Already alert for potential danger, the tension only grew higher as the unidentified Ogre drew closer. Its attempts at breaking free were growing more frequent and desperate, but also less likely to succeed as the full weight of my will was brought to bear.
Sensing no other Cultivators approaching our hiding place, I was under no delusions that they would locate us in due time. Almost certainly tracking their errant companion through one means or another. Very likely, only maintaining their distance to avoid being drawn into a potential ambush.
The waiting had also given me time to think,
Yi Gim's injury was not nearly as permanent as I had first led myself to believe. The Shape Flesh Spell was more than capable of regenerating the lost limb, and I already possessed a small measure of experience with restoring internal energy pathways. The primary issue was acquiring a suitable environment and securing the necessary support to complete the restoration without issues.
I could likely restore the arm and hand without significant issues or risks of complications. However, without restoring the internal pathways, there was a risk that Yi Gim could destroy the regenerated limb when cycling a Technique.
I explained as much to Yi Gim. However, the oversight went unspoken and unacknowledged.
On my part, because the slip was indicative of a wider issue. For Yi Gim, he was likely too surprised and relieved by the news to care.
The Ogre's approach was understandably erratic. Drifting with the tide for a time and then correcting course again as they traversed the surface of the ocean. Testing the limits of the compulsion in an attempt to delay the inevitable.
The final leg of the journey was the fastest by far, with the Ogre descending through the water at a rapid pace. Sinking like a stone, the instant there was no longer a justifiable reason to linger on the surface.
Presuming the Ogre wasn't masking its internal energy, it was a middling threat at best. Weaker than the corpse-puppets by a substantial margin. That didn't mean the Ogre was less of a threat. Just that it wouldn't present a danger in the same way.
Yi Gim retreated into the chamber that had been used to hold the corpse-puppet. Both as a means to conceal his immediate presence and allow for a better counterattack in the event of a trap.
Waiting for the Ogre to traverse the final length of the tunnel, I felt its resistance collapse outright. However, instead of continuing forward, they stopped moving altogether.
Renewing the Command made no difference, and I began to suspect the Ogre had drowned and lost consciousness.
Using my control over the water in the submerged tunnel, I drew the Ogre out and into the open air of the small cavern and emptied the Ogre's lungs.
Roughly nine feet tall, the Ogre had dark violet skin, wiry black hair drawn back into a tight top knot, and a pair of thick horns protruding from its forehead. Heavily muscled and with little visible body fat, the Ogre's rapid descent made a great deal more sense.
Very obviously male, the Ogre wore simple armour that accommodated a wide range of movement. Focusing protection on key areas while leaving joints relatively exposed. A pair of tusk-like canines in his lower jaw kept his lips parted and exposed a mouthful of thick, pointed teeth.
“Breathe,” the Command left my throat and passed over my tongue with the weight of a boulder. Crashing into the Ogre's body and compelling it to obey my will.
Ragged gasps took in the thin oxygen of the cavern. Circulating through the Ogre's bloodstream and restoring a flickering ember of conscious thought. Each new breath stoked the embers, creating a small flame.
Satisfied that the Ogre was now capable of breathing independently, I mentally rescinded the Command.
It was only then that I noticed Yi Gim was staring at me, and likely had been throughout. A blend of awe and dread warring behind his eyes.
"He wasn't dead," I commented firmly. Guessing at his thoughts. "Or rather, not beyond the limits of saving."
Gulping dryly, Yi Gim slowly shook his head in disagreement. "That is not what unsettled me so..." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to steady himself before opening them again. The fear was gone, replaced with something akin to admiration. "Just now, when you spoke to him, I felt the presence of the Dao..." His eyes narrowed slightly as unspoken questions continued to build within his mind. "I do not mean to presume..." Yi Gim worked his jaw uncomfortably and appeared to be choosing his words very carefully. "To call upon the Dao in such a manner, without effort or consequence...This was not something I had expected to witness..."
"You have seen the Dao used before?" I asked, intrigued by the unexpected revelation and opportunity to learn more.
Yi Gim nodded slightly in return and held up his sword. Closing his eyes, he proceeded to cycle his Chi through his body. Prioritising circulation through his arm and his brain. A shimmering ice-like substance began materialising on the blade's edge.
The effort appeared to be immense, already leaving Yi Gim breathing hard and his brow running with perspiration.
"HA!" Yi Gim turned abruptly and slashed toward the wall of the cavern. The sword struck nothing but empty air. However, still mirroring the edge of the blade, the translucent energy detached itself and flew into the stone. Biting deep before abruptly evaporating. Panting for breath, Yi Gim looked up at me with an air of expectation. In a way not so different to how the Daemons would when seeking unsolicited praise.
I waited patiently for him to himself. The trick on its own wasn't particularly impressive. I had witnessed dozens of Techniques and hundreds of Abilities with greater destructive potential, and that did not require nearly so much concentration.
