Yo, my friends! 

With this chapter, we're getting just a little rest from all the heavily action-based chapters. I love them, but sheesh, it tires me out sometimes.

Speaking of action, for this chapter's question: Do you prefer longer fights or shorter fights in this story? 

I've tried to keep them on the shorter side because the fighting alone isn't as intriguing to me as the narrative that's being weaved. 

Regardless of that, I hope you all enjoy the chapter! There probably won't be a back-to-back upload like last week, but I may surprise you, so keep your eyes peeled!

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Even without much time existing, the Rot Beast didn't have a very difficult time establishing itself on the food chain. It clearly existed on the very top, above all the fodder around it.

The only being the ant showed respect to was its creator, the Outer God of Rot. After all, the Rot Beast was the Outer God's closest... anything, directly spawned from its will.

Intelligent, strong, fast, and capable of using Scarlet Rot for a myriad of attacks. Of course, nothing could stand next to its might! It would eat to get stronger and follow the orders of its master faithfully!

Until he arrived.

He appeared like a shadow amidst the night, like a demon among imps. Like a god among men.

The Ant didn't answer to a mere god, though.

The insect ballooned in size, pitting his strength against the man's. Nothing could truly stand its strength, so the first attack must've simply been a fluke!

The man blew it back with a single punch.

It was... almost nonchalant. The man's strength surpassed the ant's, and the defense of its exoskeleton was quickly trumped in turn.

Crack, crack—!

The Ant's exoskeleton cracked all over, nearly exposing the far less protected shell underneath. The Rot Beast flew backwards, shrinking.

With a much smaller size, the Ant could move far faster! Strength was far from its main aspect, so the annoying arrival would be cut to shreds when he couldn't keep up with such incredible speed!

Except... the Ant's attacks wouldn't land.

A swipe to the leg!

Nothing.

Claws to the neck!

Nothing.

Aim to pull the man's heart out!

Nothing.

"I can't waste much time," the man said nonchalantly.

His fist shot out like a bullet, slamming into the ant's head. It was flung backwards, crashing through a large tower. Dust, dirt, and grime caked everything in the area as bricks and mortar crumbled onto the Rot Beast.

The Ant's claws shot through the rubble, and it slowly rose, its exoskeleton thoroughly cracked. Its mind flickered wildly.

'Strength wasn't enough. Speed wasn't enough. My defenses have failed. The Scarlet Rot is nothing to this man. Then... numbers, yes! I have a legion beneath me, who will answer my call!' The Ant sent out a call to its fellow followers of Rot, but there was... nothing.

They no longer existed.

'They've all been killed...! I must... I must...!' The Ant rose from the rubble as the man, no, the monster, approached.

The creaky voice of its creator echoed through its mind. "You must flee! You are my last concrete connection to the physical world! If you die, I will lose everything! R-Run, escape!"

A newfound sense of terror settled into the Ant. The monster approaching was cloaked in an ominous aura of total death, like a void. That void would suck in anything and everything, including the Rot Beast.

The ant was outclassed, in every sense of the word.

'I must... run away! If I can run away here, there will be nothing that can stop me! I will leave and devour this world's strongest warriors! I'll be back to destroy him, and when that occurs, nothing will be able to hold me back! I'll kill him and become the perfect vessel for my creator!' The Ant began to flee, busting through walls and flying up the Haligtree frantically.

It zipped around branches and flew through the hollows of the massive tree. It emerged far above Elphael, but there was still several more minutes before safety was guaranteed—

Slice!

The Ant's wings were suddenly clipped, and it crashed into the steel ground where the knight Loretta would typically be. That knight was nowhere to be found.

'My wings were cut off...! And Destined Death is stopping me from regenerating them! No matter, I just need to—'

"Who said you could leave?"

Standing before the Rot Beast, the certified God Killer stared down at his enemy.

With a scythe in hand, and a devastatingly powerful aura of death radiating off his body, the man looked could only be compared to the grim reaper. The Ant shrieked, rising, and pouncing on the man. "I will not die! I will not—"

The scythe whipped out, and the Ant's head rolled.

(Y/n) let out a little sigh of relief, looking at the decapitated corpse. "Damn, that took me a little longer than it should've."

Without even wasting time on reviving the Ant, (Y/n) jumped out over the side of the tree, falling, and falling, and falling, before a Shadow Dragon swept him up and they flew back down to Elphael. The area was empty, ignoring the huge number of corpses, and the few allies that remained.

Millicent and Melina watched as (Y/n) landed. In Melina's arms was Malenia, legless because of (Y/n).

Melina must've brought Millicent into the circle of knowledge, because as soon as (Y/n) began approaching, Millicent glanced between him and the legless demigod. "Did you really...?"

(Y/n) looked away, sweat running down the side of his face. "Well... yeah, there wasn't many other ways to injure her badly enough to cut an Outer God away...."

