It was a large luxurious room and everything even each corner was clean and was shining due to the cleanliness. The furniture was also so clean that it seemed those were being maintained every hour, it looked like there was not even a speck of dust on them.

Several lamps were on the walls of the room which shone on the room. There was also a magnificent chandelier hanging on the ceiling emanating broad light which lit up the room in addition to the several lamps in the room.

Amidst that lavish room, a lone young man with black hair and azure eyes sat on a chair while laying his hand on a well made and clean table. A holographic like monitor was in front of him on the table, and he seemed to be working on something.

Shortly after, he swiped his hand and the monitor vanished. Then the man exhaled deeply and laid his head on the table as though he was exhausted.

"—I'm tired.. I want to take a rest.."

Xyn Draven Nightfall, the so-called almighty creator by his creations, complained to himself. Although he was called with many titles by his creations.

He had been working all this time since he came back from the mansion from Yusorga with barely any rest. He was so immersed in his work that he didn't want to stop because he thought if he stopped, he might not want to return to work or lose the feel of it or he might lose the ideas he had in mind.

"Good thing I've finished the blueprint for it. So I can rest a bit now."

He was working on something which took months for him to finish. From planning, designing and how to make it work.

With that finished now, he also had finished designing a few of his servants, hence there were a few more left now to finish. He had started on all them but were yet to be finished. Then some were barely even started, but he already saved some ideas on their tab so it would be fine.

"I've also finished the one who will create the system, so I'm good."

Xyn raised his head and laid it on his chair to relax. He may be immune to physical fatigue, but his mental fatigue was still there, thus he felt like he was tired.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then he thought of something he was thinking for a while.

Now then, when should I visit my hometown? It's Christmas, should I go there tomorrow? Hmmm.

Going back to his hometown the next day was not a bad idea. He could go there with his [Gate] spell with ease as well as going back. However, that could mean leaving this mansion behind and some of his guardians. Xyn was fine with that, for he trusted all of his creations.

However, he was a bit uneasy. It was because of the mansion itself. He thought that it was not all secured, there was always a very small chance of the mansion getting spotted, so he could not fully relax leaving the mansion for a long time. That said, he could also go back every night, so that could work.

Still, I always get uneasy for the mansion. I've finished the fortress, so I guess I should go back there after I've made the place.

It would probably take days before the Fortress can work perfectly and to be stable. The Fortress he planned had a whole lot of things and features, it also had great features on defenses. However, it would need a system for it to work and operate perfectly, that's why he expected it to take days to be finished or even perhaps weeks.

Taking too long to make it is fine. What's important is all of my creations' safety. Then after the fortress is done, I can leisurely go back to the hometown. I'll also bring some of the beautiful ladies with me, hehe.. I want to see their reactions.

Xyn laughed in his own thoughts.

I'll make the guys jealous.. hahaha.. But who should I take with me? One should be the minimum and the maximum. Having two might be a bother.

Xyn narrowed his eyes and held his chin as if he was giving a lot of thought into it.

Hm, the ideal one is Criswell. From her golden hair, golden eyes, white and smooth skin, she already looked like a goddess, the guys would drool over her. But, the more composed Adrasteia is also a great choice. She's comparable to Criswell after all. But if I'm going to take her, I can't let her wear a military uniform, so I should give her a dress.

Xyn nodded at those heavenly thoughts.

But, there are also the maids. They're great choices too. But bringing Cleia would bring a lot of attention due to her ears, but I can do something about that so that's not a lot of trouble... But if I'm going to choose from the maids. I'm only going to choose one of either Aesyla, Mira, Cleia, Nisea, Cardia. The others are a no go. They look so young. No one can blame me! I only made their appearance based on how they are depicted and what I've seen. And a lot of those depictions got stuck in my head and also the appearances.

Xyn racked his brains to make a decision.

Aaaargh!!! Dammit! All of them are beautiful, too beautiful. The guardians and also the maids, they are just very beautiful to choose one! Haaah, I felt like I overdid it on designing them.

