I, Necromancer Chapter 33 (Patreon)

"You're an idiot."

Was my swift accusation the moment I was slightly alone with Yah.

Michael didn't rebuke me, and instead flipped on the golden-haired and towering Goddess with narrowed eyes, like a child judging his parent for not taking care of themselves.

Which is correct.

"What did She do?" He asks, and Gabriel joins in on pouting fiercely at Yah, which makes the woman twitch as if slapped.

The Gabriel Pout is a dangerous weapon indeed.

"Her Soul is damaged." The pouts and narrowed eyes turn into glares, "Not badly, but she clearly pushed herself. This was to seal the Dimensional Gap, I presume?" I take a seat as I ask my question, a ball of milky white mist blooming above my palm before I let it float towards Yah.

She takes and absorbs it, her complexion visibly growing better as she breathes in deeply, "It was." She nods, "I had Shiva to work as a distraction, so it wasn't as bad as when I had to seal Trihexa by myself."

Yeah, she had to hold that beast back while sealing it. I dare not imagine how tired she must've felt when it was all over.

"How's Shiva?"

"Beaten up and sulking a bit." Her lips twitch in amusement at that, "He took on the strongest Void Being there was currently in the Dimensional Gap. He was a bit annoyed that he couldn't slay it even after going all out."

I hiss softly and lean back, "That strong, huh?"

Yah nods, gaze serious, "They are far worse than we can imagine. Battles of attrition are meaningless against them. We must find ways to get around their absurd durability."

My first thought was Ddraig's Penetrate, but even that move doesn't fully ignore defenses.

I brush a hand through my hair with a deep sigh, "I haven't fought them yet, so I do not know if my Necrotic Magic can make their bodies decay." If it does, then I can workshop some plans. Set my immense armies against them, and abuse the Sephiroth Graal to create instead of raise.

With my current strength, I could create millions of Undead before getting tired. Perhaps even more. I just need to perfect my art, perfect my Magic and Qi, so that the Undead I create aren't lacking compared to the monstrous army currently ravaging the Beast Tide and using it as a snack.

"I'll think of something."

Yah smiles. It was a soft, warm and beautiful thing. "I know. You always do." He gaze seems to see through me, "Do you feel better now that the burden is off your shoulders?"

Yeah, she reads me like a book, somehow.

I've never mentioned it to anyone, not even Fleurdelys, because what good would it do? It was my burned, and mine alone to shoulder. And yet… "Yeah… Yeah, I feel a lot better." I smile and breathe in with a relief I didn't know I had, "Death will remember the shape I gave it. Beautiful, welcoming, warm- Not a cold wait in an endless line where one may go insane and turn upon the innocent."

Michael's warm hand lands on my shoulder, his golden eyes glowing with a happiness that could put the Sun itself to shame. "I didn't get to say it before, but… Thank you, really, for sending all my brothers and sisters home."

There were a lot of them now that I think about it. I'm glad I could help and send them back home.

I look down and let one of the cracked, dull cups appear in my grasp, "Nearly destroyed the Sephiroth Graal, though." I chuckle out, which gains a tinge of nervousness when Yah narrows her eyes at me.

"No one has ever pushed one of my Sacred Gears so hard that they nearly collapsed..."

Gabriel blinked at that, "But why go so far, Scaith?" She questions, a tinge of worry in her tone, "Not that I am ungrateful, it's just… You nearly destroyed your greatest weapon. So… Why?"

I would have done it again even if it destroyed the Graal. Even if it collapsed and became dust that flowed through my fingers.

My gaze meets Yah. Her eyes are still warm, still knowing, still understanding.

"You know." Her smile deepens. She's known since she rested with me when we hunted that Angel Titan being. Hades likely knows too, as he can peer at Souls just like I can.

My Soul is different from theirs. Anyone else wouldn't really see a difference, but someone like Yah? Someone like Hades? For them the difference is quite glaring.

I hold her gaze for a moment longer before speaking, "The Gates are my fault." Her eyes widen a tiny fraction, while Gabriel and Michael take in sharp intakes of air. "I'm not from… Here. This Universe. I am from beyond the Dimensional Gap."

"I was a normal human, just… existing from day to day. And one day, some manner of powerful being gave me power over your world, but I thought it was just another one of those stupid things that had been famous on the internet at the time."

