-Above ground-

Huffing for breath, Rita ending her spin attack dropping down onto one knee exhaustion radiated off her form, feeling this was getting tiresome. Staring at the lines of beasts, one sword raised to strike out only to halt. As they all came to a stop just standing, their tension filled the air looking around the others had stopped as well. Both sides waiting for the other to act.

Then one wolf vanished to the green vultures' surprise than another and another slowly they all started to disappear. Till they were left alone in the clearing, Rita sheathed both her swords dropping on to her back, looking up at the stormy sky as light snow fell a chill filled the air yet to Rita, she could only feel happy recognizing the supreme being’s energy radiating from this snow.

Maybe it was her imagination, but it felt warm and inviting, laying in the white sheet of wintery weather. Usually, she would be worried, but if Kyuketsuki needed their help, he would message them. Right now, she just wanted to lay down, And let this snow cool her off for a few minutes her job was done for right now.

While this happened, all the succubus gathered around the ice-covered hole watching in fascination. As the ground cracked out more frost growing out of every crevasse in the field with rare powerful magic. Which bent nature to its will something they had only heard about in stories before now.

"So, this is the forgotten one's power."

"So cool and hot."

"Such power do you think he will share his secrets."

"I'm more interested in sharing something else."

The 35-demoness chatted among themselves, looking at the hole in awe and wonder gushing about the might of a forgotten summoner. One which used their summons to infiltrate and bring ruin to large groups. In fact, it was so much fun working for this summon for their mercenary services Xannessa personally pledged their group to the forgotten ones. They could see why now? He rained supercharged winter blasts from the sky and brought a sharp pain to a higher-level demon with ease even while holding back.

For them finding a dominant mate to help raise their young was vital, or they would get trampled over by other demons and devils vying for power. But the mistress of their group was powerful and cunning, so they managed to get around with little trouble at all.

"Enough gabbing gather round! We can admire his work later!" Came Xannessa’s gruff reply over them lining up with dejected sighs.

"I can see why master favors your services. I believe we need to cover some ground rules."

Kathrin looked over the group scanning for any injury or weakness to exploit or get rid of. Slyly beaming when none were found, this was good, though. She would expect no less from any summoned mercenary monsters or not. Only the worthy could service Kyuketsuki-sama.

"Glad you think so, sweetheart, so what are our next orders? " They all bowed to the succubus, hoping to gain the favor of the forgotten ones. Like this one had, it would be a high honor to feel this energy up close and personal.

"For now, hide your demoness nature. You need to appear as a group of mercenary sorcerers. We can't go scaring the locals."

At Kathrin's command, all of them the gathered group shifted their form into human sorcerers though they were quickly distracted by a commotion. Nearby turning to gaze as the noise near Bardic, out of the trees and underbrush came several hooded figures stealthily appeared

Armed with various weapons and armor, those with hoods down had a sinister look on their faces. Yet the most shocking face was one familiar face next to someone they had been avoiding at every possibility. Not just because of a dislike of them or the safety of Rita’s team. Rita had the displeasure of running into this particular member of six arms before ruining a few past missions.

Faster than some would think possible, Ritana was on her feet swords in hand, trying to wipe the sweat from her face. The warrior knew this was bad; the sun was setting, and all of them were worn down from the fight. Which just ended Rita was out of mana. Glancing over their dwarf looked to be held at knifepoint while both Jade and Kathrin looked to be a little shaky yet hiding sluggish movement well.

Ritana tried to think of why they had been so obviously betrayed. Yet could not think of a reason for an answer to this puzzle. Did he not even realize this woman wanted Rita dead if they crossed paths again. Her body trembled with rage and weariness as the realization of this heart-throbbing betrayal.

"Tarick!” Ritana shouted loudly.

“What is the meaning of this, why is she here!" Rita's voice neutral dulled golden eyes, glaring right through the elve.

"Hello, little fly, I believe I told you what would happen. Next, we meet!" Icy tone ringing out across the clearing from the six arms member.

"Hey, her death wasn't part of the deal Remember. Besides, I have something I need to do." Tarick calmly spoke, pulling the woman back.

Stepping forward, Tarick pulling out a locket from his pouch, grinning under the hood. Lighting up his hand with a pink glow, this would fix everything it had to. Even from here, he could see how Rita's body stiffened tensely at seeing the amulet.

