- A New World

The year is 2126 and the era of virtual reality gaming is thriving with different DMMO-RPGs taking over the gaming world.

In the centre of its popularity, a game by the name of YGGDRASIL prospered the most. Released by a local Japanese producer, the game quickly captivated users all across the world with its sensory-based MMO.

By using a sensory-based dedicated console, a user could link their five senses and play a game in which they feel as if in reality, nearly indistinguishable from the real world

The system itself was created in 2079.

The first aim of this technology was to assist the military by re-creating the effects of war. The console would successfully stimulate combat situations and allow soldiers to train under extremely heavy conditions, boosting the efficiency of the military forces all around the world.

With the technology proving to be a massive success in the military, the Japanese government has also decided to implement it into the medicine and try to boost healthcare in the country. Similar to soldiers, doctors would practice and recreate difficult surgeries and test new equipment, while nurses would work on their problem solving and communication skills, all safe and sound in virtual reality.

The system did work as intended and did improve healthcare, however, due to the high maintenance cost, most hospitals would not accept the system, proving it to be quite useless in the medical department.

And so, after years and many many simplified versions later, the now cost-efficient system found its way into the homes of millions of families. As more and more people got their hands on the system, the game developers realized the future behind it and began working on all types of different games. And that, was when a popular game by the name of YGGDRASIL was released.

According to the developers' website, YGGDRASIL was a game of exploration, action and adventure. Treasures of all kinds were left for players to discover, on their own or in groups. It was a game where the player was told controls and controls only, before being thrown into the deep end of this massive undiscovered world. The difference between YGGDRASIL and other DMMO-RPG's of that time was the amount of freedom given to the player, where developers had little to no say in how a player would play their adventure. A rarity in the eyes of many.

However, all things, good or bad, must come to an end.

After an intense 12-year run, YGGDRASIL has begun to lose its vibrancy. The competitors were improving every month while YGGDRASIL itself became less and less popular, resulting in a loss of thousands of players on the daily basis. Seeing the game dying and not having funds to support the servers, the developers have come to a tough decision of shutting down the game for good, wiping away history itself.

- Barren Lands

- 23:10

- Server shutdown commencing at 00:00

There, atop the rocky mountain, Ulbert Alain Odle stands tall,

overlooking the starting zone that players call Barren Lands. His character represents that of a humanoid grey goat, crowned with a pair of wickedly curved golden horns and a golden mask that covers the right side of his face. He is dressed in a black suit and velvet cape, with a vibrant red rose pinned on his left shoulder. His enormous claw-like hands are razor-sharp while his feet have the appearance of goat hooves, hence the absence of any footwear.

But all of this appearance is not entirely devoted to aesthetic purposes. In YGGDRASIL, there exists a multitude of different races for players to choose from and play. Based on the game's setting, they were generally categorized into three main races; namely the "Humanoid" race, "Demi-Human" race, and "Heteromorphic" race.

All three main races have tenths of sub-races, ranging from a "Humanoid" Elf to "Demi-Human" Beastman to "Heteromorphic" Demon. This was made to have a lot of variety for players to choose from, so meeting someone who is the same race as you was quite uncommon, which once again, benefited the game as many players felt unique and different.

Ulbert himself belongs to a Heteromorphic race that is also known as Inhuman or Monster Race. Most of the Heteromorphic races have features that appear only monstrous, and can only "look" human from abilities and skills.

Once a player picks one of the Heteromorphic races, they will unlock racial features, this in turn, gives players racial characteristics ranging from monstrous appearances, abilities, skills, resistance, etc, when they reach certain levels.

Ulbert has chosen an IMP as a base racial class and later upgraded to a more stronger form by the name of Arch-Devil. All of this gave him the appearance of a demonic goat as well as different abilities that only his racial class has.

However, racial classes are not the only way to learn abilities and change your character, job classes are another, different way. Job classes allow a player to choose what abilities their character can possess. Ranging from Warrior-oriented Cursed Knights to Magic-oriented Bards.

