-Barune Hubert Silver Dragon Inn-

The week after they arrived ended as all of them meet in the Inn private dining room away from prying eyes. Kathrin even engraved runes to ensure their private meeting just to be safe with Kybirht keepers hiding in the shadows. Also, if Only low-level 50, they could slow down any intruders and tank damage should the need arise.

“Now a week has passed a letter should come with Kathrin, upon her return, of Ainz progress with pointless slaughter.” Kyuketsuki was just too tired to pretend he understood his friend’s need to build a weak army of undead. Putting up air quotes His fear of being caught unaware had forced him to stay alert for the past three days.

‘If only my mind didn’t need to rest like my body.’ not even willing to try a ring of substance after the last lousy reaction his body had. ‘Ugh, my finger still feels like they're on fire just thinking about it.’

“It is not pointless, my lord, lord Ainz just has a great vision.” Shalltear tried to defend, but a harsh glare at her halted her thoughts. Kyuketsuki rubbed his eyes, his mind screaming for rest.

“Shalltear do you know right now most people of this world at best will create low-level undead. At best! Slaughtering weak lizard men, even if higher level than humans, won't change. I have tested the theory. Guards of E-Rental only ever rose as skeletons or zombies with dismal levels. Even the only level 30ish human I could find became a level 21, devout vampire. Do you understand what I'm saying!” Kyuketsuki slammed his fist on the table, cracking it with a single hit.

Shalltear pointed at Clem-Chan as if it would prove her point, his eye twitched with fury. “JAde...cough Clem-Chan drank a super tier potion, with MY BLOOD mixed in. Even with all this, she is still not above level 45. So, what magic solution does Ainz have!” Screaming out the last part. Heavily breathing before realizing his frenzy rage was showing, Cursing his lack of control.

‘We know Ainz will always have her affection over us. After all, he earned it; you didn’t, pathetic! You can't even protect anyone just let loose, and we can fix everything!’ A dark voice bubbled up from the darkness of his mind. With insulting and alluring words of power, It was like an echo of overlapping voices twisting his own voice into a nightmare that scared him.

Where the voice came from, he couldn't be sure, but letting it take hold would be wrong. Looking into the cracked mirror surface of the marble table, seeing a shadow with red eyes and mouth. A blurred twisted version of himself of the bloodthirsty monster lurking inside. Ever since he got here, it felt like it was getting stronger with each kill with each drop of blood taken.

…

Closing his eyes, ‘It is just your mind playing tricks, your just tired you can get through this. Just breathe.’ Fearfully opening his eyes. Sighing happily to see his own reflection.

Kyuketsuki turns to the hand on his shoulder, seeing Velvet calming gaze not scared in the slightest. A warmth filled his being as if the fatigue of his mind drained away. As the darkness receded back into himself. Staring into those kind seas of light red transfixed by the absolute belief in him almost brings him to tears.

“If the weight of the world feels overwhelming, let me carry it with you, Kyuketsuki-sama.” Smiling an almost blinding beam of hope, Sitabus couldn’t help but smile back.

“Sorry, this issue has gotten on my nerves. Why are they waiting so long to attack? I gave them a perfect opportunity to target us for a week now, yet nothing. Any word from Tundra?” Sitabus begged Velvet he needs to deal with this so he could discover what the voice was. It didn’t help Ainz wouldn’t just admit neither of them knew what they were doing.

“No, the captain and guards have not sighted them. The underworld has no knowledge of them. Only the shadow demons had sighted them before they evaded them. I fear lord Ainz might be right, this may be a player we are dealing with.”

Sitabus grimaced great this could only mean; the person had already prepared for them before they even got to the city. If so, what were they waiting for? This didn’t make sense wait! How did velvet know about players?

Sending a steely glare at Velvet, nothing appeared to be off. Still, he narrowed his eyes.

“I have ascertained the knowledge of players from my time in the in-between of worlds. Also, watching over you from a faraway place has kept me going. While we were apart master. And yes, I can read your face quite well. I have had about five million years’ worth of time to do so.”

Sitabus brain crashed what…his mind couldn't figure out what was going on.

Before this could get crazier, Kathrin walked through a [gate] handing Sitabus a letter. Meaning it wasn’t too bad if Ainz needs his help, he could always tell him personally.

Ranking open the seal, he quickly scanned over it, scoffing, destroying it like the last. “Nothing has changed still; this gives me an idea. Any new leads?”

