Hi, I promise I haven't given up on this story. In fact, I'm more pumped up than ever to really push through to the end!

This chapter is unfortunately a bit slower, but I still did thoroughly enjoy writing it and thinking about it.

I hope you enjoy the chapter, and I'll try to keep a somewhat consistent schedule coming up to the end of this all!

P.S. Freer is a word.

P.P.S. The image for this chapter is literally just Tanith with... those. I try to keep it somewhat on topic, but I saw it and was just taken aback, so I decided to just go with it.

-----

In many ways, Miquella's Charm and (Y/n)'s Necromancy were of the same ilk.

Miquella's Charm manipulated the hearts of whomever, and they followed him without complaints. It was successful against those that once hated him, yes, like a certain follower of Mohg, Ansbach. But it also was effective against his fellow demigods.

(Y/n)'s Necromancy seemingly did the same thing and proved to be effective against even Lesser Outer Gods and the Beast of Outer Gods.

So, Malenia's question was valid.

But (Y/n) had agonized over it before this point.

What was the core of his Shadows?

Why were some of them fine with following him even after he kills them so brutally?

"They have a choice," (Y/n) spoke clearly. When Malenia frowned, he continued. "When I summon the spirit of the dead, whether or not I am the one who kills them, they may choose not to follow me. If they choose so, they may perish, returning to the Void."

Malenia scoffed. "So, they get to choose between death and following you. That isn't much of a choice."

"The choice isn't to die or follow me. It's to die, or to live. When they follow me, I can become many things to them. I could be a boss, a friend, or a liege. Either way, if they wanted, they could even try to usurp me."

Malenia scowled. "As if, no reasonable Outer God would leave such glaring flaw in their ability!"

(Y/n) nodded. "You're right, the Darkness—the Outer God of Destined Death—didn't leave that flaw in his ability. I created it."

Malenia stilled. "...What?"

(Y/n) laughed dryly. "I suppose, at my core, I knew this question may come up, some time or another. I couldn't remember Miquella's Charm, but the affect it once had on me was clear."

(Y/n) met Malenia's eyes strongly. He didn't falter. "I didn't ever want to put people under my control like that. If there's anything my Darkness allows, it's free will."

Just believing (Y/n) wasn't good enough for Malenia. She began to charge towards him, her sword flashing out with unfamiliar arc. When her blade was controlled with rage instead of serenity, it became an extremely different beast.

Clang!

However, it wasn't (Y/n) who interrupted Malenia's attack. A new presence, empowered by the Shadow Sovereign's Blessing, interrupted the former Sovereign of Rot.

"Malenia, stop your attack. His words are true, and let me be the one to tell you, as the one who held onto your Will." Millicent, the Blade of Shadows, met Malenia's sword as an equal. The power of Darkness radiated off her sword. "We do not wish to be your enemy, Malenia. But if you strike my lover once more, I will separate your head from your shoulders."

Malenia huffed. "Holder of My Will, you'd threaten me so easily?"

Millicent took a deep, long breath. "Yes, I would. If only you'd listen, you'd realize (Y/n) is truly the next leader of these Lands, just as Miquella once could've been."

Malenia didn't speak, allowing Millicent to continue. She said, "Miquella wished to lead the Lands Between into an Age of Compassion, where Abundance is the norm. But your brother will give up his love for that goal, and he will sacrifice many for his goals!"

Malenia flinched. She was one such sacrifice.

"But (Y/n) will do no such thing! He has seen the worst of this world, and he will not allow us to fall for his goals. He will struggle with us, even when he reached Godhood, he hasn't sacrificed any of us!"

(Y/n) felt a tug at his heart. While he hadn't sacrificed anyone, he failed to save Ranni. She was such a close ally of his, but now, he couldn't confide in her due to his failure. Despite that, he still needed to move forward, even without Ranni in the world.

Malenia opened her mouth slowly. (Y/n) and Millicent could tell that it would only take one more push before she fell. "But... what's the point anymore? If my life has been a lie, then let the lie end here."

Malenia faltered, falling to her knees. Her willpower, once infallible, now was too broken to even stand. Millicent began to approach her, but (Y/n) stopped her, causing her to sheath her weapon. (Y/n) knelt before Malenia, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Do you want to know what to do next?"