The Job classes rank from the base, high and rare. The base classes can be levelled up to 15, high classes to 10 and rare classes to 5. It is an enormous and complicated system that requires a lot of time to get used to. And that is not including Racial Classes.

With a level 100 cap that can be filled using Job classes and Racial classes, players often create different and unique combinations for their playstyle.

For example, one player could have 10 different Job classes that are all lvl 10's, while a different player could have 100 different Job classes that are all lvl 1s. Although the player that will choose to learn 100 different job classes will be weak all around, he will have a great utility that will help in dungeons and raids, something a group can not do without.

Ulbert is a level 100 Demon of Great Disaster. His Racial class takes 30 levels while his Job class takes 70, which together make him a level 100 magic-caster. But being a high level does not necessarily mean that you are a good player. Ulbert is well known for his PVP as well as PVE skills and was considered the most powerful magic caster in a guild called Ainz Ooal Gown. Not to mention that he is equipped with the strongest magic caster class called World Disaster, a class with incredible firepower and destructive magic.

Yet now...None of it matters.

With last minutes ticking away, Ulbert watches over the starting zone as if a guardian watching over his land, but what is there to guard when the zone is desolate and empty. All of the old players have already abandoned the game while newbies will never set a foot in this world, leaving only hardcore veterans like Ulbert to stay logged on, enjoying even the last minutes of their beloved game.

Although the name might suggest otherwise, Barren Lands is a beautiful and fascinating zone set in a large lake, embraced by nature and all kinds of harmless life. The mainland is entirely covered in green grass and vibrant flowers, while millions of stars shine brightly during the night and day, reflected by the crystal clear water that gently flows in the lake.

At night, on the first day of every month, an enormous moon reveals itself out of the clouds, blending and dancing with the stars while simultaneously rotating all of the colours of the zone, mixing them as if an artist mixing colours on the palette

Only a fool and liar would deny it's beauty.

The starting zone...It hasn't changed much has it? Ulbert thought as he squatted on the mountain's edge, squinting his eyes in the process and inspecting the area in detail before letting out a small chuckle.

To think that 12 years ago I was running around here, killing all of the level 1 mobs and turning in quests. I didn't even know what I was doing back in the day...I grew up with this game and now it's shutting down...What a waste…

With a tear running down his cheek, Ulbert began shuffling all the memories of the time he had in the game. And even memories that he is not so fond of played out in his head, striking a deep just like the good memories would, leaving an open wound that will never heal.

This game has not only brought joy and happiness to him, but it saved him. Through the tough times, it helped him cope with the sudden death of his parents and all the hardships that came with it. It was thanks to this game he was able to overcome that horrible incident, to carry on living his life and look out to the light amidst the dark.

Even the zone itself has a special place in his heart. After all, this was the first place where he spawned, when he was surrounded by hundreds of player, where he had to fight on who gets the final hit on the boss, where his epic journey began and where he met all of his friends. This zone brings out just that, the nostalgia and all of the good memories he has with this game. And now...all will vanish before his eyes.

Now standing on the mountain's edge, the strong wind smacked against his body as he tilted his head forward, looking down the rocky cliff. The way down is long and dangerous, so unless a player possesses the fly or levitation spell, getting down will cost him his life.

"Fly," The words escaped his lips and a spell on his body was cast.

With a slight tilt forward, the strong wind pushed him and his body began falling straight down the large mountain. With airwaves resisting his large body, he glided down onto the ground before his hoove smacked against the hard mud of the grassland. The power of the fly spell.

The area around him is empty and desolate just as it looked from above. A couple of level 1 boars roam the region but aside from that, no other NPCs or players are present, just Ulbert standing in the moon's light among the waving grass and windy trees, inhaling the wonderful smell of nature.

