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“I don’t have any weapons.”
“The mask, please, I don’t want someone impersonating you.”
“There is no need; we don’t plan to oppose you.”
Kyuketsuki gritted his teeth after asking twice more with a flimsy excuse or plea he grew tired of asking.
“Evileye, show me your face and hand me the mask now.” Using his command matra, he found using names limited the effect to one person.
The caster struggled against the command, and it would have failed had she been any other kind of undead.
Taking the mask and looking into those bright red eyes of the youthful face of a vampire. Realizing the real reason for the mask, he thought about giving it back. Looking back at the four teammates at the table.
‘We can use this in so many ways.’
“I am sorry for this, but you attacked my home Nazarick. You may have this back after we are done.”
Staring into those scared eyes, watching her join her team, all of them were shocked. But held their tongues for now. This would not be the place for them to talk about this subject.
Taking a seat next to Kathrin with all four knights seated around them.
“First, the ground rules, you will follow my orders to the letter. Second, if you betray me or run, you will regret it worse than attacking my home. Kathrin will decide the punishment. Third, if you all do excellent work as a member of Nazarick, I will lift your sentence. Any questions before we move on to your mission here.”
Gagaran glanced at Evileye with a scowl who refused to look her team in the eye. “Did you change Evileye into an undead.”
“No, moving on, you will be headed to Arohdrun, where we believe the beast-men empire will attack.”
Lakyus narrowed her eyes, “How would you know this the beast-men are a problem, but they have kept to themselves.”
Sitabus waved over to Kathrin, who explained there were only too good areas to attack either through the Kaza plains at Bathrune. The other, through a mountain pass leading to Arohdrun while more hazardous, would catch them off guard. Thanks to their spies, they know the beast-men food supply would only last a year unless a new source was found.
None of them asked what the food was. Blue Rose knew what beast-men considered food, even Rita grimaced at the thought of having to live through that once they freed those poor people.
Ritana had one thing which concerned her was the sudden change just a few months ago the dragon kingdom was holding out. What had changed this situation, she could only think of one thing. Balling up her hand into a fist at this demon.
“Is Jaldabaoth behind this lady, Kathrin?” Unable to hide her bitterness about the subject.
Sitabus snapped his eyes over to Ritana, his eyes wide while he knows for a fact Demiurge was elsewhere. This obsession with fighting him was worrying, turning back to blue roses seeing them all give similar sour expressions.
Gagaran spoke up first. “ I wouldn’t put it past that fiend!”
Lakyus was the one that surprised him the most. “If this is the demon emperor’s work, I would like to request different orders. My team is not ready to fight him again; three of my team is still recovering.”
He didn’t need to look over to know Kathrin was unhappy with this request. Kathrin’s disregard of weak servants fighting strong enemies was a little frightening. He would talk with her later about this
Sitabus had to intervene before wild speculation was thrown around. They need to be ready for the real dangers, not one all the way over near the holy kingdom or in Nazarick. “Ritana, please remember my words. Think about this that is pure conjecture and with little proof.”
He could see Rita struggling to contain her emotions on the matter, sending a sharp look his way.
“No, I am sure the demon emperor is behind this, you said before he destroyed your country. He has already marked this world, and his handy work still lingers on the kingdom. this is the perfect chance to finally stop him for all those he has killed and the endless evils he has committed.”
Kathrin was beaming at Ritana resolve no matter the enemy. Worse, he was sure this was a trait his empress was forcing on Ritana. She was Stubborn and brave, not lacking any sense of self-preservation.
Sitabus couldn’t belive the righteous fury coming off Rita; she was giving the wrong message here. The faces of Blue Rose showed they were already contemplating the idea. He could smell their fear and apprehension about Jaldabaoth.
“He is not there even if he is Blue Rose is here to help us fight beast-men not take on Jaldabaoth. Should he show up, Ritana, it will be your job to lead the elite four to help me stop him.”
It took a few hours to explain what he was expecting from Blue Rose for there time in his services. Even after ending the matter and answering Blue Roses questions, they were on edge now. As he handed back their weapons and Evileye’s mask, the meeting had not gone as he expected. The team morale was much weaker than before the meeting. He would need to talk with Kathrin about thinking up a way to help Ritana work through her feelings.
