The Wandering Devil
Chapter: 40
Disclaimer: I don't own High School DxD or any other universe used in this story.
Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance.
(The Elder God)
The hidden passages beneath Babel Tower were darker than I'd expected, lit only by occasional crystals that cast an eerie blue glow across ancient stone walls.
My escort, a Guild member whose nervous energy was practically radiating off him, finally stopped before an unremarkable door.
"Lord Ouranos will see you now," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
I merely gave the guild official a nod as he calmly walked away.
I had to admit.
I was slightly taken off guard.
There was limited information on Ouranos. He was rarely seen. Hestia had called him a Elder God and the strongest God. So naturally I was slightly wary.
I stepped through the threshold and immediately everything became silent.
The chamber was vast, circular and dominated by a throne carved from what appeared to be a single massive crystal. Light emanated from the walls themselves, casting everything in an blue-white glow.
And there, seated upon the throne, was Ouranos himself.
I took in the God's Appearance.
Even seated, he was tall, with long silver hair and sharp eyes. His clothing was simple, dull-colored robes draped over his frame. He sat motionless as a statue, yet I could feel his attention focused entirely on me.
I had my suspicions about why I'd been summoned here. My recent activities hadn't exactly been subtle.
"Zephyrion Gremory." He started. "You have been... busy."
"Lord Ouranos." I greeted respectfully. "I assume there's a reason I've been summoned? It's not every day an adventurer meets face to face with you alone, though I can't say I mind if this is a social call."
My words were respectful and carefully articulated.
My Devil side knew how to talk formally.
All the while I observed the God.
He was dangerous, was my first assessment. My Devil instincts were screaming.
"Indeed. I've heard a great many things about you, your presence in Orario has created... ripples. And I've decided to summon you here to speak upon those ripples." The God said, his voice slow and unbothered.
"Really? Is that all? I'm hardly the only adventurer that causes these 'Ripples.' Have you seen some of them?" I asked, raising a prompting eyebrow. "We are a chaotic bunch."
Ouranos didn't react outwardly.
"There are a few reasons you've caught my attention, though I'll cut to the chase. The dungeon has been acting strangely recently, and you're the cause." The God replied effortlessly.
A few reasons.
"A few reasons?" I questioned. "And the dungeon reacting strangely? How exactly would I be the cause of such a thing?"
"I'm sure you have noticed it." He replied simply. "I'd prefer you didn't try to deceive me."
"The dungeon has always been a mysterious place, there are many questions. How do the monsters reform? How was the dungeon formed? How far does it go? Just what types of monsters are down there?" I deflected. "Such a thing containing powerful monsters is beyond me."
Ouranos didn't budge, in fact, he didn't move. At all.
"That's what I am in the process of figuring out and once more, I'm sure you've noticed it." Ouranos said. "I have investigated this thoroughly. It seems to be happening around you."
Staring at the ancient God. I decided that lying wouldn't help and if I told him now, I could control the narrative if I told him in my own way.
"I can't tell you why, but the dungeon has been doing it since I first stepped inside. When I first entered, a dungeon flood happened on my floor." I replied slowly, deciding to be truthful. "And such events have been following me for reasons I can't explain."
"I see." The words hung heavy between us. "So you claim you did nothing specific, which means the reaction stems purely from your presence. That alone is... noteworthy."
"Tell me, child." He leaned closer, his eyes glowing dangerously. "Where do you hail from?"
I matched his shift in tone.
"You wouldn't know of it," I replied calmly.
"Leave the boundaries of my knowledge to me," he replied without hesitation.
"Alright." I said, leaning back. "I am Zephyrion Gremory, from one of the pillar clans. I mostly resided within the Gremory castle that's outside Gremory city."
I was being truthful and I had a sneaking suspicion he could tell.
If I remembered correctly, Ouranos was different from the other Gods. He retained part of his divine powers, making him dangerous. I wasn't underestimating him.
He was one of the last threats outside of entire Familias that could challenge me.
I had just reached High-class, the upper end of level five. It reminded me that I needed to continue pursuing power if I ever wanted to return to the monstrous world where my devil family existed.
Absorbing souls helped, but most people in Danmachi lacked magic. The souls with magic I absorbed were heavily taxed when converted into demonic power.
I still wasn't sure how it worked, but I'd figure it out eventually.
"It seems you were correct, I do not know of this place. But from the sounds of it, you are 'high-born' as humans like to say." Ouranos replied, seemingly unconcerned by his own lack of knowledge.
"Pureblood." I replied.
"What a crass term." Ouranos said curiously.
"It makes sense where I come from, though my people don't have a good naming sense in general." I carefully chose my words.
Ouranos's eyes seemed to pierce through me with growing interest.
"Your people," Ouranos repeated slowly. "Tell me, Zephyrion Gremory, what manner of being are you exactly?"
His eyes glowed subtly. I felt it then, a subtle probing, like invisible tendrils of divine power brushing against the edges of my soul. His godly senses were actively examining me now.
"I can sense something... unusual about your essence," he continued, his tone becoming more measured. "Most magic is powered by mental energy and is often tied to an element. And yet yours isn't."
