Kaijin Fighter: So I Have to Make Monsters, So What?

'Oh dear gods, it's good to be back! I didn't realize how much I've missed this place until I could smell it again! Is that weird?'

=A little, but it's understandable.=

<Ooooh, new people, new patrons, new servants! How exciting! I can't wait to freak them out with my new body. Well, new skull anyways.>

'That was oddly specific, but I'm choosing to ignore that for now. Is it safe to assume that you guys have everything ready for what's to follow after I deflate for a bit.'

=Arena is prepped, workshop has been fully upgraded, and the relevant books have been prepared for the relevant parties. All we need to do now is to settle everyone in and make relevant introductions.=

'Excellent...wait, arena?'

<Oh, right. We made a promise Olstenna that if helped us find you, we'd let him challenge you to a duel.>

'...'

=Well, your mother did.=

'...of course.'

...

<Welcome mortal, monsters, and tasty future morsels, to the Library of Nowhere! My name is Pathos and please, keep your shoes wiped and your fingers to yourself until we can issue you library cards.>

^WHY IS THERE A FLYING GIANT CANDY SKULL TALKING TO US?!^

<Hahaha!>

"Ah, I missed this." Zhen Liu sighed as he watched how his friends from Dozing Salamander reacted to entering the library and seeing Pathos for the first time.

The curator of [Emotional Chaos] had apparently decided to manifest as a giant sugar skull for the sake of introducing themselves to the new people, instead of taking on a humanoid or animalistic form.

Regardless, after Zhen Liu had opened the gateway to the [Library of Nowhere], the way he and his allies entered into the hallowed halls of knowledge, varied greatly from one another.

The Kaijin, mostly, acted as if they had just returned from after an incredibly long business trip...which they technically were.

[Ah...that's a nostalgic scent,] Razorstella stated while stretched her arms.

[We've only been gone for a few months at most,] Springerdermain pointed out while shaking dust off of his cloak and hat. [Not exactly enough time to form a feeling like a nostalgic connection.]

[Doesn't change the fact that I missed having access to my room,] Razorstella retorted. [Speaking of, I'll be heading back there now.]

[Wait a minute, we get rooms?] Rail Horn asked once he heard that tiny bit of information.

Of course, not all of the kaijin present were familiar with the library and it's workings.

The Gallop Brothers and the Doll Twins had entered the library with shocked looks of wonder the moment they entered the place, as they felt the [Chaos] of the structure empower and nourish their inhuman bodies.

Being informed that they were also going to have their own private quarters on top of that was a matter of joy for them, since they literally owned nothing up until that moment.

[Wait, can PD and I share a room?] Corpse Doll asked the older kaijin.

=Don't worry, that has already been arranged.=

[Oh? Whoa!]

But before any of the kaijin could answer their proto-compatriot, Logos decided to make an appearance.

In sharp contrast to the garish and odd look of her counterpart, Logos decided to manifest as a refined woman with skeletal makeup.

Zhen Liu recalled this look similar to "La Calavera Catrina"

... Psychic aside...

'Aight, why do the two of you seem to resemble symbols related to the Day of the Dead?'

<Your new Kaijin consists mostly of the resurrected dead, so we figured we'd go with forms related to such things.>

=There had been discussion of whether we should manifest as reapers or some kind of psychopomp, but that would've sent the wrong message.=

'Fair enough.'

...Back to meat space...

=Depth Strider, Pegsoar, Railhorn, Corpse Doll, and Porcelain Doll,= Logos addressed the new kaijin individually. =As the curator of [Logical Chaos], I welcome you home to the [Library Of Nowhere]. Your respective quarters have already been constructed in the residential wing of the library. Please feel free to make your way there any time you wish. If you wish to spend your time elsewhere, that is fine too. We have plenty of books and activities to keep you occupied.^

[Uh...thanks,] Depth Strider said as the defacto leader of the aformentioned kaijin.

