"Skipping past just how much I want to know about the Duck and his Great Crusade of Evil, if these creatures are these so-called Valukar, what does that mean?" Akagi asked, knowing full well that said creatures were not ancient Demon engines of death but still finding herself curious.
"It means...Ummm. I don't really know." Halifax said with a laugh as she rubbed the back of her head, causing Akagi to sigh. "But it can't be good!"
{Sometimes this girl is an idiot... But I like that about her.} (Akagi)
"Well, it doesn't matter. No matter what they are I'll wipe them out and endear myself to the Dwarves." Akagi waived her comments away.
"I thought you were going to bring everyone into a massive coalition against you and then crush them?" Halifax asked with a raised eyebrow. "Why take the 'diplomatic' approach with the Dwarves?" She figured that Akagi had no reason to take a different approach than her usual with the subterranean race.
"There are a couple of reasons, mostly because having them willingly work for me has the promise of a better relationship between us." Akagi answered. "Not to mention that all reports about the Spirit War tell me that the Dwarves, while siding with the Enorian coalition, sent only material support, not troops, nor did they enslave Spirits or participate in massacres." She'd had Elariel confirm as much, and the Goddess noted that the other members of the Pantheon were frustrated with their lack of involvement but refrained from pushing the issue too far due to an unwillingness to antagonize them due to some kind of prior agreements.
"I mean, that's correct. Though more because the Dwarves don't really like bothering with the surface world much." Halifax replied, not privy to the full story and only going off what she'd heard at the time. "Don't forget that they're still allied with the Empire. There's no way they'll welcome you with open arms just because you wiped out some Valukar."
{They'll probably be banging down the Imperial Palace's door and begging for help if there really are Valukar attacking them. I know Sherry wouldn't have hesitated to aid them, but Hadrus... He's more likely to let them squirm a bit to extract concessions.} (Halifax)
"They will if their entire civilization is pushed to the brink." Yumi interjected. "These monsters have already obliterated several Holds and threaten to march on the Dwarven Capital. They'd have to be the world's biggest fools to refuse our generosity."
"I'd agree with you, but, as we all know well, people are generally quite stupid." Marshal said with a sigh as he noted that just about everyone they'd come across was, at best, wary and uncooperative at first. "Lady Akagi has offered the people of Enoris a hand of friendship and cooperation twice now and twice she has been rebuffed and suffered the outrage of having them stomp on her kindness. It does not inspire confidence in the Dwarves' ability to act differently and I'd lean toward taking a cautiously unoptimistic approach when dealing with them."
"The people of Earth have shown far more intelligence, seeing as they quickly learned that opposing our Lord is an exercise in foolishness." Kira agreed with Marshal's assessment. “If the people of Enoris had half their wherewithal they wouldn't be in this situation in the first place.”
"Perhaps, but Dwarves are generally a people that don't break vows." Akagi said as she pulled out her Kiseru and lit it. "It's in their very nature not to betray their words, much like Demons. If they agree to cooperate with me, then I'm reasonably sure they'll follow through."
{Something something, slay the oath breakers, something something Book of Grudges.} (Akagi)
"Since when do you trust people?!?" Halifax asked in surprise. "Did you get sick with some kind of Demon Lord illness?!?" She said as she jokingly offered to check her forehead for a fever.
{Do we need a doctor or a vet?!? Is the kitty running a fever?!? How do you treat Demon Lord madness?!?} (Halifax)
"Hah. Hah. Hah. I trusted you, didn't I?" Akagi replied with a mocking laugh.
"Yeah, and look where that got us." Yumi said in a mocking tone as she lamented her loss of kitty time.
{I got competition from a thieving cat! We should've melted her down when we had the chance!} (Yumi)
{Jealous Yumi is cute, but play nice with her.} (Akagi)
{Never!} (Yumi)
"Oi! That's only because I'm so sincere and nice!" Halifax said with a smile that seemed to radiate sarcasm. "Plus, I give good ear scratches!"
"Ah yes, the best judge of one's trustworthiness." Akagi snickered as Yumi stuck out her tongue and protested, stating her nobody gave better scratches than her. "Truly we've found the ultimate language of diplomacy. Down with words, up with ear scratches."
"Hey, you joke but I'd say it worked since I've got a widdle Demon kitty eating out of the palm of my hands!" Halifax said while continuing to laugh.
{HISS!} (Yumi)
"Anyway, I've chosen to attempt a diplomatic approach with the Dwarves and that's what we're going to do." Akagi said, getting the discussion back on track. "If they rebuke my approach then I'll just lump them together with the rest, but I'd honestly prefer they work with me. I've got plans for the future and an entire race that's dedicated to construction and innovation would be a great boon." She said while letting out a puff.
