Realizing she was outmatched in this fight. She had a choice to make if she ran; it would be seen as a failure to Kettor. Leinas didn’t want to die either after finely being free of the curse. Grasping the scroll on her belt, Clementine had given her from Kettor should she need anything. Pondering if it would be better to run, then would he see it as a betrayal?

Leinas was inches from being stabbed by her own spear thrown Back at her. A trickle of blood rand down from the small cut on her cheek. Deciding she needed to try something, she opened the scroll as it burned up a link forming feeling Kettors presence in her mind.

[What do you need, Leinas? If this is unimportant, you will pay for the next scroll with your own skin.]

Leinas gulped at the gravely commanding voice knowing his darker side was out. Rolling away from a hail of spines. [um, sir. Kettor, as per your orders, I went to pursue something escaping from the church. However, it is shrugging off my attacks like nothing. I humbly ask for your aid, or I fear I may parish, please.]

There was silence on the link before it cut off. Leinas fears she would have to fight alone as the vine-like arms finally caught her while she was distracted. ‘Dam it, No, I refuse to die here!’

Clawing scratching and struggling to break the vice grip around her throat. Yet nothing seemed to truly hurt the monster, she had never even seen something like this before.

“Such spirit, you will make a fine addition to our numbers. A shame the message scroll failed you.” It taunted much to Leinas annoyance, hoping she would be saved.

Wanting to scream, she gathered the air still in her lungs, screeching out a loud bellow forcing the monster to drop her. Coughing as air returned to her lungs, taking serval minutes to catch her breath. Noticing a shadow fall over her, she quickly held out her claws in fear.

Only to see Kettor red eyes looking over her with a proud smile. Leinas sat silently, unsure what to say before looking past him to see the frozen remains of the monster. Breaking apart into pieces, ‘When had he arrived and where is Nimble’ looking back to those kind crimson eyes.

“It seems you don’t just look like a harpy; you have some of their abilities too. We can test this more later.” Kettor offers her a hand pulling her up.

Leina’s gaze went to the ground; she couldn’t believe she thought he had left her to die. She was about to apologies before a comforting hand on her shoulder, snapped her attention to Kettor’s smiling face, filled with pride and joy. “Good job I’m surprised you managed to survive with how much he was above your level.”

Leinas wandered over to pick up her spear, turning back to lord Kettor. “What about Nimble? I don’t see him anywhere. Also, thank you. I didn’t think you were coming for a second.”

Kettor gave a look of understanding. “There is no need to worry about him for now. As long as he is willing to work with us, he may yet live. I protect those loyal to me, always remember this.”

Leinas watches his hand vanish before pulling out a new scroll tossing into her hands. “Remember to only use them for times like these. I only have so many on hand. hopefully, Demiurge might have a solution when I speak with him again.” He mumbled the last part.

“What should I do now, sir,” Leinas inquired half expecting to be sent back to watching with clementine. Even if Leinas couldn’t stand the madwoman, despite the claim of being married to someone like Kettor, she was half tempted to ask how he could stand Clementine’s madness for more than a few minutes. Which is why she was surprised by the warm answer and pat on her shoulder.

“Enjoy some free time you earned it. We can talk later at the palace tomorrow. I will message you or send Clem-chan to get you if I need anything more.” he waved and teleported away. Leaving behind a very confused Leinas.

‘Maybe it won’t be too bad working for him. Still, what changed his mood, he seemed like he was in a hurry to get back.’ Shrugging, Leinas looked around the empty street before taking flight might as well enjoy a fly over the city before deciding how to enjoy the rest of the day.

-Royal palace-

Marina's eye opens, after the warmth of her crush got up, see Jircniv get up and awake. His body was still sluggish and slowed by the sleep potions side effects, as it would be for an hour. Silently following him to the door as more orders from mistress Kathrin came in. It was time for Jicniv to choose his fate; she could only hope he would realize his time at the emperor was over.

“What do you mean, Fluder destroyed the temple of the four gods! Get all of the four to meet me now in my office!” Jircniv's angry yell entered her ears.

