Side Story 39: The Warbringer’s Stroll.

Side Story 39: The Warbringer’s Stroll.

The day had ended for both Hestia and Fargryneill as they slumbered through the affairs of the night. An invasion might have been ravaging the outskirts of the Yeos, and the rulers of the other countries of the Divide might be panicking during this night. Still, peace was audible for everybody to hear in Elyonda. After all, all was quiet, and this was bliss.

But, let us turn back time for a moment.

To those in the know, there was a threat looming in the underbelly of this city. A threat that had been plotting not just the destruction of Elyonda, but the slaying of the sealed SS rank Kahalantheel as well. While not part of the plan, the resulting battle would destroy the city without a doubt.

Only, this threat hadn't expected to stumble onto another plan that was ongoing in this city, one that was far more nefarious than she would have been able to think of on her own. And even if she complained, she wouldnt have been unable to dissuade them; instead, she were sucked into theirs. The autonomy she had wished for? Gone.

And now, she was skulking the citys alleyways, avoiding any eyes as she moved towards her goal.

The third Warbringer of the demonkin prince of Wrath, VifiYok. And instead of taking her place as one of the commanders of the demonkins army, she was moving through the city with the deftness of a former street urchin. With the addition of all her levels and her professional training, her movements were far too fast for anybody to catch her, even if they wanted to.

This level 150 demonkin was dressed in one of BoleTarias the demonkins kingdom newest creation, invented by the demonkins lead artificer and innovator, the prince of Sloth. A black hooded trench coat, inconspicuous in the shadows, hiding the demonic aura of its owner from appraisal skills and even the eyes of a subordinate god.

It was indeed a tool that could even bypass a gods eyes, although not strong enough to elude an Origin Gods. A creation that went beyond what the world would perceive as possible, another feat for the prince of Sloth in his continuous pursuit to break open the unknown. And a necessity the demonkins needed to continue their plans in the shadow, away from the eyes of those they plot against.

For the Origin Gods were forced by their own rules to not interfere too much in mortal affairs. On the other hand, the demonkins knew the subordinate gods could interfere by skirting Goddess Plesias rules without breaking them, despite earning them the Head Goddesss ire. Evidently, as the Night Sisters, Bleidla, and Yeostar, amongst others, have been active concerning mortal problems. Not to mention, how the Night Sisters would periodically descend to the mortal world for entertainment.

As such, the prince of Sloth had made an item to counter their enemys vigilance. The demonkins had to move unnoticed, even from subordinate gods while hoping that the Origin Gods wouldnt interfere, and as such this [Shrouded Vigilance Jacket] was created. Although very few existed, due to the difficult process to make them, they were all given to operatives for high-scale operations.

For example, to eliminate the Champion of Yeostar forever.

Okay, almost there. Coast is clear. VifiYok darted her head around from the shadows, making sure nobody was on the streets, before her eyes focused on a lone food stall. The aroma of frying fat, honey, and fragassa was wafting in the air, overpowering even the puke and alcohol smell from the streets.

Even with her jacket on, VifiYok still had to be careful to not get found out. The clothing was designed to suppress her demonic aura, but that also meant she had to suppress her abilities as well. It was a state similar to Ellaine and KleaHatma when they wanted to be incognito from demonkins. Not to mention, the clothing couldnt hide their demon features.

Effects: [Excited: 4%] [Anger: 0%] [Fear: 0%]

VifiYok wasnt in L.E.P low emotional potency as she was giddy for a certain something. Although Wrath demonkins were dissuaded from fully expressing their emotions outside of battle, the rest of demonkin society encouraged everybody else to embrace their inner demon and desires. An antithetical ideology, and one many Wrath demonkins were forced to live with.

Although this race was prone to violence and was known to produce powerful warriors, when they kept their emotions in check, these demonkins could pass as humans as long as they hid their faces and skin. After all, their demonic features would only appear if they were emotional.

And what got this demonkin, one of the Warbringers of the demonkin army, so excited?

There she is!

The person this demonkin was staring at was Amelia, youngest daughter of Duke Greenveil of Artorias as well as Auroras most important business partner. Her other accomplishments included being the owner of Olives Garden, Artoriass largest pastry and sweets company, and the future heir of the Sarlenzia company, the Greenveil Duchys largest merchant organization.

And VifiYok had her eyes on the girl. Even if her visit to Elyonda was a surprise, the eyes of the demonkins and their supporters currently in the city wouldnt miss the sudden success of a new food stall.

Two? Where are the other two? Hmm, that tall man looks more like a guard or soldier than some food stall merchant. The girl posture, walking habits, skin looks highborn. Why is she working like some lowborn?

The street was empty. Amelia and her grandfather were currently cleaning up their stall, ready to call it a day. While her grandfather and one of their knights had to deal with the local merchant guild, his granddaughter and their second knight were making sure to secure everything before they departed.

This was happening just moments after Hestia, Neill, and Rajah met them after their meeting with the bards. They werent out of the city just yet, but they also werent close. However, with a simple scream during this quiet night, Hestia would be able to make it over here in a matter of seconds.