Busted.
"Oh yeah? How so?" I probed.
"You almost feel like a monster and yet I can tell you aren't. The energy within you is chaotic, to an almost violent degree. But I can sense the sheer power within." He said, his voice alight with only curiosity. "It's different…"
"Well, besides all the fellow purebloods who used to call me strange. I don't think I know why it concerns you?" I asked, my posture relaxed.
I wasn't too bothered.
He was bound to find out.
Hestia had shown even with her limited godly power that she could sense me. So coming here, I had known a God that was far less restricted and a lot more powerful probably wouldn't have much trouble.
"You're not human." He observed, his head slightly tilted and his eyes regarding me passively. "Or at least, you aren't from anywhere on the surface world."
"Will that be a problem? There are many who aren't human in Orario." I replied.
"That won't be a problem." He hummed. "But I think that could be a cause of why the dungeon is reacting to you in such a way. Which inadvertently could harm other adventures."
"Why does the state of the dungeon bother you?" I questioned.
"The dungeon normally reacts in such a way when Gods enter its confines, then that leads to a black monster that's immune to divine powers to kill that gods and many others, so to me, it looked like the startings of the dungeons presence to a God, which was my first thought. So when I found no gods within the dungeon my curiosity peaked." The ancient God slowly said. "It took a while to find the source of that. You've been rather busy haven't you?"
"Adventuring is busy work." I replied. "Still, I am curious. Is that the only reason you summoned me?"
"No." He replied. "The truth is, you've been in Orario for less than a year. And in that time you've managed to bring quite the stir. Joining the Hestia Familia and propelling it to such heights is impressive. What has my utmost attention beyond that was your actions with Apollo."
"Ah. If you're worried about that, I'll have you know I didn't start it." I replied. "Apollo signed his own retreat to Tenkai."
"I think you know that's not what I'm referring to."He said firmly. "You performed an action that left me quite concerned."
"It was nothing that wasn't agreed upon." I replied simply, knowing what he was talking about.
Ouranos leaned forward slightly. "And what would you say about a mortal who... tampers with such agreements? Who manipulates divine power in ways that should be impossible?"
"I'd say don't make a deal you aren't ready to commit to. I can't control the actions of the Gods." I shrugged.
"Perhaps, but I'm still curious. How were you able to tamper with a God's very domain? I imagine you're able to imagine my concern with such a matter, even if you did transfer it to a Goddess." He slowly said.
I considered it for a moment.
"It's a part of my magic. The contract is binding. Apollo signed it. End of." I explained simply.
"So if anyone signs these contracts of yours, you can use them to perform such things? Could you in theory transfer Godhood to a mortal?" His questions weren't hostile but I could sense something dangerous.
"No. It has limits." I replied.
"Which was why it was transferred to Hestia I presume?" He asked, his voice deathly blank.
"Yes. Though I would have done it anyway." I replied, relaxed.
He hummed, for the first time, he looked mildly human.
"Truly?" The Primordial asked, regarding me like I was some particularly fascinating specimen.
"There are other ways to gain power," I replied with a slight smile.
"Ah, the Falna." Ouranos nodded, his body settling back into perfect stillness. "I can see it's adapted remarkably well to you, even going so far as to harmonize with that strange energy of yours." His ancient eyes studied me with renewed interest.
"Though I suspect you're referring to something else entirely. While it's not unprecedented for adventurers to exceed their apparent level, you represent quite the... exceptional case."
"What do you want?" I questioned, cutting to the point.
His lips quirked up.
"Order in Orario." He replied calmly. "You are a large component against that order."
"Oh? Not by intent." I shot back. "I can't help defending what is mine."
"Even so, you have been in need of being dealt with." He said, not as a threat but more as a fact.
"I haven't broken any established rules. So unless you break the confines of the 'order' that is present. I hardly doubt I need 'dealing' with you yourself." I replied carefully.
"Even so, ground rules need to be set." He said, an aura subtly began to emit from the Gods. "First of all, we can start with these contracts of yours. I wish for them to be restricted. Such a power shouldn't be in the hands of mortals, for good reasons I assure you."
"How do you intend on enforcing this?" I questioned coldly.
It was safe to say that wasn't happening.
"I would hope I needn't do so." He replied firmly. "But of course, I would be watching and some sort of agreement would be placed. So you would be breaking rules in that case."
"Yeah, no. It's not like I force people to sign. Apollo fucked around and found out." I replied firmly.
I didn't want to piss off the ancient God. But he's just openly admitted he would be watching me and for some reason I felt I wouldn't be able to do without his notice.
Maybe in the confines of my wards.
"Truly?" He questioned. "Tell me, Zephyrion. How do you feel about your Goddess?"
I felt my blood spike.
"Careful." I said dangerously. "My Goddess is precious to me-"
"Oh? A lover?" He commented with a hint of glee. "Hestia taking a lover is rather special isn't it? You must feel very special."
I felt anger beginning to rise at his words.
They weren't speaking with malicious intent but I didn't like the insinuation.
