-Women’s Side of the Bath-

"So, tell me how long have you two been with Kyuketsuki? He seems to be rather protective of you two?"

Both battle maids just giggled at this beaming bright smiles as they washed in the baths. It was a bit strange for them because they had their own personal bathrooms back in Nazarick. The master was very insistent. They keep up appearances saying it would be a waste of resources to use red vials just to have a warm blood bath.

Looking at her sister Jade could not honestly answer the question being rather new before they appeared in this new world as master called it. Jade could clearly recall all her skills and abilities as if she always knew them.

"Well, I have served Kyuketsuki-sama for at least ten years now diligently and without fail. My sister; However, is rather new. I was very proud to see her cut up the vermin in the sewers."

Kathrin boasted proudly, patting Jade's rose-colored silky hair. Jade beaming with pride at the praise for her onee-san. Only there master’s praise was higher and heavier in worth.

"Really that long, he must be strong…I ...m... mean not that he was ever weak just…"

The head maid could smell the uncertainty in her wavering voice. It seems the master’s little show had weakened her resolve. Kathrin didn't really care. No tools of masters could be weak, or it was discarded like velvet, who sadly had become a victim used to torment her master. Which he was forced to put down; she could clearly remember his ranting about for weeks afterward, trying to find the lizard scum.

Already master seemed to have a much bigger plan for this group; he was always so wise and gentle. Yet to his enemy, he was the devil incarnate bring despair and agony which Kathrin was all too happy to help with if it pleased master Kyuketsuki. Which is why she must have been gifted with the foresight to understand any command he gave even if "coded" as he called it. Because of her insight, she could clearly see her master's plans. These three worms would have the pleasure of becoming his servants one way or the other. So, as an extension of her master's will, she would speed this plan along, and this was a perfect opportunity to do so.

As master one said, psychological warfare is the highest form of a true warrior being able to manipulate the minds of your enemies without them even knowing it far before any real battle. And by doing so, control any conflict before it even starts. Indeed, a wise saying and one fitting this situation perfectly sowing seeds of doubt so she might show Ritana lord Kyuketsuki’s glory.

"It’s quite alright, dear I know Kyuketsuki-sama can be an impossible leader to live up to I think you'll find he is very generous and kind truly a man to pursue, am I right?" Purring with a seductive tone.

The blush spread across the redhead's face was very interesting, though she could not blame her attraction. Slyly grinning leaning closer, signaling her sister to get close to Rita’s other side.

"What no! I am not crushing on him I just uh...

"It's quite alright we enjoy the nights sharing the bed it's so nice and warm." A slurry tone as she leaned closer.

Jade looked at her sister strangely unseen by Rita, wondering what she was doing. If she wanted her to play along, she could.

"Yes, Master is rather smooth with his commands, and he's so tender and compassionate he would never lead you wrong." Stonily spoke Jade, unsure about how she felt about sharing.

By now, Rita herself was trying to figure out how she got into this situation. She just wanted to relax not to have dirty thoughts in her head. When did they get so close, and how did they know was her failure as a leader of her adventure group, not enough? Now she was being seen through like paper? Stuttering out a flabby response as words failed her.

Hearing them be so clear yet vague, her mind betrayed her. Just imagining it now in her mind. Wouldn't she have heard it they were in the same room yet rational thought failed to dispel the images wishing it was her? Her head felt dizzy in this hot steam, and they were so close. What just brushed her down there.

"Ho, so wet master must have really left an impression on you but don't feel too bad. He likes to share his passion, just relax and let your imagination run wild, my dear." Hearing words sound like honey rolling down her Burning hot skin.

"What, but this is a public bath … improper and…and." Exhaling sharply, desperately trying to control her breathing.

Jade cut in rubbing her body against Rita’s left side, she could not escape the warm touch; this was so wrong, yet why couldn’t she stop these thoughts. NO, Bad mind no, don’t focus on those soft globes of flesh or him.

"It's fine, sister, and I don't mind sharing just let your pain wash away and enjoy the moment. Though you'll have to ask Master if you can join in." Eyes unfocused as Ritana’s body betrayed her, something building up in her. She couldn’t describe it, but it scared her.

Unseen to Rita's human eyes. Pink dust mixed with the steam expanding it and blocking all sound and view. As a sweet seem filled the air like an aphrodisiac shoot up libido to an absurd degree in fact, if humans smelled this too long, they would die of excitement. As their heart rate speeded, out of control. But in small doses, it was the same as catnip to a feline. But it was only visible by demi-humans or Heteromorphic Races. With a side effect of making a humanoid race more suggestible. A most wonderful skill gifted from master to Jade.

