Prelude to War

(A/N: This is going to be quite the divergence from the original source material, huh? I'm quite excited to create future chapters as I've been building up to this for quite some time. However, as of writing this note, school is beginning and I'm entering grade 11. So, I might not be able to post weekly or keep this regular schedule due to schoolwork/life. I hope you understand!)

[Timeskip - 44 Days]

[Narrator's POV]

The plague doctor moved a potion in his hands in small, circular motions, watching its contents slosh around while sat down. 'To think the Massacre at Katze Plains only happened 23 days ago. That, and the establishment of the Sorcerer Kingdom only 9 days ago. How quickly time flies…' Citrinitas thought to himself, reminiscing about all that has happened since those significant events.

Even though Citrinitas wasn't there personally as he used a Mirror of Remote Viewing, the Massacre at Katze Plains, in other words, was pure nightmare fuel that nobody could forget. And no, not because of bad CGI monsters. The anime didn't do the event enough justice.

Simply put, the Massacre at Katze Plains could only be described as hell. Even before the battle, the clouds in the sky oozed an aura of gloom. The feeling of dread was only amplified once horrors from beyond reality were spawned on the battlefield.

The amount of fear and distress on everyone's faces was something that could never be replicated. At least for a long time. Soldiers ran in all directions, running over fellow comrades to save themselves from the Dark Young that chased after them.

Speaking of, they were entirely different from what the anime presented and more akin to so-bin's illustrations. Their tentacles reached for the sky as their sharp fangs opened and closed, begging to be fed the flesh of Re-Estize soldiers. Despite their enormous size, the Dark Young weren't sluggish. And their screams… their screams could make the most stone-cold person on the planet shiver in fear.

(A/N: Imagine that glorious battle without CGI. What I'd do to see that dream become true…)

Sadly, Citrinitas couldn't reminisce about the bloody battle all day. After all, he's quite the busy alchemist. 'Today is also the day when plans for the Dragon Kingdom should start. Though, there are still a few hours to spare. I guess I could spend some time with the twins or Esdeath and Shalltear?'

The plague doctor stopped playing around with the potion in his hand as he put it down on the desk in front of him. Noticing Elaina walking close by, Citrinitas called her name as she instantly stopped her alchemical duties and gave full attention to her master.

"Yes, Lord Citrinitas? Is there anything that I can help you with?" The witch asked as she bowed before giving a warm smile. "That's right, Elaina," Citrinitas said. "I won't be back in the Alchemy Lab for a while. As usual, you're in charge of the place until I come back. Is that understood?"

"Mmhm!" Elaina hummed as she gave a quick nod. 'In that case,' Citrinitas stood up as Elaina tucked his chair in. 'I should pay Esdeath and/or Shalltear a visit. They're not a hassle now, which is nice…'

[Timeskip - ??? Hours]

[Scene Change]

The atmosphere in the Throne room in the Beastmen Nations Capital, Elessall, was a tense one. Not for the soldiers guarding the place or the servants and cleaners doing their jobs. No, they were going about their usual routine. However, that wasn't the case for a certain powerful figure.

The King of the Beastmen Nation himself, Claughuth.

The panda knelt with one knee on the floor and kept his head down, only being able to see the red carpet that led to the golden throne behind him. If his subjects saw him, their ruler, kneeling in this pitiful state, it would forever destroy his reputation as a glorious and looked upon King.

Alas, that was the least of his fears. Claughuth had much more to worry about than his people starting riots. Who, by the way, were already quite upset that the assassination attempts against Hope, have resulted in constant failure. 'When will he appear? When will he show up?' He thought to himself in a rushed and frightening way. While he tried to keep his composure, his rapid heartbeat said otherwise.

It was at that very thought when the panda heard a slight buzz at the other end of the room as if a portal or rift opened a fabric in time. This low buzz then ceased as it was followed by the clatter of footsteps which got louder every second.