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-Lizardmen village near Azerlisia Mountain-
Ainz was amazed by the beautiful mountains and natural view around them as they traveled with Zayusu leading the way to the dwarves which he had not heard from for some time. To Ainz's knowledge, the only dwarf he has seen so far was Kyuketsuki’s friend Bardic. Ainz had missed the chance to talk with him before Kyuketsuki had left to hunt the admin’. Before YGGDRASIL shut down, no one had ever made it to the throne room. Like Ainz, she was learning about melee combat and martial arts, which weren't as effective as he thought. Even after training with Cocytus, neither Albedo or he had gained any martial arts.
Oddly enough, Shalltear had let him know Kyuketsuki had learned one, but he was the only one from Nazarick to do so thus far. Ainz could not be sure what the reason is? Other then Kyuketsuki was a warrior build, but then Albedo should have gained one by this logic.
Riding alongside Albedo and aura on the beasts with his group of 25 undead, five Hanzos, 30 magical creatures, five death knights for added protection. With Ainz and 3 mammoth-like magical beasts of burden to Ainz, Aura, and Zayusu. Albedo was riding her bicorn summoned mount with joyful energy at why this had changed. Riding very close to Ainz, who felt her hungry eyes upon him.
The lizardmen's memory of the way to the dwarf city was hazy, but they found the crack in the mountain. Which hid the way to the city. There were no guards and no sight of life, which could either mean they moved or something had happened. He could not be sure which, but it put his mind on high alert. Zayusu seemed just as bothered by this discovery proving they should have met some dwarfs by now.
“Aura, do you hear anything inside?”
The dark elf listened carefully before grinning.
“Yes, lord Ainz, I can hear a few footsteps inside though they don’t appear to be wearing shoes.”
“Then they are not dwarfs when I met them; they don’t take off their shoes even inside their homes.”
Ainz felt his emotions suppresser kick in at the worry this could be a trap or something else had taken out the dwarfs. He had to at least gain something from this. Perhaps they could make more powerful weapons if they could scare the dwarfs away.
Ainz waved to the leader of the Hanzo's, having a simple blue cloth to distinguish his position.
“Hanzo, please remain undetected and find out as much as you can about what inhabits the cavern. Send two deeper in to get a better layout of the city do not stray too far past the city in case we need to leave quickly. If spotted retreat to our point.”
Ainz had the five death knights stay close to the crack in the rock side while they waited. A few minutes later, three of the Hanzo returned with depressing news.
“We did not find dwarfs but demihumans with thick fur and sharp claws they don’t appear to wear clothes. They have taken up residence of the city lit only by glowing crystals. Most of the cavern city is dark. By what they were talking about, they have wiped out the dwarfs. They also are not venturing out of the cavern, waiting for you to come further in.”
What should he do he had intended to ask the dwarves about rune crafting. This had changed his plans significantly. Could he even find use in them if they had no weapons or clothes? Still, they might have hidden weapons or special skills like the lizardmen Cocytus could lead them as well if need be.
The biggest issue was what use would they be to the Sorcerer Kingdom. He gazed at Albedo. This would be a useful test of the first contact with these demihumans and, if need be, a test of his skills of training Albedo to fight while under adventurer roles.
He didn’t want to send her in alone, but if they see his death knights, they might freak out and attack. If there was a player in there who helped these demihumans, it would be better to get on their good side if possible before taking aggressive actions.
“Albedo, please greet them as overseer of the sorcerer kingdom. Inform them I would like to form friendly relations with them. If they prove hostile, defend your self. But take a few alive for interrogation. If you believe you are in danger of dying, pull back, and message me.”
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-POV guardian overseer-
Albedo beamed her heart overflowing with joy at the task given to her removing her helmet, for now, it would send a better message to provide a warm smile to them. “At once, Lord Ainz, I shall prepare them for your greatness.”
Riding her bicorn into the long caverns with support beams and reinforced walls leading to the city, Spotting fifty demihumans noting the blueish fur and sharp teeth. They all looked at her with malice and distrust, unlike the humans, they didn’t look at Albedo with longing a comfort to her. Not that she would let another being beside Ainz even touch her.
Smiling at the thought of how left out Shalltear must feel right about now. Luckily lord Kyuketsuki took pity on her and took her into his side far away from Albedo’s time with lord Ainz.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
“Hello, I'm Albedo governess of the sorcerer kingdom. Bringing greetings from the king of kings Ainz Ooal Gown and master of the sorcerer kingdom. now follow me back to greet him so we may talk, and you can see his greatness and glory to your humble city.”
