Zonas POV:

As the beast turned around we saw it's ugly features and fired upon it with magic, arrows, and skills. It dodged with extreme agility something which the reports had not included, the information we gained stated that they have advanced strength but low intellect and speed because of this they have been classified at best D rank, however this creature isn't like the ones we were fighting getting here, it moves naturally with an animalistic feel to it and unlike the other ones this one contains huge claws, it's essence screaming out darkness. The Guardian of the forest was also present but it much resembled the other monsters due to the skin and how it was moving around despite parts of it body missing and it's skin showing signs of rotting. Our previous attack seemed to have hit a couple of the monsters that were holding a person, this must've been to that man's luck because after getting up in a rather disoriented manner he ran straight through and said.

"RRRUUUUUNNNN!!!"

The way he said it, a face filled with tears and regrets, as we weren't capable of allowing a man who was completely naked to run around a forest filled with monsters while being alone, and considering that the other side of the lake was surrounded by the monsters we decided he had enough sense so we followed him. He seemed knowledgeable in his strides as if he had, had practice, probably an adventurer who lost his party while in the forest it's rather common here so I wouldn't be surprised. When we were just about to exit we encountered the beast again.

"Im sure enough that I can kill all of you right here, and right now, so I'll have my fun."(Monster) *It said while performing a pose*

Before it could manage to finish it's pose Marielle let loose a magic arrow which connected with the body of the monster. We'd hoped to see it fall but it simply kept on going as if he was performing an introductory bow.

"Let me give you my name, for you should know the name of he who will devour and desecrate you, although that man there already knows of it first hand*He said as he grinned towards the naked man*. I am Jerry Jenkins horde leader of this group of The Fallen, and we are the undead, those who transcend death and bring undeath to all living. It is very unfortunate for you to have encountered me but..."(Jerry)

His introduction was cut short again, this time in the form of the naked man grabbing a boulder atleast twice his size with both of his hands and hurtling it towards the monster. Without any dificulty at all the monster sliced up the boulder with the four claws in it's hands.

'Monstrous'

Was the word that crossed my mind as I saw what happened. This man was strong enough to lift a large boulder like that and hurl it, obviously he was in the same rank as Carnip our warrior meaning he was atleast a C-class adventurer without any equipment this was surprising to say the least, then there was the monster which sliced through said rock with its claws meaning that it could be C-rank or between C and B. Obviously my team wasn't ready to fight the monster head on so I shouted.

"Execute maneuver 5."(Zonas)

I took aim with my bow right where I stood and activated my martial skill {smoke arrow}, as it activated it released smoke everywhere it traveled, and to my surprise it managed to connect with the monster yet again right in its shoulder, this gave us an opportunity to attack it together since me and my allies can track ourselves and everyone present in the smoke. However I heard the man yell again.

"He's toying with you the monster has an army at his disposal, just run for it damnit!"

Remembering the previous threat which was truly the problem of the forest I said to Marielle.

"Escape A now."

"(You who has transgressed me I reject, I command you to leave my sight, your expulsion will be my survival, so I say once more I reject your existence.)"(Marielle) *She recited the incantation and concentrated on the spell, struggling due to the power of the monster which had dug its nails onto the ground.*

While Marielle had finished reciting the spell it dug it's foul claws into the ground making it difficult for it to work forcing her to exert more power from her then necessary as she struggled to maintain its effects. Carnip went on the offensive and charged at the monster to slice off it's arms with his greatsword. The action was met with the monster stopping his blade and impaling his stomach. I went pale and almost lost my breath.

"Your coming with me..."(Jerry)

As it said that it let the claw that was dugged unto the ground loose sending the both them flying away from our sight, my knees lost strength at what had just happened with Marielle fainting because of the high tier spell she'd just completed. I couldn't bring myself to move, Carnip had just died because of me and now his fate was that of a monsters lunch.

"Dammit get up or I'll carry you both myself."(Naked man)

The man said that as he grabbed both me and Marielle, placed us on top of his shoulders and ran off at a speed not belonging to someone carrying being encumbered by two people. As I looked behind I saw that the horde of monsters from before had only grown closer, and was currently behind us, although thanks to the man we were now gaining fair distance, but as I looked beyond I couldn't help but cry silently for the fate of our comrade. May you find comfort in the land of the gods Carnip.

