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-Cemetery in E-Rental-
Sitabus sat in the graveyard in front of the mausoleum, reaching out with one hand holding the gem, which pulls in the soul of Khanjii. He could hear the dead necromancer voice whispering in his mind. Pleading to be let go closing his hand, hearing the silent scream as the soul was shredded into experience points refilling some of what was lost after his kingdom of Ragnarok super tire spell.
When he opened his hand, he was unaffected emotionally by the soul he just destroyed. It did assure him he couldn't lose this world gem shard. Glaring at it with hate, this is what had taken Jade from him. As much as he would like to hide it away in Nazarick’s vault, it would not be safe there. Not that he could think of a safe place to keep them where the shards would be safe from Carnival stealing them.
He looked around, spotting a zombie target to test the next shard closing his eyes, he formed a mental link between the zombie and himself. Numbly feeling it shuffle and move unevenly, one foot scraped across the ground as it was locking the second shoe. Taking control, he willed the legs to walk right, moving its arms to hang down normally not awkwardly like it was seconds ago, walking like it was his own body up to the gate of the graveyard and punching.
Making it look up at the guard as they shot down arrows at the undead. Killing the weak zombie and breaking the link. With another successfully tested, he opened his eyes, listening to the whispers in his mind from the last gem he would need another target for this.
Looking over to Nimble, Leinas, Bardic, and Ritana waving them over to stand in front of him. As he rose to stand in front of them, he held out the gem. “Limit Break,” the world gem glowed brightly as he saw the air shimmer around three of them, but Ritana remained unaffected.
‘This one is not near her second limit yet,’ an old draconic voice whispered in his mind.
Narrowing his eyes at the gem before looking at three of his knights. “Leinas, Bardic, and Nimble, you should have an easier time training go with Velvet, and she will oversee the world gems shards effects.”
“Yes, lord Kettor.” They all saluted before each of them follows Velvet into the mausoleum.
Ritana walks up with questioning eyes and a frown. “Why didn’t you use it on me, lord Kettor.”
“It is not that I have not used it, but rather it has already been used on you once. Have you heard those words spoken to you before?” Sitabus rubbed his thumb over the shard in thought.
“Yes, in my fight with Go Gin, are you saying someone used it on me before?” Rita shot him an annoyed glare reaching out her hand to touch the shard as if that would give her an answer.
Sitabus watched her gloved hand touch the shard before recoiling with a yelp of pain. The same reaction had occurred when they tried to touch the shards. ‘Why did she react like the others? Am I the only one that can hold them if so, why? What could be the requirement to hold them?’
It burned everyone but him who tried to hold them undead, living, and even his vampire summons. Yet when he picked them up after meeting Carnival, they whispered to him in approval. He couldn’t figure out why though not without much more in-depth study, which he didn’t have time to do.
He could only stay in E-Rental a day or two before he would need to return to the empire. The trip wasn’t even going to be this long before Carnival popped up. Which was another issue where did Carnival go after the last illusion, or was it a spell. The administrators had illusions that could fool anyone, even the undead true sight.
Without Jester, He didn’t even know if it would be possible to fight another administrator. As much as he didn’t trust either of them, he needs Jester’s help, and Jester Couldn’t do much right now other than watching him. As the suns, early morning rays shined down over the cemetery.
“I don’t know; it is very possible. Do you know anything, Jester, if someone might have had them for a time?”
“Carnival locked me in a void to get those world gem shards. I will remind you this is why I can’t hold them myself. Do you really believe she would trust anyone but herself with them?” Jester crossed her arms as leaves fell through her shadow under the shade of a tree.
Sitabus scowled at Jester, staring deep into those crimson eyes. “Then why help Ritana but not Jade. What does she gain from it.”
“Carnival was my best friend before we got here; we learned to code together. This was when I had more than two of my five senses; that is the price I paid for thinking her good deeds are signs of kindness. Take my advice, don’t let Carnival fool you. Her justice trumps compassion and personal feelings always.”
Touch Me was like this. It was why he fought with Ulbert so much he didn’t realize how overbearing he could be. Not to say that Ulbert didn’t have his harsh side, he still couldn't remember which one left first. He had been sick that day.
“Then why were you at the arena if not to help Ritana against Go Gin?” Kathrin hissed at the shadow projection.
Kathrin walks up, keeping her eyes on the projection, tightly holding the spear in her hands, softening her gaze at both Ritana and Kettor. Kettor caught an odd moment for the shadow projection jerking slightly, indicating she knew Kathrin favors her spear for casting since Kathrin had every lightning spell he could find in YGGDRASIL. This spear complemented these lightning-based spells by boosting the effectiveness of channeling lighting.