Albedo gave a charming smile despite their unrespectful gaze and the way they encircled her. Them one of them harshly laughed. “You should not have come here; now you shall be enslaved to the Zo Agrmos clan.”
“Pi Ivick, go back, and tell them we found more slaves.”
When one dared throw a clawed hand at her arm, of course, this hand did not hurt her, but they dared touch her after her gracious offer of peace. Her face remained a mask even as two try to pull her off her summoned mount. She put on her helmet and pulled her ax off her back.
“If you dare reject my lord's kindness, then I shall repay it in kind. When I am done, you will beg to be his subjects if you live.”
More of them moved to attack her, but she cut down five on her right with one swing of her ax. Her bicorn kicked two into a wall, killing them instantly. Turning her rage to the left side, cutting them down those five with one slice as well.
She turned her wrath to the other 38, shocked at this turn of events. In just a few seconds, twelve of them were dead; the messenger ran off to alert to the clan. Or at least he tried to as she throws her ax, splitting them in half. 27 thinking her weaponless and weaker charged.
They were not prepared for what happened; next, Albedo would end these worms quickly and not waste more of lord Ainz’s time. She jumped off her bicorn and activating [Devil's Wings]. The physical attack took shape as she punched at the twenty enemies. All of them screamed out as the AOE attack turned them into mincemeat.
Turning to the last ten shaking, Albedo gave no sympathy to these worms, nor would she let them leave after defying her lord's wishes. She did need to take a few alive for interrogation. Removing her helmet, showing her enraged face at these worms. Her bicorn at her command cut off their exit prepared to end them should they try running.
“You will be coming with me as prisoners for your crimes of defying lord Ainz. If he is displeased, you will die slower then your friends.”
Her eyes shined in the dark as her other skill activated Succubus Eyes making all ten drop to the ground unconscious as sleep took them.
Messaging lord Ainz to let him know the way was safe for now. After retrieving her ax, She keeps watch of the insects bowing as Ainz got close warmth and kindness showed on her face.
“I tried to greet them like you asked lord Ainz; however, they tried to take me, prisoner, I captured these ten. What would you like me to do with them.”
“Wake them up.”
The five death knights stand around the prisoners guaranteeing they could not escape.
She lightly kicked one, making sure to crack a rib or at least bruise each one. They all awoke with a start seeing the death knights around them. Terror-filled their eyes at Albedos stare before they caught sight of what they could only describe as the overlord of death.
“Stay kneeling before the sorcerer-king Ainz Ooal Gowan answer his questions. Some of you may get to inform your people of lord Ainz’s greatness, the others will suffer-”
Lord Ainz coughed, gaining her attention. “That is enough, queen Albedo, you have done well. Still, she is right; you attacked us when we only wanted to talk. Perhaps it would be better to give a show of force. Before we can negotiate, Aura, would it be possible four you and Albedo to wipe out all but 15,000 of them.”
All of them trembled under the overseer’s gaze. They saw merciless cruelty and confidence, which could wipe them out. The Quaagoa scout group could practically hear their peoples dying screams in these cold relentless eyes.
Albedo anger flares up again as one dared speak up, interrupting Lord Ainz.
“Wait! King Ainz Ooal Gown, your majesty, please, the decision was made by my group, not the Quagoa clans or king. We humbly ask you only punish us for this crime.”
The leader bowed as deeply as his body would allow hoping he would not be too late.
Albedo ready to chop off the worm’s head, her love stopped her.
“We came here to create a trade deal with the dwarfs which are clearly either dead or gone. Even if what you say is true, what could your people offer my kingdom for this slight? You don’t appear to make weapons or armor, nor do you hold any knowledge of rune crafting.”
She watched them her hand tightly gripping the weapon handle ready to act. Should they displease Lord Ainz again, even if they didn’t, she was not inclined to give them a second chance. Watching them struggle to think of some gift to earn his forgiveness.
“We will lead you to our king and plead with our people to listen. If we must, we will make weapons for you or give the ores we have if this is what it takes just; please forgive our blindness. But the dragons demanded we expand our territory and bring him more tributes to prove our worth. They heard of the demon tormenting the human kingdom. and recently, four of his sons were killed by human adventurers.”
