Kaeltharion and Hamsuke were in the open fields outside the city at night, feasting under the starlit sky. Kaeltharion sat cross-legged on a soft patch of grass, indulging in a lavish spread of shawarma and Chicken Alfredo, the flavors rich and satisfying after the day's events. Nearby, Hamsuke munched happily on a pile of high-quality plants Kaeltharion had procured for him using the system. The giant hamster's beady eyes sparkled with delight as he devoured the delicious foliage, his spiky tail swishing contentedly.
As they ate, Kaeltharion glanced at Hamsuke, his yellow eyes glinting in the moonlight. "So, Hamsuke," he began, his tone casual but probing, "I've been meaning to ask. Do you want to stay with me, or would you rather return to the forest? I won't force you to follow me if you'd prefer your old life."
Hamsuke paused mid-bite, a stalk of some rare, succulent plant hanging from his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully, his ears twitching as he considered the question. After a long moment, he swallowed and looked up at Kaeltharion with a determined expression. "Master, I have decided... I will stay with you!"
Kaeltharion raised an eyebrow, surprised by the hamster's decisiveness. "Oh? And why is that? Don't tell me it's just because of the plants."
Hamsuke's cheeks puffed out slightly, and he looked away nervously, his paws fidgeting. "Well... the plants are delicious," he admitted, his voice tinged with embarrassment. "But... but it's not just that! It's also because I like you, Master!"
Kaeltharion blinked, caught off guard by the sudden declaration. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You like me?"
Hamsuke nodded vigorously, his ears flopping. "Yes, Master! You are strong, wise, and kind! And the plants are a bonus!"
Kaeltharion couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head. "You're a strange one, Hamsuke. But alright, if that's what you want, you can stay. Just don't expect me to coddle you."
Hamsuke's face lit up with joy, and he let out a happy squeak. "Thank you, Master! I will prove my worth to you!"
Kaeltharion smirked, leaning back on his hands as he gazed up at the stars. "Good. Because by the time the sun rises, the entire Re-Estize Kingdom will know of my feats. I'll likely be promoted to Adamantite rank, and things are going to get busy. I need to check on my guild and my NPCs, so we'll be making a quick trip to my kingdom first."
Hamsuke tilted his head, confused. "Your kingdom, Master? You have a kingdom?"
Kaeltharion's smirk widened. "Of course I do. Did you think I was just some wandering adventurer? Now, stay calm and don't freak out. We're about to teleport."
Before Hamsuke could respond, Kaeltharion called out to the system in his mind. System, is there anyone in the throne room right now?
The system's voice echoed in his head, calm and mechanical. [No, Lord Kaeltharion. The throne room is empty.]
Good. Teleport me and this hamster there, Kaeltharion commanded.
In an instant, the open fields vanished, replaced by the grandeur of a massive cathedral-like throne room. Golden banners adorned the walls, and towering stained-glass windows depicted scenes of epic battles and divine glory. The air was thick with an aura of power and reverence, and at the far end of the room stood an imposing throne, carved from obsidian and adorned with intricate golden patterns.
Hamsuke's jaw dropped, his beady eyes wide as he took in the sight. "W-What is this place?!" he squeaked, his voice trembling.
Kaeltharion, now standing in his true form, looked down at the hamster with amusement. His 8-foot-tall frame was imposing, his muscular build radiating strength. His blond hair flowed like liquid gold, and his crimson eyes glowed with an eerie light. A thick beard framed his sharp jawline, and his presence exuded undeniable authority.
"It's my throne room, you dumb rat," Kaeltharion said, his deep voice echoing through the hall. "I can change my appearance. This is my true form."
Hamsuke stared up at him, utterly stunned. "M-Master? Is that really you?!"
Kaeltharion rolled his eyes. "Yes, it's me. Now, stop gawking and come to my side. We have work to do."
Hamsuke scurried to Kaeltharion's side, still visibly shaken but trying his best to appear composed. Kaeltharion walked up the steps to his throne, his every movement exuding confidence and power. He sat down, the obsidian throne seeming to hum with energy as if welcoming its master back.
Kaeltharion's aura erupted like a tidal wave, a palpable force that rippled through the grand cathedral-like throne room of Babylon. The golden banners fluttered as if caught in a sudden gust of wind, and the stained-glass windows rattled faintly. The sheer weight of his presence was overwhelming, a declaration of his return that would undoubtedly be felt by every being in his guild.
