A Talk With Gentleness And Necromancer's End
"Your Majesty, I extend to you an offer to become the Royal Researcher, dedicated to exploring the magical applications of various spells. In return, I ask for your commitment to safeguard and cherish the well-being of the kingdom's citizens," I proposed to the liberated red elf.
Her response was a disdainful snort as she accepted the parchment. "So, you persist in refusing to be my consort. This, I assume, is the best compromise you're willing to offer. Promise me, then, to provide a formidable consort who can ensure the production of exceptional offspring."
My irritation grew behind the visor of my helmet. Her haughty demeanor had begun to grate on my nerves. "I won't be handing over anyone. If you desire a husband, win his affection genuinely," I emphasized the last word, thoroughly vexed by her disrespectful treatment of men.
"As if men could resist someone of my allure, you'll find yourself in the same predicament soon enough," she remarked while sensuously tracing her fingers along my armor.
"You treat men as expendable, and I could never develop feelings for someone with such a dismissive attitude," I retorted, pulling away from her touch. "If only you had a more captivating personality, and didn't belittle and discard men like disposable objects, you might have had the chance to be my queen. And don't let me start on your arrogance, you are even more arrogant than Vagran, that's incredible in it's own way."
Leaving the tent, I noticed her disapproving expression. Her voice trailed after me, "Do you truly believe in what you just said?" She caught up, walking beside me.
I took a deep breath before responding, "A queen isn't someone with your current demeanor. You lack the qualities for it. Find your path and return later; perhaps then, I might reconsider."
Her smile persisted as she remarked, "Men of the human races are indeed peculiar. In the Empire, all the men would have readily accepted my proposition. Yet you, you're different."
"Then they were not in love with you, merely drawn to your powers and position," I responded with a sigh. A familiar face caught my attention, someone I hadn't seen in quite some time.
"Lucas!" her voice echoed from a distance as an azure bolt shot towards me. "I've missed you!" The young Queen of the Lotus Kingdom greeted me with a smile, then turned her narrowed gaze to Nia'Tala.
"Isn't she an enemy?" Lyza inquired.
"Well, she was parasitized by an unknown entity and compelled to do their bidding. So, in her current state, she is not an enemy to us," I explained to the young Shalassa's Chosen.
"I missed you so much, Vagran, Malarion, and you! The last time we saw each other, we were discussing all these subjects and talking about our past lives," she said with a radiant smile.
Nia'Tala, who seemed overlooked until this point, turned her attention to Lyza with a frown. "You do not greet me, little girl?" I frowned at Nia'Tala, subtly cautioning her that unsettling the young woman wouldn't be tolerated within our group. Vagran, Malarion, and I had made a pact to never cause sadness to Lyza, who radiated optimism and gentleness.
"Hmm, sorry. My name's Lyza. Happy to meet you!" she said with a warm smile.
"Likewise, Nia'Tala," she replied frostily, deepening my frown behind the helmet.
'This woman,' I thought, elbowing her discreetly while Lyza wasn't looking, earning a furious gaze. "Try being unpleasant with Lyza again, and you'll be living on a farm for the rest of your life."
"You dare threaten me!" she hissed back.
"I'm not threatening; it's a fact," I asserted.
"Are you in love with the snake?" she suddenly asked. "I'm far better than that flat-boarded snake."
I deadpanned at her. "What are you saying? I'm not in love with Lyza; I see her as a little sister. Not everything revolves around love or sex."
"Your races are strange. Are you not concerned about your natality?" she questioned.
"We have all the time in the world for children, Nia'Tala," I replied.
As she looked around the camp, Lyza returned with a stunning Yuki-Onna. Observing the woman's ample bust, I couldn't help but think, 'Can someone have breasts this large?'
"My name's Yafei, Leader of the Southern Sea army. Glad to meet the King of the Humans," she introduced herself.
"Likewise, Miss Yafei. I hope you take good care of Her Majesty Lyza," I responded curtly.