Reading the expression on my face, Yi Gim deflated somewhat. "Although obviously lacking, this was a manifestation of the Sword Dao. A fragment of the greater Dao. To reach this level, low as it may be, has taken diligent study and training. However, I am not a heaven-blessed genius. It is they who possess an understanding at such a level that their will can turn the blades of their enemies upon themselves." His tone shifted from defensiveness and wounded pride to one of awe and reverence. His eyes became unfocused as he revisited old memories. "To behold such perfection was both a blessing and a curse. To have gained insights on the endless path was an invaluable opportunity...If only I were not so far beneath them..."
I reflected upon my actions and made an effort to try and see them through Yi Gim's eyes. The Dao of Tyranny and the Sword were different in terms of their expression. However, if my fellow Monarch's actions were a good measure of middling talent, I could see why he would be so unsettled by what I had done.
The Command had taken no more effort or concentration than I normally attributed to such a task. Suppressing and combating the wills of Slavers and shielding subordinates from hostile mental assaults had become instinctual. Almost to the point of going unnoticed, like breathing.
I supposed that my experiences in the other system might have served as a primer of sorts. Training my mind in such a way that exercising the Dao of Tyranny was far easier than it might have been otherwise. However, I also strongly suspected that the target being an Ogre played a significant role as well. My Tyrant Abilities serve as prearranged channels to streamline the process. Like bumper rails in a bowling alley. Making it all but impossible to fail at achieving at least a small measure of success.
Still trying to put my thoughts into words Yi Gim would understand, I noticed a change in the Ogre’s breathing. The deep, steady rhythm was disrupted, and the Ogre had begun to stir.
Blade at the ready, Yi Gim made as if to approach, but I waved him back. If the Ogre had any surprises in store, Yi Gim would be in greater danger than I. So it would be best for him to remain at a safe distance.
Retreating without argument, Yi Gim went a step further and hid away within the interrogation chamber.
Groaning with pain, the Ogre stiffly rose into a sitting position. Rubbing at its eyes, only to abruptly grow completely still. Still damp from the seawater, thick trails of sweat began running down the Ogre's face and neck. Ever so slowly, he turned his head. Pupils fluttering, contracting and expanding in response to the sudden surge of adrenaline, the Ogre's head slowly craned upward to meet my gaze.
Releasing a strangled yelp of fear, the Ogre scrambled backwards and reached for his belt. His clawed hand fumbling at his left side with mounting desperation. Unable to bring himself to look away, the Ogre's panic only continued to grow stronger.
Seeming to realise the futility of its actions, the Ogre stopped searching for a weapon and bowed his head in surrender. Slowly and deliberately shifting his stance into a kowtow to demonstrate his complete submission. "M-Mercy..." The Ogre begged, horns grinding and scraping against the rough stone floor.
Somewhat surprised that I could understand the Ogre, a host of new possibilities unfolded within my mind. It was a far more preferable position than I had originally expected.
"Who commands your loyalty?" I demanded coldly, injecting a sliver of Command to deny the captive the possibility of refusing to answer.
"O-Overlord Kenshin..." The Ogre stammered in reply almost immediately. Making no effort to resist the compulsion.
"I do not know this name..." Yi Gim commented through the communication tablet.
"And your Monarch?" I pressed.
"P-Patriarch Chunmii of the eternal shield!" The Ogre answered hurriedly, a hint of hope building in his mind. No doubt entertaining the possibility of leveraging his Monarch's reputation to secure his safety.
"Chunmii! He is the one who ambushed me..." Yi Gim hissed bitterly.
"What is your reason for being in this Realm?" I continued, unfazed by the rival Monarch's pretentious title.
The Ogre paused, seeming to consider the question.
"What is your reason for being in this Realm?" I repeated, compelling an immediate and honest answer.
"An observer!" The Ogre blurted, the veins on his neck bulging as if he were under an immense strain. Perhaps trying to withhold the information. "To witness the death or capture of the Monarch!"
"Are there others?" I pushed again, denying the opportunity to evade or give a misleading answer.
"Yes!..." Spittle flew from the Ogre's mouth and across the cold stone floor. "A small party! Just five others! Please! URGH!" He reached for his throat and made a strangled gasp, struggling to breathe.
I released the compulsion, and the Ogre's condition gradually recovered.
"What Array was deployed for this ambush?" The threat of the renewed compulsion remained, and I couldn't help but notice the Ogre flinch as he anticipated the return of its invisible grip.
"A...A five-point celestial dragon binding..." The Ogre cowered like a beaten dog. "Marshal Somri carries the key to the Array...If released, I could petition for leniency! The Monarch is wise and respects strength! I am certain your talents will earn great favour within his court!"
"This Marshal, do you have the means of finding them again?" I asked.