Malenia hollowly nodded.

(Y/n) grabbed the sides of her face, forcing her to look up to him.

-----

When (Y/n) last got a chance to speak with Melina, Sellen, Roderika, and Millicent, he found himself being incredibly stunned by them.

They were all on their massive bed, with the four women all sitting around (Y/n), as if to box him in. He was confused on why they felt the need to do that, but followed along, nonetheless.

Sellen began the conversation.

"(Y/n), my love, the lover of four women, do you know why we're here today?" Sellen asked, receiving a shake of (Y/n)'s head in response. "You're here today because you're too good of a partner."

A resounding yes came from the three other women.

Melina continued Sellen's thoughts, "Our arrangement is far from simplistic, and yet, we all find our love for one another to be true. As such, our dynamic will be sought after."

Millicent nodded sagely. "I could see it within that girl, Rya. Although she's not focused on us, she does like you. If we don't find a good way to address these desires, they will overflow and hurt someone."

Roderika let out a sigh. Compared to her normally shy demeanor, she grew brave when she was with her partners. "The only option is to let you take concubines."

(Y/n) flinched. "W-What?!"

Melina raised her hand, calming (Y/n) down. "Furthermore, if you wish to bring another into our fold, you have our full trust. Concubines, too, work. If they're simply people who wish to... explore you, in a date, or—"

Sellen's eyebrows quivered. "—In a particularly sexual manner."

Melina laughed lightheartedly. "Yes, even in that manner. You have more than enough vigor to satisfy the needs of whoever you want. If you wish it, then it'll be. And I don't believe I even need to say to leave enough for the rest of us, but, still, please, leave enough of yourself for all of us, my darling."

(Y/n) glanced between his four partners. He hesitated. Some feelings in his heart he wasn't willing to address, because he didn't believe it was his place. "Are... Are you sure?"

The four women nodded.

Sellen smirked. "You've been working hard for our happiness, my love. But you don't look for your own pleasure. You don't approach women out of lechery, nor do you use your abilities for much fun. And so, this is our way of giving you back some of your freedom. Do as you wish, love, we'll trust in you, wholly."

-----

(Y/n) kissed Malenia.

At first, she froze, her shoulders tensing.

Malenia was a skilled swordswoman, not a skilled lover. Her lips froze, but (Y/n)'s calm, simplistic kiss was more than enough to help her relax.

Malenia was also completely unable to explore herself due to her responsibilities. She was restricted from physical connection because of the Scarlet Rot, but even if that wasn't a restriction, her position as a demigod put her on a pedestal to all, and her job as Miquella's Blade also blocked her freedom.

Over the years, she hadn't realized that battling became something she enjoyed, instead of something she simply had to do. Her battle with (Y/n), their... dance, began to shine a new perspective on battling.

The emotions that were building within Malenia's core had begun to erupt when Miquella's Charm was destroyed. After all, Malenia's desire for anyone other than her brother would've been useless in guiding her to follow him.

But when her intensity shifted from rage, to despair, then to this, she was overcome with her feelings.

(Y/n)'s ability to defeat her so effortlessly awakened something within Malenia that she'd never experienced before: attraction.

She was more attracted to the man who defeated her over anyone else in her life. The only man who could compare was her Master, the Sea-Blue Swordsman. But that crush of hers was only a child's fixation on an adult, nothing more.

This was different.

Her heart pounded in her chest, her hands became clammy, but her mind was silenced. A simple kiss caused butterflies not unlike her Rotten Butterflies to flutter within her.

When the kiss finished, Malenia was still. (Y/n) gave her a wide, proud smile.

"You just have to live! There's so much more in life that you haven't even begun to try because you've always been so focused on Miquella. Live for yourself, live for others, live for Finlay, but just live!"

Malenia's eyes widened at the mention of Finlay, her most loyal Cleanrot Knight. Without Finlay, Malenia would've died for Miquella's plans, after allowing the Scarlet Aeonia to bloom to kill Radahn. If Finlay was around, what would she think?

(Y/n) scratched the side of his face nervously.

