The Red Rose and The Black Rose

Nigun looked in astonishment at the strange woman who appeared suddenly from the village with a ray of light and a spear.

He had raised his eyebrows at this, especially seeing how she was dealing with the Angels effortlessly, even having disposed of a couple of his men. However, he didn't see much threat in the woman... At least not as much as there could be.

As long as she kept focusing on the summonings, she would eventually be overwhelmed and defeated. And Gazef himself was already very weak and tired after being so heavily damaged by the Flame Archangels.

However, when a man also appeared out of nowhere and instantly had all of Gazef's men, including the Captain himself, in his arms, he couldn't even react properly to order his men to stop him before the man disappeared with the wounded as quickly as he came, leaving only him, the rest of the Sunlight Scripture, and the meddlesome woman who cut an Angel in two with a single swing of her spear.

"... Eres realmente molesta... {You are very annoying…}" Nigun blinked again at the presence of another woman, more attractive than the other and with skimpier clothing, speaking in a strange language. "Incluso tuve que ordernarle al maldito Alucard que se lleve a esos hombres… {I even had to order the freaking Alucard to take those men away…}" However, annoyance could be recognized in the woman's voice.

"No tenías por que hacerlo. {You didn't need to.}" The woman who arrived initially sighed towards the exhibitionist.

"¡Simplemente corriste sola hacia un montón de posibles Angeólogos de Alto Nivel! {You just ran away all by yourself to a bunch of potential high-level Angelologists!}" The gothic one responded with exasperation to the white one, but there was concern in her voice. Nigun made a displeased grimace on his part.

The white-clad woman sighed again, turning her spear.

"Sentí que era lo correcto. Al igual que cuando te enfrentaste sola a esos dos caballeros... Pero ahora, yo... No pude hacer más que esto, es lo que sentí que era correcto. {I felt it was the right thing. Just like when you went by yourself against those two knights... But now I... Couldn't do anything more than this, it's what I felt was right.}"

"Eres tan molesta con esas cosas de honor y compasión… {You're so annoying with that honor and merciful stuff…}"

"And who are you supposed to be? Don't you have any idea that you're interfering with the will of the Theocracy?" Nigun interrupted somewhat impatiently the pair of women who were arguing, almost wanting to simply order the Archangels to attack them immediately.

In fact, the woman with skimpier clothing didn't seem like a fighter at all. Not an Assassin, not a Warrior, not even a magic caster. Just a very refined and fashion-curious noble. Of course, she could be the latter and a Magic Caster, so Nigun didn't underestimate her that much.

The woman in white sighed again, this time looking at Nigun.

"It doesn't make sense to argue now. After all, we share the same goal and interests, to finish off these guys." She said, gripping the spear with both hands.

"Hmp~ You're still annoying. You can't even speak eloquently~ Don't you see that you make us look bad?" Dont-Say-My-Name said, rolling her eyes somewhat amused, clearing her throat as she deactivated her ability.

After all, she had noticed from a distance that the scene was being watched, and as she wanted to first check the level of these guys, maybe her Anti-Divination measures didn't even work, and she was just wasting extra mana for no reason. And the use of her items could backfire if the Diviner used something that broke items...

Anyway, she regained her composure and smiled at the group of people.

"Greetings~ People of the Theocracy~ I'm Nyx Morgause~ And this is... She was supposed to be my bodyguard, Titania. Ahem. First of all~ I want to ask a little question~" Dont said, pointing at the Flame Archangels who had retreated with their summoners. "Those are Angels... You used the Tier 3 spell [Summon Angel] to summon them, right? Those Flame Archangels." Dont asked obviously.

Although there was still the possibility that they were summoned by magical items, or one of those strange random summoning spells, or were NPC Mercenaries, she have already seen the Angelologists summon the Flame Archangels while watching Gazef's battle.

Nigun just gave her a disdainful look, not responding at all.

But Dont just started thinking about the implications of the existence of Yggdrasil summonings in this world.

"Considerando su reacción, parece que le atinaste. {Judging by his reaction, it looks like you hit the spot.}" Black Abyss said somewhat mockingly.

"Mm~ De hecho~ {Indeed~}" Dont hummed.

"Enough of games. Where is Gazef Stronoff?" Nigun asked imperiously.

"Ah, in a shelter in the village." Dont said without much interest.

At this, Nigun blinked somewhat incredulous, not expecting a response actually. And he was about to retort that lies wouldn't work before Dont continued speaking.