While this introduction was happening, Screamira, Nepherage, Razorstella, Springerdermain, and Blazejudicator all left to go back to their own rooms or relax as well.

It had been a long trip, and they wanted to relax in the way only the kaijin could.

While this was happening, though, the mortal allies of Zhen Liu were...mostly freaking out.

Well, Maggie, Taurna, Lyona, Lythero, and Antonio were anyways.

They were, however, mostly veteran aether warriors, so they were able to overcome their shocked feelings and address the fact that the giant floating candy skull had mentioned something rather weird.

^Wait a minute, what's a library card?^ Lythero asked for the group. ^Is that the same as a membership token?^

<In a sense, yes. The card will allow you to access the library without our automated defenses turning you into hollow husks, as well as borrow books about whatever you want to learn about, and make use of whatever facilities we have on hand. If you have any additional questions, just ask.>

^Huh...^

On the other hand, Zhen Xing and Zhen Tai were actually looking excited/relieved that they were finally on home soil and had the chance to sleep on a bed that wasn't made of straw and stone. Although, they couldn't help but to chuckle at seeing how the others reacted when they got the Logos and Pathos treatment. It reminded them of when they first gone through it as well.

"Hey, do you think we could get our own keys to the library? Or at the very least, ya think we could find a way to get our own teleportation aether treasure?" Zhen Xing asked Zhen Tai as the two of them were getting ready to melt on a couch somewhere in the library.

"Honestly, we can probably find a book or two about making one ourselves."

"Yes!"

As the youngsters settled into the nicer parts of the library, though, a certain Ignarii warrior was getting more and more impatient the longer they stood around and did all of this polite shit.

Olstenna allowed these pleasantries to continue only for a couple more moments before walking up to Logos and Zhen Liu.

The Ignarii could see the serious expression on Zhen Liu's face as he walked up to him, meaning that the man was fully aware of what was about to happen next.

Perfect.

^I have fulfilled my end of the deal and have brought home the Kaijin Lord back to the library safe and sound. Actually, I think I brought him back a little better than that,^ Olstenna opened the conversation, setting the tone for what was to come. ^I want what was promised. I want to fight the Kaijin Lord, now.^

"..."

A small part of Zhen Liu had hoped that Olstenna would've thrown away the notion of fighting him after dealing with Dante and the horde of bullshit that man had brought with him when he took control of the [Mines of Malevolence]. But seeing the passion in his eyes, made Zhen Liu realize that this was going to be one of those moments where he would have to meet this feeling head on and deal with it himself.

And in all honesty...he kind of looking forward to it.

"And fight me you shall," Zhen Liu answered, making it a point to match Olstenna's vicious gaze with his own.

"It's honestly a bit praiseworthy seeing you wanting to throw down despite the obvious daggers being stared in your direction."

The moment Olstenna started flaring up his killing intent in Zhen Liu's direction, all of the kaijin in the library had already locked Olstenna in their sights with the intent of snuffing his flames out faster than he could twitch.

"That stated, I will have to make ammends to the agreement of this duel since part of it was made under less than ideal circumstances."

"What?" Olstenna growled, not liking the sudden change.

"Don't worry, I think you'll quite like what I have to say," Zhen Liu said with a smile as sweet as honey, but eyes as cruel as a hornet. "If you win this duel of ours, you have free rein to kill me or spare me as you wish, either way, you'll also be given the library as a prize."

^Are you serious?!^ Olstenna exclaimed with surprised glee.

The [Library of Nowhere] was an excellent prize for any warrior, regardless of their proclivities and origins. With its knowledge, Olstenna could find all sorts of rare treasures and exotic opponents.

"Of course, I am," Zhen Liu kept smiling, understanding that Olstenna was now dancing in the palm of his hands. "But on the flip side, if you were to lose against me, then I demand complete and utter loyalty from you. Meaning you can never challenge me again if you lose. Agreed?"