-Vultures near Lograth-

The Ghoalestes slowed to a halt as the three carriages behind soon followed as the group pulled to a stop. The horses on the back two carriages needed rest as did the human merchants they were escorting. Dismounting Siegfried, Sitabus waved over Kathrin from the back row so they could talk, throwing up a [minor illusions] and [silence zone] for privacy.

“Any trouble with the support project?” Sitabus scanned over the surrounding area to be sure.

It appeared even after three days of travel they weren't being followed or tracked. Not even a bandit group or danger on the road so far. This could change at any moment, but so far, they were clear of trouble.

“No, Sitabus, my love, the merchants are eager to help if not wary. Everything is going smoothly, and afterward, we will have spare coins to help in the next city.”

Kathrin pulls Sitabus close with a beaming grin rubbing his shoulders. “There is no need to be nervous, my lord soon we will crush this group like all others which have threatened Nazarick.”

Relaxing into the embrace despite the worry, the Covenant of Crows didn’t appear to be actively hunting them. Which while good didn’t mean they weren’t taking action elsewhere. Kissing Kathrin's lips to sooth the dread he felt at the moment. Melting away into the sweet intoxicating taste of those lips and tongues dancing.

There was only so much he could do while undercover as a human adventure. Suddenly popping up at the capital would be much harder to explain than just going through the Tobe forest.

“I know, but if we can’t stop their plans, there may not be a kingdom to rule.”

Kathrin’s gaze lit up with understanding softly rubbing his cheek. “Then lord Kyuketsuki, we can just build one up from the ashes or find another. So long as we are together and you are happy, nothing else matters.” Kathrin spoke those words with such confidence, sure in this belief.

“Besides, we can’t help it if the sheep are too weak to survive long enough to know your greatness.”

Sitabus thoughts wandered back to the lab in E-Rental. It had been a while since he heard how they were doing. “How is our lab holding up in E-Rental? And how much of the list do we still need?”

Kathrin gained a wide fanged smile at the question. “Better than expected though you never told me if you wanted to move the lab or bring them up to the surface in E-Rental?”

Sitabus held back a grimaced right he was supposed to tell her before the plans got changed after the undead attack on E-Rental. “Let's keep them underground for now till we have more control over the empire. What about the list?”

“As for the list, a good number of the low and mid rarity items we are looking for should be getting shipped to E-Rental in the next few months. I will be keeping an eye on our contacts in Barune to make sure we have no surprises. Unless you would like me to move the shipments to Nazarick directly?”

Kathrin gazed at Sitabus for an answer waiting patiently.

“No, Kathrin, it is fine after this city we should move on to Phovine it the last midway point between the capital and emperor. Ainz may want us to show up to impress the lizardmen, which will slow our plans down slightly.”

He really didn’t want to show up, but Ainz was a friend even if they were both dealing with a loss of humanity differently. Maybe he could revive a few for a future plan regarding the demi-human slavery. Or at least it was the answer he would give if asked about it.

Giving one softer kiss before Sitabus sent Kathrin to start cooking the stew for the group. Mostly to seem reasonable to the merchants traveling with them. Even if half their group had no need for food. With only Rita, Bardic, and Revie needing to rest, Clementine needed some food thought a little blood would do every so often.

Sitabus approached Revie, who, despite being saved, still didn’t fully trust him or the other two vampires in the group. The hard-disturbing gaze did leave the demi-human’s face as he and Velvet came up. Sticking to the edge of the camp, watching Rita and Bardic step up the campsite. With the merchants setting down the wagons for the night.

“Let me guess you want to have the talk now lord Kyuketsuki.” Revie didn’t take his eyes off the others, still refusing to look Sitabus in the eyes. Struggling with the title after the first time Revie didn’t add it, Kathrin gave him a terrifying speech about proper respect.

Crossing his arms, Sitabus hated how much of a border this distrust was putting on getting pieces of information of the covenant. The mouse demihuman could see through his low-level illusions, at the third tier, Sitabus was using to keep his undead status under wraps.