With two tusks on each side of the mouth, the boar looked at Ulbert with fierce in its eyes, kicking its foot back prepared to attack. Ulbert looked at the boar a smile as it began charging at him.

I think one of these boars was my first NPC kill in the game. He thought as lifted his hand and pointed his finger at the boar.

"Pain." He whispered and the board so ferocious it is, fell on its side near Ulbert's hooves, dead with only one spell.

I forgot that they agro when you stand too close, even when the level difference is so large.

Ulbert chuckled as he shifted his gaze from the dead boar to a small town further north, where all the players spawn and begin their journey. Guards roam the area while shops and auction houses are still open. Nothing changed since the last time he was here, somewhat bringing him delight.

"Beauty bay...Thank god you have not changed after all these years…" He whispered to himself as he began making his way towards the town. Using fly spell yet again, he reached the town in no time and descended his body right in the centre of a summoning circle, where all the new players spawn and begin their journey.

All around him, enormous abstract houses made entirely out of bright-toned crystals stand strong, with no windows and hidden from sight doors. Their vivid colours range from dark blue to vibrant yellow, while the bright lights from the moon and stars intertwine with the crystal mirrors, reflecting the beautiful and warm colours all around. A perfect balance of beauty and brilliance, not dazzling enough to blind an eye, yet not dull enough to ruin the view. A sight to behold.

Every single of those houses has a purpose of its own. Be it a tavern to have drinks at, a house to rest in, or a shop to sell and buy equipment, all have a purpose, something very uncommon for a starting zone.

You could see that the developers were hoping that a social bond would appear right from the beginning, encouraging players to form guilds straight away and interact with all of the players around them, a quite clever and successful trick hidden in the plain view.

The town's roads are covered in smooth white stones while different signs show where all of the shops and important places are located, making the area easier to navigate for those who have just appeared in the new world. Due to the sky being a source of light during the night and day, no lamps or any other light sources have been placed in the city. The only other light sources one could find is inside the crystal houses themselves, lighting up the interior and helping visitors see what's inside.

Hmm. I wonder… Ulbert approached one of the crystal houses that serve as a bank and entered inside through the massive hidden crystal door, that disappeared as soon as he approached closer. Banks do not only serve to protect the player's coins but to also keep valuable items that the player possesses safe and sound.

"Hello! How may I help?" The bank keeper asked, resulting in a console to pop up right in front of Ulbert where all of his vaulted items and coins are stored.

So many items…A lot of these are useless to me now, they are so under lvl'd. Yet so many memories are attached to them.

Ulbert picked out the Ender Staff that is level 58, an item he got from one of the dungeons he and his friends finished. All thought this item is useless due to the level difference, back in the day it was one of the most powerful weapons he possessed, growing attached to it he decided to keep it in the bank, and not sell it off at the auction house.

And so Ulbert went over all of the items in his possession, remembering every single one, how he acquired them and how they assisted him. Ranging from a Wizard wand of level 15 to a hat of the apocalypse of a level 89, all holding a special memory in his heart.

Ulbert let out a chuckle as he took out the last item from the vault.

Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown...A guild that I am most proud of...I should not even have this ring, I decided to keep it when I left the guild. I bet Momonga was so furious…

Ulbert opened the console and looked at his friend's list.

Touch Me - Offline

Nishikienrai - Offline

Wish III - Offline

Warrior Takemikazuchi - Offline

Ancient One - Offline

Flatfoot - Offline

Amanomahitotsu - Offline

Peroroncino - Offline

HeroHero - Offline

Momonga - Online

Momonga...I am not surprised that you are still online. After all, it is thanks to you I am here. I am sure you are as sad as me to see this game go but that is the sad truth of this cruel world. Things we love are taken away from us, and it is up to us to try and find a pathetic replica of what we once loved.

[Server shutdown commencing in 5 minutes.]

A warning menu popped in front of Ulbert's eyes.