“I feared she planned to kill another of your family. I would have helped you, my champion if anything had happened to Rita.”
Sitabus waved her away, watching the administrator shadow vanish from sight. Focusing on Kathrin and Rita. “My dear, you have that look in your eyes what happened?”
“I found out the Dragon kingdom had fallen to beast-men. They say they will consider anyone who comes close as food for the taking.”
“You don’t think they will stay put in their border?”
“If they invaded the dragon kingdom over a food shortage, it is only a matter of time before they attack the empire.”
Sitabus messaged Shalltear telling her and Clementine to be ready to leave then sent another to Velvet to return to Airwindar when the testing was done. Kathrin opened a gate to Arwintar, as he pocketed the gems, for now, he wouldn’t let them leave his person till a safe place could be found.
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-Carnival-
Carnival regretted not contacting Momonga more as she stared at the three too busy arguing between themselves despite the guards being dead, and the door to the cell was already open. She could feel her headache building at this mess; it didn’t help one of them was a bloody Heteromorphic.
All three had blue and gold armor covering most of there bodies. The first had mostly light armor over her priestess robes. She had a curvy body with her helmet off, showing under the dark blue hair two curved horns of a succubus and a slim lizard tail. No weapons in view, possibly a monk-like fighter or she was hiding her primary weapon. “We should leave and regroup. You can mope about killing the savages later.”
The second had a mix of metal armor and more modern combat armor holding an assault magnum 34. A magic gun that drained mana for bullets and was a mid to long-range weapon. At the very least, he was a sharpshooter with a few other smaller weapons in his pouches. He was a human avatar with dark skin as well with dark green hair and black eyes. “We should go back and try to find the floating Alvanle city. With the angel NPCs, we could save the city.”
The last was fully covered in blue and gold armor, similar to the others. Only it was thick full plate armor. Though his face was hidden, Carnival knows he was human as well; his war sword still stabbed into the last guard tower shield left on the ground. He was silent, but Carnival could feel his shock and regret from her location.
‘He must have high positive karma. Worse these where his first kills here.’ Turning to the other two trying her best to suppress her disdain for players of Heteromorphic avatars. She never liked those avatars; few picked them because of how hard it was to survive with them, those that did had a high chance of becoming like Ainz Ooal Gown guild, PKing, many human players, which is why Carnival found it odd to see one with two human players.
“Which one of you control the guild base which just crashed into the city.”
All three of them stopped arguing shock filled their eyes with the healer pulling out daggers from her inventory, and the rangers rifle pointed at her.
“Who are you, Simmra is anyone else close by.”
The succubus closes her eyes using her divine magic to scan the area around them for hidden enemies. Carnival could sense the strange demonic and holy magic twisting around in Simmra. It was unknown which classes she had, but Carnival could guess given her build was one of the harder ones to make. Combining to opposite magic types like this took weeks to obtain the right classes.
Unfazed by the magic bullets hitting an illusion or the hellfire as she absorbed the mana out of the spell before it could go off. “I am Administer Carnival Master. Now can one of you Go outside and control your guild base angels?”
There was silence before the knight came up to her. “Log us out now!. This is still Yggdrasil, right?”
“I didn’t really just kill anyone?” Guilt and regret were evident in the knight's words.
Carnival looked into the broken cell seeing a few malnourished humans many dead. The rest must have run past her as they killed the tiger men guarding the room. This is why she hated the new world in some ways. It was cruel, nor did she or her sister understand why people from YGGDRASIL where being transported here. She had spent years looking for a way back with no answer to comfort those like this man.
“You are stuck here just as I am.”
“Wait, the guild base got transported here as well! Guys, we need to go now before they notice us. I am not dying to the stupid last boss again.” Simmra urged them both grumbling about the last fight they must have had before arrival.
“NO Simmra, we can beat it this time, use the beast-man as a buffer and help this city.”
Carnival couldn’t believe this; these three players did not have much experience at all or much knowledge of YGGDRASIL. The fact that one of them was level 100, and the other two were close but not one hundred. Meant they had at least a month of playing Yggdrasil before arriving here. Yet they did not have control of the guild base their leader. The highest level of them was pleading to be sent back. The whole group dynamic was fragile and on the verge of breaking if she wasn’t’ careful. This mess of a group was going to take more personal assistance then she hoped for.
Thinking back to the world gem shards, she didn’t have an option she could use them to get back the shards then go back to helping them from the shadows. “I believe I can help you three so long as you save this city.”
Simmra glared at Carnival crossing her arms. “You can’t be serious. You want us to fight these angels after how well it went last time.”