The Ogre released a deep sigh of relief. "We agreed on a signal!" He replied hurriedly, almost babbling in his excitement. "Once I make the signal, they will reply in kind!"
"No communication tokens or Techniques?" I pressed, trying to keep the incredulity from my tone.
Taking a hit out on another Monarch had to be an immensely expensive affair, and it didn't make sense to cheap out on communications.
"The Marshal and his aide have communication slips that allow direct communication with the palace...And the justiciar from the crimson hall is in communication with his elders..." The Ogre replied with markedly dwindling certainty. "That is all I know!" He added hurriedly, fresh sweat beading upon the shaved sides of his scalp.
"This is within expectations," Yi Gim commented through our connection. "Excluding certain members might be part of a wider political message."
I grunted in agreement and returned my focus to the Ogre.
"And what was your plan for returning to the Realm of your Monarch?" I asked, trying to project the impression that I was willing to change sides.
"The Marshal carries a keystone to the Grand Array and can form a bridge back to the Monarch's Realm!" The Ogre replied in a rush and with near palpable relief. "I am certain, once the Marshal has witnessed your strength, he will agree to arrange a meeting with the Monarch!" The desperation in his voice strongly suggested that this was far from a certainty. However, it didn't particularly matter one way or the other.
"And if your party was attacked by a Demon, or a Demonic Cultivator, who would fare best against them?" Rescuing Sebet would make everything else easier, and I was hoping one of the observers was responsible. They didn't appear to be closely coordinating with the mercenaries, so they would be an easier target.
The Ogre's demeanour changed almost immediately. His fear and excitement turned to disgust and anger. "The observer from the Yu Tian temple...The monk was only invited to insult the Overlord!"
I had encountered a hybrid Ogre-like Species once before, and they had met the same system requirements and qualifications as Demons. So I wasn't unreasonable to assume this Ogre might be the same.
"If the other observers suffered casualties, how would your Monarch react?" A rough plan was taking shape in my mind, but I wanted more information before committing.
The Ogre remained quiet for some time, carefully thinking things over. "If the Marshal survives and is not permanently injured, the Monarch would likely not give it a second thought. But the Marshal is the Monarch's favoured son-in-law...Harm or disrespect to the Marshal would be seen as a provocation..."
I grunted in understanding. The pride of the Monarchs was typically off the charts. Unless confronted with a vastly superior enemy, they would kill and risk their own lives for the sake of their pride.
"Before I betray my client, I must discuss your offer with my colleague." I imprisoned the Ogre within walls of solid stone. Descending the improvised prison deeper into the bedrock for good measure.
The Ogre twitched violently but made no attempts to flee. Keeping his head down and accepting his fate with grim optimism.
"You have a plan?" Yi Gim inquired, keeping his hand very deliberately away from his sword as a show of trust.
I waved my hand noncommittally. "I have part of a plan," I admitted, Summoning a generic Human Cultivator. "Can other Cultivators identify a Monarch by sense alone? Cultivators from another Monarch's Realm, I mean."
Yi Gim gave it some thought and slowly shook his head. "Not unless they are familiar with the Monarch and their bloodline. However, a powerful Cultivator, or one with a specialty in probing the spirit, might have the means to piece together a Monarch's nature from certain clues."
"So..." I sacrificed a small portion of HP and cast the Shape Flesh Spell on the Summoned Cultivator. Twisting its features to take on Yi Gim's appearance.
Yi Gim winced, but otherwise took in the nauseating sight with silent patience.
"If we disguised this clone to look like you, could we explain away its weakness as a result of your injuries or exhaustion?" I asked, revealing the key component of the plan.
"I..." Yi Gim paused and gave it serious thought. "Yes, I believe such a ruse could work. However, our enemies would demand we submit to an inspection also."
"If we concealed our cores, limiting ourselves to project a level of strength on par with the observers, or perhaps a little higher, would that be sufficient if combined with a physical disguise?" I motioned to the one-armed Summon as a show of what I had in mind.
"It...could work..." Yi Gim agreed hesitantly. "This would leave us in a poor position to retaliate if they initiate a fresh ambush..."
That was true enough. Drawing in and controlling the Core was like an overweight guy holding in their gut. While it slimmed their profile somewhat, it also restricted their breathing and made sharp jabs to the kidneys or liver that were much more debilitating. Limiting the projected strength of the Core literally made you weaker, restricting your strength to the level allowed.
Which meant an assassin would have an opportunity to deliver a more telling strike. Provided they were afforded the opportunity.
It was a greater risk for Yi Gim, who relied entirely on his Cultivation for his enhanced durability. Even without Cultivation, I would still retain the majority of my strength and staying power. The Human form itself was a bigger deduction, but I couldn't see any way around it.