"So I let my creativity flow. I changed the world, came up with the Gates, how they work, how they came to be through the collision of The Dream and The Infinity that shattered the Dimensional Gap. And then I placed myself into this world, gave me a power that would work well against the Gates, and thought nothing of it."

Yah's shoulders sag, "And then you woke up here."

I nod, "I went to sleep, and when I woke up I was here, having lived a whole new life but also not." I shake my head and sigh deeply, "When I realized the full scope of what I caused, I worked towards gaining the Sephiroth Graal… But only then did I realize how truly difficult my plan was going to be."

Until I felled a primordial being and used its Soul as fuel to change the way Death works. Else I don't even know how much power I would have needed to achieve that, but it did become my cornerstone towards gaining a modicum of Divinity somehow.

Michael breathes out and leans back, eyes wide, nearly disbelieving, "To grant someone such amounts of power without warning, that is just so…"

I shake my head, stopping his words, "That still makes it my fault. Playing God in that way, playing with lives… That was on me." I let out a derisive snort, "You cannot expect to give someone absolute power and not have it get to their head, after all."

Though, for me it was worse. For I didn't even think about possible consequences. 'It shouldn't have been real!' isn't an excuse, and will never be.

"Still… Deep down I am glad I was sent here. I've been enjoying this life far more than the previous one." I know that in time I will have to tell Fleurdelys, but for now I'd rather just make sure this world isn't on the verge of collapse.

Yah shook her head, "The source of your origin can be studied later, dear." She speaks softly, shuffling so to move onto other matters, clearly wanting to contemplate my words for a while longer, "I'd like to ask a favor from you. One that will take you away from your loved ones for a while."

I rose a brow at that, "I presume this is about the plan to push back the Gates?" She had already mentioned to me about putting together a group of the best and most talented from each Pantheon so to dive into No Man's Land and take out the Gates that are causing more Gates to appear.

"Yes, and I would like for you to lead such a team." I blink in surprise at that, "Michael and Gabriel will come with you, and I shall visit at times when not making sure the Dimensional Gap is stable, but I would like for you to lead and pressure these talents until they bloom properly."

The chair creaks as I lean back and cup my chin in thought, "Would they listen to me, though?"

She smiles in a way that is playful and hot, "All the Pantheons watched you carve a Godless Domain into existence and use it to butcher a Primordial being. A little show of power will make them act in the right way." She then tilts her head, eyes brightening in a way that says she remembered something, "Plus, you have an acquaintance there. She said you two met when she was going through the bases of the Khaos Brigade."

Someone I met… My mind brings up the image of that stunning red haired woman that was stopped from Lu Bu from killing me when I saved Phrolova.

Huh, to think I'd meet her again. "I'll need a place to house and move them…" My mind goes to the immense primordial turtle whose corpse is still laying in the same place I felled it. "I have an idea to fix all of that, I just…" I nod towards the cracked cup, and Yah waves her hand, making it float towards me.

"I'll repair it, but refrain from pushing it too far for a while." She gives me a look of warning, both pleased and slightly irritated that her creation could be used in such a way and still be whole, albeit frankly crippled.

A huff leaves my nostrils, one of amusement, before I turn my gaze to the Taxiarch, "You coming too, eh? Time to stretch muscles that haven't worked in a while?" The golden haired man grins and shrugs lightly.

"Felt it was only right, just in case my strength is needed." Yeah, someone like him that can make Ddraig look weak in comparison will be very welcome indeed. "I think it may be excessive, but best be very careful, especially since we may face Gates we haven't seen before."

True. Yah theorized it and confirmed the existence of Gates that release just a single, insanely powerful monster from them. We confirmed it exists through Ajuka, who battled one such being, the Sybil.

Some kind of ageless being that could bring anything she witnessed into existence. Were it not for his Domain, the whole Underworld may have ceased to exist beneath her strength.

"Word of warning; Lu Bu may try to pick fights with you." Might need to create the other Undead Minion that will be a front-line fighter, and make them a sparring partner for Lu Bu so to keep the battle maniac content and quiet.

One Undead Minion will be the flying fortress I'll turn the turtle's corpse into, while the other… I have ideas, but I need Yi Xuan's help with my Soul first. And Changli's, preferably.

