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-Round Table Room-
Ainz was shocked, to say the least, and not only had his friend gotten reckless again, the effects, according to Entuma but were also unbelievable. They had enormous implications, and most of all, were something that would almost surely not have been allowed in YGGDRASIL. Unless the devs felt like being the unfair designers they were. Ainz would have to test a lot of things now from seeing if this made tier magic stronger to finding a wild magic caster to see if it was true. This was not addressing the levels he lost or Kyuketsuki’s strange acceptance of Kathrin's orders.
He didn’t even know where to begin…oh right the memory loss that would be most important. To check first but how to do it without letting him know Entuma and Shalltear were spying on him for his safety. That would be the hard part he seemed to be opening up more to his NPCs before he decided his past was too horrible to remember any longer. Still, at least this meant it was unlikely he thought about returning at least. Which is part of what he feared was Why his friend was more secretive than usual.
No, he had a whole other three can of worms to open that would be tricky and not be comfortable to open up to. But he felt like getting to know him better would put him at ease about this erratic behavior as of late.
“Thinking so hard, lord Ainz and here I thought you knew it all.”
His flaming eyes met what he knew was Jester's voice. Only it was not a projection but the real one. As the eight edged assassins surrounded her waiting for the order to attack.
“What do you want now? I have an attack to be planning, and the guardians are all getting ready to meet me.”
The masks smile widened as Jester bowed politely, not scared in the slightest.
“Oh, but most of them aren’t even on this floor yet, they must be slow. As to why I came. To trade for the world gem shard ally of my champion.”
The grand gesture did little to assure Ainz that giving it would be wise. With the three shards already fused together into something different. His critical eyes could see that the gem shards were essential for whatever the administrator was planning.
“Oh, why should I give it to you something that can stop spells so easily. Seems like something you would love since you avoid fighting so much. Is that why you tricked Kyuketsuki into accepting your deal.”
He had a hard time reading Jester, but he thought he hit a nerve there by her sudden stillness.
Ainz couldn’t be sure till he tested her more, which he would since she wanted this gem. The light seemed to annoy her significantly, probably from the traumatic events of having to avoid it so much.
“Now let us not be rude lord Ainz saying such mean things with little proof. I almost think you want to test that theory.”
Jester was good. If not for his experience role-playing and being a guild leader, he might miss the subtle clues. Thanks to them, he knew that she was trying to play off the jab very well. She must have had years to practice. The problem is she had not drawn a weapon or even started to draw mana to attack, so it was a bluff.
“No, I merry want to know what you are willing to give me for this. I can’t trade it for a bad deal, can I?”
He could hear Albedo's message she was nearby waiting for his orders. He had the upper hand now. Even though Jester was an unknown. The way she acted and move it was similar to the least confident fighter of Ainz Ooal Gown. Also, if she did have a trap, ready. Albedo could buy him time if need be.
Jester's mask smile lessened as she relaxed very oddly was she tense now or worried because this was so hard to read through the mask.
“I can trade a lot for it more than worth your while I have valuable information on the three plays. Along with a lot of other things, just name your price, nothing is too much for me.”
That was clearly a bluff, but he could sense that her powers had grown, so she felt confident that no matter what, he asked for she could grant it. Aizn was tempted to go for broke and asked the wildest thing he could think of, but he didn’t know how she would react or if she would really attack for the gem shard if pushed.
At the same time, Ainz as guild leader, could not give up this gem shard lightly. It was far too powerful to just give up. This would be tricky, but if he could haggle the price high enough, he would come up with the better deal. That is till he realized something she didn’t tell Kyuketsuki of the three plays, so she knew it would only lore him to fight, meaning her goal was to keep him out of it.
“Strange, you say that now and not in front of Kyuketuski himself.”
Jester stood straight up her mask, frowning now with a despaired gleam.
“We both know he is in no…
Jest stopped still and shivered, turning to look off to where Kyuketsuki's room was before turning back the mask neutral, but something was wrong. The expressive mask seems less lively now.
…condition to fight, he needs to re-level up, and that last action proves he needs practice before I feel safe for him. Did he even think of the ramifications of this thing got out of control.” Grumbling the last part much to Ainz confusion.
Before Entuma reported in a message spell that both Clementine and Velvet went into his lab only for some mighty new and unfamiliar person to walk out. Its power was higher than Kyuuketsuki’s and Kathrin's. She couldn’t see levels, yet the children of Nazarick had an odd way of telling who was more potent in power. Along with determining who was an ally or enemy, something he would love to learn more about when he had the time, or was it just their programming.
Putting this worrying news away, he would scold his friend later right now he had a deal to make.
“Be that as it may, why would I trade this gem with you?”
Jester crossed her arms, annoyed knowing she would have to be upfront for the deal to work.
“Alright, let's barter I can double your YGGDRASIL coins in all of Nazarick. Supply you with a few items drops that you found only in YGGDRASIL, and provide support for your battle with Carnival. If this is still not enough, I can double my champions exp gain to help him level up fast.”