After several seconds, Xyn still couldn't make a decision, it was just so difficult to choose from those overwhelming beauties.

Amidst his contemplation, there was a knock on the door and a tender voice spoke from the other side of the door.

"My Lord. This is Criswell, asking permission to enter."

"You may enter."

The door opened and a lady with golden hair and golden eyes wearing a white and gold dress entered. She had a beauty which one could think she was a goddess who descended from the heavens and was tenderly smiling as she stepped forward closer to Xyn.

"Lord. I've come to tell you that the banquet is ready to begin. We now await your arrival. However, the others are still being called as we speak."

Hearing that put a smile on Xyn's face.

"That's fine."

Xyn stood up and walked over to Criswell's side.

"Let's go, it's time to celebrate Christmas!"

Xyn was filled with excitement as he walked out of the room with Criswell.

Yes, I can't wait. Christmas is one of the best. I can't wait to eat the delicious cuisines the maids prepared. I'm going to drown myself of satisfaction tonight! I'm going to eat a lot!

Currently, it was Christmas eve and there was only a couple of hours left before midnight. However, there was no need to wait until that time to eat. Eating anytime in Christmas eve was fine. Besides, Xyn can't wait that long to eat. Granted he gets to eat in the mansion, but it was only sometimes due to the fact that he doesn't feel hunger, that also applies to his creations due to the Dark Blessing.

But, Xyn ordered the maids to cook the finest cuisines for Christmas Eve. The thought of having several dishes made Xyn excited to have a taste of those foods. Christmas was indeed a good time for a celebration.

Xyn and Criswell walked down the stairs until they reached the first floor. Before they could get to the entrance of the dining room, they came across Xelya and Sagremor.

"G-Good evening my lord."

"Good evening my lord."

Both of them said at the same time.

"Good evening to the two of you. So, are you looking forward to the feast?"

"Y-Yes my lord. It's my first time joining in a feast, so I'm excited."

Xelya said.

"Yes, I'm absolutely looking forward to it! I can already smell the delicious food from here!"

Hearing what Sagremor said, Xyn inhaled deeply. Indeed, he could smell the cuisines from here more clearly. With that, even though he could not feel hunger, he can't help but feel like he was hungry all of a sudden. Perhaps it was the need of his human side.

"It smells good. So, what about let's go inside now?"

Both of them responded in affirmative. Then they entered the dining room.

What laid before them was a long table with several chairs on each side and a lone chair separated from the others. Xyn already knew that seat was for him alone.

"Good evening, Lord Xyn."

The maids on the side greeted their master warmly while bowing. All the maids were all lined up on the side as though they had been waiting for a while. Well, that was probably the case. There were already several steel plates and lying on the table and it appeared the foods were covered to keep the warmth and freshness.

Xyn's eyes widened for a moment as he saw those plates on the table. There were just too many, the large plates almost occupied the central part of the rectangular long table leaving on the sides open for the people to eat.

Woah, I wonder what's on those plates.

That said, he already knew what cuisines the maids can make – it was just that he didn't know which one they made this time. Xyn gathered a lot of recipes from the internet and embedded those recipes within the minds of the maids. Xyn gathered a whole lot of recipes, it was like probably hundreds of them – recipes of food from different countries. Well, recipes could easily be obtained from the internet after all.

Still, Xyn only gave several different recipes on each maid because he thought it would be too much to give all maids knowledge of hundreds of recipes. What surprised Xyn was that the maids managed to perfectly create the cuisine, from the looks, textures, and taste. In fact, some of them were quite more delicious than what he had eaten.

"Good evening also to you, guardians." The maids continued.

"This is more than what I've expected, I am pleased."

Indeed, Xyn never expected that the cuisines would be this many. In the past, what they had for Christmas was not even half of what currently was on the table. It was also so simple back then.

"Thank you, master."