But the turtle won't be enough… I'll need someone to work on its back and turn it into a city people can live on. I have just the people in mind.

"I can pull in some favors from the Chinese Faction." Maybe offer them some things for extra help since I'll be taking quite a bit of their firepower. I'll need the Forging Sect full capabilities, as those guys never disappoint.

"I know you won't disappoint, Scaith." Yah smiles warmly at me, "How much time do you need to prepare everything?"

That's a fair question. I can expect her to repair the Graal within a day or two, and with Yi Xuan and Changli's help I can settle down my Soul situation, so… "Two weeks, at most." They all blinked in surprise at the short amount of time I offered. But I have faith that the Forging Sect works quickly, after all.

"Very well then." Yah stood, albeit she seemed to hesitate about something. She looked at me, a clear desire to talk more in her eyes, but in private. "Just make sure to rest properly, okay?" She states instead, moving away from that inner desire of hers.

I let out a soft chuckle, "That's the only thing I can do right now with everyone breathing down my neck." Not that I mind. This rest is very welcome, after all.

With that said, I rise and stretch, and that's when Yah speaks once more, voice soft and soothing, "And Scaith?"

I look into her bright eyes, and she smiles kindly at me, "This isn't your burden alone to shoulder, nor do you have any fault in all of this. Just remember that."

Man… She makes it really hard not to adore her.

"I'll try."

Because that's all I can do.

~XXX~

I breathe out, shoulders relaxing as the feeling of weakness and being stuffed to the point of bursting recedes back a great deal.

My Soul was… Not out of danger, but miles better than before.

"Thanks, Yi Xuan." I sigh out as the beautiful woman hums and takes a seat beside me, the wind whipping our long hair back as the Dragon below us flies to our destination.

"'Tis a mystery how your Soul didn't collapse under all that strain, Scaith." She mused, dropping her chin on her palm, her curvaceous figure barely contained within the golden robes she was wearing, "But don't rely too much on my help, I am simply preventing the worst from happening, the rest is up to you."

I hum and nod at that. Changli had moved and stayed behind, going to her personal chambers to refine a… 'Soul Nourishing Pill' to help me recover, though it was a very complicated one so she needed some time alone to perfect it.

"Would Soul Cultivation help?" I ask Yi Xuan, mostly because despite knowing that it is a time intensive thing, I can afford to use my actual, real body stored safely away to cultivate. Hell, I can make one Cultivate Qi and the other Cultivate the Soul, so that I can perfect both arts.

It is a must that I do, since I've hit a slope with where Magic can lead me.

Yi Xuan blinks, then a wide and sultry smile spreads across her face, "Oh my, shall this Big Sister teach you how to Cultivate? It'll be very hands-on and intimate~!" She purred, getting on all four and crawling towards me, her swaying cleavage in full view.

I stared without shame, obviously. "If you're sure you can handle this Jade Beauty~." I teased right back, her eyes widening and cheeks flushing, before they puffed up as she burst out into laughter.

"Heavens, this is why you are so lovely!" She crawls closer, then drops herself on my lap without care, poking the tip of my nose with her finger, "Many would kill their family to receive my guidance and expertise in such matters, you know~?"

I shrug, "Alas, they aren't as handsome as me. Or filled with all the Qi you want." She blows a raspberry at me and flicks my nose, one arm coming up to rest on my shoulder.

"Correct." She nods at my point, much to my amusement, "I've practiced many Soul Cultivation Methods and mastered just as many, and even made my own. Not to toot my own horn, but mine is far better." I raise an amused brow at her.

"And the source of this confidence is…?" Still, best to listen to her. She is someone who is insanely valued in the Chinese Faction, having reached levels in Formation and Array mastery that not even the disciples she raised got close to reaching.

And with the extra Soul Jewels I gave her? Yeah, no one might reach her in this lifetime.

"Because I know the proper way Cultivation works, obviously." She huffs, leaning against my chest with her left side, kicking her long legs out and using me like a comfy throne. "Many prefer the harder paths that Create, thus give immense powers. Few pick those that Refine what you have, thus granting slower but greater growth."

"The Soul is ethereal, just a clump of energy without true shape or form. But with my Cultivation Method, you refine it. It becomes Illusory, then Corporeal, then it Transforms. And Refining your Soul enhances your everything." She finishes, tapping my forehead with a finely manicured finger.

