CHAPTER 10- Welcome To GraveHall Academy Part 1
"Know this. To gaze upon god is to commit the first sin. Not because you are unworthy. But because awareness is a doorway. Once you know of them, they will know of you." - Thousand leagues astrologer of the Black Scripture
SOMEWHERE IN THE FALLEN KINGDOM OF RE-ESTIZE
Re-Esitze the once powerful nation in the land. Was once engaged in civil war due to the corrupt nobles that resided in it. Leading to infighting. Eventually their greedy nature led to conflict involving an attack on the sorcerer kingdom. In response. The great Ainz ooal gown declared war on them. Destroyed everything. Buildings. Monuments. And their legacy. All that was left was Ro Lente castle.
"Alright. Time to get this up and running." said a girl.
"Madeline! What are you doing?! Our next class is about to start. We can't be late again because of your little project.'
"Its not little. It's my great grandmother's work. Only our bloodline was capable of doing it"
"Mads! The only people capable of using surveillance magic are the gods. Specifically our great lord Ainz ooal gown. Just because your great grandmother could use it. Doesn't mean all of her descendants could."
"But just think! If I can. I'll be able to move up in this school! I'll be an elite!"
Madeline's great grandmother was known as the thousand leagues astrologer. One of the seats of the once mighty black scripture of the slane theocracy. Known for her ability for surveillance magic and scrying techniques. Unfortunately. She died sometime after the sorcerer king destroyed her nation for crimes against him.
"Ugh! Fine whatever. I'll see you in class. Good luck with your thing." Madeline's female roommate told her before she left.
Madeline. Or as most call her 'Maddy'. Was obsessed with replicating her great grandmother's work. To access god tier surveillance magic. Her dream is to become one of the sorcerer elites in her school. She was working on her project which was a form of scrying mirror. It had runes on it for the kind of magic it needed. She had even stolen some supplies from the labs to help construct this device.
'If I can make this work. Then even headmaster paradyne will have to acknowledge me as someone who stand above the rest! Oooh I'm so excited! Just one more kink aaaand… there!'
She had managed to inscribe the last rune needed. Now she began to test it. Started casting many enchantments on the mirror. Until it began to float on its own. After a few seconds. She picked a place she wanted to see.
The mirror shone bright for a while. Until it showed her what she wanted.
"Aaah! It works! It works! It's the sorcerer kingdom in all its glory!...Home." She finished softly. "Maybe I should spy on mother. I'm sure she's at that bakery as always…huh…what's this?...why's it cutting at that specific person. Oh! Wow! He's glowing! What is he?"
The person she happens to be spying on happened to be none other than Peroroncino. Who was carrying a few boxes to the shop.
"Hey! Bud! Where do you want these?" He asked Infinyrex. Who was doing the tax books. While Ulbert was at one of the aisles unloading the boxes with new books.
"Take them to Hades. He'll know what to do." Hades was Ulbert's disguise name.
Pero went over to him and set the box down. Helping him unload while starting a conversation with Ulbert.
"Okay so check it. I learned the other day that they have christmas here and I was like 'whaaaat!' you know because you know you don't expect these people to have holidays like that. And I start thinking. What if they have cars next or a tv? God! I miss tv. Oh god the internet!... ooo I miss porn. Hades I miss porn I get sex now but now I— ." Pero put his guard up and stopped immediately as soon as he felt the sensation he was being watched. The others felt the same and copied his defensive position. They knew eyes were on them. As omega level beings. They had immunity but this immunity came in warning signs like sensations.
Meanwhile Madeline just looked at them through the mirror and wondered. 'What?! Can they see me?" as soon as she zoomed in on the three grown men. The blonde one looked directly at her with glowing eyes. Cast a spell. And her mirror shattered. Freaking her out in the process. "What the hell was that?! Did my mirror not work?" after a moment of trying to calm down. She kept asking herself questions. Until finally deciding to go to her class and worry about it later.
Meanwhile back at the bookshop.
"What the hell was that Pero?" asked Infinyrex.
"Don't know, but someone was definitely peeping on us." Pero replied.
After a while of staying on guard. The trio began to sense that no one was watching them anymore. Furthermore, they calmed down and lowered their guards. And began discussing what to do. Feeling that they've been compromised. Decided to have someone from Nim cover them at the bookshop. And went to speak with Punitto Moe.
At the Plant wizards office. They inform him of what has happened. What they felt. Questioning if they've been compromised. By whom? Whether it was from Nazarick or someone else in the other world they had to find out.
After some talking. They decided to go to tabula's lab as he is someone well versed in these matters. The gang flew to the island. Hoping Tabula would have some answer for them or a way to find out who was watching them.
"Ugh! I hate going to see Tabula. I hope its just Garnet there." said Peroroncino in frustration.