This was a bit more than he was expecting; it seems that the wave of magic really boosted her creative ability as an administer. Which is why he couldn’t just agree he needed to think about this. Jester could clearly back up what they were saying, and they wanted this gem quickly. Or was these the easiest things she could give right now he had to be sure.
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“Interesting is there more if not, I will have to think about this offer. It would be bad form to rush after all you seem to have so much to offer.”
Jester mask went blank, which was very strange, to say the least, though it also unnerved Ainz even if he wouldn’t admit it aloud. This did prove something Jester didn’t want to wait; she wanted this gem shard now. Which is why she was so eager to offer up so much so quickly.
It didn’t mean that was the best deal, and it didn’t say with her new limits that this was all she could offer. Unless she was bluffing, which could also be true.
Then her mask smiled creeper again then before maybe it was a bad idea to push this one.
“OK, just remember to call me when it becomes too TROUBLESOME to hold onto lord Ainz.”
He rubbed his mandible as the administrator shimmered away into thin air. Which unsettled him. There is no way she should have given up so quickly. He got back to planning as Albedo rushed into the room well it was time to meet and plan with the guardians anyway.
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-Staff Canteen 9th floor-
Kettor was still a little unsettled by the hard lustful gaze of the new Clem-chan did she even blink. He really was starting to regret the actions he could deal with Velvet; she was nice if silent most of the time. Clementine was vocal, but her antics could be controlled. Clemenvet He did dare test too much not just because she was one big unknown but also why he had done that on a whim.
The need to test the power, but why he wouldn’t have done that before, no matter how powerful it made the fusion? Yet he couldn’t resist before at that moment, eager to test it even at the end of both Velvet and Clem-chan. It didn’t make sense to him at all. Katherin was right, he had been affected, and he didn’t even know what else was altered by his foolish risk-taking.
Was it his new world-class, his one lack of something or something else entirely. He would have to keep testing his rational response to be sure. One thing was certain if it would help them even slightly, he was willing to try it.
His focus right now was feeding the dragon steak meat to Ritana, who was scarfing down every bite the fork brought to her mouth.
It brought a smile to his face to see her doing so well. Her energy was back, and she was clingier than usual, embracing his touch despite the blush on her cheeks. All too happy to take every bit he could give without complaint. Or wait if he went slower. This was different than how she usually acted. He remembered the dates that she would rarely wait to eat if she was hungry.
Now he could hold the fork out of reach of her mouth for five minutes straight, and she would stare but not say anything about his rudeness. He could test his more, but it physically hurt him to hold out any longer.
Definitely, the new world-class affects not that he had any MP left till it replenished in a few hours. The drain was so huge more than that it seemed to bypass his blood drinker classes altogether.
Plus, Kettor needs to rewrite the marriage contracts now. What place should Clem-chan get that was the question. Her eyes alone said she would no longer accept the lowest rank, but he could make her empress that was Kathrin’s spot. Scowling slightly, this was a whole new headache to think about.
Sighing why it seems like everything he tried only created more problems to solve for himself. He could go to Ainz, if not for the feeling that his friend would scold him and ask him questions. Kyuketsuki could no longer answer about the dream of the dying world as Rita briefly explained what he had told her before he forgot.
He could learn the rest later comfortable enough to keep to himself for now. The plus side he no longer feared the crowd, this was definitely a part he forgot. This made his question if he had not messed up in trying to ignore his shadow before.
He couldn’t help but wonder who he was, his lips tugged down. Kyuketuski wasn’t bloodthirsty like most vampires that he knew. Yet, he wasn’t opposed to slipping blood of all who opposed Nazarick. Ainz, no matter what was a friend and he now garbled with this sense of jealously over the control, he had the final say in all things.
Not that Nazarick could have two masters. They would make poor servants to both. Yet in his empire, he had control, he knew it was based on half-truths and misinformation. At best, with only a limited amount of faithful servants loyal to him.
He oddly felt at home in Nazarick and like he didn’t fully belong either, not yet. This was annoying him again as Clem-chan leaned closer to him. Seeing every part of him.
A distraction he needs destruction now or that deviant would embarrass him here! Glancing around, he spotted humans in Nazarick. One looked familiar for such a reason he couldn’t place.
Rita, now able to eat by herself, would be OK as he got up, putting up his most charming smile. He approached the two humans, one with brown hair and boyish looks the other with long blonde hair.
All the maids looked jealous as his eyes locked on the two. Which made him want to meet them more at least. Only his most loyal servants would get his personal touch and quench his odd jealousy. He found himself fighting back along with some grim thoughts of how to change that pushing them back.
No, he was Nazaricks protector, and Momonga was his friend's, bad Kettor. Breathing out slowly to calm his nerves, he had been ignoring these feelings far too long. A mistake he would not let linger too much longer.
He would nip them in the bud after he knew why humans were in his home.