Leading Revie away from the camp to talk. Once they were far enough, Sitabus turned back to the demihuman. Velvet lingered in the shadows keeping watch.

"So, do you feel like sharing what you know. I can't help you till I know why you wanted to get into Barune."

Sitabus was not surprised by the dark eyes which refused to meet his own.

Revie sighed before gathering his thoughts. "It is a personal matter. What I will share is I was trying to get inside to find those who have been taken from my village."

Sitabus could guess the reason, even if it were unsaid, either a lover or family member by the glistens of unshakeable resolve in his eyes. One Sitabus had for his creation or servants under his care, which was part of the reason he came to the empire. Instead of staying in Re- Estize, which would have been far less trouble to get around in.

“What about the cult which killed your fellow travelers?” Ignoring the vague answer for now. What he needed to know was did he have any relevant information, if the cult wasn’t just a small part of the covenant.

“Not sure what I can really tell you about them, most of them seemed to be controlled by a parasite. Were inhumanly strong and practically immune to my magic attacks. They kept us trapped we tried to escape the city a few times...but we never did, not till you came. I already told you how being their prisoner went. It was hell in case you forgot.”

Revie glared at the tree bark, probably remembering how they died by his expression. Letting out a ragged breath of frustration, Sitabus pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘Looks like another dead end, great now I have to think of a reason to keep him alive.’

It was no secret Kathrin very much didn’t like the demi-human, be it for not calling him lord or sir or some other pleasantries. Her general dislike of the new world's people in general or just his unwillingness to trust them. If Sitabus couldn’t think of a reason to hold off, Kathrin would probably enact one of her plans to kill the demi-human.

“Alright, I will see what I can do about finding these kinsmen were taken. Just know I can't promise we will find them quickly.”

Revie didn’t speak at the answer turning away to walk back to camp as Velvet appeared from behind the tree. Watching the guest leave the area careful not to show the rage. Clenching fists were the only sign of emotion; still, she never lost the graceful calm in her voice.

“Would you like me to press for answers."

Glancing at velvet ruby eyes filled with a series willingness to act. "Watch him for now in time he will open up."

Coming back to the sight of the campsite prepared tents set up and the carriages and wagons, off to the back guarded by Ghoalestes with Siegfried looking far less lonely. Kathrin stirring the bubbling stew adding in spices to the large pot over the crackling firepit. To the side of the fire, Rita and Bardic were keeping the merchants busy chatting about trades and travels.

Though both Shalltear and Clementine were near the tents keeping up the noble and bodyguard act. Revie was already secluded away in his shelter, at least till dinner was ready like the previous two nights of travel.

Silently taking up a seat near the fire, enjoying the beauty of the starry night sky and chippering of crickets near the forest edge. Basking in the moment of peace around the fire, grateful for the few days of normalcy. Letting a joyous grin show not daring to intrude Rita and Bardic’s tale. Of these battles with the first demon tree seed, as they were widely called, mostly believed to be legends left over after the demon deities.

Apparently, there was one more buried someplace dormant for now. The last one, however, had grown quite strong when fed enough in the high 60s. Sitabus still wasn’t sure how long this one had been trapped away being fed by the cult for years. In comparison, the first one, an overgrown acorn, barely reaching the mid to low-forties. Both had taken hundreds of years to grow so large, gathering vast amounts of negative energy from the area. So, it was unlikely the last seed would be much trouble.

“Truly sir Kyuketsuki you have wonderful swords to have faced such demon trees. May I see one, Most blades I make couldn’t stand up to such monstrous might.”

Sitabus eye snapped over to the bearded dark brown eyes filled with admiration and awe at the two sabers at his side. Scanning over Madric Vantrin was a weapons smith by trade with a modest business with connections to the trade network throughout the empire.

With a proud smile, Sitabus draws out one draconic blood saber hesitant to even let Madric touch his sword.