Xyn began to walk towards the seat of honor when another person entered the room. A beautiful lady wearing a military uniform hastily stood near the entrance and bowed her head.

"Please forgive me for being late my lord."

"No problem at all, Adrasteia."

"Thank you."

Adrasteia raised her head and walked over to where Criswell, Xelya, and Sagremor was.

Then something crossed his mind as he gazed on the metal plates atop the long table.

Still, there are too many, I don't know if I and the guardians can eat all of it.

Xyn glanced at the lined-up smiling maids.

Come to think of it. This feast is for me and the guardians. But what about the maids?

The thought of the maids not joining to eat in the feast made Xyn feel bad. So, Xyn got an idea for the banquet to be something like a bonding with all the created ones. That's right, everyone should join in.

"Maids, what about you join us?"

All the maids seemed to shrug from the sudden question.

"L-lord! How could we? We prepared these for you and the guardians. As maids, it's natural for us not to join your banquet. We are supposed to serve you while you eat."

All the maids nodded in agreement on Aesyla's remark.

"It's fine. Tonight will be different. We should celebrate all together."

The good thing was that the long table still had sufficient space left to add more chairs. Xyn snapped his fingers and in an instant, seven chairs appeared out of thin air and divided on each side. Suddenly, Xyn caught a glimpse of Agiel and Brutus walked past the dining room.

"Lord?!"

However, Aesyla called out to him, so Xyn didn't get to ponder why the two walked past. Besides, Xyn was certain they would come back shortly, so he decided to respond to Aesyla's panicked calling.

"Now that I've made chairs for you, you maids should join us. Just leave the drinks on the table and we shall serve ourselves."

The maids looked at each other for a moment and appeared to be reluctant. But they had no choice to refuse their master's kindness, otherwise, it would be rudeness. Even though they were reluctant at first, they were so happy and it was evident in their broad smile.

"Then we shall take you up on your kind offer my lord." Aesyla said.

***

Agiel walked towards the stairs in a rush due to the reason that the other guardians seemed to have already arrived in the dining room. Being late in the dinner might displease his creator so he must be quick. The reason Agiel took too long was that he was fixing himself up properly. He made sure he was clean and proper to the eyes, perhaps he unconsciously used a lot of time.

Agiel troubled himself on fixing his appearance was because dining with the others including his master was a very rare occurrence. Not only that, that was also because it was a time for celebration, a time to celebrate Christmas. Their master seemed to be celebrating that event, so naturally, his servants should also. Furthermore, Agiel himself was looking forward to the banquet.

On the way to the stairs, he came across Brutus, it appeared he was also late. For some reason, Agiel was not all surprised. Brutus was not exactly a man that moves quick, one could say he was a slow mover. Perhaps Brutus was also fixing himself, that was why he was also late.

Brutus did not put his hood over his head, so his grey colored face and pair of red eyes were clearly seen, he looked like a human between the age of twenty-eight to thirty, his long black hair which almost reached his neck looked like it was only combed a short while ago.

Brutus was standing straight and his robe was unwrinkled which was great. However, what caught Agiel's attention which appeared out of place was the staff in Brutus's hand. If Brutus was planning on bringing that staff on the banquet, then Agiel should tell him not to.

"Agiel, I see you're also about to be late."

"Ah, yes, you too. That's why we should hurry."

As they were about to step down the staircase, Brutus was still holding his staff. Thus, Agiel decided to talk to him about it.

"Wait, stop for a second Brutus, you shouldn't bring your staff to the banquet. You could say it's improper to bring that in."

"Oh, is that so. Sorry. Well, it has become a habit holding this staff all the time."

"I see."

Now that Agiel thought of it. He had not really seen Brutus without the staff in hand. It seemed it didn't just become a habit, it also became a part of Brutus. Agiel didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Perhaps Agiel was just overthinking to the point he thought that the staff became a part of Brutus – no, he was precisely overthinking it.

