(A dragon [THUNDEROUS LIZARD] was the last challenge? A creature from the distant past…? Xin once supposedly had them, though all I have seen of proof are rock-like bones set into the sheared walls of the continental edge.)
The sky outside is a deep gray. Stormy marshmallows hang low, floating by as they foretell of future rains.
Staring up at them brings forth feelings that overcome all of the prior concerns Adris has had until this moment. Though only around a week since seeing the clouds of Xin, Zennia is a fresh world he’s being born into.
As if to celebrate his achievement, flower petals from the gardens blow by with the fresh winds.
“I’m free.”
Even as the survivors of Dining Hell linger within this gated and paved area, true freedom is still very distant.
With arches, columns, and assorted architecture barely seen over the hedgemazes ahead floating ever so slowly in multiple directions, this world ever spoken of presents harsh, new realities. For instance, a strange, gigantic tree rising from the center of this maze’s distant terraces, one whose trunk vanishes into the clouds above, proves that physics even outside of the Castillo refuse to conform to common sense.
Set between steep hills in a high valley, the mansion and presumably Petripolis seem very cut off from civilization.
Still, the non-artificial brightness combines with the wonderful scents of the traveling botanical maze around them to begin unburdening his soul.
Absent here are the erotic, cloying smells of inside.
(Serras… I won. I’m outside. Neither truly killing me nor confining me to hell, your pathetic betrayal is finally undone.)
Throwing his arms wide, breathing in deeply, he laments that the Castillo itself hasn’t disappeared. Unable to take in its immensity this close to it, the building which houses infinite tiers of hallways and chambers as big as the hellish kitchens they escaped is, at least on the outside…
(It’s so tiny, in comparison to the labyrinth that is its belly.)
Towers and spires rise above the mansion, edifices appearing set into a central building which climbs to the heavens, with two larger, yet squatter, wings adjacent. Lingering outside one of these wings himself, the architecture visible is even more flamboyant than inside.
Outside walls join with isolated spires rising within opened sections, yet only sparingly connect to the structure. Vaulting openings create an external facade that house the internal structure, which is a honeycomb of splendorous stained glass windows and alcoves.
Rather than simply stacked stone, the blocks are slightly offset with each other, so that they form waves as they travel. Facades are gilded and silvered, displaying scenes of temptations and power with every surface available. Such art inherent to its construction renders the entire structure divided into greater and smaller scenes, all building up to the upper floors which stretch tied ropes bearing enormous flapping banners to the lower levels.
(For armies to allow such treasures to exist, this fact alone demonstrates the power of the one living within more than words ever could. Why this dreaming, sleepy feeling? It seems alive inside.)
Gems, silver, and other precious metals are in abundance, with even the unknown whitish-blue of Ave’s bodysuit and other strange metals used to create the bestial sentries that overlook from their sharp perches. All of these wonderful riches are cocooned in hazardous creepers and flowers, and the entire building is licked upon by a permanent mist which swirls around both it and its surrounding landscape.
Although blue and gray are the predominant colors as expected, the curious star is gold. Spreading out from vibrant, gleaming masses of the metal, the gold plating the walls and art seems like an infection growing to devour the sick. Where its gilded tendrils invade, all other materials must yield.
Obeying its own thoughts, the gilding of the building seeks to subvert it entirely, as architecture appearing to have been consumed is even more mercurial in style and shape than the rest.
(Her very namesake substance warps the world. Greed conquers all.)
Lost in thought at the opportunities that might exist to siphon this wealth, a slap to his back sends him careening forward before he manages to recover his balance. Avoiding impacting on a wrought-iron fence, he turns slowly to look at…
“Boss! Ahead!”
Kol points in a direction as the process of rescuing Mantecado from the iron door he’s squeezing out of ends with a pop and roll. Seemingly used to restock a burning rock, this “coal” door is Kol and Red Tide’s secret entrance into the Castillo.
Looking at the sharp and elegant windows nearby, Adris wonders why they don’t simply break in.
“Ahead… is…?”
“Smell, all! Che, hurry!”
Simply latching onto his wrist, Adris is dragged by the energetic girl.
The sheepish Ave continues to shiver as she carries Echo and their packs, but she is all smiles at the same feeling of freedom Adris is grasped by.
At least until she and Adris make eye contact. When they do, there is a flash of pain, embarrassment, and unspoken thoughts before she turns her head away.
(What have I done now? Is this about the tome or…?)
Still, on the other hand, gives a lazy wave before hoisting Neesiette’s struggling figure up.
(Everyone is safe. I… did it.)
This feeling of concern seems out of place to Adris, but he quickly reminds himself of their necessity for his plans.
Joining the rest as they troop towards a gate between hedges, the sight revealed just beyond is upsetting.
A gigantic water fountain with multiple pools is at the center of this garden area with a manicured lawn. At the top of the fountain is a girl in a simple dress, her long hair flowing as she reaches towards an inverted castle floating above her that looks much like the building surrounding them.
Waters swirl down from this castle by aid of seemingly magic to deposit into the upper pools before spilling over into the lower ones. Lounging by these lower pools are…
(Every last kobold that attacked us! We can’t—!)
Breaking free of her hand, his cross comes up in defense as Kol marches forward confidently.
“GEH!? Scurry!”
“WHY!?”
“Oh no, no, no, no!”
The battered troop of Castillo kobolds called Red Tide start falling back as the champion born of their numbers corners them with her body language. When one tries to flee, her piercing pink eyes paralyze him, forcing him to dejectedly return.
At the lead of around thirty kobolds is a handsome male wearing a double-breasted blue jacket— or what’s left of it. With cloak dirtied and ripped, and jacket having multiple large gashes in it, his cringing face displays two black eyes which have yet to completely disappear from Vigor’s healing.
“Hah, Stalker, know. Run away, wait until Kindle and Chill, Echo come!”
“… Well, it’s… the smart thing to do. The Scurry way.”
“Stalker, calm down?”
“Yeah… Stalker, calmed down. … Sorry for earlier.”
Dissuaded from his previous “accept no refusal” lust, the man and his comrades have nowhere else to go. Left with only the uniforms on their backs, a kitchen knife apiece, and a few bows and slings, all of their possessions were lost in the collapse of their home.