"C̷̲̹̣͙͕̀͜͜l̷̡͎̂͝ą̸̼̥̩͕̅̎̋̓u̶͖̮̹̰͓̥̇g̶̣̮̠̪͇̳̍h̵̛̯̊̉̿͘ù̸̙̞͈̌̎̑̓̉t̴͈͕͒̊̈̉̊h̵̤̱̳͋̊̃ͅ,"

The King's blood ran cold at the ominous voice which reverberated across the Throne room. He very well knew who said his name but didn't dare look up and meet his gaze. At least until he was given to order by his master, Citrinitas.

"You're permitted to raise your head. Now, it has been quite some time since we last spoke. How have you been?" The King metaphorically held his breath. 'Why is he asking me this?! He already knows everything because of that damn shadow demon! Is this a test? That's the only logical answer!' The politeness in the plague doctor's tone only made things that much scarier for Claughuth.

"V-Very well, Lord Citrinitas." Though he had a slight stutter at the beginning, he quickly corrected himself so as to not upset the alchemist. "I'm glad to hear that." The alchemist replied, still carrying his polite tone. "And I'm also glad you've carried out my orders dutifully. I should reward you…"

'Is this another test?!' Claughuth thought once more, analyzing the ominous words of the plague doctor he knelt in front of. 'Of course, it is!' The King internally scoffed. 'Why would this… monster… want to reward me? It makes no sense! There's no reason to do so! He's trying to tempt me with goods and see if I'd abuse his power!'

"There is no need to do such a thing, my Lord!" Claughuth stated with haste. "As your servant, there's no need to reward me." The plague doctor was silent, at least for a few seconds before replying. "Very well, Claughuth. If that's what you desire." The King felt like a weight on his chest was lifted as Citrinitas said those words.

'Huh, I wonder why he refused? Oh well…'

"Now, as to why I'm here." The panda made sure to keenly listen to every word spoken by the plague doctor. "It's time things… change." The cryptic and sinister tone of the plague doctor made Claughuth sweat bullets. 'Change?' He asked himself. 'What does that mean? Is it good? Bad?'

"I'll keep things brief. Prepare an army of decent size to fully take over the Dragon Kingdom within two weeks. Make sure that most of the beastmen are of mediocre strength. Enough for a few regular human soldiers to kill one. The rest of your army should be here to guard your southern borders."

"A full invasion?" Claughuth asked, making sure what he heard was correct. 'Is this another ploy to increase Ordan Karris and his adventurer team's reputation for the human nation's northwest of here? Who am I kidding? That doesn't even matter. I just do as he follows now…' He concluded.

"You heard me the first time, or do I have to repeat myself again?" Though Citrinitas was trying to be nice in case the King misheard something, due to his unreadable voice, Claughuth mistook his tone differently. "N-No, my Lord. Everything's loud and clear." The panda replied in his usual gruff voice.

"Good." Citrinitas flatly stated before raising his right hand, pulling something out of his inventory. Taking his gloved hand out of the black void was a scroll. It wasn't just any scroll. But, a scroll with the battle plans for the Beastmen Nations army to follow.

The alchemist chucked the piece of rolled-up paper at the panda to catch, which he did so without hesitation. Opening it, Claughuth gazed at its contents, quickly scanning everything on the sheet of paper before rolling it back up and focusing on Citrinitas.

The scroll had everything possibly needed for the invasion. From troops to strategic locations and everything in between. Well, that's what you'd expect from a level 100 being from Nazarick who just so happens to be a master general.

(A/N: I'm no military expert. So, don't take this battle plan too seriously!)

"Like last time, follow instructions and everything will go swimmingly for you, Claughuth. While your country will have to lose the invasion, your people should still put up a great fight nonetheless. In turn, they can do what they want during the war until they're dead or have retreated back here."

Claughuth could only do so much but nod in agreement while saying: "Yes, my Lord." As a King, it pained his soul to send good soldiers to their ultimate demise. Even more so than the first set of orders given to him by Citrinitas as more beastmen would die.

But, what else could he do? Refuse the orders? Bargain for a different outcome? Lash out, perhaps? No, he learned his lesson months ago by feeling the plague doctor's brutality. He wouldn't… no. He couldn't feel that pain again.

