled her to me. She had to lean down to meet my kiss and I could taste her breakfast. I then nudged her down to her knees as I slid off my shorts a bit. She did not hesitate to take me into her mouth. A moan escaped from my lips as she bobbed her head up and down. As I looked down and stroked her hair, she looked up at me. Her eyes were beautiful.

“You both share blood.”

The words of Mercury came back to me. Whether we were related or not, whether we were incestuously committed or not. I had no care. I needed what she was doing to me. I needed what she was giving to me. Most of all, I needed her. My hand pulled her head down as I started filling her mouth with cum.

“I don’t know if it's because you drink a lot of sweet wine, but your cum tastes really good.” Alicia said as she licked her lips clean. “Now that you got your rocks off, you gonna tell me what's up?”

I told her everything that I could remember. She was obviously pissed at him and so was I. The bastard left before teaching me the sleep spell. But there was 1 thing I saved for the end. I wanted to know what we are. She brushed it off before, but I wanted to know.

“He said we 'shared blood'. What are we?”

She looked at me with annoyance and with a resigned sigh she answered me, “It's selfish of me I know, but I have been waiting for you to remember who I am. That's how it was supposed to be: we meet again after spending years separated and fall in love and fulfill our promises to each other. Fuck your amnesia, you were supposed to remember me. I’m…”

☘ ☘ ☘

『Naoki's Caravan』

“...Fucking bored!” Veronica scream spontaneously resulting in startling her high servant Cassia. “Laptop battery dead, tablet battery dead, phone battery dead, e-reader battery dead, mp3 player dead. And Naoki's little solar charger takes too long to charge anything. Awesome. Naoki said they would be gone 'for like a month' and now it's been over a month. Just fucking awesome. And if it wasn't for that fucking checkpoint at the 2nd wall, we probably could've made it to Umbria already.”

“Master, this one is at master's service. This one will entertain master to the best of this one's abilities.” Cassia offered also equally bored at the lack of amusement during the long travel.

“Thank you Cassia, you're a doll. Romans had board games right? We could play something like… oh checkers!” Veronica took out a sheet of paper and drew a standard 8×8 grid. Slanted lines were drawn on alternating squares and coins were used for pieces. “We can make a better board later on, this'll do for now.”

“T-that is not what this one meant.” Cassia tried to clarify.

Veronica simply ignored her, “I’ll explain the rules.”

Veronica and Cassia played for a few hours until Veronica had her fun meter filled up. She instructed Cassia to have someone make a board out of wood and to make multiples for the others riding within the caravan. Satisfied at this development, Veronica returned to her retort which she has had within the wagon since their journey north began. A logbook was opened and the most recent entries were read.

“Okay, only batch 1, 4, 5, 8 and 11 were successful. Current batch 33 is a failure. Beginning test batch 34.” Veronica got to work grinding 「Mana Grains」 for an extraction. “I swear to god, if they don't come back soon I’m gonna kick their asses.”

☘ ☘ ☘

『Maze X – 5th Floor』

The issue between Alicia and I was resolved. She finally revealed to me who we were to each other even going so far as to show a picture of us as kids on her phone. She had always kept the pictures close to her and always had copies backed up. It did not bother me that I was married to my cousin, while it was no longer common in Japan it was still a thing. So everything got settled and we were a happy couple.

We set out late in the day, but we were refreshed enough to make it down into the lower levels. The orks were out front, but I kept the minotaur in the rear. I wanted to sell the minotaur later on and did not want it harmed.

The further we went toward the boss room the more noticeably it felt empty. We came across no ossians or any beasts save for a few slimes and corpses. The reason for this was we were not alone on this floor.

I think we were at around passed the midway point of the floor and were stuck on which direction to choose. My typical choice of going left lead to a dead end and forced us to back track. Now we had to choose either mid or right. As we were about to settle on a path, a thunderous noise in the distance became noticeable. Mild at first, then slowly became louder.

They began coming into view. First a small group of soldiers' blue armor lead by a man in white armor. More and more soldiers appeared followed soon after by various ossians. Each ossian was bound in shackles and either chains or rope. Dozens of minotaurs, dozens of orks, dozens of satyrs, trolls, anuross and some random or other small-bodied ossians. Each soldier marched passed us with only a simple glance turned to our direction. Mostly the curiosity of my unchained orks and minotaur.