{Imp and Imperial already made a small-scale prototype Knight and I'd like to turn that into a real thing because it's fucking COOL! If I want to make some of my dreams into reality I'll need a couple of hundred Dwarves working at full capacity.} (Akagi)
"So your plan is to swoop in as their savior?" Halifax asked after settling back down. "I suppose that could work. The Dwarves aren't really worshipers of the Pantheon, so I doubt they have much loyalty to the Gods. I wouldn't be shocked if they already suspect that something was amiss with the whole rational behind the war given that they are natural skeptics." She said, noting that the Dwarves tended to lean more toward what Akagi understand as scientific and rational thinking when it came to understanding the world.
{The problem will come from the fact that they have a long-standing alliance with the Empire. They're likely not going to forsake that so easily, even if they're fighting Valukar. Akagi is really going to have her work cut out for her to place a wedge between an alliance that dates back to a time where I was still happily a pawn of the Gods.} (Halifax)
"We shall see." Akagi replied as she let out another puff. "I've got a multilayered plan in place and if things pan out how I want them to, they'll be begging me for help." She snickered.
{Alice will terrorize them into a corner and then the nice happy Demon Lord will reach out with an offer of salvation! It's a perfect plan! Then you add in my collaborator to the mix and it should all work out. That Halfling should easily be able to sow doubt and discord between the two, especially with their plan to target the Dark Elves.} (Akagi)
"It is most certainly not in Dwarven nature to beg." Halifax rolled her eyes at such an absered statement. "I'd be shocked if they don't try and run you out of their Hold the moment they figure out who you are. Maybe they'll bring a few hoses to spray holy water at you."
"Maybe, but when faced with the annihilation of their civilization, I'm sure they'll make the right choice!" Akagi's smile did not inspire confidence in the Sword.
{Why do I have a bad feeling about all of this?} (Akagi)
"If you say so..." Halifax shook her head, deciding not to get too fixated on something that hadn't even happened yet. "Though, maybe if I go with you, they might listen. I have a history with the Dwarves and they've got a fairly good opinion of me. Their craftsmen helped forge me all those years ago and I've helped them out on more than one occasion. If I go along-”
"While the offer is appreciated, I'm afraid that I'll have to decline." Akagi said, taking a hit from her Kiseru as she cut her off. "My plans are designed without you in mind, and I don't need your presence causing variables. So I'll ask that you sit this one out."
{Can't have you coming along, finding out what I'm up to and then getting in the way. That will cause too many problems.} (Akagi)
"Okay, I'm now suspicious." Halifax said with a raised eyebrow as her eyes drilled into the Demon. "What are you doing and why do I feel that it's something I wouldn't like?"
"The good kitty would never do bad things, nope." Akagi chuckled as she tried to act cute. "You're paranoia and accusations hurt me! Do you not trust me?!?"
{About as far as I can throw you...} (Halifax)
"Yup, you're plotting something." Halifax said, determined to uncover what she was hiding. "Just come clean and I promise that I won't be mad" She said, her eyes boring into the Demon.
{That's what they all say right before they get mad! I know how that works! I dealt with it for years!} (Akagi)
"It's not really anything bad." Akagi said as she let out a puff, deciding to keep going with the lies and misdirection. "I just feel that your presence will lessen my ability to gain their cooperation. I figure that if you show up they'll get you to help them and that won't make them feel indebted to me, that's all." She said without a hint of deceit in her words, and seeing as it was a true concern it didn't set off any alarm bells in the Divine Blade's mind. "Having the Divine Blade Halifax intercede will only make things harder, and if they decide to back you over me then it's likely that a fight will break out if/when they ask you to defeat me. So I figure this way we can avoid unneeded casualties and a fight between us two besties!"
{Her logic and argument are sound, the Dwarves would almost certainly ask me to help. But I've got a feeling that something else is going on here. There must be another reason she doesn't want me to go with her, but I just can't put my finger on it. And also... Besties?} (Halifax)
"I guess..." Halifax said, skeptical but deciding to let it go for now.
"Would it make you feel any better if I told you another reason I don't want you along is because I'd like you to look into Labrys a bit more?" Akagi asked, figuring that diverting her attention to something more interesting to the Sword would make for a better answer. "I figured that you'd have more interest in that than stuffy diplomacy."
{Not to mention that I have a feeling that Divine Blade and Demonic Axe will be drawn to each other. Though whether its due to the same principle as polar opposite's attracting I can't say just yet.} (Akagi)
"You're not wrong there..." Halifax sighed as she recalled the countless Noble parties she'd been to and how much she hated formalities. "But what do you want me to do? Other than running around like a fool chasing ghosts? Its not like I've got a Labrys radar built into my head. We've searched for him for almost four thousand years and never got the jump on him. The last time we interacted was two hundred years ago and even then I was unconscious."
