01x02 - The Demon Lord and His Vassals

[bunniefuu]

[sputtering]

[FEMALE VILLAGER 2A]

Vile demon!

[MALE VILLAGER 2A] You are

to blame for our suffering!

[FEMALE VILLAGER 2B]

Begone, monster!

[MALE VILLAGER 2B]

Finish her!

Don't hold back

on the immortal scum!

-[thumps]

-[grunts]

[indistinct chatter]

[hissing]

[gasps]

-We must act now!

-Sir!

[thumps]

[wind whooshing]

♪

[all gasp]

-[thuds]

-[people screaming]

[MALE VILLAGER 2C] But how?

[FEMALE VILLAGER 2A]

Our fate is sealed!

I heard rumors of

an immortal in your village.

Seems they're true.

You are beautiful.

Your soul shines with

the brilliance and fervor

of a thousand suns.

It would be a shame

for you to perish here.

Come, woman.

Your soul and your body,

devote them both to me.

♪

[alarm blaring]

Alarm, off.

[groans]

[chuckles]

-[rustling]

-[clattering]

[sputtering]

[clinks]

Eleclait.

[fire roars]

At your service, miss.

As always.

Today is the thirteenth month

of the Dragon,

2099 Fused Era,

and the current time

is six o' three.

The average temperature

within the cryotolerance zone

is minus two degrees.

Warmer than usual.

How are you fairing, Elec?

Internal Familia operations

are running smoothly,

both magistorage

and quantum processing.

We're functioning in optimal

condition this morning!

Good, but that's not

what I meant.

No matter.

[clicks]

[MACHINA] Lord Veltol.

Hm.

I have just finished

preparing your breakfast.

[groans]

Hmm. These delicacies

are unknown to me.

But my mouth is watering.

Impressive.

Immortal appetites are fickle.

I do hope it is to your liking.

[VELTOL] There is only

one way to find out.

[cutlery clinks]

[munching]

[slurps]

[gulps]

[sighs]

Divine.

[gasps]

[chuckles]

[chuckles]

Are you privy

to the whereabouts

of any other immortals?

Several survived.

The Immortal Hunts

didn't end us.

But as of late,

many of our kind

have disappeared.

I have lost contact

with both of my close aides,

Ornared and Palmlock.

I pray they have

simply gone into hiding.

About these Immortal Hunts,

are they ongoing?

Oh, no.

They drew to a gradual close

several decades ago.

The prejudice against our

people has died down as well.

The hunts

were originally instigated

to secure Marcus' position.

I highly doubt he has

a reason to revive them.

After losing contact

with my aides,

I went to their dwelling.

There appeared

to have been a fight.

There was a brief note

left behind.

Just a phrase.

IMMORTAL FURNACE

"Furnace?"

[MACHINA] Cryptic, no?

I hope they're safe.

-[groans]

-[clattering]

[MACHINA] Lord Veltol?

I'm all right.

It seems yesterday's injury

has taken a toll.

My power has dwindled away.

When I was in my prime,

that Ell Stunna would

have completely cleared

the clouds and instilled

the appropriate fear

into the hearts of the public.

Look at me,

I am a fraction

of the man I once was.

[MACHINA] Because the faith

that once fueled

your power

has greatly declined.

This modern age knows

nothing of your greatness.

[VELTOL] Tis a funny thing

to watch the world forget.

My name used to instill

such fear and respect.

Not any longer.

Now it is nothing

but a strange word.

In the present,

you're only spoken of

as a part of distant history.

[VELTOL]

We will rectify that.

[clinks]

Le Dua.

♪

[VELTOL] As an immortal, we

have all the time in the world.

Plenty of time to regain faith

from those uneducated fools.

[splashing]

Now, then!

I have much to do,

like survey our surroundings.

Are you well enough for that?

I will try to stay away

from combat,

but participating

in life will be better

for my body than lazing around.

Well, my lord,

in that case.

Hm? What now?

Would you like to go shopping?

♪

[MACHINA] We should begin

by finding you

some era-appropriate clothing.