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
Carnival turned to the succubi. If Simmra would not be cooperative, then she would have to remove the choice. Staring at Simmra with her administrator control, she forced teleported the avatar closer to the guild base. Before the other one could freak out, she turned to them.
“It seems your friend went ahead. Perhaps you should go help her out. I will help-”
Carnival used her [administrator sight] to see both their names. Jurououto HK9 and Delight Stromer 54, who kept his magic gun trained on her before quickly blasting out the back wall and heading off to help. Once she was alone, the last part of this new “team” needed to be motivated to move. Kneeling to his eye level, taking in the despair filled eyes behind the magic metal armor.
“Tell me, do you have a family back home?”
Jurououto HK9, the tense silence lingered before he finally answered. “A wife and child I need to get back to them. You must have some way. You were just lying before you must have.”
Regret filled Carnival as she contemplates telling him the truth. By his mood and her experience, she knows it would be like dealing with the leaders of the thirteen heroes all over again. Clenching her fist, if Jester could let the past go and be content to watch the world silently, she would not be stuck dealing with this. As much as she hated to lie like this, the reality of this situation wouldn’t help anyone.
“I know of ways, but first, you must help me reclaim my stolen powers. From an evil player called Kyuketsuki. He is part of Ainz Ooal Gown. Help me stop him, and you shall see your family again.”
She heard his growl at the name clearly; he was familiar with them. This would at least make this easier, helping him back up levitating over his weapon into the warrior's hands. He didn’t need to say anything to know the resolved look in his eyes. Leading Jurououto out of the building as many different beast-men circled them.
{First, we need to take the Alvanle guild base and clear the city of these beast-men.}
Carnival had a ping of guilt and pity as she watched Jurououto quickly cut through the beast-men every slash felling enemies. As he kept muttering to himself as blood spilled on his armor and sword. Keeping truth seeker hidden under her cloak for now. Only using illusions to trick attacking beast men into killing each other.
It didn’t take long to find the angels pop monsters fighting Simmira and Delight in the middle of the street. As both players were fighting off both beast men and angels. Simmra glaring at Carnival with distrust and fear unwilling to speak up for fear of what Carnival could do, the upside was that no players know the admin’s power range.
Which was her greatest weapon as long as they didn’t know she could be hurt and didn’t know her limits. There was little risk of them rebelling against or forcing her to find another option. Watching them fight these angels, she knows the only threat was the leader who had the skills to take on Kyuketsuki.
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-Royal Castle in Re-Estize-
Ainz took in what Albedo had told him. It was a little odd that Kyuketsuki had not asked while he was there in the capital. “Why has Kathrin requested Blue Rose’s help?”
“She has requested their help for investigating the new beast-men kingdom. The one who supplied the army to the Crow member and the prince Should we deny the request Ainz-sama.”
Kyuketsuki was different from the last time they met he was on edge about something. It wasn’t Shalltear meeting Brain, but something else he wasn’t secretive unless it was a personal matter or a threat to Nazarick Kyuketsuki knew he could handle. Usually, Ainz wouldn’t be worried about this kind of reaction, but based on what Shalltear had reported to him, Kyuketsuki was dealing with Administrators.
In YGGDRASIL, he kept a lot of secrets about his life outside the game. Refusing to talk for more than a few minutes vaguely about his life. More so than any other guild member, it always seemed to weigh on him heavily. In this new world, he could physically see Kyuketsuki struggling with something. He just had not been brave enough to pry it out of his friend about what troubled him. He hopes he would speak up if it became terrible enough.
The only reason he had a general idea of what was going on is that Shalltear guards his friend and sent reports regularly in case he got himself in danger again.
“No lend Kathrin blue rose to them, but I want reports on their actions and location every 3 days.”
Albedo smiled with some difficulty. “Of course, Lord Ainz. Are you sure they can be trusted near another supreme being?”
“If they do, Shalltear will report it, and we shall lengthen their sentence accordingly.”
Albedo accepted his orders allowing him to turn to the prince that had escaped Demiurge purge of nobility. “I leave prince Barbro’s fate up to you and Demiurge to decide.”
His next action would be together information about the dwarf's kingdom in the Azerlisia Mountains. While he had his undead army, many adventures in his sorcerer kingdom lacked proper magic armor or weapons. It didn’t help that many had died between trying to raid Nazarick and Demiurges testing Re-Estize.
Which was the central part of sparing Blue Rose on top of Gazef refusing his offer. After seeing just how lacking adventure jobs were and talking with Pluton and other adventurer guild leaders. He wanted them to become more what he envisioned for them. To explore the unknown with Renner to take care of Re-Estize. He could explore with Albedo, which had been working out better than he expected.