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Remaining in my true form would raise too much suspicion. As a human, it would be easier to pass ourselves off as mercenary defectors. While also using the looming threat of my alter ego as an incentive not to hang around and risk another confrontation.
The tattoo on my arm made my transformation a straightforward affair. Similarly, I had a trove of treasures to draw upon for completing my disguise as a human Cultivator and mercenary.
Yi Gim's disguise was a much more involved process. Lacking Sebet and Gric's insights into sculpting flesh. I limited myself to regenerating Yi Gim's arm and changing his face. The hand was only semi-functional, and the energy pathways were subpar. More likely to be a greater hindrance than the stump had been. However, we were reasonably confident that Yi Gim could sell the hatchet job as the result of an old injury.
Changing his face had gone without significant issues overall, but was a source of embarrassment all the same. Despite interacting with hundreds of Cultivators during the past few months, it had proven incredibly difficult to settle on an 'appropriate' face.
The Cultivators' nations all had identifiable ethnic influences from Earth, and it felt wrong to just mismatch his features at random. Unfortunately, this limited the references I could use and ultimately resulted in my decision to settle for a familiar face I remembered from movies and TV shows.
"I don't understand?" Yi Gim was inspecting his reflection in a handheld mirror with the aid of a small magical lantern. "What about my borrowed appearance has you so perturbed?"
"It's just a little strange..." I sighed awkwardly, "Your face, I borrowed it from a famous actor, a celebrity, from my world..."
Yi Gim furrowed his brow slightly for several moments as he took a closer look at his borrowed features. Seeing no problems, he shrugged indifferently. "I remember merchants and nobles from the northern provinces with similar faces. I do not think it will be a problem. Truly, this illusion of youth will only work in our favour."
I had to admit that he had a point. Standing side by side with the Summoned body-double, they couldn't be more different despite being close to the same height.
Settling upon matching clothing and armour for ourselves, we manually distressed the armour Yi Gim had borrowed in our flight from the beach. Once it was suitably damaged, we equipped it onto the Summon and then bound it with chains and Talismans.
If one of the corpse-puppets or the observers launched a sneak attack and destroyed the Summon, the plan was to blame the disappearance on a life-saving treasure. This had been Yi Gim's idea. Life-saving artefacts were profoundly rare, but not unheard of. So it provided a plausible means of explaining the Summon disappearing after its HP was depleted.
Similarly, Yi Gim didn't see the language barrier as a particular issue. Most Cultivators knew a handful of languages, but it wasn't unreasonable for a mercenary not to know the language of an unanticipated enemy. Mercenaries typically knew dozens of languages collectively to maximise the list of potential clients while exercising a common tongue for coordination. However, this also meant that there would be members who couldn't communicate directly with the client or enemy forces.
Withdrawing the Ogre from its imprisonment, we sprung our plan into motion.
"You!" I barked, immediately putting the Ogre on the back foot. "Did you mean what you said about the esteemed Monarch of the endless shield?! Would his esteemed majesty really allow us to join his service?!"
Disoriented, in part due to oxygen deprivation, it took the Ogre several moments to take in the change in circumstances. "I uh...Y-yes!" His eyes locked onto the Summoned copy of Yi Gim, and his eyes grew wide with shock.
"Then we must hurry away from here and rejoin your allies before our captain returns!" I insisted urgently, doing my best to help pull the Ogre to his feet despite our difference in size. "He has left to investigate the Array and could return at any moment!"
The Ogre's face paled visibly. "Perhaps-"
"He intends to kill you!" I interjected with a sneer, giving the Ogre a rough shove for good measure. "Said your weakness disgusts him!"
Fury and fear warred behind the Ogre's eyes. "Let's go!" He agreed, suddenly much more amenable to the risks he was undertaking.
I withdrew a weak flying sword from my Storage Ring and pressed it into his hand. "We only have two, so you have to make do! Now get moving! We need to get out of here!"
The Ogre nodded determinedly and jumped into the water without so much as glancing over his shoulder to see if we would follow.
Firmly gripping the chains, I waited for Yi Gim to do the same and then followed the Ogre.
Propelled through the water by the flying sword, we made straight for the surface before trailing in the Ogre's wake and back towards the beach. While considerably faster than swimming would have been under the circumstances, it still took a long time to reach the shore.
More than long enough to be made aware of the small contingent of corpse-puppets that were now waiting for our arrival.
Complicating matters, the corpse-puppets were not alone.
Two people stood apart and further back on the beach. Their unmasked faces marked them as members of the party of observers the ogre had mentioned earlier.
The larger of the two figures was a tall woman with long, shining dark hair. Wearing flowing robes of silver and grey that shimmered in the sunlight, she was playing a stringed instrument from atop a roiling dark cloud hovering a handsbreadth off the ground.