♪

What is this place?

[MACHINA]

Please stand on that podium.

The machine will

take a 3D-scan.

[VELTOL] Three Ds, eh?

♪

So, you know, the garments

sold here are fine,

but not of the grade I wish

I could dress you in.

I feel I'm failing as a vassal,

but we must work

with what is available.

[chuckles] Fear not.

Those who possess

true beauty and grace,

such as myself,

cannot be cheapened by cloth.

If it were socially acceptable,

I would prefer to confront

the masses with my natural body

uninhibited by ratty fabric.

My lord.

Going nude is a no-no.

The commoners are unworthy of

beholding your luscious form.

They will surely turn to dust!

Is that so?

[MACHINA] Undoubtedly, my lord.

[beeps]

Do you have preferences

for your new attire?

I leave it up to you.

As you wish.

Elec

please determine

the best clothing option

from the perspectives of cost,

practicality, and versatility.

[fire roars]

That I can do, miss!

Searching based

on your parameters,

and voila!

[gasps] Huh?

A tracksuit? No.

That absolutely won't do.

-Lovely.

-Huh?

The design is refined,

yet simple.

Tis the perfect form

for dominating

this alien future!

You have done well.

[bleeps]

Oh! What a gripping insignia!

Is it some kind of crest?

No, sir.

It's an archaic form of text

once used by the nation

that ruled these lands.

Ah!

How quaint! Read it!

[MACHINA]

"Demon Lord."

[rattles]

Let us continue

to our next stop.

Machina, but you haven't

paid the nice machine!

Oh. All payments are digital

and automated these days.

Hm?

I have a question.

About?

What's it like

to wear the Familia?

Oh, uh, like how?

Marcus is traitorous trash

but it does seem

this device of his

is rather revolutionary.

Tell me, what's it like?

[MACHINA]

It's convenient.

It's intended magical

utility is fine,

but it can also be used

to gather information,

go shopping, and communicate

without the need to carry,

remember,

or think about anything.

Hm.

There used to be

a portable unit that performed

most of the same functions

the Familia does.

But the need to physically

hold it was inconvenient.

Hands free is key.

-Let me touch it.

-Huh?

[gasps]

Right at this moment?

-[gasps]

-Sit still.

Yes, sir!

[MACHINA]

We're in public and everything!

Alas, Lord Veltol's orders

are absolute.

I have no choice but to comply!

And no reason at all to refuse.

Quick! Your heart rate

and blood pressure

have reached

abnormally high levels!

-Promptly seek--

-[MACHINA] Silence, minion.

-[VELTOL] I'm done.

-Huh?

Oh, of course.

You just wanted a better look

at the Familia, right?

Right.

Does its position on your neck

not impede comfort?

It did feel fairly strange

when I got it.

-Now it's my norm.

-Your norm. Huh.

Indeed. In this day and age,

it would be difficult

to get through

daily life without one.

Thoughit simplifies,

I cannot say it necessarily

improves anything.

Huh.

Is something wrong?

-I need a job.

-[gasps]

I want to join the workforce.

[gasps] You mustn't!

If it prevents you

from debasing yourself,

I will work triply hard.

-Look around us.

-Our current poverty

is only temporary, my lord!

I vow to provide

better for you.

I will pick up more shifts.

If that's not enough,

then a second job.

Maybe even a third if need be!

-[VELTOL] Machina, listen.

-[gasps]

It's different.

I am different.

Perhaps the time has come

for me to change.

You would like

to care for me, yes?

I do not intend to take that

right away from you,

but I do want to help.

Without my duties

as king to occupy my days,

I must now pursue labor.

Hm.

♪

[VELTOL] Machina!

Fear not, for this world

is still mine to conquer.

Just wait!

As you did back then,

devote yourself to me.

As you command.

♪

I pledge to you,

for all time I shall stand

proud at your side.

I swear it upon my very soul.

That woman.

She needn't worry

about me so much.

You must allow me

to accompany you

on your job hunt!

I will be fine!

Besides, don't you have

work to go to?