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Jerry's POV:

"Well, seems like they actually managed to escape, how saddening."(Jerry)

I said this to the adventurer who had my claws embedded into his stomach. He had tried to cut my arms off so I returned the favor after I landed, by cutting his hands off and making him suffer as he bled out due to the excess of blood that was currently exiting from his multiple wounds.

" Blurgh,*he coughs blood* Just you wait monster, ha ha ha ha*he pants rapidly *. The Adventurers Guild will kill you. AAAaaaahhhh!!!! *He screams in pain as I twist my claws around.*"(Carnip)

"I welcome them with open arms. CHOMP!*I ate his head whole by expanding my mouth to a larger size*"(Jerry)

As I threw him on the ground the undead around me began devouring his remains. The final echoes of his life lost forever even to undeath.

I lost myself in thoughts such as how many adventurers would come to join my ranks after the escape of those humans, or if I should move to a new area to expand my army, but before any of this happens I first needed to prepare by beginning the restoration of the dark energies which powers us undead, entering what others would call a hibernating state. As I am the ruler of this group of the undead, I alone enter this state while they guard my body encasing me under themselves. In this state I return to the deadvoid, where the bodyless one lives and grants life unto us, giving us the powers of darkness that fuels our undead lifeforce. Here I simply explore the realm of vast emptiness with only the howls of its inhabitants and the dark masses which float through it. The masses help me concentrate the gathering of dark energies so I sit on them, sometimes I form connections with them strong enough that they show me great powers helpit me learn the magic of this realm, other times they hold existences from other dimensions which have been sealed here, of these ones I tend to steer clear but they too show me magic of tremendous power an of them I take advantage off fully.

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Dunwick Capital,

Royal Palace,

24th of the Second Twin Heroes, 1458.

Birth Day of the first prince, Celebration ceremony.

"Hear ye, hear ye, through here will walk the rulers of the most prestigious of all the human Kingdoms in this fine nation. All hail the king, Alfonse Vi Romero Alester De Refie'ere the I, and his wife and Queen, Romuna Vi Sódin Turnip Accord the I. Kneel before the majesties of the kingdom."(Normand)

With the words of the kings aide all present began kneeling. The rulers walked to their throne with an appearance befitting of them, Alfonse with his authoritarian look gave off the proper amount of dignity required for a king and Romuna with her beauty said to rival even the demi-godesses of love and beauty gave off a graceful and gentle appearance. Both of them sat down upon their thrones and the king began speaking.

"All present; we shall welcome the person responsible for this festivities. He is one in whose hands the kingdom will be in proper care, the favored for the throne, my very own son and prince Droy Vi Umino Alester De Refie'ere."(Alfonse)

As the kings words had ended a youth entered the scene, followed by the applause and cheer of all who were present it was none other than the prince himself. Covered with only the most expensive of clothes that could fund a medium sized village for a couple of years, he joined his ceremony receiving every single one of the applauses the nobles that were present gave him.

"Welcome to the festivities Count Derrick, I do so hope that everything is to your liking."(Droy)

"Everything is splendid young prince truly, if only for a few unsavory characters I'd rather not have seen *spikes a glance at a far off noble* but aside from that I can truly feel the pride of your house in every single step I walk through this hall."(Derrick)

"Well regarding that noble, there's nothing I can do as he is a noble, but if anything happens please do let me know yes. 'This guy is the sneakiest rat of the bunch, oh boy, just hold it in don't punch him, maintain the hypocrisy just a while longer'. Just so you know I'm planning on making a life changing announcement soon so be sure to stay till the end will you."(Droy)

"Why of course, leaving before the party ends would only be an insult to you my young prince."(Derrick)

The prince parted with the count who then began mingling with another group of nobles. He walked through the crowd receiving many praises and greetings from the attendees who were trying to leave a good impression on the young royals mind.

"Whoooo, well, well, well, how's the party treating you, oh great prince *slight snicker*?"(???)

"Truly deplorable, who knew maintaining hypocrisy throughout your day of birth was a thing, sometimes I think you have it easy being a commoner Trevonor."(Droy)

"Oi, oi, I'd rather wear a mask then have to sleep with a knife under my pillow in case someone tries to break in."(Trevonor)

"Well atleast you don't have assassin's after your head just for living."(Droy)

"And atleast you have guards to take care of those bastards."(Trevonor)

They both stare angrily at each other until a small smile appears on their faces.