And I can believe her. The Soul is immaculate, the greater its power the greater the control over our body, over our magic. It is why I devour so many Souls, because the greater my Soul becomes, the faster I master the many techniques I steal through such a method, and the faster my army learns and grows.

The Soul is the jewel of our existence, so the more perfect it is, the better our everything gets.

"I don't need power. I have that in spades. I need control. I need to refine what I already have." Yi Xuan grins, eyes wide and nearly manic, her fingers tracing my jawline before brushing my lips.

"And you wonder why I want to ride you dry…"

"No, I don't wonder on the why. You've made me aware of it countless times."

"I wouldn't do this if you were so stupidly attractive… And Zani is quite vocal about how good you are in bed." That's because I perfected this body to make sure anyone I have sex with sees the Gates of Heaven, and then feels me fucking them against said Gates until they ram open.

I am a perfectionist at heart, and yes, that means sex is part of it too. No one has complained thus far.

"Here, let me show you." Yi Xuan shuffled on my lap, her lovely ass grinding against my crotch, before she took in a deep breath and closed her eyes.

I narrowed my gaze at her forehead, seeing the air warp there. A faint illusory figure appeared between her brows, a miniature her sat lotus style.

I can't quite make it out, her form form is seemingly physical, with burning flames wrapped around her. Then her miniature eyes opened and stared at me, that same sultry smirk spreading across her lips, "You can see this, cutie?"

I blink, then nod, "Not well, it is… Illusory. See-through. I can see the color but can't quite make it out." She hums and nods, her small figure rising and stretching.

Her real body was still, seemingly lifeless, and it now lacked her Soul, but wasn't Dead. It now acted like a shell that she can go back to whenever she wants, without fear of it decaying or collapsing due to hunger and thirst.

"Well, it is a surprise you can see my Soul already. You'd usually need to Cultivate and Refine yours a bit before you can see it. Guess these are the boons you gained from devouring one too many Souls." I can see her clearly with Soul Sight, but it shows me just the shape, not the Soul Energies she wields and shapes with a thought.

This is so fascinating. "What abilities does this grant?"

Yi Xuan shrugs. Or at least, her Soul does. "Incredible sharpening of the senses, you also get a lot smarter, your mind grows broader, and you can weaponize your Spiritual Energy. Or Soul Energy, as some brutes say." Yes, I am among those brutes.

"I presume Spiritual Energy targets only the Soul?" She nods.

"Attacks with Spiritual Energy ignore the fleshy body and aim straight at the Soul. Of course, that doesn't mean that you can easily slay a being like that Primordial Turtle you took on." She would be right… If she didn't know about my Necrotic powers.

They affect all of my powers, after all. Mana, Qi, so it'll likely affect my Spiritual Energy to. Meaning that it'll be corrosive, poisonous, and that is the best weapon against incredibly powerful and tough beings that can survive the damage that is being dished out against their bodies.

"Can you teach me this method? I have another body that can focus on training it." Her Soul disappears and returns to her body, which opens her bright eyes to blink at me.

"Could I have an extra body of yours? I'll treat it very well, I promise-"

"Nope."

"-Had to try, at least." I snort as she shrugs without shame, "Here, I'll share the Mnemonic with you. Bare your Soul to me." I lean forward and let her rest her forehead against mine, her eyes closed as her Spiritual Energy floods and wraps around my Soul.

She cuts a portion off and lets my Soul feast on it, granting me knowledge about a strange language. Like a prayer to the Heavens, seeking guidance, asking to be tempered by flames and lightning so they could be refined into greatness.

"I presume a lot of pain will be involved?" She just smiles at me. Cheeky woman.

Still, the pain isn't as horrible as feeling your Soul nearly collapse as you change the very way Death works. My main body works with the chanting the Mnemonic, and I feel my very Soul be set on fire and struck by lightning.

But the effects are swift, and I feel myself getting better as the excess energies are burned off and refined, my Soul growing more and more stable with each passing second.

"This will take some getting used to…" I sigh out, though am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. This will swiftly become incredibly useful, though a feel it will take a while to kick off, as it has a lot of energies to refine and burn through.

"Pain gives clarity of mine." Yi Xuan pats my cheek with a sweet smile, "Hopefully, this clarity will stop you from making such dumb choices, cutie."