After a short message from Entoma, he already had a plan forming. It would be a nice break from ruling and hopefully find the dwarfs to forage war gear for his adventures.
“After we meet with the lizardmen, how about you and Aura go adventuring with me to find the Dwarf kingdom.”
Albedo gaze filled with lust and desire trembling, holding her self back.
“Lord Ainz, will you be going in your handsome superior human disguise lord Kyuketsuki gifted you?”
He shivered at the stare Albedo was giving him fearing saying yes. Albedo was almost guaranteed to jump him at some point if he did having noticed his libido returned to him in that form. Forcing him to use it sparingly, but now Albedo seemed to encourage its use.
Did Kyuketsuki realize the monster that was Albedo’s lust and love he now had to deal with when he gave him the cursed item? Even if the human face put the public at ease, it also attracted Albedo’s attention to his weakness.
“Uh, we will see how it goes! For now, have Momon and team darkness help out around the sorcerer kingdom.”
The overseer quickly obeyed and went to go inform Renner and Pandora while Ainz prepared to meet with the lizardmen. Letting out a breath once she was out of the room. He still had a little guilt about the changes to Albedo, wondering what Tabula would think. Envisioning the moments along with Albedo overflowing with happiness and bliss.
He was making Albedo happy, so it was a small comfort, and the rest of Nazarick did not mind. Deciding he would just have to talk with Tabula when he saw him again. Lowering the magic defenses to allow the teleportation of the lizardmen to arrive.
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-Arwintar-
Aveda followed him through the streets of the city a few vampire brides and blood knights patroles pass him. As Ghoalest pulled carts, it was the only suitable option after Kathrin had band horses in the empire. He still remembered her arguments.
‘They are weak, an untrustworthy beast which will fail our people at the worst of times!’ She had already passed the law, and he didn’t feel like going through the paperwork and logistics to change it back. Sitabus used the opportunity to test out the Ghoalest Siegfried created. They could easily create and breed others, so they were quickly becoming a staple of the empire.
It was an issue among a few he was working through with Kathrin on. The only reason the empire still has silver currency is his insistence; it would create undue confusion before the coming beast-men attack.
He was sure it was not the end of the matter Kathrin’s concern people might use it against them was a good point. They could just limit and control the sale and creation of weaponized silver, not to mention he still had to get a safer way to train troops. His thoughts wandering to how to fully put down people's distrust of the undead. Sighing as he realized he was letting his mind get dragged down by politics and laws again.
Taking in the view of the peaceful and busy streets before him, there where fewer people. People were still adjusting to the changes slowly, but most in the capital no longer stared at the undead labor or vampires walking the streets.
He was getting closer to the Grindal vines inn, and he had lost a lot of time for sightseeing in the city, and it’s people, lost in his mind again.
Sitabus wasn’t sure why Kathrin wanted Blue Rose’s help. He was still trying to settle his mind on how to deal with them.
On the one hand, they had attacked Nazarick and tried to rob and vandalize his home! This would generally be enough either to leave them to whatever cruel fate Nazarick and Ainz decided.
If not for the fact that the crows had manipulated their actions, he knew what it felt like to be burned by misplaced trust. Which left him with mixed feelings about working with them. If he screwed up or failed to read them thoroughly, his words and actions could condemn them unfairly. Which Kathrin would use as his example on how to deal with future lawbreakers.
He had to set an excellent example for Nazarick to learn from. Ainz was far to loose with Demiurge creating unneeded death, and too much of this could lead the people of the new world to become Nazarick’s enemies. Already Ritana had an ax to grind with Jaldabaoth if they ended up fighting the ‘demon emperor.’ What was he going to say he couldn’t combat an evil demon which stood against the ideas he promoted and stood for.
“Emperor Kettor, do you need something?”
“Nothing, I’m just worried about the beast-men kingdom.”
He turned his gaze ahead again. There was no need to worry Demiurge's next plan was in the Holy Kingdom.
“Why don’t we just attack those savages first like we dealt with Rediavine.”
“I agree with the lasses those animals are a danger left unchecked.”
Kettor stopped to turn to his two elite knights; both of them had a fire in their eyes. If only more where like them it would be so simple to do. The reality of public opinion and politics had unpredictable effects on all things.
“In Yggdrasil, I became infamous at killing guilds and infiltrating them. I only targeted the bullies of PKing guilds as a PKK (player killing killer) I thought others would praise me for it.”
“Did they?”
Rita slapped Bardic shoulder. “They must have they where evil.”
