Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works; all other characters and worlds belong to their respective owners. I'm just playing with them.
Betad by Priapus, Marethyu, Old man of the mountain, Beans
The Guild of Gamers: The Planeswalker
Chapter 10: Declaration
– Megumin –
Staring at Yunyun in shock, she narrowed her eyes at the arrival of her rival.
"Time isn't moving in your world, so this crisis does not need us to leave immediately," Noire explained easily, focusing on the news Yunyun had brought. Her village was under attack, which wasn't particularly unusual. What was unusual was that they were losing… and badly.
Yunyun had come to Axel looking for her and anyone they could recruit to help fight the Devil King's invasion.
"It goes without saying that we will assist, Yunyun," Noire continued, as calm and composed as ever, as Yunyun beamed at her. Megumin hid her scowl, glaring at her rival who was staring at Noire with big, hopeful eyes. Noire was her teacher, and she knew Yunyun too well to think that the… gifted mage would be able to resist the lure of Noire's magical knowledge and the buffs.
She was so close to being able to cast two explosions, she wouldn't let Yunyun steal her teacher. Glaring at Yunyun and her much bigger boobs, Megumin started to scheme. The plight of her village wasn't that important; she was sure that Noire would handle it, and time wasn't moving while they were on Remnant, so they had time to train and prepare.
"Thank you, Miss Virvaris," Yunyun said sweetly, gratitude clear in her tone.
"Professor Ozpin says you can stay in Beacon while we prepare for the trip back. Megumin, help your friend settle into Beacon. Don't worry, once we have more information, we will help your home," Noire promised with a soft smile on her face, making Megumin smile at her. "I'm going to go and speak with Professor Ozpin."
Watching Noire go, she turned back to Yunyun who fidgeted at her stare.
"Why do you feel so much stronger?" Yunyun finally asked, making Megumin pause before she smirked triumphantly, pulling out her adventurer card, a smug look on her face. "W-what, why is your mana and mana regen so much higher now?! And how do you know so many new spells?!"
"Ufufufu. You stand before the most powerful Crimson Demon this world has ever seen!" Megumin said, posing dramatically as Chomusuke posed with her. "I have discovered secrets beyond the realm of your-"
"Wait, is this the power of Miss Vivarias' Great Sage class?" Yunyun asked excitedly, making her almost fall as she paled and blushed at the same time, her mind on the pleasure Noire inflicted on her as part of her 'empowerment'. "All of Axel was talking about it-"
"U-ufufu, be jealous. Lady Noire is my mentor, furthering my exploration of the path of explosions!" Megumin stuttered. She no longer feared that Noire was going to steal her place in the party… but now she had to worry about Yunyun? "A mere child like you would never be able to handle the intense training, so you should give up and go home."
"I-I can handle anything you can!" Yunyun argued, making Megumin smile smugly as she leaned forward, whispering into Yunyun's ears as she divulged the details of her 'training', watching the painfully shy Yunyun turn increasingly red at every shared detail.
"S-see! You can't handle this kind of training, so you should just give up and go away!" Megumin said, arms crossed over her small breasts as she glared at Yunyun's big boobs. Her own face was burning, her words stuttered, but with a triumphant look, she escaped… before remembering that Noire had said to help Yunyun settle in and she had to come back.
She wasn't like Darkness, and didn't want to get spanked again.
– Wiz –
Moving to another world, even temporarily, was a big decision. She wasn't even sure how it would work with her phylactery being back on her home world, but here she was. In truth, she liked the idea of getting away from the chaos of being a Demon King's general.
Sure, she didn't really do anything for the Demon King's forces anymore, beyond maintaining the barrier around the castle. But it was nice to be in a world that had no concept of Liches and no reason to fear her, and more importantly…
In her new room, she carefully examined the magical items that Noire had shown her. The magic of another world was fascinating, and she could see what Noire meant about the potential profits from this joint venture since Noire had said she could easily get more.
It was embarrassing to struggle with money as a high-level lich. When did her biggest problem become paying the rent?! She'd been repeatedly told that she was a… poor judge of merchandise, and she could hear Vanir laughing at her as she got tricked into buying garbage over and over again. It wasn't that she needed to be rich, but Noire's suggestion of bringing the protective gear over to her world and selling it to adventurers was a good one. It was bound to save lives, and it would let her lessen the damage the Demon King was doing without breaking her word to him.
Plus, what mage could turn down a chance to learn the magic of another world? Remnant seemed like a strange place, but it was one she was eager to make the most of her time in.
– Noire Virvaris –
As I discuss Amber, the world of Konosuba and Megumin's village with Professor Ozpin, I have to admit that I enjoy his company. He's got centuries of experience, though I can tell that his magic has withered over his many reincarnations. My suggestion that I could restore it with my tantric healing caused him to blush, amusingly, but I know he meant it when he said he'd consider it.
