Winds of Change

'Huh. That isn't obvious at all.'

As a certain 'angel' is randomly killing demons every so often, he notices a large armoured figure being carried around by two others who, for all intents and purposes, do not look like they should be able to carry such a massive bulk. Furthermore, the yells and magical explosions would make it clear to any being with a modicum of intelligence that this is not where they should be.

Momonga: [Message - Dabilosi] Ota, could you spare a moment? I've been thinking about your actions for a while now, and I can't quite work this out.

Dabilosi: [Message - Momonga] Sure, it's not like what I am right now is difficult, but before we go any further- I am not gay, and I wouldn't do it with a skeleton even if I was… You were saying?

Momonga: [Message - Dabilosi] From what I remember, you've never stood for it when anything happened to the guild. Possibly the best example is when the guild "Guardians" stole our celestial uranium mine. You pushed the idea of taking it back quite strongly and got rather upset when we failed.

Dabilosi: [Message - Momonga] You make me sound like some kind of whiny brat when you put it like that. Just a sec, [Napalm]!. My row with Touch-Me, and I stand by the immaturity of that name, was over his failure to listen to my thoughts on the plan. I thought I'd already established that it was highly likely they had a world item and yet- but you knew all of this. Yes, threatening to leave MAY have been just a little too much, but he did start paying closer attention to details after that.

Momonga: [Message - Dabilosi] *Chuckling* He did, in fact I think he went too far for a time, but-

Nabe: Momon-san, is something wrong?

Momonga: *Startled* Eh? No no! I was just remembering a certain, rather amusing moment from the past. It is not important. 'SHIT! I chuckled out loud!'

Nabe: It- Very well.

Evileye: Momon-san, what were your companions like?

Momonga: Hmm? There is little that could compare with my time with them. We all had our own faults and failings, we were of different races, shapes and sizes, but we made it work. There are, only two of us left now, but we will stride forward as always for each other and for those who depend on us.

At this, Evileye blushed under her mask, but since no-one could see that, nothing came of it.

Momonga: [Message - Dabilosi] Where was I? Ah yes… The question I've been meaning to ask is, why are you being so lenient? After Shalltear was brainwashed, you just gave the Slane Theocracy a scare, and Entoma almost died to this little girl.

Dabilosi: [Message - Momonga] First of all, she's a vampire, so she's probably a lot older than you'd think, but either way she will suffer. Secondly… I haven't forgiven them... They are going to pay a thousandfold for their actions. However, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither can you rush vengeance. Bloody- [Snow Pulse] [Widen Magic: Cryocautery]. And now my monologue is ruined, but I'll continue nonetheless. In one sentence, I will convince the cardinals and nobles to raise taxes 'to improve public services' and in another, I will stirr up malcontent at the nobles amongst the common people and merchants at the restriction of their freedom, causing large-scale rioting and the collapse of the current system, destroying the safety net of the black scripture. They would experience despair, before I drop them even further. Even better, no-one would notice… The only problem is that it may be noticed if I proceed too swiftly, so while I do not require his services, Forneus will bring them around to minor changes occasionally and in different places.

Momonga: [Message - Dabilosi] Maybe you should''ve gone with less AOE magic, Evileye seems rather enthusiastic about seeing you again. Also, the people over here are having a much easier time of it than they would.

As he says this Momonga sees Demiurge along with Yuri, Solution, Lupusregina and Entoma in a 'clearing' of sorts (made from thoroughly destroying any buildings nearby), and requests that they head in that direction.

Momonga:[Message - Dabilosi] Head west a bit would you? Demiurge appears to have set something up.

Dabilosi: [Message - Momonga] You sure? I thought Demiurge had... Fine. If I turn up and realize we weren't supposed to this is 100% your fault.

Momonga: 'Eh?'

----- Jircniv's Study, Baharuth Empire -----

Fluder: -In conclusion… No.

Currently, the inscrutable 'bloody emperor' is massaging his temples and frowning in annoyance.

Jircniv: Tch, why couldn't anything go smoothly?

Leinas: With all due respect Jircniv, he's a spellcaster, so I should be able to run him through with my sword. That IS what you're paying me for.

Leinas is shot a disapproving look by Baziwood before the large man speaks.

