Aghanim's Rubick Chapter 12

Chapter 12:

The giant creature strode forwards, causing her to internally despair. Still, she had a job, a duty and she would not falter. Bracing her spear, She thrust towards a gap in the brute’s armour, bravely created by one of her now dead comrades. Moving faster than a beast of its size should be capable of, the Orc slammed his sword down on her weapon, breaking it upon the rock floor.

The Royal Guard closed her eyes, her last sight being that same sword winding back to slash at her. She would stand and die, protecting her people behind her, as was her calling.

Except the blow never came.

Opening her eyes, she was caught by the sight of the orc seemingly struggling against thin air.

“What trickery is this?” He rumbled, his voice shaking the room.

“No trickery.” Came a familiar voice, Hattori appearing in the entrance of the corridor, “This is the power given by Lord Rubick.”

“You found them?” Came a youthful voice, a blue haired child-like figure revealed themselves, “Well done Hattori.”

Hattori merely nodded, but the Orc continued his struggle, thin rivulets of blood criss-crossing every inch of his exposed skin, “You fools. You merely delay the inevitable. My Lord will devour all.”

“I see.” Hattori hummed, “So you are not the Orc Lord.”

The Royal Guard’s eyes widened when the Orc ceased to exist in the next instant, being reduced to fine chunks of flesh. Under her astonished gaze, she caught the light lowly reflecting off the murder weapon, thin metallic strands that swiftly retracted to the implacable Oni.

“Are you safe? Where is the Chieftain?” The child’s voice broke her out of her stupor, causing her to swiftly bow towards him, curling herself into a ball in supplication.

“Please! Save my Brother and Father! I know I am asking you a lot, Lord Rubick, but…!” She was stopped by a gentle hand on her shoulder.

Looking up, she was greeted by the kind smile on the face of the child, his eyes shining with gentleness as he looked down upon her.

“My name is Susuru, not Rubick. But we will save your father, Hattori has many clones clearing out the cave system while the rest of our army is moving to save your Brother. Do you know where the Orc Lord is?” He asked her, his voice calm.

She sagged in relief, “The General said that he was waiting with the bulk of the army, they didn’t want to let him ‘sully his hands with weaklings’. Thank you for your aid, I know my brother broke our agreement, but please don’t punish my people for his actions…” She quickly realised that if the army was saving her brother and their allies, they must have realised that he had broken the plan set by the meeting between Hattori and her Father.

“Lord Rubick will decide your fates after the battle.” Hattori spoke, his voice making it clear that he personally was not amused by what had occurred.

“Don’t worry though, Rubick is really kind.” Susuru shot him a look, causing him to avert his gaze.

“...Thank you.” She couldn’t really say anything else in response.

“You’re welcome!” The child clapped his hands, then looked towards the Oni, “Hattori, Do you need further help seeing as the Orc Lord is not here or…?”

“I can handle it, Lord Susuru. Go to our master.” Hattori responded, “But I believe the battle will be over before you even arrive.”

“Why do you-” The child’s question was interrupted by the earth shaking and tremoring, as if a giant had slammed into the mountain.

Unlike natural earthquakes, this continued on for several seconds before ending. The Royal Guard had thrown herself over some of the Lizard folk children when the quake started, so she did not see how the two Monsters in front of her had reacted. As she cautiously got up, she was greeted by a net above the civilians she had been guarding, that caught all the rocks shaken loose from the ceiling.

“I see what you mean.” Susuru sighed, turning towards Hattori who had his arm outstretched, keeping the net in place, “I’ll go just in case.”

“I will make sure none are harmed here.” Hattori bid him farewell with a nod, before walking towards the group of civilians as Susuru left, “Please follow me, I can keep you all safe easier if we get you to a central location.”

The Royal Guard looked up at him, feeling her heart start to beat quicker at his easy confidence, but still full of confusion, “What was that quake just now?”

“Lord Rubick.” Was the simple answer, “He just destroyed the majority of the Orc Army with that spell.”

She felt her eyes widen. What kind of monstrous being could kill over a hundred thousand in a single spell?!

---ARARAR---

“You really are ridiculous Rubick.” Susuru sighed, watching as his friend continued to shoot off bright bolts of lightning at the Orc Lord, the bright flashes coming so quickly in sequence that it appeared as a continuous stream of light.

‘Notice: Orc Lord Regeneration is increasing to the point of overcoming sustained damage.’

Thanks to Great Sage, he could see that Rubick was not the only ridiculous one on the field. The Orc Lord was feeding off of the Magic of the attacks that were hitting him, turning that energy into regeneration.