Panting Rita could not think of any rebuttal, her mind was so conflicted about this she was the leader of the green vultures for five years now a seasoned warrior and no slouch in combat. Even if she wasn't top of her class, she wasn't bottom of the barrel either. Yet in the past three days, Rita had lost control of her group. They didn't say if she could see the disappearing glints of her friends' eyes. The way they just followed Kyuketsuki orders like it was natural, but they just respected her too much to say it to her face. She was a failure. She couldn't even stop this clear violation of the public bath rules, yet it felt so good.

Feeling hot, tears rolling down her face trying to ignore the feeling of their hands. For some reason, she couldn’t hold it in any more hearing their sweet whispers in her ear, urging her to just let it out.

"Stop it, I'm not worth this I am a failure as a leader as a warrior please just leave me alone. Your right Kyuketsuki is far better at everything fighting, magic even leading I'm just can't keep up with. He is too handsome, is too graceful, is too kind, they should just say it I'm a failure. I could not even afford to keep us at a better inn, that is why we're staying in the old man's crappy inn. Yet then he just walks in, and now we have so much money I…I"

Kathrin’s evil deviant grin widen. Oh, this was perfect master would be so pleased with this. All she needed was Rita's consent for her plan. Master was obvious on it unless they betrayed them, they would have to beg for it. Kathrin would never fail her master orders even if it meant death; she was her lord Kyuketsuki’s protector and most devoted servant. It's why she was still here and not velvet; she was sure her fallen sister died with a smile on her face knowing how much Kyuketsuki mourned her death.

"There, there it’s alright, let us gentle maidens make it all the better after all master understands your pain, but you need to answer one question to feel better. I promise it will stop hurting." Unseen by the teary and conflicted desire-filled Rita. Kathrin looked ready to devour her whole.

"What sniffle...I just want to do what's best for my friends."

Jade lessoned the misty air at her sisters' orders, lost why they were not just finishing this already. She hated wasting her unique soul mist if it wasn't for Kyuketsuki-sama orders, but big sister seemed to know what master wanted.

"Tell me, do you trust master and me to lead you to a brighter future. One a lowly worm such as your self could never hope to gain on your own. If so, I need to know will you accept my gift." Kathrin's grin had nothing good or pure in mind.

In Ritana state of hysteria and grief, she failed to see the monstrous smile upon Kathrin's face, which seemed much more full than usual with whiskers brushing her face. Something blue swaying behind her, but all this was lost feeling so warm between those two warm bodies she felt like she was melting.

"Yes, can you show me how to be so strong like you two." Gasping out with steamy breaths.

"Of course, though, I just need one more thing. Close your eyes and let lord Kyuketsuki’s visage fill your mind." Golden eyes locking at her pray as the shift in body and size went unnoticed.

Closing her eyes blissfully before feeling pain, a soul-wrecking agonizing pain filled her being like something was infecting her very soul. Unable to move away or escape as an iron grip held her in place, keeping her rooted to the spot, all Rita could do was scream unwilling to even unscrew her eyes shut for fear of what surrounded her.

-In the run-down Side of E-Rental-

Sitting around in the back alley, they all regrouped, lowering their hoods as they all looked at each other. The building was rundown filled with dust and dirt broke windows and cobwebs everywhere. This building had long been abandoned after eight fingers came in being an old tavern used for under the table dealings. Kevlar had heard the cautionary tale as Eight Fingers muscled past them only for this other group to get crushed. Now it was just an old building in the old part of E-Rental no one bothered to come to. Perfect for a hideout, his little group could come and go without being disturbed and avoid the eight fingers areas. The peeled wall cracked floorboards and disrepair would make sneaking up on them difficult...

All of them had better clothes though still, dirty they all had a dagger and even leather armor. With cloaks, it wasn't much, but now they weren't under eight fingers anymore. Free to pursue their own paths, yet Kev knew they needed to find someone better to follow, or they might be forced to work with eight fingers again.

"So, what have you guys found out so far, anything?" Looking among the others in the room.

All three of them looked at each other shaking their heads no. Well, This wasn't unexpected. But maybe they were looking for the wrong people. That was how eight fingers kept hidden so long and friends in high places.

"Well, I think I got a lead did any of you guys hear about this one noble-looking guy Kyuketsuki." Bringing up the other topic.