I huff out softly, shoulders sagging, "That bad, huh?"

Her eyes narrow, a gentle admonishing look in them, "You were unconscious when your Undead brought you back home. But I was there, to see the faces of everyone that loves and deeply adores you."

"I may be new among your group… But I would rather not see such faces ever again."

I sigh through my nostrils and nod slowly, then perk up when the Dragon lets out a soft growl. The roar of countless beasts and the cacophony of battle reaches my ears over the roaring wind as the distant battlefield of the Chinese Faction and their respective lands come into view.

One of Yi Xuan's perfect works of art was currently active, a gargantuan dome of light raining down ethereal blades, conjuring the spirits of fallen beasts and illusions- Her Formation alone kept the battlefield constantly in the favor of the Chinese Faction.

We land far away from the mountain-sized walls raining down constant artillery fire upon the horde. Said deafening roars died down and nearly faded away when we stepped within the city, showing that they had erected some form of sound-dampening array for the locals.

Yi Xuan leads the way with a sway of the hips that is fully intentional, leading me to a lavish restaurant that is empty, aside from a table that was set in the middle, the scent of incense barely cooking the fine aroma of food lingering in the air.

"I bring our guest, Masters." Yi Xuan speaks, voice regal and warm, before a snarl cuts the air.

"Not this son of a bitch again!" The short dwarf that is the Forging Master hollers, sitting up on his chair while his beard is ruffled by his outburst, his eyes nearly spewing lasers towards me, "I ain't letting you rob me blind again, ya cunt!" Then his eyes narrow, big chubby fingers digging into the table, "The fuck you got for me?"

I grin and step towards the table, "Just the corpse of a Primordial being."

"Fuck you, I'm in." And he sits back down while grumbling to himself. Now you see why I love this old bastard?

"Sword Master, glad to see you still alive and kicking." The towering old man was the same as ever, minus a few additional scars on his copper-like skin. He nodded me in greeting, white mustache shifting with his smile.

"Your presence always brings good tidings. What is it that you need?" Oh, well that warms my heart. I always try to repay more than I am given to build good and proper relations, so it is nice to see it work well.

I take a seat at the table with Yi Xuan before speaking, "I believe you've been made aware of the Strike Team that is being put together to attack specific Gates in No Man's Land, so to put an end to the Beast Tide?"

He nods, expression hard, "Yes, we've considered sending some of our own, but even with Lady Xuan's Formation we are still struggling and facing some losses." Even with the income of corpses and materials, the wall and Formation still take up a lot of resources to keep running, after all.

"Please, make any request you believe I can fulfill. I believe we are close enough to do away with the pleasantries." I waved off, making the Sword Master huff out a soft laugh.

"We need Healers. The stock of Pills vanishes faster than the Alchemist Sect can replenish." He hums and leans back, large arms crossing before his broad chest, "The corpses of many of our mighty Elders are well preserved, as well as their weapons that long to taste blood once more. If you could bring them back, it would be a gigantic boon."

I hum and cup my chin in thought, "Nothing I can't resolve in a few moments. I can easily have ten-thousand Undead Priests come over to offer their aid. Empowering Spells, healing that can regrow limbs and bring one back from near death, you name it and they can do it."

The Forging Master perks up, "That's a lot, kiddo. You sure you can afford so many leaving your army?"

I give him a wide, confident grin, "The Undead Army currently facing the Beast Tide over the abandoned section of the Fallen Angels has breached the billion in numbers. I have more than ten million Undead Priests, and can refill those numbers with ease." His jaw drops and I turn to the Sword Master, "In fact, use them to request help in case a Heavenly Dragon Class monster ever is sighted. Lu Bu and my strongest Undead, Mugen, will come deal with it personally."

Hunter will be more than enough to fill the void they leave behind, especially since the two will move to slaughter the beast within seconds.

"That is much appreciated, Scaith." The Sword Master states, before hesitating, "There is… Another thing. Is it true that the Graal can make one younger?" I blink in surprise at that.

"Yes, very easily so. If you wish to go back to your prime, that will be no problem."

He bows his head, "Much thanks. This old body is struggling to swing a sword as much as usual." Yeah, he is likely centuries old, and there is a limit to how much energy Cultivation can give to an old body. The fact that he keeps fighting despite that says a lot.