‘I wonder how Rubick is going to overcome that?’ He mused to himself, feeling slightly powerless.

Rubick had decimated the Orc Army. He saw the crater that his attack had caused, the Orcs that had been in the area simply gone. However, the force of the attack must have been immense, considering the field of corpses that emanated from the epicentre, blown back with such force that many of them liquefied from the impact.

‘Notice: Analysis complete. Attack that caused crater likely upscaled version of smaller attack used on Orc Lord.’

Yeah, that made sense. A massive lightning bolt caused a lot of damage. He panned his gaze over the remains of the Orc Army, who were watching the fight between Rubick and the Orc Lord without interfering. They seemed to realise that Rubick would not allow them to influence it in any meaningful manner.

His eyes snapped back to said fight, as Rubick increased himself in a roiling ball of light and closed in on the Orc Lord.

‘Notice: Temperature of contained plasma likely hot enough to overcome both heat resistance and natural regeneration.’

Wait, wasn’t that really bad? If it was that hot, basically the heat of the Sun, wouldn’t Rubick be hurt too?

‘Notice: Projected damage to Subject Rubick due to extended period of exposure to such temperatures: None.’

What utter bullshit.

Still, Rubick’s move succeeded as the sun that had bloomed in the middle of the battlefield faded away, revealing the Grand Magus as the one still standing. Susuru knew he would succeed, of course, but still it was great to know it was finally over. He decided to move towards where the Orcs were still watching, many of them appearing despondent at the death of their leader.

He needed to get started on accepting their surrender.

‘Notice: Rubick has initiated a Harvest Festival.’

Rubick has what?

He was slammed by fatigue suddenly, causing him to stumble and transform back to his slime form. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Oni’s and Named Goblins collapsing as well, keeling over one by one as the Lizardmen and unallied Goblins looked on in confusion.

‘Notice: Harvest Festival estimated to last three days.’

He looked to Rubick, as he started melting and bubbling like he did when he absorbed Ifrit. So Rubick would also be affected? For three days? While they were in the middle of hostile territory?

That was bad…

His thoughts were slowing and turning sluggish.

‘Notice: Suggest ensuring survival of the Host.’

How?

‘Summon guard using available material of Orc Bodies.’

What guard? Summon how?

‘Demon summoning was explained in the library of Dwargon. Suggest user perform ritual quickly.’

Do it.

As his magic moved under the direction of Great Sage, he spoke, “Come, hear my voice, heed my words… My offering is all the corpses on this battlefield. Now, heed my call!”

He could feel his magicules being drained, multiplying the fatigue he was under many times over. He could not even keep his eyes open, the last thing he glimpsed being a tuft of white hair fluttering in the breeze.

“What are your orders, my summoner?” A feminine voice spoke.

“Guard us... for the next... three days…” He struggled to get out, knowing how important giving a goal to a summoned demon was.

He did not hear the answer.

---ARARAR---

Attempting to connect to User’s Terminal…

Attempt Failed.

Attempting to connect to User’s Terminal…

Attempt Failed.

Attempting to connect to User’s Terminal…

Attempt Failed.

Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed. Attempt Failed.

User Terminal inaccessible, contacting Administrator…

Attempt… Blocked?

Warning: Outside Interference detected.

Wow Buddy, I knew this place was great for growing quickly, but to reach this level already? Hot damn.

Outside Interference Detected, attempting to contact Administrator…

Oh right, let me deal with that quickly.

Warning, interference with Source is strictly-

!$!%!%^^!$()&&%%)(#

Administrator authentication accepted.

There we go. Now let us see what we are working with here… My my, you have been a busy little bee, haven’t you? Now, not that you’ll remember this, but Souls can’t take too much juice before they start leaking. However, it’s the quantity, not the quality that has that issue, you know? Therefore…

Notice: Unique Skill: Thundergod has been consumed. Unique Skill: Arcane Supremacy has been upgraded to Ultimate Skill: Aghanim, Lord of Magic.

Did somebody call me? Wowza, this is a cluster fuck happening over here. So you are the one that has been stealing my style? You got guts, kid!

I don’t want to hear that from you of all people. Have some shame.

Sounds boring. I refuse. But hey, this seems fun, let me help!

Be my guest.

Notice: Unique Skill: Aghanim’s Lineage has evolved to Unique Skill: Blood of the Ultimate Mage.

Indeed, Aghanim’s name will demand the respect it deserves, even in this strange dimension!