"Speaking of it~ There's a reason why, at least I, am here~" Dont said, giving a sidelong glance to Black Abyss for a second.

At this, Nigun felt confident, almost guessing what the woman was going to ask.

"... Are you trying to ask for mercy? If you save us some time, I might consider-"

Out of nowhere, a strong wind passed by Nigun's face as several trees fell due to a sudden cut that revealed, the white-clad woman... Didn't have her spear.

"... ¡DEJA DE HACER TONTERÍAS AL MENOS POR UN MALDITO MINUTO! {STOP DOING STUPID STUFF FOR AT LEAST 1 MINUTE!}" Dont shouted in irritation at her companion. "¡ESTOY CONVERSANDO AQUÍ! {I'M TALKING HERE!}"

"¿¡Qué mierda estás esperando!? ¡No tiene sentido hablarles, ya son un grupo de muertos! {The hell are you waiting for!? It's useless to talk to them, they're dead men!}"

"¡Los quiero para conseguir información! ¡No los puedes matar!... ¡Todavía!{I want them to gain information! You can't kill them!... Yet!}" Dont replied in response. "¡Solo!... ¡Cállate y no muevas por un rato! {Just!... Stay quiet and don't move for a bit!}" Dont exclaimed with exasperation, holding the bridge of her nose with her fingers.

"Right… Exactly what I needed now..." Black Abyss said with a sigh; the lance suddenly appeared in her hand, thrusting it into the ground and leaning against it.

"Ugh. You've ruined everything already. Fool!" Dont complained, merely pointing towards the Principality Observation and chanting. "[Chained Shadow Strike]"

From her finger, an arrow of pure blurry darkness shot out at great speed, easily piercing through the summoned Angel. However, it didn't end there. From the pierced Angel, another arrow emerged, hitting another Angel and piercing through it, and from this one, yet another arrow.

The pattern repeated until all the Angels had been pierced by an arrow, including a summoner that Dont hadn't considered before canceling the spell, causing the summonings to explode into motes of light like fireworks, and the slain one to fall dead with a hole in his chest.

"...Eh?..." What just happened? Nigun wondered.

In an instant, the woman in white had thrown a warning lance at him without him realizing it, with several trees knocked down behind, and in another instant, all the Angels that had been summoned died…

"...Impossible..." Nigun murmured, unable to believe such a level of power to wipe out an army of Angels and his own Principality enhanced by his Talent.

And the cries and screams of fear came from his men.

Followed by a large series of spell chants, directed towards the pair of women. The busty one in particular.

[Confuse Human], [Hammer of Justice], [Chain], [Rain of Fire], [Jade Coffin], [Holy Lightning], [Explosion], [Stalagmite Assault], [Open Wounds], [Poison], [Fear], [Curse], [Blindness]...

The spell shower, however, clashed against an invisible barrier around the pair of women, effortlessly blocking the spells as Dont looked at them bored, watching their futile attempts to harm her with... Tier 2, 3, and 4 spells? Seriously?

However, she was also intrigued. She recognized all those spells... Well, almost all. She wasn't an expert on the existence of all Yggdrasil spells, no matter how obsessive she was. She would have to… 'Ask' them later.

"I expected nothing, and yet you managed to disappoint me..." Black Abyss said sighing as she stopped leaning against her lance, taking it and standing, looking towards the men.

"...N-No... No! Something like this can't happen! It's impossible! No one can use only one spell and defeat an army of Angels along with a high-level Angel! Who are you really, Nyx Morgause!? A person like you can't be some unknown figure! What's your real name!?" Nigun finally emerged from his initial shock, shouting desperately and terrified.

Even the strongest of the Black Scripture, the heroes of the Theocracy, would have some difficulties dealing with his Principality Observation, especially with his Talent, [Reinforce Summoned Creature]. But this...

At the mention of the false name, Dont almost frowned, but she smiled at his almost subtle 'plan' of mentioning her name.

"Fufu~ You're right~ That name isn't real~ However, unfortunately~ No one can say my name~" She said with a somewhat haughty smile, but with malice and sadism behind the superficial elegance that made Nigun's bones tremble.

In the pure fear, Nigun reacted with fury towards this fear. Before that exhibitionist woman, and her bodyguard in white, who looked at them as if they were insects. However, he couldn't deny that they were incredibly strong. Especially the busty one...

