28 Chapter Twenty Eight: Massacre
Valencia Palace, Re Estize Kingdom
Inside the throne room were were a lot a people. All these people poses wealth, land and territory that can even surpass the King. They were the six leaders of the Kingdom's great noble families.
Marquis Boullope that had the face of a warlord, was the noble that controlled the most territory among the Great Nobles. He supported the eldest son of the King to claim the throne, and even married his own daughter to him. But of course, he wants to use him like a puppet under his control.
Marquis Blumrush was the wealthiest man in the Kingdom because his domain encompassed gold and mythril mines. But he was so greedy and disloyal that will betray the Kingdom, by leaking information to the Baharuth Empire for money. But, in public, he maintained the persona of a patriot to the Kingdom and a loyal member of the Royal Faction.
Margrave Urovana is the oldest person among the six great nobles of the Re-Estize Kingdom. The old man is loyal to king and a patriot to the Kingdom.
Marquis Pespea who married the King's eldest daughter and became the head of his household is the youngest and most handsome man of the Six Great Nobles. He is loyal to the king, being part of the Royal Faction.
Marquis Raeven is a tall, thin man with slicked-back blonde hair. He commands the highest authority among the six great nobles. Raeven look like a cold-hearted person, but he is an intelligent and careful noble. However, Marquis Raeven is, in fact, the leader of the Royalty Faction, and his behavior as an opportunist is just a performance to prevent the Kingdom from splitting. He is loyal to the King, and a great father.
Count Ritton has an image like a fox, and is one of the lower ranked members of the Six Great Nobles. He became part of the Nobility Faction to gain their protection, because he had made many political enemies.
Near the King, were his three children.
The eldest son, Crown Prince Barbro Andrean Ield Ryle Vaiself.
The Second Prince Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself.
The Third Princess Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself.
It has been three years since the vampire attack, and the Kingdom is barely staying together. After that horrifying night, the Royal Faction, has been blaming the Noble Faction, for not helping them from the monsters invasion. From that time, the influence of the Noble Faction has fallen. It really was a surprise that a civil war had not started yet.
"Now then, let us begin."
The King's tone was different than usual. Some understood the reason.
"Read out the proclamation delivered by the Imperial emissary."
With the order from the King, the vassal started to read the contents of the parchment.
The Baharuth Empire acknowledges the sovereignty of the independent Sorcerer Kingdom of Nazarick, ruled by the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown.
The Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown, gives an ultimatum to King Ramposa III, to hand the throne over to the rightful lord of Re Estize region.
If the Kingdom does not comply with this demand in two months, we will declare war. The Empire will aid our ally, the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown.
After they finished reading this. The room exploded into discussion.
The yearly wars has come again. Since the vampire attack, the Empire had not declared war against the Kingdom. But what took them so long?
"This is ridiculous." shouted Marquis Bowlrob.
"I think, the Empire this time has gone to far with their stupid declarations."
From the words of Count Ritton, the nobles laughed. The demands were absolutely insane. Who in the world would take them seriously?
"And what's with this Sorcerer King. What clown will call himself like that?"
The nobles thought that he called himself Sorcerer King, to put fear in the heart of others, but the nobles will not eat this. This sounds more like a joke.
"Accepting this will bring shame to the glorious history of our Kingdom. War is our only choice."
The young Marquis Pespea gave courage to the nobles. They respected the bravery of the young Marquis.
"Yeah, this time we will crush them."
"Those Imperial fools, don't know, with who they're messing with!
"We shall take the fight to the Empire's doorstep."
Raeven ando also Gazef were calm while hearing the nobles talking and laughing about war with the Empire like it was game. Raeven had enjoyed the peaceful days in these three years with his son and helping the Kingdom to recover from the vampire invasion. He hoped that this will be another little skirmish battle with the Empire.
"I'm glad that you nobles were not moved by the threats of the Empire." said Ramposa III.
"What are you saying my King. It is our duty to protect the glory of the Kingdom. The threats of that fake emperor will never break our iron hearts."
The words of Marquis Bowlrob filled the nobles with patriotism. Words like this will even make the peasant to give their lives for the glory of the Kingdom.
In truth, he was talking like this, to increase the influence of the Noble Faction. To restore the balance like they were before.
"All right. Then, we shall delay our reply to the Empire, and gather our troops at the usual place before we answer them."
"This time the Emperor will know his place."
Two months later
In winter, the villagers did not work very much outside. All the little work, they do it inside their homes. The adventures sometimes did not work either at this season .
This season was dangerous. A lot of monsters that don't have a problem with the wild winter, comes out from their layers. They might attack villages, and so the adventurers who needs money work all season. They do just that, because it's dangerous to explore ruins or unknown frontiers during this period.
But the Fortress City of E-Rantel was filled with life and energy.
However, the activity was not born from the usual energy citizens. In the outermost sector of the Triple Fortress were gathered counties of peasants. There were around 350'000 of them. It was an astonishing number.
