Chapter 108
Azazel was getting his soldiers rallied together when a mysterious mist swept past them landing shallow cuts on their soldiers. Cassandra reformed from the mist extending her hand forging two blades from those she struck. The demons could feel their energy quickly fading, and could no longer stand. They looked around seeing so many soldiers drop with ease as Cassandra's piercings red eyes stared them down.
"A vampire!"
"The only ones that don't fear the sun are the Bernadettes!"
"A few elves, and a vampire so what get moving!" Azazel ordered.
The soldiers pressed forward as the ground beneath them rapidly froze. Yuki was walking from the crowd as a serious look swept her face. Yuki didn't wanna be left behind from his adventures anymore, and this was her chance to prove she could stand at his side.
The aura swarming around Yuki was rapidly dropping the temperature. Her presence walking forwards was both elegant, and deadly as shards of ice rapidly grew with each step forcing the soldiers back. A few demons were narrowly stuck by the ice and instantly had their bodies frozen. Only their heads were exposed as their teeth chattered wildly.
The soldiers attempted to attack Yuki, but the entire field of battle was transformed into her domain. A blizzard was swirling around Yuki as she raised her hand encasing a wave of soldiers in ice. Observing her domineering aura, and the field under her control they were forced to retreat.
Before they could attempt another tactic Yu, and Lilith appeared. Seeing the princess everyone realized how drastic the situation could be. She left the demon army officially but still held a powerful status.
Lilith drew her bident, and Yu followed her lead. All of their weapons were radiating large amounts of power, and it became clear they were high-grade artifacts. Zack took point as six orbs rapidly formed around him.
Azazel saw their flawless formation and over a quarter of his men froze. His resolve to fight still existed until six orbs were rapidly flying his way as his life flashed before his eyes. The orbs stopped before striking Azazel returning to Zack's side as they circle around his hand. The message to Azazel was clear that his life was now in the palm of his hands.
"You intend to take my place I assume?" Azazel investigated.
"I simply wish to speak freely," Zack replied.
Azael ordered his men to stand down, and Zack's group promptly did the same. All of the frozen soldiers were released as they shivered on the ground.
"Then speak," Azazel demanded.
Zack turned away from the soldiers displaying his back without concern. He was looking at all the civilians examining them closely, and before him was a blend of all Blackreach's residents.
"Every person here has been affected by one war or another and each of us is in a constant struggle to recover from it. They claim this city welcomes all. but they keep it segregated. Pitting the people against each other, and oppressing them will only breed more of these conflicts. I know you have vipers whispering into your ear saying outsiders will bring trouble, but they want you distracted. Sit there and think hard about what makes your life so difficult in this city, and you will see who the real culprits are."
Zack turned back towards Azazel and Camila giving them both a serious glare. He walked towards them with a serious look on his face. When his gaze fixated on Camilia she was covered in sweat, and she began to fear her plans had been discovered.
"The problem lies from those within the system wishing to keep you from success. They are motivated by pure greed and will do anything to stay in power. They even treat their own brethren like trash. You have superiors who give you such despicable orders and then threaten you with treason for simply questioning the morality of such actions. This is no way to treat your people. Every member of this community is important, and they fear the day you discover that." Zack declared as he pointed at Camila and Azazel.
Zack turned towards the civilians walking their way as he continued to address them.
"The angels live peacefully in the south watching us fight amongst each other with amusement, but it doesn't have to be this way. We're more alike than you all think. We all experience joy, love, and sorrow. Every single one of us wishes for our families to experience a better life, and this all the common ground we need to unite together. Some of you may believe this isn't possible but I've seen it with my own eyes. Children of all species playing together without a worry. Simple farmers sitting at the same table drinking merrily with knights. Seeing this has given me hope that it can exist elsewhere. If you wish to see it for yourself there are signs on the road to the south. In Eden, we welcome anyone wanting to live in peace..."
Zack was walking around healing the wounds of the soldiers. They just attempted to attack Zack yet he treats their injuries and speaks up for them. The crowd began whispering about the possibility of such a place. Zack slammed his spear into the ground as his wings expanded radiating immense light.
"But let me make one thing very clear. Don't mistake our passion for peace as a weakness." Zack declared as an oppressive aura swept the city.
Zack's companions saw this fully releasing their auras in unison. By the sheer display of power, everyone knew it was no empty threat. Azazel approached the front of the crowd to gauge the crowds. Glancing around he noticed the civilians being swayed, and even some of his men being influenced by Zack's words.
