-On the streets of E-Rental-

Watching from, the shadows of the alleyway Kevlar watched the hooded figures stealthily march down the road. With one in front glazing around them for danger with two behind him holding the merchant from earlier and one looked familiar. Walking at a brisk pace down the road looking friendly enough, even waving to a few.

Yet, for those looking too closely, they would see the hidden truth as the shiny metal glinted in the hands of the two at the back. The nervous twitch of the merchant with an edgy look of a strained smile trying to mask his fear. And the other one kept glancing around though he could not see the face they were clearly looking for a distraction or something to plan their escape.

"Relax, Javis! It's nothing personal, but will the bosses just have a few questions." The messenger sneered under his hood.

Turning to glance at the second one with a dark smile present on his face, Kevlar could feel the hate from here.

"And as for you well, I believe you were the last person to see Edstrom and a few of her personal group, right? We just want some answers?!" partially laughing at the elf.

The second one looked ready to do something till a jab in his back stopped him. Glancing back to see the follower shrugs, urging them forward much to their discomfort.

"Na nu, don't get shifty with us! You don't want to cause a scene, do ya."

Seeing a chance to take Javis spoke up with the best silver tongue they could get.

"Wait…wait we can talk about this I brought someone to you guys we are-

The leader grabbed the merchant's caller, pulling them close, allowing the hood to fall back, showing a gaze full of disappointment and rage. They silenced any further protest as they shook with fright.

"REALLY buddy, I feel for you, but you have to understand the bosses are not happy with your sales and feel…a cut back is needed. Besides, you only cleared up one mess, or are you telling me this guy did too hum?" giving a disbelieving stare of disapproval.

Babbling incoherently as terror froze up all movement for the trembling merchant with a light slap from the leader, making them quite again.

"Yeah, I thought not. Now I'm not saying you two probably don't have an excellent explanation, But save if for when we get there. I would hate for one of you to lose your head over this, And for your sakes. I hope you do because if this whole misunderstanding isn't cleared up, then we will need compensation for our losses!" Darkly hinting at what this entailed.

Watching the doors open to the windowless building as they walked out of earshot. Kevlar cursed his luck. He couldn't risk being spotted, and tapper wouldn’t be allowed in unless he wanted to risk the bird's life.

"Great now. What do I do, the boss lady really wanted this guy dead." Asking tapper who clawed back at him.

Thinking up a good plan as to how to get in gripping the heavy bag of coins on their belt. Maybe this could work though it would be risky, but Kevlar didn't have much time to waste.

Walking up to the door as both bouncers stood in his way, muscular arms crossed, glaring at him.

"No kids allowed and trust me; you don't want to go inside their brat." Harshly grumbled the guard.

With a nervous smile and a bag of coins held up, Kevlar spoke in a weak and sad tone.

"But that awful man ruined the brothel my mother worked at and I I...

Putting up a heartbroken face to the men as they looked at each other before looking back down at the child.

"You're saying you saw him there that night, kid?"

Kevlar Nodded vigorously body trembling with teary eyes.

"Yes, I did with these other guys he hired hiccup... there was so much blood."

The first one shook his head at the other, clearly disagreeing with this plan, but the other one made some hand gestures. With both of them signaling back and forth for a few minutes till one sighed. Both of them turning back to the kid.

"Alright, let me take you in, but remember you didn't see what was inside got it!" leaning closer with a warning stare.

"Of course, mister, you're so nice."

Head faced down with a hidden smile, yes, alright time to do his part of this plan. Though he would have to improvise, lady Kathrin was evident in her order. They need to think this whole thing was wrapped up for now. Which was brilliant really destroy their morale and then after testing the strongest enforcers pullback? Letting them think they have won only to come back later to crush them.

Still, Kev’s group couldn't complain. The lady was nice if not very strict though none of them dared ask what happened to the other maid. They didn't want to lose the fabulous new clothes, food, and even place to stay at all set up for them with room to grow.

It didn't come without a cost; they were now working for the boss man, and as long as they did what was asked. All of their needs would be taken care of though it was odd how kind Kathrin treated all of them like she was a daunting mother. Kathrin, in contrast, wouldn’t even give other humans much thought calling them insects, he would have to ask later on the matter.