"Ca-Captain... W-What should we do?" One of his subordinates said trembling, turning to his leader for guidance in this seemingly insurmountable situation.

But Nigun only unconsciously shouted, "Think for yourself! I'm not your mother!"

The fear in his subordinate brought him back to reality, making him control himself.

The sun set on the horizon, giving way to the darkness of the night.

And then, Nigun had to resort to his trump card.

"Protect me! Those of you who want to live, gain some time!"

At this, Dont raised an eyebrow and released a playful smile, waiting to see what nonsense the man would do.

She saw him put his trembling hands into his robe and pull out an object.

"I'm going to summon the highest-level Angel! Hurry up and gain time!" And the man took out a Sealing Crystal from his robe, shining with magical light, revealing that it contained a creature.

In view of this, Dont, Black Abyss, and Nigun's subordinates reacted in their own way.

"Behind me." Black Abyss said, positioning herself in front of Dont. If it was indeed an Angel of the highest level, then the one most at risk was the Demon Shooter.

She silently nodded, not opposing Black Abyss's initiative. She really couldn't know what summon was in the Sealing Crystal without having it closer and being able to use [Appraisal Item] in a non-combat state.

So, if Nigun really summoned something like a fuckin Empyreal Seraph, Dont would call Alucard and Achernar, and fight with everything she had.

What if... It was a monster native to this world? Something beyond Dont and Black Abyss's knowledge...?

The thought made her audibly swallow.

The Paladin took her white lance and a white shield, with a black rose in the center, with equally black thorned roots surrounding the rose, black embroidery, and two handles with spikes outward on the sides of the shield that seemed to be made of silver. Instantly, the woman took a phalanx position, entirely defensive.

Dont was ready to pull out her rifle at any moment, selecting one of Nigun's men to be able to move at any moment with a skill.

Nigun, with a triumphant smile, activated the Sealing Crystal, releasing the creature inside, with bright rays of light...

It was as if it had become day, with a bright white light and a gentle fragrance in the meadows where they were.

"Watch! The glory of the highest-level Angel! Dominion Authority!"

A giant Angel with blue-white armor, with 4 pairs of wings armored with white and large feathers. Claw-like gauntlets were holding a giant golden scepter. Its head was almost tear-shaped, with several metal wings acting as a majestic celestial crown. And above the same head, floating and releasing a divine aura, a golden halo in a symbol more complex than just a circle.

Measuring at least 5 or 4 meters in height, and floating a couple of meters above the ground, the enormous Angel rose above all present.

It was majestic... For Nigun...

This beautiful divine messenger would surely end Nyx and her bodyguard once and for all!

Look at them! They were dumbfounded and in shock at the incredible power emanating from the most powerful of Angels!

"Is this their strongest Angel...?" Dont stammered, unable to believe what she was seeing.

The hand holding Black Abyss's white lance trembled.

"T-This made me bring out my main shield..." She stammered as well.

In the face of the clear fear of the two women, Nigun could not be more jubilant.

"That's right! Even if you're scared, there's no way back now! This is the image of the highest-level Angel! Originally using this Angel in this place would have been a waste! But I judged that you have that courage, Nyx Morgause!" Nigun exclaimed with complete arrogance and relief. And although he was only addressing Nyx, he was referring to her bodyguard as well, but Nyx was clearly the 'representative' of both.

Dont took a couple of steps back, still unable to believe that she was seeing this type of Angel in front of her...

"Nyx Morgause. Titania. Honestly, it's really admirable that you made me summon the highest-level Angel. You are a duo with formidable magical and physical powers! Be proud of it! Personally, I would have liked you to be my companions, or even be in another Scripture to strengthen the Theocracy. In fact, your strength is so great... But you must forgive me... The situation this time doesn't allow it. At least we will remember you! I will remember you as the women who made us summon the highest-level Angel!"

"... What an idiot... Did I really have 40 skills ready for this shit here?" Dont said, still with a surprised and very irritated face as she looked at the Angel.

Titania made her lance and shield disappear, which would usually be a sign of resignation, but the sigh and the clear anger spoke of a different feeling, she was... Clearly disappointed.

"This is already another level of mockery... Not even Hanzel dared so much..." She whispered.

Nigun couldn't believe it... Were they really so relaxed and making fun of the strongest Angel!? In fact, for a moment, the women looked at each other with annoyance. Not annoyed with each other, but sharing a unanimous annoyance with the Angel, completely ignoring it as if it were just a boring piece of furniture.