Brutus slightly tilted his staff and looked at it. It seemed he was to send his staff inside his pocket dimension. However, before he could, he shrugged with a shocked expression on his face.

Agiel instantly noticed the sudden change in Brutus's mood. For a moment he could sense hostility from Brutus. Then, a serious face turned to look at Agiel.

"What's wrong?"

"Several of my undead were eliminated.. But how are they already so close? Could it be they got through the others?" Brutus muttered to himself.

"Eliminated? So you mean there are intruders?!"

"Yes."

"Then, we should tell the others."

"Wait, don't you think we can handle them ourselves?"

"Hm.."

Agiel contemplated then he continued.

".. It could be some unknown animals who took out those undead. Humans are highly unlikely to reach this far into the forest. However, taking out several undead warriors is already worrying not to mention I know no such animals that can take out skeleton warriors. I think it's best to tell the others."

"We can't give trouble to the master don't you think that?"

Agiel jerked his chin slightly in what Brutus said. Then Brutus continued.

"The master is looking forward for the celebration. We shouldn't give him trouble on an occasion such as this."

".. I guess you're right. We should be able to handle the intruders. The master created us far away from the standards of power in this world, so I suppose we can handle them."

"Besides, I was given the duty to make defenses for the mansion, so it's my responsibility. So, you should go to the dining room and le—"

"What are you saying Brutus? I assisted you on the defenses, so I share your responsibility."

"..Right."

"On top that, we shouldn't underestimate the enemy, so I should come with you in order to have another power by your side."

Brutus nodded in agreement.

Then the two of them went down the stairs in a quick pace.

"But Agiel, if we walk out of the mansion, they might see us going out."

"If they see us, if we move quickly, they will likely think we'll be back in a short moment."

"I understand."

Shortly, they have reached the first floor and they could hear voices from the dining room. It seemed they're busy talking about something. Amongst the voices, Agiel could hear their master's voice.

With that, they swiftly went past the dining room and through the door towards outside.

"If we take too long, the master and the others will likely to start without us. However, we have to finish this quickly. I won't let those intruders disturb the master."

Agiel stated.

When their creator announced the banquet, which will be on Christmas eve, every guardian could clearly hear the excitement within his voice. That was why his every creation gave their all and enthusiastically prepared for the banquet. They will never let someone just ruin this night.

Then they began to quickly move forward.

"If the skeletons were eliminated close to the mansion, then the intruders are now supposed to be in close proximity of the mansion." Brutus said.

When they reached the fountain, both them halted to think.

"Then, if they're close, it should be easier to find them, we should summon som—"

Agiel cut his words when he suddenly sensed someone's presence nearby. No, it was not alone, he could also vaguely sense others. That alone could confirm that there were indeed intruders, in the silent night with no other people, the intruder's presence – or rather a human's presence cannot be mistaken.

Agiel instantly turned his head to where he felt those presence. He turned to look at the front gate – or to be precise, further than the gate. Sensing the same vague presence, Brutus also turned to look.

In the darkness, hiding behind a tree, Agiel saw a human. For the guardians were the ability to see in the dark, Agiel could see the man peeking from a tree and Agiel looked at that human in the eye.

The man's hair was gold and his eyes were red. With all those features as well his face, Agiel thought he was familiar. Indeed, Agiel had seen him before, it was the human from before.

"A human!"

Agiel shouted and he prepared himself to engage. This mansion was hidden from humans and was kept a secret, any human which discovered this place must be slain. In addition, the interference caused by the humans irritated Agiel so he decided to end this quickly, there was no time to waste.

Agiel instantly ran towards the human. With his level and speed, Agiel was certain he could reach them in no time and annihilating the humans would be no trouble at all except if there was someone among them that is powerful.

In Agiel's view, he was now about to reach the gates and he would only need to jump over it to reach the humans. Then, Agiel jumped.

However, as he was about to pass over the gates, he bumped into something. It felt like he hit a wall, and a vigorous crash on that unknown wall Agiel was pushed back for some reason. He returned to his balance mid-air after he was pushed back, but as he returned to the ground, he was all confused and startled.