“It is well balanced only half the weight it would appear. I can feel the magical aura around it without even needing to check. Would you mind telling me what this sword is made of I haven’t seen any metal like this before?” Wonder and excitement flowed off Madric as he examined the blade.

sitabus didn’t know why, but he couldn’t keep himself from talking. “I foraged it with two different metals to get the mix just right. One from Niflheim and the other from Jotunheim, forging them both in the flames of muspelheim using special tools made out of dragon bones. Infusing it with data crystals and EXP levels from me along with a few million gold coins.”

Leaving out what the metal was called, adamantane was reasonably low, so it would be hard enough getting them to believe this metal could cut clean through adamantine with only a dulled edge at most. It was one of the high-grade ores which might not even exist in the new world.

Madric was left speechless, trying to think of where these places where. Sitabus could see the wheels in his head, trying to think of how to use this. But reproducing anything close to Taconic would be a miracle. Even if they found enough of the two mid-tier metals were found to make it, they wouldn’t have the tools needed to meld it together.

“Do you have any other samples of your work?” A fragile and hoarse whisper filtered into Sitabus ears.

Glancing at the strangely dressed merchant adorned in shady leathery clothes and robes with a plague doctors mask. Even his hands were covered by gloves, he wasn’t too tall, but it was about all Sitabus could tell. He had yet to say his name or what his trade was. Still, Kathrin assured him the person under the mask was reliable for now.

“Yes, I admit my methods made be a bit harder to master than others, but the results speak for themselves. Here is one potion I made just a few days ago.”

Sheathing the saber back into place with practiced ease and pulling out a potion of elemental protection. Handing the flask over to the gloved hands watching the merchant’s movements as he examined the swirling, sparkling white liquid.

He handed the potion back, careful not to drop it. “Very nice quality work I can see offering your lady my acquired services will not be wasted. Call me Ville as a reward for seeing such a rare and expensive potion.”

Ville's voice was a hoarse whisper barely heard over the crackling of the fire.

"A master smith and pharmacist too. Why become an adventure with such fine talents?" Madrid asked.

Kyuketsuki stopped to think of the answer. At the time, it seemed like the best way to find solutions. This wouldn’t satisfy Madrid, who could not see the reason for hunting monsters. A job which even in the empire was not well-liked by most. On top of having limited pay in the empire where employment depended on more independent hire like merchants traveling from town to town.

“Because of a rather personal matter, I suppose. One which I must complete for those depending on my work.” Sitabus replied, watching both Madric’s and Ville’s reactions.

Once Kathrin finished dinner, the group settled in for the night as Kyuketsuki excused himself from dinner to take the first watch. With Clementine and Shalltear close by most of the night. Idly listing to his team talk with the merchants until it was time to rest. Though Ville only seemed interested in his wares or anything he sold, which included just about everything.

-Next day at Lograth-

The Mithril Knight Guild Hall doors opened wide to the dimly lit room, the tables all but empty except for a hand full of well-equipped adventures. All their eyes turned to the newcomers already well known from their exploits in the kingdom and in Barune city. As Kyuketsuki, the leader of the vultures, walked in with Kathrin and a new girl at their side, which was still a mystery.

The rest were oddly absent as many started to whisper about this turn of events. One group, in particular, made up of one human fencer with two swords, a magic caster with loose sturdy robes, which also had blonde hair. A half-elf ranger with a bow and long purple hair. Last was the healing priest of the team with armored gauntlets, which also had short blonde hair.

This team was known as foresight. Most of all, Arche's eyes widen upon seeing the leader of the vultures' team. Holding her gut to keep from vomiting at the sheer power radiating off him and his two teammates. Pale and huffing for breath, trying her best not to make a scene.

Hekkeran leaned closer and whispered. “Arche, what’s wrong?”

Composing herself, Arche turned to the team leader sweat rolling down her face. “All three of them have a huge amount of magic radiating off them.”

Imina taking an interest in this glance over at them with keen eyes. “Well, I suppose that is to be expected. They have fought off some dangerously powerful monsters.”

Roberdyck glanced at the group before patting Arche's shoulder. “ I think it is more than that by your reaction, Arche?”