Which reminds me… Their weapons are quite peculiar. Item-Spirits is what gives their weapons the great might many Cultivators require, but they are hard to make. Something about extensive rituals and blessings that can cost way too much.

"I do have something else to offer, especially since one of my requests may keep the Forging Sect busy for quite a while." I reach to my waist, withdrawing the Spell-tome I acquired and enhanced from the powerful Lich, and added a Soul inside it. "Give me a hundred-thousand of your finest weapons, and I will add powerful Souls within them, effectively granting them an Item Spirit. This will grant you all an even greater edge against the Beast Tide."

The Forging Sect Master decided to take a drink of his beer at that moment, which ended up with the beer coming out of his nostrils and him nearly choking to death. "You fucker, you're too good at this shit!" He accuses me with no real bite, making me burst out laughing.

"You prove my words correct, Scaith. Your presence always brings good tidings." The Sword Master chuckles heartily before waving his hand, "Please, make your requests."

"Very well; First, I'd like to hire the Forging Sect. I plan on turning the corpse of the Primordial Turtle into a flying Fortress City. Any material you remove from its back can be yours, of course. I just require it to be finished as fast as possible." Mostly so that Yi Xuan can start working on the Formation.

"Next… Do you happen to have any young talents that you feel like are wasting their abilities and require a… Rougher touch? If so, let them join the Strike Team. I will whip them into shape."

The Forging Master frowned, but not out of anger or displeasure, but because it seemed he instantly thought of someone. "There is someone. My youngest daughter." He rumbles out, voice proud but vexed, "Her talent… It is Heaven-Defying, but she squanders it, too lazy to properly wield a sword."

"If you can make her embrace that talent of hers… I will be most grateful, and happy to retire."

I nod with a smile, then consider my next request, "As for my next request… I would like to buy Techniques. Be they from any Sect, as many as you can sell that aren't private and cannot be shared."

This is the one part where my army is lacking. The Mages have an immense arsenal of Spells from all the Ancestors and Raphthorne's arsenals that I appropriated through their corpses.

But my physical warrior are merely empowering themselves with Magic and Necrotic Qi, so they don't really have refined techniques. Even Lu Bu fights simply through physical might, but he can afford to since his Touki is just… Out of this world.

"That… Might cost a lot."

I grin, wide and cheerful, "That's what the extra weapons with Item Spirits are for!"

Because I know for a fact that a hundred-thousand weapons will be enough. It'll barely be a drop in the bucket and will equip their strongest and the Elders, but they'll need their youngest and the most talented to wield them too, so to grow and surpass them.

The first was an incentive, but this one? This one was going to be the real prize.

"You see this cunt? Fuckin' robbin' us blind." Ah, I'll never get bored with this old man.

"I can take back the weapon offer, then-"

"I ain't say shit, you fucking fuck."

Never a dull day with you, old man.

~XXX~

Augusta watched the chaos before her, hands twitching with a desire to call her blade and just… Quell it, put her foot down.

But she knew she couldn't. Not yet, at least. Or not perfectly, in a way that would put her above everyone here.

At least two hundred people, the best of the best from most Pantheon and some Sacred Gear users personally found and selected by the God of the Bible themselves.

Many were powerful, and many more showed potential.

Augusta gritted her teeth at the chaos, at the animosity, at the constant need to show off and try to stand above others. Already they all nearly came to blows five times in the past ten minutes, unable to even coexist without raising their voices or showing off their power.

She glanced to the side, towards the Archangel just standing there, arms crossed behind his back, radiant wings folded and face calm, a serene smile on his lips. The chaos didn't get to him, he simply watched it all happen as he had expected.

This was supposed to be the Strike Team. The ones working together towards stopping the Beast Tide, and yet… And yet, all she was were prideful, arrogant twats too busy flashing their egos instead of thinking about the grander picture, about the sacrifice they were going to commit-

The Heavens quaked, and the clearing fell silent.

All heads turned towards the horizon to the South as a terribly deep sound echoed across the land, making their very organs shake within their bodies.

The skies went dark. A gargantuan shape slowly drifted into view, swallowing the skies and bringing with it terrible dark green clouds flashing with emerald lightning, the stench of death reaching them before the unholy presence did.