The name got far more response than the previous question as they lit up with understanding.

"The new adventures in town are you kidding me who hasn't at least heard of the guy he slew this huge monster in the sewers. Has two maids near him most of the time, from one story, I wouldn't suggest messing with them."

Miskes looked over at Tammy, trying to recall which story she was talking about, then it hit him. One cringing so did the other two to Kev’s lost gaze. It seems to surprise them how had he not heard of one.

"What happened? I haven't heard of them till now."

"It was bad, so we were asking around the streets like usual, and then his beautiful lady just comes walking by. Like it was normal in the poor part of town when some guy appeared near her trying to flirt. But she wasn't into it, so she walked into this dead-end alley. A couple of minutes later, there is this horrible scream, and we thought she was in trouble, so we went to check, right?" Sounding sickened by what followed.

"Yeah, so sounds about normal thus far still it sad to hear it happens." Said Kevlar like it was normal for people to just disappear.

Shaking their heads at this did Kevlar miss something. It happened on occasion; it was why few people took the poor roads. In E-Rental, they liked to pretend it didn't exist, but it did that is the way eight fingers used for capturing new slaves all the time. Yet the somber looks of the other suggested otherwise.

"You don't get it what we found was the guy looking like he had been attacked by a bear or something. He was shaking like a leaf just muttering no over and over again, and the lady was nowhere to be found. This was the best story in some cases...they just vanish to never be seen again."

That was very interesting indeed, but the question was where they just one part of only three people. Thinking over the best way to introduce themselves or look into this, they must be related to those knights. Listening to her description, it sounds like one of the two he saw earlier.

"What about the other one I didn't see her." Curiosity seeping in out of Kevlar’s voice.

Grank answered next even if he appeared to be uncomfortable about this for a reason beyond him. "I ran into her once she was very nice; she seems to be an unknown. I think her name was Jade, though. No less dangerous once she had this person who insulted Kyuketsuki, and with just a glare, they passed out. On the spot with a terrified look."

Yes, they might be the ones they were looking for, yet there was no solid proof though there was one way to test it. Even if it was risky, they could still make it out in good shape either way.

"Well, I think we know who to check out, then just be careful remember the guy has those monstrous undead knights under him. We still can't quite find them."

They started to put together a plan to watch this Kyuketsuki guy from the shadows. To help find clues about the leader of those knights. Because Kevlar was full of ambition, and the best way to survive was to find the right opportunities. Like new blood in town could threaten eight fingers and hide so well in plain sight, if they didn't work out, they could always be spies for Eight Fingers even if they hated the idea of working for them again.

-Re-Antic a small city near E-Rental-

At the burning embers of this once beautiful town now little more than scorched earth as blazing flames still cooked the cracked ground. Even the stone buildings and structures were little more than rubble ruined by the inferno, which now replaced the life which once filled this area. The trees and plants burned to ashes were now blowing away in the face of the harsh winds of these ruins. Filled with broken armor, weapons, and gear. Which once were some of the most exquisite masterpieces of blacksmiths foraged and enchanted with great magic.

Now merely trash to litter the ground bent and broken beyond repair. With all lingering sparks of magic dead and dulled to nothingness. The dead and dying lay all over hundreds of countless victims; it looked like a great war zone had taken place. Craters and tracks dug into the ground with long fissure cracks where flames flickered up from like geysers shooting toxic fumes up into the bleak sky. Filled with clouds, thunder boomed overhead as lightning arched across the sky. It was the scene of what could only be an apocalyptic event for the residents of this unfortunate city now little more than a ghost town.

Yet life still survived as one lone knight raced across the blacked soil whipping the rains of the horse fast and hard. Glancing back around them looking for survivors but they had to hurry before it came back. The knight had no idea where this monster came from, but it slaughtered the armies with an inferno of flames cooking all who were hit within their very armor. Still hearing the phantom screams of pain yet they could not help the dead. Their only hope was to ride fast while it had gone away, scanning the sky for danger and the ground. Already the Duke of town found out too late this monster could tunnel under the forcefield, which defends their home. Crushing one of the last few lines of defenses of the city bathing the whole area in endless flames.

As sweat dripped down their body under plate armor, the knight could not hope to kill this beast alone, and despair filled them as they looked over all the fallen bodies of friends and acquaintances alike all dead before the monster’s might. He would ensure the next town was warned of this threat. They need to know of this before it got to E-Rental as it ravaged them.