Kevlar taking careful notes of the building's layout and setup. Toning out the sounds and smells of this disgusting place soon, it would be gone. But first, these two need to been seen as enemies of eight fingers and not the boss lady.

-Near the Gates of E-Rental-

The two masked individuals watched the street from afar thought cloaked by illusions watching the city move about. One of them was a fairly buff man standing six feet tall with a 3d mask of a bull on his face, dressed in armor underneath the cloak.

While the other looked to be a black and red cloak with a jester mask having a big smile on it. Bells hung around them jingling, which kept casting a kind of hypnotic ring that put up an image of two ordinary people, to the onlookers. Though none could see through it not even the shadow demons and other creatures moved about the town without anyone being the wiser

"Interesting, so this is your artifacts power I don't think you ever said what it was called."

Giggling Carnival turned to her coworker “~ It's a secret though I'm interested in testing out this one so much potential. Aren't you Sotoram~.”

Sighing the bull eerily turned to his partner for this, it indeed was a fantasy to ever get them to take anything seriously. Sotoram had his own worries, they were doing ok so far, but after the death of the adventurer Jade, it became evident just how this person had been affected. Which, in turn, might make them more prone to attack later.

"My code name is Bull! Why can't you at least get it right? ugh, how has blank not killed you yet?"

“~Because I'm unique unlike youu~ but don't feel sad bossy boss just needs to relax is all~.

Sotoram didn't buy it for a second though he wouldn't question it too much; each of the covenant of crows had their own reasons for joining. None of them pleasant or courteous still Carnival always gave off a bad vibe even for his tastes.

"I don't suppose you want to just get to the mission already! Some of us need to do more than just enjoy a good show." Sotoram growling in annoyance.

Huffing with crossed arms glaring down at the clown even as they sat around the table in the restaurant.

“~Finee! They are down the road then take two rights and a left, and they should be the third one in the back alley~.”

It was always surprising to see just how dangerous the jester was. When it mattered, but Bull didn't want to test this yet. Besides, he had a mission to get done. To move their own plans forward while the others hunted down the heroes' descendants.

"Fine, then I'm off to do my part. Just remember, blank still wants a test done."

Soloram gruffly replies before marching off while carnival just giggled to herself, watching the world around her. Go by in boredom bells jingling as she stood up, jumping on to the rooftops in a single bound. With inhuman speed dashing across them trailing through the air till she arrived at the inn, eyes tracking one particular person.

“~Oh Sotoram, so foolish you think I'm testing them, but really it's your turned in the spotlight hehe~.” Jester giggled.

-Pluton office at the adventure’s guild-

Pluton Ainzach was very interested in meeting this new adventurer in town. It was worth noting they had done far more than most in just the last week. As he looked over the job's reports done by them with at least 187 down in just a weeks' time, however, it was a footnote to the two if not three crowning achievements.

First, their brave action in facing down the monster in the sewer, according to the mage guild, was turning in to if not already a full demon. With its parts worth quite a bit, yet the man had just handed over the body of it, only asking to keep the head and heart. Something a lot of new adventures would never do. It was undoubtedly worth its weight in gold.

Slipping through them to the next two significant findings, some kind of giant acorn. Pluton wasn't going to ask, he had heard and seen a lot of weird monsters in his day, but this was a first. Even for him still, it was certainly around a 127-difficulty rating. It Would only warrant one rank up from their current rank if not for what happened next.

Rereading over this report, he could hardly believe it himself from the tale of poor man Alerick. It was a beast around 148 difficulty rating mostly definitely more with an endless army of hounds at their call. The wholes city was going to be put on alert for this kind of threat. Even then, they were in the process of recalling all Adamantite adventures for this kind of threat. Till they had the kingdom army section sent out returned dragging the corpse of the enormous beast.

Instead of falling, the green vultures stayed fought and won much to his amazement. Even though they lost one member, though, it was regrettable to hear the tale of why. Thinking of it made his blood boil at such an act of betrayal, he wants to publicly kick out the damn fool for such heartless and malicious action. Ruining any chance of a future in E-Rental for them as a whole.