The morale of the tribe is at the lowest possible state…
(No, it just got lower.)
When Mantecado walks in carrying Kindle and Chill under his arms, and Echo is gingerly laid down by Ave as the kind elf fans her face with a folding fan, the whinging and crying becomes unbearable.
“Eh!? We didn’t hurt—!” When Ave sees the reaction and tries to mollify them, they start losing their minds.
“NO!? SCURRY, IN CHARGE, NOW!?”
“Just die. Might as well just die.”
“Echo, fine, if mean! But… SCURRY!?”
“No home, no hope, only Scurry… no home, no hope, only Scurry…”
“… At least the men are free.”
Kobolds hug and console each other; yet, none try to attack Kol to escape from their fate.
(No reward was ever claimed. We’ve defeated all of them, leaving this great victory that deserves the buzzing I feel. Why isn’t it being claimed?)
Nerves firing hard, Adris’ uplifting sensation reminds him of winning over the imps. As Kol strides up to a nearby tree, he begins to believe it’s because of her own designs.
“Abandon a pointless, despondent future, embracing instead—! UGhh!”
Turning toward the scream, Still shrugs and shakes her head as Neesiette’s own rolls wildly.
{Still weird. On your own for this, partner. Just be warned, we’ve been… making plans between us. This might be hers…?}
(… Huh!? What plans!?)
Crossing her arms as she stares down her former family, Kol begins to grin that same aggressive way she gets when she is ready to demand the world from someone. It brings a shiver down Adris’ spine as he edges toward her.
“As see, Kol: win.” With a passionate tone to her deep, womanly voice, she points a finger at Mantecado. “Sneaky, lying Kindle and Chill, say strongest? Better than Kol? KAKA! Look!”
“… Oh!? This when Mantecado does the thing, then?”
Still showing Kol absolute respect and subservience, the butt-naked giant lifts the dripping Chill and Kindle up from the ground by their arms to be shown off.
“Ugh! Kindle, isn’t gonna accept this! Everyone, fight with us! Beat Scurry!”
“Agreed, even if this is the end, resist! Remember, we’re always with everyone— NYAH!?”
“Come on, girl, don’t interrupt.”
Letting Chill drop, the man hastily sticks his fingers into her dripping pussy and starts churning them, causing the short beauty to lift her butt and wrap her tail around his arm.
“NO, no, no! Not in… hah, front of… everyone ♥! Ah… shitty Big Dick! Oooh! If this is gonna happen… then… stick it back in!”
“Shitty Chill. Get a hold of yourself.”
Quickly surrendering to a man, Chill stares at her irate sister while drooling, earning a blushing face in return.
“See? So powerful, but still surrender. Just like all tribe. Losing, Kol, mean: all, belong, Kol. KAKAKAKAKA!”
Gloating openly, the tyrant standing in front of the tree earns only more sobbing and angry murmurs. Though their bodies are cowed, the hearts of the assembly, ignoring Stalker who looks at Kol only with adoration, are burning hot with anger.
(They will definitely never willingly follow you again.)
Hand over his face, Adris tries to think of how to salvage this embarrassing situation.
“Umu, now, Kol leader of tribe… Kol have… army.”
(You what!?)
Clenching her fist while facing toward the Castillo, the deranged kobold’s expression is militaristic in bent. Her eyes full of greed and smile warped in arrogance are concerning.
“Fail once, not again! Kol, make all strong, strong under BOSS, THEN… LEAD BACK INTO…!”
“Hold it.”
“HYAH!?”
Stopping her in mid speech, he sighs as Kol whips around to sidle up to him.
“Boss… don’t interrupt. Kol, give speech. ‘Rude.’”
(Fuck your rudeness! You’re not forming an assault force!)
“Kol, doing things this way…” Wondering how to explain her actions in a way which doesn’t antagonize her, Adris falters a bit under the weight of her total happiness and security.
“They will neither love you nor respect you, except to fear you. Watching your back always, you’ll forever be haunted by their potential to revolt. The terms you’ve laid out and how you are likely to lead them can be summarized with one word: the way of a ‘tyrant’.”
“Kol, ‘tyrant’ (CRUEL AND OPPRESSIVE AUTOCRAT)!? AH! NICE! Boss, have best word for all times!
TYRANT KNIGHT KOL!
STRONGEST EVER! KAKAKA!”
Driving the butt of her axe into the stone, she heartily laughs with her hand to her hips. Rather than being disappointed by the term, she seems ecstatic to be described this way.
(This girl can’t be helped!)
“… Hah, Scurry, never learn.” A groggy voice as deep as Kol’s comes from behind, prompting the two to turn toward it.
“Oh!? You’re okay, Ms… Echo, was it? I’m glad you overcame the shaded shadow and returned safely to us!”
Full of gratitude as she helps Echo to her feet, Ave receives a look of confusion from the woman. Getting the impression that Echo doesn’t understand her words, the happiness demonstrated is what earns the grunt and nod from the girl.
(… No, what is this?)
Showing this acknowledgment, Echo also briefly… blushes at the cute face shown, looking as if she’s a boy swept up into the kindness of an innocent woman’s friendly, yet seductive, mannerisms.
A few roses petals picked up by the wind begin to float towards the two who are stuck holding hands…
Striding forward, Adris steals Echo’s hand and yanks her close.
“… Human…?” Turning chilly in an instant as she frowns, Adris’ face produces a sickening revulsion in her.
(Perfect!)
Dragging her toward Kol as Ave’s shock is ignored, the two kobolds start sparking immediately.
“… Huh, Echo lose, still have words? Hah, loser, bark! Kakaka!”
“Scurry never changes. Even when everyone despises her, she still thinks she’s right.”
“Despise? Fine, but follow! Just like Echo will!”
Grabbing up Echo by the green cloth panel covering her breasts, the reaction is swift as Echo growls and raises her claws.
“Hold! Stop!”
Sticking the cross between them, Kol perks up.
“Hm? Need something?”
“… Kol, do you truly seek to lead the tribe once more?”
“Ah? Boss, interested!? KAKA! Yes, Kol, great dream: lead tribe, ‘greatness’! Strongest tribe, ever!”