"..What is this.."

***

"Well, now we should all take a seat!"

Xyn said while broadly smiling and spreading his arms. He sounded so energetic and excited which lightened up the mood of the room.

The maids walked over to the chairs of their choosing. At the same time the guardians also moved to the chairs they chose.

"Where are Brutus and Agiel? It's unlikely for them to be this late."

Everyone turned to look at Criswell which asked that question.

"Seriously, how could they make the master wait?" Sagremor said.

"I think I saw them pass by." Adrasteia said.

"Why would they? M-Master, should we start without them?" Criswell asked.

Xyn sat down on the seat of honor and laid his arms on the table and meshed his fingers.

"No, we'll eat and celebrate together. Wait for them."

"I understand." Criswell said.

"But still, what could they be doing?" Xyn asked.

"C-could it be trouble?" Xelya asked.

"I hope not, if it is, they would tell us." Criswell said.

Xyn too hoped it wouldn't be trouble.

The plan tonight was to have fun and bonding, so I hope everything's well. Even so, them not here after a while is quite unsettling.

"Adrasteia.."

"Lord?"

"I'm sorry for this but, could you check out for them. I also saw them pass by and I think you may see them outside."

"As you wish lord."

"Thank yo—"

Then all of the sudden, everyone froze for a second with their eyes widened. It was because of the sudden change of atmosphere, so sudden.

"What?"

Xyn muttered to himself as he looked around. The other servants seemed to be also baffled in the sudden change.

Xyn couldn't understand what was happening. Nothing seemed to be wrong around the room so what was really happening? Why did the atmosphere change? Xyn felt the atmosphere was quite strange and weird.

"What's going on?!"

Xelya said as though she was starting to panic.

"Calm down Xelya." Sagremor moved to the side of Xelya and held her.

Xyn immediately stood up because he was unable to stay comfortable during this unknown occurrence. In the middle of his contemplation on understanding the current event, Xyn thought of the two guardians which went outside.

Could it be?

"Everyone, go outside!"

Xyn gave his order and thus everyone obeyed. All of them ran towards outside and what they saw made them unconsciously held their breath.

Xyn was stunned at the sight. He peered his surrounding, the front gates were destroyed as well as the walls, above he could see nothing but darkness, to the side it was the same.

Instantly, Xyn knew now what was happening, but still, everything was not yet fully understood.

"We're caught in a barrier?!"

Amidst the confusion, Xyn saw Agiel and Brutus using their magic. Agiel was shooting a torrent of flames to the barrier and Brutus was shooting of blast of magic which had the color of green towards the barrier.

"Agiel!"

Agiel instantly heard Xyn's voice and immediately rushed towards his master.

"L-lord.."

In truth, Xyn was quite displeased for this sudden occurrence, and it seemed the two didn't tell him. However, it was not the time to address such issue.

"Have you tried digging the ground?"

"Ah, the barrier dug all the way to the ground."

What?! Then this is one powerful barrier. This is like a bubble!

"Everyone, use your powers to destroy the barrier!"

Everyone instantly took action.

Criswell was shooting blasts and beams of light. Adrasteia summoned four magical cannons and shot them all at the barrier. Xelya was casting several explosion magic with her staff now in hand. For it was dangerous to get near the barrier, Sagremor turned his wings into blades and continuously shot blades towards the barrier – if he gets near the barrier, he will definitely get hit by his allies' attacks.

Aesyla used her magic and a pair of golden transparent large bird-like objects came flying towards the barrier. Ambrosia, on the other hand, was shooting crimson icicles and crimson blast. Mira was barraging the barrier with several elemental spells. Cleia used her bow and powerful magical arrows paired with the wind. Nisea waved her hands and what appeared like magical knives flew towards the barrier. Cardia was shooting streaks of lightning from her hands. Fera sent beams of golden light which seemed to be igniting slightly.