Loud battlecries rang out everywhere. They were all getting a little training with their spears and swords, because of the war with the Empire.
They had thought that the Empire will let them be, but after three years they had to declare war again. It really made them angry because they had to leave their families alone in this dangerous season. Years ago, when they returned safe from the war, they find their houses burned and destroyed from monsters or from bandits. Their crops were taken by the nobles or even their sisters, daughters or wives.
They will release all their wrath at the knights, because is was the Empire who was causing all this. Of course they hate the nobles of the Kingdom but are afraid to raise their voices.
Gazef just came out from the VIP vila where the King and the nobles were making plans for the war against the Empire.
"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"
Although, the Empire had mobilized four legions as always. The royal army was 350'000 because they want to attack the knights of the Empire hard and maybe invade the territories of the Empire. The nobles were even planning to divide the territories between them. Do they really think that the Emperor would let that happen?
What bothered Gazef, was that strange magic caster the Empire is fighting for. Maybe it's just a cause for the Empire to declare war like always, but something… something was not right.
The Empire did not attack the Kingdom for three years and that was really strange. Maybe they have been preparing for something. Something that can destroy the Royal Army easily.
If the Empire deploy that Fluder in the battlefield, it would be really bad. Maybe this Sorcerer King must be powerful as him.
One powerful magic caster might change the battle. Two of them can be a disaster for him and the Royal Army. They can use flight magic and attack the army with high tier spells. Gazef can't fight them like that. It was out of his league.
"Captain."
The Vice Captain that was second-in-command in the Warrior Troop walked towards Gazef. He was of common birth, just like the Warrior-Captain.
"Same story?"
"Yeah, Katze Plains as always." answered Gazef.
If they fight near E-Rantel, the land might turn into spawning point for the undead, because of the corpses of the dead soldiers, so both sides accepted to fight on the cursed land, Katze Plains.
They both stared at the "soldiers" training, shouting as they ran back and forth.
"A lot of them will die." said Gazef.
"It might be the last time they ever see each other again."
They are just peasants. All the life, they have hold hoes and shovels. They were not meant to hold swords and spears. One knight can kill five of them easily, and there are 40,000 of them in Katze Plains waiting.
"The nobles think they will invade the Empire."
"Are they dreaming with their eyes open?" spoke the vice captain with a surprised face.
How can they invade the Empire with peasants? They will not even reach the territories of the Empire because of the Imperial Air Guards will attack them non stop. Can they even defeat four legions.
"Haaah, nobles… all drown in wealth and power… Ah, i'm tired, let's go and drink something." spoke Gazef like he was sleepy.
These may be their last days.
Katze Plains
Upon a hill, lays a large fortress made out of huge logs. It was ringed by shallow ditches that were nevertheless carefully excavated and filled with sharpened stakes. It did not let the unintelligent undead to get inside.
On many sides of the wall flew the flags of Baharuth Empire. The Empire had mobilized 40'000 knights for the war against the Kingdom. They know the Royal Army counted 350,000 soldiers, but the knights were not afraid. What can a peasant with a spear do to a knight who had years of training with the sword.
But nobody was thinking about this. Soon they will welcome their new ruler that was marching here with his army. After this war is over, the name Baharuth and Re Estize will be wiped out and it will stay as a memory of the past. Both the territories will be united as one.
As soon as they were told about this, they were not the knight of the Baharuth Empire anymore, but the Knights of the Sorcerer Kingdom of Nazarick. They were confused at the beginning and thought this as treachery. But when they learned who and what the Sorcerer King is, they understood they can't stand a chance against him.
Jircniv was there walking with Baziwood and Nimble by his side. They were observing the knights that were getting in line to welcome the Sorcerer King. Everything has to be perfect so they will not disappoint the Sorcerer King.
"All things are going well, my Lord." said Nimble.
"Yes, everyone seems to be on position."
Suddenly a knight arrived and bowed in front of Jircniv.
"Lord Jircniv, a carriage flying the flag of the Sorcerer King has arrived at the main gate."
"Open the gates!"
With the orders of Jircniv, the knights opened the gates of the fortress.
A magnificent carriage advanced inside the fortress. It was pulled by two black horses with red eyes and horns. Behind the carriage were riding upon demonic war-horses the knights of the Sorcerer King.
60 of them wore dark full body armor from head to toe and were two meter tall. They might look like humans but behind their helmets could be seen crimson points.
The carriage arrived near Jircniv. He and the two Imperial Knights kneeled immediately. The carriage's door opened and Arche came out.
"Your Majesty."
Arche bowed her head and the one they have been waiting for revealed itself. In that moment, the air suddenly turned heavy and somber. What the knights saw was a skeletal being that wore a jet-black robe that looked majestic. In his right hand he was holding his mighty golden staff that gave him an absolute aura.
This was their king. This powerful undead is the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown.
"Glory to the Sorcerer King!" shouted the general.
"GLORY TO THE SORCERER KING!"
The cries of the knights echonet everywhere.