Kathrin grinned, pulling out an odd book he couldn’t read the title of it, though. Kathrin pulled out glasses of understanding, carefully skimming over the text. “Yes, interesting a few years ago, a plague once threatened to destroy the whole town. Many solutions were tried, but all failed. When it looked like the city might fall. The previous defender of the town which the city was named after in the past.”

Pausing to gather as much as was needed to explain. “Salami Hamlin used a spell beyond his power to desolate a part of the city. In a wonders light to cleanse the threat and all who inhabited this half of the town. Fearing another infection, this part of the city has been blocked off and banned from entry.”

Snapping the book closed with the eyes of a hunter finally finding their prey. Yet still displeased by something. “The book also described a sickly green mutated skin similar to the helper of our Owl man followers. Though we are still no closer to understanding their goals.”

-Barune two days later-

Velvet was the first to see the decaying and ruined buildings. Weeds and dust covered the cobblestone streets, gave this part of the city an air of a ghost town. All of the guards watched not daring to step past the dividing line.

Fear shining in their eye’s Clementine giggling under her cloak. Following the others into the abandoned city of Salami.

"Are you sure you must go in if it were anywhere else, I would gladly support you but…

Taking in the setting sun over the shadowy dead silent ruins. Kyuketsuki ran back over all his information gathered so far. Which wasn't much other than the odd death of a Noble family the other day.

Odd because their house, belongings, and gold were left untouched. On top of the fact of how badly mutilated and tortured the bodies where. In this time, none of the followers of the covenant had been sighted.

" Our prey is most likely here. They can't be given any more time than allowed by my carelessness."

steering Siegfried forward, stomping over weeds and plants stopping to glance back at Tundra and the guards closing the gates.

Traveling along the road looking for any sign of enemies. It might be relaxing if not the danger lingering here.

Riding up alongside Kathrin’s ghoalest, giving a beaming grin. "So how has our other project been going. I hope it’s not taxing."

Kathrin's stoic face changed into a joyful one. "Operation paper walls are on schedule. Though I might request, we spend some gold to call up reinforcements after we leave."

Kyuketsuki let a sly grin show despite the situation. 'Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad for me to let Kathrin handle the politics and economic issues.'

Turning to both Shalltear and Clementine riding very close to each other. Watching them giggle and blush about something. At least they were getting along.

'Looks like team bonding is working. Now, if I could figure out why Kathrin seems to still distrust Velvet and Shalltear.'

Seeing Kathrin subtly send a watchful gaze at them. Before noticing the movement following them from the shadows of the buildings.

"Clem-Chan, please bring out our watcher." A sharp edge lining his voice.

The response was instant as Clementine rushed left with lightning-quick speed. It only took a few moments to see results as cloaked figures were thrown down in front of the vampire lord. Wounded, both of their masks broke to reveal the sickly green mutated faces hidden underneath. With tentacles appendages and strange eyes which seemed to shift colors every few seconds.

“Ugly things aren't they,” Bardic commented

Kyuketsuki takes a deep breath and glaring at both of the creatures on the weed-covered cobblestones. “Tell me your plans and all you know about the covenant of crows.” His commanding voice carried in them, but something was wrong as both of them started to convulse and change.

Neither of them uttered a word as bodies altering into monstrosities beast looked closer to plant monsters, then humans. Both of them roared out with fury as if in pain. Wildly swinging out their limbs, Siegfried, already seeing their action, breathed out a cone of blue flame.

Burning the creatures to ash, pawing at the ash piles with rage.

“What just happened, my lord, it looked like it hurt them.” Rita gazed at the piles with pity.

He wouldn’t comment on it, but it was strange how Rita seemed to keep most of her human traits even after the change. Perhaps it was a hidden skill, either way, it brought a small burst of joy to his heart.

“If a creature is not high enough to resist but is unable to speak or tries to resist my command, they will feel great mental pain. Though I admit demiurge has a better command mantra, then I do.”

“Couldn’t you use your hypnotic gaze you never seem to want to use it.” Rita's innocent question brought up a very embarrassing truth.

He refused to just blurt something out, restraining himself from thinking of a response. Sitabus would never reveal why he lacked that racial skill. It was embarrassing enough knowing why he required it.

“I lost the ability in a fight with a Dragon. I picked up this one; instead, it works a little better if lacking in control.” Kyuketsuki put up a robust convincing face.