Coming to a plan after seeing Echo regain her spirit, he starts laying down the verbal and logical traps necessary to complete it, while still giving Kol what she wants.
(Why go to these lengths? Partly, because… I can’t stand their faces!)
Every time Adris takes Kol’s attention away from the kobolds, their faces break into relieved thanks. Even now, their hidden gazes and mouthed words are clear to a boy given the gift of perfect understanding of speech.
{HELP US! SAVE US! NOT KOL!}
Some form of this is voiced by all, with puppy dog eyes directed at the only man who doesn’t bow to a mad ruler’s whims.
Their fates, after all, hinge on him.
(They’ve noticed that she calls me “boss”, is it? I don’t want her leading you, either. She’s terrible at it and I… need her for myself. Without Kol, this team can’t function even for a day!)
“Oh, you will be leaving us to take up a position of leadership over the tribe? Ah, that is quite sad. Well, while disappointing…”
“… What… wait, what, why leave? Boss? Why, Kol, leave?”
Tail dropping, Kol’s wish grows distorted by his words as she looks indecisive.
“To take up leadership and make others work for you instead of you doing it for them, is this not what you intend?”
“… Umu, this, true. No more, do everything. They do!”
“Then, I must question this: how do you intend to lead and train them to accomplish what you can do, while still functioning as a member of this delving team?
Will you not be forced to choose one or the other, as sad as that is? Can you do both?”
“EH!? Kol is… leaving!? Ah… that is…?” At first horrified, Ave’s hand over her face reveals less emotion after; yet, her body language is conflicted as she hides something like relief under the surface.
When Kol turns to look at her tribe with dark cheeks and a firm mouth, Adris surreptitiously gets the attention of Echo by pulling on her.
Making eye contact, the confused girl stares deeply into him as his eyes work.
Blinking once, she then curls her lips like she has bitten into rotten meat. Closing her eyes, she then slaps off his hand.
(Understand and help!)
“… Huh, as stupid as Scurry is, she will never understand the time needed to properly lead others.”
“HUH!? Echo, big words for one who—!”
“Echo, can use big words because she has led the tribe. Scurry: how long did you lead for?”
Pausing in her outrage, Kol dwells on this.
“Hm… one season? But, Kol got furthest!”
(You really pine for leading these idiots after only a single season of it!?)
“Yes, the furthest, but also flamed out.”
Lifting Echo up, Kol growls menacingly. While the kobolds cower, Echo just sneers.
“Echo… led the tribe every season since you left~.”
“HAH!?”
“Kaka… even if Scurry went and called herself ‘Kol’, Echo was making things work without her~. Even if rely on Alchemaster, still better leader.”
“GNUNUNU!”
Snorting and burning a hole into the face of her once tag-along pet, Kol’s anger results in only her own impotent shaking. Lifting her chin, Echo’s smugness is moments from getting her creamed.
“… Hm, she makes a compelling point, Kol.”
“‘Compelling point’ mean Boss, want Echo, over Kol!? Kol, wondering, what try say!?”
“Let go! Down!”
Grabbing at what’s left of his clothing, the manic girl who is being abandoned by her “superior” looks…
(It’s not jealousy, is it? Or do you think I’d want Echo over you? … This is dangerous, but she’ll definitely bite.)
Returning the favor by sinking into her tight butt with his hand, she stiffens and goes silent. Letting this charged gesture carry him, he leans forward so that only she can hear, whispering into her fluffy ear and producing a twitch from it.
“… Perhaps I’m just… disappointed that I’d be losing the chance to engage in… contests with you?”
“Hmmm…!? Umu… that, important, also…”
Leaning into his body and sniffing his neck, the shocking return action causes Echo to cringe back.
“… Geh!? Scurry… really did it!?”
“AH!? FOR REAL!? SCURRY, MATED WITH A HUMAN!?”
Stalker screams out in despair, before collapsing into the lap of a kobold near him while staring at nothing. With the dead Stalker comforted by the others, every kobold salivates at Adris’ words.
(Right, recognize this authority! AH!?)
Kol begins pawing at it through the thin cloth covering his expanding penis, dangerously escalating this fake sexual lure.
“Scurry!”
“… Che, hmm.”
Releasing Adris, she seems to finally understand the problem. Looking back to her group…
“… Ave… doesn’t really want Kol to leave, right? Are you sure you don’t want to stay with us?”
Smiling softly, the battered elf abandons her conflicted look and offers a dainty hand to her friend.
{Bye-bye~! Try to ruin yourself quickly~! The faster you leave, the faster I can forget about you~!}
Waving Kol off, Still then laughs into her hand.
(Thank you.)
With her arch-nemesis telling her to leave, Kol is guaranteed to…
“NOT GIVE PLEASURE! First thing Kol do: break Puddle!” Snorting at this foe, Kol then turns to Adris for help.
“Fine, Kol, not lead. How, then, Kol, get tribe strong!? Kol, not give up: want show, Boss, Kol can give…!”
Swirling, Kol plants an axehead in the tree, before lifting up the surprised Adris’ left hand with her right one. With a blazing emblem of alchemical “fire” showing on the backside of the girl’s hand, the cross gleams darkly in the outside light while held aloft.
“KAKAKAKA! RED TIDE, ABANDON NAME! BECOME… [MINIONS OF FALSE GOD]!”
Roaring out, the maddened woman grins from ear to ear.
Cowing the defeated, she offers no mercy.
(MINIONS!?)
“KOL, defeat tribe! Boss, defeat Kol. That mean: Boss, own tribe through Kol! Any, say no? Speak.”
““““HAIL, FALSE GOD! HAIL!””””
Kneeling on the ground while the air becomes stained with the miasma leaking from Kol is the entire tribe of kobolds that tried to murder him. Leaving even Echo impressed by the announcement, Echo tilts her head as she leans into view.
“Hmm, and who is… gonna lead them for… Kol, if Kol isn’t gonna do it?”
“… Geh, shitty Echo! Ruin it, sound smug…!”
“Is it such a bad question, Kol? Echo, after all, isn’t weak. Even if Kol beat her and is stronger, Echo was powerful enough… to be noticed by me.”
“Oh, Boss, think Echo strong?”