"Don't worry, Lucas! Yafei helped me silence some dissatisfied individuals in our kingdom. She even taught me [Water Magic] and [Air Magic]," the young queen beamed at me.
I smiled at the queen upon hearing her comment. "Then I will let Lyza be in your care, Miss Yafei," I said, earning a smile from the beautiful woman.
However, I sensed Nia'Tala fuming behind me. 'This woman!' I thought. As I turned, I saw her staring at Yafei with a burning gaze.
"A mere elemental dares to be in my presence!" she exclaimed, pointing her hand toward Yafei.
'Shit!' Without hesitation, I swiftly employed four shackles to drain her mana and used yesterday's gag to cover her mouth. My metal manipulation made her float toward the tent at a blazing speed. The entire sequence took less than two seconds, leaving everyone in the camp staring at the unexpected turn of events.
"What was that?" cried out Lyza with widened eyes, glancing at Yafei, who had generated a frozen shield in front of herself.
"I apologize for my researcher's actions; I'll punish her later for this," I said to the two women.
Lyza took my hands into hers, looking at me with a smile. "This is not your fault, Lucas!" she exclaimed, as I smiled behind my helmet.
"First rule in ruling, Lyza: everything is your fault," I said with a smile, hoping she'd pick up the reference.
"If you say so," she replied with her ever-present smile. Or perhaps not.
"Captain Alexander," I called out, and a Praetorian with blue colors approached upon hearing my voice. "I want you to guard Nia'Tala for the time being. Don't ever remove her shackles," I warned the Praetorian captain, who nodded in acknowledgment.
"It will be done, my Lord," he replied as he and his squad headed towards the tent.
"Will I have the honor of having you ladies eat with me and my Dukes?" I asked the two women.
"With pleasure," replied Lyza with a smile, while Yafei put a fan in front of her mouth.
–
The meal was uneventful. We discussed everything that had transpired during the challenging months we had been through. Lyza appeared more mature, less excitable and a bit calmer. George, on the other hand, seemed utterly enamored with Yafei throughout the meal, much to the amusement of Thaum, who simply smiled at the unfolding scene.
Yafei seemed aware of it; I was sure. She sent seductive smiles towards George from time to time. Well, I had no objections to my Dukes falling in love with someone from a different race; it didn't bother me at all. However, I did hope that George had a high tolerance for cold temperatures and that his bed was equipped with anti-winter sheets.
I chuckled at my own thoughts, earning a serpentine tail wrapping around my foot under the table. Lyza shot me an amused glare, observing the two lovebirds.
I sensed a touch around my head. [It seems that the alliance between us will get even tighter], Lyza's voice echoed in my mind.
[That's true, but I'm not ready to see how strong the children of them will be—a paladin with Shalassa's lineage in him, terrifying.]
Lyza chuckled in my head, but her laughter faded as she stared intensely at me.
[Be careful with the red elf; I don't have a good feeling about her], the warning came from Lyza, her expression unusually serious.
[I-]
[I know why you took her under your wings; you're scared of the others' power, so you try to protect yourself by aligning with strong beings] she cut me off.
I widened my eyes, looking at her. She responded with a smile upon seeing my reaction.
[Do not take me for a simpleton, Lucas; I can sense your emotions like an open book], she replied, her cold tail still wrapped around my leg.
[I am truly grateful for all the advice you three have given me. Let me repay you. Perhaps I am not a good Queen, but I am still a good human being.]
A strange warmth coursed through my body as I heard her voice, telling me not to let myself be tainted by the need for power. It was true; I was scared, and I felt the urgency to become stronger.
[Do not let yourself be tainted by your need for power, Lucas], her warm voice reassured me.
[I need to be powerful, Lyza. The Necromancers, they are too dangerous. I don't know if I could stop them if a conflict arises], I responded.
I heard a sigh as her tail gripped me harder. [Lucas, there is no need for them to betray us. Why would they do that?]
[You do not know, Lyza. Look at what they've done to the Lizard Men. When there are no more external enemies, they will turn on us. I know it.]