Her face was still slightly pale eyes, never leaving the three, not believing what she sees. All of them were beyond any tier or level of human power. What’s more, she could pick up the faint wisps of illusion magic around Kyuketsuki.

Being shaken out of her shock by a second pat on her shoulder. “You ok, Arche?”

Sighing before explaining what caught her off guard. “Yeah, still, the sheer magical power they have is beyond human.”

Imina cut in with. “Like stronger than Fluder?”

“Not sure who this Fluder is, though I wonder why is this guild so empty?”

All of them turned to Kyuketsuki, realizing how close he was to their table. Hekkeran recovering from his surprised first answered with a charming smile. “Fluder is the most powerful caster of Baharuth Empire head magic caster of the emperor.”

Kyuketsuki slyly grinned at this quickly, hidden by a frown. “This is kind of sad to hear I’m stronger than him magic wise. Still, why is the guild so empty?”

Imina spoke up this time. “I’m surprised you haven’t heard apparently some cult took over the mining forts near the Azerlisia mountains. In response, a noble of the city is paying adventurers willing to help the imperial soldiers camped nearby retake the mines.”

Kyuketsuki face scowled briefly before taking a seat at their table. Both Kyuketsuki’s teammate's taking a seat on either side of him. Kyuketsuki moved his focus off foresight, scanning quickly over all the adventures sitting around the few tables. “Interesting what are they paying to have 12 whole teams working on this.”

Hekkeran glanced at Arche, being oddly quiet before Turning his attention to them again. “A 30% cut of any metal or ore vines retaken by each team. Also, there is a very truthful Rumer has it they found an old ruin in the tunnels filled with treasure. They even offered the job as far out as Arwintar. Though few adventures took the offer as you can see.”

Kyuketsuki scowled at this with narrowed eyes silent for a moment before speaking with disdain. “So, all of you are rushing into certain danger and death. All for greed with little to no knowledge of the dangers ahead. I suppose this shouldn’t surprise me.”

All of them could feel the harsh glare from Kathrin, and a more subtle stare out of the other. Arche fidgeted more than usual under the stares of all three.

“What reason do you have to take this job then? Since you don’t appear to be leaving.” Roberdyck rebottled politely.

Kyuketsuki grew quite in thought none of Foresight could guess what he was thinking about. Before, a somber answer was given quietly.

“My reason is I believe this cult may be connected to a group that must be destroyed for the safety of all. I do this not for the pay but for those innocent and close to me which could be at risk, later on, should I ignore this matter.”

All of them were taken aback by the stern yet quiet response, hearing the hurt tone lingering in his voice. Arche finally getting over the sight Infront of her spoke up as if inspired by this answer. Complied to vanish whatever horrible image the adamantite adventure had of them.

“My little sisters are dependent on the money both to pay off my parents’ debt and keep them from being sold off. I need this money for them, so it is far more than greed, sir Kyuketsuki.”

His eyes softened at Arche’s reason for taking the mission. "I see sorry for assuming the worst. After a rather sour agreement with one member, I have become a bit jaded."

Kathrin's static face was unreadable by foresight, yet this was almost more unnerving than her glare. Before they could ask anything, Kathrin flashed a sly grin. “Your parents are nobles refusing to give up their lavished lifestyle. Even after the noble purge of the emperor Perhaps we can help your debt problems.”

Kyuketsuki shot Kathrin a worried questioning gaze not missed by Arche. As both the adamantite adventurer's eyes meet, it was like they were having a conversation with just their eyes. Hekkeran’s eyes narrowed at something about her words unsettled him. Even if Foresight was retiring after this, it didn’t mean he would not look out for Arche.

“Hold on, what are you suggesting to Arche!” Uttered with a harsh whisper.

Those molten eyes move over to him with annoyance, before Kathrin could act Kyuketsuki put a hand on her shoulder. It was like her anger vanished as Kathrin was pulled close.

“I believe what my dear Kathrin means to say is that after this job. We are willing to pay off her debt and help look after her sisters. Even guarantee a place to live for a trifling price to be discussed later.” Kyuketsuki’s words sounded too good to be true to Arche.