Garnet was considered the second greatest scientific mind in NIM. In the old world he worked in IT. so naturally was good with computers and most of Nazarick's security was designed by him. A file he filled out that greatly helped Nish when he had to infiltrate. He was also known as 'The Professor'. But few know him as the creator of the automaton known as cz delta. His species was a bear druid and naturally had a calm, intellectual side to him who often got along with everyone in NIM.
"Same. though I doubt Garnet would find an answer as fast as him. I do hope this is an easy task." replied Ulbert.
As they made their way to the lab. Walking the bridge leading to it. They slowed down a bit to admire their home. Since everywhere in NIM was a scenic route. To them the sight never got old. Walking the cobble stone bridge to the floating island while admiring the blue sky and the other floating islands with beautiful architecture. They were truly glad to call this place home.and were willing to do anything to protect it. Even find a spy who dares threaten them by monitoring them.
The group made it to the lab. Tabula's lab from outside looked like an observatory made with marble slabs. Once inside, they saw a bit of Tabula's personality come to life. Regardless , it was a bit messy and dark. There were screams from some of Tabula's test subjects that were subjected to mutations with intellect devourers running around. They knew his friend was way into horror films and often expressed this. But it was bizarre to them to see him take it all the way in his new body. They knew he had terrifying experiments going on. Along with experimenting with dunamancy. He had a pleasure in creating subservient monsters and keeping them in cages. But what they hated most was that Tabula never cleaned up after his creations. Ulbert's strong sense of smell picked up things that have overstayed their welcome for far too long. The only thing they did like about Tabula was that he chose a race that was incredibly intelligent. Being a mind flayer had its perks of having natural genius level intellect. The other was that he mostly kept to himself and rarely bothered anyone.
Infinyrex only started disliking Tabula when they got transported to NIM. Tabula was never shown to be good or evil but was rather neglectful and selfish at times. Tabula did enjoy teaching others things through his long lectures which his son enjoyed. Tabula had requested Rex to capture monsters at times and made them breed for his experiments which sickened Rex to a certain degree.
Pero just didn't like him because Tabula was a sore drinker and always talked too much about stuff that made him feel stupid for not knowing it.
Ulbert didn't like him because Tabula rarely attended meetings and was by Ulbert's classification. A "neglectful evil". Ulbert only did bad things for the right reasons. But Tabula did things for other reasons. Mainly to further his experiments and knowledge of the world around him. It wasn't a bad thing Ulbert thought. His experiments have helped increase the knowledge and military power of NIM. He just wished that Tabula got out more.
Punitto Moe just didn't like him because as smart as Tabula was. He refused to be part of the strategist committee with him. Knowing that Tabula could run several scenarios and think ten times faster than anyone. That, and that Tabula always used mind reading to cheat at games.
Though there was one section of the place that wasn't all bad but neatly kept and had a lot of nice furniture was Garnet's side of the lab. Garnet and Tabula got along well enough. The group hoped that garnet could speak with Tabula so they wouldn't have to.
In front of them stood the bear druid holding chemicals in his hands.
"Oh!why hello there team. How are you all faring?" Garnet asked.
"We're doing alright. Is Tabula in? We need a search spell." asked Punitto.
"Ah! Unfortunately the doctor is NOT in at the moment or rather for a while… he locked himself in the cellar a few weeks ago and refuses to leave. Something about yada yada revenge and killing a shameful experiment."
"Yeah yeah that's great, can you use a search spell?" the group paid no mind to what Tabula was doing as they were more interested in having Garnet perform the spell if he could.
"I sure can! Let's go to the scroll room." Garnet said in a cheerful attitude. Asking them to follow him.
As they made it to the scroll room. Garnet with unnatural speed. Picked out specific scrolls while talking to himself. Went from shelf to shelf doing a walkthrough around the room. He finally laid out a few scrolls in front of him.
"So what are we looking for here?"
"Someone using scrying magic on the trio at their bookshop." answered Punitto.
"Ah! That should be easy enough! Scrying magic always leaves a trace. However if certain precautions aren't met. Like counter magic against tracking. Then it should be easy. Let's hope this person didn't know what they were doing." Garnet began reading scrolls. Using words like "locate object" "detect locate" "great cover" " fake cover". And used a ritual where a ghost of the sea spills a drop of water on a map to find the person in question. Before them lay the map of the whole continent of the other world. As soon as the ghost spilled a single drop. It landed on a single area and disappeared.
"Huh…it seems the person you're looking for is in a place called Re- Estize ruins… ring a bell to anyone?" Garnet asked. And the group just nodded no and that they've never been there. "Well your culprit awaits you over there. Did you gentlemen need anything else?"
"No. thank you Garnet that will be all." said punitto moe. "Alright guys. What we are after is someone in this land. Though it's called ruins for a reason. So there shouldn't be anyone there, I guess."