Malenia was torn from her thoughts and leapt forward to kiss (Y/n) back, toppling him over with her sheer enthusiasm. She looked down at him, her eyes clearer than they'd ever been. She glanced back up to Millicent, saying, "I understand how you fell for such an oaf, My Will. No, Millicent, Blade of Shadows."

Millicent nodded gently, "Yes, he does have a particular allure."

(Y/n) laughed, a weight taken off his shoulders. He gestured vaguely behind Malenia, who was now atop him. "I understand if you enjoy this, but... well, just look."

Malenia frowned, turning slowly to see—

"Finlay!"

The fog of Miquella's Charm had finally left Malenia, and now, the Blade of Miquella was dead. However, where the Blade of Miquella had finally gone to rest, simply Malenia rose. The untouchable demigod, with her own goals, and for her own life, rose.

-----

(Y/n) was meditating one second, and the next, he was parrying an utterly massive sun-like orb that was going to crash into the Shadow Kingdom. It appeared seemingly out of thin air, and to anyone within the kingdom, like Boc or Rogier, that was the truth.

To (Y/n), however, with his incredible senses, he knew where the massive orb had come from. Without a hint of hesitation, he redirected the massive orb right over the Shadow Tree. It arced over the tree, and just before it hit the ground, it was sliced into ribbons, all of the energy dissipating.

Igris appeared by (Y/n)'s side, her greatsword drawn. "Shall we return fire, my Liege?"

Beru and Salem were just moments behind Igris, both appearing with their bodies and minds ready to battle. Beru's claws were outstretched, sharper than any material that was once onn the Lands Between, while Salem's energy was flourishing, her position as the Dragon Empress and Lesser Outer God of Necromancy coalescing into an incredible presence of power.

(Y/n) waved his hand, "Nah, just go make sure everyone is alright down in the kingdom. So... Salem, Igris, I'll trust you two to do that. Beru, you come with me."

Beru's mandibles clicked cockily, "Kekeke, you see, our Liege understands who he needs to watch his back!"

Salem and Igris just exchanged glances. They decided not to rain on Beru's parade. After all, they both knew that they were sent because they were fervently liked in the kingdom, while Beru was... tolerated, if not feared.

(Y/n) bent his knees, and took a leap forward, Beru flying after him. He landed gently, quickly breaking out into a sprint. In just a few seconds, he arrived at the Church of Elleh, or at least, where it used to be.

The Church of Elleh was where he'd once met Kale and Ranni, in his original life. But now, it was just ash, burned down by the Frenzied Flame. However, instead of the desolate scene (Y/n) had once encountered, he was met by a warming sight.

Literally, in fact.

Melina sat atop Torrent with the Outer God of Flames, and despite standing a fair distance away, (Y/n) could literally feel the heat that Melina, Torrent, and her Outer God were emitting. (Y/n) smiled at Torrent, remembering his fond times with the spectral steed.

As soon as (Y/n) appeared, Melina leapt from Torrent's back, flying into (Y/n)'s arms. He smiled, holding her tight, as if she'd disappear if he let her go. For a long while, they simply hugged. The fear that had built up within (Y/n) wasn't something he could easily address, but seeing Melina okay, and looking happier and freer than ever made it all worth it.

"You're okay," (Y/n) swung Melina around, his grin wide. He gently sat her down, and her hand caressed the side of his face.

She smiled back, "I'm okay."

For just a moment, they stayed there, and gladly, no one interrupted them.

"I didn't expect you to get back so soon, Melina," Sellen appeared in a flash of light, alongside Millicent, Malenia, and Roderika. Without giving them a second to respond, Sellen and Roderika joined in on the group hug, while Malenia and Millicent just looked in from the outside.

Sellen raised an eyebrow, using her powers as an Outer God to pull the two in. "Get in here! Malenia, you're one of us now! Group hugs are mandatory!"

Malenia, having been pulled in by Sellen's abilities, would've typically tried to fight back. But when she saw how calm and relaxed Melina, Roderika, and Sellen looked, she gave in. She was, of course, the largest of the women, so her arms stretched a lot more around them.