(She’s a lot more competent than you at leadership, at least. She held them together within the Castillo after you left and was doing a fair job of winning battles, by appearances. Knowing that Kindle and Chill were using her, she still utilized them just as she is working on Kol now. Having talent with social interactions, let’s hope she can overcome her insecurities.)
Disregarding a complex mental assessment, a unique fear motivates her as his choice.
(Anyone that keeps you from dragging me into an invasion of the Castillo at the head of an army is someone I want!)
Earning an amused, knowing smile from Echo as he sizes her up, Adris is forced to admit that she has good qualities.
“Ah, but, Echo, still cause whole thing! Rough win, because Echo, stupid bell!”
(I’m not sure how much of that was her and how much was me. At the very least, even if she dislikes you a bit as proved by… the darkness that spoke for her, maybe she doesn’t…?)
“Kol, I think she’s a good girl~!”
“HUH!? HOW!?”
Hugged up by a chatty elf, Echo screams out and struggles to escape from the almighty grasp of slender arms. Finally relenting to this impossible task, she looks scared for the first time since waking up.
“Why not make her your subordinate? She’ll do the trivial stuff, so you can get to doing what you like?”
“OH!? Not do, stupid things? Make her like elf, minion!?”
With the elf collapsing as a person at this question, Adris takes over.
“Correct.”
Coming nearer, Adris grins while whispering the most important part.
“In addition: anything she does that succeeds will be because of your example; while anything she does that fails will be solely her fault. Such is the method of wise rulers throughout history.”
“Shitty human!? What!?”
“KAKAKA! Perfect!”
Trying to scratch Adris’ face as she rages against Ave’s clutches, he ducks away easily while Kol pats the girl behind her head guard.
“Kakaka, Echo, useful~!”
“ECHO WILL REMEMBER THIS, HUMAN! Guh!?”
Squeezed by her cheeks, Kol’s eyes narrow as she grows deathly silent.
“Kol, not forgive, what done… not until, punish.”
“… h-huh?”
Turning back to the assembly, Kol renders her verdict.
“Okay, Kol, put Echo, over tribe.”
““““Geh!””””
“… Echo, Scurry, both cause problems! Why Echo, better!?”
From within the crowd, dissent starts forming.
“Always work too hard, make us do things, get treasure, and give up bodies to be used! Echo always say we have to pay for mating, ourselves…!”
“… hah… not Echo, just…” At this accusation, Echo’s eyes roll over to look at Kindle and Chill.
Moving forward, a hand to his mask gains everyone’s attention. Confirmed as someone who can defeat Kol, Adris’ soaring standing earns veneration and fear.
“Listen to this knowledge as given by one who has come from beyond this world:
The grudge all feel should be directed not at Scurry or Echo, but at the evil skulking behind them. Using fell magic and whispers to warp their minds, these witches that are the cause of all your woes sought only to enrich themselves…”
“SHUT UP, STUPID, SHITTY HUMAN!”
“… Ah…”
With Chill left twitching on the ground after cumming again and Kindle flailing her legs to escape, Red Tide’s membership turn their eyes toward new prey.
(It doesn’t matter if it’s true or not. I know for a fact Echo abused you all and Kol was worse. But… in the court of public opinion, the easiest scapegoat is…)
“… Right, all… Kindle and Chill’s fault!”
“Echo, always looked out for us! Even got the Alchemaster to accept us!”
“Didn’t they say it was all her plan!? So, why need Kindle and Chill!?”
“Indeed. Echo is also the reason that Kol came to save you from both the witches and the subtle manipulations of the Alchemaster, by bringing… my attention to you.
Think of all the rewards you may reap, having the competency of Echo, the power of Kol, and…”
(I sincerely hate the idea of you having an army! I refuse to allow this to be a thing… however.)
Looking at the troop ready to throw themselves at Adris’ mercy, he admits their potential utility.
(My biggest problem on Xin was manpower. So many schemes died on the vine for lack of it. If I have a group under me, kept very far away by two levels of intermediaries, then I can direct them to do anything from reconnaissance to enforcing without being responsible for problems. There’s also the chance that I can empower them to…)
“… the impossible gifts a false god from another world can offer you, which can elevate you beyond all your wildest aspirations?”
““““OOOOOH!?””””
“Kakaka! Everything, go right! Umu, Boss need, impressive ritual, right?”
(Certainly that would aid things, even if only to rope them in?)
“Oh, yes. This is true. We will need to—”
“Kol, have best ritual of all. Castillo way and Zennia fate.”
Walking up to Kindle and Chill, the two squealing women are dragged before the tribe.
“Kindle, Chill… punish.”
Pointing to the passive Stalker…
“Stalker, oppose Kol, need show, submit!”
Turning to look at the retreating Echo as Kol’s white ears perk up to their maximum supremacy…
“Echo, hurt Boss. Echo, biggest all… show submit.”
“… Scurry… what… are you doing? Echo isn’t mean to Scurry, Echo still likes…!”
Trying to get away, Kol springs into the air to subdue her like a dog pouncing on a chicken.
With the rest of the tribe sensing an out for themselves, they all eagerly gang up on the sacrificial lambs that scream in outrage.
“Kol, like Echo, too!”
“Huh!? EEEEK!?”
Licking Echo behind the ear and sending her shivering in terror, Kol laughs while ripping the obstructive armor off her underling.
“Echo… became strong. Kol, proud. So… Kol, give gift.”
Pushing Echo into Adris’ body, the two are wrapped up by the ruler’s impossibly strong arms.
“Boss, like mate, strongest, right!?”
“… Technically, yes.”
“Right! Kol, also like idea! So, while tribe, punish backstabbers, Boss…”
“… No, no, no, no! Not…!”
Brought out to the front of the Castillo, no one opposes them on their journey. Bypassing the front entrance area that is obscured by walls and hedges, the main entrance avenue leading to Petripolis is ahead.
Artistically sculptured shrubs and wide archways predominate, with the open area they enter into being a vision of opulent degeneracy.
Numerous contraptions abound, all crafted from the most immaculate white wood and iron hardware. Pillories, laying boards with manacles, and numerous other erotic traps made to lock a person into a pose are found currently unused.
With seating near the center of the paved roadway and easy access to the gardens for spectators, Adris shivers at what Kol is planning as she drags Chill and Kindle to two such devices.