"Bwahahahahahaha!"(Both of them laugh)

"Haaaa, but seriously are you ready to give this up? I am definitely gamed for it obviously, its the only way I'm going to escape the slums, sure they may be the best slums in any human kingdom but their still slums, bad things happen and I don't want to be the guy who they happen to. But you, man look at you, your next in line for kingship, a world to rule baby, and the amount of high class beauties I'm seeing here is, trust me not something that you'll see a lot out their."(Trevonor)

"HAAh, half of them are covered in so much make up that they weigh 5 pounds less once they take it off, sure they look skinny right now but that's only because of the clothing, once they take it off you'll see that they're actually quite out of shape. So out off shape that they don't even know how to move in bed my friend. I'd pick a healthy woman from the streets anyday over most of these frauds, at least I'll know that they're beautiful because they really are and not because of the amount of makeup they have on. And I don't want to rule the kingdom, what I want is the world, you already know this Trevonor."(Droy)

"Yes over here please, yes thank you *grabs two drinks amd gives one to Droy *, of course I know but I wanted to make sure so that you dont have any regrets, but look at you sampling the wares of nobility, Clink*they bring the drinks together for a cheer*, so any recommendations that you'd give for me then, who among these nobles daughter's will be slumming it up today."(Trevonor)

"Hahah, well then words of advice don't go for that blonde beauty over their, she's mine."(Droy)

"Damn, she really is a beauty lightly dressed and low tones of makeup prove that her figure and face is due to her own self, you lucky bastard, so you hitting that up today before leaving."(Trevonor)

"Won't be able to, she's the oldest of the Vi Ducant house which means that she's going to become a priestess of Adal. Her purity must be present before becoming a full fledged priest, however she's going to head over to the adventurer route. With my contacts once she officially becomes a priest we'll know atleast two weeks ahead of schedule and we'll be able to recruit her. She has been the only noble who truly gained my interest, so no touchy."(Droy)

"You bastard the number of stalking you must have done, it's so creepy you know that, so come on, tell me already who'd be worth doing it with."(Trevonor)

"First of all she told me herself so I just calculated the latter. And that would only leave you with four acceptable others which would be. That brunette over there, daughter of Viscount Dorian head of the Turnip house. The twin sisters over there are from, hear this house Bone if you play your cards right you'll be able to bed both of them and..."(Droy)

"That redhead, who is she? *He points out with his finger*"(Trevonor)

"I'm not sure, the only thing I know is her house which is Vi Wolf from that despicable Count Derrick. But if I remember correctly she was his niece and now he's her legal guardian after her parents died from a fire so he's been taking care of her since."(Droy)

"Happy birthday Droy, wish me luck."(Trevonor)

"Huh, oh boy well no harm done, and that's a plus for me considering he'll be bedding Derrick's niece."(Droy)

As he left the column from where he was resting, Droy was signaled over towards another noble however unlike count Derrick this one actually gave a pleasant feel to the young prince.

"Viscount Dorian such a long time, you know you could've come sooner to save me from a couple of these snakes."(Droy)

"Ahaha, I think I know what snakes your referring to my young prince, saw one of them giving me the evil eye earlier while you were speaking with it. Ahahaha, but nows not the time to worry about it; so how have you been, everything good in the palace?"(Dorian)

"As the prince I am offended a little by what your saying Dorian*small grin appears on his face* as the most prestigious kingdom of the human race of course everything is fine in the palace hehe. And what about you, heard you were gaining some more status from father where has that led to?"(Droy)

"Where it has led to is that I'll finally be able to silence most of those damned nitwits of the council, your looking at the new Duke of the Burgess area. Those Drummond idiots were seriously thinking that they'd win over the populace just by investing their money on the land, when what truly needed mending was the hearts of the people themselves, really now this is why the nobility of this age is debilitating, they are to focused on personal growth instead of the growth of the country. And I wasn't talking about the palace itself I was talking about you are you sure you're going through with this?"(Dorian)

While the Viscount was waiting for the young prince's response a new figure interrupted the conversation by tapping Droy's shoulder.

