Pestilence: Rise Of The Pure Undead

'Just as Osworth said…' Rosemary looked off into the distance, having just received the findings of the last group by Antieeld, obviously, she was well aware of what they had found already, she wouldn't throw them into those mines without keeping a keen eye on them, she had itched to intervene multiple times, but in the end, they had managed by themselves.

That was something to be proud of, the three that had faced against the puppeteer hadn't demonstrated stellar team spirit, but great trust in one another's capabilities still, they had mostly done their own thing, not getting into one another's way was the crux of fighting as a group however, so that was good in her book.

As for Milo, she had been worried about him considering that he was fighting a defiler, the heretical flame was known to be pretty much a one-hit KO for the vast majority of the population, Rosemary was only confident because the fire wasn't truly under the caster's control, the fire had a mind of its own, but it did not actively fight back per se, with her mastery over fire, she could take control of the flames for little while without risking anything.

Otherwise, the concept that defiler's were around would have made it a no go for her student to get anywhere near here.

Thankfully, the boy knew how to handle himself, and also, this particular madman had seemed a bit too focused on talking rather than attacking, although despite all his grandiose speeches, it was undeniable that he had been rather proficient with the flame, not a mindless husk to its defilement.

'That puppeteer was a rather advanced one as well, not the sort that we are used to, they attacked by themselves too, clearly, the earth mage set up those encounters purposefully, but why? How could the two other groups agree to be put in such predicaments?

The earth mage could have assisted them in battle, it makes no doubt that more lunatics are to be found down there too…' she tapped her forehead, trying to find logic amidst the madness, the behaviour of the two couldn't really be counted on as proof that they were on board.

Both are too deep into their own, filthy little worlds to not preach to the first people they encounter.

'No signs of Alizé though' this particular group, or organisation was one she was much less familiar with.

Even if small, the defiler and puppeteers were old, perhaps even ancient for the followers of heresy, their patron was said to have walked the earth at around the same time as the Elven Light, whenever that time immemorial had been.

Alizé however, for all intents and purposes, seemed to have been created very recently, their influence was still small, their plans unclear, Rosemary had inquired about what Osworth knew in greater details after their discussion in the library, he was certainly more knowledgeable than he typically let on.

He had even heavily implied that the one responsible for the collapses, who seemed to be the earth mage, was someone he personally knew, that was an odd detail to share without elaboration.

But he had echoed the idea that it wasn't a simple partnership, that they were somehow forming an army through allyship down into the mines, plotting against the crown, against the country, the people, they had delusions of grandeur.

No signs of Alizé and their intoxicated goons were to be seen however, she had no idea what the leader might look like, but amidst puppet-people and burning heads, it shouldn't be a herculean task to figure it out.

Groups went one after another into the different mines, some finding absolutely nothing, some being dragged into fights the same manner as before, a few requiring intervention for their lovable teacher, who mercilessly made them into charcoal.

A few days passed like this, one group diving at a time, although Rosemary could easily watch over all of them at once, it was always preferable to be careful when possible, they had plenty of time, she put her all in watching a single group at a time, keeping the rest of her precious students close-by.

Actual combat was of great value, especially to those talented but that had been seriously lacking in actual practice, they would certainly already do much better against the two bodyguards.

Speaking of them, Gelter would be shifting uncomfortably everytime his lady would go in, absolutely straining himself to remain in place, not liking it one bit that she had to have even the smallest of interaction with those degenerates.

"Aherm, so, Osworth knew of this?" he asked, his tone calm.

"Yes, he thought that it would be a great learning experience for Antieeld, and you have to admit, her progress is outstanding thanks to this, she is getting better and better at coordinating her group, even making friends, don't take it badly, Antieeld was a bit reluctant to be friendly with anyone at first, she seems so stern and confident, but is actually very shy!

That's pretty cute" Gelter turned to her, silent.

"Lady Antieeld has always been cute, I have accompanied her for all of her life, she was made aware of her responsibilities and inborn talent, gift of the system, at an early age, with knowledge that she was meant to command others, she has struggled between interacting like a normal girl, or as the commandant she is expected to become, no matter what the law regards, or how they may appear, kids are kids much later than we believe"

"Children need to be cared for and protected from what they can not handle, I know this, but I still vividly remember her younger self when I see my lady, it is difficult for me to imagine her fighting and killing, unlike Osworth, he does not know her" he suddenly jolted straight, raising one hand up to his helm.

Settling back into position without another word, ignoring the questioning glare of the volcano witch.

"Excuse me Gelter, but what's up with that reaction?"

"..."

"It is nothing important, I wasn't supposed to say anything" he replied cryptically, clearly unwilling to speak up any longer.

"I am her teacher Gelter, I only want her good, and so do you" Rosemary crossed her arms.

The knight remained motionless for a few more moments, his expression unreadable underneath his armour.

He sighed.Nôv(el)B\\jnn