Code Name: Overlord.
Alistair and Persephone stepped out of the portal.
The women had already scattered, each leading their teams.
For the first time, they would truly take charge, handling this world independently.
Alistair, arm-in-arm with Persephone, looked up slightly. "This is their first real lead in a full-scale invasion."
"Indeed," Persephone nodded.
Until now, Alistair had visited world after world, often doing little, almost like a mascot.
But sometimes, that's how it was. A stabilizing presence needed no explanation.
Did emperors charge into battle themselves?
Rarely. They sat in the rear, boosting morale by their mere presence.
It was critical.
"In the past, everything was left to Ker and Pandora," Alistair said. "Now, it's time for the others to grow."
"Otherwise, who knows what the future holds?"
His voice was calm. The women needed this trial.
Before, Ker handled faith systems, Pandora led the Underworld Warriors.
They were the core.
The others? Mostly tools.
Now, things had changed.
Ker was here, but as an observer, setting up barriers, spreading faith, and building faith nations.
Everything else fell to the women.
"Really," Persephone said with a helpless smile. "Dust, I don't think you're wrong, but isn't this too rushed? They're still growing. It's only been nine months at most."
She didn't see it as a mistake, just premature.
To her, every subordinate god, kin, and clan member was vital.
Alistair shook his head. "Maybe so, but it's better to prepare them now. They need this experience."
"As for a long-lived species' mindset? I won't deny it—I'm a bit impatient."
After all, long-lived and short-lived beings differed.
Time and life stretched out endlessly.
There was no need for haste, yet in just a few months, Alistair admitted he was pushing them.
"But," he exhaled, "this needs doing. Training the new with the experienced is always important. Plus, with Ker watching, nothing will go wrong."
He shrugged, unconcerned.
This world was perfect for practice.
Ker was overseeing things openly.
In the shadows, he and Persephone were there. No issues would arise.
Upon entering this world, Alistair had confirmed: no hidden monsters or background characters lurked here.
At best, the top powers were city-level, maybe continent-level. That was it.
"It's a good opportunity," Persephone mused. "Getting involved will help them grow faster."
"Want to take a look around, Dust?"
"Let's go."
"Alright."
They exchanged a glance, smiling, and left.
For them, this time was about observing. No action needed.
Meanwhile, the women split into three teams upon entering the world:
Night Raid Team.
Butterfly House Team.
Toyosaki Team.
Notably, the Butterfly House trio had been taken as Alistair's kin. Not for any grand reason—they'd simply pleaded, and he couldn't refuse.
Just three more canaries to keep.
Alistair's approach to his canaries was simple: do as you please. Want to be a doctor, a singer, a novelist? Fine.
If they qualified, they could join the Underworld Warriors or Demon Teigu Wielders.
If not? Grow steadily or remain canaries.
He didn't meddle, letting them develop as they wished.
"Re-Estize Kingdom."
"Empire of Baharuth."
"Slane Theocracy."
"Roble Holy Kingdom."
"Dragonic Kingdom."
"Nazarick's Great Tomb."
Najenda, Utaha Kasumigaoka, and Kanae Kocho discussed their plans.
A map unfurled before them, marking the world's major powers.
"Beyond these six," Utaha said, studying the map, "there are other minor forces. They're insignificant—just clear them out gradually."
To her, these lesser forces were negligible.
"Ugh," Leone yawned, lounging against a tree, stretching her impressive figure. "It's getting dark, but this moonlight is gorgeous."
"Leone, focus!" Mine snapped, despite her tsundere nature, feeling nervous. "This is our first independent mission."
It was daunting.
Eriri approached, nodding. "Yeah, it's pretty nerve-wracking."
Eriri and Mine, twin-tailed warriors favored by Alistair for their "attack speed" builds, had grown close through constant teamwork.
"Discussion is necessary," Utaha said. "This won't be the only time. In the future, we might lead teams separately."
"Then, we'll need to plan even more carefully."
Esdeath, leaning against a tree with arms crossed, spoke words that stunned the group.
"Huh?"
"What?"
Chelsea and Leone stared at her, shocked.
"What?" Esdeath's lips curled playfully. "You think I'm just a crazed killer, charging into cross-world wars with nothing but slaughter?"