"Pardon the interruption but I feel as though I won't get another chance for the rest of the party if I hold out any longer."(Blonde Beauty)

"No, no, of course your not interrupting anything Lady May. What is it that you require of me this evening. *He said with a courteous bow suiting a gentleman, left hand in the air while the right hand is to his chest.*"(Droy)

"Oh no, heavens please, I dare not receive a bow from you my prince."(May)*She said flustered over his action*

"Ahaha well it seems that you youngsters are busy, I'll be getting slightly drunk in celebration on both your behalf, ah youth hahaha."(Dorian)*as he said this he left the pair*

"What an interesting man that Dorian is."(May)

"Old man's going to drink himself under the table if this goes on for too long haha."(Droy)

"Hihi."(May)

"Now where were we, ah right, I believe I was about to ask you to dance with me Lady May, it would actually be an honor to dance with you."(Droy)

"If you are okay with me, Prince. Although it is I who is honored to be able to dance with you."(May)

"Nonsense, here follow me."(Droy)

Entering the dancing section of the party Droy led May to the very center of were everyone was dancing. He took hold of her by the hips pushing himself and her closer to each other, he grabbed her right hand with his left and began their dance.

"Truly you'd say it is your honor to dance with me, but may I say that when a man is dancing with a woman as beautiful as you he most certainly has the honor in all forms."(Droy)

"Oh please my Prince, your just saying that *smile creeping upon her face*, one such as yourself would most certainly have many other interested ladies aside from me, just waiting to be asked by you to dance."(May)

"That may be so but I'm fairly certain that it would only be for mere political gain wouldn't you say. The only one who has truly shown no interest in such things are non other than m'lady May herself. Tell me why would you show such interest in an ordinary man such as myself."(Droy)

"This lady feels rather offended, if you were to be ordinary than what would that make me. Sure, sir Prince is most obviously not gifted appearance wise, but you contain something very few men actually have."(May)

"And what may that be if I can ask m'lady?"(Droy)

"An unyieldingly brave and True heart. A will moved by your conviction true to itself and itself alone. Your a man with a noble heart Droy, a heart that were it to rule over people it would focus on them with all it's might to bring them prosperity. Truly were I not to be a Priestess soon I would've asked you to take me right here and now Droy.*She said all this being driven by the moment with cloudy eyes and some steam escaping from her breath, as she gave a low pant waiting for something to happen.*"(May)

'What the fuck, huh, I don't, shit what, how'd it get to this point, huh we, we, we're just talking normally and then out of nowhere okay calm down, what the hell is happening she's obviously horny let's take her to another room of the castle yeah, fuck yeah.'(Droy's thoughts)

"M'lady I believe that the alcohol may have gone a little to your head would you like me to take you to another room so that you can take some fresh air."(Droy) *He said this with a smile on his face*

"Why yes I would love for that please."(May) *Still cloudy she stared at Droy with an intensely carnal look in the glints of her eyes*

They left the scene as quickly as possible avoiding any detection from the others inside the party, with a pace only shown by those who are in a hurry.

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In the other side of the party was another individual who is just about to commence testing his luck with another female that tickles his fancy.

"Hello there, the names Trevonor Rondante aide to the prince, may I ask the name of the lady from the house of Vi Wolf which has stolen my gaze."(Trevonor)

"Some aide you are, you know my house but not my name, it's quite laughable for a servant you know."(Red beauty)

"Forgive me indeed I came to this party in hopes of better knowing the nobles which will serve under my liege, but I dared not look away from your beauty the very first moment I saw you. A drink perhaps. *he takes two glasses of champagne from the coaster of a butler and hands her one*."(Trevonor)

"Hihi*small chuckle*, Your smooth aren't you, what house do you belong to?"(Red)

"Alas I am of no house M'lady. As I said the names Trevonor Rondante simple street rat."(Trevonor)

"I see well then street rat, My name is Lilith, do they have anything stronger down at the streets then the crap their serving here. It's far too light for my taste."(Red)

"Well m'lady I do happen to have some strong whiskey upstairs, but I don't believe I would gain much by drinking it alone. If only I had someone who could properly motivate me to go get it."(Trevonor)

With this she leaned in a little to reach his ear and whispered seductively "who said you were going alone".

'Score.'(Trevonor's Thoughts)