Word count: 1400 words
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The training grounds of the Obsidian Chains facility were a gruesome tableau of destruction. Blood soaked the battlefield, littered with the disfigured corpses of the Blue Rose adventurer team.
Their bodies lay scattered across the ground which was scarred with craters and fissures itself, the result of their desperate attempts to fight back. Blood splattered the walls and stained the dirt, creating a macabre mosaic of violence.
Meliodas stood amidst the carnage, his eyes scanning the scene with a satisfied smirk. He stepped over the bodies, his boots leaving faint imprints in the blood-soaked dirt.
"Well, that was entertaining," he said, his voice calm and almost cheerful. "My little army is slowly growing in number… and in strength. But it's not just about numbers, is it? It's about quality. Only the best warriors, mages, killers, and manipulators deserve a place by my side." He took a break to catch his breath then continued.
"And I believe you deserve it too, as my slaves... But before that." He turned to Yoriichi, who stood nearby, his blade still gleaming despite the blood that had stained it moments ago.
"Yoriichi," Meliodas said, his tone filled with genuine praise, "you've done an excellent job. I couldn't have asked for a better display of skill and power."
Yoriichi's serene expression softened slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He gave a small nod, acknowledging his master's words. "Thank you, Master Meliodas. It was my honor to serve."
Brain, who had been watching the fight from a distance, stood frozen in place, it was not as shocking as the first time he saw him display his skills, still, his breath came in shallow gasps as he stared at the lifeless bodies of Blue Rose.
'Blue Rose… they were supposed to be the strongest.They were legends. And yet…, His gaze shifted to Yoriichi, and a wave of admiration washed over him. Brain was a warrior and he respected strength.
'He didn't even break a sweat. It wasn't a fight… it was a massacre. He let them attack, and he simply countered. That's all it was.'
Brain's mind raced as he tried to process the implications of what he had seen. 'Is it even possible for someone like me to reach that level of strength? Could I ever become as strong as Yoriichi?' He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as doubt and fear warred within him.
'No… I don't think I could. Not in a hundred years. But… if I follow him, if I train under him, maybe I can get close. Close enough to matter. Close enough to survive in this world of monsters.'
Meliodas turned to Brain, his violet eyes gleaming with amusement as he noticed the man's trembling form. "Brain," he said, his voice smooth and commanding, "What do you think of Yoriichi's performance? Impressive, isn't he?"
Brain swallowed hard, his throat dry. "Y-yes, Meliodas-sama . He's… he's beyond anything I've ever seen."
Meliodas chuckled, the sound low and menacing. "Good. Remember this moment, Brain. This is the level of strength I expect from those who serve me. Weakness has no place in my army. You are lucky you got on my side, I expect great things from you."
Brain nodded, his mind still reeling but his resolve hardening. "I will make sure not to disappoint."
"Makima," Meliodas said, his voice calm but laced with authority, "Use that technique, we need these girls."
Makima stepped forward, her movements graceful and deliberate. She raised her hands, her fingers moving in intricate patterns as if weaving an invisible thread. The air around her seemed to shift, a faint hum of energy emanating from her form.
Then, with a flick of her wrist, five chains emerged from her body, their metallic links glinting in the dim light. The chains shot forward, their ends piercing the chests of the five corpses with a sickening crunch.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the chains began to glow, a faint, eerie light spreading through the bodies of Blue Rose. The wounds on their bodies began to close, the blood that had pooled beneath them receding as if time itself were reversing.
Gagaran's shattered Warhammer reformed in her hands, Tina's head reattached itself to her body, and the deep gashes across Lakyus and Evileye's forms vanished without a trace. Within seconds, the five members of Blue Rose were whole again, their bodies restored to their former state.
Their eyes snapped open, but there was no life in them, only a hollow empty gaze, something very hard to notice.
They rose to their feet in unison, their movements mechanical and precise. They turned to Meliodas and bowed deeply, their voices echoing in eerie harmony. "We serve you, Master Meliodas."
Makima stepped back, her hands clasped neatly behind her back. "They've retained their memories to avoid raising suspicion among those who know them personally," She explained, her voice calm and composed. "But they are now puppets, slaves whose sole purpose is to serve you."
Meliodas smirked, placing his hands in his pockets, "Perfect. Thank you for your work, Makima."
Behind them, Brain stood frozen, his mind struggling to process what he had just witnessed. Today was a long day, he saw many shocking things.
'Resurrection…? That's… that's possible? Dead people don't just come back to life. But… they're standing right there. It's not as if I never heard of resurection magic but... They're not alive. They're… something else.' His mind raced, but he quickly pushed the thoughts aside.
'Don't think about it too much. If I follow Meliodas-sama, I'm bound to see a bunch of weird and fucked-up things... Might as well get used to it.'
Meliodas turned to the resurrected Blue Rose, his smirk widening. "Listen carefully," he said, his voice smooth and commanding. "You will return to the Adventurer Guild and let them know that this Meliodas is not the same person who invaded the noble's mansion. If it comes from a group as credible as Blue Rose, they won't be able to deny or pry into it anymore. Understood?"
The five members nodded in unison, their hollow eyes fixed on Meliodas. "Yes, Master Meliodas," they replied, their voices synchronized.
"Good," Meliodas continued. "You will also spread good word about the Obsidian Chains. Let it be known that we are a neutral organization, willing to take on any mission for the right price. We are open to working with anyone, regardless of faction or allegiance. And remember, the moment you are summoned, you are to appear before me immediately. No delays, no excuses."
The resurrected Blue Rose bowed once more. "As you command, Master Meliodas."
Meliodas waved a hand dismissively. "Now get out of here. You have work to do."
The five members of Blue Rose turned and walked away, their movements stiff and mechanical. They paid their respects to Meliodas one final time before disappearing into the shadows, leaving the training grounds silent once more.
Meliodas turned back as well to leave, placing his hand on Brain's shoulder as he walked past him. "Get back to training Brain, I will soon send you on your first mission, you might even meet your old friend. Get stronger quickly."
Brain straightened his back. "Yes sir!"
"Makima, we will make contact with the princess in three days. Start the preparations." Meliodas walked past her too, he was hungry after watching this one-sided massacre.
"Yes my lord, I shall prepare everything." Makima bowed her head as her master walked by her.
'The princess is my key to negotiations with Ainz. Of course, there is no way for me to beat him right now, this is why acquiring the princess and the kingdom will prove super useful when the time comes to meet him.' Meliodas scratched his black hair.
'Hopefully, the pace I'm going at is decent...' Meliodas could only hope that he was prepared enough to face Ainz, he was the biggest threat to his existence in this world after all.
TO BE CONTINUED --->
Hey everyone! Author here.
If you've got an anime character you'd love to see summoned into the story, feel free to drop your suggestions, including which character you'd like to see and what rank you think they deserve. Your input might just shape the next events in the story!
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