"You went through my things! What happened to not prying into other's stuff!" Fury rolling off Ritana gripping her weapons so tight her knuckles turned white.

"I only returned the favor your new master already made you do, but I realize this must be what is controlling you!" Every word filled with triumph.

"If you dare scratch my amulet, I will have your share cut from every mission we get from the adventures guild for a month. You hear me now give me-

Without listening, Tarick grabbed the locket as the magic around his hand worked to destroy the fine metalworking and magic around the trinket. Warping and twisting the metal within minutes, the pendant had been destroyed with a final burst of magic sparks.

Beaming in victory, at least he was until the absolute rage on Ritana’s face came in to view. Body straining not to explode in a fury her blades already glowing with flames.

"You just destroyed my mother’s locket, you complete moron! I'm kicking your ass till you regret everything!" Rita marching up with rage.

Her path was blocked by several people, all armed chuckling as they circled the warrior. Blocking her view as Tarick vanished from sight in all the confusion. Yet Rita could not focus on this as blades met in clash quickly having to counter several attackers at once. Kicking back one slashing to her right side to cut through one as they screamed out from the burning blade.

It was good she remembered to drink a restoration potion before getting up. Turning to counter one to her left and stabbing in front of herself as another fell. Still, they weren't falling back even as another slash made its mark.

Rage was evident in every thrust and harsh slash, yet she could not afford to stop. The stupid elf had a silly idea in Tarick’s head and needed to be stopped. He would regret his brain-dead idea he could destroy the last thing her mother gave her.

-Else were in the fight-

Jade could not say how annoying these humans were. All of them were much better fighters than any she had seen before. Especially this woman with the dancing blades around them with no way to stop and coordinate the other succubus. They were watching nearby but fighting off their own attackers.

Lashing out with her Kusarigamas creating some space only to feel a cut in her arm glaring over at the attack. To see the elf drawing out another arrow but it had strange energy around them one she didn't like at all. Yet more of those annoying swords came at Jade blocking her retaliation. This was not the worst thing, just trying to fight all these opponents at once was.

Despite her long chain weapons, she needs room to build up momentum; otherwise, she could not use her flames. And without time to aim her strikes, there was no telling if they would swing wide. Biting her lip, Jade knows this was the worst possible type of battle for her style unless she used the other form; she could not effectively fight these worms off.

She had only a shortlist of spells she could use, having burned through most of the talismans on hand with those damn wolfs.

Hissing as more cuts ripped into her uniform and skin, then something miserable happened. As something rammed into her shoulder, shattering her shoulder guard red hot metal pieces flying out. Swiping her legs out, in vain to try and get some room if she could just get some space. These worms would be dying much faster.

"What's wrong, monster can't get your weapons working tough! That is a problem with those long overbearing chain weapons like yours!" The arrogance in Tarick’s voice truly was starting to tick her off.

Jade felt a rain of blows rain down upon her back. Pain radiating from the impact holy positive magic burned her flesh. This was bad. She was a support role meant to distract and cut down opponents from afar. Yet this stupid elf seemed to catch on to this. Feeling tears, but she would not fail Kyuketsuki-sama.

Racking her brain for a solution to this problem even while holding back more. Then it hit her right the skill. It was only to be used in a desperate situation. This had to count, right? Besides, she would just respawn later afterward, beaming.

All of them are on guard as the maid started to glow brighter and brighter with each cut the very air shimmered with heat around her, and sweat began to roll down their faces. Till Edstrom backed off, her senses were screaming at her to move. Even as this foolish girl tanked more slashes yet dread hung in the air, they were desperate to fight them off.

"Get back now!"

But too late. "[undying passions gift: heart explosion]"

It appeared the area flashed with a blinding light, then a boom deafened all nearby. Shock waves of the blast and heat knocking everyone close by to the ground. As dark red energy exploded out everyone in the blast zone vanished from view. Never to be seen again.

As the light dimmed down, silence filled the air standing in a crater, only one form was visible. Armored shredded to red hot pieces hissing in the air. Her spotless maid uniform scorched and in tatters. Blood pouring out of her injuries covered in burns and deep cuts, one arm missing with a hole where her left eye should be. Panting her shaking body swaying, both of her weapons were broken beyond repair chain links scattered all over.