Marina hid her grimace; it seemed he didn’t realize with his public image destroyed; he lost the last bit of control he had in Baharuth. The nobles still hated him over his purge, the common people would hate him after today, and mistress Kathrin had already insured anyone who might help him was dead or on her side. All she was waiting for was the orders to have Jircniv become hers and keep him hidden till, as everyone would think, he is well and truly dead.

Then the massager told him Kettor wanted to see him, his reaction was less than happy. Marina sighed, quickly dressing and getting up. Maybe if she reined him in, then mistress would not have him kill more then once. If he angers mistress too much, she will make sure he vanished.

Warping her arm around Jircniv's shoulders purring in his ears. “No need to be so tense my lord we can just talk with Kettor.”

Loving the way his eyes dulled a little, even still, he was agitated. “Marina, if I don’t do something, then people will think I planned this. If I don’t act, now my reputation will be ruined.”

Marina gave a light-hearted smiled and followed him, not letting go of his right hand. Letting her mistress know where they were headed. Receiving the wave of joy from mistress, she had done well. Now she just had to make sure Jircniv didn’t do anything impulsive.

As they traveled down the halls, Jircniv toke notice of the changed helmets to better fit the new ears. Even noticing the changed eye colors to yellow, copper, amber, and gold. Most notably was the tails were now moving, not playing the act of being belts.

It was a welcome change to Marina though she kept her tail wrapped around her waist to not scare Jircniv yet. Coming up to the meeting room, its use was to strategies and talk with advisers.

This is where things would get complicated. Marina frowned slightly, trying to think of the best way to break the news. As two guards blocked their path, Jircniv was shocked at this, not seeing the other guards around the hall tense.

‘Please let us in to meet you mistress Jircniv is here.’ She could only patiently wait and try to keep Jircniv calm.

“What are you doing. I order you to let me into this room.” Jircniv harshly ordered his face calm, though his heart was beating faster.

What followed had him turning pale as his heart raced his mind, unable to believe what was happening. “Empress Kathrin and Emperor Kettor are in the middle of a meeting. They gave orders not to be disturbed by a pretender.”

Even with her calming aura, Jircniv was panicking his eyes darting around them hall. The guards were now blocking his paths. Then she saw lady Shalltear with two of her brides dragging bodies of two armored men. Their armor cracked, and broken weapons missing.

“No!” Jircniv whispered, finally realizing he was no longer in charge. As he tried to pull away, Marina held firm, not letting him move. If he did something stupid, he would get himself killed.

Then Jircniv's eyes turned to her, noticing the same color of eyes, ears, and tail. “Marina, how long have you…wait, where are my medallion and my other protection. Where is it?” He tried reaching for it only to find nothing.

Marina gave a calming, gentle smile rubbing his arm, her aura could only do so much without being more Sensual in nature. Still, Marina didn’t want to lose her soon to be husband. After all, the empire was in mistress Kathrin’s caring hands. “I teleported those weak trinkets to mistress last night. Don’t worry, mistress Kathrin is handling the mess of the temple.”

They watched Shalltear approach the door being let in servants already clearing the trail of blood. Then the guards closed the door waiting a few more minutes before they were let in.

Lord Kettor greeting them Shalltear with her two brides, Nimble, the blonde assassin, mistress, and a moving blob of red slime in the corner. “Hello, Jircniv, sorry for the show, but Shalltear wanted to show off her quick work. It only took her an hour or two to track them down.”

Sweat rolled down Jircniv skin; he was hyperventilating his eyes, taking in two of his broken and beaten elites and Nimble, refusing to look him in the eyes. “Sorry, sir, but I had to make a choice.”

Jircniv eyes locked on to Kettor with rage and distrust, as he realized just how outplayed he was. “So, you planned to take everything from the start vampire.”

Silence settled over the room as a servant brought a tray of drinks on the table.

“Want something to drink most of it doesn’t compare to Nazarick. But still, I am a graces host, and I must thank you for not running. After all, I need to decide what to do with you.” Kettor waved him over to the couch, an invitation he didn’t take.

This wasn’t good; Marina could feel her mistress displeasure at the disrespect. Quickly taking a glass and drinking while pulling Jircniv over to the seat. “Please, Jircniv, don’t be so rude in front of the new empress and emperor.”