Hamsuke, standing beside the throne, trembled under the pressure of the aura. His beady eyes widened, and his spiky tail twitched nervously. "M-Master," he stammered, "your power... it's... it's terrifying!"
Kaeltharion smirked, his crimson eyes glowing faintly as he leaned back on the throne, his muscular frame exuding an air of casual dominance. "Relax, Hamsuke. You're safe as long as you're by my side. This is just a little announcement to let everyone know I'm back."
Almost immediately, the massive doors at the far end of the throne room burst open. A wave of searing heat rolled through the chamber as a group of figures rushed in, their movements swift and precise. Clad in ornate armor that shimmered like molten gold, the Phoenix Guards stormed forward, their presence a blazing testament to unwavering loyalty and absolute power. Their cloaks, woven from enchanted fire, flickered with hues of crimson and amber, and the hilts of their weapons glowed as if kissed by the sun itself.
At the forefront of this radiant vanguard stood Selene, the Phoenix Queen, a being of both regal grace and untamed fire. Her presence was a tempest—both mesmerizing and overwhelming.
Her long, flowing hair shimmered like molten gold, cascading down her back in waves that seemed to flicker and dance like living flames. A pair of ethereal wings, woven from fire and light, unfurled behind her, each feather glowing with embers of crimson, orange, and gold. Her eyes, twin infernos of celestial power, gleamed with the radiance of a dying star, as if they had witnessed the birth and death of worlds.
Adorned in a robe of obsidian-black silk, streaked with veins of fire, she moved with an effortless grace that belied the sheer power she commanded. Every step she took left faint traces of heat in the air, as if the very ground beneath her acknowledged her dominion. When she spoke, her voice resonated like the crackling of an ancient wildfire, carrying both the warmth of a hearth and the promise of devastation.
"Who dares enter the throne room without—" Selene began, her voice a commanding roar, but she froze mid-sentence as her fiery eyes locked onto Kaeltharion. Her wings flickered, and the flames around her dimmed as if in reverence. Her expression shifted from fury to shock, then to overwhelming joy and guilt.
"L-Lord Kaeltharion!" she gasped, her voice trembling with emotion. In an instant, she was running toward him, her fiery wings dissipating into embers as she dropped to her knees before the throne followed by the guards. She bowed so deeply that her forehead nearly touched the ground, her molten hair pooling around her like liquid gold. "Forgive me, my lord! I did not recognize your aura! I am unworthy of your presence!"
Kaeltharion watched her with a faint smirk, his crimson eyes glinting with amusement. So they are very loyal to me, he thought, a creepy smile tugging at the corners of his lips. This is going to be fun.
"No need for such formalities, Selene," he said, his voice calm but commanding. With a flick of his wrist, he gestured for the Phoenix Guards to leave. Without hesitation, they bowed deeply and wordlessly retreated, the heavy doors closing behind them with a resounding thud.
Turning his attention back to the radiant queen, he leaned back into his throne, his golden eyes gleaming with authority. A smirk played on his lips as he extended a hand toward her.
"Come, sit on my lap."
Selene hesitated for a moment, her fiery eyes flickering with uncertainty. "But, my lord," she said, her gaze shifting to Hamsuke, who was cowering slightly behind the throne, "who is this... creature?"
Kaeltharion glanced at Hamsuke, "This? This is my loyal pet. Nothing more, nothing less."
Selene's expression softened, and she nodded obediently. "Of course, my lord." She rose gracefully and approached the throne, her movements fluid and deliberate. As she settled onto Kaeltharion's lap, her breathing grew heavy, her fiery aura warming the air around them. Kaeltharion wrapped an arm around her waist, his touch firm but not unkind.
"This is better," he said, his voice low and satisfied. He began to play with a strand of her molten hair, his fingers tracing the flickering embers. "Now, tell me, Selene. How has Babylon been in my absence? Has everything been stable?"
Selene leaned into his touch, her voice soft but filled with reverence. "Yes, my lord. Babylon remains impenetrable, and your will has been upheld. The guardians and maids have performed their duties flawlessly. Nothing has dared to threaten us."