He's in a seemingly endless war with the Grimm and he's hinted at them having a master as old as he is, but obviously he's not telling me everything since we've not known each other long enough for that.
"Team CFVY has set off for their mission. I have faith that they will pull through, and they've already reported a noticeable boost from your massage," Ozpin explains easily, making me smile proudly. I go to speak before someone else cuts in, making us both freeze in surprise.
"It is a nice trick, I have to wonder whether it will be enough to save them~"
The soft, sultry words make us both spin, Ozpin gripping his cane as a spell forms on my lips. Sitting on a box in the corner of the room, a white haired woman watches us in amusement. The ruby red eyes set me on edge, and Ozpin clearly doesn't recognise her. A Hold Person spell flies from my lips, but she counters it by shushing me, negating my spell easily as I stare in shock.
"So jumpy, princess," she purrs, clearly amused as we both wince at the feeling of her aura, with whatever she was using to suppress it fading. The room feels stifling and hot as the smell of brimstone stings our nostrils. "Have you forgotten your diplomatic training already?"
"And who are you, exactly?" Ozpin asks, no longer seated as we both face the newcomer.
"Now, now, no need to grip your walking stick so tightly. There will be no violence here, just… a declaration," she explains softly. "I am Sabina Bathory, Archdevil of the Nine Hells. And I am simply here to inform you of my imminent invasion."
Her tone is playful, sweet and utterly terrifying as she smiles.
"Excuse me?" I ask, magic crackling around me as she chuckles.
"You're adorable, princess… and so very far from home," Sabina says, making my eyes widen. Wait, did I cause this by coming here? "Ah, there it is… the ego so common in your family. Do you think you're so important I'd invade for you, Noire? You're far from the only person running around the multiverse, sweetie."
The realisation that she's in my head makes me try to clear my mind, for what good it does.
"Invasion?" Ozpin says, making her smile happily. "And what have we done to deserve such a thing?"
"Oh, it's nothing personal, Ozma. I just thought I'd give you a chance to surrender and allow your world to be consumed by my Empire. As their King, you're welcome to join me as one of my generals," Sabina offers happily, Ozpin's face remaining set in stone. "No? Ah well~"
"You think I believe it's a coincidence you arrived shortly after me? On a cosmic, inter-dimensional scale?" I ask with a scoff, and she just laughs.
"Ah, the pride and ego. You truly are your father's daughter, Noire. You're here because the old man is playing his usual games. He's a trickster like that. He wouldn't lower himself to defend a world from me, but pushing an obstacle in my path is entirely like him," Sabina says, making my eyes widen as I realise she's talking about my father. "As for why I'm here? Well, this world is just a free buffet."
"What does that mean?" Ozpin asks, watching her smile.
"It means you have no Gods. Your Brother Gods wandered off, assured of their power, and have long since been slain by far stronger beings. Without a divine defender, this world is just a free meal to anything capable of moving between planes. It's a minor miracle that you've not been devoured already," Sabina explains smoothly, a vision of two beings, one glowing with golden light and one radiating purple malice, being overwhelmed and consumed by a giant, tentacled abomination. The word 'Eldrazi' flashes through our minds. "This world, where warriors wear their souls as armour, is an all-you-can-eat buffet for a creature like me. Blame your foolish gods, Ozma, as your world becomes one of mine."
Why does she call him Ozma?
More importantly, my world doesn't have any gods either…
"Oh, don't worry so much. Eldraine has the protection of someone even I wouldn't dare fight directly. Kuro could wipe out my invasion force with a click of his fingers," Sabina admits with a shrug. "But he has no interest in defending the entire multiverse, so instead he plays his games… Konosuba, Remnant, two worlds I marked for conquest, and two worlds you blundered into. Adorable. He always did think he was clever."
"Do you expect us to lie down and let you conquer us?" I ask, more agitated than I care to admit. Ozpin doesn't speak, seemingly genuinely shaken by the vision she gave us.
"Of course not, sweetie… I prefer it when they put up a fight. It makes it all the more… satisfying~" Sabina purrs, hopping off the box as she transforms. Pale skin turns purple, her body growing considerably as a pair of large horns grows from her head. A leathery tail and wings burst from her back, the tail swishing almost… excitedly. "Ozma, you are the de facto ruler of the world, so I deliver this warning to you. I am going to conquer this world. Run from it, fight it, it makes no difference. Remnant will fall, like so many fell before it. Gather your forces, scheme your schemes, and do your best to entertain me as you inevitably fail."
There's that name again. Why does she call him Ozma?
I want to argue more, but the sheer power she's putting off silences me more than I care to admit.
"Remnant has fought darkness for centuries. You will find no easy meal here," Ozpin finally says, making Sabina chuckle.