"Stupid... worms... you... can't... beat... Me…now prepare for...

Stopping even as she looked at the shock scimitar user. Who was unsure how they were still standing impressively; nonetheless, Jade felt something was wrong; she couldn't move glancing down an arrow penetrating her heart! Watching in disbelief as slowly from the injury, her body started to turn to ash falling cell by cell, still forcing her body to move towards the woman. Agonizingly slow Dragging the bent chain in one arm swinging out even as her eye glossed over a small cut formed on Edstrom's cheek.

Stunned to see this being move even as more arrows pelted her form, but she would not stop limping forward, slowly pulling back her weapon.

"Just die already [arrow storm], [dead center], and [drifting seekers]!"

In rage and fear, Tarick unleashed a hail of arrow powered by martial arts, all turning even after being fired to hit the mark. Yet still, as they fell body disintegrating, they dragged the body forward forever, imprinting this horrible image into the onlooker's eyes. Refusing to quit even as their nerves were burning out.

"Won't... fail... Kyuket- fading into ash, their body was blown away silence reigned over the ruins. All of the criminals were hesitant to attack now clearly terrified by this image. Then the ground shook, and the Icey spot on it began to crack and split apart an eerie light shooting up into the air. For the first time in their lives, they felt fear, which not even eight fingers could protect them from.

-Frozen prison hole-

Kyuketsuki froze as the message popped up in his mind.

[Jade coin had died]

Unable to comprehend how the battle above should have been easy. Fear filled his mind did he miss calculate? Was there an unknown factor, so many possibilities filled his mind trying to understand what went wrong. Unconsciously his hands curled into fists drawing blood. His body vibrating with visible fury.

"Finish now. We are moving!" His voice cold and dead, all the vampire brides immediately finished fearful of their master’s rage. Lining up all eighty-eight waiting further orders with shivers down their spines.

Glaring up, the ice prison began to crack apart, red light bleeding out above them. Till it burst up into sharp icy rain. Shooting up into the area above frantically looking around as dread fill Kyuketsuki’s, undead heart. Where is his reincarnation of velvet? Uncaring for the looks of horror or shock these people didn't matter, he needs to find her.

Laying eyes on the crater no. A terrifying realization finally hit. She had used that skill one he had forbidden from using. Because while it was a very powerful skill, she just wasn't high enough to safely use it. In exchange for a percentage of the user’s health, they could create an explosion around them if using more than 50% of their health, they would be weakened to the point which they were vulnerable to all damage types and would need at least a 7th tier healing spell quickly.

'Why did I even give her the damn skill!'

He thought frantically looking around for a body, yet there was no dead body to be found. Not even an arm in an attempt to find an answer, he followed the chain to a revealing dressed woman looking like a dancer.

"Who dares kill my servant speak or feel agony you could only dream of!" An unearthly roar rushed out of Kyuketsuki’s throat.

All her subordinates backed up away from her, pointing to Edstrom, frightened out of their minds dropping their weapons as this aura washed over all of the grunts, Eight fingers be damned, they weren't taking on this monster even if they paid for it later.

"I see, so you're the one." Crazed demented laughter filled the ruins making Edstrom feel small watching this monster float down amber wings dripping acid burning the ground.

"You think you can mess with eight fingers. I'm one of their top enforcers! Part of six arms and I refused to be intimidated by some freak now die!" Screaming out as Edstrom's scimitars flew at the monster.

Only to be shocked to see six daggers fly up, cutting through each and every sword watching as the broken weapons hit the ground. Unmoving sparks of magic leaking out of the now ruined weapons None of them even touching the target. Now weaponless taking a step back. As those cold, hateful eyes pierced through her very soul, unsure what to do about this.

"Fools help me attack or give me a weapon!" Glancing at her underlings only for no movement to happen.

"You seem to misunderstand. your followers know they're going to die here by my helpers as snacks!"

As this malevolent voice called out each and every one of the eight fingers thugs. Now had pure white-skinned women near them in bridle uniforms. Unmoving even as they were drained of their blood much to the shock of the others.

"You, my dear, shall die like my dear lovely Jade did alone and in pain!" Hate bubbling off of Kyuketsuki.