"If you have no further inquiries, I'll be heading out." Turning around with his back facing Claughuth, Citrinitas waved his hand horizontally as he cast [Gate]. The purplish-red portal quickly opened as it emanate a low buzz. Before stepping in, however, Citrinitas turned his head and said his final words.

"And don't forget, Claughuth… Ǐ̷̬̝̄͂̈́'̴̦̬̤̖́̍m̵͍͙̰̌͑ ̵̬͕͌̈́̅ä̸̜̫̯͚́̅͠l̶̲̝͙̑̚w̸̯͚̌̃̓́a̷͙̘̞̞̓̾͒ẙ̵̬̰͝s̴̗͍̒̔̑ ̸̹̯̈w̵̟̭̙̐̏͝a̶̞͇̲̲͌͒t̵͔̬͇͉̊̍̑̎ć̵̰̾h̷͓͎͚̞͒i̸͍̣̦̺̅́͘n̷̦̜͐̑̎̕g̸̼̫͙̯͗̃."

Like that, Claughuth was left alone in his desolate Throne room once more. To be frank, it took a couple of seconds for the King to stop kneeling and get back up as he was still trying to collect his emotions from Citrinitas' final words.

With the scroll in hand, Claughuth unveiled it once more, analyzing it carefully now that the plague doctor was gone from his Throne room. "Two weeks…" He muttered to himself in a low, gruff voice. "In that case, I should prepare the army immediately…"

[Timeskip - 3 Days]

[Scene Change]

Draudillion Oriculus, in her typical child-like disguise, deeply sighed in frustration as she looked at the report given to her by a servant. The other nobles who were in the Royal Court also expressed similar emotions as a few of them threw the paper onto the table in anger.

"You're fucking kidding me!" A chubby noble shouted, breaking the silence of the tense room. "At least 20,000 troops gathering by our fallen cities. Followed by another 15,000 east of Igale and 35,000 east of here?! Capital city Entoross?! I'd have to conscript the commoners in my domain to fight! I'll lose so much of my money!" He resumed, smashing his fist on the expensive meeting room table.

"Uugh," A noble in blue "Shut your fucking mouth, fatass! Money is the least of your concerns!" A noble next to the chubby noble shot up from his seat, slamming both hands on the table. "Zip it, asshole! Obviously, money is very important! Who do you think hires all the adventurers? HUH?!"

"Not you, money grubby bitch! You and your group just spend all the money you 'earn' for yourselves! At least some of us nobles here chip into the defence of this nation, ugly parasite!" The noble in blue stated as a very few amounts of heads nodded in agreement. Like that, the Royal Court blew up as everyone started to get into shouting matches.

That was the unfortunate truth of things here. Most of the nobles in the Dragon Kingdom are greedy and selfish assholes. They abuse their power and status to get what they want and constantly argue with one another. Sadly, the number of nobles that weren't like this could be counted on one hand.

Draudillion could only grumble at the sight of in-fighting before tilting her head to look at Prime Minister Brythan who stood next to her. He simply only roll his eyes before she turned her head back to the arguing nobles in front of her.

"Alright, everybody. Calm down." The Queen's attempt at calming the restless Royal Court fell on deaf ears as the nobles kept screaming profanities at each other. Draudillion sighed again as she put a hand on her forehead before tying again, this time louder.

"I said… CALM DOWN!!!"

Like a teacher screaming at a classroom full of children, everybody sealed their mouths closed as they stopped what they were doing. It was quite rare for Draudillion to do this as she was quite a cheery person. So, it was no wonder all the nobles in the room froze.

"Hmph," Draudillion crossed her child-like arms as she broke the silence she made.

"Like Marquess Florence said," She took a minor pause as she gestured to the noble in blue before continuing. "There are more important matters this country faces than your finance problems." The fat noble and his partners huffed in reluctant defeat as the Queen pressed on with the important matter.