Kettor’s laughter caught both their attention. “No need to worry, Marina, no offense taken. I will only kill him if we can’t come to an agreement. I hate needless bloodshed just as much as I hate paperwork and politics though they are a necessary evil. Jircniv stop wasting time and lest talk about my payment now.”

She noticed the emperor seemed calm, but his heartbeat and sweat told a different story. Don’t do anything foolish she repeated in her head.

Jircniv held back as he scanned over the group before him. Trying to think of some way to turn this around, he was trapped, and he knew it. “Talk about payment, what could I give you! You have my palace, killed my advisers, turned Fluder against me, and now the commoners will believe I planned to destroy the temple. You haven’t even done what I hired you for!”

Marina cursed his sharp tongue did he not see mistress’ narrowed eyes or not care just how close she was to frying him alive. Marina hissed at him to stop talking so harshly, a warning he disregards.

Kettor picked up one glass of tea, taking a sip before explaining. “The leaders of the great temple were infected; I personally fought one of the head priests. With them gone, all we have to do is wait for the head to show itself now that his control is gone, and he thinks he has the upper hand.”

“What about Fluder and my four knights! was taking one of my knights not enough.?” Jircniv asked, giving a respectful side glance to his fallen loyal knights.

Kettor sighed, handing the empty glass to Kathrin. “Fluder has been in contact with some of the crows for years. As for your other knights, two chose not to surrender, so my lovely dear Shalltear politely gave them a quick and painful death. I saved Nimble and gave him a chose, join, and live, be banished without his memories or die.”

Jircniv eyes shot open at the threat of erasing memories had to be an empty threat, Yet none of his body language hinted at this being a lie. This was worse than he could have imagined. Still, he tried not to show just how cornered he was if he had any hope of stopping them.

Merina could see he wasn’t going to just give up on trying to fight this. Mistress, reading her thoughts, creased her lips, her golden eyes warning her what would happen should he even try.

“Even if it is true, you have taken over Baharuth capital. Now you want to use me as a scapegoat for this mess, right? What would you need me for?” They stared each other down Jircniv was really pushing his luck. At this rate, Marina would see him permanently dead.

Then Kettor glared sharply at Jircniv. “Not if you agree to my terms, you will live a long, happy life with Marina here as she requested to my dear queen. I will make sure the empire prospers despite the crow’s best efforts. All you have to do is kneel and call me emperor.”

Jircniv was still silent as he processed the information, Marina didn’t need to know his thoughts to see the repulsion in his eyes his distrust shining through. “You really expect me to believe an undead vampire would do that. Who could you possibly blame other than me?”

To this, Kettor smirked his eyes shining brightly. “The Covent of Crows, they were waiting for the next annual war with Baharuth and Re-Estize. Only I got in the way at E-Rental and followed the trail of one up here.”

This was when he remembered the name Kathrin was one of the adamantine adventure groups in Lograth. “Your Kyuketsuki, the leader of adamantine adventuring team darkness vultures.”

Marina shivered at the chilly air, which now filled the room. Why did he have to keep testing his limits? She quickly went to cover his mouth, apologizing to her lord and mistress for the fool daring to utter the name.

Luckily Kettor didn’t kill him or her on the spot. Nor did mistress despite all of the others int the room drawing weapons ready to kill Jircniv, save Nimble who took a step back.

“I am giving the name up, it is cursed just like my last nickname. One which I kept trying to forget even as I used part of it to remind myself. I earned that name by killing for those that run a mega-corporation. At the time, revenge drove me until I realized all I did had become a handy tool for the people who killed her. After this, I joined YGGDRASIL to forget this curse, which has followed me here. But I found that even in this new world, all my power is useless if I keep repeating the same mistakes. Nazarick deserves better as do all who follow me.”

Kettor rises out of his seat with clenched hands, taking notice that Jircniv did not move from his place. Showing his intention without words, Kettor could see the secret plans forming in his enemy's mind.