Baziwood: We believed that about Ryker as well, but look how he turned out and this man was seen to be dominant in the duo. You should probably think before speaking.

Nimble: Milord, you mentioned before that you were going to attempt contact with him. Pardon my asking, but did that all fall through?

Jircniv: *Breathing a Sigh of Frustration* Ah, we can never get close to him! One minute he's here, the next he's in the Slane Theocracy and bested their strongest! If, mole in the Windflower Scripture got it right.

Nazami: It is unlikely that was their strongest. The theocracy will hide their core strength better than that. However it would have to be t least an elite to gain that assessment, and opposing an equal or better of the black scripture elites may prove troublesome.

Fluder: Ah, how I have wanted to study their magic… But they call me sub-human for using a ritual to extend my life. It is indeed a shame.

Jircniv: We have 2 weeks remaining to fully prepare before the march. A surprise war is one thing, but we needed to halt the training of the kingdom's mages immediately, This war will be slightly different. We've recently acquired a number of rings which extend the range of spells of first tier by 200%. Second tier 150% and third 100%. This will allow our mages to strike at the siege engines of the opposition and provoke a charge, a safe bet knowing the temperament of the nobles. With pits littering the plains our forces will be able to easily pick off any that are left. Once we've fallen back from that location, we will be able to pull the spikes up on the enemy infantry… Of course, this is an idealistic scenario and we have multiple backups, but knowing the men of the kingdom… We've won already just by preparing.

----- Roble Holy Kingdom, Throne Room-----

Calca Bessarez: Why must they fight amongst themselves? It almost seems petty. Thank goodness it is coming to an end… Maybe now the senseless bloodshed and terror will stop.

'The treasure of Roble', currently on her throne, is consulting with her two most trusted advisors, the leaders of the priesthood and Paladin Order respectively.

Kelart Custodio: Sad as it may be, that seems unlikely Calca-sama. If either side were to truly defeat the other, most if not all of the citizens of the losing capital, and in all likelihood many of the towns and larger villages, will be used as slave labour or outright killed. The feud between the two countries has progressed to the point where it would be impossible for the countrymen to submit to the other's rule.

Remedios Custodio: Let's hope it doesn't come to that. From what we can gather, Ryker seems to be evening out the battle and has a good set of morals. Hopefully he can prevent any unnecessary casualties.

Calca: That would always be for the best. But I can't help worrying. He hasn't had enough time to properly train anyone, so he will be their best and, in all seriousness, only defense against monsters like the martial lord, the four imperial knights and forbid it, Fluder Paradyne himself.

Kelart: If he survives this battle, the kingdom will be given room to stabilize… Even Fluder is going to be mobilized if possible. But never mind what we can't change Calca-sama. We don't have the troops to help them while we deal with the recent influx of demihuman attacks. What do you two think of Darnell Salas?

Remedio: He's a capable individual. As you know he managed to defeat Zesshi Zetsumei from a disadvantage as a spellcaster. Other than that he did not back down to the cardinals on matters he disagreed with, even if he couldn't do anything about them at the time like rights for the captured elves and even the inferior demi-human races.

Calca: Demi-humans may not be as horrendous as you make them out to be given the correct tutoring you know Remedios, and about Zetsumei I am not entirely sure I can believe that. According to the same report, he is an angel. He was carrying a sword consistently through Re-Estize, and angels aren't known for deception, so how could he be a pure spellcaster as is suggested.

Kelart: I have a theory on that front. This source has been incredibly accurate with data so far, he has given us no reason to distrust him and there are limited benefits to leaking us false information of this nature. However, Angels ARE known for fair play, even when the opponent does not show them the same courtesy- you need look no further than the death of the 11th hero to see that. I believe that this Darnell uses his spellcasting against foes that can't face his blade. Casting spells through his blade would allow him to fight this way without the other party feeling insulted by the lack of it's use.

Remedio: If that is the case, I sincerely wish to meet this person, he would be an even greater asset to anyone with a noble heart and good morals. Maybe with his help the Demi-humans would cease to attack our walls for a time after a grand show of force, or maybe he would even help with a retaliation strike… Although that seems less likely given his actions in the Theocracy.

Calca: No. If he is that strong, we should hope and pray that the corruption of the world doesn't turn his sword on humanity. If it does… We can only hope for a miracle.