66It had been little over 100 years since the Great Tomb of Nazarick arrived in the New World. During that time, it rooted itself deep into the continent they arrived in, and had what started as a base, flourished into the Sorcerer Kingdom. A Kingdom that in 100 years spread across the entire continent, placing all of it, one way or the other, under its influence.
The story of the Supreme Beings, their conquests, and might was well known by the time the Arachne submitted to them. They had successfully taken over the entire land. On the map of the continent there was no territory that did not know of them, and in some way interact with them.
However, history and time is a funny thing, as what is written by those who wield the power to do so. That is why all knew of the Supreme Beings that rule over the entire map, but few are those that know about the beings who changed the map itself, and fewer are those who know the truth about these beings and their story.
As the Sorcerer Kingdom announced and celebrated their complete conquest of the continent, a more disturbing series of events was taking place. In an isolated place, where even after approximately 300 years the traces of the epic battle between the Thirteen Heroes and the Demon God could be seen, by those educated on the matter, something was happening. The truth was that the Heroes in fact had not been able to defeat that fiend. They had in fact sealed him, along with another unnamed, and forgotten, individual that had joined their efforts for that final battle.
The sealing itself had been made possible, when in desperation the Demon God had sent both himself and this stranger to another parallel dimension, which allowed the Heroes to seal both of them inside, supposedly permanently. In that location where little to no one ever visited, the sky had begun to distort, not too far away from what was in fact a crater from some unknown attack or clash.
From the distortion, small bolts of lightning emerged, randomly hitting the surrounding area. This display was followed by what seemed to be the distortion settling. However, this calm was quickly followed by a small crack in the sky, similar to a crack in glass.
The crack soon became larger, beginning to generate other cracks as it did so, ultimately leading to the affected portion of the sky to look like a broken mirror. A mirror that had finally shattered. The massive opening left by the crack, revealed a void of sorts, colored with a sort of red fog, which served to hide a background of several shifting colors. From the opening, one being emerged. Or more precisely, he seemed to be thrown out of it, causing him to fall onto the ground below. Luckily it wasn't that far from the opening.
The newly arrived being was in fact the warrior that had bravely fought the Demon God and been sealed along with him. He was wearing the remains of an adamantite armor, which had originally served to hide his entire body. As he was now, his lower left leg was exposed, revealing a dark and unhealthy-looking green exoskeleton, yet his foot was very humanoid even if the nails were claw like. Most of the armor in the upper body had been lost during battle, leaving only a piece of it that covered his right shoulder and arm. On his left some pieces remained that helped to cover part of his abdomen and back.
What was left exposed of him kept the same sicky green look as his lower leg, which further served to show that he was part of an insectoid race. His exposed upper body, while slightly diminished from 300 years of hell, still showed the signs of the mighty strength he once had possessed, and could still wield if properly treated. His head also supported two antenna. His insect-like eyes were slightly sunken in, and his mouth which was closed at the moment seemed to open vertically unlike a human's.
His left hand went to the mighty broadsword that had fallen next to him, grabbing onto it as firmly as his body allowed him. The warrior rammed it into the ground and used it to try and lift himself up. While he did this, he felt something land to his right, which was followed by the distinct sound of the opening closing.
"It's good to see that you survived the trip back." The new arrival remarked coldly.
Taking a deep breath and ignoring his exhausted body, the warrior stumbled to meet his rival face-to-face, since before him now stood the being that lead the Evil Deities, the Demon God Azathoth. The creature was tall and imposing, just like the weakened fighter had been in the past. He had gray skin, with his muscular upper body exposed, while his lower body was covered by the remains of a brown colored armor. His left leg was almost all exposed, revealing the presence of small balls of a crystalline material embedded into his skin.
His exposed upper body showed the presence of scar tissue. So much so that his left arm was a different shade of gray from the rest of his body all together. In this half of his body the same crystalline orbs were present. Some which had been damaged during combat, while at least two of them, located in the chest over the heart and his right shoulder, still held an unknown black colored liquid.
Across his chest, from the left shoulder, to the base of the right side of his neck were the visible marks of a large scar. On his back two large black wings flapped lightly, with the one on the left showing signs of having difficulty moving, and missing most of seemed to be feathers.
The face of the fiend was also covered by the same damage as the left arm, but on the right side. On top of his head were two small horns, with the right one being broken. He had two pointed ears, with the right ear missing the pointed part of it. His hair was long and black, going all the way down his back, with his eyes having black colored slits on them.
"D-Dammit…" The warrior hissed, failing to lift his blade.
"You still wish to fight me? Even in your current condition?" Azathoth asked mockingly.
"E-Even if I am not at a 100%, I-I will not let you resume your slaughter of the people of this world!" The warrior cried out defiantly.