“We will break this curse because we are no longer wandering blades defending nazarick. We are defenders of its rising nation, which Baharuth will be part of under our watch, and it will prosper. We will no longer slip back to that weakness or allow the old human naivety or mistakes to repeat again.”

Both Marina and Jircniv watched Kettor shift to show his real appearance. Despite the horrified look of Jircniv, Marina saw the true vampire look the same way Kathrin did handsome his elegant slime-covered bone wings welcoming, even if she still preferred to have Jircniv.

Kettor continued his voice calm and steady despite the aura of bloodlust leaking out. “If Ainz can adapt to take on the challenges of this new world, then so can I. I will face these changes no longer controlled by my fear of it. It is sad to see you will not be working with us, as I had hoped. But then the Slane Theocracy did assassinate you over letting the crows get control of your kingdom, and with how hard Marina is working to keep you alive, I suppose I will reward her. Please hold him still I would hate for my claws to scar your new husband.”

Marina beamed even happy to see mistress Kathrin smiling with pride at her. She held down Jircniv as Kettor shadow fell over them. Jircniv was in full blow terror mode, trying to break free. Once Kettor's hand touched his head, his eyes dulled, then watching for a few hours, she watches him work. Even if Marina didn’t know what he was doing.

-Near Phovine -

Arche awoke with a start as the image of the ruins returning to her seeing Kyuketsuki vanishing in the red vortex and smoke. Sweat rolling down her skin, panting for breath as she put a hand on her chest over her racing heart. She could still hear those words repeating in her mind ‘we will meet again.’ Not wishing to experience the dream again, Arche got up out of her tent, looking over to the other shelters.

It was still dark out the sun had yet to rise; the fire pit was out. Sitting down to think about the recurring dream. She sent a nervous glance over to the horse-sized dragons Hekkeran and Imina had brought back in Lograth, she didn’t know where they got them, but she always got nervous when their red glowing eyes turned her way just being around them made her feel unnerved.

Still, something about the night air felt different, as the chilly breeze blows through the clearing.

Arche sifted her thoughts to the dream she was having each night since Foresight left the ruins. It should make her feel at ease, yet she couldn’t get his last words out of her mind. Her hand gliding over the gold bag tided to her waist; it was more than enough for what Arche was planning when she got back home.

‘He had so much power even as a vampire, so was he really killed by whatever it is they found in these flooded ruins?’

“I think we both know the answer to that question Arche.”

Arche jumped to her feet, her staff at the ready if not shaking slightly, she could not see anything. Even as Arche scanned the camp and the forest edge, she saw nothing.

“Sorry, but I can’t risk any of your team seeing me, nor do I trust the new undead dragons you call horses.”

Arche saw the air shimmer as the cloaked person appeared their face covered by a clown mask. Even their voice seemed to changed Arche talent couldn’t see the mana level of this person. An illusion a strong one at if it hides everything about them, she could be stronger than Kyuketsuki.

Arche takes a step back as this stranger raised a hand. “I couldn’t take that old vampire even if I wanted too. Besides, I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Only you can see me right now.”

Arche narrowed her eyes, sparing a glance at both her team mate’s tents and the dragon horses. They were right nothing seemed to even know their presence was here.

“What do you want, and how are you reading my thoughts.” She shouted, testing just how much was being affected. The only reaction she got was a huff out of one of the dragon horses.

“Simple I need to talk to Kyuketsuki; however, I fear my connection with a past group may have left some bad blood between us. Besides, you need my help if you want to stop Jester's plans.”

Arche stared at them; she still wasn’t even sure if she would be happy to see Kyuketsuki alive. If nothing else, she could at least trust the vampire more than whoever this was.

“Why don’t you want my team to know you’re here. For that matter, who are you, and who is this Jester?”

The masked clown person slumped their shoulders and sighed, bells chiming as they moved. “let’s just say those cat ears and tail are not an item affect, on top of this those undead dragons” They pointed to the odd beasts which Arche still didn’t know where they came from. “Only let you ride then because their masters allow it. If not for that, one of them could have torn your whole team to bloody chunks. Against all four, your team is light snacks at best.”

Arche could agree with the last part just to be safe. She pulled some spare meat out and throws it to the horse size dragon. Watching as it quickly devoured the meat without care.