"Hmm? Looks like it's time…" He said as he closed the bank console, resulting in all of his vaulted items to appear in one of his Infinite Backpacks. Infinite Backpack looks like an ordinary light brown adventurer backpack, and although its name might say otherwise, it can only hold up until 500kg of items and is commonly used to activate the items it holds.

Leaving the bank he laid his eyes upon a small circular portal that is used when players first spawn in the world. Glowing runic symbols are embedded in the stone ground around it while two fire pits on each side contain a raging fire of dark blue colour. Making the magical portal look even more extraordinary.

And that is where he stood, where his journey began and where it will end. With his arms spread wide open and with his eyes closed shut, Ulbert expanded his chest and his lungs took in the air around him. His inhuman ears twitched as he picked up the sound of the crackling fire while an innocent smile appeared on his face.

Well...

[Server Shutdown in 10]

[Nine]

[Eight]

It is time...

[Seven]

[Six]

[Five]

Thank you YGGDRASIL.

[Four]

[Three]

[Two]

For Everything.

[One]

…

Through his eyelids, he could see the light around him dim into the darkness, while his ears picked up no sound around him.

Strange. He thought as the smile faded away, his eyelids still closed.

Where is the console?

When a player leaves the server, or when forcefully disconnected, a message should appear, yet nothing happened...

As the environment around him submerged into the hollow darkness, Ulbert began experiencing new and sudden sensations that he was not able to feel a few moments ago. A cold breeze, sharp as if a needle, struck his grey hair while damp air filled his nostrils. His mouth tasted bitter and his long, snake-like tongue, rolled out of his open jaw as if on instinct, yearning to taste the air. Nearly cutting itself against his sharp and pointy teeth.

However, the sudden sensations did not cause him to panic. Quite on the contrary, it brought him delight and deep unexplainable comfort. For a few moments he stood still with his eyes closed. Fully enveloped by the newly acquired senses, causing his mind to wander off. Although his 5 senses would work perfectly in YGGDRASIL, they were nowhere near this amplified and real, taking him a few moments to get used to.

What is this...delightful feeling!? His long tongue whirled in the air.

I...Never felt something like this...It's as If I am no longer in a game. So wonderful...

Ulbert could not describe what it is he felt, yet he understood it. The initial surprise and shock simply numbed his thought process, but the longer he stayed in this state, the more he experienced these new sensations, the more he realised that it is something more than YGGDRASIL. Something unexplainable.

And finally, his eyelids slowly lifted themselves and his abnormal yellow eyes met the darkness around him. Amidst the dark, small lights appeared, increasing in number as moments passed. And in mere seconds, he was surrounded by hundreds off these shining stars, that do not get closer nor further away from him. They levitate in the dark, as if in observing the anomaly that is Ulbert from afar.

Yet, before a thought was able to form in his mind, one of those tiny lights began approaching him, getting closer and closer with each swift second. It was not long until he realised that one of those approaching lights was a human person holding onto a torch. Although his face is dimly lit, fear and horror could be seen painted all over his expression. Every step he takes the trembling in his knees amplifies while his heart is like a drum roll, only increasing in tempo without reaching a drop. His body understands the dangers yet his mind is determined to make it to the end. To approach the menacing and unstable demon that is standing in front of him. To overcome the fear and terror, to stand in front of the horror that is Ulbert Alain Odle.

The man himself is of medium build and light complexion. His long bright and blond hair shakes with every move as it smacks against his clean shaved face, one would not say he is of an old age, his face does not show it. His eyes, sea like in colour, not only reflect the flames of the torch in his hand, but also the monstrous appearance of Ulbert, only getting bigger as he cautiously approaches.

And then the footsteps stopped, the human was in the speakable distance. And with a gulp, he forced his paralysed jaw to open and release the first words.

"G-Greetings Lord Baphomet...I-I humbly welcome you to our world" He spoke as he fell on his knees and smacked his hands against the stone floor, bowing down in front of Ulbert. Fear could be heard in his wobbly voice yet strangely confidence could be felt in his words. Through the terror he spoke, was it bravery or simple fear, he does not know himself.