"I thank you for your welcome, my proud knights." spoke the deep voice of the Sorcerer King.
All of them could feel his dominant presence.
"You may rise."
Jircniv and his knight rose on their feet.
"Welcome your Majesty!" said Jircinv.
Jircniv was tense. At the moment he saw him, Jircniv remembered the pain in his heart and the harsh words of the Sorcerer King.
From the company of the 50 knights that arrived, three figures appeared and were approaching.
One was wearing a silver full body armor and a crimson cape flew behind his back. The knights felt uneasy when they saw his flashless skull. It looked truly like an undead champion.
The other one was a being that looked like it had come straight out from frightening stories. He wore a jet-black full plate armor and a black mantel. Upon his head, he wears a distinctive helmet over his hood resembling a mask and a crown that had sharp spikes around.
The appearance of the third one was breathtaking. The color of her skin was purple and dark as the night. The hairs were short and white that almost covered one side of her face. Her eyes were yellow and seductive. Her dark armor also was elegant with the figure of a wolf on her breastplate. Her gold earrings glint on her pointy ears.
Overlord General
Witch King
Death Empress
The three of them looked so powerful that will turn the world apart. The human knights saw them with astonished eyes while walking.
"I present you General Skander, General Angmar and General Nualia."
The three generals stood straight and proud in front of the Sorcerer King and hit their own chests with their fists.
"So, when will the royal army arrive?" asked Ainz.
"The scouts reported that they will arrive soon here, your Majesty." answered Nimble.
"Great, my legions also will be here soon."
"How many troops will be coming, your Majesty?" asked Jircniv.
"6 million."
…
Silence fell upon everyone when they heard what the Sorcerer King said. That number was unbelievable and ridiculous, but nobody dared to let words coming out from their tong.
Jircniv had several questions, but he did not know where to start. Sure it must be true because this was no time for jokes. What plan does he have for the battle? Does he wants to show his mighty army to shock the Kingdom to the point they surrender? Or…
"What is it Jircniv?" asked the Sorcerer King suddenly.
"N-Nothing, my Lord. 6 mi-million, that's a grand army."
The voice of Jircniv was shaking. 6 million soldiers were marching here. It was unimaginable for someone to have an army like that.
"Yes it is. Another 200.000 will be marching to Dragon Kingdom after this."
"I-I see."
He has more than 6 million and they will spread all around the Re Estize, Baharuth and Dragon region. The borders of Nazarick Kingdom will be impregnable.
Jircniv was worried about his fellow humans. Not only those who live in Baharuth, but the humans in Re Estize and Dragon region too. He feared the Sorcerer King will rule with an iron fist and start an age of death and misery. Jircniv was afraid to ask him about this, so only time will tell.
After this, the Sorcerer King and his generals went to the place where the knights had prepared for him. Jircniv gave order for the legions to head out of the fortress and line up because the flags of the Re Estize Kingdom were showing up. Jircniv did not care about their numbers. He knows very well that they will be destroyed.
The Royal Army of the Re Estize Kingdom arrived and started to form their battle line. There were 350,000 soldiers upon three hills, divided into a left wing of 100'000 men, a right wing of 100'000 men, and on the center of the hill stood 150'000 men. That's where the King's stronghold was located.
The formation of the Imperial Army was to admire. Four legions were all on a splendid battle formation, infantry, cavalry and bowmen. The knights were all relaxed and did not fear the large army that was in front of them.
The battle formation of the Royal Army was not disciplined at all. They looked like a bunch of barbarians, not fitting to be called a Royal Army. The only advantage they had was the overwhelming numbers.
Gazef and Marquis Raeven observed the Imperial Army and saw the knights relaxed.
"This is weird."
"What is it Marquis?" asked Gazef.
"They are not attacking us."
The knights were not moving and making parade before the troops of the kingdom like they had done before. It was as though they were waiting for the Kingdom to make the first move, or for something else.
"They look so relaxed."
"Indeed, like they are confident that they can win this war."
Even if they are a regular and trained army, the chances for victory against an army of 350,000 was very low. Sure, the Kingdom troops will take many loses to defeat the knights of the Empire, but they will destroy half of the Empires Army and it will take many years to recover. At last the Kingdom will earn some years without worrying about Imperial invasion.
"Why aren't those Imperial dogs attacking?"
It was Prince Barbo who asked while riding near Gazef and Raeven.
"Ah, we are trying to find out, your Highness." replied Raeven.
"It seems they are afraid from the Royal Army." spoke Barbo with a mocking voice.
Gazef and Raeven cringed. The King allowed his eldest son to come with him. Barbo wanted to show to all the nobles his abilities, so they can be on his side when the time to take the crown comes.
"Your Highness, you should return to the King. It's dangerous to stay here. The Empire might use magic casters and cast spells like Fireballs at us." spoke Gazef with a worried voice.
"I don't take orders from commoners." said Barbo with a disgusted expression.