“What happened to the dwarves?”
She ignored the lizard's question focusing on lord Ainz as his flaming eyes shined at the mention of dragons. She remembered Tabula talking about them once. They where one of the most powerful foes to face even if they fell like all others to the might of the supreme beings.
“Would you like me to end them now lord Ainz or send them to Nazarick.”
She waited for her loves answer praying to lord Ainz; he would say yes.
“How do you know about demon emperor Jaldabaoth? Are you working with him.”
They quickly answered no knowing full well she would butcher them to their last if at Ainz command.
“No! A few humans entered our outpost; we took them as prisoners and put them to work as slaves. Please, if you can beat the dragons, I know our king will become your vassals; we will tell them of your greatness. We beg you it was our fault!”
She didn’t take her eyes off the Quagoa in case they tried to lie or hurt lord Ainz. They had already tried to touch her, which was more than enough reason to send them to the frozen prison for Neuronist Painkiller.
Finally, lord Ainz decides on how to deal with them waving Albedo over to her bicorn. She obeyed, mounting her sted next to lord Ainz's magical beast. Waiting for her orders from her love, sure his genius already thought of everything before sending her into the cavern.
“Alright, two of you will guide us to your rulers, and three of you may run ahead to alert him. If even one other person attacks us, I will consider your words a lie. Then sort out the truth after culling your numbers down to 10,000. After which I will not ask, I will demand what I seek here.”
One of the quivering worms rose his head without permission, but she kept her face a perfect happy mask. “Your majesty, the tunnels are extensive please allow the rest to travel so we may spread the word quickly.”
She felt lord Ainz mighty presence wash over her as his rage pushed down on everyone.
“You are in no position to bargain. I will not allow you a second chance to attack us. NO the other five shall be taken to Nazarick as prisoners where their fate will be decided. This is punishment for attacking my queen and overseer.”
She watched her love open a gate as the death knights shoved five of then through it. Loving the fearful and broken eyes of those who realized the supreme beings might. As the three messengers quickly ran as fast as their legs would carry them to prepare a proper greeting.
She still didn’t trust the worms lord Ainz was right; they had already met his kindness with deceit. They were lucky he was merciful to even give the undeserving worms a second chance.
Even as they were led to the city, Albedo didn’t see the usefulness of lesser lifeforms Kathrin spoke of in their last talk. Both lord Ainz and lord Kyuketsuki seemed to see some use for them. Even after traveling with lord Ainz, she could not understand why he wanted their respect. They should be falling to their knees without command. Like these, Quagoas are now, but even they didn’t yet understand or know her lord Ainz’s greatness.
Keeping a watchful eye for any sign of betrail as they were led through the streets, the Hanzos kept hidden following along in the shadows. Albedo spent her time wondering what great plan her love had in mind what he would expect of her. Perhaps he was waiting for them to tempt him again so they could be forged into proper slaves for the greatness of Nazarick.
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-Arohdrun closest city to the New Beast-men Kingdom-
Kathrin stood on the balcony of the building to high out of sight to be seen from below. Looking up at the gloomy weather of approaching winter. Unaffected by the cold winds brushing against her gown and hair.
Demiurge flies down, landing on the balcony following Kathrin closing the door and activating the anti-information gathering runes. Once she was sure, the area was secure with pack mate royal guards, keeping watch over the only magically locked doors here.
“It has been a while since we last talked like this Demiurge-sama. I hope lord Kyuketsuki’s request has not hindered your mission for lord Ainz.”
“It is no trouble at all serving the supreme beings. I must say I was amazed by lord Kyuketsuki’s brilliance. I still question him having so little defense around him.”
Kathrin smiled at Demiurge, unlike lord Ainz, her love was not content to lead from the shadows. She loved the thrill of battle at his side, fighting powerful enemies all for Nazarick’s glory. She had even enjoyed puzzling out the most effective ways to make laws, set up logistics of food and goods, and handling the complexity of stupid sheep society thus far.
“Not to worry, Demiurge-sama, nothing shall pass my pack hoards or me without my total destruction. Now my master wishes to settle his personal knights lingering feelings on Jaldabaoth.”
Demiurge shifted his glasses with a sinister grin. “Ah, yes, the barkeeper and blacksmith sheep.”