Truthfully, I was taken off-guard. His demeanor had changed, as if he was a different person.
"I assure you my bond with Hestia was forged in deep times, when no one else cared about either of us. Not her fellow Gods and not anyone in Orario for the both of us. It's not some mere fling." I spoke carefully.
Ouranos tilted his head slightly. "Tell me, Zephyrion Gremory, do you believe that devotion would remain if I were to... request that she reconsider harboring you?"
I felt it then.
The familiar heat rising in my chest. The way my vision seemed to sharpen at the edges. My sin responding to the implied threat.
Wrath.
"What?" I asked, my voice remaining calm.
"She's a Goddess my dear boy. She's lived so very long. Have you come to the conclusion that less than a year has somehow changed her in such a deep way?" Ouranos asked, looking genuinely curious.
"Don't intend to know of something you've merely heard about." I replied with an eyebrow twitch.
He was playing with me.
"Of course, of course." He nodded with understanding, as if I'd made a valid point. "I've simply observed similar patterns over the millennia. Young bonds, passionate attachments. They feel eternal in the moment." His voice carried no judgment, only gentle observation. "But experience teaches us that feelings, however intense, can shift."
I needed to restrain myself. I had grown good at controlling my wrath but this God was managing to get under my skin.
"Which brings me back to something I'm genuinely curious about." He tilted his head slightly. "If circumstances required it, if her position among the Gods demanded it, do you believe she would choose you over everything else?"
A spark of destruction erupted, only briefly in a small crackle on my finger tip that I quickly extinguished. His ancient eyes had zoned in on it immediately and followed its path with mild interest, like watching a butterfly.
"I wouldn't continue with this line of thought." I said, my voice cold. "I understand that you probably know nothing of a Goddess you have barely spoken to. So go ahead, order it. And watch what happens. Everything dies. Even Gods."
There was a single moment.
He leaned back. Once more. I found myself in front of a different person.
"Fascinating." He leaned back, suddenly seeming almost paternal. "Perhaps we could reach an understanding? For the sake of balance, I'd prefer you avoid demonstrating such abilities around other Gods, contracts with Gods are allowed as long as they don't tamper with their divinity. Word travels, and fear makes people... unpredictable."
Reasonable. Logical. Completely sensible.
I considered it for a moment, thrown off by the shift in conversation.
"Fine," I agreed, though something felt off.
I was confused…
"Excellent. Now, regarding the dungeon, I understand you've developed remarkable transportation methods. Perhaps you could simply avoid the upper floors? For the safety of newer adventurers, you understand."
His tone was so accommodating, so collaborative.
"That's easy enough..."
Then it occurred to me… and I had to stop myself from groaning. He had put me off-guard with his jabs and performed the oldest trick in the book.
"My apologies for the indirect approach," he said, not sounding sorry at all. "I needed to understand exactly who you are."
"And what conclusion did you reach?" I asked, my anger settling.
"You're impulsive when threatened, protective to a fault and harbor considerable power. That destructive ability confirms my suspicions about your bloodline origins. Most importantly, you love Hestia deeply enough that questioning that bond is your greatest weakness. You're generally reasonable, but there's a darkness in you that would tear through anything for those you care about. Quite illuminating, really." Ouranos calmly explained. The way he said it was so casual.
I observed Ouranos.
For the first time genuinely feeling slightly intimidated.
"I'm not signing anything." I managed to say.
"Quite wise." He replied blandly. "You won't need to do so."
"Is there anything else?" I asked.
"No, that was the brunt of my concerns." Ouranos replied. "Thank you for you time Mr, Gremory. Though my curiosity has merely been inflamed, I appreciate your time."
"A pleasure." I replied flatly.
He chuckled.
-Scene Break-
The massive doors of my new mansion swung open and I stepped inside, my body feeling like it weighed three times normal.
Without bothering to look around at the grand interior, I made a straight line for the nearest couch and dropped face-first onto it.
I groaned into the cushions.
That had been exhausting.
Truthfully, I wasn't really bothered. Apollo had been an opportunity. Teaching the arrogant God a lesson that happened to empower Hestia was too good to pass up on.
I did have to wonder how he had come to learn of it.
Perhaps he had felt it?
In any case, he didn't really need to worry about it.
My demonic contracts weren't at the level to do that without divine assistance and while I had thought about it, for some reason I felt it would have either not worked or the effects would have been dire.
It wasn't like the path of power was bleak.
I had a great many plans beyond the Falna.
Light footsteps approached quickly.
"Zephyrion! You're back!" Hestia's cheerful voice cut off.
She scanned me, her beautiful sapphire eyes glinting with knowing.
"What happened?"
I turned my head just enough to speak clearly. "Ouranos."
The silence stretched for a heartbeat. "What?" Her voice had gone tight with concern.
I pushed myself up to sitting, running a hand through my hair. "When I went to the guild, I was summoned by Ouranos. It turns out I've caught his eyes.
The curse slipped out before she caught herself, her eyes going wide. Immediately she came to sit next to me.
"Are you okay?" She questioned.