Who was he to talk to him like that? He is the Crown Prince Barbo, the future King of the Kingdom. Commoners like Gazef should lower their heads in his presence, because Barbo was born to rule. These were the thoughts of Barbo. He has been waiting for this war so he can show the nobles how mighty he is.
"Forgive me, your Highness." said Gazef and bowed his head.
Barbo felt pleased while watching the Warrior-Captain lowering his head before him.
"Now, now your Highness, the Warrior-Captain is right. This is the first time you are here. Your Highness, has never seen before how deadly the heavy cavalry of the Empire is."
Barbo narrow his eyebrows.
"Then I should take you advice, Marquis Raeven."
With a frustrated face, Barbo turned the horse and returned to his position. He hated Raeven, because he supports his brother to become King, but he should not play games here. One wrong step and the throne will run away from him.
Suddenly, five knights on horses rode in direction of the Royal Army.
"Warrior-Captain." Raeven was about to grab his sword.
"No, I don't think they are coming to fight us."
They were just five knights and on the front was one of the Imperial Knights. His name is Nimble Arc Dale Anoch. After that, the knights stopped a few meters away from the army of the Kingdom. Nimble, stood proud and he shouted.
"King Ramposa of Re Estize, his Majesty, the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown, gives you one last chance! Surender and bow before his Majesty!"
The voice of Nimble was loud and clear enough to be heard in every ear of the Royal Army. They were all waiting for a response from the Kingdom side.
"We will never bow before the clown king!" screamed Barbo.
All the soldiers and the nobles released a victory cry. The crown prince stood proud imagining himself sitting on his throne, and the priest puting the crown upon his head. This is why he was here for. To impress everyone, even the imperials.
This was a bad responde for Gazef and Raeven. King Ramposa and the Sorcerer King should have talked together, but the hope for negotiations were all gone because of Barbo.
"Very well then."
Nimble returned to the Empire side. The negotiations were broken. Now it was time for battle.
Gazef observed around.
"Warrior-Captain… are your eyes seeing what i'm seeing?" asked Raeven.
"Yeah, behind the hills."
They were seeing dust behind the hills around. It was everywhere, like it was surrounding them. Something was not right. Barbo was about to order the army to advance.
"I should go and inform his Maje-"
Gazef stopped immediately, because the gates of the fortress begin to open and the knights were parting in two to make way for the one that is about to come out.
First, they saw an unfamiliar flag rising into the air. Nobody had ever seen that flag before, adorned with a bizarre crest that belonged to neither the Kingdom or the Empire.
The company advanced. The seem to be knights, but they wore an extraordinary full plate armor. 30 of them were on the left side and the 30 others were one the right side. They all advanced in front with their crimson flags flying in the air.
Everyone held their breath, because what appeared after those knights was something from out of this world.
They could see the Blood Emperor that wore an armor like the Imperial Knights, and a young girl in a cape and robe. The four others were absolutely not human.
A skeletal being step forward. The nobles were watching him with widened eyes.
The avatar of death was standing in front of them and looking at the poor souls with his dreadful eyes.
"Who is...What is... that?!"
Fear has captured everyone. The soldiers of the Kingdom were shaking in fear. The Warrior-Captain had a bad feeling from the beginning before coming in Katze Plains that this will not end well for the Kingdom.
Everyone turned their eyes at the hills around them. What they saw, terrified the hearts of Kingdom's soldiers.
Upon the hills were marching legions of monstrosities. They could not tell how many of them were there. They were all over the place surrounding the army of the Kingdom.
This is bad.
They had no words to describe the situation they were in. The soldiers from the right and the left side returned and united with the 150,000 soldiers. The numbers of the enemy were endless.
"This... is his army…
Gazef could not think any chance to get out of this. He must go and protect the King at all cost.
"Who… thought the Empire will hate us this much. Did they make a deal with the devil to bring them?"
The body of Raeven was shaking from fear. He thought the Sorcerer King as a simply magic caster like Fluder- no, even Fluder will be bad. But this was unimaginable. This was a death sentence.
Barbo and the nobles were shivering and were having problems with their horses because the animals felt the fear in the air. They still did not understand what they had brought upon themselves. Some soldiers were dropping tears because this was the end for them.
"Do not fear! Stay together!"
Gazef was trying to lower the panic that has grasped the soldiers. He, himself was shivering, but he is the Warrior-Captain so he should not fall in fear.
Suddenly, the army of darkness stopped their advance a few meters away from the Royal Army. Gazef and Raeven, could clearly see the faces of the enemy. There were bulky undead with huge shields, weird sword that had a rotten faces. The others wore black armor from head to toe and had long gothic bastard swords. Their mounts were horses like undead creatures made out of bones and a fog replaced the flesh and blood.
They could even see humanoid soldiers with heavy armor and leather armor. Some looked like elves that had long ears. Some looked like humans, but had knife ears. But they all had the same eye color. They were vampires, and that made Gazef to remember the vampire invasion.