{I still wish I hadn't gotten taken by surprise. That was the best shot at getting rid of him and I blew it, but what was I supposed to do? Sherry's life was at risk and I... I just couldn't sacrifice her for a chance at taking him down.} (Halifax)
"If you don't mind, I'd like you to back the Twins up for a bit." Akagi's words caused Halifax to immediately tense. She didn't exactly like the Primordials or trust them, mostly because they'd used blood sacrifices to break their seal. "Having you along as a level-headed leader of their little search party would probably make things easier. Not to mention that I'd like a sufficiently powerful minder with them for now."
"Ah, so you want me on babysitting duty." Halifax rolled her eyes. “Joy...”
{I did that with a certain unconscious Demi-God before and look how well THAT turned out...} (Halifax)
"Only if you don't mind." Akagi shrugged. "If you'd like to do something else then feel free, I won't tell you what to do though I'd still ask you to keep out of my Dwarven scheme for the aforementioned reasons."
"Oh, sure. Like I've got better things to do at this point." Halifax sighed, conceding that her best place was either at Akagi's side or helping to find Labrys. "Lazing around for a bit might not be the worst, but I think I'd rather try and find him. The faster we do that the faster this whole thing will be over, and I'm sure I can put their talents to good use."
"Good, then I'd like the three of you to head to Northwind's Capital and pick up Chloe after she finishes her mission." Akagi said as she put her Kiseru away. “Take her with you. She'll likely prove useful in hunting down our prey.”
"I wouldn't mind helping her kill Korex's disgusting servants." Halifax said with a twinkle in her eyes. "Killing them is always a pleasure."
"And I'm sure it is, but this mission is a test of sorts for Chloe, so please don't interfere with her. I need to see how she's going to handle this kind of situation." Akagi replied, noting that she'd established this as a type of graduation ritual that was not to be interfered with. "Plus she'd be the one getting angry if you got in her way.”
“Chloe would probably attack you in such a situation.” Yumi chuckled.
"Indeed, that Cat wouldn't take too kindly to interference in a mission given to her directly by our Lord" Kira shook her head. "I don't think I'll ever fully understand that side of her, though I can appreciate where she comes from in that instance."
"It was a task given to her by Lady Akagi, there's no way that Chloe would allow anyone but her to complete it." Nima nodded along. "Her pride would not permit such a humiliation."
"Fine." Halifax stretched as she stood up. "I'll go babysit the godlings and give the other kitty some attention. If we're lucky we'll find Labrys before you're finished with your 'diplomatic mission' to the Dwarves and we can wrap this whole story up so I can fully retire.”
"Sounds great! That way I can get home and I let Miji and Yumi argue over who gets to use me as a hug pillow!" Akagi laughed.
"Don't forget to throw Kana in that mix." Yumi sighed. "She gets jealous when we do it." Her comment caused the room to break out in laughter, though, in the Demon's mind, she was commending herself for getting the Divine Blade away from the Dwarven topic so easily.
{And now we can proceed with Project Play Both Sides! The little one shall play the villain so that I can be the hero!} (Akagi)
"The oh-so-benevolent and kind hero." Akagi said under her breath.
_____________________________________________________________________________
<Alice/Erika POV>
"Ahhh!" A Dwarven soldier charged at one of the massive multi armed serpentine monsters that Alice had summoned, only to be flicked aside by one of its many axes and smashed against the cave wall.
"Focus fire! Take it down!" A Dwarven sergeant yelled to his men who raised up large mortar-looking weapons that fired metal projectiles at high speed toward the monster under what appeared to be rocket propulsion.
*BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM*
"GAAAAAAH!" The monster roared as it was blasted to pieces, showering the cave walls in blood as bullets ripped through the air.
"We got it!" The sergeant and his men cheered the take down of the creature. "Alright men, on to the next one!"
With the death of the first snake the Dwarves began their counterattack, using these and other strange weapons to slowly but surely destroy Alice's summons. It was an impressive display of military might and show that what the Dwarves lacked in magical ability they more than made up for in technological and martial prowess, something that Alice had expected and was probing for weaknesses.
"So they've got guns, flamethrowers, mortars, grenades, and even some kind of strange light tanks." Alice hummed as she looked at the combat from above. She'd taken to the air with some flight magic and decided to observe the battle in the cave to see what kind of weapons the Dwarves were able to bring to bear, and was a bit surprised by how well they could hold off her summons. "No wonder Mama needed me!" She giggled. "But I think that will be enough for today. Mama always told me that it's better to withdraw early than to allow units to be destroyed unnecessarily." She said before giving a mental command to her forces that told them to withdraw deeper into the mountain.
{Going this way may be too tough. Nima-Nima said this route led to one of the major Dwarven highways that would take you straight to their Capital, so I guess it's understandable that it's so heavily guarded.} (Alice) Searᴄh the NovelZone.fun website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
"Oh well, now that I've seen their troops I'll just beat 'em up like Mama wants!" Alice laughed before flying away and following her forces into the darkness.
The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!