[Center][img]https://i.imgur.com/rAjMFoe.png[/img]
[color=979CB2]LOCATION:[/color]Sandswept Sky - Al Mamoon
[color=979CB2]WORD COUNT:[/color] 1,243(+2 EXP)
[color=979CB2]MENTIONS:[/color] Midna, Laharl[/Center]
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Mao's eyes fell on the creature he could only identify as some rare-colored imp of sorts, introducing herself as Midna. The wide assortment of demons in the Netherworld made it easy to accept the individuals of different shapes and sizes without a lot of confusion on his end. It was her introduction that also made him realize he hadn't introduced [i]himself[/i] even, having gotten used to just being known on sight by his Netherworld residents. Introductions tended to be polite, which went against his norm, so he kept it short. Despite the absurd regard he held himself to, he wasn't in a position to really gloat to these people either. His status from his own world wasn't something that'd matter if any buff guy built with a bunch of saxophones could knock him down. [color=979CB2]"Name's Mao. It won't take long to get there, so anyone coming along better stay ready."[/color] He warned, taking Midna's suggestion to start walking. Better to get this over with, and get some answers at the same time.

At her suggestion, he looked up at the sun, hand attempting to block out some of the bright light. [color=979CB2][i]It's huge,[/i][/color] Mao thought to himself, noting that this False God, according to Midna's story, was much more powerful than he had first thought. That light she mentioned, it had sparked to mind prior. He didn't have to worry about his Netherworld being taken over, it seemed, as instead it had been destroyed and possibly used to stitch this place together. In a way, it was brilliant. A huge undertaking, splitting so many worlds and combining them into one abomination. Mao found this to be fascinating, wondering if he could manage the same effect with Netherworlds. More land to rule, more power to obtain, after all.

[color=979CB2]"Despite just going about their lives, they're all influenced by that Galeem guy, huh?"[/color] He looked at the red-eyed individuals he walked past, wondering how he could have ever thought this was all normal. With a clear mind, he saw things for how they were, and how dangerous a place this was. This Galeem was truly comparable to an Overlord, ruling over a vast world like this one. Impressive in a way, but to have been mind controlled on TOP of the mind control? Infuriating, but he could handle that in due time.

That left their goals on the table. Defeat Galeem, which Mao could understand and had a personal piece in. And the conflict between the Resistance and the Grim, which... Mao was also personally involved in, for numerous reasons at this point. [color=979CB2]"I noticed nobody on your side going for kills during the fight, it makes sense now."[/color] Gathering as much force as they could... Galeem had to be strong so it was smart. But before that, they'd have to beat the crap out of these 'Guardians' that are blocking the way. Sounded like a road of violence and glory, which was something Mao could get behind. He was always fond of the 'level grind' concept, anyhow.

[color=979CB2]"I guess that means you removed the influence from us so we'd join this fight too?"[/color] It was an obvious question, which Mao didn't really expect an answer for, instead deciding to confirm his stake in this mess. [color=979CB2]"Not like I have much choice. If my world was obliterated by that light, then I have to fix it to get my peons back!"[/color] What was an Overlord without minions? Nothing! One might say he was 'friends' with a few of them, but Mao would just say he needs his fighting force. Being a ruler with nobody to rule wasn't any fun either.

At Midna's posed question about the alignment of those in the Resistance, Mao shrugged his shoulders. [color=979CB2]"It's a grab bag. Some of them, like Klee, wouldn't hurt a fly without Number Two's brainwashing. Then you have the freaks, like that chick with the robot legs, who's just happy to kill for the sake of it. I'm sure the group we're going after will be mixed between those who're being mislead, and those being manipulated into using their craving for violence against Number Two's enemies."[/color] Hand on his sword, Mao personally felt no pain in potentially having to put down a few of the Resistance members, especially the boss herself.

[color=979CB2]"For the sake of recruitment I'll [i]try[/i] and leave them in one piece."[/color] He wasn't making promises though, as fighting to maim and not kill wasn't usually his M.O... But this conflict was bigger than him. He was reasonable enough to see that. He wouldn't confirm he'd put his own goals aside, but with how their situation aligned after the Friend Heart, he'd have to try and play by their rules a bit. In a world like this, Mao could see the end justifying the means though. If he could gain enough power, Galeem wouldn't be a problem. A transformation into his unrestricted form would be enough to obliterate Galeem, but he was nowhere near that level. But Demons lived a long time. He had plenty of time to train, unless there was a timer he was unaware of. He noted to potentially bombard Midna with more questions later, though for now, something was distracting his senses.

Mao came to a sudden halt, the cause not immediately clear, at least to anyone else. [color=979CB2]"Wait,"[/color] He called to Midna, head slowly gazing leftwards as his senses demanded, only to see what could be described as an obnoxious blue-haired snot running their way, barreling through people like he owned the place. Mao wouldn't have cared, but he carried an energy about him: One similar to Mao's own, marking him as not only strong, but also a Demon. And an Overlord, at that.

His words stung Mao's ego, light gleaming over his glasses as he hunched forward somewhat, glaring at the half-naked idiot in front of him. [color=979CB2]"I'll have you know the only time I step into the library is during torching hours!"[/color] He objected, disgusted by the idea of even reading a book! Unless it was something completely unproductive, like a comic book, that is. [color=979CB2]"You're talking to the previous #1 Honor Student and current Dean of Maritsu Evil Academy! The name 'Mao' is enough to kill a delinquent on the spot when they hear it!"[/color] He stated proudly, standing back at his full height and offering his signature [i]Mwahahahah![/i] evil laugh as proof of his devotion to the vile arts.

Looking over Laharl in more detail, he saw the traits of the other Gleaming folk in him, signs Midna pointed out for him prior, thankfully. As much as Mao'd love to hurl insults at him for what he said, he recalled that they didn't want to constantly try and start fights. Which also wasn't something Mao was used to. With the circumstances, he had to try and adjust. Tact wasn't exactly the scientist's strongsuit, however, so he simply verbally barged straight ahead and told Laharl about as direct as he could.

[color=979CB2]"As much as I'd love to sit around and gloat about my superior Evil Quotient during NPC banter, I've got revenge to take! [i]Official Overlord business.[/i]"[/color] He said in an attempt to disregard and/or discourage Laharl from getting in his way, but unknowing to him, it was probably more of a reason for him to join in on the trouble. Aside from the additional fact that Mao had no idea Laharl was already 'with' the Seekers, and was probably looking to rejoin with his team anyway