41 『Dead Rising』 (1/2)
『Message』
”Vertum-Sama,” Silva's voice rang in the back of the ArchMirage's head as an abrupt ping.
The being turned his head lightly as he walked along the path behind the adventurers who were leading his way. ”Eh? Huh... What is it, Silva?”
”There has been an unusual spike of increased activity in the Cemetery, it is likely the event has begun. What are your orders?” Cautious, she didn't know if her Supreme Leader wanted them to quell the dead, even though she was aware of his stance.
”Hm... Standby. Do you know the cause?” The Dragon was curious if it had anything to do with the boy that had been taken. He could smell the solution within the cemetery amongst all of the dead present.
It seemed the woman had splashed some of the reagent onto their attacker.
”An unknown individual wearing a cloak entered the cemetery with what appeared to be a young man over their shoulders. Their approximate strength is unknown.” The vampire informed with a very matter a fact tone.
”Ah... This can be used in my favor, I will control situation.” The Dragon grinned subtly as their backs remained to him. It was likely whoever the person was pulling the strings in that cemetery, was not going to end the boys life, but use them for some sort of ritual. He had no idea what kind of ritual it might be however.
Vertum started to lag behind, his gaze moving back towards the cemetery as he could smell even more undead rising. It was becoming unusual even more so than late. Giving the two adventurers a quick glance, he came to a complete halt.
After a few seconds, the two chattering members of the Swords of Darkness paused themselves and shifted to glance over towards him. ”Everything okay, Vertum-dono?”
”Everything is just ducky...” He said this with a smile as he turned around on his heel, walking in the general direction of the cemetery.
”Ducky?” Ninya blinked seeing the quick brisk walk he was using, ”Where are you going?” She asked sporadically before following behind him.
”Head back to the pavilion, protect the girls, don't let anyone enter their room.” He didn't answer her question, but he was definitely in a rush and seemed intent on going somewhere.
”What's going on...?” Ninya lowered her head slightly as Peter was jogging after them to keep up. Her lips were parted and her big blue eyes weren't leaving the dragonoid as she walked beside him at a quick pace.
”Activity within the Cemetery is becoming abnormal. I need you to return to the Pavilion with your friends.” His eyes looked over the pale female in men's clothes before suddenly vanishing from sight, using silent teleportation magic.
Ninya pursed her lips and stopped in her tracks seeing him vanish before her eyes. The man could teleport, there had been no means for him to flying around them outside the City.
”Where'd he go?” Peter asked as he walked right on up beside her, looking about.
Ninya brought a hand up and loosely tangled her knuckles in her short brown hair. ”I think he went to the cemetery, but why now? Why didn't he go earlier?”
Peter scratched the side of his head, ”He didn't want us to come with him probably...”
Ninya looked to the leader of her group, a brow raised in silent question.
”If his focus isn't on protecting us, it is likely we'd end up only getting in his way.” Peter explained with a light sigh, knowing very well how much weaker they were to him, but even then his imagination was dwarfed by the true power of the Dragon. ”Though I am sure we could manage against Zombies...”
Ninya smiled faintly to him before looking in the direction of which Vertum had gone in. ”He, uh... He wants us to protect the pavilion,” she briefly fumbled her words.
Peter nodded to this and the two of them rushed off to where they were expected to go.
『Message』
”Silva,” Vertum spoke as he appeared directly in front of the cemetery gates.
Her voice sung out, ”Yes, Vertum-sama?”
”Did you see where the boy was taken? He is my main target.” Vertum folded one of his hands behind his back, ”His talent will be mine.”
”Ah, yes. This boy that you speak of, was taken to the Moussalem. It appears some sort ritual is taking place. Be wary, Vertum-sama.” Silva informed her Master, knowing very well as long as they kept watching, they'd be able to appear at a moment's notice to reinforce his position.
Vertum's eyes flickered to a guard who came rushing over to him.
”You can't be here!” The man shouted looking over Vertum, who despite being of human height, seemed rather imposing from a glance. ”Get the adventu--”
”It'll be fine,” Vertum cut the man off as he reached into his item box and pulled out what appeared to be a military cleaver. It was a weapon with higher destructive power than an axe and had a length of a sword. It's face was six inches wide and about than an inch thick at its thickest. The blade itself was about three feet long, and had a menacing notch at the end of it.
It was made of what looked like Adamantite, or another dark metallic material, with a golden hilt. There were golden Japanese characters lining the very center of wedge shaped blade.
”Where did...” Before the Guard could finish speaking, Vertum disappeared again. ”You go...?” Turning around, he narrowed his eyes on the back of the unidentified Vertum's back.
He was on the other side of the gate already!
”You can't go in there!” The Guard shouted after him, running up to the gate as masses of zombies and undead creatures were encroaching on the gate.
He watched idly, wide eyed, as the man raised the cleaver over his head and brought it down on zombie after zombie. He tore each one apart, the normal slow attacks of the weapon being nonexistent as he moved it with ease.
Vertum was a monster without even using his full strength or showing his true colors. As he made his way further into the crowded cemetery, he began swinging the weapon, knocking and destroying numerous monsters that could hardly be considered adversaries.