“I became feared by all races being called a ruthless player. It became hard to play with anyone who was not part of my guild.”
Sitabus’ avatar name in-game had become famous in the Nara region, possibly across Japan. In hindsight, this was probably part of what led to Bellriver’s death. It was easy to infiltrate guilds by blackmailing the member you're impersonating to stay offline for a while. Along with faking contact and emails to pull it off if needed.
It helps he didn’t kill them like his usual job as an assassin before he found out the truth.
“Why? They were killing others, unjustly!”
Kettor took Rita's hand in his own rubbing over the armor.
“The real world is never as simple as we want Rita. Even after the rebellion of the four god faith and the treachery of the slane theocracy. Many still hold the belief that all undead are evil and hate the living. Though I agree and would love to save another kingdom. they would merely claim it as proof of my hate of the living and exploiting the weakness of another nation.”
“We should still do something you could send Bardic and me to clear out a city.”
“lass, I know your heart is in the right place. Best not test our limits alone and in hostile mines.”
Sitabus sadly smiled. She reminded him of his past self after just losing Mie. He wouldn’t let Ritana end up like him regretting the path he took patting her shoulder.
“We will help them, but I must think about the empire suffering first. I know you are still grieving them, but as a good friend told me, don’t lose yourself to that darkness.”
Ritan frowned with downcast eyes seeing the questions and confliction in her eyes settle before finally.
“How can you stand not being able to do anything about Jaldabaoth. He took so much from you. I only lost some old friends, yet I…”
Rita clenched her armor covered hand tight, gritting her teeth in grief and rage. Her eyes changing color with her righteous fury and determination. He lightly kissed her cheek, earning a confused stare.
“I can’t think about things I can’t change my fiery warrior. Our mistakes in blindly hunting evil will endanger or hurt those we wish to protect. Temper your passion, grow strong, and don’t lose that sense of justice. And when the time comes, don’t fight Jaldabaoth, out of vengeance or rage. Fight him because Justice is common sense.”
Sitabus gave a warm smile hoping it would help. He had no idea if it did, but he had to say something to help Ritana. She didn’t need to know he had no desire to try faking a fight. If he was better at hiding his skills, Kathrin wouldn’t have had to kill off Tarick.
‘We can hide our skills, just fine. This world is just too weak. You should just let us march over and slaughter-’
Sitabus takes a slow breath and resists the urge to glare at his shadow and/or reflection. Closing his eyes and focusing like Velvet taught him, he smothered the shadow’s words. Opening his eyes to see Ritana staring at him, considering his words as she uncurled her fist.
“Sorry for taking up your Time we should probably hurry before mistress Kathrin gets impatient.”
Kettor waved off her worry. “None sense as emperor, I will always have time for my people who need guidance or help. Especially my personal knight to my humanity.”
Ritana blushed at the praise spending the rest of the way to the Grindal Vines inn, thinking on his words, it was hard to say if they helped Ritana or not.
The inn keep greeted them and had a vampire bride lead them up to the meeting room. Where Kathrin was waiting with Blue Rose, five members all in the room. They bowed to him as he entered.
With glares sent his way, Sitabus could see the fear and distrust in them. Save the masked one, but they would not challenge him; he could only guess what Nazarick had done to punish them.
‘We should lengthen their punishment turn them into our eternal servants before Ainz sinks in his hooks.’
Sitabsu focused again, shutting out the voice again; he would judge them fairly. He would only take such actions if it proved necessary.
“Hello, Blue Rose, as Kathrin has probably already told you I am the other supreme being of Nazarick. You may call me Kettor or emperor. Before I go into the rules, I would like you all to introduce yourselves. Along with handing over your weapons, you will not need them right now.” Biting back his disdain at using that title, he had no business holding.
“I'm Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra, leader of the Blue Roses. Here are my Floating Swords and Kilineiram the Demonic Sword.”
Lakyus toke off her blades; the dark midnight edge blade caught his eye. Seeing the energy of a curse clinging to the blade. Carefully examining the Kilineiram sword contemplating keeping it, but it was made with less durable metal than his sabers. Handing them over to Rita to the shock of the Blue Rose team who saw Ritan take the demon sword without issue.
Gagaran, Tina, and Tia didn’t have any weapons of note, just the hammer and ninja weapons. He was sure the ninjas Tina and Tia had more hidden. Nishikienrai was a master at having throwing weapons hidden on him in YGGDRASIL. So long as they behaved, he would let it slide.
Evileye was the last to introduce herself, but he was tired of dealing with admin’s who hide their faces holding out his hand.
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-End of Chapter-