Marching forward into the silent streets, Sitabus could almost hear children laughing or people talking on. It put him on edge as Clementine had to deal with a few more watchers. Like they were stalling him for what he couldn’t be sure, but it wasn’t agreeable.

Commanding Siegfried to ride faster, turning to Shalltear with steely eyes. It might be a risk still if they had the downfall of the kingdom and country. There would be no need to stall them like this. “Shalltear, I am temporarily giving you permission to seek and destroy only the cloak covenant members. Take Clem-Chan and clean them up.”

Watching both the vampires rush off to complete their mission with an eagerness, which would have to be rewarded in the future. Hopefully, they wouldn’t be too insistent till this mess was cleaned up.

“O’ what about us? We are itching for some action too.” Bardic injected riding up close with Ritana, whose eyes kept switching between Kathrin and Kyuketsuki. Holding close the leaf engraved bow in her left-hand twitching at the quiver of arrows on her back.

Already hoping to test out her new arcane archery skills, she was building up over the last few days.

Even if Ritana was new to the art, her skill with a bow was good enough. For the strategy, Sitabus had in mind.

Turning to Rita and Bardic taking into account both their levels and strengths. Both of them had grown much stronger in the time they had been together. Whatever was going to happen would be significant, with this in mind.

Sitabus wouldn’t let them near the front line of this fight without first finding what was being launched at them.

“Rita take Bardic and cover us from range. Don't let whatever the covenant is doing, pass over into the city if you can help it. Signal if it looks like you can’t hold.”

Rita acknowledged the order riding back with Bardic grinning at the chance to use the siege weapon. Even without knowing what they were up to, Sitabus knew this felt like the kind of set up for a boss fight. Only if he failed to stop it in time, the city would pay for his mistake.

Even if he didn’t feel the urge to protect humans, Kyuketsuki wouldn’t let this covenant hurt his group or nazarick again. Besides, the failing might ruin the deals Kathrin setup.

Glancing at both Velvet and Kathrin, it almost felt nostalgic, bringing joy to his heart. Only he wouldn’t be fighting a dragon this time. As if reading his thoughts, both of them replied.

“Where ever you should go, we will follow lord Kyuketsuki.”

No spells were needed to find what the danger was as the ground shook old building splintering and cracking apart. Forcing all of them to avoid falling rubble and rocks. As long brown withered vines started to spear out of the ground.

Negative energy radiating over the now crumbling town increased with every step closer. But it was also making it harder to find the source

“Stay close, we won't have much time to act once we get there.”

-Underneath the abandoned Salami-

As the canting filled the candlelit room, all of the masked humanoids bowed even as the ground began to shake, the withered spiked vines of the beast rose up around them. Regaining life and slowly breaking out of the rocks which bound it.

In the magic circle carved into the rocky ground. Revie watches in horror bound by ropes, as one by one, the four others who embarked on this journey to save his sister along with those taken by the slaver. Where infected by some parasite and fed into the maw of thorns and rot. Angry tears ran down his face as he could do nothing to keep them alive.

The leader turned to him putrid face in full view, mask broken by the spell infused punch earlier, smiling through those tentacles things which made up his mouth.

“Worry not young one, your sister has already joined our cause. Soon you will live on in our hive mind memories. Not one death shall be forgotten this time when the demon deities rise once more.” The man spoke as if dyeing in the monsters’ jaws was an honor.

Revie wasn’t sure what was scarier. The vampire who controlled the monster it rode like a horse. Or this nightmare only regretting angering him at least the vampire acted more human than these people.

Daring to glance at the exit before tightly gripping the sharp rock, holding in a hiss of pain as his hand bleeds. Revie held strong cutting his binding around his feet. Just enough to sprint to the tunnel with all the strength he could muster up.

Raggedly sucking in air as he ran like a mad mouse to the exit to freedom. Aching bruised muscles straining to move at fast as they could to escape. Getting only a few steps away… before losing his footing as he found his view turned upside-down dangling in the air.

“Seems one of my drones was careless I can fix it later. I give you credit, you must have a strong will to have much energy left. Even after your punishments and lack of food for these last few days.”

Revie hated the voice so much as the last of his energy drained away, panting for breath. Trying to regain some amount of strength for the right moment. He needs a way out of this mess then he felt a tremor in the appendage holding him up.