Honestly, why only one guard? In the middle of the night? In a less populated street? Are they dumb? Any thief would strike now.

VifiYoks background as an urchin was speaking. She had stolen and killed for her survival in the demonkin kingdom, believing this was the only way for her to live. Although most of her targets were scum and trash which she also considered herself before conscripting into the army she had innocent blood on her hands. Although she hadnt killed many soldiers, not even citizens, after becoming a soldier, she had no hesitation to do so for her country.

And Amelia right now was the perfect target for any lowlife.

Kay, gotta do this quick and quiet. No commotions and then out. This is my only chance, the best opportunity!

VifiYoks eyes locked onto Amelia as she moved out of an alleyway. Activating [Silence] and [Odorless], she moved through the street undetected by anybody. Without a Yeosian around, even Yeostar was blind to this encounter.

Without any hesitation, VifiYok closed into the stall. Amelias knight did not detect her footsteps, and as such placed the prizes for the ring game into crates, leaving Amelia to clean the donut preparation area alone. And this was exactly what the demonkin wanted.

There was now nobody to stop her.

Now!

VifiYok took a large step forward, her black eyes glistening out of her hood with her [Excited] jumping all the way to 18%.

Eh! Amelias body flinched as the small demonkin suddenly appeared in front of her. Although her voice eked out, VifiYok was now close enough to kill her before she could scream.This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.

It would only take a second for the Warbringer to rip the head off a normal noble girl. It was over

M-May I help you?

Yes, do you still have any donuts? VifiYok rattled her pouch of coins, showing she had money to spend.

Yes, it was certainly over. Over with the whole sneaking.

Excuse me! Before Amelia could answer, her knight darted back the moment he heard her yelp, holding his hand in front of Amelia to protect her. We are closed, unfortunately.

Fast. Definitely a soldier, or maybe a knight? This girl is a highborn Wait, what the devil?

C-Closed?! VifiYok was shocked to hear that, only to quickly recompose herself before she let out her accent. So you dont have any donuts left? Cant you sell any? I have money.

I apologize, but we ca The knight wanted to push the to him young girl away, not wanting to risk anything, but was interrupted before he could say it.

Shouldnt it be fine? Amelia interjected, only for the knight to pull her away. Although they whispered, VifiYoks ears were strengthened by [Enhanced Auditory Sense].

My lady, I know you wish to understand commoners better, but not now. We do not know when a thief will come. You must understand your position and how its nighttime. Not to mention, Lady Hestia is waiting for us.

Hestia?

VifiYok did not know the names of any of the members of Aurora. Although she knew the Aurena dragon was in the city, she was unaware what her name was. She had heard Saori, Tasianna, and Ellaine call out their names, but when they fought, she had not made any attempts to learn them.

Who cared enough to learn the names of ants?

I apologize. Doing business now would be foolish. Amelia nodded, coming to her senses how precarious her current situation was. As a merchant, she had only ever had to do business within her own walls or in the noble and merchant district, places far less frequented by cutthroats and random demonkins.

I apologize, but we cannot serve you. However, if you wish, you can come back tomorrow, we

I want one now. VifiYok put her foot down, angering the knight.

because I dont know if youll be alive tomorrow! Or here, in the city. Your lord will just call you to escape to the Empire and I cant get any more donuts!

VifiYok did not know about Amelias association with Hestia, nor that she was the main distributor for the donuts. The last glazed donut VifiYok ate came from a wandering merchant, who had bought plenty of donuts from the time the Sarlenzia company was in Gleisvale to sell in other cities and towns at a higher price.

As such, she mistook her for a noble lady from Elyonda. Believing the warning and war declaration had arrived from the grimgarians, she suspected that Yeoss prince would warn his aristocrats by morning. If that happened, VifiYoks chance to get her claws on another donut would probably be zero. The moment the nobles departed for the Empire through the sea, the demonkins and their mercenaries would strike.

She believed Amelia was the original donut merchant, as she had not seen another person sell them. But, VifiYok didnt know Amelia wasnt Yeosian, but Artorian and could travel from one place to the next with Hestias nexus.

She only followed the tip of her apprentice and adjutant, HeeRlak, once news of the donut stand arrived. She observed the stand, learned the pastries were called donuts, and all she could think up until now was that she needed to eat it. Although her jacket hid her presence from even Yeostar, she still didnt want to risk being found out in broad daylight. As such, to her, this was her last chance.

Troubled by her response, Amelia didnt know what to say, forcing the knight to grab his sword as he felt this girl was acting rather suspicious. VifiYok, on the other hand, didnt react. She didnt think of him as a threat, which only further aggravated the knight.

Ya wanna fight, punk? Come on, draw that stick. Imma get my donuts one way or nother! I can smell them!

Please! Thats enough! But before it could escalate, Amelia grabbed the knights hand, stopping him from following his instincts, and instead placed a wooden plate with two donuts in front of VifiYok.

Ooooooh! Her eyes widened.

