When Death Walked the World

Chapter 25

Hastur fell hard to the ground, his body was covered in terrible wounds. Many would not even consider the possibility of surviving such mortal wounds, however Hastur just shrugged it off, as he pulled himself together. The talons along with his tentacles regrew at a yoctosecond – by the time he stood, no trace of the cruel battle was left on his colossal body.

What is this impossible situation? How could a mere mortal stand as an equal before him? He flashed his cursed sign to him many times throughout the struggle, however the mortal had no reaction. He didn't understand, he couldn't comprehend how anyone could resist his sign. Time to time he would catch a flash of divinity from the skeletal overlord, however it was gone as soon as it appeared.

Was he holding back? How could he? Why would he? Was he confident in defeating him without the full extent of his might? Laughable. Why else would he mask his power? His many eyes opened and focused on a falling star. It was beautiful, so magnificent in fact that for a moment he forgot about the ongoing struggle. The star soon fell to the ground, and with it, darkness returned to the night sky.

A skeletal hand reached out from the crater as the skeleton stood up ever so slowly, as if he had all the time in the world. Hastur hated to admit it, but he couldn't land a single hit on the undead. He felt offended that such a lowly creature would dare to resist him. However, he couldn't deny the fact that the skeleton had power worthy of respect, but he couldn't bring himself to accept humiliation, defeat at the hands of a lower life form.

He felt it. Time was running out, soon They would know of his breach into a new world, and they would imprison him again. Though, he couldn't murder Cthulhu, at least he met the one who did.

First, he had his doubts about the claims of the overlord, now after feeling his power first-hand, he could imagine Cthulhu losing. More so if the skeleton really did hold back during their bout. He pulled back, and his monstrous form shrank. Soon he stood there, his repulsive features hidden by his mask and cloak.

He eyed carefully the undead, wondering if said skeleton had the wisdom to stop his advance. Indeed, he had. He instantly recognized his intent and reacted according to it. Though, he still seemed tense and ready to battle. Hastur smirked behind his mask, as he called for truce.

...

Ainz observed carefully the Yellow King as he made gestures that of a practiced diplomat. Ainz had his prejudice towards the elder gods, however if he could stop the battle here, than he would do so with pleasure. He was running out of option already, and it's been only a few hours since their battle has begun.

Cthulhu was much weaker in comparison, however maybe it was more like that he was much more powerful now. Although, he managed to escape each hit by a hair's length as he dodged, teleported, and redirected each of the attacks, he was also glad that he had many of his minions capable of fight take place in the battle, if nothing else they had held off the monstrosities of the Yellow King.

Ainz understanding the implication of the king's move, although warily he closed the distance between them, while he cast several delayed spells. Ones which could negate any damage once, the likes of {Body of Effulgent Beryl} and many others to compensate for other kinds of attacks as well. By the time he was face to face with a white mask he was enveloped in over 20 such spells, so even if it was a little overkill, he was confident in his ability to fall back, and escape if the time calls for it.

As a good host Ainz conjured up two thrones facing each other, he took one and he was pleasantly surprised to see that the Yellow king did so without any hesitation. Ainz's mind wondered back to the times when he was still a businessman.

It has been a while since he had last used his knowledge in commerce, and negotiation so the memories were a bit foggy, but he was confident in his ability that if it came down to that, he could get a favorable deal.