However, again, the man had surprised him by having it done quietly. When he must still be so upset over the loss. Pluton felt the punishment was too lenient, but he would honor the man's request. Which brought him to the reason he called them here even if only two were present.

"I'm impressed you have come far in just a week." Shaking each of their hands.

Turning to meet the man's gaze. Pluton could see the grief still lingering in their eyes. Not that he blamed him, it was always hard losing teammates.

"Thank you for your kind words Ainzach, but I am not in the mood for celebrating. I hope you understand we only did the right thing."

Waving off the worry, "No, I understand, though. where is the rest of your team they should be here for this?"

"be here for what? We just came in to get some easy jobs around town for today. I hardly see why it should matter." Inquisitively looking at the guild leader.

Ah, Kyuketsuki didn't know then or was he just modest pluton couldn't be sure which, but it was another excellent example of what a real adventurer should be.

"I see while normally you need to take a test to go up in rank, but between your first task past exploits and the sudden attack by a dragon, I am promoting all of your team to Orichalcum because frankly, few could handle this situation as well as you did."

Watching surprise rise up on both of their faces, a smile graced his own face to their shock. As he handed over the new metal plates to them. The leader stands to accept them quickly though something seemed to trouble him.

"I know it may be rude, but could you perhaps give me one for J…our fallen member." Scorn and grief radiating from Kyuketsuki.

Gently pluton spoke up. "Of course, I will have to have it made first. I hope you understand."

"I understand, but I would like to place it with her when it is done." Kyuketsuki’s tone was somber though it was a little worrying to the old man he could at least offer some advice to him.

Walking around the desk to put a hand on Kyuketsuki’s shoulder. "I know it is painful now. Just remember, we can never be prepared for everything. I have had many losses over my years as an adventurer, and we can't control what happens on the field. Only move forward and learn from it." Trying to be as comforting as possible.

Scrutinizing the man's reaction as he relaxed, it appeared his words had at least been listened to.

"Thank you for the advice. I will keep it in mind. Now, if you will excuse us, we have a few people to help out still." Kyuketsuki seemed to lack the spark of joy he had when they first met.

Watching them leave his office, the old guild leader could only sigh and hope the grief of loss wouldn’t scar the man too severely. It was simply too hard to find such strong heroes like him; frankly, he would have given Adamantite rank, but they're just wasn't enough evidence to award it. Though his team at least had a good leader. Ritana was Not a bad one, but she was still too young to be an experienced one like Kyuketsuki.

-With Kyuketsuki and Ritana-

"So which ones are we doing today, Kyuketsuki-sama?" Rita was practically jumping for joy.

This was a good question they were limited on time, and with only two of them present to split the work? Looking over the board or at least looking like it as Rita whispered into his ear, each one available it was a rather short list truthfully. Between the six ones on the board.

The first appeared to be a simple delivery job around town, but there must be more to it. For such high pay plus usually. There were other people for deliveries who didn't charge as much. Picking it up, it could be a distraction if nothing else gripping the Orichalcum plate around his neck.

Whispering to Rita. "Ok next one, please."

The next one appeared to be some kind of missing cat mission, so he just skipped one any fool could do, and they were getting way overpaid for something so basic as that. Then Rita pointed to the next one.

Next up was hilarious Kyuketsuki had to keep in his laughter just listening. "So apparently some apprentice mage miscast a spell, and now they need help cleaning out the slimes before their master gets back from a wizard gathering. Do you want me to take it?"

Struggling to hold in his laughter, turning to Rita. "Yes, it sounds simple enough, then we need one more."

Watching Rita scan over the remaining three tasks on the job board, Sitabus would have to find a better solution for this in the future. As it would be a hindrance to his cause still without any tool or magic to do so even, Kyuketsuki knew how hard it was learning a new language. With ritana’s help, it should at least be easier.

"Oh, this one looks fun. A problem with a gang of local goblins has been harassing the roads in and out of town. Still, why hasn't the city guard taken care of such a problem."

Grabbing it while turning back to Rita. "Because they are not enough of a threat to risk weakening the city defenses, but people traveling the roads still have to deal with it. Mostly these goblins aren't doing it all the time."