Everyone was shooting almost to one area which was a wise idea. If they all attack at almost the same spot they could potentially create a hole on the barrier.

Meanwhile, Xyn was in deep thought on what he should do to get through this. And Xyn had thought of an easy way.

It's good they're attacking, but I've thought of something. I'm sure this will work.

This method normally worked and Xyn had never failed on the attempt.

"[Teleportation]."

Xyn felt a slight surge of magic flowed his body. However, he was shocked when something unexpected happened. It felt wrong.

What?! Why can't I teleport?! Is this the barrier's doing?!

For moment Xyn began to panic but immediately regained his composure, for panicking can only lead to nothing.

Then if that doesn't work, I'll just use this.

Magic circles engulfed Xyn's hand and then he raised his hand and snapped his fingers.

With this spell, he could hope it could destroy the barrier itself or perhaps kill the caster.

"[Night Fall]."

However, again Xyn was surprised.

That didn't feel right.

He looked above, of course, he only saw the tinted barrier. He looked at his hand. Xyn was already familiar with that feeling. As a magic caster, he could easily tell what that feeling was. He had been through that several times during his training.

Tch! The spell didn't work! How? Why? What the hell is this barrier?! Is it blocking the flow of magic outside?! Does that mean I can't cast magic beyond this barrier?! Why is this barrier even here?! I never heard such spell existed!

Xyn bit his lip and clenched his fists.

Why is this happening? Why tonight? Dammit! One more try.

In an instant moment, Xyn transformed into his Dark Incarnation and then cast a spell.

"[Ghost Walk]."

Xyn turned slightly transparent.

Immediately he ran towards the barrier. The servants were attacking at the middle of the barrier, so Xyn can charge towards the barrier on ground level. Thus, he charged on ground level towards where the gates once stood. He charged in great speed, hoping that his spell will work.

Then when he had reached the barrier, just as he was about to go straight forward, he was pushed back in the moment he touched the barrier.

Shit! It seems passing through the barrier really won't work. Then I have no choice.

"[Claws of Darkness]."

Large clawed black gauntlets appeared on both Xyn's hands. Then he used the flying magic ability from his Dark Incarnation – the one which continuously drains his mana. However, the speed it offered was the main reason he chose to use that.

Just before he could return his feet to the ground, he instantly flew towards the barrier pointing his right hand forward.

The sharp claws made contact with the barrier and Xyn could feel his arm was being pushed back a little. However, with his currently flying magic, he could trivially push back too.

The issue regrettably was that the barrier itself. Even with the sharpness of his claws, he could still can't seem to damage the barrier.

He used his left hand to hold his right hand so the right hand remained straight – with the pushing he was doing, it was natural that his hand would bend back, so he had to do something about it.

The reason why he only used one hand was so that he could focus all his strength on one point. With the sharp claws being pushed on one point, the sharpness can push through the barrier and damage it, and with the continuous push, the damage will get bigger and bigger. It was something like pushing a knife on a piece of glass, then the crack caused by the knife will spread further. Barriers were almost something like glasses, so Xyn thought of something like this.

"DAMN YOU!!!"

Xyn pushed with all his might. With it, the black blaze began to get wider and wider and shortly got to engulf a large area already. From a few distances, the servant could feel the incredible pressure emitted by Xyn.

"Should we use our personal weapons?" Sagremor asked.

"No, it's better to attack at a single point." Criswell said.

"She's right, attacking at random areas will only prove to do less damage. Plus, if we charge, we'll get caught in Lord Xyn's power." Agiel said.

Then suddenly a cracking sound rang out.

The servant instantly looked at where that sound came from. There they saw that their master had made some damage to the barrier. Shortly after, the cracks began to rise up the barrier.

"Everyone, attack directly above the master, right where there's a crack." Criswell said.

Everyone responded in affirmative and all of them shifted their attacks right above Xyn at a single point.

Xyn felt a little happy that he cracked the barrier-->>

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