As Echo’s soft whimpering starts, Adris wonders if he is doomed to be caught up in this, too.
“Boss… strongest breed strongest, make tribe, stronger~! Kindle, Chill, Stalker, weakest. Get owned by others!”
Offering a handsome grin while the twins futilely try to escape the laughing throng of kobolds, the greatest tyrant of Zennia, after the Alchemaster, consigns some of her acquaintances to being victims of an orgy by their hatefilled victims.
“Boss, not worry! Boss, get strongest! After all…”
Licking her lips, Kol hungrily stares at her declared master.
“Kol, understand Boss:
Boss, never turn down contest, always take what get. When get, never turn down, never need more!
Boss, show Echo, Boss best. Make Echo accept, feel good! Best contest, make submit with dick!
Boss, mate because Boss win! Better than Echo, true winner! Earn reward, earn Echo~! Fill her up good!
Because, Boss know, mating always best! Especially when weapon! Make female: scream, cry, moan, obey! Become slave, pleasure! KAKAKAKA!”
(You’ve never understood a single thing I’ve ever said, you brainless lord of perverts!)
Without any room left to flee, even using words, the insane girl completely misinterprets every bit of wisdom he’s ever thrown at her. Making a lewd smile as she shifts her hips and flicks her tail, she behaves like a pampered noble given their first command of peasant soldiers. Snickering as everyone obeys her plan, all become caught up in the flow she’s started.
“Huh, Kol, want see, too: Echo, submit, Boss~. Kol… submit, want see, how Echo does…
She need mating partner, punish her. Tribe, weak. Only one choice.”
“Echo can submit some other way! Not like this! Shitty Kol, worst leader!”
As the other sacrifices are strapped into their fated devices by Kol’s minions, she chooses one for Echo across from them and drags the unhappy girl along.
“Ah, worst leader, one Echo not want? Maybe! But, Kol: best tyrant~!”
The chapter got reverted to a previous revision. This is the updated version re-added.
Characters:
Characters:
Name: Adris fehl Dain, “Boss”
Titles: Lycia’s Little Brother, True False God
Race: Xin’El, Emperor’s Child (Human)
Sex: Male
Age: ?? – Young
Occupation: Crossbearer; “Star of Ruin, Cast Down from the Sky Upon a Dying World”
Discipline: [Rule in Dark]
Powers:
[Tool Savant] – “Adris is a tool-collecting-and-utilizing fanatic. Most men would consider him disgusting for loving tools more than his own partner. Has so many tools that it can be said to be his true power. What does he do when he has no tools left? He seeks to acquire more, obviously!”
[Rule in Dark – Wave of Darkness] – “Making victory possible? No, no, no. That thing isn’t that kind! There’s more than that!”
[Brainfry] – “You’re still with me, right buddy? Yeah, you’re still there.”
[Refuse to Kneel] – “Ah, even the Alchemaster can’t make me submit! This is the one that’s saved me all those times!?”
[Tongue of Air and Darkness] – “What’s the difference between this and the old one? Why ‘air’?”
[Conceptual Refusal] – “How the fuck does dominating people’s minds turn into a weird statement like this!?”
[Obscuring Sonjil] – “Man, this thing has gotten pretty strong on Zennia. At first only creating an area of fog, it can now cover a direction? Is something wrong…?”
[Marital Arts – Self-taught] – “Hoh, even if it’s dangerous to use, it feels good to prove to myself that the body is still as willing as the mind! Even if I can’t call it aura, something is inside me now!”
Disposition: Resilient / Adaptable / Sinner
Alignment: Chaotic
Eyes: Black
Hair: Black, with strands of White
Skin: Tanned
Statistics:
Rantil Value – “Even after all of that, Master is still an idiot!”
Stats
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – E
Vitality – E
Dexterity – D
Agility – C
Intelligence – D
Mentality – C
Luck – F
Charisma – D
“If you want more, stop being mean to Rantil!”
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “Much the same as before, but isn’t the way you look at others a bit more dashing, now? Forced to open yourself to the world, perhaps the gentleman may grow? That is likely impossible, isn’t it, Adris?”
“Really? Stealing a kick from me? Aren’t you just the littlest magpie?”
“Kicks aren’t going to help much against giants like that, yes? Having tasted more kobold, are you going to become a connoisseur of rich fur?”
“Would you not pale in comparison to the end, Adris?”
“Is this perhaps the first time a woman has tried to give you what she thinks you want? Or the first time you’ve noticed?”
Description:
“A boy who is a bit out of place as far as features, he descended from the top of the Castillo to the bottom by pluck, luck, and outrageous lying. Reborn into the world of Zennia, what can be said other than ‘he’s still exactly the same, but different’?”
“Ever the consummate warrior (when it suits him), throwing himself into combat against a foe he can bring harm to is liable to brighten his day.”
“The kind of man that can bald-faced lie to everyone’s face and make himself the hero of someone else’s screw up, this is the essence of a manipulator from Xin.”
“Though hardly contributing the most, being a suitable distraction is a worthwhile offering.”
“Being elevated means accepting responsibility for those who venerate you.”
Commentary:
“The guy who made things up as he went is :shockedpikachu: that someone was actually listening.”
Name: “Kol” fehl Dain
Titles: Idiot, “Tyrant Knight”
Race: Kobold
Sex: Female
Age: ???
Occupation: Delver, Frontliner
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[Invisible Edge] – “Axe goes through everything?”
[Full Contact] – “Wanna go!? Kol, let fists talk!”
[Unknown Aura of Dread] – “Huge blade, not dangerous?”
[Bulwark] – “Nobody get by Kol… ever. All belong, Kol!”
[Fire Resistance?] – “Huh, after big dark, Kol get fire, right? ‘Big deal’, flames!”
Disposition: Straightforward / Confrontational / Respectful
Alignment: Neutral
Eyes: Pink
Hair: White
Skin: Tanned
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – C
Vitality – C
Dexterity – E
Agility – F
Intelligence – F
Mentality – C
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “Are you attracted to rampaging metal? Though in your case, you appreciate the voice, don’t you? Do you long to see more? If she reminds you of a certain someone, then…?”
“All of that anger and confidence, in such a tiny package as it were, do you wonder where it all comes from?”