Kathrin nodded before continuing. “More to the point before he can return to Nazarick, he must end the threats to his empire. I believe you understand what is required of you. I leave the minor details up to you, but we must show these sheep to trust our supreme beings or be pushed into annihilation.”
Demiurge eyes gleamed behind his glasses, Kathrin watched his brilliant mind work out her lord's glorious plan. Cracking a fanged grin, after Crain village, she realized Kyuketsuki must have thoroughly thought out all this. The people would praise him for saving the dragon kingdom. Grow his power and give her far more work and challenges, then she could have dreamed.
Every daunting task and complex problems he let her handle only showed he trusted her more than any of the others. She strived to show him his trust was not misplaced.
With any luck, they would find Carnival there as well and once she was captured. Kathrin would be able to torture the secrets out of the worst enemy of Nazarick.
“I see such brilliant plans he truly is a supreme master of war equal to lord Ainz. This shall be an incredible warm-up act before I begin the next phase of lord Ainz’s plan. What about the beasts do you care for their condition.”
Kathrin scuffed at the mention of such lower lifeforms they where wheres then humans.
“Add them if you must but leave a large chunk for my lord to smash through. Also, I will remind you to alert both lord Ainz and me should you see Carnival. This administrator is an enemy worse than humans who must be captured and or killed immediately for the safety of all supreme beings.”
Demiurge nodded with a scowl, still upset that even he had failed to notice this threat to their lords before now.
“I shall adapt the plan as needed should I find this scum; just make sure she does not harm lord Kyuketsuki. Many at Nazarick faithfully await his triumphant return home myself included.”
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-Slane Theocracy-
Thousand Leagues Astrologer, the watchful eyes of the Slane Theocracy had seen many horrible visions recently; it actually made her more nervous at the darkness which surrounded her right now as she reaches out to peek at the empire again. She had been unable to see much of Re-Estize after the sorcerer-king made his decree months ago. Which is why she attempted to use her divining powers to see the empire.
At least it had been her intent until her vision was blocked by an empty void of cold darkness. Pulling forward in time to an event that would soon happen. First seeing a colossal battle between the empire and it’s undead forces and an army of angels. In the clash, she was forcefully and painfully pulled in through the death and chaos to three figures, two humans with an air of god-like power similar to the six gods and a demon helping them with the same air of authority.
Fighting the vampire who had taken the empire in all his evil glory as he battled one of the humans. Hearing the voice of the gods in her mind.
“The vampire lord of ruin shall fight at the final battle for the dragon kingdom. There he will be vulnerable to our gift. Use the sacred dress to gain control of it before its ruin spreads to our chosen people.”
Then she saw images of countless amounts of vampires and demons spread through the streets with rivers of blood. As she was unable to look away or miss every single death. From the horror as the people of the Slane Theocracy were slaughtered. Till she found herself on her knees before the monster's true form standing over her, bringing his long blade fingers around her kneck.
Screaming at the phantom pain and torture to come not hearing his words. Snaping out of her meditation, gasping for breath.
As the guards burst into the door, scanning the room.
“what's wrong? Thousand Leagues is it another vision!”
She looked up with dread in her eyes at the guards, unable to fully describe the nightmarish vision she had seen. As the six gods, voices spoke as one warning repeated in her mind. Despite never hearing them talk before they left humanity, she knew it was them. Calming herself for several minutes before she could speak. Hurriedly writing out a message, there was no time to waste. “I need this report sent to the Cardinals now!”
Furiously writing out the words as fast as her shaking hands would write.
“How bad was this vision to have shaken you so my lady?”
She stopped still breathing quick breaths staring up at the guards. “I have been sent a warning by the six gods now alert them at once! If we do not act now, ruin will come for us all!” Shoving the hastily written message to the guard. Trying to regain her breath.
In one corner of the room, the shadow's red eyes beamed with a dreadful smile. ‘With this, your prize will be within reach my champion, and I will be much closer to my own.’ Jester cut off her projection as Thousand Leagues Astrologer turn to look at the corner. As the feeling of being watched vanished, thinking it was paranoia after another nightmarish vision. This had been the first where she heard voices of the six gods, or was it one of them she couldn’t be sure.
As the details of the vision left her mind, but her body still shivered as she touched her neck, where the monster's hand was seconds away from entirely cutting off her head. Only increasing her own despair after the vision of horror at the Re-Eztice kingdom.
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-End of Chapter-