"Now, can we discuss this important subject civilly? Or do I have to resort to other methods?" All the nobles in the Royal Court nodded in unison, which pleased her. "Excellent." She clasped her hands together. "Now, does anyone have any ideas as to how we proceed?"

"Proceed?" A noble in red asked. "How do we proceed with that?!" He put a strong emphasis on 'that' as he gestured to the report everyone had in their hands. "We might as well give up and leave the country because, from a logical standpoint, we're all doomed!" The other nobles focused their attention on him as he continued his pessimistic ramblings.

"The Theocracy hasn't sent their Sunlight Scripture in ages. Roble is too far away to properly help us. Besides, they have their own issues. And the nail in the coffin, the Empire and Kingdom are in shambles with that… undead country which was established 12 days ago. This doesn't even take into account our own situation! Resources have been low like they always have along with low morale!"

Some of the nobles agreed with the red noble's points while others didn't like the bleak reality of it all, hoping for some light in the dark. For example, Marquess Florence has a certain child back in Carca village, now Clebus, that he doesn't want to die. Everyone sat in silence, sharing gloom with one another before Prime Minister Brythan pointed out something that was quite obvious.

"Ordan Karris and his team, Hope. What about them? He and his adventurer team, Hope, have saved this country countless amount of times. If anyone could save this failing nation, it's him and his associates." He stated in his usual monotone and emotionless voice.

Draudillion's eyes grew sparkles at hearing the name of her country's saviour. "That's right!" She exclaimed, rejuvenated with new enthusiasm. "We have our trump card! The glorious, fantastic, distinguished, wonderful, lovely, dashing, powerful Ordan Karris! He will save me- US!!!" Brythan rolled his eyes again at Draudillions typical praise of the man she liked to an abnormal degree.

"He and his team have access to 5th Tier Magic. And if rumours are to be believed, with how easily they use it, possibly even 6th Tier too." A noble in black pointed out as the other nobles smiled giggly. Of course, each noble was smiling for different reasons. Some due to greed, others due to making the Dragon Kingdom a better nation for its people. But it heavily tilted to the former rather than the latter.

'Ahhh, Ordan Karris, you're so powerful!' The Queen internally hugged herself at the thought of the magic caster in white. "Well, our odds of winning would certainly increase." Marquess Florence spoke up. "But, there's still a 70,000 beastman-strong army at our borders. We'll have to conscript as many civilians as we can and divert resources to our army. That, along with hiring strong mercenaries and adventurers to defend strategic areas. The battle will be bloody, but we can emerge victorious."

In contrast to moments earlier, the atmosphere of the Royal Court was more positive now that there was somewhat of a plan and boosted morale. "Well, I'd say we'll have to get to preparations effective immediately! Who knows when the beastmen will attack our soil!" The other nobles agreed as they turned to face Draudillion. "Mmhm! It's time we prepare for war! May the 4 Great Gods bless us!"

[Timeskip - 1 Day]

[Scene Change]

"Yeah, the country is preparing for war. Can you believe it?" An adventurer in his mid-twenties said to his friend as he had his arms rested on his hips. "With recent beastmen movements, it's to be expected. However, my brother and father are gonna have to join the war efforts. They're just commoners with no weapon training, unlike me…" The friend replied sullenly before sighing.

That was one of many conversations Citrinitas overheard as they passed by the streets of Entoross to get to the royal castle with Esdeath and Shalltear by his side. 'It's a funny thing how [Cold Blooded] works. I'd be feeling some guilt for orchestrating this entire operation by now if it weren't for that skill and my lore. Oh well…' The alchemist thought to himself as the royal castle came closer into view.

Soon enough, the trio disguised as their adventuring personas finally arrived near the front gates of the royal castle. "Greetings, guards!" Citrinitas said in a loud voice, raising a hand in the air to get their attention. "Would you be so kind as to open the gates for us?"

"Why of course, Ordan Karris, Báthory, and Elsa!" The guard shouted back as he gestured for his colleagues to open the gates. "We've been informed of your arrival as other adventurers, mercenaries and the like came here not long ago. Her majesty is waiting for you in her meeting room. Do you need an escort to guide you to the location?"