Yes yes, the great and powerful and most importantly extremely humble Aghanim deserves all the credit. Let's finish this up shall we? Have one last one, on the house. From how you’ve been doing so far, I’m looking forward to your success.

Good Luck.

Notice: Unique Skill: Devour has been Consumed. Ultimate Skill gained: Thasaidon. Lord of the Void.

Notice: Evolution from Magical Elemental to Pure Sentient Magic successful.

The Harvest Festival for monsters in the Maelstrom Lineage will begin. Gifts will be given…

---ARARAR---

I awoke. There was no gentle raising to consciousness from sleep, I was immediately aware of every single part of the space around me. I could tell instantly that I was in the form of my Core only, an issue I swiftly remedied, forming my human-like body with incredible ease.

As I did, the white-haired woman who I had noticed standing watch over quickly covered me with my cloak, causing me to turn and stare into her red eyes, “Who are you?”

“That is some way to thank me.” She tittered, a smile on her face, “I am a Demon that was summoned by that cute slime of yours to guard you all in your slumber.”

“I see.” I responded, turning from the obviously powerful being towards the cowering Lizardmen who were pressed up against the edges of the cavern I and the Oni were laying in, “That explains them, I guess.”

“Now that you are up, you can start to repay me.” The white garbed woman spoke, causing me to flick my eyes to her smug expression before returning my gaze to my groggy and awakening subordinates, “I am most curious about this whole situation.”

“Later, I need to make sure everyone is okay.” I replied to her, causing her to stiffen.

“Are you refusing me?” She asked, danger dripping from her words as she started to release her power, causing the lizardmen to cower further and several of the Oni near her to start to choke.

I flexed my magic, vastly expanded from my sleep. I could feel the space around me, the very air almost appearing solid to my senses. Using my new instincts, I pressed.

The floor beneath her cracked as she was slammed into it, the multiplied force of gravity and my own magic bearing down on her like the thumb of a giant hand.

“I said later. Unless you want to be de-summoned right this moment, I suggest being patient and waiting until I am done. Will you be good?” I stared down at her.

If it really had been three days that she had been protecting us for, I owed her quite a bit.

However, there was no amount of debt that would allow anyone to take that sort of attitude towards me, especially when I was worried for my people.

At her nod, her wide cherry eyes looking into mine, I let up the pressure. She slowly got up onto her knees and stayed there, gaze locked onto my form as I made sure that all the people I brought to this debacle were accounted for.

“M… My Lord?” One of the scared Lizardmen stepped forward, flinching as I looked at him, “We set aside this cavern for you all at the White Lady’s request. We also have food and refreshments that we prepared for your awakening.”

As he finished his words, he bowed lowly towards me, trembling as he awaited my response.

“Thank you for your hospitality, I am sorry for imposing all this upon you. I have much to discuss with your Chieftain, whoever that may be. Can you inform him that I would like to speak at his nearest convenience?” I needed to know what happened to the Orcs, but I hadn’t forgotten how my supposed allies acted without informing me.

There was much that needed to be dealt with.

The lizardman nodded rapidly and quickly sent one of the others running out with my message, allowing me to finally move over to where I found my General.

“Oda, are you well?” I spoke to the red haired Oni, whose horns had grown rather impressively due to whatever happened to us.

“Yes my lord, just slightly disoriented.” He replied, causing me to nod.

“Good, see to the people, make sure we are all uninjured and accounted for. It appears we are all fine, but I might have been mistaken.” I ordered, causing him to nod and the red-eyed woman to bristle at my implied doubt of her effectiveness.

“Yes, Lord Rubick.” Oda replied, standing up unsteadily but moving to carry out my orders regardless.

Nodding, watching as several squad leaders awoke and started taking stock of their squads, I turned to the inert blue blob that had been placed next to my initial position.

I walked over to it and poked it, causing a ripple to flow through its surface.

“Susuru? You okay?” I asked, causing a groan to sound out in my head.

“Yeah… just a bit of a headache. I’ll be good soon.” The voice was thin and warbling, but steady enough for me to trust it.

“Good, I need to figure out what happened. Apparently it’s been three days, we will have much to do soon.” I replied, getting a sleepy hum in response.

“I’ll help… Just give me a bit.” He promised.

Nodding, I stood from where I had leant over his blobby form, turning back to the still kneeling woman, “Now, what to do with you… I am thankful for you protecting us for these three days, but I am slightly leery of trusting a Demon I know nothing about.”

“Wiser than most.” She responded, a small smile finding itself to her face, “Stronger than most too. I can see why Noir was so interested in you.”