Arche couldn’t hold back her surprise at this. He didn’t even know how much the debt was. Yet out of the blue after just meeting, he was offering not only to pay it off but also to house and support her and her sisters.

Arche couldn’t see any sign of deception. What would they even need of her with the sheer power emitting from them? It couldn’t be magic support? Glancing back at her team for guidance on this matter.

Roberdyck curiously if not wearily asked. “Why would you be willing to do this you barely know Arche.”

“Because I know how it feels like trying to support younger siblings on your own. While questioning if you can scrap enough coin together just to pay rent.” Kyuketsuki’s voice was cold and somber as he spoke. Most of all, his eyes shined with an understanding and pain in them.

The steps echoing through the room, alerting them to the three imperial knights walking down the steps. The scarred dark-haired man in the middle scanned over the place, looking over all the adventures before speaking.

“A little short, but I suppose we are short on time. The duke will be paying you for the rest of your time till the mines are cleared of this rebellious rabble. You will be working with us. Do well enough, and the emperor may want to reward you personally at Arwintar.” The commander’s eyes seemed to look directly at Kyuketsuki as he said this, but no one but foresight noticed it.

-Imperial Army Encampment near the Azerlisia mountains-

Arche kept glancing back at the Vulture members or rather Kyuketsuki with suspicion, if not a hopeful gaze. The deal he offered earlier sounds excellent, yet her doubt and worry it was some plot had her hesitating to wonder if she should risk taking the deal.

Hekkeran seeing her wondering eyes, cleared his throat. “You don’t have to take his offer; something seems off about it even if he was very sincere about it.”

She turned back to her team, taking in the concerned looks they all knew this would be the last mission before the team was retired. Still, it didn’t mean they wouldn't support each other afterward. “I know, but I think Kyuketsuki can back up what he was saying. It would be home and support something I don’t know if I could do all on my own so quickly.”

Roberdyck gave a kind smile at Arche. “I think you should take his deal. He might be able to keep any debt collectors away should your parents try anything.”

Imina signaled to them. They had arrived as all of the adventure teams lined up. With the vultures on the right, however, now there appeared to be a masked blonde noble in a white and gold dress and a hooded woman with long hair which by the light armor she had on looked to be a fast melee fighter. With the cormint sabers on the left, a team known for all having sabers or a similar style of swords and magic of 2nd tier.

In front of them stood the general of one of the eight knight orders. Imperial soldiers moved about the camp setting up for what she guessed would be a battle. “Hello to all of you who have taken up this mission. I would like to thank all of you for coming. I’m general Coilin C. Beltron. Within the hour, we will be attacking the mines; your job will be to support my men. Then spearheading clearing out the ruins further in you will all have a few minutes to prepare your own plans before we begin, use your time well.”

Letting the information sink into all the adventure teams most grimaced or seemed nervous; however, the only Adamantite adventure team didn’t seem to be bothered by the implications of a battlefield. Arche's eyes again linger to the vultures as were whispering to each other without the others noticing. Even her own ears could not pick up what they were talking about.

Arche focused back on her own team as they started to strategize what their plan would be for the conflict to come.

Quickly they all agreed to hang back till the initial charge where Roberdyck could heal those who needed it. While the team would support him, Arche would be the ranged support.

After which they decided to talk to the other teams to cooperate at least till they cleared out the enemy army. Arche's first choice was to investigate what the Vultures we're doing.

Finding Kathrin looking up at the storm clouds intently as lightning almost crackled with a twist of her body. The two new people she didn't know were whispering to Kyuketsuki.

As she got closer, the warrior maid with spike balls and chains, stepped in her way. "Can I help you with something?"

She gathered her courage despite this woman practically teleporting in front of her. "I was hoping to see what you plan for the main battle."

"The others are preparing at this time."

Despite the polite reply, it was short and didn't really answer her question. Glancing over at them, it didn't look like they were preparing.

"Could I talk to your leader then." Arche at least hoped to learn more about him before making a decision on the deal.

"Not at this time." The warrior maid answered without even thinking about her question.