"I am. I mean. He didn't attack me." I replied with a chuckle. "Hes just… intense."
I pulled her into my lap, relaxing as her scent filled my nostrils and she sat within my lap. She wrapped her arms around me gently and I grinned boyishly.
"I should have known. That stunt with the contract of course it would get his attention." Hestia sighed softly.
"Apparently so." I muttered, kissing her neck.
I could practically feel her rolling her eyes.
"Ouranos is dangerous, Zeph. He isn't nearly restricted in the way I am." Hestia replied with concern.
I stroked her back, melting into her comfort.
"Yeah, I figured." I replied. "At least he wasn't hostile, except for one part. Where he figured out our… relationship and asked me if I thought you would disobey him if he told you to get rid of me."
Her grip tightened around me.
"He threatened you?"
"Yes, but it was more of a test. My sin of Wrath made… an appearance." I replied bashfully.
"Why would you get angry over such a silly thing?" She giggled slightly. "Ouranos and I have barely contacted each other. Even if he was my friend I wouldn't abandon you."
"Yeah, well. My Sin Of Wrath isn't exactly reasonable." I replied blandly.
"Oh Zephyrion, please tell me you didn't threaten the most dangerous God in Orario." Hestia asked pleadingly.
"…"
"It was more of a fact? I mean, Gods can really die!" I replied petiulently.
She groaned.
"It ended well though. Beyond him testing who I was. He seemed fine as long as I didn't tamper with any God's divinity any further." I replied positively.
She let out a sigh.
"I suppose that's why you were able to come back to me." She mused, her eyes shining with concern.
"I tried to be careful." I sighed. "I wasn't outright cooperative but I wasn't rude."
"Do you think we will have to worry about him?" Hestia questioned, leaning into me further.
"I don't think so. He didn't need to lie to me, but I have his interest. So I'll have to be wary of my actions and who can see them going further." I replied after some thought.
She nodded. "I agree, Ouranos didn't need to show restraint. He holds a lot of power even disregarding himself. The guild is hands off unless an adventurer actively breaks a rule."
"Which I haven't." I nodded back, pecking her on the lips. "I did mention that."
"But it wasn't just about that." I leaned back against the couch, exhausted.
"There's more?" She asked, confused. "I don't see what you have done that would take his attention."
"The dungeon's been acting strange around me. He noticed. He wanted to know why and he sort of found out I'm a devil without knowing I'm a devil." I kept my voice neutral, matter-of-fact.
Hestia bit her lip. "Did he sense your demonic power?"
"Yes."
She sighed deeply.
"What exactly did he say?"
"That the dungeon's reactions to me are... unusual. That someone with my particular talents bears watching. He knows I'm not just some random adventurer." I shook my head.
"You did mention this to me." She said thoughtfully.
"He said he thought a God had entered the dungeon. Which had led his investigation to me." I stated.
"Do you wish for me to talk to him?" Hestia said after a moment.
I raised an amused eyebrow.
"I don't think that'll be necessary. As we said he has no reason to lie." I chuckled.
She huffed.
"Well, I certainly can't say I expected this today." She replied, melting into me.
"There's... something else."
She tensed. "What now?"
I sighed.
"I kissed Riveria."
Hestia blinked. Then her expression relaxed completely. "Oh, is that all?"
"What?" I questioned, taken aback.
"I was expecting that to happen." She replied easily.
"You were?" I stared at her.
I had expected her to be bothered by it.
"Zephyrion, I'm a goddess. " She gave me a gentle smile. "Besides, I already knew multiple partners were normal in your culture."
"Still…"
It was normal for one side of me.
I'm sure if I was completely human this would be different.
"It's fine, Zeph. I know if I told you not to, you wouldn't have." Hestia replied. "I opened the boundaries and the devil inside you took it."
Her words were purely amused, as if I was being over dramatic.
"I'm not deserving of you." I relented. " I wouldn't like it if it were the other way around,"
She raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement creeping into her expression despite everything.
She snorted. "Zeph. Before I met you it wasn't easy. Despite what my attitude would say, constant failure is hard. Especially when you haven't felt it before. Even when I met you I must admit I was suspicious. The term 'too good to be true' is a saying I'd use."
I listened with wrap attention.
"I failed to get even adventurers who had been rejected by most. Then you came along, an older teenager with crimson hair and told me he wanted to join." She leaned in, pressing a kiss to my cheek. "There's a reason we bonded so quickly. You're my first and only love."
I pouted.
"Don't make me feel bad. I mean, I did tell her the situation. So she could reject it. She's an elven princess." I replied thoughtfully.
I didn't know if I liked the sound of that or not.
Riveria had been another friend that I found myself enjoying spending time with. I couldn't deny she was beautiful and intelligent. But perhaps I shouldn't have been so forward.
I mean… it was partly the devil side of me. But I couldn't deny I hadn't wanted to. I wasn't controlled by my devil side.
"I'm not so sure, she seemed rather smitten." Hestia giggled. "Though, on the subject of extra company. We should be expecting people soon." Hestia said, changing the subject.
I looked at her confused. "What?"