I'll take off!

Why won't you listen.

I beg you,

for this is the truth.

Though incredibly unlikely,

if I am unable to find a job

due to some bizarre string

of incidental misfortunes.

My safety and sustenance

will be entirely dependent

upon your income!

[gasps]

[MACHINA] You would be

dependent on me?

[VELTOL] Indeed.

Now work hard

and make us some coin.

Another scumbag pimp.

Hope his d*ck falls off.

Work hard I shall,

but you must

at least take this.

It's charged up

with a little bit of money.

If you get hungry

on your big search,

you can use it to pay.

And! This will let us

communicate.

It even has a tracker inside.

Just say the word and I

will come racing to your aid.

Also, if you are approached

by any shady figures,

repeatedly press right here

and an alarm will sound.

[VELTOL] I am not a child.

Though my confidence

was largely a facade,

I am at a loss.

What is a job in this era

and how does one find it?

Perhaps I should ask her.

No, she'll worry.

[MALE UDON SHOP WORKER 1A]

Want the usual?

One udon.

-[MALE UDON SHOP WORKER] Enjoy.

-[slurps]

[stomach rumbling]

I haven't felt the pangs

of hunger in ages.

The decline in faith toward me

is truly severe.

What should I do?

Yeah, what's up?

Huh? That can't be it.

I told Bunny Bones

to call the shots.

[MALE VAGABOND 2A]

Please, sir!

Got some change to spare?

I'd even take food

if you've got it.

Beggars cannot be choosers.

Does anyone have

a job for me?

I have no money!

Hear ye all!

I am open to work!

While I cannot guarantee

my capability,

I'll do anything!

-So! Give me a job!

-Watch it, man!

What the hell you think

you're doing?

I'm seeking employment.

Then you better head on down

to the commercial guild.

Just bring your citizen ID.

I have no D's.

An ill*gal immigrant.

Careful.

You don't wanna be

caught hollering

about jobs on our turf.

So, I have made a mistake.

Forgive me.

Wait a second. Here.

What is that?

It's a resume form.

Take it, fill it in

with your work history,

and bring it to the guild.

Can't guarantee it'll land

you anything fancy,

but it's better than walking

in there empty handed.

Oh. The guild's on the fourth

floor of that building

with the Kaneyasu sign.

And a word of advice,

stay away from any company

under IHMI.

Especially ones

related to construction.

Why's that?

Because I've never heard

anything good.

[chuckles] I've been around

long enough to know.

Thank you for the warning.

[MALE INTERVIEWER 2A]

Um, Mister Veltol?

Tis I! Ask me anything. Go on!

"Dell Stella".

You have it listed

under special skills.

Correct. Special indeed.

What is a "Dell Stella?"

Ah, yes!

It is a spell.

With it, I can

instantly annihilate

enemy forces near and far.

How lovely.

I see you've also written down

"military tactics"

and "strategic command."

Yes! I excel at leading

large armies.

I do not boast when I say

none match my skill

when it comes to achieving

strategic objectives.

Uh, The Battle of Orbeall

in the year

seven twenty-three of

the Continental Era

is but one small example

of my thousands

of glorious achievements.

Orbe, what?

[VELTOL] You aren't familiar

with the Battle of Orbeall?

I guess I haven't seen

that one yet.

Moving along, achievements.

"Constructing the

Vaunheig Sanctuary Dungeon."

Right. I am renowned

for my dungeon work,

but that particular one

is in my top two.

Under career history,

you just listed

kingdom management.

Yes! I am a pro!

I ruled for a thousand years.

Due to great political unrest,

we warred, but my people

fulfilled their role!

To remain content!

Great.

Says your last job was over

five hundred years ago.

Was that an error?

No. The date is accurate

beyond doubt.

Though, from my perspective,

not a single day passed.

I assure you there was

no loafing about.

[MALE INTERVIEWER 2A]

Understood.

No further questions.

Hm.

[MALE INTERVIEWER 2A]

Mister Veltol.

Yes!

I hate to break it to you,

but we can't offer you

work at this time.