"Actually… that's not entirely true." said Ulbert. "During my investigation on surrounding nations. I found that in that area is a national wizarding school called "Gravehall", it's said to be a great educational facility for all countries to send their kids. It's not just for the privileged. But for those of even lower income households so long as they demonstrate promise."
"So were dealing with a counselor? Great! Is he gonna lecture us about breaking the rules of dimensional travel? Because it's not our fault." jokes Pero.
"Perhaps… or maybe we're dealing with a student. Who knows." said Punitto.
"Perhaps it was a science project. Show and tell? My son did that with yamaiko once." said Rex.
"Rex, I doubt you're son can fully understand the complexities of scrying magic regardless of his age. No offense." Ulbert said.
"None taken. Long incantations tend to confuse him."
Getting back to the topic at hand. Punitto spoke. "Well, in any case. You guys should go to this place and find this person. Whoever they are. And… take'em out." Punitto moe said in a whispering and suspenseful tone.
The trio just looked at him with confused expressions until they finally spoke.
"Take'em out?"
"Like for drinks?"
With some irritation. Punitto spoke again. "NO! Like take'em out."
"Takeout!... like for dinner?"
"Take'em out for a meal?"
"NO! I mean take'em out!."
"Like… on the town?"
"A party?"
Having had enough. Punitto yelled "NO! I mean take'em out!"
"You want us to kill someone?" Pero asked.
"YES!"
"Why?" Pero continued.
"Because if this person, regardless if they're someone from Nazarick or not. Need to be dealt with if they know where our base of operations is. If it's someone from Nazarick then it should be difficult. But if its just some rando should be easy. Either way. An action must be taken. And dead or permanently paralyzed are both good options. I'll let y'all decide."
"Hang on Punitto. You talk about killing as if it's something easy we can do—." Infinyrex was interrupted by his companions.
"Shii why didn't you say so! That's doable!" Said Pero.
"You want us to destroy the body or just leave it?" Asked Ulbert who was also okay with murder.
This left Infinyrex looking at them in confusion. Not wanting to believe what he was hearing.
"Hang on. You guys are okay with murder?" Rex asked.
The duo just nodded with " oh yeah" and " if it gets one problem out of the way."
"Whats the problem Rex? Do you have problems killing a human? I seem to recall that you don't care what happens to them." Asked Punitto.
"I don't, but still… if it's just some rando. were after someone who hasn't committed a crime."
"Crime?! Who the fuck said that this was a job for a cop?! This isn't a crime and we're not gonna arrest them! This is us not half ass-ing our anonymity! You fuck ups already cost us a piece of it after the nazarick incident. You want to read them their rights? How's this? Violation of our privacy!… You three will kill this person no matter what!" Said Punitto making his point. And leaving the room afterwards. Informing them that they will be covered at the bookshop.
Ulbert and Pero just looked at each other. Understanding the mission. Rex just looked at them. Already knowing what they were thinking.
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AT THE DRAGON SERVICE SKYPORT AIRLINES
At some point when the sorcerer king took over. He conquered many species of dragons starting with the frost dragons. Their main roles in the sorcerer kingdom is transportation of goods, whether through trade or aid to other countries. This has proven to be a very efficient way to deliver goods by air. And at some point. Its services were promoted to transportation of people. Many considered this a breakthrough and proof of the genius of the sorcerer king. Many could travel on ground but preferred air travel when it came to long distances. This business skyrockets on holidays due to family traveling from other countries to visit their relatives. This was possible through dragons undergoing training and having a large carriage. Large enough carry 20-30 people depending on race. Riding and strapped on the back of the dragon. It has windows and entrances, along with services to make the passengers comfortable.These air services traveled from kingdom to kingdom in no time. The one overseeing and coordinating these services was Shalltear bloodfallen.
And today. Three passengers were booking their flight to the Re estize ruins.
"Okay! I got us our tickets. Sorry Pero. we didn't have enough for first class. So you're gonna have to fly with the… others." Ulbert said with disgust at the end. Feeling sorry he couldn't do more for his friend who was now gonna have to sit with humans and demihumans.
"Aww man! So I can't chill with you guys in first class? I betcha just wanted the hot stewardess for yourselves! You horny bastards" said Pero. "Then again. I don't blame you."
"Sorry bud. Maybe next time."Rex said with his hand behind his head. Feeling bad as well.
A loud intercom voice came on making an announcement.
"FLIGHT TO RE ESTIZE RUINS NOW READY FOR BOARDING!"
"That's us. Let's try and get this over with so we can go home." Ulbert said. Carrying his luggage. They could just use their inventory portal but it would draw suspicion if they boarded a flight empty handed.
They all brought some jackets as the place they were going to was said to be cold this time of year. Ulbert and pero wore scarves, and heavy coats. And Rex wore a warm vest and a coat on top.