"You'll find me a… different calibre of opponent than your ex-wife, Ozma. I have enslaved gods and burnt entire worlds to the ground. But by all means, fight as best you can. It makes it more fun for me," Sabina giggles. "When we next meet, it will be on the field of battle. I'm going to enjoy breaking you both."
With her piece said, she vanishes in a burst of flames making us both let out a breath we didn't realise we were holding.
"Team CFVY is in danger," I say, gathering my thoughts as he nods. She didn't say that at the start for no reason.
"I have to agree. This Sabina is… certainly powerful, her presence felt very much like the Brother Gods once did," Ozpin agrees.
"Do you think she was telling the truth? Aqua said that this world's gods left a long time ago," I trail off.
"I fear she was. It… changes things. For centuries, I've sought to bring the gods back to this world, but if they have been slain… I don't know. I genuinely do not know. What I do know is that I have a duty to defend this world from such dark forces, be they Grimm or whatever this Sabina is," Ozpin says, rising to his full height as he pushes up his glasses.
"She's a devil. My grimoire has mentioned her kind," I explain. "Each of the Nine Hells has its own Archdevil, but it sounds like she's the leader of them all. I-"
I catch Ozpin's expression going from grim to concerned as I trail off, my hand going to my head as things blur, and feel him catch me as I fall.
My vision spins, the office being replaced by a void as I look around in a mixture of shock and, admittedly, concern.
"No need for that," a smooth, amused voice says as I spin around, another spell on my lips. I'm both unsurprised and infuriated when that one fails as well, coming face to face with a red-eyed man who has a lazy smile on his face.
I've never seen a picture of him before, but instantly I know who I am looking at.
"...father?" I ask hesitantly, making him grin.
"Got it in one. Sorry to interrupt our little game of hide and seek, but I thought I'd… help explain things a little," Kuro admits with a shrug, hands in his pockets. He's dressed so casually, and doesn't exactly look like the legendary mage I pictured, but I can tell he's immensely powerful just from a look.
"Was Sabina right?" I ask, cutting to the chase despite my million questions.
"Pretty much. She's a naughty little devil, and I'm afraid she was telling the truth. She's preparing her army as we speak, hordes of devils, demons and countless other enslaved or conquered races ready to invade," Kuro admits with another far too casual shrug. "Her empire consists of a dozen conquered worlds, so admittedly she has a head start over you."
"So you sent me here to counter her?" I ask, frowning as he shrugs.
"I thought it'd be good training for you. Feel free to jump worlds and abandon Remnant. I don't care," Kuro says with an apathetic smile. "When you're as old and powerful as me, such… little battles don't really matter anymore."
Staring at him in disbelief, I start to see why my mother barely mentioned him.
"Now that's just mean," Kuro jokes, clutching his chest with a pout. "Your mother told you, didn't she? There are countless threats out there that can endanger an entire plane. Sabina is on the weaker side of interdimensional threats. You wanted to become strong enough to defend Eldraine, so I made sure you'd get some practice in, aren't I nice?"
"If she's conquered so many, do I even have a chance?" I ask, making him grin.
"See, that's part of what I wanted to tell you. Sabina is a greedy little bitch, and she's overextending. She's not just invading Remnant, she's waging an interdimensional war on a dozen worlds at once. Admittedly, she's winning, but it means her forces are very divided. She forgot to mention that she wants to conquer Remnant to use its people to fuel her other wars, wars that are frankly bleeding her dry. Sure, she'll win eventually if nothing changes, but she's spread herself too thin," Kuro explains with a grin, making me pause.
The people of Remnant have Aura, which is effectively weaponising your very soul. What could that skill do in the hands of an archdevil? She's hoping for an easy victory, despite her mocking words, so she can use the people from this world to aid her conquest of other worlds.
"See, now you're getting it," Kuro says with a smile. "Basically, it'd be really funny if you fucked with her plans for Remnant and threw a wrench in her entire war. Another little tidbit. What you saw was an avatar, not Sabina herself. She can't focus her attention on Remnant because she's needed in the Hells. I wouldn't put you in an unwinnable situation. At the end of the day, do you know what your power really is?"
I pause, wondering where he's going with this.
"It's the power to go wherever you want, to do whatever you want," Kuro continues with a grin. "Save this world, leave it to burn, or set the fire yourself, who cares? Just do what you want."
"Has anyone told you that you're somewhat psychotic?" I ask, making him laugh.
"Yup, Ayara when she kicked me out because I'd be a bad influence on you. It really hurt my feelings, you know?" Kuro asks, the smile on his face at odds with his words. "Besides, any daughter of mine should be able to handle a few million demons or so."
"Wait, a few million?"
My final question is cut off as I sit up with a gasp, back in Ozpin's office.