As the last echoes of the man's words faded away, no response came. Silence once again filled the hall panic spread throughout his mind. Was it something I said He thought. Not wanting to lift his head without a command as he does not dare to show disrespect in the slightest.

Ulbert simply glanced in the man's direction before averting his attention to his now lifted arm. Inspecting it with great detail and clearly fascinated by the new senses he has obtained.

This...feeling. He thought as he squeezed his hairy skin with his two razor-sharp fingers, before expanding his nostrils and sucking the air around him yet again.

And...This Smell! This is different from YGGDRASIL. I Feel...Different

Ulbert lifted his finger and pressed it against the air, hoping a console would pop up. But to his surprise, nothing appeared.

The console is missing, and I can't access the game menu or any other features. What the hell is going on?

"A-Apologies Lord Baphomet, I am yet to introduce myself" The mysterious man spoke once more, catching Ulbert's attention to the fullest this time. All though not yet visible, a bright red mark began appearing on his forehead as his neck applied the constant pressure against the stone floor, furthermore trying to show that he is not a threat.

"M-My name is Andras. I am the grand priest that summoned you to this world"

This world? Ulbert thought as he began inspecting the bowing man in detail

These emotions. Is he an NPC or a player? Even hardcore role-players could not act so well, and NPCs do not have emotions. What's even more strange the console or any other commands are not working. This must be some kind of a bug for sure.

Ulbert placed one of his enormous claws on his chin.

Maybe the server shutdown was postponed and a new update rolled in, or perhaps even a new game was started. Developers really like to mess with us, and that would explain why the game feels more like real life. This does feel like a welcoming quest, maybe I should just go with it, see where it gets me.

As Ulbert opened his enormous jaw to speak, hot steam escaped, past his razor-sharp teeth and snake-like tongue. As the unexpected sounds reached Andras's eardrums, his now somewhat calm legs began trembling once again while sweat gathered on the tip of his nose and dripped down onto the stone floor.

"Where Am I?" Ulbert spoke in a low voice, it echoed throughout the hallway while his own vocal cords violently vibrated as they made the deep sound.

Hmm. My voice seems to have changed as well.

"Y-You are in Slane Theocracy my lord. It is one of the kingdoms in this world"

Slane Theocracy?

"Why have you summoned me? Human."

As Ulbert looked down on him, Andrs felt the pressure of his gaze and with a trembling jaw, he spoke.

"W-We are in desperate need of your help, my lord. We want to serve you as you cleanse this world of all that stand against the one true god"

As he finished his sentence, all of the torches attached to the walls lit up one after another. The darkness dissipated from the hall and the vision is now clear. Just like Andras, dozens of people are bowing down to Ulbert. All dressed in black robes they do not dare to lift their head without their new lord's order.

So they have summoned me to help them...Cleanse this world? How the hell should I even respond to that...

"Y-You dared to summon me?! To summon a god into this pathetic world?!" Ulbert raised his voice and his angry tone quickly spread throughout the hall, causing all of the followers to quiver in fear.

If they want a demon lord they will get him.

"P-P-Please forgive my foolishness Lord Baphomet! I did not mean to offe-"

"Silence!" Ulbert interrupted Andras as he approached him. All though Andras could not see what was in front of him, his ears picked up Ulbert's hooves smacking against the stone floor and echoing in the large hall, adding more terror to his fragile mind. Now kneeling in front of Andras, Ulbert reached out his hairy arm and placed his two fingers bellow Andras's chin, pushing his head up and forcing their eyes to meet one another.

"Your reasons are foolish...Yet justifiable" He said with a wide grin, revealing his sharp teeth that could rip apart a man's neck with ease.

"I will help you but in return...Your soul shall belong to me. Is that a bargain you are willing to take?"

"Yes Lord Baphomet!" He responded without wasting breath.