Could it be... Could they be stronger than the Angel...? No...

"NO! Impossible! That can't happen! There's no way some man or woman is stronger than this Angel! This Angel can even defeat a Demon God! That a couple of simple humans can face it!... It has to be a trick! It's definitely a deception!" Nigun shouted furiously, desperately, trying to convince himself that the possibility of Nyx and Titania being stronger than the Angel, even between the two, did not exist. "Activate [Holy Smite]!" Nigun ordered the powerful Angel.

A spell beyond what any human could reach...

Tier 7! Not even the most organized and complex rituals of the Theocracy could cast something like that! Such was the reason why the Angel was the most powerful.

In the entire Theocracy, [Holy Smite] was considered the most powerful spell in the whole world.

However...

"Ugh... And I could be at home, eating chocolate instead of standing here in front of such a piece of feathery trash... Apart from you, of course~" Dont said with some amusement in the last part, looking at Black Abyss with a slight smile.

Showing no hint of fear...

"Don't compare me to a bird like that... Obviously, they've never seen a real angelic being..." Titania said with a slight growl towards the men.

They were talking about the most powerful existence on the continent... Impossible to defeat! The one who had defeated the powerful Demon God!

If someone could defeat such an Angel... Then that person was stronger than the Demon God who terrified the world hundreds of years ago… That is, there was no such person. There shouldn't be someone with so much power!

In response to his summoner's order, Dominion of Authority saw one of the plates on its wings destroyed, with its fragments rotating around the Angel as the spell charged with empowerment.

"It even has the same characteristic ability as the Dominions..." Dont murmured, reviewing like a loach the knowledge she had about the weak Angels below level 60.

[Holy Smite]

The spell activated, and an immense column of light descended rapidly upon Dont and Black Abyss.

Dont looked up, taking the full force of the spell on her face.

Tier 7 Magic... Power beyond humanity.

A spell that caused extra damage to evil beings. But its power was such that even if one were good, they would still be overwhelmed by the spell's power and die almost instantly. The only difference would be whether one was eradicated to ashes or left as a charred corpse.

Absolutely beautiful...

However, Nigun's awe was in conflict with pure fear and surprise.

Both Nyx and Titania... Were still alive.

The spell ended, leaving an area of charred and blackened ground around the pair of women, who were practically unharmed. Dont looked at the Angel with a wide sadistic smile.

"Heh~ That... Stung a bit~" Dont felt marvelously. She wasn't a fan of pain, of course. She had the soul of an almost extremely sadistic person, far removed from any sadomasochistic desires.

She hated pain in herself more than anything else... Well, she hated many other things, perhaps too many to be considered healthy in the slightest. But Dont felt marvelously nonetheless.

It was such a... gratifying sensation. Understanding how damage worked in this world, now that everything was real... Her HP decreased, yes. It was expected from a Tier 7 spell with divine properties that caused more damage to evil beings.

However, between her own magical defense, resistances, her level, and the Dominion Authority's ability to cause damage with his level below 60, the HP reduction in her life bar was so low that she was quickly regenerating from the damage.

Even the pain she felt was simply like spending too much time in the intense sun... Not that she had ever seen a ray of sunshine... Seeing it through kilometers of density in the smog was difficult... But she supposed it would be the same sensation.

Information she stored with satisfaction, only shaking her attire a little to remove the remnants of residual light that strangely clung to her clothes. On the other hand, Black Abyss...

She felt absolutely nothing with that attack. The celestial and luminous had no purpose against her; she was totally immune to such effects. But if something like the Authority Domain was considered the strongest existing, the most divine and sacred... What would she be to these people...?

A Goddess? And if so, would Dont be a Demon Goddess or something similar? If this was the pinnacle of their power, then...

Black Abyss smiled; Titania might be safer than she thought, and that made her feel good, assured that there was no real risk to her beloved guild.

And, as a gift for such pleasant information, she was going to show them what a real divine being was.

She smiled broadly, raising her hand and clenched her fist tightly, a faint golden light emanating from it as Black Abyss positioned herself to strike the summoned Angel, but staying in place.

"Today, we will mark the beginning of a new era on this planet~" Black Abyss said with a content smile, then instantly launched her punch towards the Dominion, without moving from her spot.

A powerful gust of wind knocked all the sorcerers to the ground alongside Nigun, while a powerful roar echoed.