With a look of realization passing over Rita's face followed by irritation quickly after. "'This is just lazy; it's the city guards' job to keep the roads clear."

How naïve of Rita if not endearing. While it might seem lazy as long as the goblins didn’t linger too close to the city. The city guard had little reason to go hunt them down. When only a day ago, E-rental was at risk of being wiped out. Besides, like back home, the nobles of this world didn’t see the need to go out of there way to help others.

"Let's get to these missions, shall we."

"Of course!" Came Rita's chipper reply.

-Hours later-

The first two were simple enough to finish up. Rounding up some slimes and intimidating goblins done.

Yet this third task hastily became apparent why it paid so much as they were going back and forth all over town. Because some morons forgot to properly label were to deliver the package. Then arose the second issue of other people asking them to deliver their own packages. While it was decent pay, a lot of time had to be spent just finding the right place.

Rita was panting next to him, pulling up her pillar of boxes weighing her down, making each step that much harder. Body trembling with the effort to not drop any of them. Sitabus not even straying to carry his load of boxes

"Why ...pant did we. gasp... take this job again."

Came the wheezing warrior voice from behind him, glancing back with a sly grin. "To build your muscle, of course, this is a great exercise for us, don't you think."

A silent glare was his answer though Rita was unable to raise her voice to the supreme one. Even if this was torture on her aching arms and legs ugh so heavy, yet she refused to fail her orders, she did not want to see Kathrin angry.

Finally, reaching the rundown place was the address listed as Kyuketsuki knocked no answer came to the door. But a crash was heard inside, moving closer to the door it pushed open, not even locked.

"Stay close!" Whispered Kyuketsuki.

Rita Nodded affirmative to Kyuketsuki, moving in as the wood cracked with every step. The place was dirty, unclean dust and cobwebs all over, then a realization came to him. No one should be living in this house for some time, but he could clearly smell a very familiar scent in the air; it was blood.

Looking to were scarlet drops, led up the stairs putting the packages and boxes down, followed by Rita.

"Check the dining room. I will look upstairs."

"Right."

Creeping up the stairs must have alerted the occupants as the wood creaked with every step. It was a surprise this house was still standing, to be honest, glancing over the long peeled painted walls with scorch marks lining the way up. This long winding stairway to the second floor, but it appears it had been blocked off, so he went up to the third level.

Taking one step on the floor, the wood caved in stopping to carefully examine this level. Holes all over the floor as his wings burst out, Levitating over the floorboards.

Examining the hallway, this place looked to be falling apart doors rotted or caved; there were two smells here. Following the trail to a room with a tall cloaked figure holding gantlets covered hand high over a human so severely beaten, it was hard to make out what they looked like.

"I think that is enough!" Sitabus spoke up, gaining the man's attention with a very complex bull mask on. Not something common around town squinting his eyes.

"Leave, or you are next!" Turning back to the person violently quivering on the ground punching out with explosive force only to feel a hand stop it cold.

"I believe I said enough, sorry, but I won't abide by the death of civilians and innocents so back off."

"That is an awful choice, fool!"

Trying to pull away only to find Soloram's arm stuck fast. Soloram was surprised this person wasn’t rotting to bones holding the [god of death hands]. Due to how much negative energy it was putting out, most others would be dead by now.

"I'm sorry, are you trying to heal me or kill me? Let me show you something."

Sitabus Chuckled Observing as his wings came out, only partly activating his other appearance. As his bat wings changed to amber slime and white ivory bones. Blocking soloram’s other metal fist healing any damage he might have felt. As the wave of negative energy rotted the room around them. Causing the floor to give way making all three fall to the second floor.

Sitabus with his wings gently floated down, letting the slime drop off his wings as he landed. Staring at the masked bull-man as he got back to his feet. Glancing over to the human who was little more than rotten flesh and bones. Sitabus had not expected the wave of negative energy if he had, then the man would still be alive.

"That is a weird trick, but you realize as an undead, those waves don’t affect me, right?" Kyuketsuki stated blandly.

Sitabus smooth tone coming out, gazing at the man.

"And you realize you should still be hurting. This is one of the rarest artifacts around. Maybe you’re just lying!"

