The progress slowed significantly, it took longer to get from the capital to the border than it did to get to the capital from the ocean despite it being a shorter distance. With the border in sight it was clear the Monster Mashers and the allied armies would have to continue to fight tooth and nail to gain ground. It was especially difficult to progress now that the Empire increased its defences against the tactics the allies used. Non lethal magics and careful casting was now the main method since sleep and paralysis spells were less effective now.

  There were tactics Racknar could use to win a lot more easily, but those would definitely kill people. One of his favorites when he played Creatures and Catacombs was the “Black Hole Arrow” trick, an infamous exploit of basic mechanics of magical items. However, even if willing it would cost a small fortune and would basically be like introducing the atomic bomb to a magical fantasy version of fifteenth or sixteenth century Europe. The idea was far from thrilling to Racknar who was actively avoiding death as much as possible despite it being a literal war.

  The other side not only had larger numbers, but wasn't holding back, and with magic smokescreen tactics were hardly effective against the Empire. The alliance had a clear advantage in technology but we're heavily limited in its use. If Racknar fought this like a normal war it would probably be a clean sweep. The enemy would be carpet bombed from the sky just like in that doctored video with the Empire struggling to counter with the limited anti-air defences they have. Despite it being clear that's not what the alliance is doing, many in the Empire were still convinced the alliance turned Parisii and the rest of Gallia to ash.

  People always say actions speak louder than words, but sometimes actions aren't loud enough when drowned out by emotions. How loud one speaks or acts is pointless when the person on the other end is as unwilling to listen as a brick wall. Racknar didn't care how people saw him, only the end results. As long as he reached his goal of a better world, history could see him as a villain all it wanted. Racknar continued to give orders as they slowly pushed the line, eventually the front line was literally the border itself, the fenced area where people used to get checked before entering another nation had been destroyed and trampled in the conflict.

  Racknar took a moment to look at the destruction, caused mostly by the enemy, knowing full well that if any device was recording the fight it would have its images altered to make the devastation look worse and to look like it was fully the fault of his side. The Pope Emperor would twist every battle to vilify him and his allies further, making them look like a great evil that needed to be stopped.

  Racknar did his best to push back those thoughts as he personally jumped into the fray. Wearing special magic brass knuckles enchanted to be incapable of actually killing people and forcing his attacks to be non lethal so he didn't have to hold back. He could even add his abilities like Infernal Strike and still not kill his target. Racknar clapped the knuckles together before getting started, knocking out a person with each punch. Thanks to hast and his current level he could get you to sixteen attacks in a six second “round” of combat. Although Racknar knew “rounds” weren't really a thing here.

  Racknar still couldn't help himself but occasionally thought of things in Creatures and Catacombs terminology considering how many things from that game were still a part of this world. Heck, although turns were definitely not a thing, neither was action economy as he knew it, the fact his speed only allowed a set number of attacks in a six second period matching up with how many he'd have in a round was still interesting to Racknar. However, he no longer hyper focused on the parallel to game mechanics. Instead he just fought and focused on the moment.

  Person after person fell to Racknar as Davy cast non lethal AOE spells into the crowd around him and Krys'tal continued to fire arrows with different debilitating effects bursting off them on impact. Ariagoria was further back running healing for any injuries not just the Mashers, standing with Elizabeth who was doing the same. Marinette was using her shadow movement to sneak behind enemies with surgical needles. Although the glass firm couldn't work as well, direct injection still worked. It also probably freaked out the enemy to see a somewhat creepy living doll with medical needles chasing them down.

  Since it wasn't physical harm, Racknar had no issues with psychological warfare. In fact discouraging people from fighting was another way to gain victory without death. After several more hours of slow progress, the Mashers were finally stepping foot in Ran, having pushed the line to the other side of the border. The battle was hard fought, and took a lot of time, but they did it. The border was theirs. They continued to push until the border was behind the back line, finally the other army pulled back giving the allies time to rest and breathe. The party took advantage of this, setting up camp.

  These small case fires were somewhat regular, with the war often pausing at night or after a few days of restless fighting. It felt strange to Racknar, because in modern times such breaks are not a thing..You simply swap out the people at the front. And they definitely did do that a lot in the longer fights. But at least once a week without fail the Empire army would declare a stay of combat. With one of the days always being a Sunday. “They must be taking breaks for worship. We need rest too so I won't object.” Racknar remarked.