Kaeltharion nodded, his crimson eyes gleaming with approval. "Good. And the others? How will they react to my return?"
Selene's fiery eyes sparkled with excitement. "They will be overjoyed, my lord. Your return is a blessing beyond measure."
Kaeltharion's smirk deepened as he continued to play with her hair, his other hand resting on her waist. "Excellent. Now, I want you to bring Drakthar, the Celestial Battle Maids, and all the guardians—except those from the ninth floor, Morpheus, Caesar, and Beelzebub. Oh, and bring the surface guardian as well. I want them all here in the throne room."
Selene nodded obediently, her fiery wings flickering back to life as she prepared to carry out his orders. "At once, my lord."
As she rose from his lap, Kaeltharion's hand lingered on her waist for a moment longer, his smirk turning into a full-blown grin. This is going to be fun indeed, he thought, his crimson eyes glowing with anticipation.
Meanwhile, in the Depths of Babylon...
The summons from Selene, the Phoenix Queen, spread like wildfire, igniting a flurry of activity across the colossal fortress of Babylon. The guardians of the Sinful Citadel, each a paragon of power and loyalty, began to make their way to the throne room, their presence a testament to the might of their lord, Kaeltharion. However, as per his explicit orders, Morpheus, Caesar, Beelzebub, Amon, and the ninth floor guardians remained in their respective domains, their absence noted but unquestioned.
The Surface Guardians:
1️⃣ Valdrak the Iron Sentinel
The towering ancient dragon shifted into his humanoid form—a massive, steel-scaled warrior with molten gold eyes that glowed with an intensity capable of piercing the soul. His halberd, forged from dragon bone and etched with ancient runes, rested on his shoulder as he strode into the throne room. His voice was a deep, rumbling baritone as he knelt before Kaeltharion.
"My lord, your return is a beacon of strength for Babylon. The surface remains impenetrable, as always."
2️⃣ Azazel the Chains of Judgment
The celestial executioner entered next, his black and gold armor gleaming with divine runes. His flaming chains coiled around him like serpents, and his eyes burned with righteous fury. He knelt before Kaeltharion, his voice echoing like thunder.
"My lord, your presence is a reminder of justice. The unworthy shall tremble before your might."
The Guardians of the First Floor - The Castle of Lust:
3️⃣ Lilith the Whispering Temptress
The seductive succubus glided into the throne room, her black wings shimmering like the night sky. Her violet eyes glowed with an otherworldly allure, and her dress of living shadows writhed around her. She bowed deeply, her voice a sultry whisper.
"My lord, your return fills me with joy. The Castle of Lust awaits your command."
4️⃣ Vaelora, the Velvet Enchantress
The dragoness in human form entered with an air of smoldering temptation. Her fiery red hair and amethyst eyes drew all attention, and her form-fitting black bodysuit shimmered like liquid midnight. She knelt gracefully, her voice a melodic whisper.
"My lord, your presence is a velvet touch that ensnares even the strongest wills. I am yours to command."
The Guardians of the Second Floor - The Hall of Gluttony:
5️⃣ Gula the Insatiable Maw
The toxic dragon in her human form entered with predatory grace. Her glowing runes and acidic breath were a reminder of her destructive potential. She knelt, her voice a low, hungry purr.
"My lord, your presence is a banquet of power. I am ready to devour your enemies."
6️⃣ Beelzebub the Ever-Hungry
Status: Absent. Remained in the Hall of Gluttony.
The Guardians of the Third Floor - The Arena of Pride:
7️⃣ Asmodeus the Duelist King
The six-winged archangel entered with his golden armor radiating holy light. His smug demeanor and piercing gaze exuded confidence as he bowed with a flourish.
"My lord, your return is a triumph for all of Babylon. The Arena of Pride stands ready to crush your foes."
8️⃣ Caesar the Titan of Supremacy
Status: Absent. Remained in the Arena of Pride.
The Guardians of the Fourth Floor - The Den of Sloth:
9️⃣Belphegor the Sleeping Tyrant
The oni floated in with his grotesque, sleeping face. His presence weakened and slowed those around him as he bowed, his voice a deep, resonant growl.
"My lord, your awakening is a blessing. The Den of Sloth awaits your command."
🔟 Morpheus the Dreambound Marionette
Status: Absent. Remained in the Den of Sloth.