Her mind tried to think of a way out of this. This wasn't what she was paid for. Lying cheat Tarick damn it. Wait, she didn't give the killing blow may be. Hope-filled her quickly speaking in the hopes of surviving this.

"WAIT for I di- gurgling the world seemed to stop as blood sprayed out of her body from ten different cuts. The body literally falling into a blood-soaked gore pile. Kyuketsuki No longer standing in front of her but behind her.

"Lying won't save you; I can smell her blood on your weapons!" Kyuketsuki coldly glared at the mess.

"Uh master your form; it's um…showing?" Softly Kathrin's somber voice spoke.

Stopping, Sitabus realized Indeed, he had not changed back, shit. Sitabus shifting back to normal, his swords unfused with his claws. Purple demon blood stained his body and armor, looking at the shocked party.

"No, stop, he needs to die!" Turning, they all saw the sorcerer's restraining the elf with ropes of magic. All of the party flabbergasted and unsure of what to say. Only the sound of Tarick’s shouting filled the deadly silent area.

One thought was at the forefront of Kyuketsuki’s mind would the auto respawn work. This was his only hope even as his nails drew blood from his hands. He didn't want to lose another person close to him. Not like his family. He couldn't handle being alone again. Suppressing his pain and panic busted to life, but it could not hold back all of his grief biting his lip.

-Later at the campsite of the ruins-

After setting up camp, the air was tense. No one spoke up even as the vampire brides and succubus patrolled the area looking for danger. Kathrin was sitting right next to Sitabus trying to console his silent temper, though if not for Rita asking this lesser being would not be in chains but dead. There was no talking about it to her mind. Anyone who made the master feel such cold and emptiness needs to be punished.

He was not even in the mood to feel her up; this only increased her outrage and grief; still, these two were part of the discussion.

"So, uh Kyuketsuki, you’re a vampire." Bardic laminating trying to start the uncomfortable topic rolling.

"Yes, does this change anything between us? I will understand if you can't work with me any longer. I know people's reactions would be negative just like Tarick, though if I’m, to be honest, I don't care either way." The words are hollow and lifeless as Kyuketsuki stared at the fire.

"Uh, don't you need to like drink blood or avoid sunlight?" Asked Rita more wondering about her master who seemed so human right now. Not that she would leave at this point unless asked to.

Hollow laughter answered Sitabus just wasn't in the mood to care for secrets. If it came down to it, they would be dead by morning with over one hundred mercenary NPCs at his beck and call it would be child's play.

"Unlike lesser vampires, I'm a true elder vampire. I am not hurt by the sun or blocked by any other absurd rules of a vampire. As for hunger of blood, it is little more than a rush for me, not a need."

Once again, the tense silence returned between the groups at the crackling of the fire. Indeed a depressing air seemed stuck above them, but Bardic spoke up, drawing their attention much to his surprise.

"Well, frankly, if it's not a problem, I don't see one. You are not like most of the ones I've heard from the stories. So, you're ok in my book. Even if elfy boys gone off his rocker about this. frankly, you could have attacked us by now, but you haven't."

Faintly feeling a smile form on his face at this, even Rita beamed upbeat about this leaning close on the other side.

"I don't either, so I think it's official our new leader Kyuketsuki-kun is staying." Rita cheered will glee.

"Though can I put in a request or two since I will probably be stuck with you after this." Asked Bardic.

Sitabus smirked slightly, it would be suspicious if the dwarf didn't at least ask for something waving Bardic on to continue.

"Do you mind if I could get one of those sorcerers for the night it gets rather cold also, I want free rights to hold on to this beauty of a siege weapon!" Want and need sparkling in the dwarf’s eyes.

Kathrin seemed to raise a brow at this inquiry but looked to Kyuketsuki, who just looked on tossing the thought around.

"Alright, I will let you have one of them just know they are feisty, demanding, and relentless, so don't blame me if they try to kill you. Also, know this if you touch Rita or Kathrin, they have the freedom to neuter you unless you can explain very well." A fleeting spark of life stirred in his words.

Watching the dwarf's eyes light up at this greed through dangerous as a tool to be used. To make sure something like today never happened again. Plus now, these Eight Fingers were on his hit list, silently planning their downfall.

