Eye Of Grave (1)

Author's Note: Many of you have asked in the comments about how Alex's adaptability works. Well, let me explain. Alex's adaptation skill allows him to gain resistance at an incredibly fast speed. However, it's not as extreme as Doomsday's abilities, as Alex can still die and doesn't possess rapid regeneration skills.

After Alex was killed by the god, his soul was summoned along with Touya's. This experience may have granted his soul resistance against divinity, but his body wasn't present in the divine realm. As a result, he remains vulnerable to divinity.

***

It didn't take long for Tsubaki to regain control of her body. However, when she regained control, she found herself bound by chains made of Earth element.

In the location where Alex had paralyzed Tsubaki, she struggled relentlessly to break free from the chains while Alex read the message originally addressed to Tokugawa Ieyashu.

Examining the letter, Alex realized that today was the day Tsubaki had left to meet with Ieyasu and had encountered Touya during his visit to Yae's family.

"Looks like you all have some undead problems" Alex remarked, glancing at Tsubaki.

"Release me" Tsubaki demanded, still striving to break free from the chains.

"Releasing someone who attempted to attack me would be foolish, don't you think?" Alex replied lazily, observing Tsubaki, who had ceased struggling and now calmly regarded him.

"Well, my name is Alexander, though you can call me Alex. I was in this area when I sensed the presence of undead... Hmm, I must say, you've got yourself quite an annoying predicament."

Tsubaki remained silent and calmly gazed at Alex.

"Well, judging by those masked warriors, I might have an idea of what you all are currently facing" Alex stated.

"Wait, you know about the undead?" Tsubaki asked in surprise.

"Yeah, like I mentioned earlier, I might have an idea of what's going on" Alex replied.

"Alex-san, please help us with this situation we're facing" Tsubaki pleaded.

"Well, I can help you all... but what's in it for me?" Alex asked nonchalantly, his eyes fixed on Tsubaki, who regarded him thoughtfully.

As an experienced ninja, Tsubaki remained wary of Alex at all times. Trusting a stranger wasn't easy for her. However, when Alex mentioned that he might be able to assist her clan, she was taken aback and became eager for his help.

The predicament they all faced was significant. Thousands had perished, and the power of the Takeda clan had greatly diminished. Their lord, Takeda Shingen, had been confirmed dead, and Kansukay was wreaking havoc in other territories.

If Alex could truly aid them, Tsubaki was willing to do anything for him. But why should he help them? He had no obligation to do so, and she lacked the authority to negotiate the rewards and benefits he might receive, as those decisions rested with her superiors.

"I'm not in a position to discuss potential rewards with you, but if you assist our clan, Lord Kousaka-sama and others are sure to reward you accordingly," Tsubaki explained.

"What would they reward me with? Money? Resources? Honestly, I have no shortage of those... However, if one of mine condition is fulfilled, I might consider helping you all," Alex proposed.

"What is your condition, Alex-san?" Tsubaki inquired.

"My condition is quite simple... I want you to swear allegiance to me," Alex declared.

"...Excuse me," Tsubaki, who heard Alex, was dumbfounded and couldn't help but ask him what he meant, while a small blush started to adorn her beautiful face.

"You heard me right. I have observed your capabilities and I must admit that you possess remarkable skills in hiding your presence and assassination techniques. Even experienced warriors might struggle to detect you. You have great talent, and I would like someone like you to work for me."

"I'm sorry, but I serve the Takeda Clan. I cannot swear my allegiance to you."

"What if your seniors agree to this?"

"Then..."

"If I help you all solve this problem and then request for you to become my subordinate" Alex asked, looking straight into Tsubaki's eyes.

"If my seniors agree to this, I will swear my allegiance to you." Tsubaki answered, momentarily flustered, and turned her gaze away.

"Very well then. Let's go." Alex said, snapping his fingers to dispel the spell and freeing Tsubaki from her confines.

Alex then shifted his gaze from Tsubaki to the heavily guarded base.

"A barrier has been placed around the area, preventing us from simply using teleportation magic to enter."

"A barrier... It must be Kansukay's doing."

"Perhaps, but don't worry. There are many other ways to infiltrate the place."

"I will use an invisibility spell to make myself undetectable. You can proceed, and I will follow behind you."

"That might work."

"Very well then, let's try. Bend, O Light. Guiding Curvature: [Invisible]!"

Alex chanted the invisibility spell, and his body began to disappear from Tsubaki's view.

"Huh? Alex-san," Tsubaki exclaimed in surprise, noticing Alex's disappearance and calling out to him.

Seeing Tsubaki's reaction, Alex smirked and moved behind her, lightly squeezing her firm buttocks.

"Ah, A-Alex-san? Why?" Tsubaki yelped and jumped away while her face turning deep red.

"Hahaha, nothing. Let's go," Alex chuckled as he admired her cute face. Alex moved towards her and grabbed her arm, teleporting them both to the foot of the cliff near the entrance of the stronghold.

***

"I am Kousaka-sama's subordinate. Let me pass."

"I see. Just a moment, then," the two guards said, looking at Tsubaki's permit and nodding at each other while allowing her to enter. The place did not seem to have a separate entrance for individuals.

Tsubaki and Alex, who was still invisible, made their way inside the stronghold.

"Now what?"

"Hmm, let's first destroy the barrier, which will allow me to cast a wide area spell."

"But shouldn't we first release the others so they can help us deal with the army of undead?"

"Nah, that would waste a lot of time. Once the barrier is destroyed, I will cast a spell to deal with the undead and release all the captives collectively."

"Very well, I shall follow your plan."

"Do you know where some kind of magical talisman is located?"

"A talisman? Yes, I know where they are. Follow me," Tsubaki replied, and Alex invoked an invisibility spell on her as well, making her invisible and able to see Alex once again.