The trio began to board the dragon carriage. Being directed by the stewardess on their seating arrangements. Had to go through customs and security first and got in without problems. Took their seats. And began waiting for the fight to come.
"Alright Ulbert we gonna stop beating around the bush or what? I know we had enough for Pero to come sit with us. So what gives?"
"Shhh! When in Public. Use my disguise name. Hades."
"Alright. Mr Hades. Mind answering my question?"
"Ugh… it wasn't my idea. But Punitto thought it best I had this talk with you."
"About?"
"You know what it's about. Your morals. What we're gonna do once we get there. I gotta make sure your head is in the game."
"So you wanna be my babysitter and teacher?"
"Never in my dreams Rex. I just need to talk to you about what's gonna happen… were gonna…unalive someone" he said with a whisper to ensure noone heard. " and I need to make sure you have our back on this."
"We don't even know if it's a threat or if it was just some misunderstanding. We should verify first before we decide to do anything rash."
"Verify?... are you kidding me? They were monitoring us. Misunderstanding or not. We cannot leave any loose ends. We have to do what we have to do…okay let me give you a scenario. Let's say we let this person live. What happens next? This person could find a means to discover us. Find NIM. harm our friends. Your family. Your wife and child. Tell me? Are you willing to risk that on a hunch?"
"Hey!... don't bring up my wife and kid into this."
"Wake up to reality then. If they are harmed because you failed to act. It'll be in your hands if it does. Frankly. I don't want that. If you won't then I will. Just don't get in my way. And for future issues with this kind of problem. I expect you to act with the same efficiency."
"Its not justice if we're just killing them on assumption alone. We should endeavor to learn the cause."
"There's no such thing as justice. I would've thought our old world taught you that. People died on the streets simply because they couldn't work any longer due to age. Disability, or some element outside their control. No fault of their own. And some commit crimes out of desperation born of hunger. Inability to prevent the inevitable, or perhaps they too are trying to save someone. Or save themselves. The desperate tend to fear death when they have something that drives them forward. I used to think unfairness existed only in our world. But I was wrong… it exists everywhere… anywhere where there's a conscious being. There will always be unfairness. Life itself is not unfair. Rather life is a pretty fair game. Its us who cheat. Who betray, Who lie and steal. We can't be decent folks in an indecent world. Life is a game of chance. And the chances are against those who dare defy us. Whether you want to be the bad guy in this or not. It doesn't matter. We were already bad guys the moment we decided we wanted to win."
"I'm not a bad guy. I just want what's best for us is all."
"It always starts like that. It always starts with just two questions. What you want, and what you're willing to do to get it. And if you've ever thought like that… then you've been a villain too."
Infinyrex didn't know what to say to this and just stayed silent thinking.
Meanwhile back with Peroroncino. He was seated in the back with all the humans and demihumans. He could smell the stench of a nearby goblin. And was seated next to a old lady who kept rambling on to him.
" And so my granddaughter married this semi bafolk fella. Ugh I never wanted to waste my time with them because I was charged a bit too much at a furniture store owned by one of them, two legged, bearded farm animals. But anyways. This bafolk, she marries and he just has the worst table manners I've ever seen in my life! And I've been married more than once hehe. But you know, he's really done good for himself. He's currently working on the construction of that road towards other kingdoms. Making safety precautions for those traveling on land. But don't ask me about construction. No no no I don't know anything about that. I've worked as a seamstress most of my life and—"
Pero was getting irritated the more she spoke. He wore a white two buttoned wool shirt. With a sleeveless coat. And a beanie.
He wanted so desperately to tell her to stop talking but Ulbert told him to not make a scene. Needless to say. He was tapping his fingers like crazy on the arm rest. His feet were also shaking uncontrollably and his eyes were fidgeting.
With no time to lose. He opened up his bag of peanuts. Put one on his knee. Using his eagle eye skill that guaranteed he never missed. He prepared his fingers to flick the peanut. Carefully he positioned it with one eye closed and his tongue sticking out to the side of his mouth. He waited a little. Waited for the right moment. Making sure no one was watching and just as the old lady was about to say something else. He flicked the peanut. Making it hit the back of the chair in front of the old lady and went in her mouth when she didn't expect it.
Her eyes widened. As she felt her windpipe was clogged. She made quiet wheezing noises indicating she tried to breath but was unable to. Pero just looked at her. Not making a move. Just looking at her gasp for air that she wasn't going to receive and in a few seconds… She died and her head tilted and lifelessly leaned on Pero's shoulder.
Pero could now enjoy the flight.
A stewardess approached him unexpectedly. "Excuse me sir. Did you need anything before we land in a few hours?"
Pero just replied. "Some peanuts and maybe a pillow if you have one…please?"