Despite the distance and the crashing of the waves drowning out the melody, each plucking motion of her fingers pressed against the periphery of my will. The inaudible sonic waves were projecting some form of Technique intended to manipulate the mind. Although it was unclear what the precise effect was intended to be.
The second figure was a man of indeterminate age with a shaved head who wore short combat robes and held a red-tasselled spear. He appeared unaffected by his female companion's technique, and his dark eyes tracked the Ogre's progress with unreserved animosity.
Despite the danger the pair presented, I felt a sense of relief all the same. My focus was drawn toward the weathered gourd hanging from the second figure's hip and Sebet residing within.
As we drew closer, I could feel the strain building in my mind as whatever Formation or Technique keeping Sebet imprisoned was forced to contend with the combined efforts of our wills.
The bald stranger only grew more agitated. However, it was unclear whether it was because of Sebet or the Ogre that was now navigating the shallows and doggedly headed in his direction.
"Gozu! You have returned!" The tall woman called out with a smile, her voice carrying a singsong and bewitching quality that increased the strain on my will. "We had been all but certain the waves had claimed your life!"
"Mores the pity!" The bald man snarled irritably.
The Ogre, Gozu, made a rude gesture in return. "I was assaulted by an enemy Technique!" He roared angrily. "And you did nothing!"
"Your safety is not my responsibility!" The bald man replied with a sneer of contempt. "If the Master had not agreed to s-"
"Who is this you have brought with you?!" The tall woman interjected, her voice cutting through the bald man's words without noticeably raising in volume. Despite her obvious discomfort in drawing near to the corpse-puppets, she circled around to take a closer look.
"Allies! Mercenaries hired thanks to the wisdom and foresight of my overlord!" Gozu answered with pride, puffing out his chest and grinning savagely at the bald man. "And the Monarch we were sent to secure!"
"WHAT?!" The bald man exclaimed incredulously, leaping up and over the corpse puppets to land in the surf a handsbreadth from Yi Gim, myself and the Summoned decoy.
Likewise, the tall woman raced over the open water atop her cloud, her stringed instrument orbiting around her as if carried by unseen hands.
Yi Gim and I had forgotten helmets as a calculated element of the deception. Making ourselves more readily identifiable without encouraging closer scrutiny. Sure enough, the two Cultivators spared only enough time to perform a basic scan of our Cores and take in our faces before settling their focus upon the decoy.
"His Dantian is destroyed!" The tall woman exclaimed with surprise, considering Yi Gim and me with newfound respect. "This is truly an impressive feat."
"Nonsense!" The bald Cultivator snapped angrily. "The Monarch was already crippled. These bottom feeders merely delivered the final blow! That is all!"
Gozu was already backtracking into the surf and squaring up for a fight when the tall woman raised her hands and motioned for calm.
"Now is not the time to fight amongst ourselves," she pleaded, her voice heavy with hidden energy that positively slammed against my mental defences.
Yi Gim released the decoy and made as if to lunge at the bald Cultivator, but was brought up short as I seized the back of his armoured coat with my free hand.
With Gozu and the male Cultivator already coming to blows, it wasn't difficult to determine what the female Cultivator was doing. To better sell our ruse, I made a show of shaking my head and behaving as if the mental manipulation was impairing my senses rather than inciting outright violence. Similarly, I had the Summoned decoy strain at its chains and gnawed at the gag binding its mouth.
Seemingly content with the chaos she had instigated, the female Cultivator retreated a short distance. She made token appeals to her two companions to convince the silent audience of Cultivators controlling the corpse-puppets of her desire to end the fighting. All the while ratcheting up her compulsion and intensifying the confrontation from a barehanded brawl and into a savage fight to the death.
The bald Cultivator had a near-undeniable advantage. Faster and possessing greater reach, the Cultivator accompanied his strikes with a mantra that appeared to slow Gozu's movements to a crawl.
Straining against the invisible bonds, it was obvious that Gozu would lose the fight if left to his own devices. At least, that would have been the case if Sebet hadn't taken advantage of the bald Cultivator's divided focus and made a sudden bid for freedom.
Pain lanced through my mind, and the gourd on the bald Cultivator's hip exploded, catching him by surprise and breaking his concentration.
Ill-prepared and out of position, Talismans within the bald Cultivator's robes flashed and burned as a semi-translucent barrier intercepted a lethal strike to his skull. "You dare?!" The bald Cultivator roared, lancing his spear at Gozu's unprotected neck.
Distracted by the battle, no one else appeared to notice the swell of Mana snaking through the water and toward the decoy.
Thankfully, Sebet appeared to understand and forcibly took control over the serpent. She possessed its body with her Mana and restored our mental connection.
I gave Sebet limited access to my most recent memories.
"ENOUGH!" A deep voice boomed, cutting through the compulsion and causing everyone to stagger and nearly threw the tall woman into the water. The owner of the voice appeared moments later, flying through the air atop a broad, ringed sabre.