Maybe they were responsible for that night, but the vampires here looked nothing like the ugly vampires of Nosferatu.
"What on earth have we gotten ourselves into?!"
Raeven wanted to order the army to retreat. He wanted to go back to his son and wife. He did not want to imagine the image, when these monsters invade his domain, and tear his son and wife to shreds.
"Drop your weapons and kneel you fools! Do it! Do it damn it!"
Jircniv was praying to the gods to have mercy. He was shouting inside for the King to surrender if he loves his citizens. But he was not coming out from his tent, and that made Jircniv to grind his teeth.
"Let the despair begin!"
He saw those faces again. Ainz looked at those scumbags. The non existing heart of Ainz was filled with hatred. But it vanished immediately, because he did not want to kill his mortal knights with his death aura.
Ainz pointed his skeletal finger at the Royal Army.
"Crush them all!"
He did not care about them. He gave them two chances to surrender and they refused his mercy.
The immortal army begins to advance slowly at the beginning, but step by step they begin to speed up.
The ground was shaking by the hovs of the Soul Eaters. All the undead warriors pull out their swords. The soldiers of the Kingdom could not speak, unwilling to believe or accept that the events occuring in front of their eyes were truly happening.
Millions of soldiers were raiding and running at them and they did not know what to do. Their armor was clattering against itself. It was because their bodies were trembling in fear.
It was like…
"Dream… Ah, this must be a dream, right?
As they approached, they still did not want to accept that this was reality.
"No! This is a fucking nightmare!"
They wanted to flee, but where? They will not even have time to retreat. The monsters were almost there.
"Spears!"
A noble released a high-pitched scream. He was completely shivering in fear and his eyes were about to come out.
"Direct the spears at them! Do it now!"
His orders were not clearly, because he had already lost his mind from fear, but they heard the word Spear. The soldiers pointed their spears at the advancing hurricane. But will this be effective? Will this stop them? Even if they try to flee, it will be the same.
In the end, they will die.
The soldiers braced their spears with their trembling hands and awaited the charge. They were sweating the hearts began pounding madly.
Those who were on the front line released a war cry born of desperation. And both sides clashed.
The spears that they thought that will protect them, snapped like toothpicks. The Soul Eaters crushed the soldiers of the Kingdom under their hooves and it was happening on every front line.
The infantry of the Death Knights and Death Warriors broke the spears and shields and started the brutal massacre. The soldiers of the Kingdom did not even realise that their pitiful resistance was nothing. The immortal army destroyed it like a child destroying a sand castle.
Those who were behind, saw them with shocked eyes. They dropped their spears and turned to flee, but there was no escape. The immortal army advanced and advanced, cutting the soldiers in half like someone cutting the grass with a scythe.
The entire Royal Army was being enveloped by the Immortal Army.
The sky turned so dark from the black arrows of the Silver Skeletons. The rain of arrows fell and the soldiers one by one fell Like a puppets whose strings had been cut
The Death Knights and the Death Warriors turned into shadow like wind and appeared before the poor soldiers.
There was no escape for them. The immortal knights flexed their swords and blood flew in the air. They were so quick that the soldiers did not understand why were they flying with only half of their body.
Gobbets of meat flew through the air and the land became red from the blood of the soldiers that was coming out like a river.
They have families and friends waiting for them in their villages they come from, and if the find the corpse, it will be only half of the body because the other will not be recognized.
The soldiers screamed in despair, bagging and waiting for a miracle from the gods, but nobody will come for them. Their life will end miserably.
The Death Knights released a terrifying scream and rampaged through the Royal Army, killing every mortal they find in front of them.
There is only blood and death. They are nothing but killing machines and servants of the Supreme Being. Everyone has been waiting for this day to come. They thrust their swords into the bodies of the soldiers, taking their souls in the realm of darkness where they will be tortured for eternity.
This was a fest for them, releasing all their hatred they have for the mortals.
The poor human soldiers screamed and screamed as the terror advanced. Many nobles has been captured by the enemy and they did not have commanders to give them orders. But what to give? The undead warriors has turned this land into a slaughterhouse and they will not stop the rampage until everyone is dead.
"NOOOO! NOOOOOOO!"
"MERCY PLEASE!"
"STOOOOOOOOOOOP!"
"GHAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
"I WANT TO GO HOME!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"
Their screams were cut instantly while being crushed by the Soul Eaters. Some had a bit of courage to use their spears but they meet the end. Their heads were cut from the body by the Death Warriors.
The vampire warriors used their speed to cut the throat of the soldiers. They could feel the ocean of blood that was around, but this was not the time to play with the enemy.
But suddenly, in the middle of the fleeing army appeared a creature that caused everyone to stop. He was masiv, covered in scales and had two flaming wings behind his back.
The soldiers wided their eyes in shock. This creature was not an undead monster. But it was a Demon God from the pits of hell. What was something like that doing here?
"Die. Burn to ash in the flames of Wrath."