"Such a place doesn't exist, you simply wanna trick these people, but if they wish to leave I won't stop them. There would be a convoy of replacements in a matter of days anyway." Azazel smirked.
Azazel was prepared to make another spectacle when Mephisto arrived with a battalion of his personal soldiers, and the leader of the royal guard stationed in Blackreach.
"What's going on here? Surely you're not hassling my business partner." Mephisto glared at Azazel with serious killing intent in his eyes.
Azazel may have been the city lord, but it was a title given to him by Mephisto. Mephisto controlled the auction house which was the backbone of the city. Typically the owner of the auction house ruled the city, but he didn't like politics. Mephisto was a businessman but feared by all the soldiers. His position was seized by sheer force after all, and none have forgotten the display.
"I had no idea you had a business partner. I'm sorry for any inconvenience I caused."Azazel apologized immediately lowering his head to Zack.
"I wonder what my father would think about so many weapons pointed my way today," Lilith smirked walking up to Azazel.
The soldiers dropped to their knees prepared to grovel for leniency, and Lilith had a devious smirk seeing them in such a state. Anytime someone would grovel it would awaken her sadistic nature. She tightened the whip in her hands while walking forward.
The soldiers looked terrified feeling Lilith's oppressive aura. Zack spanked her ass before gripping it firmly. She was still brandishing her whip so he jerked the base of her tail. Lilith moaned making the soldiers a little unsure of what was coming.
"Most of them did the right thing when the moment came," Zack told Lilith while pulling her close.
"You're lucky my man is a softy. I think it may be a time for a change of leadership." Lilith told Mephisto while snuggling against Zack.
"I think your right, but don't let it ruin your trip. If you wish to accompany me the auction will be starting soon, and don't worry the lady will be left alone. It's clear she was wrongfully accused." Mephisto waved at his men and they apprehended Gregory.
"We will be leaving tomorrow at noon, and If you wish to join us we will be waiting by the front gate," Zack announced.
Zack dissipated his spear, and along with it the barrier around Tessa. She immediately tried to run up to embrace her savior, but Kaya's glare blocked her advances. Lilith saw the succubus eyeing him, and walked up to Zack with a smirk.
"Who is that?" Lilith asked.
"Her name is Tessa, and she was our waitress. We should get going don't wanna miss the auction." Zack replied.
As they started walking Cynthia dropped down from the rooftop.
"Where have you been?" Ren asked.
Cynthia saw the commotion and was preparing to strike Azazel. She was very good at masking her presence and had deadly claws. Her combat experience wasn't so great but it was good enough to take Azazel's head swiftly. When Zack started speaking to the crowd she watched quietly from the rooftops.
"She appeared when you took his side and was positioning herself to strike if things went differently. You would make a fine shinobi." Kintaro praised.
"Thought you only trained humans?" Ren asked as they walked towards the auction.
"We have a total of ten clans serving with us that aren't humans, but we welcome all who swear to the creed. It's just very rare to recruit adults since we prefer to begin our training in adolescence." Hisato stated.
Everyone turned around surprised to see Hisato in their group. None of them detected his presence, or Haruna's.
"You truly live up to your reputation," Lilith smirked walking up to Haruna.
"It's nice to finally meet you," Hisato stated giving a slight bow.
"My father has sung your praises, and I'm glad I could make your acquaintance," Lilith replied.
"Where have you been hiding?" Lilith asked examining Haruna's figure.
"I wasn't hiding I was making my report," Haruna replied.
"Would you like to join us? I wanna discuss a few things." Zack asked Hisato.
"I was preparing to suggest a meeting myself," Hisato replied.
Zack continued to the auction house, and they were escorted into a private box. When entering they realized how luxurious it was compared to the last one. There was a group of servants walking up to greet Zack. After giving him a formal greeting they began bringing out entrees and pouring drinks. They all gave Zack flirtatious looks as they serviced his comrades.
Mephisto had the room specially made to accommodate Zack, and made sure to find beautiful women to serve him. His scouts reported how many women he had during his last trip, and Mephisto wanted a variety of species to grab his interest.
They were all ordered to provide anything Zack needed, and that included servicing him. When they heard they might need to give special services to someone they agreed but assumed it was a grotesque man. After they saw Zack they began whispering about how to impress him.
A devil named Ruby walked up sitting on his leg watching the crowd slowly fill the seats. She had red skin, a black sclera with orange eyes, and wavy black hair. Zack didn't pay much attention to her because he felt someone glaring at him. Ruby's appearance resembled a teen, and he was used to Tanya doing the same so it went unnoticed as he scanned the crowd. Ruby saw he didn't mind looking up with a lecherous grin.