"I appreciate the offer. However, a guide isn't needed." The alchemist refused the offer from the guard. Not before thanking him for the information, he provided moments earlier. Quickly, Citrinitas, along with Esdeath and Shalltear, walked through the outer gates and into the royal castle.

As the three made their way to the meeting room, in typical needy fashion, Esdeath and Shalltear reached out for Citrinitas' white-gloved hands and held them. Though not saying anything, they slightly tilted their heads and eyed each other and gave hidden death glares, as if saying back off.

Citrinitas ignored their needy antics as finally, all three of them arrived at the door that led to the meeting room. Wasting no time, the plague doctor let go of the two women holding his hands (to their dismay) and pushed the door open, revealing a small collective of people sitting around a table.

At the head of the table sat Queen Draudillion Oriculus, with Prime Minister Brythan not far away standing to her left and an empty seat to her right. There was also a young, red-haired man dressed in swordsman attire along with a few other people by his side. All of them had red detailings on their gear and a small, flaming flower sigil somewhere on their clothes.

[Image of Optics]

'The man with red hair must be Optics, the leader of Blazing Crimson. He reminds me of Reinhard from Re:Zero. Damn, that was a good show…' Citrinitas said in his mind, eyeing the worker leader and his fellow team members with curiosity. There were a few other people that sat down on the table that Citrinitas couldn't identify right off the bat. All except one.

Cerabrate, leader of Crystal Tear.

The pervert sat at the opposite end of the table from Draudillion. While keeping his emotions hidden under a calm front, at the sight of Citrinitas, his eyes grew hidden malice for the powerful adventurer.

However, taking a quick glance at a certain vampire and ice general, that hate slightly faltered as something… arose within him. 'Those women… utter beauties…' The clump of cells thought to himself. 'Ordan Karris, one of these days I'll beat the shit outta you and take those women for myself. And the short blonde one… oh, she almost rivals my Queen in looks. One day, she'll be mine…'

In the end, Cerabrate didn't say anything as Draudillion gleamed at the sight of Hope entering the meeting room. "ORD- Ordan Karris! I'm glad you could make it to this hasty meeting! You and your companions arrived at the perfect time. Please, take a seat!" The Queen said with joy in her voice.

"There's no need for the thanks, your majesty. It's our duty to protect this nation." Citrinitas said politely. With how people sat around the long, rectangular table, there were four seats left unoccupied. There were two empty seats next to each other around the middle, one next to the Queen and the other next to the clump of cells.

With Citrinitas and Esdeath closest to the two seats in the middle, Shalltear headed for the one next to Cerabrate. Adjusting her gothic adventurer outfit to sit comfortably, the pedophile used that small window of opportunity to discreetly move his seat closer to hers.

Meanwhile, as soon as Citrinitas touched the backrest of the chair and got ready to sit down, Draudillion suddenly interrupted and stopped him by calling out his name.

"Hold up! There's an empty seat next to me! Y-You could sit next to me if you'd like!" Brythan slightly shook his head side to side at the Queens antics while Cerabrate held the urge to flip the entire table out of anger. Esdeath and Shalltear? They held the urge to flip the entire fucking castle.

'WHAT?!' Cerabrate, Esdeath, and Shalltear thought in unison. "I thank you for your generosity, your majesty. I'll gladly accept your offer." The plague doctor said with his typical echo effect in his voice due to the mask that covered his face.

While every seat, excluding Cerabrate's and Shalltear's chairs, was a comfortable distance away from one another to provide enough legroom for everybody, the chair space between Draudillion and Citrinitas was coincidentally closer to each other.

With all other eyes focused on the plague doctor switching seats, the disgrace of a human being, Cerabrate, slowly crept his hand towards Shalltear and rested it on her leg, outlined by her gothic dress. He then slowly leaned her way, sniffing her blonde hair as he squeezed and massaged her thigh.