Upon looking again, the upper half of the Dominion Authority had disappeared. It was impossible... This strong wind that didn't cease, all this raised earth... The most powerful summoning on the continent, its upper half vanished... Did she do that...? Just with the pressure of her fist...!?

What was Nigun feeling at this moment? Was it fear? Desperation? Confusion? Resignation? Or perhaps it was simply all these feelings together...?

The remaining body of the Angel simply vanished in a burst of harmless light motes, losing all the light it had emitted, and plunging everything back into absolute darkness.

"Truly disappointing... Well, enough of the show," Dont said absentmindedly, activating her anti-divination defenses with more confidence.

Instantly, a sound of something breaking. Looking at the night sky, she saw it as if it were a window cracked for an instant, before such a window exploded into invisible pieces with the sound, the phenomenon disappearing as quickly as it appeared.

"Eh...?" Nigun uttered, confused, as if it were the least strange thing his brain could endure, clinging to it not to lose sanity.

"And that?" Black Abyss asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Someone was using Divination Magic to spy on them, apparently," Dont explained, looking towards Nigun. "Umu. I had deactivated my anti-divination defenses to save them... But now I took care of the seers by activating them again~ Nothing that a reinforced [Hellfire Ball] can't solve~ Although now I'm worried that it might have killed them..." Dont said with a somewhat nervous smile, scratching her head awkwardly.

A chill ran down Nigun's spine.

He, who had always been the oppressor, was now the victim... Inconceivable fear consumed his mind, almost making him break into tears. But only his survival was in his scope, using what he believed would be his only option and opportunity to survive.

Black Abyss drew a thin white sword, inspecting its edge and then looking back.

"Now that I think about it, can you use swords now?" Dont looked at Black Abyss with a raised eyebrow. But then she understood her question.

"Ah, well. Only short swords due to my classes."

"Hm... So we still have limitations... Well, whatever, let's get rid of these guys first." Black Abyss exclaimed, turning to look at the men, gripping the sword's hilt.

"W-Wait a moment! L-Lady Nyx! Lady Titania! Please wait a moment! W-We... No! I want to make a deal with you! I-I guarantee you won't be disappointed! I-If you spare my life, I'll give you any amount of money you desire!" Nigun desperately shouted to the women, who seemed... More disappointed than before.

"Well, I'm already a millionaire guy..." Black Abyss said, although why she referred to herself in the masculine was a minimal thing for Nigun to worry about.

"Me too~" Nyx exclaimed with a mocking smile.

"I-It must be difficult to satisfy the desires of a great Magic Caster and a great Warrior like you! B-But I will definitely prepare a satisfactory sum of money! M-My position is somewhat elevated in my country! So you will definitely pay any price for my ransom! Of course! I-if you have other demands... I'll do my best to fulfill them! So I beg you! Please spare my life!" Nigun gasped after such an extensive monologue. "S-So, what do you say!? Lady Nyx!" He said, focusing on Nyx, who, having Titania as her bodyguard, could then decide her fate.

"Mm~? Well, I actually have something I'd like to ask for," Dont said with an almost sadistic, but mocking and fun tone.

In the light of hope, Nigun threw himself at her...

"Yes! Just say it, and I guarantee it!"

Unaware that he was the lure of a monkfish in the depths...

"I would very much like to take you and squeeze out every last breath of your pathetic lives without resistance~" Dont said with an almost friendly and innocent face, but with an incredibly sadistic and evil gleam in her eyes.

The Demon ignored the 'Wah...' that came from her companion on the side.

"I want a soda..." Black Abyss said with a playful sigh, stopping playing with the sword's edge to take a few steps forward.

In an explosion, she disappeared, and all of Nigun's men fell to the ground, inert but not dead...

"A cut to the spine, and they will never move again." Black Abyss said from behind all the men.

Nigun could only fall to his knees, being devoured by the jaws of the monkfish in absolute helplessness...

…

Dont and Black Abyss walked back across the meadows, heading towards the village calmly now.

Black Abyss, at least, was walking somewhat satisfied but exasperated due to Dont's slow pace. Dont, on the other hand, was looking at the sky, completely marveling at it.

It was the first time she had truly seen a starry sky. She had seen the artificial ones in Titania's rooms, but never a completely natural one… A real one...

"It's very beautiful. Although Eyesight might have trouble with that..." Black Abyss said, giving a glance upward.

"... It's wonderful..." Dont said, dreamily.