[You're being paranoid, Lucas. Zakera is a friend of mine; she—]
[She too was my friend! Before she betrayed my trust by creating the plague. Don't you see? During this year in this world, I've learned that only one thing deters wars, and it's power. If you're not strong enough, you'll be invaded. Only strength deters attackers, not diplomacy.]
The tail gripped me even harder now, and for the first time, I saw Lyza frown deeply.
[Lyza], I pleaded, [Please tell me that you see my point. Vagran and Malarion, they see it too.]
[You three are paranoid. Zakera gave me her word, and even Belketh created a soul oath binding us to stop any attack on each other. We are tied until the end of the world to abide by the vow. You are being unreasonable, Lucas. Where is the gentleman that I greeted during the meeting? WHERE IS THE MAN THAT I LOOKED UP TO?]
[Wake up, Lucas. You're being unreasonable. We should all help each other, not conspire against each other like backstabbing assholes. Yes, I will say it. If you continue down this path, I will be the first to strike you down, even if my soul is destroyed by the contract.] I looked at her face, and she was resolute about what she said. I sensed something stirring inside me.
[The three of you are the only ones that came from the same world as me. You are the only anchor I have in this world to my former identity.] She removed her tail from my leg.
[So, if I have to set you straight, I'll do it gladly!] she assured me with a smile.
[You don't know anything] I started I sensed my mana stirring inside me [I'll continue with my quest for power Lyza, as I am persuaded that it will be necessary one day to protect everyone, and I'll still be wary of the Necromancers]
[You dumb headstrong silver man! ] she cried inside my head [Nothing that I say will change your visions so?] she asked me
[Sadly not, I hope that you are right about Zakera and the others, but I will still prepare for all eventualities, after all, I am a king and I need to protect the one that pledged themselves to me]
[Come, we need to talk for a bit," she said as she stood up. "Everyone, I have some things to say to Lucas all alone; we'll come back shortly."
I nodded at the two Dukes, who looked at me with a smile. 'These bastards, what are they thinking of right now?' I groaned inwardly as I teleported both of us into a calmer location.
–
The sea was beautiful; that's all I saw when I teleported us onto a beach of the Archipelago. I scanned the surroundings. We were alone for about four kilometers.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" I asked the young woman manipulating the water in the sea to create bubbles.
"I wanted to ask you about us," she said as she looked at me.
'About us?' I furrowed my brows, wondering what she meant.
"I was frightened before meeting you, burdened by all these responsibilities descending upon me," she began to confess. "But then I encountered all three of you. You helped me stay afloat amidst the wave of stress that engulfed me."
"And for that, I will always be in your debts. You taught me how to rule; Vagran showed me how to be cunning and ruthless, and Malarion guided me on concealing what I wished to hide. All three of you contributed to shaping who I am now."
"I think I would never have the tools to repay you," she slithered toward me with her serpentine tail. "So when I see the three of you doubting our allies and friends, it saddens me to witness you all becoming mere shells of what you were."
I continued to gaze at the young woman for a moment. "I understand what it means to be a ruler now. I comprehend the challenges you face, Lucas, but please, never abandon the hope that I saw when we first met—the hope to make the world a better place for everyone."
"Lyza, I've already told you. You are aware of what Zakera did, and yet you do not condemn her?"
"I abhor her methods, not her. She is a good pers-"
"A good person doesn't resurrect children so that they can maul their parents to death, Lyza. You are the one being delusional here. She is not an innocent maiden who made a mistake. She is very much aware of the atrocities she's committed, and yet she does not repent but flaunts it in my face."
"I don't care about our alliance. I don't care about the contract. I care about what is fair. Elrath is the god of Justice as much as he is the God of Light."
"Why do you have to bring Elrath into this?" she asked me, tears welling up in her eyes. "Is this what you're becoming, a religious zealot? You already know what zealotry does to people."
"I am no zealot. I don't believe in Elrath, but as his agent in this world, I must enact his teachings – only the ones I find worthy of spreading."