Unlike the other human Cultivators, this new arrival was properly armoured. Wearing a padded cloth gambeson over banded steel. Dark, cruel eyes glared through armoured slits of a visored helmet, and a round steel shield hovered over each shoulder. Suspended by nearly imperceptible tethers of internal energy.
The bald Cultivator and the Ogre were quick to draw away from one another, signalling an end to their immediate hostilities as they bowed in respect to the new arrival. "Forgiveness, Imperial Marshal!" They declared in unison.
I ordered. Unwilling to risk losing Sebet after so recently retrieving her.
I felt her borrowed flesh twist and writhe against my own. The bones of the serpent's body breaking and reforming to take on the shape of a tiny Abyssal Serpent.
If Sebet was discovered, I could claim she was my Bonded Companion. Presenting the serpent sign tattoo over my heart as proof.
Ideally, I would prefer her presence to go unnoticed entirely. However, it was best to have a backup plan just in case.
"Shen Yuechan!" The Marshal growled dangerously, "If you undermine my mission, ordained by my most divine father, even a fraction further, I will see the Shen clan exterminated to the last mewling babe! Am. I. Understood?!"
"Yes! Thank you for your instruction, Imperial Marshal!" The tall woman replied with extreme deference. Bowing so low that her hair tumbled over the edge of her cloud and into the surf below.
Glancing to the side, I could see Yi Gim had bowed his head, and I decided to follow his lead and did the same.
"Now, what is this?" The Marshal demanded.
"The enemy Monarch! Imperial Marshal!" Gozu replied hurriedly, seizing the initiative before his rivals could take the opportunity. "With mercenaries hired by the Overlord, the Monarch was overwhelmed, and I was able to take the Monarch prisoner!"
"Is that so?" The Marshal growled. He expanded his perception by sending out his Chi to investigate the decoy. "What happened to his Core?"
"This one is not sure..." Gozu answered uncertainly.
"Hrmf. Clearly, my divine imperial father dealt more damage than we had supposed..." The Marshal didn't seem entirely convinced. No doubt suspecting subterfuge, he then remotely inspected my Core. "Hrm...You there, mercenary-" He spoke the word with unadulterated contempt. "-how did you enter this Realm?"
"This one entered through a hidden smuggling Array," I replied with exaggerated humility, emulating the Ogre's deference. "The strain collapsed the Array before our company could enter in force."
"You are a ranking officer of your troupe?" The Marshal asked with obvious expectations.
"This one was Adjunct to the Commander, and this one's companion was a Captain," I motioned to Yi Gim without raising my head. Doing my best to maintain a facade of subservience.
"And your Commander? Where is he?" The Marshal demanded, a poorly hidden twang of fear in his voice.
"Dead," I replied decisively.
Gozu stared back at me with surprise.
"The Commander turned traitor and wanted to take the side of the crippled Monarch. Fooled by promises of treasures and Cultivation secrets," I lied, making sure to emphasise the role greed played in this made-up scenario to play into the Marshal's prejudices. "The Lieutenant and two of our brothers fell, but we were able to kill the Commander and recapture the Monarch."
I couldn't see Gozu's face, but I was reasonably certain that his silence was a sign of his willingness to go along with the altered version of events. No doubt glad that I hadn't contradicted the liberties he had taken earlier.
It was a common theme with Cultivator cultures. To reposition and present events from the most favourable angles for the most personal benefit or to undermine a rival. Much like the endless intrigues of the nobility. In the current circumstances, not indulging in such behaviour might have been a greater risk than telling outright lies.
The Marshal seemed to relax. "A shame, so few of your kind can be trusted..."
One of the corpse-puppets took this opportunity to say something, but I was unsure what.
"Hrmf, begone. I have no further need of your assistance," the Marshal commanded dismissively. "On behalf of my divine father, I hold your contract fulfilled."
The corpse-puppets hesitated, lingering for a long moment before slowly retreating inland.
If I had to guess, I could assume the Marshal was sending them away to avoid sharing the credit with a third party.
"Mercenaries," The Marshal directed his attention back to me. "It is rare for your kind to be so capable and principled. I may have a place for such talent amongst my subordinates..."
Yi Gim reacted a hair faster, dropping to one knee while keeping a firm grip on the decoy's chains. I followed his lead.
"It would be our greatest honour to serve such a worthy figure as his Imperial Marshal!" I cried, speaking on both our behalf while Yi Gim nonverbally joined in with hoarse croaks to conceal his voice. "Forgiveness, my companion was injured and has not yet had time to heal his wounds!" I explained, preempting an investigation.
I hadn't been confident enough to alter Yi Gim's vocal cords, so we had thought it best if he avoided speaking as much as possible. In case someone recognised his voice.