Even as a member of an upper-middle-class family, not even the wealthiest families could ever have the opportunity to see the stars, at least without going to space or through cameras, images, videos, etc.

Even Black Abyss, who had worked at an observatory, had at most access to satellite cameras, capable of showing live recordings of space instead of an image zoomed in by a giant telescope.

Dont looked at the shining jewels in the black-blue sky, seeing the cosmic dust and clouds that shone visibly due to the lack of light pollution.

Black Abyss simply lowered her gaze, seeing the small village they had saved ahead of them, and let out a relieved sigh.

"If that guy was telling the truth, which I doubt he wasn't, we just killed the most powerful summoning in this world, or at least the continent."

"... Or at least that man knows..." Dont said, still dreamy and somewhat distracted, looking at the imaginary patterns her anxious and star-excited mind formed, inventing constellations and figures like a child with crayons.

"Is Earth out there?" Black Abyss asked with a bit of humor.

"... I don't know... Maybe... Maybe we're in another universe or another galaxy, I have no idea... Still... I don't want to go back... Or at least... Only to do one thing, But it's not something I need to live..." Her somewhat melancholic tone didn't convince Black Abyss, but she just huffed somewhat amused.

"We're really fortunate..." The Paladin said with a smile, closing her eyes and feeling the fresh air, one that wasn't polluted and didn't smell like smoke, factory dust, or plastic, something she had never smelled before, clean air.

"... I… I don't want to lose this..." Dont said, stopping.

Black Abyss stopped in front of her, turning around and looking at her.

"... If we just hide or something... Maybe... The world will end up like ours... With the discovery of the steam engine and the beginning of the decline of the world's environment and..." Dont murmured, clenching her fists as her mind replaced the starry sky with the black smog clouds.

Green and lively trees, with huge gray and monotonous buildings. Wet grass with hard and broken asphalt, full of trash and orphan corpses.

Black Abyss looked up again.

"A clear sky, without corrosive water in its few clouds... Full of stars at night..."

She took a deep breath.

"Air that doesn't make you sick just by breathing it..."

She crouched slightly and dug her hand into the ground, pulling out a piece of soil.

"Natural, fertile soil, with water... Without carcinogenic chemicals. It's a paradise in itself... For the people here, it's their daily life, but they don't know how lucky they really are... And if I'm honest, I would destroy the world if that means Titania will never end up like Earth..." Black Abyss said, squeezing the soil in her fist.

"... And I would burn this world if Titania is in danger, even if I lose all of this..." Dont murmured without a hint of doubt. "But besides that... I want this... I want this utopian wonder box..." Dont said, spreading her arms to the sides, referring to the absolute everything.

Black Abyss slowly turned around, looking all around.

"This world... We barely know it, we don't know what's beyond this forest, but... With what little we know, we can't let humanity be the supreme species on the planet again... They need a leader, a higher being to control them, someone to take care of everything. I finally see a purpose for why we're here... Titania is here to reform the world, undoubtedly the beginning of a new era for this planet." Her favorite phrase, she exclaimed it with a big smile.

"Fufu~ Are you sure you're not the evil queen?" Dont said, amused at her companion. "Well, I've always had the fantasy of ruling the world~" Dont said with greater enthusiasm, with a wider smile, with a wickedness that shone more brightly.

"... The process will be complex. But we have the foundations for this, still, it's time to change the subject." Black Abyss said, turning around and seeing Alucard approaching.

"Lady Nyx, Lady Titania. Are you okay?" He asked, somewhat serious, looking at both women. Black Abyss had a little soil in her hand and some faint blood stains, while Dont was somewhat disheveled by the presumed wind.

Although for Alucard, they were the results of a hypothetical violent fight that he hadn't been able to see.

"Mm~? Ah, Alucard. Yes, we're in perfect condition."

"Better than ever before coming to this world maybe... In fact... Maybe it's my best moment so far." Black Abyss said with a small laugh.

Dont just let out a light laugh at Black Abyss's words.

"Indeed~ We're done here, Arthur~ Follow us~"

…

Dont waved goodbye to Gazef with one hand as he walked away in the distance with his men, who had been saved by Alucard under the orders of 'Lady Nyx.'

As a gesture of gratitude, Gazef gave her a bag of coins and promised that she would be welcome in the capital whenever and as much as she wished in his name.

In short, she had just earned money and the favor of the greatest military authority in a large country!

She couldn't be more satisfied! Obviously, she minimized her interactions with the man. With his honor sense, the man bothered her a bit, so she let him speak mainly with Black Abyss, who seemed to get along with him.