The Guardians of the Fifth Floor - The Battlefield of Envy:
1️⃣1️⃣ Leviathan the Mirror Phantom
The cloaked figure entered with a shifting void for a face. His ability to copy the abilities and stats of his enemies made him a terrifying opponent as he bowed silently, his presence a chilling reminder of envy.
1️⃣2️⃣ Nyx the Shadow Thief
The lithe, masked vampire entered with the silence of the shadows. Her ability to steal skills, weapons, and even luck from her enemies made her a constant threat as she knelt, her voice a soft, dangerous whisper.
"My lord, your return is a shadow that will engulf the world."
The Guardians of the Sixth Floor - The Inferno of Wrath:
1️⃣3️⃣ Amon the Burning Colossus
Status: Absent. Remained in The Inferno of Wrath.
1️⃣4️⃣ Ragnarok the Blood Berserker
The berserker entered with his demonic armor made from the bones of fallen gods. His sword, "Havoc," fed on blood as he knelt, his voice a guttural roar.
"My lord, your return is a storm of destruction. I am your blade of vengeance."
The Guardians of the Seventh Floor - The Throne of the Overlord:
1️⃣5️⃣ Lucifer the Fallen Monarch
The regal, six-winged Fallen Angel entered with his obsidian armor and sword, "Abyssal Genesis." His presence was a paradox—both divine and infernal—as he knelt, his voice a deep, resonant baritone.
"My lord, your return is a beacon of hope for Babylon and a harbinger of doom for our enemies."
1️⃣6️⃣ Echidna the Arcane Weaver
The half-demon sorceress entered with her pale gray skin and violet eyes glowing under her dark, hooded cloak. Her short, sleek purple hair framed her stoic face as she bowed, her voice a haunting melody.
"My lord, your presence reignites the flames of our purpose. We are yours to command."
The Guardians of the Eighth Floor - The Treasury of Greed:
1️⃣7️⃣Mammon the Golden Tyrant
The giant suit of golden armor entered with a heavy, metallic clank. His presence was a reminder of the corrupting power of wealth as he knelt, his voice a deep, echoing rumble.
"My lord, your return is a treasure beyond measure. The Treasury of Greed is yours to command."
1️⃣8️⃣Argentia the Gem Queen
The serpentine sorceress glided in with her dress made of floating jewels. Her gem constructs shimmered with deadly beauty as she bowed gracefully.
"My lord, your presence is a jewel in the crown of Babylon. I am yours to command."
The Guardians of the Ninth Floor - The Forbidden Abyss:
1️⃣9️⃣Abaddon the World Eater
Status: Absent. Remained in the Forbidden Abyss.
2️⃣0️⃣Mephistopheles the Sin Architect
Status: Absent. Remained in the Forbidden Abyss.
The Celestial Battle Maids and Overlord Maids:
As the guardians gathered, Drakthar the Iron Custodian entered with a commanding presence. In his human form, he cut an imposing figure, his amber eyes scanning the room with a sharp, calculating gaze. Behind him, the Celestial Battle Maids and the Overlord Maids filed in with precision and grace, their movements synchronized and their presence radiating both elegance and deadly power.
Drakthar's deep, resonant voice echoed through the chamber as he knelt before Kaeltharion.
"My lord, your return is a blessing to Babylon. The Celestial Battle Maids, the Overlord Maids, and all of Babylon stand ready to serve."
The maids, led by Drakthar, knelt in unison, their heads bowed in reverence. Their enchanted armor gleamed under the light of the throne room, and their weapons, though sheathed, seemed to hum with restrained power.
The Celestial Battle Maids:
1️⃣ Seraphina the Iron Maiden
2️⃣ Nocturna the Shadow Dancer
3️⃣ Ignis the Flame Warden
4️⃣ Avaris the Gem Enforcer
5️⃣ Eclipsa the Mirror Blade
6️⃣ Somnus the Dreamweaver
7️⃣ Voracia the Flesh Harvester
8️⃣ Aurelia the Golden Duelist
9️⃣ Eve the Elemental Sovereign
The Overlord Maids:
The Overlord Maids are a distinct yet closely allied group to the Celestial Battle Maids, often working together under Drakthar's command. All Overlord Maids serve as Kaeltharion's personal attendants, alternating their duties to ensure his every need is met with unwavering dedication. Among them, the two most notable figures are Eve and Aria. Eve, the leader of the Overlord Maids, holds the highest authority among them, overseeing their operations while personally attending to Kaeltharion. Aria, her second-in-command, supports Eve's leadership and stands as a formidable presence, ensuring the maids function with flawless efficiency.