The Evil Lord Wrath spread hell around him, burning every living soul that was near him. The soldiers screamed in agony and rolled on the ground because they were being burned slowly and painfully.
After burning alive hundreds of humans, the Demon God grabbed one soldier and use it as a weapon to kill the other soldiers. It was a horrifying scene that will cause everyone to vomit.
"Such cruelty!"
Gazef and Raeve reached the tent of the King and entered inside. There was even the prince and some nobles too that were shivering in fear. Who wouldn't fear such a dangerous army that was advancing here at any moment, making the poor human soldiers to run like wild dogs.
"Your Majesty, we must flee from this place now."
"You are right Gazef, but you should leave me behind."
Gazef widened his eyes in surprise.
"I am old. Go, leave all of you."
Gazef went quickly and grabbed the King by his shoulders and surprising everyone.
"I will never leave, his Majesty in this cursed land facing those monsters."
"But Gazef-
"Your Majesty stop. There is no time to waste. They are approaching. We must leave now."
This was Gazef. Just a commoner in the eyes of the nobles. But in truth, he was the greatest hero of the Kingdom that will gave his life for the King. Rampose put his hand on Gazef shoulder and nodded.
They all went outside to take the horses. Ramposa saw with depressed eyes the soldiers of the Kingdom getting slaughtered by the undead warriors. It looked like they had stepped in hell. He could have stopped this canage if he gave the crown, but he refused the mercy of the Sorcerer King. Now, the entire Kingdom was in danger from the Nazarick invasion.
Fighting against Ainz Ooal Gown was a mistake from the start.
The Sorcerer Kingdom was bringing even more despair. From the sky arrived large creatures of power. They are known as the most powerful beings in the world and they landed on the battlefield shocking all the soldiers of the Kingdom.
Nobody had seen such army like this before. They had everything that can destroy the enemy in a gruesome way.
The armored dragons unleashed hell on earth burning the soldiers and turning the ground black.
There was only a small path for the King to escape from this hell and they were heading that way. Ramposa just kept looking around the soldier running in despair and crying for help. They saw another colossal dragon with grey dark scale that landed and crushed the soldiers. He stood on two legs and released a terrifying roar that made the horses to run faster.
"He even have dragons in his army?!"
They never thought that this will happen. The threat from the Empire was seen as a joke by the nobles, now here they are. Running for their lives like sheep being chased by wolves.
The dragon unleashed from his mouth blue flames killing everyone who was caught by it. It made Ramposa to drop tears when he heard the screams of his soldiers getting burned alive. Barbo did not care about anything. He and the nobles wanted to get out of this inferno.
"Faster your Majesty! Faster!"
Suddenly a wyvern flight near them and captured Barbo. The prince screamed but it faded away as the wyvern flight in the sky. Ramposa felt pain for his son. There was nothing he could do but just watch the disaster.
Gazef sensed a dangerous enemy was coming after them. He turned his head and saw a raider.
"Damn it!"
The undead being was wearing a black robe and a cape and had a scythe on his hand. He was riding with an unimaginable speed in direction of the King. Gazef should stay behind to face this foe, or he will kill the King.
"Your Majesty, that monster is heading here fast. I must stop him!"
"No! Please Gazef don't go!"
"Don't worry my King, I will come back…
That was not a promise. That was a…
Farewell.
"Marquis Raeven, Vice-Captain, protect the King!"
"We will protect him at all cost!"
Gazef with ten men of his Warrior Troope, turned and raided fast to fight the enemy that was coming. The ten warriors raided faster than Gazef, he felt sad about his fellow comrades, because they were nothing but sacrifices to let Gazef see how strong that monster is.
But the warriors were loyal and will give their lives anytime for the Kingdom and most of all… for their captain that has trained them to be excellent warriors.
He was sure that he will die. Against these monsters, he was nothing but an ant waiting to be crushed. The Immortal army was almost done with the soldiers of the Kingdom and after that, they will march to Re Estize Kingdom. Any nation will not stand a chance against an army like this.
Gazef's warriors were about to clash with the monster. And as expected, the mysterious undead being flexed his war-scythe and slaughtered them all. The war-scythe cut the warriors into pieces like papers.
[Sense Weakness]
Gazef used this martial art to detect any possible weaknesses, but that thing had none of them. It was a powerful enemy that made Gazef to shiver. But there is no coming back now. He had to face him.
[Full Throttle}
"HAAAAAAAAAA!"
Gazef drew his shining sword, the weapon that was the treasure of the Kingdom, Razor Edge, and released his war cry. He aimed at the undead being and swung his sword. Again the undead being flexed his weapon. The Razor Edge clashed with the War-Scythe. A massive impact travelled up the weapon and into Gazef's arms. The horse could not stand near the Soul Eater and it was losing his mind.
The powerful impact could not be resisted by Gazef and because of that, his body floated into the sky and his horse was slayed too. When it hit the ground, every part of his body hurts and fresh blood could be seen coming out from his lips.