"Hmph! Admirable, as always. And you are correct, you are not at 100%. As you are now you aren't even at 50%. Had we been properly sealed, we wouldn't be free, but if we had managed to be you most likely would be able to beat me now. However, since we were sealed after I sent us to another pocket dimension, things worked out differently. Again, it is admirable that you lasted as long as you did, but since we were in another dimension, time flowed differently than it would with proper sealing. Meaning, we felt the passage of all of these 300 years. And, even for someone like you, the passage of time can become an issue." The demon calmly pointed out.
"That, along with the fact that while in that dimension your energy was being siphoned from you, and transferred to me, also contributed to your current weakness. It was this that also allowed me to escape…" He continued, when the warrior interrupted him.
"W-What do you mean!?"
"Well, when we were sealed, your companions had to take into consideration both of us. They couldn't risk your presence could have disrupted the seal and freed me. Alone you could not escape, you like the knowledge and abilities to do so, after all you are but a warrior. A strong one yes, but a warrior nonetheless. However, I could do it, but at the time I was too weak in overall strength. That is why during these 300 years, I took the energy I drained from you, and made it my own to increase my overall strength. As I am now, 300 years ago would have gone very differently." The demon explained with a wide toothy smile.
"No. W-What have I done…" The warrior mumbled, with his heart sinking further into despair.
"A great thing, Sir Touch-Me." Azathoth replied, with an ominous tone.
The mention of his name only served to further affect him, he had never mentioned his name after arriving in this world. However, during the 300 years in a hell like dimension with the demon, he found himself overwhelmed by isolation and fatigue. During which he ended up giving the fiend information about himself. Of course he kept that information as minimal and as vague as possible.
Still, Azathoth had shown a great capacity to take these pieces of information and build on it. Knowing that having been sealed along with the fiend was what allowed him to escape, Touch-Me regretted having sacrificed himself in order to give the Thirteen Heroes the opening they needed to defeat the Demon God.
Yet, in the end he knew he could not regret it. Having arrived in the New World without any significant gear, he had to find what he could, which in the long run limited how much power he could actually use. Meaning he could not use the likes of [World Break] properly. Even if he could, he was unsure of what effect it would have on the world and on Azathoth. Especially when he learned, and confirmed during his imprisonment, that the Demon God was immortal, and not healing his scarred body so as to not waste the energy he had left.
"Hm. I should be going." Azathoth said, bringing the warrior back from his thoughts.
"N-No! I won't allow it."
"Hah! You are welcomed to try!"
Before Touch-Me could react, the Demon God lunged at him, closing the distance with incredible speed. The warrior could only place his blade in front of himself to block whatever blow might come at him. The demon only attacked with his right index finger bringing it down on the blade, with the tip of the clawed nail glowing red.
It made contact with the blade, scratching the horizontally positioned blade, causing it to be cleanly cut in half. Touch-Me tried to react, but his attention went to his foe's right hand, which was moving towards him in order to do some kind of attack. Seeing no other way to avoid it, as he was, the warrior could only throw himself back, to gain some much needed distance from the Demon God.
"I hope my actions do not offend you. You are, like I've stated in the past, among the strongest individuals I've faced. So much so, that knowing that you will not submit and serve me, pains me greatly. That being said, I mean no offense with my wish to put a swift end to this."
Azathoth vanished from sight, appearing before the weakened Touch-Me. Before he could even react, with amazing speed he placed his right hand on the back of the warrior's head. Touch-Me did not have the opportunity to struggle, as his body stopped answering his commands, and collapsed on the floor, effectively trapping his mind inside his own body.
"Do not worry. You are far too valuable to kill, Sir Touch-Me."
Lifting his hand towards his fallen adversary, Azathoth formed a transparent purple bubble around him, which was followed by both himself and the bubble ascending to the skies above the clouds. He looked around for a brief moment, getting his bearings, before stopping in a certain direction and beginning to fly towards it, taking Touch-Me along with him.
Azathoth flew several miles from the Re-Estize Kingdom's shores, until he had finally reached an island with a small mountain in the center surrounded by over grown and over nourished vegetation. Finding a small beach, he dropped down, landing gracefully along with his captive. Once again he looked around and waited. Soon enough he could hear sounds coming from the dense forest. The first too arrive were humanoid demons, with large wings on their backs and red eyes.
It didn't take long for the creatures to understand who stood before them, and kneel before their god and eternal ruler. They did this all the while keeping their distance from their lord as low-level grunts like them should. Next, in between the weak demons and the newly arrive Demon God, the air cracked like a mirror and from within five beings emerged. They immediately lowered themselves before him, as the portal created by their appearance closed, and Azathoth took the time to examine them from right to left.