"All of you dissolve into the same arguments when you try to discredit what I say, portraying me as some kind of religious zealot. I assure you that I am not. There are no gods in this world, just slightly stronger beings than us, that's all."
Lyza continued to look at me, this time with a more understanding expression on her face.
"What can I do to make you trust the undead?" she asked.
"Tell me, Lyza, what did she offer you to come and see me?" I suddenly asked, widening my eyes. I spoke a bit hastily and didn't consider my words.
"What? Nothing! Do you take me for someone like that?" she exclaimed.
"Sorry," I apologized. "I spoke without thinking. I thought that you would be someone who comprehends my point of view, Lyza. Someone on whom I could rely, but it seems I was wrong."
She looked down, a tinge of sadness in her expression, but I couldn't allow someone to be that naive. Didn't she see what they had done? How could she be so gullible to allow herself to be used like a puppet by Zakera?
I gritted my teeth. This Zakera, did she think that sending Lyza and confusing her would be a good move?
"Lyza, please consider what I said and try not to listen to everything Zakera says," I said as I approached her. She bit her lips, struggling for a moment.
"I know. I know that what she said was a lie. I knew from the start, but I still wanted to believe her," she admitted. Did this woman just trick me for an entire hour? "I wanted to be sure that you were not, as she said, an Elrath's zealot. So tell me, Lucas, when are we going to confront her? After all, I know for sure that Belketh doesn't care about the Necromancers. He is someone who follows Asha, and the life and death of the Necromancers are not his priority."
"She is the one taking their orders, leading them into the wrongdoing she engages in. I spoke with Jenova Nur and Reem; they both seemed in agreement for a strike against Zakera, proposing to install someone else in her place as the Archon of Heresh," she revealed.
"You—you tricked me for an entire hour!" I exclaimed, receiving chuckles from the woman.
"Of course, my dear Lucas," she approached me and traced her index finger on my helmet. "Did you think I'd still be the woman from seven months ago? I've had some teachings from the best instructors after all," she chuckled.
I erupted into laughter, a genuine expression of joy. "You're amazing, ahahahhah." Then, I adopted a serious expression, fixing my gaze on her. "Who taught you the last part?"
"Yafei," she muttered.
"Well, perhaps I should pay a visit to Yafei, whether to express gratitude or seek clarification," I remarked, turning my attention back to her. "And about the collaboration, did Belketh convey any information?"
"I'm already aware, young Aldaric," the voice of the Archangel resonated as he materialized behind us, causing both Lyza and me to startle.
"I anticipated the unfolding events. Zakera is driven by ego and an insatiable thirst for power, a common trait among leaders like yourselves," he elucidated.
"So, the contracts I provided you with were deceptive. Their potency will only endure for a month. Following that, Zakera will be expelled from the agreement. Nevertheless, some Necromancers will undoubtedly follow her. Still, my own forces will eliminate those audacious enough to align with the young woman."
"But you are not the ones that will end her, I encountered someone that is quite apt at killing Necromancers" the Angel said with a chuckle sending both of us a shiver down our spine.
!
"I have a gift for both of you as well, but first, let's witness Zakera's encounter with 'Him.'"
–
Thousands of Ghouls surged toward the city's gates, the walls buckling under their relentless assault. Laughter echoed as Necromancers cast spells at the fleeing civilians, leaving no exception, not even sparing the children. Among the chaos, Zakera, the young woman, advanced toward a captive human—a survivor from the attack on Rosemary village, enduring months as a slave to lizard-like monsters. Despite his harrowing experience, the captive held onto the faith that someone would rescue him in this distant city.
Zakera grinned malevolently at the young man, her face twisted with ecstatic emotions. "You hail from Lucas's wretched kingdom, perfect. I'll vent my thoughts about him through you," she declared, conjuring a spell of dark magic that obliterated his left arm.
"ARRRGH!" the young man screamed in agony, tears streaming down his face. She then drove her sword into his thigh and used her second hand to shatter his other leg.