"People began showing up for auditions earlier. The little spectacle you put on during the War Game has drawn attention." Hestia clarified.
"And they're coming here?" I questioned.
"Yes." She replied. "Bell told them you were out, but they've probably seen you by now. They'll be coming,"
"Why don't you deal with it?" I asked curiously.
"You're the captain," she replied simply.
"I mean, don't normally Gods deal with this kind of stuff." I replied.
"Maybe." She shrugged.
I sighed and stood up. "How many are we talking about?"
"Bell said there were at least thirty when he last counted. That was before they cleared away when you weren't around." Hestia answered.
"Thirty?" I ran a hand through my hair. "What kind of people?"
"Mixed group. Some former adventurers and mostly people looking for a chance." Hestia replied.
I walked to the window and peered out. Sure enough, there was a crowd gathered by our gate. They were talking among themselves, some pointing at the house.
There was a disillusionment ward up so they didn't see the massive monsters watching them.
"Great," I muttered. "I don't suppose you have any advice on mass interviews?"
"Just find those who would be beneficial." Hestia replied.
I nodded with a sigh.
I opened the front door and stepped outside.
"Vermisynth." I called out.
The monster perked up.
"I need you to go to the backend of the mansion, out of sight." I said.
Vermisynth huffed in annoyance.
"I don't want anybody outside of the Familia knowing of you. It'll cause drama." I explained.
The large monsters stood, lumbering out of sight.
I dispersed the illusion on the gate.
The crowd immediately quieted and turned toward me. Dozens of eyes fixed on me, ranging from hopeful to desperate to calculating. A few whispered among themselves.
"Captain Gremory!" someone called out from the back.
This was going to be a long day.
-{Riveria Lfos}-
Riveria sat in her private chambers within Twilight Manor, staring out the window at the bustling streets of Orario below.
Her fingers absently traced her lips, remembering the warmth and unexpected gentleness of Zephyrion's kiss.
She sighed.
The Elven princess didn't know how to feel. Her heart had been beating irregularly since that moment and she couldn't deny the attraction and desire she had for him.
The logical part of her mind tried to analyze the situation, but her emotions kept interfering with any coherent thoughts.
In truth, sharing wasn't an unknown concept within Orario or even among royalty.
Political marriages often involved multiple partners, and adventurers frequently formed complex relationships within their Familias. But she couldn't say it had been done within the elven bloodline, and certainly not with a goddess involved.
The thought should have been a blow to her pride.
She had been told she was beautiful and often fawned over by many. Only the cold glares of nearby elves and her cold attitude dissuaded anyone from trying their luck. Yet... it wasn't. Not as much as it should have been.
She suspected Zephyrion was of royal or noble blood, that much she could tell from his bearing, his mannerisms. Riveria honestly didn't even know if he was human.
Her father wouldn't be pleased with any of this, of course.
The political implications alone would give him headaches for months. But most of all, she didn't feel as conflicted or insulted as she would have been just a few months ago.
Zephyrion had somehow become a friend then somehow beyond that. Through small, constant meetings and his habit of treating her like she was just a normal person rather than the High Elf princess, he had wormed his way past her usual defenses.
He didn't bow or scrape or watch his every word around her. He simply... talked to her. Argued with her when he disagreed.
Listened when she spoke.
When was the last time someone had done that?
She sighed again, thinking about the kiss. It hadn't been forceful or presumptuous. He had been honest about the situation with Hestia, given her the choice to refuse. The kiss itself had been…
"Well, well, well. What an expression to behold on our glorious elven princess." A teasing voice pierced through her voice.
Riveria's head snapped up to find Tione leaning against her doorframe, a knowing smirk playing across her lips.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Riveria replied coolly, though she could feel heat creeping up her neck.
"Oh please. You're sitting there touching your lips with that dreamy look. Either you've discovered some amazing new spell, or a certain crimson-haired adventurer finally made his move." She laughed.
"Tione-"
"I knew it!" Tione bounded into the room, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Our composed, untouchable princess finally got swept off her feet! Tell me everything. Was he as forward as I expected? Did he do that brooding mysterious thing he does?"
"It's n-not- it's complicated!" Riveria protested weakly.
"The best ones always are." Tione plopped down on the nearby chair, grinning wickedly.
-{Zephyrion Gremory}-
I sat behind a mahogany desk in what used to be Apollo's study, a stack of blank contracts on one side and a rapidly growing pile of "we'll be in touch" letters on the other.
The line stretched out the door, down the hallway, and probably wrapped around the block by now.
None of these people had the Falna yet, they were all hopefuls looking to join and get blessed.
"Next!"
A nervous human boy shuffled in, who couldn't have been older than sixteen, wearing what looked like his father's hand-me-down armor that was three sizes too big.
"State your name and why you want to join the Hestia Familia." I asked, staring at the teen.
"Uh, Marcus, sir." He replied. "I wish to join a Familia."
I'm guessing he had no luck with anyone else.
"What's your experience Marcus?"
"I had a goblin encounter…" He replied.
"How did the goblin encounter end?"