The Marshal's energy swept around us for a second time, focusing upon Yi Gim before retreating once more. "Fret not, my servants are attended by the greatest physicians in the Realm! I will see that you are treated upon our return."
Yi Gim bobbed and bowed his head in a show of gratitude.
"Now..." The Marshal descended, floating before the decoy. "I will take custody of the prisoner. To ensure there are no complications." There was a tense pause, as if he was expecting Yi Gim or me to argue. However, with no signs of resistance or complaint forthcoming, the Marshal seized the chain bindings and hefted the decoy out of the water with one hand.
The Marshal rose back into the air and began flying in the same path taken by the retreating corpse-puppets.
The tall woman and the bald man were quick to follow behind. The former atop their floating cloud and the latter on foot.
Gozu spared us both a glance before joining them. Radiating mounting paranoia and concern.
To maintain the ruse, Yi Gim and I joined the procession.
If the enemy terminated the Array of their own accord, that would be the ideal outcome. However, it was more likely that they intended to reclaim the materials of the Array after seizing the land through a Supremacy Challenge. Preventing any potential interlopers or survivors from escaping.
Following the Marshal and the other Cultivators, it didn't take long to reach their staging area and regroup with the remaining members of the observation team.
Located within the abandoned remains of an abandoned clan palace, the invading forces had simply repurposed an existing Teleportation Array originally used by the former owners. Close to two hundred corpse-puppets, human and beast alike, were waiting within the spacious grounds of the Array when we arrived.
Glad to be rid of them, the Marshal temporarily suppressed the effects on the Teleportation Array, allowing the mercenaries' forces to leave first. Although it was unclear if they would be headed to the same place we were.
Once it was our turn, we joined the Cultivators within the centre of the marked boundary of the Array. Just as before, the Marshal suppressed the effects of the Anchoring Array. A gilded plaque from within his Storage Ring provided a target destination and presumably the credentials to access the Array on the other end.
After activating the Array, we were immediately transported out of Yi Gim’s Realm and into the Realm of our enemy.
A hundred armoured Cultivators wearing identical golden armour were arranged in rigid formations directed toward the open plaza containing the Array. Crossbows and bows were held at the ready and prepared to act at a moment's notice.
At first, I was worried we had walked ourselves into another ambush. However, when the Cultivators made no signs of overt hostility, I realised this was likely just the garrisoned force assigned to watch the Array for invaders.
A Cultivator wearing the same armour as the others standing in formation, only with greater ornamentation, exited a distant watch tower and raced across the open ground to kneel before the waiting Marshal.
“The Watch Commander greets the Imperial Marshal!” The new arrival shouted, his fists pressed together in a salute and bowed at the waist to show his respect.
“WE GREET THE IMPERIAL MARSHAL!” The assembled Cultivators shouted in unison a handful of breaths after their commander.
Preening under the overt praise, the Marshal made a show of raising his head while advancing toward the distant gates. “All travel through the Grand Array is to be temporarily postponed. You will assist City Lord Ziao and keep watch over my prisoner while arrangements are made for transportation to the Imperial Capital.”
“It will be done, Imperial Marshal!” The Watch Commander agreed without hesitation. Removing a gilded plaque from within his armour and disabling the Teleportation Array with a subtle surge of energy.
Releasing the chains controlling the Decoy’s movement into the keeping of the Watch Commander without breaking his stride, the Marshal continued toward the distant gates.
Following the lead of the other Cultivators that had served as observers for the enemy invasion, we remained on the raised platform at the centre of the Teleportation Array while the decoy was taken under heavy escort out of the plaza.
After the Marshal and decoy were clear, the Cultivators from the observation team began to relax and make their own way toward the gates.
The bald Cultivator shot Gozu a nasty scowl but said nothing as he hurried away. Clearly impatient to be rid of their company.
The other Cultivators lingered for a short while, silently sizing us up before taking their leave. Opting to keep to themselves without having said a word. At least, having said anything out loud. The swirling exchange of energy amidst the group strongly indicated that several conversations had taken place. We just weren’t invited to participate.
“Hrmph! Good riddance!” Gozu grumbled with a sneer. However, his attitude changed when considering Yi Gim and me. Becoming profoundly uncomfortable. “Brothers…” He watched our faces with an intensely calculating gaze. When we made no sign to contradict or rebuke his statement, the Ogre relaxed. “Your timely assistance is appreciated,” Gozu pressed his fist into his palm and bowed with respect. “I am certain the Overlord would be honoured to host a feast and bestow gifts as payment for your efforts. Would you consider delaying your trip to the capital and returning with me to my homeland?”
I made a show of looking at Yi Gim to signal we would be conversing in private through a silent communication Technique. “The immediate area has a similar Array blocking inter-Realm travel. Travelling to a more distant territory would be our best bet to test the outer limits of the Array or find a backdoor. What do you think?"