The first to fall under his gaze, was the Succubus Carillyn. She was of medium size, with a well-shaped body that would make any man fall on their knees before her, an above average bust, tanned skin and olive colored eyes. She showed no outward signs of her true nature. However, this was not her true form, that one would indeed fully reveal her true self to the world. Carillyn wore a very minimalistic outfit. It was pure white in color, going down from a golden collar on her neck, down her breasts, to her midsection and then down between her legs, leaving all her curves extremely visible. She had served as one of his concubines and was also his most faithful advisor.
Next to Carillyn was Mordiggian, the only child of Azathoth. He was almost as tall as his father with an athletic body, which was only slightly lighter in color than his father, with the face of a man in his 20s. His eyes were just like his father's, while his ears were longer and almost elf-like in nature. Two small horns rested on his head, with his black hair being short and spiky. On his back rested 2 crow like wings, which were much smaller than his father's, only covering his back. He was wearing a simple robe that left his arms exposed, with a belt to keep it together and closed.
After Mordiggian came Morbius, another one of Azathoth's advisors and the smartest member of their kind. He stood only slightly taller than Carillyn, with a slim and pale body. Unlike the others that surrounded him he looked old. His eyes were closed down to slits, had a long silver beard and no hair, with 2 large and twisted horns resting on his head. He wore robes similar to Mordiggian's, and also carried a wooden cane with him. Much like Carillyn, he was not in his original form, finding this form much easier to use and move around in.
Next to Morbius was Alma, a snake like being who was one of the Demon God's own creations. She was a massive light purple snake, who could easily wrap itself around Azathoth, and had colored crimson eyes.
Finally, was a tall individual by human standards. He had an athletic and muscular built, with slightly pale skin and several tribal style tattoos on his back, arms and one on the abdomen. His eyes were white, with long black hair going down his shoulders. He wore black pants, with matching boots and trench coat. His name was Zyl'vryg Grayl'dranth also known as Elder Coffin Dragon Lord. Naturally, this was far from his base form, as he used magic to shapeshift. For life on an island it was much more practical.
"You all may rise." Azathoth said, and all those present obeyed.
"Morbius, take this one with you. Be careful, as he is extremely dangerous when at full power." He sternly instructed.
"I will be sure to bring him back to an acceptable state, and then place him under the appropriate mental control." Morbius said, walking towards the bubble.
"Use the shackles. His mind is far too strong to risk anything else." His words stunning all of those present.
"T-Then, my Lord, how strong is he?" Carillyn asked, slowly approaching him.
"As strong or slightly stronger than I am now."
"If that is your wish, my Lord, I will take all precautions when handling him." Morbius informed, getting an approving nod.
"If you'll allow it, I would like to accompany Morbius.~" Alma said with a seductive feminine voice.
"Very well. But before you go, where is Corpo?"
"He died, not long after your entrapment."
"Hm. You may go."
Morbius motioned to the bubble causing it to begin to levitate, while with his other hand he made a motion towards the air, which cracked like glass at his silent command. With the portal open, he walked through it, accompanied by Alma and the still motionless Touch-Me.
"Carillyn, Mordiggian, approach." The Demon God commanded, motioning to them.
Carillyn stopped when she was very close to him. At a point she could have touched him if she wished. To touch him was exactly what she wanted to do, as her hands moved as if she was feeling up every part of him at a distance, making sure her lord had returned safely and in good condition.
No, he was not a lord, in her eyes he was nothing short of a god and she had missed him so much. Carillyn might as well have been slobbering over his great figure, with the most perverse expression on her face, so obvious were her thoughts. Mordiggian on the other hand kept silent and dignified, as it was to be expected from the one that would one day surely rule over part of his father's territory.
"Carillyn, control yourself." Mordiggian mumbled.
"O-Of course. M-My apologies, Azathoth."
It was something that did not settle well with many of the demons, that Carillyn did not add "Lord", or any other title when referring to Azathoth. However, her reasoning for this was simple and self-explanatory; he was a god, and adding anything else to his name would have been redundant.
Azathoth had not payed much attention to this, as his eyes were focused on his son, who was but a child the last time he had seen him. Even the great Demon God, could not help but place both his hands on his son's shoulders, with a prideful and approving expression.
"You have grown up well, my son. As I always knew you would." Azathoth said, managing to break Mordiggian's usual calm demeanor.
"T-Thank you, father." The younger demon remarked, lowering his head slightly.
"I did my best, so as to make sure he would grow up to be a great man.~" The Succubus added.
"I would have expected nothing else from you, Carillyn."
"T-Thank you. I-I did all I could. I influenced talented people to come to the island to teach him. Of course, I made sure they were people with talent, but not enough to get unwanted attention. I also made sure to remind him daily of who he was and what our noble goal is. I…" Carillyn began to say in a passionate rant, when her superior silenced her with a raised hand.