Millicent sighed, her flash and blood arm coming up to rest on her face. "I cannot believe this." She took her arm away, looking at Malenia's body. "I'm still in disbelief that this woman has survived for this long, in this world of monsters, a woman scorned by the Scarlet Rot has succeeded so triumphantly."

(Y/n) nodded, finding himself looking at the three women. 'You say that, but you also survived for pretty damn long despite your circumstances.'

Malenia let out a soft breath, pulling (Y/n)'s attention to her. He bent down, putting his hand on her head. Warm, but not too warm. She was okay. He glanced up to Melina, then Miillicent. "I guess you can finally work your magic, yes?"

Smiling gently, Millicent approached Malenia and kneeled. Putting her hands on Malenia's heart, she sat her head down atop them.

This ritual was something that hadn't been shown to (Y/n) before, but he knew about it all the same from some of the readings Sellen had him do. It was a way of swearing oneself to a goal, only at the very beginning or very end of a journey.

Millicent drew out a breath, "Let thy Will be returned. Thy power, thy spirit, thine very essence, allow the warrior named Malenia to rise from the ashes anew. The warrior of Scarlet Rot, Millicent, shall be no longer, just as the God of Scarlet Rot, Malenia, shall perish here. Let the... Blade of (Y/n) and Blade of Miquella rise anew."

As Millicent spoke, her body glowed, and energy literally rose from her and Malenia's bodies, floating into the air and coalescing. In the very center of that energy, was a small portal that (Y/n) could tell connected them to the Outer God of Rot, in the higher realm.

(Y/n) extended his arm, but Melina gave him a quick look, and he stopped moving. 'Ah, I understand. This one... isn't my fight. It's hers.'

Millicent slowly rose, opening her eyes and honing her focus on the portal. "Let this be my final call to you. I am Millicent, Blade of (Y/n), and you no longer hold dominion over me. Begone!"

Her sword, held by her prosthetic arm, began cutting through the energy, meeting the portal, and hitting it like it was the world's hardest material. Which, in truth, it was probably a fair bit harder than the hardest material around.

"Begone!"

She pushed further, holding down her sword with her free arm, of flesh and blood. The old flesh met the new metal and strained against her biggest antagonist. The sword pushed through the portal with a disturbing scrape.

"Begone, you foul intruder!"

With a roar, Millicent sliced through the portal, and it imploded. The energy was immediately sucked into the portal, and a voice could be heard from inside, "How dare...! How dare...! You...! You will pay...!"

And just like that, the implosion was gone, and they were left in silence.

Millicent plopped to the ground, letting out a little laugh. "It's done! The Scarlet Rot... it's gone!"

(Y/n) took the moment to sit down himself, smiling widely at Millicent. "Good job. I hope you'll be able to keep up as my personal blade."

Millicent stared for a moment before lunging forward and catching her savior's lips with her own. She kissed him for as long as he allowed, holding onto him, and savoring his chilliness. His hands wrapped around her waist, and he pulled her closer.

She wouldn't dare get too close to him because the Scarlet Rot writhed within her. But now, with it gone, nothing held her back. The pleasure she felt deep within her simply from an impromptu make-out session was completely unrivaled to anything she'd ever experienced.

The vigor her body held after the Scarlet Rot disappeared, after the consistent pain simply disappeared, was utterly amazing. She found herself becoming excited in a new way—

"Ahem," Melina softly coughed into her hand, her face reddened at the sight of her companion and Millicent. "I suggest we get to a safer location before doing anything... like that."

Millicent pulled back from (Y/n), her face especially red. (Y/n), on the other hand, simply laughed. "Yeah, that would be wise. I've still got a few things to do here, so you three should go ahead."

(Y/n)'s shadow extended underneath Millicent, Melina, and Malenia, and they were swept onto the back of Grey's back. With Godrick assisting them, there would be no problems with their ride back to the unnamed base, speaking of unnamed bases....

(Y/n) grinned as the group began taking off. "The capital under the Erdtree's Shadow will be named, 'Home!'"

Melina laughed a loud, unusual laugh. "I like that!"

The dragon and demigod duo sped off, to Millicent's displeasure. (Y/n) watched the group fly off and gestured around himself, saying his favorite word and watching as the souls answered his call and joined his army. If he hadn't rocked an impressive army beforehand, he definitely had one now.

Walking through his revived army of Shadows, (Y/n) approached where Gowry and his daughters should've been lying unconscious, but there was no sign of the expected individuals. "Huh, I guess they got away. Oh well, they won't show up as a bigger problem in the future."

Shrugging, (Y/n) continued, quickly flipping through his objectives. It didn't take him long to arrive at the corpse of the deceased Rot Beast.