'My goodness,' Cerabrate thought to himself. 'Báthory's thighs are soft, yet cold to the touch. I could feel her thighs tenderness even underneath the silky fabrics of her dress.' He internally grinned like a madman. 'This is amazing… absolutely amazing! I wish I could touch her petite body longer…'

Shalltear could only turn around to face the man, keeping a neutral facial expression so as to not compromise the meeting. The pedophile flashed a small smile before reverting to his usual position, retracting his hand as everybody stopped focusing on Citrinitas.

Shalltear somehow kept her aura at bay. However, if it weren't for the eye mask that she wore due to her adventurer gear, everybody in the room would have witnessed the sheer loathing in her eyes.

'How dare this worthless piece of SHIT TOUCH ME!!! There is only ONE man in the world that can touch my thighs like that! I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I'll kill him…'

"Before starting this important meeting, I must once again say thank you for coming here on such short notice." Draudillion quickly bowed her head to show her gratitude. While someone of her calibre to bow was seen as a taboo in royalty, she couldn't care less right now. What mattered to her at this time was the defence of her nation and the protection of her people.

"Recently, the Beastmen Nation have been gathering their armies close to our borders. The paper in front of you has all the details. With this meeting, I hope we can devise a plan to successfully fend off their armies and keep the population safe." Everyone picked up the papers the Queen spoke of as they all analysed its contents. Some kept a stone-cold face while others showed understandable worry.

"An army of at least 70,000 soldiers?" Optics asked rhetorically. "In the name of the 4 Great Gods… that's a lot," Shalltear replied to the man. "Well, their forces are split into three separate armies." She pointed out. Cerabrate huffed cockily.

"With the number of troops we have, along with a few powerful figures such as myself, this war will result in our victory. After all, we have the quantity advantage." Shalltear bit her tongue, doing her best not to turn the adventurer into red mist.

"Then how should we go about deciding who goes where?" Questioned one of Optics team members. Before Cerabrate could answer, Citrinitas spoke up. "The most logical would be having the strongest fight the bigger army and work our way from there." Everyone keenly listened as he continued to talk.

"So, Cerabrate and I would defend Entoross. Optics his team along with Báthory could hold down the southern army. Elsa and the rest of Crystal Tear could defend Igale." Citrinitas finished with his suggestion as Esdeath spoke up. "That seems like a reasonable plan. How does that sound, guys?"

Shalltear was the first one to rebuke. "Ordan Karris, is it possible for me to be paired up with Cerabrate?" Internally, the pervert celebrated like it was the 4th of July. 'Báthory wants to be with me! Me! I've successfully wooed Ordan Karris' team member, hahahahaha!!!'

'Hmmm? Why does Shalltear want to be joined up with Cerabrate? I was going to fake his death and send him to the Happy Farm when Entoross gets overrun with beastmen.' Citrinitas asked himself before replying to the vampire. "While I wouldn't mind in any other situation, this can't be the case here." The alchemist stated. "I believe it's best for stronger beings to take on more weight."

Optics and his worker group nodded with Citrinitas' wise words. "Blazing Crimson seconds that idea. As the Capital is the most populated city and there being more beastmen, it's only logical that happens. Besides, depending on how quickly we kill all the beastmen, we can always come and help."

The clump of cells could only internally curse profanities at Citrinitas as not only was he still mad he got to sit with his Queen, but he was also denied being with Shalltear. Seeing Blazing Crimson agree with Citrinitas, everyone else in the room nodded to his idea. "Excellent!" Draudillion said joyfully, clasping her hands. "Now that we have that sorted, let's get the rest of the logistics figured out!"

Next Chapter: Midnight Massacre

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(A/N: Put the pitchforks down, guys! I know y'all are mad at Cerabrate but don't worry as Citrinitas will give him what he deserves for doing that to Shalltear and being a pedo!

Anyways, how was the chapter? Was it to your liking? Any areas for possible improvements? Got any suggestions? Please, let me know with a comment and/or review as it greatly helps!

One more thing, should I make an aux chapter where images of all new characters will be such as the acolytes?)