"I understand. Now, Mordiggian we have much to discuss, but for the time being you are dismissed."
"As you wish, father." The demon prince said, taking a bow before leaving via the same kind of portal Morbius used.
"I am glad to see you back, my Lord." Zyl'vryg Grayl'dranth announced, approaching the demon.
"I see that you are still with us, Dragon Lord. I was under the impression you would leave, when we were defeated."
"I would never do such a thing, my Lord. My loyalty for you is everlasting, as I promised so long ago." The Dragon Lord replied with a cunning smile.
"We shall see. You are also dismissed. All of you are!" Azathoth roared, and naturally everyone obeyed.
"To think that most of our population as been driven back to this island." He mumbled in his discontent.
"T-That is wrong…" Carillyn hesitantly said, getting his attention.
"W-We are all that is left. A-All that was left behind as already vanished from the continent." She informed.
"Then, this island is all that is left?"
"Correct."
His fists clenched, as anger became visible on his face and the ground began to vibrate under the immense power he wielded. He was absolutely livid to know that his people were reduced to so few. Seeing what might come from his rage, Carillyn was quick to close the distance between them, grab onto his right hand and kneel before the Demon God, with her head lowered.
"I beg of you, Azathoth, please control your anger. W-We cannot risk getting attention from the mainland." She pleaded.
"I-I will kill them all and be done with it!" He roared down at her.
"No. No! You mustn't! Much has changed! There are many powerful beings in the continent now. Even more than before! They rule all the land. We cannot afford to do as we did before!" She continued, tears in her eyes for fear of what her master might do or what might happen to him.
"You still disapprove of what I chose?" He asked, pulling his hand away from her.
"Please, allow us to discuss this in your quarters. I-I have left them mostly as they were since you last left them." Carillyn pleaded once more, getting back to her feet but keeping her head lowered.
"Hmph! Very well."
She was about to create a portal, but before she could Azathoth placed his right hand on her shoulder, and in the blink of an eye they were transported to his quarters. It was much like most demon residences on the island were. Either carved into the mountain or built into it. His was naturally placed on the highest point of the formation.
He was currently in a large circular chamber which had windows showing the horizon at dusk. The room was filled with several sofas and pillows, its purpose was mostly for him to enjoy himself with his various concubines. He looked around at the succubi that filled the room. There were 10 of them. He could tell that they were lower level than Carillyn, since they had their nonhuman features visible. Some had horns and wings on their backs, others had cat ears and tails. In all of this he found it interesting that he did not know any of them.
"Where did they come from?"
"T-They are my children." Carillyn quickly replied.
"With who?"
"W-With the men I brought to the island to teach the prince. I-I wanted to experiment, t-to see if I could further our race with them… But as you can see, they are all of a lower level."
"You wasted yourself on beings like them?" Azathoth growled with a raised eyebrow.
"I-I thought it was necessary, a-and…" She began to reply, but he spoke over her.
"All of you leave!" He commanded, which the women quickly did.
"And you are correct. There are too few of us, to fully repopulate. Other approaches will have to be taken." Azathoth said, as if nothing had happened.
"Then, does that mean, t-that you agree, that we must leave this world's inhabitants alive?" She asked, visibly fearful of his reaction.
"I do." He replied in a somber tone.
"…"
Carillyn was about to speak, but he then interrupted her.
"Still, we have much to rebuild before we move on. We need to increase the number of grunts. The Nine Rings have to be rebuilt. And I have yet to fully recover both my power and my body."
"Of course. In no time we will be back on our feet, and you will once again lead us to victory. B-But it is as you say, you must get back to a 100%. Let us start by removing the [Healing Orbs]." Carillyn said, going to his side and once again taking his right hand.
"Yes, they need to be removed. But I fear that I will never be back at 100%, and will not be able to join all of you in the front lines. I am sure that you are aware that the damage I took, is far to grave to allow even me to do so."
"T-Then has the time come, for the prince to…" Once again he spoke over her.
"No. He is far too young and inexperienced."
"Then, you will create a new commander for us?"
"No. You, Carillyn, will take on that role." The Demon God informed, to which she gasped in pure shock.
"B-But, I am unworthy of such a role. I-I am far too weak. I-I…"
"Do not downplay yourself or my judgment. Your power is not an issue, as I plan to make all of you stronger."
"Even the Dragon Lord?"
"No. He does not deserve my power…" Azathoth replied, falling into a brief silence.
"The elf we captured. I believe her name was... Akemi? Is she the one responsible for all this vegetation?"
"Y-Yes."
"You were wise to keep her alive. I see that she now will be very important in our future."
"Thank you." Carillyn said with a small bow.