“Are you sure you want to be comparing Echo to this metallic terror? It might turn out to be quite a dangerous statement if she overhears it?”
“Does a rampaging wolf compare to the end?”
“Oh, a lover of dominating others? How shocking this is, isn’t it? Isn’t this matching with your tastes in general?”
Description:
“Brash and forthright, a warrior wielding an axe with two hands forsakes protection to deliver only harm. Contrary to this impression, she also seems interested in a straight up fight. If her words are any indication, she offers little thought to her actions.”
“Losing sight of what she should be doing, the would-be knight is too easily given to throwing herself into her task.”
“Belonging to the same tribe attacking her group, Kol’s error is thinking that she could somehow work everything out, despite not being socially competent enough to handle it.”
“Losing armor and the battle, she still won the war.”
“Seeking power so that she might force others to act, she also seeks the authority to defend them. The most paradoxical people are the ones who do dubious and mean-spirited things in the belief that they are doing the right thing.”
Commentary:
“Being bossy and a voyeur, maybe she likes the spectacle of something dramatic and glorious happening because she caused it?”
Name: Still
Titles: Puddle
Race: Human?
Sex: Female
Age: Young Lady
Occupation: Delver, Trickster/Outfighter
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[“Reprisal Strike”] – {You had it coming, deciding you could oppose me and walk away from it.}
[“Surprising Agility”] – {Is it honestly surprising by now? Walls are just another surface~!}
[Nectar] – {How does my suffering taste, spawn of “cursed blood”!?}
Disposition: Playful / Sadistic / Skulking
Alignment: Chaotic
Eyes: ???
Hair: ???
Skin: ???
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – E
Vitality – E
Dexterity – C
Agility – C
Intelligence – C
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “Do you really think it’s not obvious? What she possesses is what you’ve missed all your life, yes? Breasts and curves… are these not a new fruit for you to taste?”
“How will you view this betrayal, Adris? Is it a betrayal, or simply an accounting long withheld between them?”
“Beating her with malevolent kindness? That seems to be one of your favorite weapons, doesn’t it?”
“Can a wicked woman compare to the end?”
“If she says that they have plans for you, then isn’t it simply fair that you should answer to them? Is this not your definition of beauty: endless plans?”
Description:
“A mute girl who says much with gestures, she also has more going on than she seems to. Though not outwardly aggressive, there’s an atmosphere of danger about her. Opposite of Kol, hers is subtle… Yet, she also can protect others. Given to acrobatics, it matches with her dark, but flamboyant, colors.”
“Abandoning success for a chance at vengeance, whatever is between Kol and Still appears to be worth more than victory.”
“Yet when she comes slinking back, she’s able to muster appropriate humility, if only briefly.”
“Bearing great pain, in the end, the one person least likely to potentially sacrifice herself actually risks it all.”
“Whether or not she would truly wish Kol to leave is up to debate, but she can play her quite easily when Kol doesn’t bother to gauge her mannerisms.”
Commentary:
“Has probably had enough of everyone’s bullshit.”
Name: Neesiette vera Luna
Titles: “Moon”
Race: Lunamata
Sex: Female
Age: ???
Occupation: Delver, Mystic
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[Rod of Force] – “In what way would it be changed? As designed, so shall it function, correct?”
[Rod of Respelling] – “A lady be every ready to instruct regarding what be in error.”
[“Brings An End” – Ponderous] – “[Ponderous was the end, for the unfair passage of time finally brought even earth to its conclusion]…”
Disposition: Impassive / Calculating / Curious
Alignment: Ordered
Eyes: Pale Violet
Hair: Amber
Skin: Pale White
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Strength – F
Vitality – F
Dexterity – D
Agility – E
Intelligence – B
Mentality – C
Luck – F
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “First imps, and now short girls? This is certainly becoming a pattern, isn’t it? Though you might not fare badly with a girl as beautiful as this, yes? Though she’s a little perfect, doesn’t she seem oddly demure?”
“Despite being filled with something like dread, isn’t it wonderful how she refuses to show it?”
“Are you sensing a theme regarding the devastation she wreaks, Adris?”
“Is she not lovely? If you could end the world, what would restrain you from doing so, Adris?”
“Isn’t it doubtful that you would get along with her if she was like this all the time?”
Description:
“An otherworldly existence, she wears clothing that doesn’t fit with the Castillo. With mannerisms quite distinct from all others, even the girls she travels with seem incomparable to her uniqueness. Yet, she definitely seems to be in charge…?”
“Unlike the others, Neesiette is absolutely incapable of managing alone. Maybe that’s why she intends to be useful.”
“Magic is something complex, yet a dreamer from another world finds it a simple issue.”
“A girl who can ‘cast anything’, casts something terribly dreadful.”
“Driven wild by what she called forth, she’s hellbent on pointing out the flaws of Zennia.”
Commentary:
“Neesiette is just gonna take a little nap.”
Name: Avenalliah Aurmaris
Titles: Lustful Lizard, Elf
Race: Elf
Sex: Female
Age: Young
Occupation: Delver, Scared Girl
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[“Sylvan Calling”] – “The spirits play when they want to! … They really do! Why are you looking at me like that!?”
[Preternatural Strikes] – “Um, I’ve always been pretty good with a whip? Elves use a lot of weapons! I just like… my whip…?”
[Monstrous Strength] – “EH!? Why is it monstrous!? Elves aren’t monsters!]
[“Unknown Angel”] – “Ave doesn’t feel especially blessed…”
Disposition: Joyful / Impressionable / Cowardly
Alignment: Neutral
Eyes: Crystal Green
Hair: Moss Green
Skin: White
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Strength – C
Vitality – D
Dexterity – C
Intelligence – C
Mentality – F
Luck – A
Charisma – C
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “While not possessing your newly favorite curves, isn’t a girl with a naive charm also fine? Because she covers so little, you are also left without having to imagine what you could possess, yes?”
“Fear makes us both feel and appear ugly, doesn’t it? Although, perhaps women can be better thought of for not being perfect? Wouldn’t you not be granted the same courtesy, Adris?”
“Isn’t your ‘friend’ getting a little too close?”
“Even if she’s a cute elf, can she really compare to the end of everything?”