“Kalver Damnok! This vampire is far more persistent than I thought. At this rate, we won't even fully awaken the seed!”

“All of you sacrifice yourselves for the great minds rule.” Turning to see the other followers swarming around the cavern, chanting twice as loud before jumping into the monster maw.

Seeing the leader distracted, Revie pulled up this strength and clawed at the elastic limbs. Holding him up with wild, desperate fury till at last, he was free plummeting to the ground.

Groaning before dazedly getting up and dashing for the exit pulling open the door.

Only to get blasted back skidding across the hard-stone ground. Slowly painfully getting up to see the entrance blown open as a familiar fright full beast stepped through.

Ears still ringing a little as Revie’s hearing came back to him. All he could do was watch both monsters talk. As the vampire glared at the cult leader. Finally, as his hearing came back, he caught the last of the conversation.

“-I am done with this city anyway feel free to take the rubble if you survive!” The leader shouted before rushing into the tree monster's jaws as well.

Watching petrified with terror as the monster of roots and thorns finally broke its binding rising up. Breaking the caverns stone ceiling like it was soft earth, all Revie could do was curl up into a ball, arms raised to defend his head expecting death.

But it never came as the roar of the monster could be heard along with the sounds of battle. Sending termers through the ground, unwilling to even look fearing the sight he would see. Till curiosity got the better of his fear peeking out. To see a red-haired maiden holding two metal finely crafted ball and chains. Holding up some kind of barrier magic protecting them both.

Beyond the pink barricade of magic, the vampire from before, along with four others. Are flying around the demon tree attacking and dodging out of the way. While two other near some kind of weapon firing spell and huge arrow bolts at the monster. From the limits of the Salami section, it was fantastic to see.

Revie turned to the maiden warrior static and unmoved even as a giant vine slammed into the barrier only, forcing Revie to flick away. Hearing the screech of pain from the tree as it was scorched upon touching the pink dome.

“What is going on?” It was all he could think to say Revie was sure he was going to die, and now he was being saved.

The redhead turned to him with calm, gentle eyes. “My master has decided your enemy is our enemy. So, you must live if you prove a useful ally. Should you prove resourceful as an ally, my master promises one request granted should it be in his power.”

The words seemed so strange a vampire offering to help and protecting the town. Was this why they were posing as an adventurer or something nefarious. Turning back to the fight as the ground shook with a boom.

The demon tree's arms were cut off, crushing the crumbling buildings below. The fight even had the ground crumbling in after standing unused for years. Ice and snow obscuring the destroyed areas changing the very scenery from the battle alone.

With such power, Revie couldn’t think of one reason why a vampire so strong would want to help the living. Yet here they were saving the city from some cult. Who moments ago, unleash a seed of the demon tree upon the land!

Revie's mind went back to his mission to save his sister and kin. From the humans who had attacked their village.

Could this group be the help he needs to succeed? Alone his chances were low but with the darkness vultures maybe.

Attention snapping to the bright flashes of light in the sky. Watching in wonder at what looked like the storm itself attacking the demon trees seed.

Lightning rained from above on to the tree as it tried to heal. Revie zeroed in on the lady he seen earlier in town meeting with high ranking men and women around the city. Just a few days ago, yet now they looked like a storm god smiting the demon tree from the sky.

In tranced by it all, it had only been a month since Revie left the tribe home on his mission. Everything seemed so rational then now here he was in a battle on a scale with the 13 heroes. Led by a vampire of all things acting as if they loved life when all undead were said to hate life, protecting the town with powerful magic.

Revie wanted to ask so much, yet his voice failed him at the sheer power on display. As the storm above attacked with them aiding the vampire fight.

Unsure which tier of magic was being launched only sure it was far above his level.

Revie shot a look of utter confusion to the maid. Wondering why what looked like a human would be working with a vampire. “Who are you, and is this really the vultures of darkness?”

“Yes, I’m Velvet.”

The redhead softly spoke her name before returning her attention to the battle above them. Revie was left to watch on as if showing how easy it would be for this vampire to kill him.

Still, did he even have a choice in the matter to return to his tribe now would only prove his mission a failure. Not just his pride was on the line but also his only living family. Struggling to stand up to get a better view.

In time to watch the vampire bring down a rain of blood, burning the rest of the tree into a cloud of poisonous smoke and splinters.

-End of Chapter-