The stewardess left. Leaving Pero just enjoying the flight.
As a bird of prey. Pero naturally had a killers blood running in his veins. He killed for sport but never for pleasure. He always kept himself in moderation when around specific groups of species. Nonetheless. His new body felt little in the way of remorse and saw killing as a natural thing and his eyes only saw ants. Pero still feels the need to be kind as his former human self would've been but oftentimes his new skills and mindset demanded he express his new self a bit. Since he was also an assassin class. He knew it was partly that as well. His friends knew this side of him and accepted they couldn't judge him on it since they were going through unresolved urges themselves.
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AT RE ESTIZE RUINS
Upon arrival. The trio left their seats. Prepared to get off the dragon. And got ready for the mission to come. But once getting off. They witnessed something they never imagined.
"Ah… so that's why they call it ruins." Rex said. While looking at a walkthrough of a destroyed kingdom. Buildings in shambles. Roads torn apart. Structures and homes that may have looked majestic now missing walls and stability. Just gazing at this scene one could tell it was once a vibrant town. But now it looked like a tragedy and nothing more. Pero noticed a few hidden bodies from afar. Now turned to skeletons. The trio could only see despair radiating from these ruins.
Their guide directed them to take a path. The one to get to Grave hall academy.
While walking to their destination. Rex asked. "What happened here?"
"From what I understand, Nazarick happened." answered Ulbert.
"What? How?"
" I'm reading a brochure right now… apparently many years ago this place was destroyed by Nazarick after committing a grave offense. The other countries seemed to support this decision."
"Damn but why go this far?"
"It's not like they didn't have it coming. The country was in a state of civil war due to the greed of its nobles. Remind you of anything?" Ulbert said. Hoping Rex will remember the greedy megacorps in their old world.
"What'd they do?" asked Pero.
"A young noble stole rations meant as aid to a war torn country. From the sorcerer kingdom. Basically stealing from Monga"
"What?! Are you serious? Well that's pretty dumb. What was the point of that?" pero inquired.
"My thoughts exactly. The noble was named Philip dayton l'eyre montserrat. He was remembered as a fool who recklessly endangered the fragile relationship of his kingdom and the sorcerer kingdom. As to why he did it. Apparently he wanted to save his declining crop business to preserve his diminished wealthy status as a noble."
"How does stealing charity help with that? It doesn't make any sense." Pero wondered to Ulbert with one raised eyebrow and a confused expression.
"I wouldn't know. We weren't there so perhaps there was more to it. You know how history gets covered up sometimes."
"But they punished the entire kingdom for it? Seems a bit excessive." said Rex.
"Think about it this way. The kingdom was destroying itself from the inside. The nobility were so engrossed in their desire for money that they stole rations from another country that was recovering from a war. For a while this country was occupied by a criminal organization that was selling drugs to other nations bringing them down. Had the highest rating in prostitution. And was engaged in an annual war with another country for years and didn't solve that problem despite having the resources to do it but the issue was that secrets were constantly being leaked from the nobility. They sacrificed large numbers of soldiers in these annual wars. Most of them were untrained farmers and peasants. Re-estize's strategy was not how to lead their soldiers but by hoping to overwhelm their opponents with numbers. No coordination whatsoever. Just suicide missions against a an army of highly trained soldiers from the empire" Ulbert finished sounding almost disgusted by the thought of this kingdom having ever existed.
"Damn! That bad?! No wonder this shithole didn't last. Why didn't the royalty do anything?" said Pero.
"The royalty? Under a king named King ramposa the third. He was said to have been a mediocre king. He mostly left the nobles to do as they please out of fear the kingdom would fall apart which I don't understand how. When the sorcerer kingdom declared war on them he assumed it was just an idle threat. Right before offering his head as compensation for the stolen aid."
"Okay… that's where I draw the line. How is that even a fair trade?" Rex asked " The king was not guilty of the crime. This Montserrat guy was. So why not turn him in instead? If someone gave me an innocent person to lock up. I'd feel offended. And if I went through with it. That would just paint me as the bad guy!"
"And if this noble was turned in instead and punished for it. It would send a message to the other nobles not to fuck up. Basic justice system. Because if the king had his own head off. Pretty sure the nobles will just continue doing it." said pero.
"Brilliant observation you two. Well it seems King Ramposa didn't get the memo."
"And why would someone just ignore a threat of war? Was this kingdom ruled by idiots?! Jeez, I feel sorry for the people who lived here." said Pero.
"Yeah you're telling me. This King was an idiot. This kingdom had a reputation for cultivating extraordinary individuals like Gasef stronoff. Brain Unglauss, a talented pharmacist and an adventurer team called Blue rose. Yet this King didn't take advantage of it?... what a dumbass." Ulbert said with a chuckle at the end. "This King didn't even bother to have a good relationship with other kingdoms like slane theocracy or baharuth. They had no allies in the war. Almost makes you feel sorry for them."