They already got cold, but they should still taste delicious. I can assure you that. One honey-glazed, and the other with fragassa. Amelia smiled like a merchant, noticing how the demonkins head tilted downwards and didnt move an inch afterwards.

Effects: [Excited: 24%] [Anger: 0%] [Fear: 0%]

VifiYok gulped silently, trying her best to control herself before her horns manifested. She couldnt reveal herself and endanger the plan.

Although she knew her jacket would prevent such an accident by dulling her demonic abilities, it was just a reflex she had developed over the years. Wrath demonkins were told and taught, especially in the army, to never let their emotions rampage.

How much?

Free. You may take them.

What?! VifiYoks head snapped up, almost revealing her face before she pulled her hood down in a split second, barely even leaving an after-image for Amelia to see. She did not expect such an answer. Wheres the catch?

None. Free of charge.

VifiYok glared at her Amelia, and although she couldnt see it, the latter could feel the pressure.

To the demonkin, shed never known a merchant who would give away things for free. After all, most merchants or entrepreneurs amongst the demonkin were Greed demonkins, and although they kept the economy running well in BoleTaria, without any trading partners, there was no influx of outside wealth. Their merchant guild had a policy against giving out free products.

I swear to the Goddess, I am not tricking you. Amelia immediately answered before her knight could react to the hostility. This is my pay for the night. I cannot sell you anything right now since we actually dont have any products to sell right now. However, considering you want these so much, you may have mine. I am a merchant, not a scammer.

In fact, the Goddess was surprised to see a Warbringer not cause any trouble at all, even being reasonable and friendly by warning Amelia of the attack, even if vaguely. It could have been a massive incident. If anything had happened to Amelia, she was sure it would have had the same result on Hestia as when Eshe died.

Hestia would go berserk.

Her strong desire to not lose loved ones is strong. To not be alone, to always find human interactions. Her gluttony.

Was it a mistake? Aurena considered her decision to not intervene.

At the same time, she didnt know if Hestia could actually defeat VifiYok at her current strength. Of course, with Tasianna, Fargryneill, and Larent around, not to mention Tehmrayn if needed, it was very possible to take down a level 150 behemoth like a Warbringer. Larent himself was incredibly powerful as a former Hands of Heaven, people meant to be on the same level as the elites of the demonkin army.

Aurena wasnt a clairvoyant. Goddess or not, she didnt have the gift to look into the future. She had to consider everything in the here and now, and even if she could slow down time for herself, the world down on Peolynca would continue turning. And at this moment, she had decided not to call Hestia.

But, I should probably warn her about it. It wouldnt

Erk?!

A chat message suddenly appeared on her admin window. Aurena instantly tensed up when she saw the name of the poster.

Aurena froze on the spot, remembering the number of lectures and scolding she had received from Plesia. She was allowed to guide Hestia and grant her wisdom for her Quests, but a god should not meddle in mortal affairs.

Otherwise, what were gods but puppet masters? What made them different from their Edjurl relatives? If they were to control their followers around like chess pieces, they would only fall back into the same life as in their previous world. Seeing mortals as nothing but ants and well of energy.

Aurena stopped herself from typing.

No Elder Plesia is right. Father has his ways, I have my own. I cant break the rules we set up.

Im sorry

Hiehie Still, Im sorry, Hestia. I cant help you too much anymore. Yeostar, make sure you support her properly.

Aurena opened up a new chat. As an Origin God, she couldnt go against the rules she set up with her compatriots. Plesia was correct, Origin Gods were supposed to be role models. However, there were ways to skirt around the rules like her subordinate gods. Plesia took the rules seriously but she couldnt punish anybody if they didnt break them.

Yeostar, Im sorry I cannot tell you about this. In fact, Im sure youll get yourself in trouble with how straightforward you are I need some less ideal helpers.

The Origin Gods must not meddle in mortal affairs but who said she couldnt talk about her problems over some tea?

And Ill vent that stress out on you, Hestia. I really wish you wouldnt need me so much but, good luck! Shine bright, my Idol!

A note from AbyssRaven

Back from vacation so the schedule should be back to normal. I'm re-energized and felt it easier to write a new chapter, although jet lag made it kinda hard. Anyways, hope you enjoyed it!

If you guys want to support me, Hestia and "A Dragon Idol's Reincarnation Tale" (or just read up to 20 advance chapters + any Patreon-only chapters) please check out my Patreon: Rawr!

For two dollars, for the cost of a coffee, you can read up to four chapters! You will have my eternal gratitude for any support you can give me! Please.

Thank you for reading this chapter.

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About the author

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Sunday, October 16, 2022 11:01:19 PM Germany [Member of Zard Skwad]

Bio: Hey there, AbyssRaven here. I'm just an avid Light Novel and Fantasy story reader who randomly thought of a story and began writing about it.

I eventually found out that I've been spending a bit too much time with building, planning, and researching for the story, that I've decided to just share it with others.

Writing is mostly a hobby for me, but I would still love any kind of criticism to improve on it.

I'm also german, so please excuse anything that sounds a bit weird...I wouldn't mind you pointing it out though.

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