Drakthar's Leadership:
Under Drakthar the Iron Custodian, the Celestial Battle Maids and Overlord Maids operate with flawless precision. Their training is rigorous, their loyalty unwavering, and their combat prowess unmatched. Together, they form the backbone of Babylon's defense and the embodiment of its power.
As the guardians and maids assembled, the throne room buzzed with anticipation. Kaeltharion, seated upon his obsidian throne, surveyed his loyal subjects with a smirk of satisfaction. His crimson eyes glowed with a mix of pride and amusement as he prepared to address them, the weight of his presence filling the room like a storm on the horizon.
(Extra info:
Note: First Floor contains hundreds of maids, the rest of the floors with the exception of the 9-th floor contains thousands of them.
The Floors in Detail:
1️⃣ The Surface:
Size: Comparable to a small city.
Inhabitants: Tens of thousands of superhuman soldiers, demons, and undead patrol the surface, along with the Surface Maids and their leader, Seraphina the Iron Maiden.
2️⃣ The Castle of Lust (Floor 1):
Size: Comparable to E-Rantel.
Inhabitants: Tens of thousands of Lustful Maidens, demons, and seductive creatures who manipulate intruders with illusions and psychological warfare.
3️⃣ The Hall of Gluttony (Floor 2):
Size: Comparable to E-Rantel.
Inhabitants: Tens of thousands of grotesque creatures, including flesh-eating monsters and bloated predators, all driven by endless hunger.
4️⃣ The Arena of Pride (Floor 3):
Size: Comparable to E-Rantel.
Inhabitants: Tens of thousands of duelists, champions, and warriors who thrive in combat, each seeking to prove their superiority.
5️⃣ The Den of Sloth (Floor 4):
Size: Comparable to E-Rantel.
Inhabitants: Tens of thousands of lethargic yet deadly creatures, including ghostly figures and dream-bound entities that lull intruders into a false sense of security.
6️⃣ The Battlefield of Envy (Floor 5):
Size: Comparable to E-Rantel.
Inhabitants: Tens of thousands of shapeshifters, mimics, and envious creatures who steal the forms and abilities of intruders.
7️⃣ The Inferno of Wrath (Floor 6):
Size: Comparable to E-Rantel.
Inhabitants: Tens of thousands of fiery demons, berserkers, and wrathful creatures who thrive in chaos and destruction.
8️⃣ The Throne of the Overlord (Floor 7):
Size: Comparable to E-Rantel.
Inhabitants: The Overlord Maids, led by Eve, and two of the most elite guardians, Lucifer the Fallen Monarch and Echidna the Arcane Weaver.
9️⃣ The Treasury of Greed (Floor 8):
Size: Comparable to E-Rantel.
Inhabitants: Tens of thousands of jewel-encrusted constructs, treasure guardians, and greedy creatures who punish thieves with curses and traps.
🔟The Forbidden Abyss (Floor 9):
Size: Unlike the other floors, the Ninth Floor is not just the size of E-Rantel—it is so vast and deep that it stretches far into the planet, closer to the void than the surface. Its scale is incomprehensible, and its environment is a swirling mass of darkness and golden runes, with no ground or sky, only an endless abyss.
Inhabitants: The Ninth Floor is unique in that it contains no ordinary creatures. Instead, it is home to the two most powerful guardians of Babylon: Abaddon the World Eater and Mephistopheles the Sin Architect. These beings are beyond the comprehension of mortals, and their presence alone is enough to deter even the bravest intruders.
The Population of Babylon:
Each floor, with the exception of the Ninth Floor, contains tens of thousands of creatures, all loyal to their guardians and Kaeltharion. Together, they form a massive army that ensures Babylon remains an impenetrable fortress. The sheer scale and diversity of these inhabitants make Babylon not just a citadel, but a living, breathing world of its own.
Another Note: In the last weeks of Yggdrasil, Kael used his admin privileges to enhance his NPCs to max level and even beyond.
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