Note: No sex again this chapter, even though I meant to write a scene with Rainer and Lauren. sorry 'bout that. I should estimate that this story should take five to six more chapters, excluding any epilogues. I'll try to narrow that down, because I dislike writing a long drawn out battle. I'm hungry, anybody want some Tanta meat?
The Lost Lord Ch. 23
"So... Sister, this is what you were hiding down here. I am honestly surprised. However, it pisses me off more than anything that you were planning to wield these weapons against me..." The voice did indeed sound pissed, it spoke in a tone resembling a snake's hiss and a dog's bark. This voice belonged to Arazra, and he was speaking to his sister, Sitri.
Sitri was sprawled on the ground, half dead from Arazra's attacks. It was no fallacy to say that Arazra was the strongest of the previous Lord of Lust's children, Sitri hated to acknowledge that. However, the truth was before her, in the form of Arazra's bloody weapon coated in her lifeblood.
Arazra continued his speech riddled with emotional comments, "These... Soul weapons you compiled. I cannot believe that you managed to hide the presence of such powerful weapons. I wonder how many souls were reaped to make these."
In a vault that Sitri maintained under the sixth terrace of the Capitol of Lust, there was a cache of weapons forged with human souls. Very much like the ink Reginald used to make his tattoos, human souls were added in the process of making these weapons, creating unique and powerful weapons of various types. Human souls are finicky things, many times when forging a weapon, the desired finish was not created and the soul created a different magical effect. Sometimes these effects can be extremely beneficial, sometimes not. Though not all souls head towards the forging of a weapon, many demons would go to great lengths in capturing and keeping a soul weapons for a collection or personal use. The Aspect of Death weapons could be considered soul weapons, though much more powerful versions of them. Asmodea's sword she stole from the human world could also be considered a soul weapon, though created by the bond the weapon had with its human wielder over the years.
Also, even if the forge went well, not every time was a soul weapon successfully created. Sometimes, the weapon broke in various ways, due to the stress the soul put on it.
To sum it up, soul weapons are rare, and the fact that Sitri managed to stockpile this amount without anyone finding out, except those that she told, is an amazing feat.
"You bastard... I was trying to seal this place, so that not even you can open it up. Only the true Lord of Lust would be able to, and that's not you." Sputtered Sitri, as she tasted blood in her mouth.
Arazra stood still for several long seconds and then closed his eyes. He turned towards Sitri and raised his bloodied sword. Arazra slashed it down on Sitri's neck.
Sitri closed her eyes, awaiting imminent death.
"The reason why I don't kill you for that impudent statement, is that you are my sister. And I care about my siblings, even if they are deluded by a false lord." Arazra had stopped his sword at Sitri's neck by just a few millimeters. "You there, bind her and take her back to the main encampment. No harm will come to my precious, but arrogant, sister or I will have your heads."
Six tenth district soldiers followed Arazra's orders. Turning away, Arazra investigated the soul weapons.
Considering the value and rarity of the weapons, the amount was quite vast. Though to others who did not realize that, would consider the vault lacking in its features. In actual fact, the soul weapons numbered only five. Five very powerful weapons.
"Let's see... First up is this, Sitri calls it the 'Needler'." The weapon in question was like a long, rigid, and metallic spike. It had a green hue, a yellow hilt, and a small nub that acted as a guard. The Needler, if seen from a distance, could be considered a sword, though it was devoid of any edges, so the ways to kill were only with whacking people with the blunt conicular edge or stabbing with its lethal point. As for the particular enchantment it carried, the Needler had the ability to pierce anything in existence, almost anything.
"Next is the 'Swallower'. Really?" This particular weapon also resembled a sword, a curved saber at that. It also had a blue leather strapped hilt with a diamond guard. This weapon had an extremely unique feature where its point opened up to the sides into a dragon's mouth. Its enchantment had the ability to "eat" objects and spit them out at high speeds.
Arazra picked up a hook like weapon next. "The 'Gutter'... How interesting." The Gutter resembled an enlarged fishhook with a thrice-tined tip. It had no guard and its hilt was wrapped in white bandages. The Gutter had the ability to home in on various organs and take them out with surgical precision, perfect for assassination.
"The 'Miner'." The Miner obviously resembled a pickaxe, though with a much more extravagant and elaborate design. The entire weapon was on conjoined piece of metal all forged together since its beginning. It had a platinum gilded tessellation design from the bottom all the way to both tips of the pick. It would be more correct to say that the Miner was more of a polearm than an actual pickaxe. This weapon's enchantment was completely unrelated to its design and name- the metal could change its properties and conduct various elemental attacks when in contact with another object, living or not.