Now he feared that monster will go and kill his King, but he saw the monster. He was not going after Ramposa. Insted, he dismounted from his Soul Eater and was walking in Gazef direction. Gazef got up and took his sword. The mysterious undead stopped a few meters away from him.
This being was a creature of true darkness. His hands were covered with black armored gloves, also his skeletal chest with a breastplate. Inside his eye sockets, two blue points were shining and observing Gazef.
"So you are the champion of Re Estize, hmm?" spoke the undead being.
Gazef quickly turned his blade at the undead being. The monster saw him with wonder like seeing someone taking a wrong decision.
"I will stop you right here!" shouted Gazef.
"Foolish mortal! Look around you."
Gazef turned his eyes to his surroundings. Legions and legions were marching upon the hills. It was a massive dark army that Gazef alone will be crushed… To tell the truth, just one of them can slay him like nothing.
"It is over. You are forsaken. Nothing can stop the might of the Supreme One."
The words the undead being were like the poison of a snake. But Gazef did not allow himself to fall in despair.
His raised his sword and activated a martial art.
[Sixfold Slash of Light]
"OOOOOOOHHHH"
The Razor Edge hit the undead and the impact spread shockwaves around and raised dust, but Gazef felt something was not right. He was trying to get away from there. The dust faded, and the undead being was there unharmed without any scratches.
Gazef felt a chill down his spine because what he saw was the undead being had blocked his attack with his hand. Razor Edge, a magically enchanted sword capable of cutting through armor like paper had failed. His attack was nothing against this monster.
"Impossible!" shouted Gazef.
"Impossible indeed."
There was another danger. Gazef saw the blade of the War-Scythe that was near his neck. If the monster decide to swing his weapon, the head of Gazef with be chopped and this will be the end for the Warrior Captain.
"The sword is not sharp enough...Hero."
Those words only enraged him more. As the monster was ready to cut his head, Gazef closed his eyes. Every living being do this when they are in mortal danger. The King now was away from here, that's what he wanted, to return safe in E-Rantel.
"I'm sorry your Majesty."
But nothing was happening. He was not dead yet. Gazef slowly opened his eyes and saw the undead being, releasing his sword. He backs away from him and went near another undead being. Gazef had seen before this undead before the battle started.
He was the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown. What is he doing here? Gazef did not know.
"Greetings, Master Stronoff." greeted the Sorcerer King.
His voice was deep and truly belonging to a mighty ruler. And it reminded him that strong adventurer from six years ago.
"G-Greetings, Sorcerer King." greeted back Gazef.
"I will get straight to the point. Become my vassal."
In that instant, Gazef's eyes widened into circles. This felt strange. He could not believe that this powerful King will want him in his ranks.
"Why?"
"I like to collect rare thing. And you, Master Stronoff are very rare. You love your people. You care about them. You will throw your life away without questions for them. I do that for the citizens of my Kingdom. I protect them and I will protect those of Re Estize and Baharuth. You have the chance to become a true hero, Master Stronoff."
Gazef was astonished from the words of the Sorcerer King. He thought he before nothing but an undead being that want to slaughter every living being. But now he turns out to be a kind rule for his citizens and cruel to his enemies.
The offer was something that everyone will accept. But will the citizens respect him when they see him beside the Sorcerer King. He will not have the strength to see Ramposa in the eyes. No, the Kingdom's Warrior-Captain could not betray the King.
"You are right. I will throw my life away for my people. But I refuse your offer Sorcerer King. I am the sword of the King. My loyalty belongs only to him."
"I see. Fine then, Master Stronoff. You may return to your old King."
The Sorcerer King waved his skeletal hand and turned his back. But suddenly Gazef turned his blade on the Sorcerer King.
"The hell are you doing you fool. First you refused his offer. Now you refuse his mercy?" Thanatos shouted angrily. He did not quite understand the reason why his Lord wanted this thing into his ranks. But he will not allow him to raise his blade at his Lord. Just like Gazef was loyal to his King, Thanatos was loyal to the Supreme Being and will protect him at all cost. The Immortal Army had finish the massacre and we're watching this scene. Many of them wanted to tear Gazef to pieces for rising his blade at their master.
"Sorcerer King, I wish to request a one-on-one duel with you."
Ainz just saw the man and thought that he had lost his mind. He raised his hand to stop Thanatos from shouting again at the warrior.
"I saw that Thanatos hit you hard. Are you good or have you lost your mind?"
"I feel great."
"You will die instantly if you fight me."
"I sure know that."
Then why? I cannot understand your logic.
"The enemy of my king stands before me, and he is within the reach of my sword."
"You are underestimating me, Master Gazef?"
"Absolutely not. I simply wish to do what I, as the Warrior-Captain of the Kingdom, should do. That is all I was thinking."
"I see. You are a true warrior Gazef. Very well, I accept your request."
"Thank you, Sorcerer King."