“They are?” I asked Crixus.

“Cohort of the 1st Legion.” he explained that the 1st Legion, also known as the Mithril Legion, typically send about 2 or 3 cohorts here for training and loot/ossian farming. It was extremely rare, but mithrillic items do drop in any dungeon. Despite my high luck, I never received any.

20 minutes passed and it was a never ending stream of soldiers and captured ossians. At least a few hundred had already passed us and there were still more. We took the opportunity to have a sit down and eat some snacks. But before I followed suit, I spoke to 1 of the white armored soldiers.

“You guys find the boss room?”

“Yeah, it's back what down what way. Turn left befawer yew 'i't da dead end. Know what I mean?” he said as he pointed behind… what the fuck?

“Um, cheers mate.” I had absolutely no idea what the fuck he just said.

“Good luck 'hen.” the man 'said' as he turned back and rejoined his whatever.

“Was that a british accent?” Alicia asked me as she handed me a sandwich.

“The most cockney accent I have ever heard. Hey Crixus, is the way he speaks normal?” I took the sandwich then asked Crixus.

“He got hit in the head pretty hard. Don't mind him. he said 'It's back down that way. Turn left before you hit the dead end'.” a blue armored soldier who happened to overhear me explained before continuing his march.

It took about an hour until they were nearly through. It was nearly 700 or even 800 persons that passed us, but now we could see the rear clearing up. The rear was filled with numerous slaves that were carrying various items and a few wagons with corpses. A handful of wagons had passed with the main body, but those were filled with provisions. There were also numerous women amongst the slaves probably used for obvious reasons.

“Usagi.” my voice leaked out as I saw a cute rabbit girl. She was bound in chains and gagged.

That's the 1st animal girl I've seen in the dungeons.

Once the cohort cleared out, we packed up and went toward the boss room.

☘ ☘ ☘

『S-Day +138』

『Imperial Palace』

“Princess,” Zoe began, “as you know, Vince is also Japanese. So if you miss Naoki, you can always borrow my boyfriend.” After having confirmed Naoki, Alicia and Veronica had disappeared, Zoe returned to her attempts at bedding Princess Minervina.

“I thank you for your offer, but there is nothing going on between me and Naoki. So there is no need for either of your… 'company'.” after having spent her life hearing and detecting, through her magic, lies, Minervina had become an expert liar. She rejected Zoe's offer without showing much emotion.

“Princess! Forgive this one's intrusion, but this one was tasked with an important delivery from Vaticano by a 'Naoki Kuroba'.” the courier that Naoki had hired from the Vaticano Imperial Villa had arrived at an inopportune moment. Minervina realized she had been caught in a lie the moment she had heard the words of the courier.

“Thank you, I will take this to my chambers. That will be all.” Minervina said as she took the small chest which had been engraved with Naoki's family crest.

Zoe had immediately realized something interesting was going to happen and quickly left to find Vince.

☘ ☘ ☘

Zoe lead Vince out to the courtyard south of the palace. A beautiful garden filled with various flowering plants and trees. Grass so soft and so thick it could be mistaken for a luxurious bed.

Eaves from the buildings and pergolas were covered in overhanging vines. In the distance, in a grassy meadow, was a newly rebuilt gazebo. Zoe had reached what she was looking for, what she had already found months earlier. Both stood beneath the balcony of Minervina's chambers.

Guards were easily avoided owing thanks to the seemingly untamed overgrowth. Zoe instructed Vince to remain quiet as she began climbing the walls. The trellises that allowed vines to climb upward proved sturdy footholds that supported the 2. They managed to reach the top, but could not find a way to look inside lest they make themselves obvious. Their efforts were rewarded with the voice of Minervina.

“The ring fits perfectly! And it is such a lovely design. Now pass me the letter, it has been too long since we have heard from each other.” Minervina took the letter from Salina and began reading it out loud not realizing there were eavesdroppers nearby. “'My dearest Minervina, I hope this parcel reaches you undisturbed. Alicia, Saya, Illyria and I have taken a detour to Vaticano to explore the dungeons for riches and training. The jewelries are proof of our successes…”

Zoe and Vince listened to every word of Minervina reading Naoki's letter. Exaggerated tales of ossian slaying and heroism. Words spun to make himself sound more impressive. As well as the riches found within overly generous treasure chests. Now satisfied at what had been discovered, both lovers slowly climbed down from the trellises and retreated back to their room.