Why not?

That's the decision we reached

after careful consideration

of your resume

and this interview.

Furthermore, our company

doesn't offer employment

to anyone that doesn't have

a Familia implant.

Please show yourself out.

[VELTOL]

Question, Machina.

What plagues you, my lord?

Hypothetically speaking,

and please realize

I am certain what I am about

to express is not the truth,

but I need you

to confirm something.

I'm not utterly useless

in this era, am I?

It's just a hard day, right?

You were spited

by a puny mortal.

Please don't allow it

to depress you.

It is only a flaw of theirs,

they could not

see your greatness.

It is evident you were made

to stand above the rest.

Sit back and wait,

for soon you will shine.

-Huh.

-[grunts] No waiting.

Tell medo we have

a third party that could

offer advice on this world?

I suppose there might be

one person.

Ah.

So, you do have a friend

in the present.

What a relief.

"Friend" seems generous.

We go out to shop

and eat together.

We exchange jokes

and even sleep over

with each other on occasion.

What is that if not a friend?

Purely semantic.

I just asked her

to meet at a cafe.

She is headed there now.

Hey, hey! Sorry I'm late!

Who's the friend, Machy?

Great. The weirdo.

It's you again.

-You two know each other?

-Yes.

He was hungry

for some hacker pie.

Can't blame him!

I'm too hot. Ouch!

I am absolutely certain

that is false.

Come on. Don't ruin it.

Would it really k*ll you

to play along a little?

If I sunk down to your level,

there would be no end.

It's ya bestie

Takahashi speaking!

Sup, my dude?

-It's Veltol.

-So, you weren't playing

about the whole

Demon Lord thing?

I've heard

Machy ramble on about

resurrecting her

precious Demon Lord

like a bajillion times.

But to be real with you,

I didn't expect

her craziness to be legit!

You mustn't poke him!

He is royalty!

It's fine.

In the greatest times of need,

even a king must bow.

Pleased to meet you.

Same! A bestie of a bestie

is a bestie,

so I guess that means

you and I are linked for life!

Aren't we, Velly?

Takahashi!

So, how did the two

of you first meet?

Huh, guess we very first

met online.

On this Demon Lord,

otome doujin site.

[VELTOL] Doujin?

Lemme roll that back.

In other words,

we met in an avatar chatroom

for creative fiction enjoyers!

And from there we

-[VELTOL] Pardon me.

-[gasps]

[TAKAHASHI]

Chill out, Velly!

So grabby!

The heck's his deal, Machina?

He f*ndled my Familia

long before yours!

Well, congratulations

you big idiot!

Save the jelly for the PB!

Sorry I startled you.

I noticed your Familia

is different than Machina's.

I wanted to see

how yours functions.

How it's built.

How's groping it going to help?

He used his Sage Eyes ability.

To put simply,

he harnesses mana's flow

and uses it to inspect

what he touches.

So, those freaky eyes of yours

are how you picked up

on my hackage before.

I understand the elements of

the device but it is complex.

Therefore,

my analysis is incomplete.

We should broach

our principal topic.

Hm.

-Takahashi.

-Hm.

Lord Veltol was hoping

you could introduce

him to some work.

Just hit up

the commercial guild.

I tried to seek their aid,

but they shunned me.

No Familia.

You don't have

a Familia for real?

I am unable

to get one implanted.

That totally sucks, dude!

I need your advice.

Well, what kind of job

are we talkin?

If possible,

I would like a career

that makes my existence

known throughout the world.

So, we need a job that falls

within the ancient

Demon Lord's skillset,

and it should be a position

that farms some clout.

It can't involve a Familia

and the guy's definitely got

a few oddball mannerisms.

But he is a hottie

with a sexy voice.

[BOTH] Hm.

Good Immortal Evening!

Tell me!

How is life's despair?

Bow down, mortals,

to your king.

The great Demon Lord

Veltol Velvet Velsvalt!

Grovel, fool!

And subscribe!

[MACHINA] The Demon Lord

Veltol Has Arisen!