Soloram Yelled out with a charge but slipped on an amber-like substance as his cloak burned on contact. Trying to whip it off only for it to spread as waves of rotting energy rolled off his gauntlets. Destroying this floor as well, but again, Sitabus just floated down, watching them struggle to escape.

"You know it’s funny before this trick only worked on low-level opponents, but here my slime seems to work on everything. By the way, I would stop struggling if I were you, the slime acting like my wings will just eat away at you faster." Calmly walking closer.

Sitabus had intended to just slow the monk fighter down, but apparently, they were too weak to break free. This, combined with the WCI, revealed he was around level 50 or 60. While it might have significantly hurt him if this enemy was a higher level. They clearly didn’t even know how to properly use this world item. Only using its secondary touch effect.

Even as they struggled, they failed to realize these waves of negative energy only healed him. They might actually be a danger too if they were on his level. Kyuketsuki wasn’t even sure if they realized its active power was being wasted like this.

"Enough [minotaur's rage]!"

Blasting out an aura of power out to blowback the slime. Kyuketsuki slyly smirking as the bull-mans cloak fell off. They appeared to be a rather strong demi-human clad in green and blue full body armor. Based on their fist based fighting style, he was clearly a monk fighter. Sadly Kyuketsuki’s build had advantages against monks.

Kyuketsuki recalled his slime back to his wings seeing as they had a martial art that could counter his slime. There would be no point in trying to ensnare them again.

"You're going to pay for this." The minotaur stomping the ground.

With another battle cry, Soloram charged with a flurry of punches, each one blocked by open palms absorbing the impacts. Waiting for a perfect opportunity before they were stabbed in to by both skeleton wings, yellow slime acid dripping down the open wounds hissing in pain.

Before they could even attempt to free themselves, they were thrown through a wall right into Rita burning swords stabbing into Solorams back.

"Good catch, however, even I must warn you not to get hit by these fists!" Teleporting closer to Ritana.

-Eight fingers private Bar and Brothel in E-Rental-

Photio Kleito’s one of many who ended up in too much debt for varies reasons. He got lucky in this place where money could buy anything, even another person's life. Despite Renner reform laws out here at the edge of the RE-Estize kingdom, eight fingers still had slaves for all those who could afford it. Under the guise of a bar and brothel, but everyone who came here knew what it really was, or they learn quickly enough. This was a place he watches others slowly die as they sold their flesh to unstable nobles with far too much money and time.

Hearing the sounds of those forced to sell their flesh just to get by. Followed by the painful screams would either mean Photio would see them again or watch them die. Another horrible day in the kingdom as far as he is concerned with cleaning glasses and serving drinks. So long as eight fingers exist, he doubts anything would change it.

The worst part was he was forced to sit behind the pub of the bar and watch it as men and woman alike work them selfs to a slow unmarked grave. Not that he could do anything about it. Lest he ends up in this poor souls' shoes as they had traces of life sucked away from them in this evil place.

Acting like nothing was wrong, so he didn’t end up looking like the brown-haired man leaving the room. As much as Photio Loathed himself for it, but after his wife’s disappearance, he just couldn’t make the rent. Now here he was tricked in to being a barkeep for Eight Fingers.

Listlessly watching as another room was opened, and a dead woman was dragged out. Free from this cruel life. Unable to look away as the noble of E-Rental looking smug about murdering a young girl for pleasure.

Wishing him death though knowing it wouldn’t come hiding his pure disdain for the regular as he walked up. Turning without thought to get the regular drink, he always orders. After his ‘fun time.’ Imagining the raven-haired noble as headless and unrecognizable like his last victim.

Only to hear something new. A kind of splat noise like a grape getting crushed. This didn’t stop Photio’s task body working on autopilot.

Halting only at the sight of a daydream to his eyes. Morbidly watching as the nobles’ lifeless and headless body just stood there before dropping. Arms and legs freezing up almost missing it the sound of death.

As a woman came walking out of the shadows dressed in beautiful clothes, licking the blood off her hands. Stepping over the body as it was crushed under her boots like the bones were brittle and old. Golden eyes piercing into his very being as if judging his blackened soul followed by someone else familiar. Dirty blonde hair standing tall with a smile at the dead noble, which should not belong to a young boy.