Thus, Dont bid farewell to the man in the distance, ready to simply ask Eyesight to open a [Gate] for everyone to return home.

She wanted a bath... A warm one~

"So, this town is called Carne, like, meat in spanish, which I want to try, by the way~ Ejem. And it's part of the Kingdom of Re-Estize... Stronoff is a good man, if the rulers of this kingdom are like him, I wouldn't mind taking them as vassals for Titania," Black Abyss said to Dont when they were far enough away from the villagers.

"Vassals... Right... At some point... Maybe we should announce our existence if it's safe enough. Become a nation..." Dont imagined the possibilities.

Ruling over so many people... But... The idea of even having to listen to the cries of a miserable poor human already drained her... And with the background story they had formed with Gazef... And because of what she and Black Abyss had arranged, they would have to appoint someone else as ruler... But she also didn't like the idea of revealing the location of their home to the world...

She would have to think deeply about it during her bath.

But shaking her head, she focused on something else that Black Abyss said.

"Well... I doubt there are really such honorable rulers in this Re-Estize. If it's a typical Medieval Kingdom, it would be normal for the nobles to be selfish, probably machiavellian, and some corrupt. Even the king could be a tyrant in everything but the title... But we'll have to investigate that later..."

"If that's the case, we have the resources and means to change the rulers of a country. Still, we should first look after Titania; maybe we should create some kind of... Second Titania? Completely to divert any interaction about the original."

"A fake Titania then?... We've already attracted the attention of the Theocracy and the highest military rank of Re-Estize to a nearby area... Well, I'll take care of putting countermeasures for any exploration attempt through the forest that leads to us." Dont sighed, glancing at Alucard in front of the Infernal Protector.

"Yes, that would be a good start. But even so, they only know that we come from very far away looking for something that we won't reveal. We can divert attention even outside of this continent, if there is more..." Black Abyss emphasized.

"... We'll see... For now, I want a bath. [Message]. Eyesight, open a [Gate] for us."

The affirmative response came to her mind instantly, and she cut the connection.

…

Dont played with a pencil while NOT reading the report that Bachelory brought her.

She hummed in confirmation and set the paper aside.

"Well done, Bachelory. I am satisfied as your creator~"

"Oh~ Such gracious words~" Bachelory trembled slightly, clutching his chest as if his heart had been moved.

"Ahem. Yes... Of course... By the way... About the prisoners Achernar brought..." Dont said carefully, not knowing if Bachelory had included them in the report.

"Verily. They... Aye. They art being attended to by Carmellitian and her subordinates in the dungeons. As for their accouterments... Few magical items w're found in plentitude, and the ones uncovered art of low-level or so dim that they scarcely merit the classification of low or mid-level, except for the Sealing Crystal, which possesses only a Dominion Authority."

Upon Bachelory's explanation, Dont hummed.

She didn't care what the 'kind' Carmellitian did to those guys.

What she wanted, though, was to experiment with the corpses and summonings.

The equipment of such individuals was also useless and insignificant. The only noteworthy item was the Sealing Crystal, which even then had a Level 50-60 Angel. Completely useless in a nutshell.

Dont shrugged and nodded in silence.

"I see. Well, if that's the case, then I won't inquire further. I just want them to extract every bit of information and bring their bodies to me for experiments. After this... Hm?" Dont blinked upon hearing the sound of a tray falling to the floor.

Bachelory and her queen looked towards the source of the sound, seeing the empty spot where a pentagram surrounded by a circle vanished without a trace on the floor. And a silver tray on the ground.

"Hm... So that's how it seems to work..." Dont murmured. After all, she had summoned an Infernal Protector without any nearby dead in Titania and had kept it there to see what would happen.

Its summoning time expired, and this time, it disappeared.

"It seems they need a soul or body to remain manifested permanently, unlike the other one..." Dont mused, considering the possibilities. If she could use corpses or whatever to create a permanent and ever-increasing army of demons up to Level 65, her forces would massively increase for this world, providing cannon fodder against serious attacks.

Not only demons. There were many summoners throughout Titania. Superbia, Gandolfo, even Black Abyss could summon some Angels.

If they could maintain strong summons permanently, they might not even need to spend the valuable Yggdrasil gold on NPC mercenaries. Not to mention the POP Monsters throughout Titania that were completely free.