Observing the body, (Y/n) clicked his tongue. "You've got quite the fearsome aura, eh? Well, let's see how you fair. Arise."

A thick darkness covered the area, as if the sun had suddenly decided it stopped working. Despite that, (Y/n) was unworried. A few seconds later, the energy disappeared, and a figure was knelt at (Y/n)'s feet.

A humanoid ant with four protruding wings of red energy. The entire ant's body was black, just like the majority of (Y/n)'s Shadows.

[The Anchor Rune could not upgrade the Shadow, due to being Rank 10. Stronger methods are necessary to upgrade Shadow further.]

[Shadow Ant King]
[???]
[Rank: 10]

(Y/n) frowned at the realization that the Anchor Rune had limits. 'I suppose it makes sense. A Rank Ten Shadow like this guy would be downright overpowered. He probably could've taken out someone like Greyoll on his own as he is. I wonder what those stronger methods entail....'

He could feel a different vibe emanating from the ant as a different realization flowed through him.

[Skill: Scarlet Rot Manipulation can no longer be used. Physical abilities are strengthened.]

"Hm, that's fair. I suppose not everything can stay the same," (Y/n) clicked his tongue, looking down on the ant.

"My Liege...."

"Ooh, you can talk too. That's good. It was definitely getting a bit extensive on Salem to be the only one who could talk to my allies," (Y/n) hummed.

"Yes, my Liege. Could I please request a name, my Great Creator?" The ant asked.

(Y/n) bobbed his head. "Ant doesn't work, feels... wrong. Anything with the Scarlet Rot doesn't fit anymore... then what about... Beru."

The ant clicked its mandibles, happiness radiating off it in waves. Beru's voice was certainly more on the masculine side, so (Y/n) found himself thinking of Beru as a man.

Extending his supernatural senses, (Y/n) smiled. "Beru, there's still about five thousand Oracle Envoys around the tree. Can you handle them for me?"

Beru looked up, his red eyes shining. "If you give me the order, my Lord."

(Y/n) smirked, curious of what his newest and strongest Shadow could do. "Then consider the order given."

Beru rose, his wings fluttering behind him. "Of course, my Liege."

All up Miquella's Haligtree, Oracle Envoys were torn to shreds without mercy. They died in droves, without any chance to find their killer.

The strongest of the bunch were the largest, the Giant Oracle Envoys. One noticed Beru's rampaging form, and began to draw in breath, ready to launch off several magical bubbles. But just before it could do anything—

Snip!

Beru came and took its head. The Oracle Envoys went down in mere minutes, incapable of fighting against Beru's might. Just about a minute and a half later, Beru landed next to (Y/n), his claws still dripping blood.

"My Liege, the task has been completed," Beru's mandibles clicked, receiving a quick thumbs-up from (Y/n).

"Good work, Beru."

Beru bowed his head deeper, his mandibles clicking quickly in utter excitement. "I live to please, my Liege."

(Y/n) extended his focus and spoke, gaining over 5000 new soldiers to his army. With a sigh of relief, Adula rose from (Y/n)'s Shadow. "Well, let's head Home!"

As Adula took off like a rocket, (Y/n) laughed happily as Beru fluttered beside him.

The job wasn't done yet, but for just a moment, enjoying himself wouldn't hurt.

-----

(Y/n) stopped by Stormveil Castle instead of heading straight to the Erdtree's Shadow. Hopping off Adula's back while Beru followed after him, (Y/n) landed hard in the castle's courtyard, quickly rising as Beru fluttered to his side.

(Y/n) clicked his tongue. "I've been lucky so far, but it's probably about time to spill the beans. If the Outer Gods start wreaking havoc, it's best if everyone understands what the hell they're talking about. He sighed, "Damn, this is gonna suck."

(Y/n) sensed Nepheli Loux and Kenneth Haight approaching. He faced them, smiling gently.

"Hey, Nepheli, Haight."

Nepheli slowed, giving (Y/n) a respectful bow of her head. She didn't even bat an eye at Beru, despite his overwhelming aura. "I'm glad you came. Salem told me you may be arriving soon. It's been quite difficult to keep everyone calm with... well, the Hydra's appearance, and the destruction of Raya Lucaria."

Kenneth was much meeker in comparison to Nepheli, he stared at Beru with wide eyes. "W-W-What is that creature?"

(Y/n) slapped a hand on Beru's chest, "This guy's my strongest ally so far. He's a... friend, right, Beru?"

"Kiekk... if my Great Lord orders your protection, you will be protected," Beru said, as if that was all he felt towards Kenneth. In truth, (Y/n)'s feelings about Kenneth Haight were far from positive, with a decent portion of his last life being spent running chores for Haight until Haight didn't even properly grant him knighthood. Beru was, in a sense, just reflecting (Y/n)'s feelings.