"I can smell dead bodies. Why didn't the people run?" asked Rex.
"They were given the chance to evacuate. But they were too scared. Even if they did. Other kingdoms wouldn't have taken them in due to their kingdom's reputation. Many refugees died like that."
The trio continued to walk through the ruins. Admiring the chaos that befell the foolish kingdom. Wondering what it looked like before. What the people living there could've done differently. They were also thinking about congratulating their old friend on ridding the world of this evil.
"Okay Ulbert. Here's what I don't understand. I read somewhere that other countries volunteered to be vassals right? Baharuth, Holy kingdom. Dragon kingdom. Why didn't they do the same? Would've saved a lot of lives had they did." Pero asked.
"Good question. Let me check… Okay. a noble a long time ago suggested it but was turned down by the king. Something about other nobles admonishing him for the thought and the king stating that it would've been an insult to the ones that died protecting it. But the short version. It would've caused a civil war if they did. But frankly I think it would've been better because the sorcerer kingdom would've purged the corrupt nobles from office and maybe appoint worthy ones to replace them."
The trio walked a long way to reach grave hall. Walking past the destroyed kingdom and every corner filled them with unease. As they looked upon the school at the highest hill. Overlooking the ruins from above. It was the only building standing in this hollow land.
"Why is it that, THAT is the only thing standing in this hollow ruble?" asked Rex.
"That is Rolente castle. Once the castle and home of the royals. Now the world's best wizarding school. It was meant to serve as a monument to the neighboring kingdoms of the futility of defying the sorcerer kingdom. However after their war with the slane theocracy. They figured it was a worthless endeavor and chose to give it a purpose other than a warning. To teach the future generations it seems and what a way indeed. To dorm in the center of a fallen kingdom." Ulbert finished as they made their way to the school grounds.
Their guide. Advised them not to get lost and to stay among the group. However. The trio had a different plan in mind. To search for their spying culprit.
"Alright. Let's split up and ask for any information involving our culprit. If any of you find anything. Let us know so we can help. Understood." Ulbert announced. The two nodded their heads. "If there's no need to kill them then we find an alternative to keep information on us sealed."
With that. The group separated to continue their mission. Though unknown to each other. They also had ulterior motives.
Infinyrex planned to find this person first hoping they could be reasoned with.
Ulbert hoped to kill the culprit. Staying true to his task.
And Peroroncino planned to find the nearest fraternity and maybe hook up with some girls before leaving. Hoping the other guys will do all the heavy lifting so he could enjoy himself.
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INFINYREX'S POV
'Okay… just gotta find this person but how? Maybe I should ask someone here. Or would that draw too much suspicion? C'mon gotta focus. I was a cop once. I've questioned suspects before. Just gotta ride that bike again. But if I find them and they are unreasonable. What then?'
Soon. old memories of his, started coming back. A memory from the old world when he was a human.
He was a cop riding in a cop car on an acid rainy day. He put his mask on before heading outside. He saw a body on the sidewalk. And next to it was his partner. He had arrived to the crime scene earlier than he expected.
The body was that of a neighborhood drug dealer. Notorious for recruiting kids. Killing informants. And the police raids always made it worse.
He always got away legally with the best lawyer a drug dealer could buy. And now he's lying on the sidewalk…dead as a dorknob.
Rex had just got the call. They proceeded to speak with some of the homeowners to see if anyone had a clue about who did it. But no one gave the desired response. Rex thought that they must've been too scared to respond. He tried to put them at ease. To no avail.
When they reached one house. They spoke to an elderly couple about whether they saw anything. The old man said that he didn't know. that he wasn't there. But he noticed that the elderly lady stayed silent. Fidgeted. Not giving eye contact. He knew immediately that she knew something.
Before leaving. He gave her his card. To call him if she remembered anything that could help them. This was standard procedure for him. She took it. Though he pretended not to notice. He saw her in the kitchen throwing the card away.
When Rex and his partner left the house. His partner suggested they take a lunch break. Which he agreed to.
When they went to the restaurant. Trying to not get blind by the neon colors. They took their seats. Overlooking the toxic fog outside. All the homeless on the streets and all the people rushing to get to work. Living their mundane lives of repeating the same process they did yesterday and the day before that.
Rex couldn't understand how the drug dealer died. It couldn't have been someone from his gang. They would've lost too much with his death. Considering he was the one with connections in the criminal underworld. So how? Perhaps a vigilante?. No. This drug dealer had a gang with him. No one person could've done that. Perhaps it was more than one person? But then what would be the motive? Gang wars?
When Rex and his partner left the restaurant. They decided to call it a day. But just as they were about to go their separate ways. Rex got a call. It was the elderly woman. She wanted to meet somewhere. Rex informed his partner. Soon they both headed to the meeting place.