Arche couldn't help but scowl in annoyance tempted to just turn away. At least before the masked woman in white and gold came up. "Sorry, my lord Kyuketsuki is unable to talk to you right now. He did allow me to tell you this. His plan should end this battle before it drags out too long."

The woman sounded like a noble lady adorned in such a finely made dress. Though why would a noble even be in what looked like they were dressed for a ball. She didn’t have a weapon on her.

“Who are you?” The masked noble looked at her before answering. “You may call me Lady Tearus, now if you excuse me, I must prepare for this event myself.” Tearus swiftly walked past her vanishing into the crowd of soldiers moving about.

When she turned back to where Kyuketsuki and his team were moments ago now out of sight.

-A few minutes later-

Arche stands with her team in the back of the first formation of soldiers with one or two other adventurer team’s insight. Though she still couldn’t see Kyuketsuki or his team. Hekkeran told her most of the other groups were closer to the back or front. As they marched up the path to the mines. Arche kept watching the tree line for any surprise attacks. Only hearing surprisingly loud booms of thunder in the distance.

It was only a few minutes before the mostly wooden fortress came in to view. Burned and half-destroyed making most of the defensive structure useless. Even the gate to the front blown off by a massive explosion.

Even this far back, Arche and her team couldn’t make out how many were holding the fort. Only hearing the shouts of the commander ordering the loosing of the arrows. Before they charged forward to the fortress as they got closer. Arche could tell it must have taken a tremendous amount of magic or powerful spells to break just about every defensive advantage the fort had before they arrived.

She focused her mind on the battle to come keeping up with the rest of their team as the imperial soldiers clashed with cloaked, hooded figures. Which looked like the knights where winning, as she was carefully repeatedly casting [magic arrow] at the cultist on the walls.

Until something huge charged out of a fort wall breaking the shield line as knights were sent flying overhead. Which allows the cultist to break the line as the battle devolved into chaos. Glancing back her team Hekkeran and Imina were clearing a path for Roderdyck healing those still alive, yet were severely injured by the armored ogre.

Arche paled, seeing the ogre charging at them something was wrong with this ogre. It had dark, sickly magic circling around it, charging her strongest spell.

Shooting off [lightning] right at the armored monster, it seemed to only stun the ogre for a few minutes. Panicking, Arche stepped back, hoping to draw it away from the team. Once the ogre started to move again, it went right for her rising its massive club high above to crush her.

Rolling away, hearing a crash along with the ground shake. Arche righted herself with hands raised to attack halting at the sight of a stiletto stabbed into the ogres head. As flames surged through its body, burning the metal armor. As it dropped much to Arche's surprise, the cloaked person from the Vultures walked up, pulling out her weapon and licking the blood off.

“Don’t get careless, you’re not allowed to die here.” The woman reprimands her before rushing off ahead, cutting down enemies in single precise cuts or stabs with blinding speed.

Arche turned back to her team, casting [reinforce armor] on them rushing up to cast [lightning] again at three cloaked enemies sneaking up from the blind spot.

“Hey, Arche, you ok, we saw that ogre charge you?” Hekkeran patted Arche's shoulder.

“Fine, it just caught me off guard though a person from the vultures killed it. How’s the battle going.” Shakely, she replied, glancing over them all as Roderdyck help a fallen soldier up to his feet.

Hekkeran didn’t answer scanning around them Arche followed his gaze. The inside of the fort was littered with bodies both of imperial soldiers and the cloak mutated humans and demi-humans. Most striking of all was nine other armored ogres acting like moving walls for the cloaked cultists to rush forward or use as cover.

The imperial knight orders where getting pushed back towards Arche’s team. They were just a few feet from the front line now. Seeing the danger, she unleashed more [lightning] at the encroaching enemy line with Imina supporting her while Roderdyck and Hekkeran tried to move the injured soldiers back.

They were getting closer, she worried they would be overrun. Kyuketsuki’s warning came back to her. Sweat rolled down her body. She was getting tired fear-filled Arche’s mind as two giant ogres got closer.

-End of Chapter-