Shuttering at the thought, driving the pain of heart away fighting off the exhaustion of the last three days of fighting. Riding faster as the horse nayed in protest, but this would be the least of these worries if the monster spotted them. It could quickly run-down horseback and crush even Orichalcum armor her captain had. Now was not the time for the pain the knight could Morn later after this vile monster was long cold and dead.

Looking ahead to see the fallen barricade crap looks like this would be difficult, but the knight would not stop. Not as long as their lungs drew breath, drawing up their power and gripping the halberd firmly Focusing. [Tower destroyer slash] silently calling out as their halberd cleaved out, and the barricade shattered to bits.

It was home free as they exited the burning wreckage of their hometown. Yet they felt panic rise as they saw it in the sky flashes of these blasted wings signing death approached time to speed up if they didn't get away now E-Rental was doomed.

Their body and the horse glowed multi-colors as they burned through every martial art skill they had learned. Horse shooting forward with blinding speed pushing both rider and mount to the limit even as both bodies ached to stop and rest. Stopping now meant death swerving to dodge trees and plants as they entered the thick forest. Just a little farther, and they would be safe, feeling the very armor vibrate and shifting wind blowing past them.

Then they heard it the beasts the monster called pets howling out in savage blood lust already they could see the lanterns in the dark forest. Putting away her halberd and drawing out their cursed crossbow, a wicked-looking weapon with an air of dread around it. Just holding it made him feel weak, but it was a desperate situation, and this weapon seems to be one of the few things so far that could kill them reliably.

Shooting out smoking, crossbow bolts whispered arcana words on the wind even as the black smoke encased the targets hit. Making them vanish from sight to where the knight didn't care so long as they never saw them again. Barks of anger filled the forest, but they had to quickly alternate between shooting and riding as more came up.

They were close just a little farther than just as hope seemed within reach the horse stumbled Naing out in pain. The knight had little time to contemplate as they rolled away though coming to a stop something broke, they could feel it as they couldn't stand right looking at the left leg, but there was nothing visible, so maybe it was just sprained.

Yet their eyes were drawn to their horse, crying out as it was unable to get up both of its left legs scorched off. Damn it, resolving themselves to get this done before more beasts came. Raising their throwing dagger. Getting attacked by them was worse than death, something this loyal steed didn't deserve no matter how desperate the situation.

"Sorry old girl, but I'll make it painless." Speaking softly to the horse.

Throwing it out as it jabbed into the horse skull right between the eyes. Silencing the pain beast of burden. Putting the crossbow away, grabbing the sheath and sliding out their sword and tower shield. Staring down, the five creatures came running up. They were shaped like wolves but looked like living blue fire with evil red eyes.

They just circled as if to mock the knights struggle to get away from this monster.

"Well, come on, then I don’t have all night!" motioning the beast to bring it.

One wolf charged in crashing against the tower shields metal surface only to get rammed back and cut in half as it dissipated into nothingness. Thanking the six gods for finding these weapons, the monster left lying around. Without getting them, they would be dead by now. Turning to block another charge yet another beast attack to her right, raising the sword and stabbing it through the head. Bashing another only to have the third beast grab the sword in its mouth trying to rip it away, but they wouldn't end like this.

[ocean wave]

Water blasted out of her body, blasting the beasts back, giving her breathing room, but the spell was a drain. They were no magic caster, but they had learned a few in the three-day war for Re-Antic along with a few other tricks. It was the only way to survive still between the use of their martial arts skills and magic just now they could barely stand. Feeling their legs tremble vision blurry, they need to end this soon if there was any chance of escape before the monster catches back up.

Charging in slashing two beasts into wisps and turning to the last kicking it back even as it went down clawing and biting till finally, a sword cut through it into the ground. Dropping to one knee panting though they saw more coming not good well time to try something suicidal, then try random magic items till they work.

Pulling out some round orb pulsed with the energy, they had no idea what it did, but the monster was raging when it came up missing, so it must do something extraordinary. Yet with no way of knowing how to work it. Trying everything to get this stupid sphere to work even hitting in on their sword as if the six gods blessed her, she found the answer in a simple phrase.

"Please just Return to E-Rental." As more beast came up in a flash of blinding light, they were pushed back as the knight escaped vanishing from view.

Just in time too, as a huge shadow fell over them crashing down, creating a clearing in the trees, red eyes glaring at the cowering blue wolves. Feeling their master's rage whining in apology.

"Where is the thief!"

-End of Chapter-