"Thank you! I devote my soul, body and spirit to you. The one true God!" Andras quickly and ecstatically said with a broken voice, nearly stumbling on his own words, greatly relieved.

Upon hearing what Andras had to say, Ulbert stood up and looked at the rest of his newly acquired servants. He raised his hands and spread them out in front of his bowing servants, his chin and chest raised high while his eyes stare down at them.

"Raise your heads! Humans" As Ulbert's command escaped his lips, almost instantly all of the bowing men and women raised their heads. Many shake with fear while some smile with joy, happy to have his attention.

"Those who do not wish to serve. Leave this hall. I give you my word that you shall not be harmed. Yet those who wish to serve. Stay, and all of your desires shall be granted. That...I promise"

As Ulbert looked down at them, surprise took over him as none left the hall. Instead, not only did every single person stay in their original position but once again they bowed down in front of him. In fear or perhaps in admiration, he does not know.

Ulbert turned his body around and looked at the summoning circle where he first appeared. Visually its the exact replica of the one he stood at in YGGDRASIL, yet the glow from the symbols have disappeared and no magic seems to be present.

"Andras."

"Yes Lord!"

"Tell me, does magic exis-"

Ulbert suddenly cut off his voice and as if on instinct, he raised his arm to catch a flying blade aimed towards his head. As soon as he caught the blade with his enormous claw, a woman dressed in black robe struck from behind with a sword that has been bathed in magic. Visually the sword is exquisite and fascinating, glimmering in the dark it shines its light as if guiding its user's soul towards the path of righteousness and justice. However not this time.

Upon impact with Ulbert's tough skin, the sword merely broke in half while the initial force caused her to get knocked back a couple of meters.

"I-Impossible," She said as she swiftly stood up on her two feet.

"That...That was the holy blade crafted by an Angel himself! W...W...Why!? Why did it not affect you!?"

Ulbert did not pay heed to the woman. Instead, he watched as a number of his now-former followers have risen and attacked the rest of his unsuspecting servants. The bloody skirmish took over the hall and it was now a battle between two powers, those who wish to serve a demon lord and who desire to stop him.

Upon seeing the chaos, Andras quickly stood by Ulbert's side, his sword ready to protect.

Wow...This is interesting, they waited for me to appear and strike. Interesting quest I must say.

"Do not worry Lord. I will protect you" Andras said as clenched his sword harder.

In response, Ulbert let out a small chuckle before placing his hand on Andras's shoulder, letting him know to back down.

"I am grateful for your protection. But allow me to handle this."

"As...You say lord" Disappointed, Andras replied and stepped back, lowering his sword in the process.

"However, I do have a task for you."

Andra's eyes lit up once again.

"The woman behind me. I want you to get rid of her, is that a task you can fulfil?"

"It would be a great honour to slay those who oppose you my lord. I will be her executioner!"

Ulbert let out a grin.

"Wonderful. But I do need her alive, make sure she is breathing when you are done with her."

"Yes lord!" Andras said as he raised his sword and turned to the woman who tried to strike Ulbert, ready to fight to the death.

I was able to catch that flying blade with ease, almost as if it was an instinct. Not only that, but her sword broke against my skin, judging from her reaction she thought it would harm me. Ulbert let out a deep laugh.

Foolish girl. Although holy magic is my weakness, if it is a low-level being that is attacking me, I will not take damage. That's the only explanation I can find to why the strike did not affect me.

With the assassin taken care off, Ulbert switched focus on the deadly skirmish up ahead. When looking from the side, one would not be able to tell the difference between allies and enemies. Everyone is dressed the same while many have a hood over their faces, hiding the identities even further.

This is a perfect opportunity to see if any of my abilities have changed. I do not care for these NPCs, allies or enemies. All shall perish.

Standing on her two feet, the woman's eyes met Andras. Her eyes tracking his every move and step while her hands tightly gripped the sword's handle.