"Before we go to bed, there is one other matter to attend to. This needs to be decided on what to do about Tarick!" Sitabus hissed out the name.

The night air once again grows quiet as they thought about this, considering all the elf had done. He had rummaged through their stuff, lied, led Eight Fingers to them, killed a teammate even destroyed something precious to Rita. With all this in mind, it was hard to say how they would react to this.

"I say we leave elfy boy out here. To think about his actions frankly, I can't say I trust him anymore. Though I still consider him a friend." Softly spoke Bardic.

Sagely nodding both Kathrin and him agreed though Sitabus might just have Tarick killed. When they weren't looking. He could not forgive the death of someone so dear to him like Jade. It was too much like velvets far too painful. Just remembering how it happened brought a rush of vengeance.

"As much as I know it might displease you, lord Kyuketsuki. We were once good friends, so I think it is best if we leave him to his thoughts... For me, and if he really comes back after us, I will kill him myself sound fair?" Testily asked Rita though she didn’t look pleased about it.

With a perfect poker face gazing into tired eyes as much as Sitabus wanted to act on his blood rage, he remembered something Momonga said once. A good leader isn't ruled by their emotion but controls them. Sighing, pulling Ritana close.

"Fine, but if he ever attacks my servants or me again, you will end him before he can threaten us once more. This is an order!" The words felt broken and lost.

Rita beaming with determination leans closer till their lips touched, feeling the sparks of passion in her lips. Even as a tear rolled down the vampire's face. Barring his grief into this moment in hopes of vanishing velvets dyeing face from his mind. Tightening his hold on the girls as if scared, they would disappear as well as everyone important in his life had.

-Hidden tomb-

Deep underground hid away beneath the earth in a dark chamber. Candles lit up the room dimly with a dark theme of the room in the stale air, which would soon hold a meeting holographic images of hooded figures appeared.

Each one having a mask over their face looking among the members gathered with the lack of one spot which remained empty. All of those gathered looked among themselves, silently asking the question which hung in the air. None willing to speak up till one cleared their throat with a voice neither female or male sound but a perfect balance of both.

"So, they failed not to be expected, but not surprising." Came one in a zombie bear mask hunched over but standing almost ten feet tall.

"You say it like the fool had a brain hen probably got themselves killed by a fence post or wind main." Scoffed a gruff voice of an owl's mask and a scythe in hand as their cloak moved underneath them.

"Now. Now, it hardly matters that they failed. Rather did those pesky heroes show up?" Called out another loud voice in a bull mask.

The others argued over this matter, adding all manner of insult to their fallen comrade or comments of surprise over the failed plan. Clapping could be heard, stopping the petty bickering. As a slender, the jester masked person spoke up.

"No, the heroes were not present. In fact, I dare say this may bold well for us." Giggling at the lower tones of those gathered.

This had all seven look at the person strangely. How was this good? An artifact of power had been lost to whoever stopped the attack on E-Rental. The test was inconclusive; if anything, this was horrible with how scattered about they were. Sure that the plan wouldn’t fail to at least scar E-Rental, which would have invited the empire in the coming annual war.

Unity was not their strong suit. This was evident by how little they cared about the fallen comrade. Only concerned by the fact that the test had failed all parameters. The one with the wolf mask sitting still watching all of this happen.

"Carnival, I believe you fail to see how this is bad, like always." Annoyed at the Jester masks, answer. The two-sided mask one responded back.

A giggled was there reply tilting the head childishly to the left then right swaying. "No, I'm just saying another monster is always welcome to the table right. You should have seen their face gleefully smiling even as they toyed with batty-chan like a fiddle. Oh, I could only wish to see their face in the hole as it froze over."

Again, they all glanced around, not realizing this one had actually been there to see it. When all others had failed to perceive it with divination magic. But zombie bear mask snarled over this turn of events they could not believe she just let them get away with the item.

"Let me get this straight you were there, and you just let them get away with the artifact you realize this could be seen as a betrayal!” Shouted out the leader of this group in a blank mask.

“~Oh, so scary, but why so angry? When I found someone who might be about to fill the gap, you really should have seen them. Letting batty-chan believe they had the win until they fell right into the trap. ~”

Intrigued, the blank masked harshly shouted. "Explain, or I will see this as a betrayal of The Covenant of Crows."

-End of Chapter-