  Everyone agreed and sat down. The Mashers, Elizabeth, and the generals of each army all sat together in a circle. The drow commander spoke first. “You know, I'm still not used to using our apothecary and assassin skills to take hostages rather than killing people. This whole “bloodless war” thing is slowing us down.” Racknar growled. “Most of these people are just victims of deception. If you find someone that's unapologetically a peace of shit feel free to end them. Outside that we are to continue as is, using magic items to convert damage into non lethal including the breath weapons of dragons. Then we won't have to hold back as much.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “The artifacts should be here soon actually, then we can speed up progress. But I expect resistance to get worse as we head for the capital. We also haven't faced the younger summoned hero who's stronger than the one we killed and I'm assuming level wise Frederick is maxed out and has a number of legendary and mythic items. Though we have the spear of Longinus now since the older hero had it on him. Could come in handy if the enemy starts to summon celestials.”

  Racknar grumbled. “I'm honestly surprised unicorns and pegasi have been the extent of celestial entities so far. I haven't even seen lesser angles yet. Of course getting anything higher than “messenger” level angels would require multiple casters probably. Unless you know the true name, summoning a higher angel takes a lot of magic because you are forcing them to hear and respond. What I did was use the true names to get the attention and hope they respond. I've actually been extremely lucky that I've gotten responses.” Elizabeth nods. “Well if we need an angel I could probably accommodate. Ariagoria might be able to use the summon celestial spell too.”

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  Racknar shook his head. “If there are summoned angels on both sides it could get messy. Celestials won't attack one another either, not unless you dominate the summon. If rather not do that because using such a thing on a celestial is a good way to piss off some powerful entities. But if the enemy does summon an archangel then said archangel couldn't hurt me or Elizabeth. No being of celestial or infernal origin is allowed to do harm to another of those origins if that other knows their true name.”

  Elizabeth chuckled. “Right, and because you memorized them from your past life you're safe. But I only remember a few so unless it's one of those specific angels I'm as screwed as everyone else.” Racknar huffed. “Then I'll handle it, or I might not even have to. Who knows. Depends on how the order is worded after the angel is summoned. If you summon a high celestial and make an invalid request they say as much before they unsummon themselves. The caster still uses the spell slot too. So it wastes mana.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “I'm aware of the mechanics of summoning, even if I'm not a wizard I still studied a few things.” Racknar nodded. “Celestial and Draconic bloodline sorcerer. I'm aware. Strange that the rest of us have two full classes where you just have two subclasses of the same class. That's not normally how a Gestalt character works. I have seen games do that but they usually make the entire party do it that way. Anyway… no point in getting stuck on game mechanics. Especially if they are optional, homebrew, or don't apply to a setting that isn't turn based.”

  Ariagoria chuckled. “That's right, Creatures and Catacombs is a table top role playing game that uses turns. So those mechanics don't translate to a real world live action situation. You know, if a world is going to implement role playing game mechanics, it would make more sense to function closer to a soulsborn. Something TooHard would make. Just you know, the potential of not having a respawn mechanic.” Racknar grumbled. “Part of the point is the respawn. You can't die and try again and again if you don't respawn. How the heck would you learn the boss pattern without fucking around to find out and getting murdered multiple times?”

  Davy nodded. “The boss fights are notoriously hard, and built around the idea that it's a game and you can always level up and come back with knowledge of the pattern. The system wouldn't work without a respawn mechanic.” Racknar sighed. “Enough getting sidetracked, let's just rest while we can before the war starts back up again.” Everyone starts relaxing around a campfire. Davy and Krys'tal hold hands, as do Racknar and Elizabeth. Ariagoria chuckled. “Just out of curiosity, how are the relationships going?” Davy smiled. “Great, Krys'tal and I took time to adjust, but we made it work.”

  Ariagoria raised an eyebrow. “Oh? So you've figured out a way to close the gap between you?” Krys'tal nodded with a hum. “We can connect psionically, err… telepathically. It makes it easier for me to make adjustments for Davy’s sake. Marionette made an “awww” sound. “That's sweet. Even though your body makes reciprocation difficult you've found a way to make your relationship work. How about you two? Racknar, Elizabeth. How's your relationship going?” Racknar makes a so-so gesture. “It's hard to find time during this war, so we haven't exactly had an opportunity to… get physically intimate.”

  Racknar paused for a bit as Elizabeth blushed and covered her face. Then he continued. “Other than that it's been great actually. Although we get little time alone, I treasure every second.” Elizabeth hid her face more while Ariagoria offered a light swoon. “Awww, well that's precious. At least you both understand your feelings for one another. Once this is all over you two will have plenty of time for… nooky.” Davy chuckled. “Oh yeah, I bet as soon as this war is over it's straight to baby making for you two. Not that I blame you.”

  Elizabeth hides herself even harder as she starts making nervous and anxious noises. Racknar huffed. “Speaking of the aftermath… there isn't going to be much need for us to stay a party after. What are everyone's post war plans?” Davy shifted and hummed. “I was thinking of going to the cluster with Krys’tal, taking at least a vacation from adventures for a while. Maybe settle down. We haven't decided if we're having kids yet or not.” Krys'tal nodded. “I'm definitely considering it, and considering how Shatterkin create offspring it's definitely possible for us to make a kid together.”