A floating turtle, bigger than whole islands, drifted close, eyes glowing with a malevolent Necrotic light in them. A dome of radiant light enveloped the beast as it flew closer, hiding what seemed to be a citadel on top of its back, carved out of the pure black stone that made up the turtle's shell.

It floated close, low enough to decay the earth with its profane presence, but not enough where they could jump up to it.

Then something moved. A figure walking off the head of the turtle and falling like a crackling meteorite of blackish-red lightning.

They hit the earth with a deafening boom, and strode out of the dust not even a moment later, the armored figure towering over them in both stature, but also with his mighty halberd.

Augusta's eyes widened as her gaze landed on Lu Bu once more, after an incredibly long time. But this time… She felt like an ant before the Strongest Beneath The Heavens.

If before, in their first meeting, she felt like she had a chance… Now she knew that Lu Bu could flick her out of existence, being dozens upon dozens of times mightier than back then.

Crimson glowing eyes flicked past the gathered group, a snarl of displeasure and disappointment flashing past his pale face. Clearly, the group gathered did not impress Lu Bu one bit.

The butt of his halberd slammed into the earth as a form of signal, and the turtle opened its maw. Someone else stepped out and descended, twelve Devil wings flashing behind them.

Black and white hair freely pouring down his back, a lean body clad in a fine suit, a pale face with peculiar eyes and a dazzling smile that was both warm and friendly.

Augusta stared at The Necromancer. The one who battled and felled the Primordial he was riding on in battle, being the first to slay such an impossibly powerful being.

Their gazes met, and his smile widened. She found herself returning it with a nod, tense shoulders relaxing. All the strength and the achievements under his belt hadn't changed him, and she had a good read on him from their short meeting.

"Hello everyone!" Scaith greeted, voice jovial and carrying across the clearing with ease, "You all should know the reason why you are here. But I am sure you are wondering about the reason on why I am here."

His smiled widened, grew sharper, and Lu Bu loomed behind him like an executioner waiting to follow his word like gospel, "The answer is simple; I will be your leader." He waited, and watched as many eyes narrowed, many hands clenched, and many teeth were gritted in displeasure. "But I prefer seeing it as me being your handler."

His smile vanished, and Lu Bu's pressure crashed down on them like a mountain-sized tsunami, forcing the weaker ones on their knees while their lungs felt like they were being squeezed.

"I will talk, you will listen, and you will obey." Scaith keeps going, gaze and voice sharp, "Many of you are strong. Many more are incredibly talented… But that's it. There's a million people greater, stronger, better than you currently fighting against the seemingly endless Beast Tide, while you all are here flashing your egos like it matters. As if your egos will survive the week."

His gaze flicked past all of them, and his smile returned. Cold, cruel, eager. "I will train you, break you, and bring out that potential of yours. You die? I'll bring you back and have the guy behind me beat you to an inch of your life so you get better. So I'll say this just once…"

"I have a billion strong army. I don't need you to do this. Make yourself useful, or be tossed out like trash. Am I clear?"

Everyone nodded, some so hard that their neck started to hurt.

Scaith clicked his tongue, "Speak when spoken to. Am I clear!?"

The answer was instantaneous, "Yes sir!" Which brought a smirk on his lips.

Behind him, the gargantuan turtle landed on the ground, jaws wide open, "Good, now come inside. I will show you your new living quarters, where you will eat, and where you will throw up what you eat. Prepare for the worst time of your lives, brats!"

Far behind them all, Michael's smile twitched. Scaith was… Enjoying this more than he thought he would.

His golden eyes moved and met Gabriel's amused gaze, "He's kind of cute when he terrifies people, isn't he?"

Michael hummed at his sister's words, cold sweat pouring down his back as he tried not to meet those burning eyes staring at him.

Lu Bu was staring. Very, very intently. Unblinking.

The Archangel's eyes wavered, and their gazes met. Lu Bu grinned.

Michael started praying.

A.N. Lu Bu wanting to throw hands with the Taxiarch.

Michael not wanting to punch Lu Bu into the upper atmosphere because he'll feel bad.

Gabriel cheering on the side knowing she could beat the brakes off Lu Bu and make him enjoy it.

Scaith wondering why the fuck he brought the battle maniac instead of his loyal Sorcerer.

Short chappy to set up the rest, hope y'all enjoyed it!

Toodles!