Yi Gim nodded in agreement. "A smuggler, or other unscrupulous merchant, would offer the best chance. However, this Overlord may have a private Teleportation Array we could take advantage of as well."
With the abandoned noble estate we had just left as an obvious example, it was easy to see Yi Gim's point.
I turned to Gozu and nodded while trying to project an aura of positivity. "We would be honoured to accept your invitation."
Gozu grinned broadly and appeared both elated and more than a little relieved. "I am certain you will find the Overlord's hospitality to be worth the journey! Please, brothers, follow me!" He motioned excitedly toward the gates and ushered us both from behind with his large forearm before setting the pace forward.
Traversing the plaza, I had time to assess the more obvious Arrays layered into the immediate area.
Besides the Teleportation Anchoring Array, there was also an Array that seemed to disrupt the standard Formations used for magical flight and reinforcing armour. Which made sense, given the plaza was a primary means of entry to the Realm. Denying infiltrators or enemies the opportunity to gain a foothold or scatter into the greater Realm without being contested.
There was also a Grand Defensive Array that would conjure a powerful shield to isolate the area and generate elemental attacks when activated. From what I could tell, it would target anyone not carrying a key to mark them as an ally.
The Vassalised Monarchs under my command had similar setups within their old territories, and efforts were being undertaken to produce more Defensive Arrays for the coming conflict with the Angels. Testing had shown a limited degree of effectiveness in the trials, but they were still limited by their dependence on Chi and compatible energies to function.
Leaving the plaza revealed a sprawling city that extended past the horizon. The main roads leading to the plaza were choked with people milling about their daily lives. Some were carried upon palanquins or rode in carriages or rickshaws, but the majority travelled on foot.
A wagon train was actively engaged in redirecting away from the plaza and headed for who knew where. The guards and drivers shouted and cursed at the passersby as they attempted to navigate the crowded roads.
In the distance, a scattering of Cultivators traversed the skies atop fantastical beasts and animated magical weaponry.
Following Gozu a short distance from the plaza, I felt the effects of the Arrays diminish and then relinquish their hold entirely. With only the Array blocking Teleportation remaining in active effect.
"I will send for a carriage!" Gozu commented somewhat distractedly as he snatched at a middle-aged man passing us by. "Messenger, I require a flying carriage for myself and my brothers here! Now go!"
It did not seem like the Ogre and the man had known each other, but the man bowed respectfully and then determinedly rushed off down the nearest road. Far from appearing afraid or angry, the man had appeared eager to do as he was told.
"It is common for messengers to be paid a commission by the operator of the business." Yi Gim explained through the communication tablet. "If our...guide...had sent a message, then he would be expected to pay a fee."
I could feel Sebet's thoughts brushing against the edge of my own and allowed a temporary connection.
Thinking it over, I ran the idea past Yi Gim for his opinion.
"It could work." Yi Gim replied approvingly. "It is not unreasonable for those at our assumed strength to be capable of raising a beast to the required level to achieve initial enlightenment and assume humanoid form."
Mildly confused, Gozu watched in rapt surprise as the small Abyssal Serpent exited my right sleeve and coiled down my leg.
Consuming the Summon from the inside out, Sebet rapidly assumed a humanoid form not all that dissimilar from the Serpent-Kin. Only she had a mane of long white hair rather than a bald scaly scalp. Utterly naked, she had her body angled and strategically covered by her hands and arms in such a way that revealed nothing. However, the effects were the opposite. Drawing in more attention to herself and the few inches of skin she had covered.
Rolling my eyes, I felt my blood pressure spike as I fought down a curse.
No doubt recognising she had gone too far, Sebet's nakedness was rapidly eliminated by sea green robes that formed as if from thin air about her person. In truth, what looked like clothing was made of her own skin and other bodily tissues. As much a part of Sebet as her own arm or leg.
"It is your fault!" Sebet pouted childishly. "You have kept me cooped up for too long! I was out of practice! Of course, such a thing would happen!" She feigned embarrassment and glared venomously back at me. "You must make it up to me!"
My eyelid twitched, but I otherwise remained in control. "Of course..." I replied with a forced conciliatory tone. "We will revisit your allowance when we return home...How about that?"
Outwardly, Sebet gave a small jump for joy and clung to my arm in a show of overt affection. "Master is the best!" However, the link between our minds made it clear that she was aware of how close she had come to crossing the line. I know it looked bad, but it's for the sake of the mission!> Sebet insisted defensively.
Releasing my anger, I nodded in agreement. Sometimes it was difficult to remember that Sebet was compelled to pursue my best interests. At least those covered by our Contract. However, in this instance at least, I had to admit that I had allowed the mounting stress caused by our predicament to get the better of me.
The fact that Sebet had clearly taken the route that garnered her the most entertainment and overall benefit was simply something I should have assumed from the beginning.