After their hug, and only after, the Outer God of Flames sighed happily. "Oh, the passion of love, how admirable."

(Y/n) turned his attention to the Outer God, recognizing that it was his power that had carried Melina so far. In fact, (Y/n) was sure that the massive orb that was thrown at the Kingdom of Shadows would've healed anyone within it, rather than hurting anyone. He still decided to get rid of it, because it could've been a trap of some sort, and there was no way he would risk the safety of the Kingdom of Shadows and its citizens on a whim.

The Outer God continued, "I see you didn't accept my gift of cleansing flames. I do understand, it was certainly in poorer taste than it should've been. Then as a way to make amends, allow me to introduce myself. I am the Outer God of Flames, Shadow Sovereign."

(Y/n) pursed his lips. "Wasn't the entire reason why everything is happening as it is because you Outer Gods were... outside? How'd you manage to get onto the physical plane?"

The Flame explained himself briefly, "It requires a willing and fitting host, a center of power, and a way to remain physically. Melina, the Forge, and fire all work to satisfy the conditions."

(Y/n)'s eyes began to glimmer.

After time was turned back, (Y/n) dominated everything without any real competition. Any of his basic opponents that he had once encountered fell easily to his newfound power.

But he felt like he hadn't faced anyone scary enough to push him to his limits. Even Malenia, as the Sovereign of Rot, was just a dance for him. He dominated her in battle, and she wasn't his match.

So, why was he so nervous?

He knew his abilities were incredible, but he also knew that the Greater Will wouldn't pull any punches, nor would the Frenzied Flame. He wasn't confident in his ability to bridge the gap between himself and them, and he needed some guidance on how to master his abilities as best he could.

"Then, can I summon the Outer God of Darkness?" (Y/n) asked, hopeful.

The Outer God of Flames heat diminished. "No, he's gone. In order to break our pact and restrictions, his essence has entirely faded. He cannot be retrieved."

(Y/n)'s expression darkened. It was about what he expected, but it was still frustrating to hear.

"But I am an Outer God, too. I cannot teach you as he would, but I can teach you as best I can," The Flame bowed his head gently.

"And not just him, either," A familiar voice that (Y/n) hadn't heard for a long while chimed in.

Unlike last time, the scenery didn't entirely change to fit her vibe. Instead, a little apparition of a ghostly form appeared, spawned from the powers of the Moon.

The Outer God of the Moon—promptly named Moony by (Y/n) upon their original meeting—giggled, drawing the attention of everyone, including Malenia, Melina, Millicent, and Roderika, who didn't have much information about her.

The Flame continued, "Right now, you could fight the Frenzied Flame and win. But if he throws away his pride and decides to become The One Whole Outer God with the Greater Will, even you will fall in the face of his power. That's why, you need guidance."

(Y/n) swallowed. He hadn't considered the Frenzied Flame and Greater Will teaming up, but it was a total possibility that had more repercussions than he could imagine.

Moony continued, "But I don't think it's just you."

She turned her attention to the redheaded duo. "Unfortunately, Malenia and Miillicent, you both are empty vessels without Rot around anymore. She's probably still floating around somewhere, but that means you both either need to take in a different Outer God's power, retrieve her power again, or hone your skills as swordswomen."

Then, she looked at Roderika. "You have far more potential than we've accurately addressed. The Lesser Outer God of Spirits is your blesser, and yet, they fear their powers will be too much for you. But we will prepare you to take on their abilities."

She only glanced lightly at Sellen, scoffing. "And you are already working hard, my dear vassal."

The Flame picked up where Moony left off. "The battle to decide the state of the Lands Between is a battle more important than we originally understood. As such, we will do everything in our power to assist you all. Will you take our help?"

(Y/n) turned his attention to his partners. From Melina, to Roderika, Sellen, Millicent, and Malenia, they'd all have very different challenges ahead of them. Their training may take them far away from one another, but in the end, they'd be closer than ever.

They all looked at him confidently. Even now, with Outer Gods staring at them, they trusted (Y/n) more than anyone else.

He took a deep breath, "We'll take it."

So, the training began.

In less than 24 hours, the path to the Land of Shadows would open.

And the final march to the end would begin.