"Well, uh. It turns out not having a Falna is a real issue. I was able to block. But the goblin got annoyed-"
"Why is that?" I asked curiously.
"I think it's because I'm good at blocking-I mean. I can't do damage. But I know how to block." He sputtered.
I blinked.
"What happened?"
"It eventually just walked away." He said with a flush.
I stared at him. "You made a goblin bore trying to kill you with impressive blocking abilities?"
"Yes, sir."
"That's... actually impressive in its own way. We'll be in touch."
"Next!"
A wolf person bounded in, tail wagging so enthusiastically it was knocking papers off my desk.
"Name's Gareth! I heard you guys fight real monsters and I really, really, REALLY want to help!"
"Okay, slow down there. What experience do you have?" I asked, pushing his head back.
"Well, I'm a werewolf. So I've got a more natural boost than normal humans. I've got enhanced smell, hearing, night vision." The Werewolf said excitedly.
"Impressive." I conceded. "Any noteworthy feats?"
"Someone stole from a dear friend of mine once and I tracked him for three whole days!" He said.
I perked up.
Tracker.
"That sounds useful. What happened when you found him?" I nodded.
"I got so excited but then I fell, knocking myself out on a rock and he escaped." He said, his ears drooping.
I rubbed my temples. "We'll be in touch."
"Next!"
An elf woman glided in with perfect posture.
"Lyralei, trained in the elven arts of archery, swordsmanship. I come from a long line of-"
"Excellent. What's your practical experience?" I asked eagerly.
"I have spent decades perfecting my craft in the sacred groves, communing with nature and-"
"Have you ever been in actual combat?" I asked abruptly.
"I've hunted dear…"
"Okay…"
I mean, it wasn't a problem. She could be trained.
"We'll be in touch."
"Next!"
A burly human man stomped in, flexing muscles that looked like he bench-pressed tree trunks for fun.
"Name's Big Tom! I heard you need strong people and nobody's stronger than Big Tom!"
"Alright, Big Tom. What are your feats of strength?"
"I was able to lift a cow." He replied proudly.
"Why were you lifting a cow?" I questioned.
"It was stuck in a ditch! Well, I put it in the ditch first because I wanted to see if I could lift it out." Tom replied.
"You put a cow in a ditch just to see if you could rescue it?" I questioned.
"The cow was fine!"
"We'll be in touch."
"Next!"
Another human walked in, this one covered in what looked like self-inflicted scars and wearing a cape that was clearly a repurposed bedsheet.
"I am Darkblade Shadowheart, master of the mysterious arts and wielder of forbidden techniques!" He said.
"…"
"Steve, why are you covered in Band-Aids?" I questioned.
"My name isn't Steve! And these are battle scars from my intense training regimen!"
"Steve, that's a paper cut on your finger with a cartoon princess Band-Aid." I said, wondering if he was joking.
He stuttered.
"We'll be in touch, Steve."
"Next!"
A perfectly normal-looking middle-aged woman walked in carrying what appeared to be a briefcase full of kitchen utensils.
"Good afternoon. I'm Margaret, and I'd like to apply for any support position you might have available."
Finally, someone normal.
"What kind of support work are you interested in?"
"Well, I've been told I make an excellent battlefield medic, supply coordinator, and tactical advisor. I also do light accounting and can organize supply inventories." She said calmly.
"That sounds useful. What's your background?" I asked, leaning forward.
"I raised three children as a single mother." She replied with a smile.
I blinked. "That... that actually does qualify you for all of those things. Will they be a distraction going forward?"
"No. Unfortunately they are no longer with me." She replied sadly.
"I'm sorry to hear that." I said, mentally giving the woman a tick in my mind.
"I also brought cookies." She opened her briefcase to reveal perfectly arranged chocolate chip cookies.
"...We'll definitely be in touch. Soon. Very soon. In fact, take a seat in the other room."
"Next!"
A young dwarf woman marched in, dragging what looked like a sledgehammer behind her.
"Name's Thorina Ironforge! I want to forge weapons for your familia!" She grinned.
"Do you have smithing experience?"
"I've been smithing since I was knee-high to a grasshopper! Which, being a dwarf, was last Tuesday!"
"That's... wait, what?"
"I made this hammer myself!" She hefted the massive sledgehammer. "I would like to join as a smith and a front liner."
"Yeah?" I asked.
She nodded.
"I like smashing things."
"We'll be in touch."
"Next!"
A tall, lanky human ambled in wearing robes that looked like he'd made them from curtains.
"Greetings! I am Wizard Bob!"
"Your parents actually named you Wizard Bob?"
"Well, no, my name's Robert, but Wizard Bob sounds more impressive, don't you think?" He grouched.
No.
It didn't.
"Do you actually know magic?" I questioned with intrigue.
"I know lots of magic! Watch this!" He pulled out a deck of cards and proceeded to drop them all over the floor. "Ta-da!"
"That's... that's not magic, Bob."
"I-I can gain magic with the power of the Falna." He said, blushing.
I considered it.
"We'll be in touch."
"Next!"