"Your king is an egotistical fool who believes love alone can win a war. But I understand better than some man from a pitiful world. I was born into an era of war, lost my parents to these monsters, and-" she glanced at the nearly unconscious young man, shivering.
"Already dying? When I speak, you listen," she coldly crushed his head under her boots, the swift step cracking his skull open. "Fucking trash," she spat on his disfigured head before scanning the surroundings. Spotting two other humans, she approached them with a sinister smile. However, as she neared, a sensed presence behind her prompted a swift slash.
Her eyes widened in terror as the presence revealed itself behind her—a figure terrifying in its own right. Cloaked in robes, a skeletal face peered at her, and she recognized him, the man responsible for her parents' demise—HIM.
"SANDRO!" she exclaimed, her sword emanating a malicious glow infused with an immense amount of mana. She swung it down, unleashing a tempest of malevolent energy that obliterated the entire neighborhood behind her.
"Oh, you're familiar with me, girl?" the skeleton replied, moving his hands as magical energy enveloped him.
[Unholy Rite]
An enormous altar of darkness materialized beneath him.
[Sacraments of Darkness]
He continued his assault, transforming dozens of ghouls into shadows that vanished.
"You'll pay for what you've done!" she cried out, leaping towards the Nethermancer, her jump cracking the pavement beneath her.
[Malevolent Sword]
Once again, her sword surged with monstrous necromantic energy.
[Negation]
Sandro casually moved his hand, restoring the sword to its original state. Undeterred, she slashed, and Sandro caught the blade with his bare hand.
"I remember you. You're Vein's adoptive runt. How is my fellow zealot still praying to a false god?" the skeleton grinned, pure darkness emanating from his face.
A skeletal hand seized Zakera's face, while Sandro's other hand gripped her sword.
"Know that Belketh was the one who signed your death warrant," he chuckled.
"Why?" she cried out, thrashing against his grip. "Why does everyone always betray me?" Tears streamed down Zakera's face, but Sandro remained impassive.
"Mom, why? Lucas, save me!" Zakera exclaimed as she continued to struggle. Sandro then unleashed his mana.
[Void Zone]
A zone of nothingness materialized where his hand was, enveloping her in the void. When the sphere of darkness dissipated, all that remained was her falling head.
"A pitiful existence. It seems Vein never taught you anything for you to be this weak," Sandro remarked, looking around with a smile.
"Well, Necromancers, we have some matters to discuss," the skeleton chuckled, and the sound echoed throughout the city as the perpetrators of the attack were erased from existence.
"I am the shadow of death, come to harvest your soul," the skeleton muttered, his gaze fixed on the horizon with a sardonic smile. "Arrogant being, you're confined like trash in a tower, holding no sway over me."
–
A portal materialized, and a skeleton emerged with a sardonic grin. "What a splendid welcome," he chuckled, surveying the scene. Lucas, Lyza, Malarion, and Lianna faced him, while Belketh hovered above.
Behind the newcomer, Nur, Jenova, and Tholgar narrowed their eyes, recognizing the skeletal figure.
"Fucking Sandro," Nur muttered through gritted teeth.
"Hello to you too, Nur," the skeleton replied, casually tossing Zakera's head onto the table. "No need for such seriousness in my presence. The god I aimed to revive back then doesn't exist in this new universe. Unlike Ashan, here we aren't forbidden from venturing into the starry sky, reaching out to touch the stars."
Lyza showed little reaction to the thrown head, except for a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"You're welcome once again, my pupil," said Belketh as he floated above the council. "Will you aid us in this war?"
"Hmm," pondered Sandro with a smile. "No, I've glimpsed where Veyer went—Azeroth, was it? I'll be paying a visit there for a while. It seems there are three tumors in this world that I must attend to."
"Be wary of their corruption," Lucas warned.
"Don't worry, little light. I can look after myself. The only beings I need to evade are those Titans," he remarked as a portal appeared behind him. "Well, see you soon, heroes."
"May Asha guide your steps, my pupil," Belketh wished, but Sandro paused before moving on.
"You always had the talent to vex me, teacher," Sandro replied with a smile as the portal closed behind him.