"Are you okay, Noire? You gave me quite the fright there," Ozpin says softly, making me nod as I rise and brush myself off.
"My father decided to summon my mind, from what I can tell," I explain, rubbing my forehead. "Today has had far too many unwelcome surprises."
Ozpin frowns thoughtfully at that, and while I can't deny I'm in a less than wonderful mood after my first meeting with my father, I'm still a princess and I compose myself quickly, explaining what he told me to Professor Ozpin.
– Qrow Branwen –
Team Coffee had been sent on a simple mission, the kind of basic bitch shit that any third-year team should be able to handle without needing a babysitter.
There was a weak pack of Grimm harassing a nearby village, so they had been sent to put the Grimm down and test the fucking elf princess' magic touch. Easy, right?
Arriving to the burning village, Qrow wondered if this was his luck or the world just fucking sucked.
Ozpin's message had been uncharacteristically serious, talking about interdimensional invasions and devils, which both had far more details than Oz usually gave and also made Qrow wonder if Oz had put something extra special in his hot chocolate this morning.
As he saw Coco desperately trying to gun down some weird fucking humanoid hyenas, he decided Oz probably knew what he was talking about as he flew into the fight, shifting from his bird form and decapitating one of the creatures before he'd even landed, the others just… laughing as he looked around.
Blood, guts and destruction were everywhere, his eyes lingering on one of the creatures as it gnawed on what looked like a child's arm. His grip on his weapon tightened, glancing at the students. They seemed alive, but this was the kind of shit that would stick with them for the rest of their lives. The bunny looked like she was moments away from a mental breakdown, and the rest of her team weren't doing much better.
"You kids got enough aura to keep fighting?" Qrow barked, making Coco jump before she nodded. She was trying to play it cool, but her movements were shaky. Her designer clothes were damaged, which was weird since her Aura seemed to still be in one piece.
"Yeah, we can fight. Watch out, some of these… things can bypass Aura. There was one that was throwing around weird energy, and some of their weapons seemed to be imbued with something," Coco explained, his eyes going to the flail one of them was wielding.
He really didn't like how… magical it felt, glowing with a black energy.
Nodding to them, he ordered them to protect the villagers that hadn't been dismembered as he shifted Harbinger to its scythe form, moving forward. Years of training paid off as he danced through the creatures, a dark smirk on his face as one of them tripped and hit another with its flail, crushing the bastard's skull. Just some bad luck, right?
The brats were good, despite their fear. He couldn't focus on them as he turned the malformed hyenas into chunks of meat, but he did notice them driving the fuckers off, the big guy cutting one of them in two with a single swing of his massive blade with a look of cold fury on his face.
As he sliced open one of their throats, he heard it. The cackling, at first, was followed by foul words in a language he didn't understand. It sounded wrong, a mixture of growls and barks mixed in with some demonic shit as he turned and spotted one of them standing on a rooftop, arms spread wide and a long stick in its hand with a skull on the top. It was grinning, as he fired at it and his bullets bounced off a shield that sure as fuck wasn't aura. Its words were picking up pace, and a sickening feeling flooded his body and mind as he stumbled, clutching his head.
It didn't stop him from trying to make his way closer, but more of the creatures blocked his path and the throbbing of his head made it harder, their weapons glancing off his aura as he rushed to stop whatever the fuck was going on.
He knew he wouldn't make it in time…
As the chanting came to a crescendo, he stared up with a mixture of relief and annoyance, seeing a familiar blade sticking out of the back of the chanting creature. Its eyes were wide as Raven pulled her blade out and kicked it off the rooftop, looking down at him with condescending eyes.
"Weak," Raven said simply, flicking the blood from Omen with a sneer on her face.
Somehow, he'd rather have just let the fucking hyena finish its spell than deal with her right now.
— Bonus Scene — Salem
Cinder had betrayed her.
That was actually mildly interesting. At her age, little could truly surprise her anymore, but Cinder's betrayal had managed it. Sitting in her castle, she considered what this meant. She was not unaware of what had happened, the beetle grimm inside Cinder keeping her informed, so she knew who had stolen Cinder from her.
Maybe she had been too dismissive over Cinder's condition, but she truly had no idea how to fix it. Souls were not her area of expertise, and this was truly new ground. She was looking for a cure, but Cinder had always been an impatient one.
And now this Sabina had taken her pawn away from her. How… aggravating. She found this distasteful. She found this annoying. She found this… insulting. As she considered what to make of this new development, her many eyes across the Grimm Lands reported to her as blackened arches grew from the ground across her land, strange creatures beginning to pour out of them, portals of flame opening up.
An invasion? After being the one invading for so many years, the concept of being invaded herself made her very briefly laugh, before she rose to her feet.
How interesting.