I skipped ahead through the remaining applicants, my patience wearing thinner with each "unique" individual.
Some notable ones were a woman who claimed she could communicate with an eldritch God, a man who insisted his lucky socks gave him superhuman abilities and someone who wanted to join specifically to "study dungeon monster mating habits for science."
It was safe to say Orario had its fair share of weirdos, but maybe that is what I was looking for.
By the end of it all, I had four actual recruits.
Margaret sat patiently in the corner, having already proven her worth with organizational skills and those incredible cookies.
Marcus fidgeted nervously, but his defensive capabilities could be useful with proper training.
Lyralei maintained her perfect posture and despite her pacifist tendencies, her skills would be put to good use..
The fourth was a thin, wiry boy named West who'd demonstrated impressive speed. That was for someone without the Falna.
The front door opened and Bell walked in with Lili and Welf trailing behind him.
"Zephyrion!" Bell called with a beaming smile. "How did the interviews go?" Bell asked, looking at the scattered papers everywhere.
I grinned, idly letting my arm open for the small Basilisk to excitedly curl along my arm.
"Like a circus audition," I replied blandly.
The worst part was the crowd outside the gate had doubled after I finished.
I was relegating this, if it was the last thing I did.
"Bell, meet our new potential Familia members. Margaret, Marcus, Lyralei, and West."
"Nice to meet you all," Bell said with his usual friendly smile.
Welf nodded at them, a grin on his face. "We will have to see about some weapons."
Lili studied each of them with calculating eyes. "Lili hopes they are more competent than they appear."
"They'll do fine once they get their Falna," I said, standing up. "Speaking of which, you four need to go see Hestia. She'll give you your blessing, then you can come back here and we'll figure out living arrangements."
Margaret stood gracefully. "Where might we find Lady Hestia?"
"Follow the stairs up. She's probably waiting for you already." I replied casually.
As they filed out I decided to check on Vermisynth. I'd need to inform my Familia members once they got their Falna and maybe get them to sign a contract.
I headed toward the area where I'd left him to sleep while the recruitment took place.
There, I saw the massive monster curled up.
It was the glow that shimmered over him that made me pause. Vermisynth was still unconscious, but something was very wrong. A red aura was spread across him like fire.
His skin was shifting, patches of it turning darker and developing what looked like massive plated scales. His torso was longer than before and I could see additional muscle mass building beneath his scales.
A scale dropped onto the ground, replaced with something tougher and sharper. Strange ridges were forming along his spine.
"What the hell..." I muttered, stepping closer.
It didn't take me long to come to a simple theory.
Was he evolving?
I mean, I had fed him a massive amount of monster stones.
Did that change something? I'd never seen anything like this before. His breathing was deeper, more labored, like his body was working overtime to process whatever was happening to him.
The scales weren't just forming randomly either. They had a pattern, almost like armor plating. His claws had grown longer and sharper. Even his face was changing, becoming more angular and predatory.
"Zeph?" Hestia's kind cheery voice came from behind me. "The new recruits are-"
She appeared beside me and her words died in her throat. Her eyes widened in shock as she looked at something behind me.
What made me pause was it wasn't directed at the monster.
"Hestia, what is it?" I asked, turning to follow her gaze.
A sound like tearing fabric filled the air behind me.
I spun around to see reality itself ripping open, creating a swirling portal of darkness and energy.
What the fuck was that?
The portal was massive, easily eight feet tall and crackling with some kind of dark magic I didn't recognize.
It wasn't demonic power.
Already confused by Vermisynth's transformation, I found myself taken off-guard by this second anomaly.
"Zeph!" Hestia shouted, reaching for me.
But before I could move, something yanked me backward.
Not hands, not a rope, but some invisible force that grabbed me like a giant fist.I felt myself pulled through the portal, the world spinning around me as I was dragged through what felt like a tunnel of pure chaos. Colors that didn't exist flashed past me.
The sensation was like being turned inside out while falling through a blender.
I tried to activate my demonic power to resist, but whatever was pulling me was stronger. Much stronger. I hit solid ground hard, rolling several times before coming to a stop.
Grass. I was lying in a field of grass under an open sky. In the distance, I could see the walls and rooftops of a town I didn't recognize.
The portal snapped shut behind me with a sound like thunder.
I rolled to my feet, my demonic power surging as anger flooded me at the abrupt teleportation.
A breath escaped me and my godly weapon shifted into a sword. I was drained from the long day of interviews and I wanted to go sleep with my Goddess. Instead, I was in the middle of nowhere with no explanation.
There was a moment of silence.
Yet, contrary to what I expected, no one was around me. No ambush, no enemy waiting to gloat. Only an open plain of grass that looked too peaceful, too normal.
My posture slackened.
The sun was in a different position than it had been moments ago. Either I'd been transported across a massive distance, or this wasn't even the same world. The air smelled different too.
Cleaner somehow, but with an underlying scent I couldn't identify.
This wasn't the same world.
I had been pulled through worlds?
How?
I genuinely found myself at a loss.
I looked around.
There was a town in the distance.
The town looked medieval, with stone walls and what appeared to be a castle or large manor house rising above the other buildings. Smoke drifted up from chimneys, so it was inhabited.
Once more, I found myself in a grassy plane. Looking at a town in the distance.
I was somewhere else entirely.
-{Satomi Suzuki}-
Satomi watched from her throne as the massive summoning circle's light began to fade, the intricate runes carved into the marble floor of the Great
The Tomb slowly lost its glow. The Wishing Rings that had powered the ritual dimmed one by one, their incredible magic finally exhausted after the monumental effort.
The air was filled with a dark powerful aura that wafted lazily.
She had to say, this had been Demiurge's effort. Even if he would say she gave him inspiration, she had mostly played along. As she had been doing since this accursed situation had began.
She had invested so much into this summoning.
Three of Nazarick's precious Wishing Rings, countless rare materials and weeks of preparation by Demiurge and the other Floor Guardians.
All to bring her guild mate, her friend with her.
It was for multiple reasons that she felt she needed him.
If he came, it meant that she was real. That this wasn't all some simulation or a false reality. It had been driving her crazy. There was also the reason that she felt so out of depth.
Zephyrion could surely help out. He'd probably tell her this was some sort of death Gods doing or whatever absurd supernatural phenomena had taken place.
Demiurge stood at the edge of the circle, his normally composed demeanor betraying hints of anxiety as he observed the ritual's completion.
Albedo waited nearby, her golden eyes fixed on the center of the summoning array. Shalltear fidgeted with barely contained excitement, while Cocytus stood motionless as a statue.
The light faded completely. The circle was empty.
Satomi felt her form tense, an emotion that shouldn't have been possible given her undead nature yet somehow manifested anyway. Where was the familiar figure she had expected to see?
Where was Zephyrion?
"Where is he?" she demanded.
Demiurge immediately prostrated himself, his voice filled with what sounded like genuine distress. "My sincerest apologies, Supreme One. The summoning was successful, I can confirm that much from the magical signatures."
"Then where is he?" The words came out sharper than intended, her frustration bleeding through despite her attempts to maintain composure.
"It appears..." Demiurge paused, clearly struggling with having to deliver bad news to his creator. "It seems he was flung to a random location instead of appearing here in Nazarick. An oversight on my part, Supreme One. I accept full responsibility for this failure."
Satomi processed this information, her red eyes glowing brighter as she leaned forward on her throne.
"So... he's here... somewhere in this world?" The question carried both hope and mounting frustration.
"Yes, Supreme One," Demiurge confirmed, raising his head slightly. "The summoning pulled him from his original location successfully. However, the targeting parameters I established were apparently insufficient to ensure his arrival at the designated coordinates. He could be anywhere within this world's boundaries."
She wanted to smash her head into a wall.
Albedo stepped forward, her voice carefully controlled. "If I may, Ainz-sama, we could deploy the vassals to begin a systematic search. With Mare's abilities to reshape terrain and Aura's beast networks, we could cover vast distances."
She looked at Albedo and her shining eyes.
That's right.
The whole of Nazarick was at her disposal and with her little change, they'd probably tear the world apart looking for him.
"The Great Tomb's intelligence network could be expanded." Demiurge added, his mind already working despite his evident shame at the ritual's imperfection.
"We will proceed quickly, I shall venture out to find him. There's no need to make such a presence in a relatively unknown world, beyond Carne Village" Satomi said.
Her mind was already working through plans.
Zephyrion was somewhere in this world, alone and likely confused.
And she was in the same situation, only she was surrounded by powerful servants and had a lead in the small village she had saved on a whim while waiting for the attempt to be made.
More concerning was what he might do if he encountered the locals of this world.
Surely there were threats in this world.
"Demiurge," she said, her voice taking on the commanding tone that had become second nature in this world. "We need to begin working on this world now Zephyrion has arrived with us. We must focus on seeing this world and what threats it has for us, which will align with our search for Zephyrion which shall be the first priority."
"At once, Supreme One."
"Albedo, I wish for you to coordinate with the other Floor Guardians. We need search parties deployed, but they must be discrete. I do not need to reveal Nazarick's full capabilities or locations to this world's inhabitants. Not yet." Satomi said, feeling more confidence knowing that Zephyrion was nearby.
She wasn't mad that the summoning had only been partially completed. Demiurge was quite literally tearing through space and time with items that literally granted wishes.
It was the highest magic she could think of and it was used with the only magic that wasn't confined to the spells of Yggdrasil.
Rituals.
She would have to apologise to Zephyrion. She hoped that he wasn't mad with her. Surely with the amount of riches she had now she could repay him for the trouble she no doubt has caused.
"Understood, Ainz-sama."
Satomi stood from her throne, the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown appearing in her hand.
"One and perhaps the only other supreme being with us is somewhere in this world, possibly confused and definitely alone." She paused, looking at each of the assembled Guardians. "We must find him."
The resounding and determined "Yes, Supreme One." Pleasured her ears.
She mentally thought to apologise to Zephyrion as well for the insane lore she had written into what was the Floor Guardians history.
-END-
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