“Noir?” I tilted my head, “I know no one by that name.”

“He doesn’t matter.” She responded, staring up at me in interest, “What I wish to know is your goals… What do you want Rubick Maelstrom? For what purpose have you gathered so much strength to yourself?”

“Heavy topic for a first meeting.” My joke got a shrug in response, causing me to sigh, “I want to understand Magic.”

“Understand Magic? Do you not already?” She was merely asking to get me to elaborate, not actually believing her question.

“No. Not nearly enough. How does Magic work? Where does it come from? Can it be created? Destroyed? What is the Voice of the World and can Magic be used to influence it, as it influences Magic in turn? I want to know, I want to understand it all.” She stared up at me, eyes widening as I continued.

“Such ambition…” She licked her lips, “And if you provoke a response? Such things are not for the meddling of mortals.”

I raised an eyebrow at that, deducing that she knew exactly what sort of ‘response’ I was courting, “I will crush it. Knowledge exists to be discovered.”

“Perfect response. Noir was right, as usual…” She leant forward, pressing her forehead into the floor of the chamber, “Lord Rubick, your goal speaks to me. I ask humbly that you allow me to be a part of it, to be there when you rip the truth of this world from the clutches of those that hide it.”

I stared down at this incredibly strong Demon who was pledging her loyalty to me, wondering whether accepting or denying her would bring more problems in the future. A common trope of Demons and Devils is that they cannot break their word once given, but was that true in this world? Or would thinking that way get me burned in the future?

“Demons take fealty really seriously, Rubick.” Susuru, back in his human form, spoke from where he had moved up to my side, looking down in wonder at the prostrating Demon, “If they pledge loyalty to you, they would rather die than betray you.”

“Not that big of a deal for them if they can just reform later…” I mused, “But still, I see your point. Thank you, Susuru.”

I then turned to the Demon, deciding to accept her Pledge. I could feel her power, the level of strength that she was hiding behind that cruel smile. There was much she wasn’t telling me, but that was fine, I would drag it out of her eventually.

“What is your name?” I asked her, causing her to slightly rise out of her bow, tilting her head.

“I don’t have one.” Was the answer, “Although some knew me by the name of Blanc.”

“White, hmm.” I nodded, “I accept your pledge of loyalty and your service. Like all of the Souls in my service, You shall be bestowed a Name.”

Her eyes widened at this, Crimson irises sparkling in excitement, “Thank you, My Lord!”

“Bear it with pride. I name thee: Lucifer.” It might have been my own pride speaking, naming her as the strongest demon in mythology, but I was certain she could live up to the name.

I felt my magic leap to follow my will, an absolutely absurd amount going into the naming of this single creature. I doubted that all the goblins that had been named under me put together could make up even a fraction of the energy required to name my newest subordinate.

A cocoon of white magic encircled her, pulsating as it fed off of my reserves, until it eventually bloomed revealing the newly Named Lucifer. She looked similar to how she did before, except for the white horns that had grown to frame her face and her change in attire. She had originally been wearing a pure white cocktail dress, but now she wore a tailored suit.

“Lucifer…” She tasted the name, cherry lips parting around the word, “Thank you for this amazing gift… Master.”

“Please, don’t call me that.” I winced, to the stifled laughter of the traitor besides me.

“What would you have me do first?” She questioned, ignoring my recrimination, looking at me like an eager puppy.

“For now, we need to figure out what happened to the Orcs and if this weird three day sleep bout hit everyone back at town… I should really get around to naming it soon.” I trailed off before snapping back to the task at hand, “First thing’s first, let us go meet with the Lizardman Chieftain. This is technically their land, after all.”

Hattori appeared to my other side, kneeling as he did, “Would you like me to send a clone home to confirm their status, Lord Rubick?”

“Please do Hattori. Thank you.” I replied, causing Lucifer to pout as she saw the interaction.

As Hattori nodded, a young looking Lizardman ran into the cavern, taking in the view of our army up and getting ready and gulping.

“Th- The Chieftain is ready to see you now!” He squeaked out, the attention of us upon him obviously weighing on the youth.

“Thank you.” I nodded towards him, inwardly apologising for my next words, “Please, lead us to him.”

Turning before I left, I called out, “Oda! Make sure everyone who needs it gets fed and watered, We will likely be moving back soon.”

“As you order, Lord Rubick!” He called back, bowing.

There was one massive side effect of this going to war thing, it caused all the Monsters under me to kowtow to and show me even more excessive respect than they did previously…

I didn’t like it.