  Racknar nodded. “Right, special magic crystals are given psionic energy from the parent or parents giving form to new life. It's actually really fascinating.” Ariagoria nods. “As for me I'll probably travel and spread the word of a “new” religion in hopes we can replace the Church of Longinus with something less xenophobic. Based on a mix of catholic principles and maybe add the seven pillars of the satanic temple.” Racknar chuckled. “I mean the pillars are fairly good. Some of them overlap with the testaments though. You might have to start from almost scratch. What about you Mari?”

  Marionette shrugged. “Might help my dad out again, might find something new to do. Honestly I'm not sure yet. I might firm a new party with the other living dolls and keep adventuring. Just until I figure something out.” Racknar nodded. “I'll probably be helping Elizabeth with the kingdom. It'll be a bit of a mess after it gains independence. So I won't be adventuring for a while after the war anyway. Once that's done I'll hit you all up and see who's down for hitting a dungeon for old time's sake.” Ariagoria hummed. “Yeah, we should definitely keep in touch, even if we go our separate ways after the war.”

  Marionette chuckled. “It'll be weird after the war. Not having a big threat to track down. Something might eventually pop up, but we'll have peace for at least a while.” Racknar stands. “I'm going to get a nap in before things kick back into action. I suggest everyone else do the same. We get back to it when dawn strikes. We got about twelve hours.” All the leaders sounder over to their tents, with Davy sharing his with Krys'tal and Racknar sharing his with Elizabeth.” Once in the tent alone with Racknar, Elizabeth started to fidget.

  After a bit of fidgeting, Elizabeth spoke up. “So I was thinking, a long rest in Creatures and Catacombs is normally ten hours. Eight for sleep, two for cooling down. That leaves us with two hours of cushion.” Racknar tilted his head. “Did you have something specific in mind for those two hours?” Elizabeth pouts slightly, crossing her arms. “You know, you're really frustrating at times. Sometimes I wonder if you do it on purpose. You're so damn oblivious sometimes. I can't believe I actually expected you to make the suggestion yourself.”

  Racknar shifts a few times while sitting in the tent. “Right… you see the problem is-” Elizabeth cuts him off. “I don't want an excuse. I can cast silence to prevent sound from escaping, and I don't care about what time of year it is. You're in full control of yourself. It's fine, I'll be fine. I can handle it, just trust me.” Racknar swallowed hard. “Are you sure now is the best time? For you, for me, for… us? I mean don't you want it to be special?” Elizabeth chuckled. “It will be, because it's you. Also, we have to make due with the time we have.”

  Elizabeth paused for a while before holding two of Racknar’s hands in hers, gently rubbing them. “I just want to have a wonderful night with my boyfriend. Is that really so much to ask?” Racknar gently ran a hand on her cheek with his fangs curling into a smile. “Are you absolutely sure about this? Because you can't exactly take it back.” Elizabeth nods. “I'm sure, I've waited long enough. We've waited long enough. We might not get another chance.” Racknar nodded before leaning in for what counts as a kiss for him, Elizabeth returning the gesture without hesitation.

  After a moment, Racknar laid Elizabeth down and hovered over her, his hand gently running down her side. “I love you Elizabeth.” She nodded with a blush. “Love you too, Racknar. Just… be gentle at first.” Racknar chuckled as he started to undress her with his fangs curled into a smile. “I'll try.” [Fade to Black] When day came the group had gotten ready again for war, ready to push farther into Ran and start what would be a long trip to the capital. Just before the battle started the new magic artifacts came in making it so the allies didn't have to hold back as much.

  When the two armies clashed again, the difference was clear. Dragon fire bathed the battlefield on top of magic, now that all the damage was magically altered to not be able to kill the dragons could finally be used as more than bombers. Lightning, ice, fire, acid, all effectively neutered and rendered incapable of killing anything. The enemy would merely be incapacitated. Once knocked out, the prisoners would be moved to a demi-plane like Racknar’s dimension door warehouse for safe keeping. Racknar did find it amusing that a spell usually used for storage was now being used as a mobile prison.

  The line was indeed being pushed much faster, wounded being treated, enemies being captured. The enemy could see the unconscious men being placed into the spell, a dimension doorknob just like Racknar's being used for a prison. Not a single person in the Empire side was killed. Racknar felt a swell of emotions, at this new pace they'd be at the capital in half the time he was expecting. Soon, they would have to face the summoned hero and the Pope Emperor. There was a measure of anticipation and anxiety in the air.