"…"
Aren't you? Leone and Chelsea's silence spoke volumes.
Esdeath didn't care. Her sadistic and masochistic nature, tempered by Alistair's "guidance," was subdued in normal moments. "This is war. In war, you plan everything. Intelligence is useful, but preparations are non-negotiable."
"You're His Majesty's kin."
"Should I let you fail?"
Her words made everyone pause.
Then it clicked—Esdeath wasn't just a powerhouse. She'd been a general, excelling in strategy and warfare.
Her 100-to-100,000 casualty ratio spoke to her mastery.
"Mm!"
"Mm!"
Megumi Kato and Shinobu Kocho listened intently, notebooks out, studying.
In warfare, Esdeath was unmatched, even by Najenda.
The others? No comparison.
This was knowledge to absorb.
Utaha analyzed calmly. "Strength-wise, I hate to admit it, but Megumi, Eriri, and I are the weakest. Even with Demon Stars, we must stay cautious."
"Re-Estize Kingdom and Baharuth Empire—we'll handle those, plus the surrounding minor nations, tribes, and races."
"Fine," Najenda and Kanae nodded. No issues.
"As for strength…" Kanae smiled. "The Slane Theocracy and Roble Holy Kingdom. The Theocracy's likely the stronger one."
"I'll take it."
Though it wasn't ideal, she continued, "Dragonic Kingdom and Nazarick's Great Tomb—leave those to you. Esdeath's strength is best suited."
"No problem," Esdeath said, unbothered.
Upon entering this world, her telekinesis had scanned it entirely. Her verdict? Trash.
She didn't take these foes seriously.
If she wanted, she could handle everything alone. But this was a team effort, per Alistair's orders. She'd follow.
"Good," Najenda said, standing with the map. "It's settled. Conquer the world, gather world power, and collect those worthy as kin—or as collectibles to bring back."
"Agreed," Utaha and Kanae nodded.
It was the plan from the start.
"Then, let's move," Najenda said. "We have ten days."
The women nodded, splitting up to act.
As they dispersed, Alistair and Persephone appeared.
"Mm," Persephone said, smiling. "Solid planning. Despite Esdeath and Kanae sensing the entire world with telekinesis, they stayed cautious yet acted boldly."
"Excellent preparation."
"Indeed," Alistair nodded. "Sometimes, overthinking isn't wrong—unless you have unstoppable power."
"Otherwise, careful planning never hurts."
He never saw it as a problem.
Sure, he often slacked, but he always considered what mattered.
With Persephone and Ker staying out, planning and steady progress were key.
Alistair spoke suddenly. "Ker, what do you think?"
"Your Majesty!" Ker materialized, bowing. "There are still some flaws, but they're minor. They'll improve with time and experience."
"Mm," Alistair nodded. "Ker, it's in your hands now."
"Yes!" Ker bowed and retreated.
Alistair mused, "Dragons, dwarves, goblins…"
"Tch. This world's races are so few."
He wasn't impressed. A fantasy world with so few races?
Pathetic.
Persephone chuckled. "Dust, are you that interested in subhuman races? If you want, I can create some."
Alistair waved her off. "Creating them myself? That's no fun. I'd rather take them from other worlds. That's more interesting. But this world's races are too limited."
"Whatever," he shrugged. "We'll find more later. I want to add more races and life to the Pure Land."
"So…" Persephone teased, "all female?"
"Isn't that obvious?" Alistair spread his hands, unapologetic.
No way he'd fill the Pure Land with men.
"Heh," Persephone laughed. "So very you, Dust."
Alistair shrugged. "I do what I want. Greed or otherwise, I don't care. I'm not hiding it."
"Mm! Mm!" Persephone nodded, amused.
As the God of Darkness, Alistair fit the role, fully embracing his darkness.
"Enough of that," he said. "This world's races… dragons, beastmen, dwarves, elves, goblins, vampires."
"Tch. A standard fantasy world with just six races."
"So boring."
He shook his head but relayed his wishes.
Collect some.
Add diversity to the Pure Land.
The women, unquestioning, accepted his orders and began their tasks.
"Let's go," Alistair said.
"Alright," Persephone replied.
Under the moonlight, they walked off, gradually fading. Next, they'd explore this world—and investigate that matter, the true priority for them both.
***
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