But with the Outer Gods and Sellen's condition on his mind, his past grudges seemed miniscule in comparison. As such, (Y/n) decided to just let it go and focus on the problems ahead of himself.

(Y/n) patted Beru's chest again, "He's helpful."

Haight stared with wide eyes before jerkily nodding, almost cowering behind Nepheli.

Nepheli sighed, "I was told you're in a rush, so what do you need?"

Glad that Nepheli Loux was such a reliable warrior, (Y/n) nodded. "Collect everyone up in the main hall. I've got some important things to say."

Nepheli nodded and casually strolled past (Y/n) and Beru. Kenneth squeaked past, keeping his eyes locked to the ground. Beru's mandibles clicked, "They... are weak. Unfit to follow you."

(Y/n) pursed his lips, beginning to walk to the main hall. "Kenneth Haight... yeah, maybe. Nepheli Loux is quite a powerful ally, and furthermore, she's... important."

"My Great King, will they be able to stand alongside your greatness? They're mere moths next to you," Beru said. The large ant's hostility from his time as the Rot Beast had vanished, leaving genuine concern behind. "If a time comes where their presence puts you in danger...."

"You'll be there to protect my back," (Y/n) finished.

Beru stared, sudden dramatic tears filling his eyes. His heart swelled with happiness and his wings fluttered excitedly, "Of course, my Liege! I will be there to assist you, no matter what we must face!"

(Y/n) chuckled at the intensity of Beru's loyalty before they arrived at the main hall of Stormveil Castle. It wasn't hard to tell there was a sizable number of people crammed in the area, but (Y/n) got the insight to stop before entering.

"Beru, head back to the Erdtree's Shadow," (Y/n) told Beru, and the ant gave him a quick bow before speeding off, moving fast enough for a sonic boom to form in his wake.

(Y/n) took a deep breath and entered the main hall. As his steps echoed through the hall, the room's attention fell on him.

Rogier the Sorcerer, Boc the Seamster, Rya the Scout, Blackguard Boggart, Hewg the Blacksmith, Roderika the Spirit-Tuner, Diallos the soon-to-be Potentate, Lanya the Hoslow Servant, Yura the Bloody-Finger Hunter, Brother Corhyn, the Noble Goldmask, and several others all stared as he walked to the front and stepped onto a higher platform, where an image of Godrick the Grafted was hanging.

'I'm just gonna....' (Y/n) pulled the image down, setting it to the side. His casual nature despite the audience watching him caused a few smiles to flow through the otherwise anxious group.

(Y/n) properly faced the group, his expression lackadaisical and awkward. Sweat nervously beaded down his face, 'I really don't do speeches....'

Regardless of his problems with the situation, he took a deep breath and began.

"There's quite a lot to say, so I won't beat around the bush. The Shattering was only the beginning. Four Shardbearers have fallen, and threats of Queen Marika's level have begun to show themselves. The Grace which guides Tarnished to the Lands Between is a blessing from the Greater Will, which is known as an Outer God.

"These Outer Gods have plagued the Lands Between for millennia, and now we've got a chance to... well, drive them out. For good, hopefully."

"And who are you to tell us this?"

(Y/n)'s eyes fell on Blackguard Boggart, a prawn-loving fellow with a healthy bit of skepticism. (Y/n) grinned. "Those Shardbearers fell to me, and one of those Outer Gods chose me to give their power to. And I'm just about the most informed party about what's going on, Boggart. That, is who I am."

Sensing that Boggart was skeptical, Radahn rose from the shadows. The sudden presence of such a large figure couldn't be ignored, and several gasps rung through the room. Boggart was silent, and (Y/n) continued.

"My name is (Y/n), and I am—or at least, used to be—a Tarnished. I was chosen by the Darkness, also known as the Outer God of Destined Death. And just like the Greater Will, I can give you all a blessing. The blessing of shadows, to be specific."

When (Y/n) stopped to recollect his thoughts, the stillness of the room became apparent. It was clear that there were questions around, but no one was willing to speak up.

"What do you gain from this?"

Until a certain sorcerer was.

"You've saved our lives and kept us safe. Now, you offer us power that's akin to the Grace which once guided us all. So, I ask again, what do you gain from this?"

The question was Rogier's. When (Y/n) met his eyes, he was surprised to see that the sorcerer wasn't hostile or skeptical, but curious. He'd been saved by (Y/n) several times, so it was quite clear to him that (Y/n) did not require followers for additional strength.

If he didn't need more manpower, there was not much reason to offer his blessing, unlike the Greater Will, who had to do so as a last-ditch effort. From the sorcerer's perspective, (Y/n) didn't have many problems that needed to be addressed by the hands of simple Tarnished.

'Do I? ...Yeah, I think it's about time.'

"What do I get? I finally get... a happy ending. And I...."

"I will not be crowned as Elden Lord."

The room gasped, even Hewg.