Laughing at the dead noble numbly, Photio could only watch both of them in shock. As the beautiful woman took a seat at the bar Smirking. As more women casually walked by, shooting off magic at other workers.

As some enormous, hideous monsters in armor followed obediently and with purpose. The undead monsters Stabbing their bloody spears into the bodies. As they started to get up like zombies following into the back rooms. Petrified, in this fever dream as blood-curdling screams, filled the room.

Like his dream coming true as death was delivered unsure what was going on. Till a silkily sweet honey-filled voice drew him into the woman's eyes flanked by two monsters. Both sets of red cold, soulless eyes daring him to even try attacking.

“What… was all he could say so focused on the woman's molten gold cat eyes practically hypnotizing him. All other noise seemed to filter out of exitance. Unable to move as two visceral, bloody spears now inches from his throat. Still wet and warm from past use.

Gulping but putting the drink down like always wondering, was this a dream. The woman smirked wider as she took the drink chugging It down in one go slamming the glass down, shattering as shards of glass flew past his face.

“It had no taste! still, it is impressive you haven’t stopped working like the others on sight of my…guards.” The women chuckled again as Photio brain struggled to understand what was happening.

Noting the other messengers, workers, and the broken were walked or carried into the room. Making it feel cramped, but it was silent, not screams or pleading just empty noise.

Only the sound of the zombies breathing Photio couldn't feel anything but scorn for the sick beast in human skin. Wondering why he was still alive; he didn’t deserve to live. Yet afraid of the death which stood before him.

“Kevlar has told me much about you, Photio. Still, I must ask, would you rather see the world change.” Even though her words were like silk. It carried a feeling of a predator staring at a lost sheep.

Nothing had prepared him for this at all as sweat ran down his face, yet his face stayed neutral as if showing emotion would get him killed. Turning to see Kevlar come up and take a seat. He was tempted to say he wasn’t old enough, yet a glance of disapproval from the woman trapped any protest deep in his throat.

“Hey, take it easy, boss lady. He is ok, right photio, my man.” Nudging his arm with a wink pleading him to go along with this madness.

Opening his mouth to speak up, yet none of his practiced phases would work. Nervus about what to say, he didn’t want to die here. Glancing at the brutes as the woman waved them to lower their weapons.

“Yeah, I’m good what… The laughter of the woman stopped him meeting her molten eyes, which melted his thoughts no sound coming out.

“No need to speak I know how fragile you humans can be. Rather show me where your loyalty lies. With them?” Kathrin pointing at the undead wall of flesh, standing listlessly.

“Or with us! All you have to do if you’re with us is step through the portal.” Smoothly speaking with a snap of her fingers as a portal opened up behind him

Ever so slowly turning his head to gaze into the void of darkness and death. Yet glancing back at the madness in this bar, Photio knew to say no would mean death as well.

Taking a breath, Photio turned and stepped through the void of darkness into the unknown, awaiting them on the other side. Wondering when this strange dream would end.

Kathrin turned to the rest of them as the blood knights smashed down the bar in the way. With reckless abandonment till it was nothing but splinters.

“Follow Photio through the gate, and I can promise better treatment then the scum you call humans ever could. All I ask is obedience and loyalty now who wants to live!” Proudly looking at Xanessa casters and the blood knights. As all the humans who are battered and dirty as they were.

They started to follow lifelessly while some were carried to their new home as Kyuketsuki’s personal workers and blood bank. Giggling darkly before turning back to the others behind her.

“Make sure this rat’s nest burns with no questions this time!” Sneering at the blood knights before following her new sheep back to her lord's laboratory. Patting Kevlar on his head as he followed at her side.

“Good job, Kevlar. Now, why don’t we talk about your next task after I deal with our new workers.” Unlike before, there was only a motherly voice for the child.

“Do I get a reward you promised now.” Kevlar Pleading with cute puppy dog eyes.

“Alright, little mouse now come along Kyuketsuki’s sheep need training.” Sighing, but beaming again as they stepped through. Already planning how to gently guide them. Like Kyuketsuki asked.

-End of Chapter-