“Holy shit, he was really jerking himself off with that letter.” Vince said once the door was shut behind them.

“I know, isn't he dreamy~?” Zoe was gushing and became starstruck after hearing Minervina excitedly reading the letter. “First Ice Queen Alicia then Frost Princess Minervina. Vaticano… I wonder if he's still there.”

☘ ☘ ☘

『S-Day +139』

『Imperial Palace – Conference Hall』

“It was thanks to the one called Naoki of the Kuroba family that the senate has come to an agreeance with me. Rumors of the summoned have spread throughout the empire and when this year ends and the new year begins, we will announce a new era,” the emperor looked around the table at the 8 summoned before continuing, “I have been told that your magical and physical training has been completed. The instructors sing high praises of you. But now the only thing you lack is experience.”

Minervina, who was sitting next to her father, pulled out a large map and placed it on the table for all to see then took her turn to speak, “To increase the next step of your training, it has been decided to bring you into the dungeons. Each city on this map has control of a dungeon, but the ones marked are the only cities with a usable dungeon open to the populus.”

Each person looked at the map which was displayed before them. Each city had marks showing how many levels their respective dungeon held with some showing null and some showing 100. most of the available dungeons were south of Aventine with a small handful scattered in different directions.

“It's fine to talk amongst yourselves into selecting an appropriate dungeon to explore. The time to train will be 5 months until the new year.” the emperor suggested to the summoned.

Zoe looked down at the map. Searching, searching for the name she had heard the princess spoke. “Here, Vaticano.” as soon as the words left her lips, she peeked a glance to the princess to witness her reaction. What she saw was a very slight, very reserved smile.

“Why the fu… why do you get to choose the place?” Chad questioned Zoe.

“It is a good choice,” the emperor interrupted, “Vaticano holds a less dense populus than those of the southern cities. The 1st Legion also favors it so you may learn from them.”

The summoned talked it over amongst themselves and eventually agreed.

“Good, transport has already been prepared and you will leave at 1st light. While you are away, we will begin laying the foundation of the new 'railway' system.” the emperor dismissed them before calling his daughter to stay, “Minervina, there are things we must discuss.”

“Yes father?”

“Maya is unable to conceive a child. She has… encouraged me to take a new wife to bear me a new heir, but as you know I cannot. I can never betray my love for your mother. So with this, you must conduct your own training to become empress.” the emperor became sullen after having such revelation.

“So what will you have me do?” Minervina was not shocked by these words and ask her father for clarification.

“Have you taken the silphium?” the emperor asked as he ignored her question.

“The bleeding has come and passed, the child is no more.” Minervina clenched her fists as she said those words.

“Good, I cannot approve of you carrying his child. But he has been instrumental in uncovering the rebellious plot… I see the look on your face when you think of him.” the emperor took in a deep breath as he struggled to let slip his next words. “I have enlisted the evocati, veteran soldiers that I trust, men who have served their time and retired with honors. I have also summoned your auxilia virago, the women soldiers who will protect you.

“Father,” Minervina interrupted, “what are you trying to say?”

“The evocati and virago will escort the caravan to Vaticano. You will assist the summoned for a few days helping them settle. They have permission to use the villa. Then you will take the evocati and virago to Umbria where you will learn from the head of the Iulii in running the city. You will learn civic duties while quelling any potential… dissatisfaction from the populus.” the emperor took Minervina's hand and held it tightly.

“Father… thank you!” tears fell from her face as she listened to those words.

“Use the boy to scratch that itch if you must, but do NOT have his child.”

☘ ☘ ☘

『Skies Above Epistylia』

“In the days before days there were gods before gods. What we are now is nothing more than an insignificance to what they were. We were mice to the lions just as you are grains to the mice. But they are dead now. No longer heard. No longer seen. The old gods are gone and we are all that remains.” Mercury floated above the empire disappointed in being forced to depart soon after having arrived.

“If it were not for your barrier, Angie, I would have noticed this sooner. The placements of the cities. The web-way of roads. This is an ancient magic circle. Naoki Kuroba of Earth, with the tribulations to come before you I will look forward to what the Parcae hold for you.” the god took 1 last look down toward the ground beneath him before disappearing.