"So! Vela…You have decided to betray us. Was that your plan all along?"

He asked without breaking his focus.

"Does it even matter what I say, what will it change?" She responded a moment later, just as Andras not breaking focus.

"We...Both know that I will not survive. And if hiding my intentions means agonising you. Then I will enjoy every second of it!"

"It's funny that you think that. I will admit, I am curious about your decisions yet It will not agonise me."

Andras changed his pose, ready to charge in.

"Prepare yourself...Vela"

"So considerate Andras, it will kill you someday." She responded with a chuckle and the two began their battle.

Andras spread his arms wide open and charged directly at her, holding his arms back to help the wind glide through them as he hopped from left to right from right to left with incredible speed. Every step was taken with care and precision as his upper and lower body moved in unison, supporting one another as he closed the distance to his target. All while his sword moved as if it was a part of his arm, a truly magnificent yet terrifying technique.

W-What are those movements!? Shocked by the technique she has never seen Andras perform, she lifted her sword in hopes of being able to block it, trusting her senses to help her.

However before she could follow his movements, he increased in speed and his sword sliced back of her foot causing her to grunt with pain as she fell on her knee.

"Come on Vela, where is your energy!? Where is that rage that you showed me through the years!? I am starting to miss it"

"A-"

"Grand Fireball!" Ulbert pointed his arm at dozen of people with his hand spread wide open. As soon as the spell name escaped his lips, a massive fireball flew from his palm directly at the group of people. Upon impact with the first targets, the fireball expanded in size and a firestorm was created, burning everything to ash in the casted area.

Those unfortunate ones that survived the initial impact of the spell, screamed into silence as their lungs burnt and their blood boiled. Their skin and muscle ran down their bones like the wax of a candle, as if not belonging on a skeleton. Slowly but surely their shells melted and bare bones were left standing still in abnormal positions, a still frame of their last breathing moment in this world.

Hmm. Ulbert thought to himself as he averted his gaze onto his hand, opening it wide before squeezing it into a fist.

It seems my powers have not changed. However casting a weak spell is not enough. I should test it out more.

Focused on examining his abilities, Ulbert did not realise what kind of devastation he has created, or better to say he simply does not care. He knows he annihilated his enemies as well as his followers, he could smell their burnt muscles and taste their fading essence in the air around him. Yet he pays it no heed.

Andras stood still as he watched his comrades burn to death. Some were his friends and some weren't, some he despised and some he loved. All burnt to ash and departed from this world with agony.

He fell to his knees and dropped his sword. Tears dripped down his cheeks and his jaw trembled with shock rather than fear. His hands pressed hard against the stone floor before squeezing themselves into fists, while his head looked straight down. Averting his eyes from the horrifying sight.

"L-Look at what he has done Andras!" Through terror Vela spoke. Her lips and voice trembling as words barely escaped her mouth. Struggling she got up and ran to the kneeling Andras, trying her best to talk sense into him.

"He killed them! He killed them all! My...-Our friends! Don't you see he is evil incarnate, a demon that should not have been summoned. If you still care about this world, help me stop him. I beg you!"

Andras however, did not respond. Instead, he slowly raised his body and wiped the tears away, leaving bright red marks around his eyes. Without saying anything, he walked a few feet forward before turning around and looking at Vela who now herself has stood up is staring back at him. Neither hate nor fear is visible on his face, rather an acceptance was painted all over. Although he is yet to speak a word, Vela realized that he accepted his new lord, even when his standards or ideals are far from it.

"Vela...You have seen how tainted this world is. The Six Great Gods are not here to save it once again. They have abandoned. Abandoned us all! But now...Everything will change."

"And you will serve him even after he murdered your friends? Is that the real path to a better world?!" Vela squeezed her firsts to the point where her nails were digging into her skin. He eyes look directly into Andras's while her teeth gritted in anger.

"Only through sacrifice we can make the ideal world, that is a path I have chosen, and none shall sway me off it."