Once they got there. The elderly lady was standing at the bridge that separated the neighborhood to the other neighborhood where there was a playground. Rex went to meet with her alone as she called him personally. Thinking it as a sign of trust. He walked over to her.
As he did they began to speak in the middle of the night.
"Thank you for calling us ma'am. Any clues to help us solve this case is greatly appreciated. I understand why you want to keep this a secret. You're risking a lot. But I want you to know you're doing the right thing coming to speak with us." he said in a cheerful yet calm and honest demeanor. However her next words took him by surprise.
"Am I?... am I really?... Am I really doing the right thing, officer?" she said with her head down. Crossing her arms, shivering from the cold.
He didn't understand what she meant so he asked what she meant.
"Its just that. Things are finally peaceful here. Not like when that no good drug dealing punk was still breathing." her voice began to grow in scorn. "Children were threatened by that hoodlum. Told that if they didn't join him! Bad things would happen! My grand child came to his parents crying! Many brave souls tried to warn you pigs about him! But you just ignored him and barely did anything!. They paid the price for their bravery with their lives! After that! Everyone was too scared to say anything because nothing but ruin would come of it!... so we got tired of waiting!"
Rex listened intently. And tried to calm her down. But ended up asking her a question instead.
"What do you mean 'got tired of waiting'?"
"Just like that! We got tired of waiting! If you weren't gonna do anything! We would have to!... everyone in the neighborhood! My husband! The other families! Their parents! Uncles and their sons! Put that filthy bastard out for good! For everything he did to our home!... are you…you gonna arrest me for protecting my grandkids?! Are you gonna arrest us all!?!... see what happens!." she said all this with tears in her eyes as she pulled a gun on him. Taking Rex by surprise.
Rex put his hands up. Trying to de-escalate this situation.
"NO! NO NO NO!... I won't let you take us! I'm done ith your lies! You pigs serve those elites! You dogs! You can't half-ass our safety! You can't half-ass the punishment inflicted on these criminals! Protect and serve my ass! You will not half -ass this! No more half-assing!!" as she said this. She cocked her gun. Ready to pull the trigger.
Rex just stood there trying to reason with her knowing it was hopeless. He was so scared. Wondering if this was the end. He closed his eyes. Apologizing to his wife mentally for not being more careful.
Then he heard a shot fired. Wondering if it was over. He was breathless. But felt no pain. No pain anywhere in his body. He slowly opened his eyes. Touched his body giving it a run through for any blood. But felt none. He looked up at the elderly lady and was shocked that he saw her covered in blood.
From behind him. His partner shouted. "Hey! You okay?" he saw his partner with smoke coming out of his gun. Indicating that he was the one who shot the gun.
The elderly lady's body fell to the ground hard. Rex could only watch as the pool of blood reached his shoes. Wearing an expression he had never had before. He was pulled out of it by his partner, who told him that he was going to call it in.
The next day. Rex saw his many coworkers and teams going from house to house arresting anyone involved in the killing. He heard many things like "we had to do it" and "you're punishing us for doing your job better?". So many things left him confused. Confused about the justice system. Who it was really protecting. And whether he did the right thing.
He looked at his partner to his right and asked him "hey bud. are…Are we the good guys?"
His partner having done this job two years longer than him. Looked up and after a moment of silence. Spoke. "We're just a bunch of assholes trying to do our job. Nothing more nothing less. That drug dealer did the same and so did that old lady. Doesn't matter how we do it. Its just our job. If you're feeling like an asshole for it. That's because you are an asshole and so am I." understanding the words of his partner. Silence followed as they both looked at everyone being taken into cop cars.
He found out later that the families of those who killed the drug dealer were killed by the drug dealer's former gang. And the process started all over again. Drugs were being sold. Children were being indoctrinated the wrong way. And informants were being killed. Nothing really changed.
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BACK TO THE PRESENT
Infinyrex continues to explore the school. Seeing rows and rows of children of all ages.
'Hmm maybe I should send vortex here, and Yamaiko would love to be at a school that has teacher appreciation day.' He thought.
'How should I go about looking for our culprit? I can't just ask some rando 'hey have you seen anyone who's using scrying magic to spy on some alien beings? I'm asking for a friend of course' nah that would be too dumb and who knows. I might be talking to the culprit themselves. This is gonna be tough. I gotta find them before the others do.'
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IN THE GRAVEHALL PRINCIPALS OFFICE
In the principals office sat the legendary fluder paradyne. A powerful and ancient wizard known for once being the empires most powerful to being the first magic apprentice to the sorcerer king. He was tasked by his new god to oversee the school. To ensure proper magical upbringing among the newer generations. To control what they should learn or shouldn't before being sent off to the new world, teaching them that loyalty and obedience to the sorcerer king was right and rebellion was futile. To learn magic for themselves but never against the sorcerer king. Fluder believes this to be a test of sorts.