–
"Sandro? You sought help from Sandro!?" cried out Nur, frustration evident as Belketh seemed unfazed by the Djinn's outburst. "Don't you realize what he's done? If people think Zakera is a monster, then he's the king of monsters!"
"Calm yourself, Nur," advised Jenova, attempting to soothe the Djinn. "Anger won't make Sandro disappear. Although I share Lady Nur's concerns, relying on Sandro to deal with Zakera was a bit too much."
"Indeed, it was like hunting a rabbit with a cannon," added the grumpy dwarf, shooting a disapproving look at Belketh.
"Are you all finished?" asked Belketh, boredom evident in his voice. "I believe I know my pupil better than all of you. I was well aware of the risks of calling him. Perhaps you would have preferred Kha'Beleth or one of the six Overlords?"
"They are here?!" exclaimed Lucas, a frown etched on his face.
"I detected traces of the six far from this world, but it seems Kha'Beleth is also imprisoned," replied Belketh.
"And I thought this day couldn't become worse," muttered the dwarf.
"Kha'Beleth," Nur said through gritted teeth.
"Well, let's discuss the next course of action," Belketh suggested, creating a map of the continent. "We're going on the offensive. The enemies lost two gods, and one of them even joined us. If you find her too much to handle, Lucas, my disciple, I could craft a trinket to grant you total dominance over her."
"No, that's good. Thank you, teacher," the king replied promptly.
Malarion cleared his throat, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. "I'll soon be able to provide enough Manticores and Hydras for a full-scale ground assault against cities," he informed the gathering.
"The Ancients are ready as well," Jenova added
Lyza looked around and couldn't help but smile. "I have a baby Kirin in my possession. Soon, it will be able to assist us in our conquest."
"A Kirin, you say!" Tholgar stroked his beard. "That's an incredible beast, young queen, rivaling a Fire Dragon or an angel in might and in beauty"
"Speaking of strength, my craftsmen have successfully established a foundry that refines a peculiar kind of metal discovered in the depths of our home. We've tested its weaponization, and the results are incredible. Its compatibility with fire magic is top-notch. Consequently, we've crafted massive artillery pieces. They'll require a bit of testing, but I believe they could be deployed without any issues next year," concluded the Dwarven king.
"How strong are they compared to my artillery?" inquired Lucas, displaying a keen interest in the new development.
"Like day and night. They have a shorter range, but each shot makes the mountains tremble," responded Thorgar.
Malarion whistled, and Jenova chuckled. "This is quite a powerful weapon, King Tholgar," acknowledged Lucas. "Is there any way to weaponize the metal in other ways, such as for magical rituals?"
"My runesmiths are exploring every possibility with the metal. I'll provide you with the details after the tests," Tholgar assured.
Everyone around the table nodded, and Jenova took her turn to speak. "As I mentioned earlier, my forest has been producing Ancients for the past two weeks. However, similar to King Tholgar, I discovered a peculiar tree. Unlike the new metal, there are no weaponization applications for this wood, but I sense an incredible life force within the trees."
"Could you provide me with these peculiar trees?" asked the Archangel, his presence looming over the assembly. "I'll test their life force and applications myself."
Jenova nodded as everyone looked around, waiting for the next speaker.
"The new Archon of Heresh will assume office shortly. We'll resume our attack on the river beyond Shallasa's Grace. We'll obliterate every settlement in our path and advance directly to their capital to either force surrender or compel them into making a foolish move. I believe we are formidable enough to crush their armies." Belketh said as everyone disappeared from the office as Belketh looked around.
"You failed me, Zakera" Belketh looked at the severed head on the table before dissolving it into nothing with a spell "You'll find peace in Asha's Embrace"
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That concludes the sleepy chapters . Following this, we'll wrap up the war and embark on the denouement of this volume.
By the way, I haven't chosen Lucas's queen yet, so feel free to provide suggestions. It could be an existing character from the Might and Magic lore or even Warcraft, I don't mind.
See you soon! :)