"And finally, the 'Ravager'. I like this one." It would be safe to say that this weapon began at its hilt, which had leather straps covering it. The weapon currently had no guard, and the metal was colored a faint green like the Needler. This weapon had the ability to transform itself into any weapon it wished, provided it had enough matter to make the transformation. Right now, the Ravager looked like a scimitar, though if the wielder wished, and practiced enough, they could turn the weapon from a scimitar into a war hammer or spear.
"These will provide an exceptional resource for my army... Perfect for those strong enough to wield it in my new lands." Commented Arazra as he admired the craftsmanship before him.
If used by the right people, these weapons could massacre many soldiers. Even so, Arazra knew he should not rely on them, war is an unpredictable mess after all. If he was not careful, he could still lose.
"My lord!" A soldier walked in and bowed.
"Speak."
"Yes, sir! The Harpy army has penetrated the line we set before them with unpredictable speed. And we have now been informed that Huracan has turned traitor and sided itself with the pretender." The soldier quivered in fear, knowing full well that his leader could and would kill him any time he wished.
"A perfect example of war. Speaking of which, I should give these weapons to them..."
-
"It can certainly be as unpredictable as God himself, who creates and changes to on his whims."
"I can do without your random bits of philosophy, Emiel. What are your intentions? All of a sudden, you show up, claim you're the leader of Huracan, and say you want to turn against Arazra and fight for our lord. What are you after?" Demanded Caetorum.
Currently, the two incubi were fighting various soldiers of Arazra's army in close proximity of each other.
"Can it not be the same as your reason? To serve the young lord? To be honest, I don't really know myself!" Shouted Emiel over the sounds of war as he stabbed a demon with a pike made of concrete. Emiel was fully utilizing his earth magic in order to decimate every enemy soldier that passed him.
Caetorum was currently dueling a stronger enemy, though of course not as strong as him, with his rapier and parrying blade. A quick riposte and Caetorum's rapier found its way into the enemy's neck. "It can, though I would still elect not to believe you. However, it is true that you cannot go back now, thus I will elect to believe you for now."
In order to show his sincerity, Emiel volunteered to fight on the sixth terrace walls and give out orders to his fellow turncoats of Huracan. One would think that a leader, who never shows himself, of a mysterious mercenary force would have trouble commanding his forces. Yet thanks to a secret code, every single member of Huracan knew when they were given orders by a superior and followed them without hesitation.
Numerous Huracan soldiers immediately turned on their comrades, stabbing some in the back and some in the front. Some elected to wait until they were in a safer position until they turned on their allies. Some immediately went berserk and slashed at every soldier of Arazra's in sight. One, when he found he could not escape safely, blew himself up using a strong magical spell popularly called 'Infernal Combustion.'
Nevertheless, the results were as desired. Great confusion erupted among Arazra's army, many could no longer tell friend from foe and went on a rampage until their candle was ceased. Statistically, thanks to Huracan's defection and the resulting aftermath, almost a sixth of Arazra's troops were eliminated. It was a complete success tactically, something Arazra never expected.
"And I assume you heard about my little encounter with Xizaen?"
"Yes, I am greatly surprised to hear that our lord performed such a complex and powerful spell. Considering he has no experience or training in magic, the only explanation there is is this: He is the true Lord of Lust. Only a Ruler of Sin could perform a feat like that." As Caetorum swiped away three more enemy soldiers with the air pressure from his swing, Caetorum asked loudly, "Are there any others who might betray Arazra?"
"None that I am aware of. Remember, I've been living in the capitol this entire time, running a peaceful restaurant." Sighed Emiel, seemingly bored as he launched a pair of Black Steps soldiers from the ground and down the sixth terrace walls.
"Hrm, we're being overrun." Glancing off to the side, Caetorum sensed three powerful presences. Most likely enemy commanders, maybe even the black demon siblings? "We should retreat immediately, Emiel. We will soon be in a disadvantageous position. I can sense three strong foes a distance back, but they are closing in on us.
"Right then, I guess I'll fly out. Want me to carry you?" Cautiously asked Emiel.
Normally when demons said this, it was used to mock the person the phrase was intended for. Caetorum could tell that Emiel was not being mocking him. "Don't bother, I'm more than capable at escapes. Despite my blindness, I am fairly good at climbing and running."