Although their levels ranged from 1 to a maximum of 30. And apparently, Level 30 was quite decent for this world.

Although it remained to be seen if taking a POP out of its designated area was possible, if nothing happened, or if she summoned another POP monster, allowing her to build more armies, albeit weaker ones, still useful due to the mass production of 'medium' level monsters according to this world.

"We'll need a source of corpses then... Hm... In fact, Bachelory, I want you to bring me a corpse from the Unseelie Cemetery later to see if it works with them. After trying it, have other summoners in Titania attempt it, and then we'll see." Dont ordered, to which Bachelory gave a bow.

"Indeed, my sovereign. Thy command shall be promptly executed."

Dont then remembered the town of Carne.

She didn't care, really. In fact, it would be a good source of corpses...

Would it work if I secretly unearthed those previously buried after Black Abyss cast that divine spell on them? Can only their bodies or souls be used to summon angels now?

The questions intrigued her, but by trying it, if Black Abyss found out, she would surely get angry.

Then she sighed.

"And about that town... I'll grant Black Abyss full responsibility and some leeway to do as she pleases. But I'll require a weekly report on what happens there." Dont said disinterestedly to Bachelory.

"I shall apprise Lady Black Abyss with all haste." The Doppelgänger bowed.

"I'll tell her myself later." The Demon interrupted. "But I want at least a couple of families of Fairies from the Village to be sent to Carne. I want to try something. But give those families a week to prepare." Dont said with something in mind. A project that would actually be important for any nation-building attempts they might want to undertake.

"As thou command, my queen. I shall entreat Bill to choose a pair of families." Bachelory responded with another bow, in a tone full of respect and adoration, making Dont feel a mix of discomfort and satisfaction from so much praise.

"Well... I think I called a meeting with the Commanders and Black Abyss in the throne room."

"Yea, my queen. They should already be awaiting in the throne chamber for these two hours past."

Upon hearing this, Dont froze.

Were they waiting for her all this time?

She had requested that meeting a couple of hours ago...

"U-Uh, right. Yes. I'm coming immediately!" Dont said with a nervous smile, rising from her seat with some haste and using the Titania medal to teleport to the Throne Room... or at least its doors.

It was one of the few places in all of Titania where one couldn't teleport even with the Medal, so she appeared in front of the giant double doors and walked with graceful urgency down the long hallway.

It didn't take long for her to see the 5 silhouettes of the Commanders, plus Miia's mecha, and the clearly... Sleeping Black Abyss herself.

"Her concentration level is incredible..." Bulldoger whispered, looking at Black Abyss while she slept... What had she told them before going to sleep?

WAH! How did the meeting get delayed for two hours without her even realizing!? Should she have specified to Bachelory to say it would be at a certain time!? Did he just call them immediately!? AHHHHH! Dont screamed in her mind, but outwardly, she still looked as majestic and sexy as ever, though she trembled a bit.

She walked among the kneeling commanders, who had noticed her and immediately bowed their heads in unison. Bachelory was behind her... At some point, he had arrived there.

Dont shook off her thoughts and climbed the stairs, sitting on the evil throne she had customized for herself with so much affection at the last minute.

"E-Ejem. I have arrived." Dont stated the obvious, giving a subtle imperceptible kick to the still-standing Black Abyss.

"*Yawn* Responsabilidad ha dejado el chat… {Responsibility left the chat…}" Black Abyss said in a sleepy whisper.

"G-Guh! C-Cállate… {S-Shut up…}" Dont complained in spanish. But she cleared her throat. "W-Well, my commanders~ I have called you here to talk about our new goal. One that both Black Abyss and I have discussed."

The Paladin raised an eyebrow for a moment, listening attentively while rubbing an eye.

"Um... During... Yes, during our little outing, we have reflected and thought. About this world and so... And we have come to the conclusion~ Our next goal will be... To conquer this world!" Dont said with excitement, with grace and elegance, with total majesty as her enthusiastic voice echoed clearly throughout the throne room.

Black Abyss looked at her and then at the Commanders, then let out a small laugh.

"Well... Yes, in a nutshell."

"So, my Commanders! Be the beautiful pieces that will help us fulfill our desire~!" Dont said with a smile, seeing the incredulous expressions of the Level 100 NPCs.

That was the day when the fate of the New World was set. From then on, the world would take a turn, a series of events so significant that they would overshadow any other moment in history.

The prologue was completed. The story of how G.O.D.S. began its conquest of the world had just begun.