“Perhaps she doesn’t wear all her emotions on her sleeve?”
Description:
“As cheerful as she is skittish, Avenalliah fits an unknown position within the four delvers’ group. Though she carries a large sack, that would hardly count as a position… right?”
“No matter how frightened Ave is, she always keeps her delusions and cares first and foremost.”
“Despite faltering at every step, when she applies herself Ave can become a competent force. Capable of manipulating the winds, albeit seemingly unwillingly, to perform many useful tricks, she is the closest the team has to a true magic user.”
“Almost giving up, she decides not to when offered the chance to be what she desires to be.”
“Rather than trying to push a tiresome presence out, she caves and invites her back in. Such is the nature of an elf named Avenalliah: she can’t quit her friends.”
Commentary:
“I know if I had to put up with the way Kol treats her, I would be mildly neurotic, too.”
Characters:
Name: Adris fehl Dain, “Boss”
Titles: Lycia’s Little Brother, True False God
Race: Xin’El, Emperor’s Child (Human)
Sex: Male
Age: ?? – Young
Occupation: Crossbearer; “Star of Ruin, Cast Down from the Sky Upon a Dying World”
Discipline: [Rule in Dark]
Powers:
[Tool Savant] – “Adris is a tool-collecting-and-utilizing fanatic. Most men would consider him disgusting for loving tools more than his own partner. Has so many tools that it can be said to be his true power. What does he do when he has no tools left? He seeks to acquire more, obviously!”[Rule in Dark – Wave of Darkness] – “Making victory possible? No, no, no. That thing isn’t that kind! There’s more than that!”
[Brainfry] – “You’re still with me, right buddy? Yeah, you’re still there.”
[Refuse to Kneel] – “Ah, even the Alchemaster can’t make me submit! This is the one that’s saved me all those times!?”
[Tongue of Air and Darkness] – “What’s the difference between this and the old one? Why ‘air’?”
[Conceptual Refusal] – “How the fuck does dominating people’s minds turn into a weird statement like this!?”
[Obscuring Sonjil] – “Man, this thing has gotten pretty strong on Zennia. At first only creating an area of fog, it can now cover a direction? Is something wrong…?”
[Marital Arts – Self-taught] – “Hoh, even if it’s dangerous to use, it feels good to prove to myself that the body is still as willing as the mind! Even if I can’t call it aura, something is inside me now!”
Disposition: Resilient / Adaptable / Sinner
Alignment: Chaotic
Eyes: Black
Hair: Black, with strands of White
Skin: Tanned
Statistics:
Rantil Value – “Even after all of that, Master is still an idiot!”
Stats
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – E
Vitality – E
Dexterity – D
Agility – C
Intelligence – D
Mentality – C
Luck – F
Charisma – D
“If you want more, stop being mean to Rantil!”
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – E
Vitality – E
Dexterity – D
Agility – C
Intelligence – D
Mentality – C
Luck – F
Charisma – D
“If you want more, stop being mean to Rantil!”
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “Much the same as before, but isn’t the way you look at others a bit more dashing, now? Forced to open yourself to the world, perhaps the gentleman may grow? That is likely impossible, isn’t it, Adris?”
“Really? Stealing a kick from me? Aren’t you just the littlest magpie?”
“Kicks aren’t going to help much against giants like that, yes? Having tasted more kobold, are you going to become a connoisseur of rich fur?”
“Would you not pale in comparison to the end, Adris?”
“Is this perhaps the first time a woman has tried to give you what she thinks you want? Or the first time you’ve noticed?”
Description:
“A boy who is a bit out of place as far as features, he descended from the top of the Castillo to the bottom by pluck, luck, and outrageous lying. Reborn into the world of Zennia, what can be said other than ‘he’s still exactly the same, but different’?”
“Ever the consummate warrior (when it suits him), throwing himself into combat against a foe he can bring harm to is liable to brighten his day.”
“The kind of man that can bald-faced lie to everyone’s face and make himself the hero of someone else’s screw up, this is the essence of a manipulator from Xin.”
“Though hardly contributing the most, being a suitable distraction is a worthwhile offering.”
“Being elevated means accepting responsibility for those who venerate you.”
Commentary:
“The guy who made things up as he went is :shockedpikachu: that someone was actually listening.”
Name: “Kol” fehl Dain
Titles: Idiot, “Tyrant Knight”
Race: Kobold
Sex: Female
Age: ???
Occupation: Delver, Frontliner
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[Invisible Edge] – “Axe goes through everything?”
[Full Contact] – “Wanna go!? Kol, let fists talk!”
[Unknown Aura of Dread] – “Huge blade, not dangerous?”
[Bulwark] – “Nobody get by Kol… ever. All belong, Kol!”
[Fire Resistance?] – “Huh, after big dark, Kol get fire, right? ‘Big deal’, flames!”
Disposition: Straightforward / Confrontational / Respectful
Alignment: Neutral
Eyes: Pink
Hair: White
Skin: Tanned
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – C
Vitality – C
Dexterity – E
Agility – F
Intelligence – F
Mentality – C
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “Are you attracted to rampaging metal? Though in your case, you appreciate the voice, don’t you? Do you long to see more? If she reminds you of a certain someone, then…?”
“All of that anger and confidence, in such a tiny package as it were, do you wonder where it all comes from?”
“Are you sure you want to be comparing Echo to this metallic terror? It might turn out to be quite a dangerous statement if she overhears it?”
“Does a rampaging wolf compare to the end?”
“Oh, a lover of dominating others? How shocking this is, isn’t it? Isn’t this matching with your tastes in general?”
Description:
“Brash and forthright, a warrior wielding an axe with two hands forsakes protection to deliver only harm. Contrary to this impression, she also seems interested in a straight up fight. If her words are any indication, she offers little thought to her actions.”
“Losing sight of what she should be doing, the would-be knight is too easily given to throwing herself into her task.”
“Belonging to the same tribe attacking her group, Kol’s error is thinking that she could somehow work everything out, despite not being socially competent enough to handle it.”
“Losing armor and the battle, she still won the war.”
“Seeking power so that she might force others to act, she also seeks the authority to defend them. The most paradoxical people are the ones who do dubious and mean-spirited things in the belief that they are doing the right thing.”