“You expect me to believe they would lie to me? Plus, you have yet to even tell me your name.”

Arche didn’t drop her guard, trying to think of some way past this illusionist.

“Knowing my name would only put you in danger. Kyuketsuki and Kathrin see use in your talent; it helps that your past is similar to his, and he made you a promise. Don’t risk that with your little sister lives in their hands.”

Arche narrowing her eyes, how much did this stranger know about her? Recalling the promise Kyuketsuki made to her about her sisters. “Why would he keep that promise he’s an undead, every undead me or my team has faced didn’t care or hated the living?”

The masked clown Stanger only shook their head. “You know nothing of the undead. The only undead of this world humans or demi-humans know is the low-level ones, which can’t think or are driven by past grievances. Kyuketsuki is neither of this world, nor does he have such simple motivations like them…yet. But if Jester is not stopped, that may change.”

Arche shifted her gaze to the ground. She was right with how powerful Kyuketsuki was. He had thousands of times he could have ended them. Yet his team was the only reason they were alive and richer because of it.

“Ok, who is Jester then and what does he want. At least tell me that before I agree to help you with anything.”

Arche watched the stranger; she could almost swear they were remorseful about something before the feeling left as quick as it came. “He was…a close friend before he got an idea to recreate the past. Something which can only happen if this world’s magic system breaks down. So, will you listen and help me now?”

Arche had no idea how someone would breakdown magic or what past they could mean. If nothing else, she could hear out what they had to say. “Alright, but I’m not hurting my friends.”

Arche watched the mask shimmer to a sly grin. “I won’t ask that, once you get to Arwinder, then I need you to go to the arena. Kyuketsuki will be there though he is going by a new name, and I would not call him by the old one. Once you get close to him, I can do the rest; this is all I need.”

The stranger paused before adding something else. “Oh, and I would avoid Phovine as much as possible Jester's little parasite soldiers are not something you or foresight is ready for. If you run into trouble, look for Ritana, Bardic, or Velvet, though I think Hekkeran and Imina will take you to them anyway.”

Arche took note of how little details this plan had; it didn’t feel like all of it. It put her on edge just how much this stranger seemed to know. Before she could question how she knew so much, the first rays of the morning sun shined through the trees making Arche blink.

They shimmered away as if never there at all. Arche clutched her staff tightly, going over the stranger’s words Imina and Hekkeran did seem to be acting differently.

Hearing some bushes rustling, she turned to them, seeing both Hekkeran and Imina talking and laughing about something. ‘When did they get up?’ Taking a side glance at the tent they shared.

Hekkeran answered first though Arche noted his ears twitched a little as he was speaking. “Oh, Arche, you’re up, sorry we both couldn’t sleep; mis…monster was crawling around the area.”

Arche put the stranger out of mind, for now, she could look into it later. “It fine I had a strange dream which woke me up. why don’t you wake up Roberd while I un pitch the tents?”

It wasn’t long before they were on the road again though Arche's mind kept going back to the stranger and its odd warning. She glanced at both of them; they were a little different after the ruins, but she didn’t focus on it at the time. More worried about the dream she kept having of the ruins.

She almost didn’t notice Roberd come up beside her. “Had that dream again last night, Arche?”

Arche nodded yes before adding. “Something else is on my mind, do you think. They are acting differently since the ruins.”

Roberd hummed in thought before answering. “A little bit, I think what happened at the fort has had us all a little rattled. Why do you ask?”

Arche wanted to talk about the encounter with the stranger, then thought better of it. She didn’t even know if she could trust what they said.

“They were already awake and just got back to camp after I woke up from that dream again.”

Roberd hummed in understanding. “Yes, the same has happened the last few nights as well. They always seem to be up before me. I think it might have to do because of the vultures' adventuring team. Do you think-

Hekkeran shouted back, “Look up ahead!”

Both Arche and Roberd turn to see what the problem was and where shocked to see what was ahead of them. The city of Phovine was burning. The guards were fighting some kind of monster they had never seen before.

Arche felt fear grip her heart because the warning was real.

-End of Chapter-