But suddenly the Sorcerer King changed his gear. Now in front of Gazef was standing Ainz Ooal Gown with a majestic full body armor. The color of this gear was dark and silver. The armature was similar to that of Touch Me, but this was not an armor of justice, but that of cruelty and destruction. A dark cape as the night attached around his left shoulder, and float behind his back. He wore a helmet that resembles that of a skull.
"OOOH!"
The army was astonished how their lord had transformed. Even Gazef was looking at him with surprised eyes.
"Let's begin our duel then. Thanatos give us the signal to start."
"Yes, my Lord."
Gazef raised his sword, pointing it at his enemy's eyes. Ainz drew his dark long sword, The Blade of Calamity and stood calm in front of Gazef. That was an overwhelming sword aura. The Razor Edge could be called a stick compared to that.
Both waited for Thanatos to give the signal. He raised his hand and…
"FIGHT!"
Immediately Gazef stepped in with an unbelievable speed, but a noise like a whistling echoed in the entire area, and after that it spread shockwaves and dust everywhere.
The Sorcerer King had broken the sound barrier.
There was no pain. Gazef fell on his knees and saw for the last time the sunshine. His eyes closed forever and his lifeless body fell on the ground.
The Warrior Captain of the Re Estize Kingdom was dead.
Ainz put his sword back on his belt and took off his helmet. He approached Gazef's dead body with Thanatos and observe it.
"What do you want to do with his body, my Lord?"
"We will send him back to Re Estize, and build a tomb for him. I consider him a worthy opponent."
"As you order my Lord."
Ainz took the Razor Edge and Thanatos took the body of the warrior and returned to the fortress. The army made a path for the Supreme Being to walk.
"SUPREME ONE!"
"SUPREME ONE!"
"SUPREME ONE!"
All of them were shouting and praising is name. The power of Ainz Ooal Gown was immense. Nothing can go against him. The entire world will kneel before his supreme power.
As he walked the entire army kneeled. Jircniv was shivering what he was witnessing. Even the knights kneeled before him. He could not understand how he slayed the Warrior Captain. It just happened in a blink of an eye. Jircniv quickly kneeled and nobody was moving, but only one person was running toward the Sorcerer King.
Jircniv saw a girl. She was beautiful. Half of her hair was black the other half was silver just like her eyes.
"Who is she?"
Ainz open his arms and the girl embraced him. Jircniv thought that she must be his wife but how? He was an undead skeleton, how can he do "that".
"How are you Zesshi?" said Ainz while caressing her cheeks. He was still in his armor because it has been a long time since he hasn't used it.
"Very good, my love. This armor is so majestic, and what you did there was amazing!" said Zesshi with a blushing face. She had never seen her beloved husband with this mighty armor before.
Ainz patted her head and hugged Zesshi. Jircniv was astonished by this bizarre scene. The Sorcerer King felt love after all.
Ainz turned his skull at the kneeled army.
"Rise!"
All obeyed the command of their Lord and the army raised on their feet.
"Today we have come out into the surface. After this, the world shall know about our existence! Count Guphandera Argoros!"
"Yes!"
The large undead dragon stood before the Supreme Being.
"Take the 300,000 Death Warriors and the army that you have created and advance to Dragon Kingdom with Draudillon. Imprison all the nobles and establish order there."
"I hear and obey, Oh Supreme One!" the undead dragon bowed his head.
"Witch King Infamous, Death Emperor Kastriot, Ureirika, and Kuuderika."
"Yes!"
Ureirika, and Kuuderika were 13 years old when Arche brought them in Nazarick. The girls did not have a talent like the big sister so they took the warrior path. They were trained to become strong and learn how to lead armies. When they reached the age of 16 they asked her sister to ascend immortality. The Sorcerer King approved this and turned them into Origin Vampires.
"Lead my legions to Baharuth region. You all know what to do next."
"YES, SUPREME ONE!"
Two million Death Warriors begin to march to Baharuth. Jircniv slowly approached Ainz. He was not anymore an Emperor and he had completed his part of the plan.
"Yu-Your Majesty?"
"Oh, what is Jircniv?" asked Ainz.
"Wh-What will happen to me now?" asked Jircniv with a shaky voice.
"Ah, nothing will happen to you my friend. I'll give you a domain to spend your life in peace. If you want to govern a town, just tell me."
"Y-Yes, your Majesty! Thank you very much!"
Jircniv now had more respect for Ainz. He forgot about the past immediately. The Sorcerer King, called him a friend and will allow him to govern a town. That made Jircniv happy.
With that, the knights begin to march together with the undead army. Jircniv rode alongside the generals.
Now the rest of the army was ready to start the march to Kingdom. They waited their Lord to hop on his demonic horse.
"Skander, you will take the east and Hunyad will take the north of the Kingdom. Bring every noble you capture to the capital."
"Yes my Lord."
"Now, it's time. Forward!"
"OOOOOOOHH!"
The undead warriors shouted. The dragons roared. They started to march to Re Estize. The sound of their iron foot echoed everywhere. The elder liches were given order to guide the skeletons collecting the corpses of the human soldiers.