Commentary:
“Being bossy and a voyeur, maybe she likes the spectacle of something dramatic and glorious happening because she caused it?”
Name: Still
Titles: Puddle
Race: Human?
Sex: Female
Age: Young Lady
Occupation: Delver, Trickster/Outfighter
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[“Reprisal Strike”] – {You had it coming, deciding you could oppose me and walk away from it.}
[“Surprising Agility”] – {Is it honestly surprising by now? Walls are just another surface~!}
[Nectar] – {How does my suffering taste, spawn of “cursed blood”!?}
Disposition: Playful / Sadistic / Skulking
Alignment: Chaotic
Eyes: ???
Hair: ???
Skin: ???
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Attributes by Grade:
Strength – E
Vitality – E
Dexterity – C
Agility – C
Intelligence – C
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “Do you really think it’s not obvious? What she possesses is what you’ve missed all your life, yes? Breasts and curves… are these not a new fruit for you to taste?”
“How will you view this betrayal, Adris? Is it a betrayal, or simply an accounting long withheld between them?”
“Beating her with malevolent kindness? That seems to be one of your favorite weapons, doesn’t it?”
“Can a wicked woman compare to the end?”
“If she says that they have plans for you, then isn’t it simply fair that you should answer to them? Is this not your definition of beauty: endless plans?”
Description:
“A mute girl who says much with gestures, she also has more going on than she seems to. Though not outwardly aggressive, there’s an atmosphere of danger about her. Opposite of Kol, hers is subtle… Yet, she also can protect others. Given to acrobatics, it matches with her dark, but flamboyant, colors.”
“Abandoning success for a chance at vengeance, whatever is between Kol and Still appears to be worth more than victory.”
“Yet when she comes slinking back, she’s able to muster appropriate humility, if only briefly.”
“Bearing great pain, in the end, the one person least likely to potentially sacrifice herself actually risks it all.”
“Whether or not she would truly wish Kol to leave is up to debate, but she can play her quite easily when Kol doesn’t bother to gauge her mannerisms.”
Commentary:
“Has probably had enough of everyone’s bullshit.”
Name: Neesiette vera Luna
Titles: “Moon”
Race: Lunamata
Sex: Female
Age: ???
Occupation: Delver, Mystic
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[Rod of Force] – “In what way would it be changed? As designed, so shall it function, correct?”
[Rod of Respelling] – “A lady be every ready to instruct regarding what be in error.”
[“Brings An End” – Ponderous] – “[Ponderous was the end, for the unfair passage of time finally brought even earth to its conclusion]…”
Disposition: Impassive / Calculating / Curious
Alignment: Ordered
Eyes: Pale Violet
Hair: Amber
Skin: Pale White
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Strength – F
Vitality – F
Dexterity – D
Agility – E
Intelligence – B
Mentality – C
Luck – F
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “First imps, and now short girls? This is certainly becoming a pattern, isn’t it? Though you might not fare badly with a girl as beautiful as this, yes? Though she’s a little perfect, doesn’t she seem oddly demure?”
“Despite being filled with something like dread, isn’t it wonderful how she refuses to show it?”
“Are you sensing a theme regarding the devastation she wreaks, Adris?”
“Is she not lovely? If you could end the world, what would restrain you from doing so, Adris?”
“Isn’t it doubtful that you would get along with her if she was like this all the time?”
Description:
“An otherworldly existence, she wears clothing that doesn’t fit with the Castillo. With mannerisms quite distinct from all others, even the girls she travels with seem incomparable to her uniqueness. Yet, she definitely seems to be in charge…?”
“Unlike the others, Neesiette is absolutely incapable of managing alone. Maybe that’s why she intends to be useful.”
“Magic is something complex, yet a dreamer from another world finds it a simple issue.”
“A girl who can ‘cast anything’, casts something terribly dreadful.”
“Driven wild by what she called forth, she’s hellbent on pointing out the flaws of Zennia.”
Commentary:
“Neesiette is just gonna take a little nap.”
Name: Avenalliah Aurmaris
Titles: Lustful Lizard, Elf
Race: Elf
Sex: Female
Age: Young
Occupation: Delver, Scared Girl
Discipline: ???
Powers:
[“Sylvan Calling”] – “The spirits play when they want to! … They really do! Why are you looking at me like that!?”
[Preternatural Strikes] – “Um, I’ve always been pretty good with a whip? Elves use a lot of weapons! I just like… my whip…?”
[Monstrous Strength] – “EH!? Why is it monstrous!? Elves aren’t monsters!]
[“Unknown Angel”] – “Ave doesn’t feel especially blessed…”
Disposition: Joyful / Impressionable / Cowardly
Alignment: Neutral
Eyes: Crystal Green
Hair: Moss Green
Skin: White
Statistics:
Rantil Value –
Strength – C
Vitality – D
Dexterity – C
Intelligence – C
Mentality – F
Luck – A
Charisma – C
???
Beauty:
Cethran Value – “While not possessing your newly favorite curves, isn’t a girl with a naive charm also fine? Because she covers so little, you are also left without having to imagine what you could possess, yes?”
“Fear makes us both feel and appear ugly, doesn’t it? Although, perhaps women can be better thought of for not being perfect? Wouldn’t you not be granted the same courtesy, Adris?”
“Isn’t your ‘friend’ getting a little too close?”
“Even if she’s a cute elf, can she really compare to the end of everything?”
“Perhaps she doesn’t wear all her emotions on her sleeve?”
Description:
“As cheerful as she is skittish, Avenalliah fits an unknown position within the four delvers’ group. Though she carries a large sack, that would hardly count as a position… right?”
“No matter how frightened Ave is, she always keeps her delusions and cares first and foremost.”
“Despite faltering at every step, when she applies herself Ave can become a competent force. Capable of manipulating the winds, albeit seemingly unwillingly, to perform many useful tricks, she is the closest the team has to a true magic user.”
“Almost giving up, she decides not to when offered the chance to be what she desires to be.”
“Rather than trying to push a tiresome presence out, she caves and invites her back in. Such is the nature of an elf named Avenalliah: she can’t quit her friends.”
Commentary:
“I know if I had to put up with the way Kol treats her, I would be mildly neurotic, too.”
Glossary: