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Village Storehouse
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3rd Person POV
Sesshōmaru stood silently at the window of the village storehouse, flanked by Captain Gazef and Albedo. The three observed the outskirts, where a formation of magic casters stood—each flanked by summoned celestial beings. Moments earlier, they had finished tense discussions regarding alliances between the Kingdom of Re-Estize and the forces of light.
Gazef narrowed his eyes.
Gazef: "There they are..."
A knight standing nearby added grimly,
Random Knight: "They've positioned themselves evenly around us."
Sesshōmaru's golden gaze flicked over the angelic entities, his tone calm but edged with disdain.
Sesshōmaru: "Archangelic Flames... how archaic."
Gazef turned sharply.
Gazef: "You know them?"
Sesshōmaru (thoughts): (He doesn't even know their name? Hmph... How woefully unprepared.)
Sesshōmaru: "Yes. I crossed paths with them during an old campaign. Tell me, do you recognize their markings? I first thought they were Baharuth Empire agents, but their robes suggest something else..."
Gazef: "...the Slane Theocracy. I thought the same."
A dry chuckle left Sesshōmaru's lips. The sound drew confused looks from those within the storehouse.
Sesshōmaru: "How pitiful... they assail you from both flanks, like cowards. No honor. They rely on borrowed power to strike fear into warriors... and that weakness will be their undoing."
Gazef gave a solemn nod, sharing in the unspoken judgment of his own inadequacy. He lowered himself to one knee.
Gazef: "Lord Sesshōmaru, I humbly request your aid in this battle."
Sesshōmaru said nothing, simply continued gazing through the window.
Sesshōmaru's POV
(Still... nothing has changed. History continues along its thread. No divergence. This troubles me.)
"...sigh..."
(Perhaps I should let it unfold. Interference... I sense danger in it.)
Sesshōmaru: "I must decline. This fight is not mine. But I will defend this village. And Gazef, remember this: 'One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it.'"
Gazef stood, his tone full of respect.
Gazef: "Wise words, my lord. Then I shall face this battle fully, and return to report your presence to King Ramposa."
Sesshōmaru reached into the folds of his sleeve and withdrew a carved talisman of bone and jade.
Sesshōmaru: "Take this. A charm of relocation. Should death draw near, it will bring you back here—and in your place... I will summon someone far mightier than myself."
Gazef: "A gift? Then I accept it with gratitude."
As Gazef took the charm, Sesshōmaru addressed the other knights.
Sesshōmaru: "Step forward, brave warriors. Kneel. I shall mark you with protection runes—should you face death, they will return you here for healing."
The knights obeyed. With a flick of his clawed hand, Sesshōmaru invoked the ancient spell:
"Tears of Denial... Homeward."
The runes shimmered first in crimson flame, then settled into a soft golden glow around their armor.
Sesshōmaru: "And Gazef—should you wonder why I didn't mark you, that talisman replaces you with the strongest sorcerer from my land. His name is Ainz Ooal Gown."
Gazef bowed deeply.
Gazef: "I am unworthy of such kindness. With these gifts, I need not fear death—for myself or my men."
Sesshōmaru: "Good luck, my friend."
Without another word, Gazef and his knights mounted and departed, galloping toward their fate.
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Time Skip – 30 Minutes Later
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3rd Person POV
Sesshōmaru now sat alone in the village storehouse, a mirror of far-sight hovering before him. The villagers had gathered at the back, curious about the strange artifact.
He had explained it simply: a means of observing the battlefield from afar, so he could heal those returned through his spells.
The mirror shimmered with moving images of the knights engaging the enemy—riding straight into the formation of magic casters. The children huddled close to their parents, silent tears on their cheeks. Infants cried from a sense of dread, the air thick with fear.
And then, music.
Soft, melancholic notes drifted through the room. All eyes turned toward Sesshōmaru. In his hand, he held a carved reed instrument—smooth and curved, resembling a sea-shell. The melody soothed the children and calmed the adults.
Enri Bartlett and her sister Nemu sat beside him, enveloped in peace. Nemu fell asleep in Enri's lap, her tiny hand clutching her sister's sleeve.
Enri: "Father... what is that instrument?"
Sesshōmaru: "An ocarina. Would you like to learn it once this is over?"
Enri's eyes lit up.
Enri: "Yes! I'd love to! It's beautiful... maybe I can help others feel calm too."
Sesshōmaru smiled—genuine and proud. He hugged her gently.
Sesshōmaru: "You care for your people. That warms my heart."
Mothers smiled. A few single women looked upon Sesshōmaru with dreamy eyes, moved by his tenderness and strength.
But peace never lasts.
Sesshōmaru's hand lowered.
Sesshōmaru: "...The battle has begun."
Sesshōmaru's POV
The battle has begun.
He touched two fingers to his head.
{Ainz, are you ready?}
Ainz (via spell): {Yes. And… how did you know I'd use the guild's name as bait to draw out players?}
{Only someone from our world would recognize the name. Besides... I have my own legend.}
Ainz: {The Demon Lord of the West... You're right. Please—rest after this. You push yourself too hard.}
{...I must be prepared.}
The message ended with a chime. Sesshōmaru sighed.
Kellen: "Will they be alright?"
Startled, Sesshōmaru turned.
Sesshōmaru: "Do you enjoy creeping up on people?"
Kellen: "Apologies, but you didn't answer me."
Sesshōmaru placed a hand on Kellen's shoulder.
Sesshōmaru: "Do not call me lord or king. I rule no one. I only protect. My name alone suffices."
The villagers nodded, comforted by his humility.
A thud behind him. A returned knight.
Sesshōmaru turned, raised a palm.
Sesshōmaru: "Warmth of Light."
A glowing orb descended, enveloping the wounded knight in healing radiance.
Random Knight: "Thank you, Lord—Sesshōmaru."
Sesshōmaru nodded wordlessly, deep in thought.
(This spell... I based it on my own celestial energy. But if I must draw the Tenseiga... or worse, Tokijin... I fear what truths those blades might reveal in this realm.)
More thuds. More injured. Sesshōmaru's frown deepened.
(So weak. Only Gazef shows potential. Their strength seems capped... constrained by this world.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Time Skip – Gazef's Last Stand
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3rd Person POV
Gazef stood bleeding, battered by divine magic. Around him, four Archangels hovered, their weapons poised. He had already lost too many. Dodging was no longer an option.
He struck down one angel with raw desperation, but left himself exposed. A lance pierced him clean through. Blood spilled across the battlefield.
Nigun Grid Luin: "Finish him. No mercy. All spells—NOW."
Gazef grit his teeth, body trembling.
Gazef: (Sparda's words... no. Sesshōmaru's... I must fight. I must endure.)
Gazef: "I… AM NOT FINISHED!! I AM GAZEF STRONOFF—WARRIOR OF RE-ESTIZE! I'D DIE A THOUSAND DEATHS BEFORE I YIELD!!"
Nigun: "You die now, fool. When we're done with you, we'll burn your village to the ground."
Gazef smiled through the blood. A manic, fierce smile.
Gazef: "When Lord Sesshōmaru finds you... it'll be your massacre."
Nigun raised an eyebrow.
Nigun: "Bluff. There is no king by that name. Kill him."
Just then—
Ainz: (Time to switch.)
Gazef vanished.
He reappeared in the village storehouse, gasping.
Gazef: "Where...?"
Sesshōmaru stepped forward.
Sesshōmaru: "You remembered the charm, I see."
Gazef pulled the talisman from his pocket, chuckling weakly.
Gazef: "So I did... I owe you, my lord."
He collapsed. Sesshōmaru caught him, laying him down gently. As the screen faded to black, Sesshōmaru's voice lingered:
Sesshōmaru:
"Rest now, valiant knight... your duty is done. Now mine begins."