"Aaah… another day of managing this school of gifted youngsters. I see new batches everyday with promise. It matters not to me what becomes of them. So long as they fulfill the results I have promised my master. All is well."
As he said this. A petite voice from behind him spoke.
"Indeed." Said the imp girl renner. Startling fluder in the process.
"By god! Child!… oh! Forgive me. I did not see you there my lady. How may this humble servant, serve you.?"
"Please. There's no need for such formality. We're coworkers after all. We've been here for several years overseeing the school have we not? I believe it's appropriate to address each other more casually by this point. Don't you think?"
"Very well Renner. It's just as you say. Even though you say that. You are still my superior of sorts."
"That's true but I don't feel a need to micromanage. Your loyalty to our lord is true. Especially since we're both benefitting from this arrangement. Having worked together this long. It's nice to have a kindred spirit to bond with considering my position here. I can't speak to anyone but you, the shadow demons and ofcourse my little puppy." She said with a giggle.
The school housed many secrets. One of them was renner. Who used the hidden exits and trap doors of the school to her advantage. Her job was to ensure the new generation didn't have any thoughts of rebellion. And by doing this she set up secret surveillance networks among the dorms and classes. Her colleague and subordinate fluder was the one the students could see to ensure the same thing and manage the school should she have any requests of him to benefit her role.
"I see. I too take pleasure from our talks my lady."
"With that out of the way. How are things here? Any problems I should know about?"
No. Nothing of the sorts. The students are behaving accordingly. The instructors are properly trained on what to teach. And everyone pays tribute first thing in the morning to our lord. And I'm still trying to decipher this spell my lord tasked me with learning. To no avail."
"I see. I wouldn't blame you if you struggled to learn the magic of the gods. Nonetheless, knowing you I doubt you'd give up that easily."
"Hehe exactly right! I haven't felt this baffled since I was a young apprentice in my first year of the magic academy. Truly the greatest feeling! I will not stop until I've peered into the abyss of magic!"
"Your enthusiasm always amazes me fluder. I hope the best for you."
"Thank you. Though forgive me for not having a replacement janitor for the school to oversee the maintenance and cleaning of your castle. It's been hard trying to find good help in the west wing."
"Do not worry one bit about that! Take all the time you need. And 'my castle' you say? I suppose that would be true however I can hardly say I've had any good memories of it. This was a castle filled with fools. Founded by fools. Built by generations upon generations of fools. Now reformed into generations of wizards, mages and what have you. This place isn't my home, Fluder. It's just the place I've been assigned to by lady albedo. Do whatever you'd like with it."
"Hmm." 'I knew she disliked being stationed here all those years ago but I guess I never delved too deep into it.'
"With that. I'll leave you to it. I've got a bit of paperwork to do. Stuff regarding parents trying to bribe their way into having their kids come to this school. Not happening. Have a wonderful day fluder. Contact me if anything. You have a shadow demon after all."
With that. The imp princess left. Leaving fluder to practice his magic.
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INFINYREX POV
'Jeez. I've been wandering this same hall for half an hour. What do I do? How can I prevent someone from dying at such a slow pace.'
'Maybe I should just ask someone.'
Just suddenly. With his advanced senses, he felt a chill. And turned around quickly.
'What was that?! It looked like a moving shadow. Did Ulbert summon a few? Maybe he found the person. If I have time. I can beat him to the culprit.'
He ran to the corner trying to follow the shadow demon. His heightened senses allowed him to see beyond the shadow to see the dark energy that was the demon itself. After making a few lefts and rights and turns at a few corners. He arrived at the library. Reached a section of books that were hidden at the back of the library. Stopped dead in his tracks.
'Hmm the trail ends here. Have I been conned?'
He decided to look behind him to see if Ulbert was hiding. He looked at the books seeing they were the self help section. After a bit of scrolling. He felt a breeze in his hand from the bookshelf. His eyes were in shock. Knowing full well what this was. He pulled book after book trying to trip something. Hoping he was right that this was a hidden book shelf. Finally he pulled the right book and found a hidden lever. He pulled it. And felt the sound of something unlock.
With some force. He pulled the bookshelf to no avail. He then pushed instead and found it moving with some resistance.
Rex now stood before a dark shallow cave. With stairs leading down. He felt a great wave of mystique and dark aura emanating from the cave. The human in him was telling him not to go in. But one of the pros of his new body was that it rarely felt fear. Had it not been for this. He wouldn't have made the choice he was about to make now.
A/N
I'm gonna be entering a hiatus after the second part of this chapter is released. right now I'm facing burnout and need time to replenish my thoughts. I wanna be sure I'm giving you all 101%. see yall in the next one.