“Hello, what are two lovely humans doing here.”
The maids were whispering, which only made him happier, knowing they wanted the attention but knowing they had not earned it. Yes, he had definitely been shoving his dark thoughts in one corner for too long by just how happy that made him.
“Uh, I don’t think I have seen you around before, but I am still getting used to Nazarick it so huge.”
“Tuare, why are all the maids looking at us so heatedly. Did I mess up again?” The brown-haired girl whispered.
Kettor couldn’t help but grin at how cute humans could be and how outraged the other maids were when no one told them of him. He wasn’t cruel, though if anything, they could be mold into his servants widening his fanged smile at the ideas of how he could gain another level in his new world-class.
What to change, how to improve them and make them better. Kettor Schooling his thoughts, no ask permission first great. He was acting as bad as Kathrin wanting to turn every human in the empire.
Kettor took a seat across from them though now he must have had a strange look by the way they both shivered. Think you were humans once, just act normal.
“No need to fear I am but Nazarick’s blade cutting down and wounding all enemies of Nazarick before they get close. So long as you are here, it must be my friend Ainz who welcomed you here. Unless you are intruders, I should worry about it?”
Why did he slide to scaring them that is not normal they will hate him now. Oddly only the brunette seemed rattled to bring a burst of joy at the familiar taste of her fear.
“No, we are just having lunch for our break. Ninya and I are going to meet up with Sebas later to train more.”
His eyes gleamed at the mention of Sebas, keeping the frown off his face. He wasn’t’ really sure where he stood in the order chai- stop being so jealous ugh this is not what you came over for.
Before Kettor could ask more, he felt the Nephalem approach her eyes drilling into his back and felt himself sweat. As her arms wrapped around him, followed by her wings concealing his body.
“my only master, are you ignoring me. You know that’s cruel. I might need some affections to feel better.”
Clem-chan was proving to be harder to control than ever before. Why did he think it was a good idea?
‘No, you got this, don't make that classic mistake. Just breathe and assure Clem-chan nothings wrong.’
Kyuketuski brought her hand up, kissing it gently along with two wings in reach. It stated the ravenous lust of the Nephalem for now. She shivered in joy, somehow moving to have him sitting in her lap. Her cobra tail stared down both human maids.
“I only came over to find out more about two odd humans in Nazarick Clem-chan. Besides, I can make time for that later.”
Hoping that this would state the aura of lust threatening to override his common sense. The sooner he finds out all about her abilities and parameters, the better.
Kettor had given up on her flavored text, which he couldn’t even begin to grasp.
“Would you like me too, mhh…
He quickly distracted her with a kiss as much as he couldn’t decide if he loved this or hated it. Her mad ramblings would only scare them off. His curious mind needs to know why they knew Sebas and how they got here.
‘Ainz hasn’t told me of these two.’ He bitterly thought the name Ninya did seem familiar. Where has he heard of her before?
“Does that answer your question, Clem-chan. Now can I talk two these too, or should I just jump to training? my unstable abomination.”
Lucky or perhaps in some twisted way, the term abomination didn’t offend her. content to hold him for now. ‘note to self if they ever un fuse kill or lock Clementine away forever.’ It still eluded him because her personality was so dominant. Every single time he tried to replace it only to have to pop back up more twisted and hungry than before for his attention.
Kyuektsuki was starting to think Clementine curses him to suffer her madness forever. Not that he was totally sane himself, but at least he did let death threats roll off his tongue at every opportunity.
“Sorry about her, why do you two tell me about yourselves? I can always message Sebas and tell him that lord Kyuketsuki, master of flesh and blood, ruler of vampires, and master of the forbidden arts. Will personally train you in whatever you are seeking to improve.”
What was wrong with him today after waking up, he was acting differently, doing things he knew he wouldn’t have approved of before. Worst of all, now he was showing off, with titles he hardly cared for in the past.
The more he self-analyzed his actions, he couldn’t find fault with his actions. Yet he knew that his past self would never have agreed or be modified by this display. So what had changed who was he, what defined his new personality? Uncloud by that forgotten vampire of his past?
Still, he didn’t let any of his true thoughts show through his happy mask. Something he was still a master of. So long as it wasn’t clem-chan or Kathrin, which seemed to see right through him. Both a comforting and frightening truth-speaking of Kathrin and the others were coming over.
Sighing, he turned to the two humans listening to what they had to say he would learn about them and their place in Nazarick. It wasn’t like Kathrin would let him leave till he could find the answers to his change in self and assure her fears.
Ninya, as it turns out, he had run into once and killed her, yet he couldn’t find in himself to care. Tuare, her sister, was predictably a slave of eight fingers saved by Sebas. Both were interesting, and he had to resist testing his new class out.
Even if it would help him understand himself and re-level, he could do this.
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-End of Chapter-
Ritana Enruos
level 43
racial classes
corrupted hybrid: Lycancat/automation lv8
Job classes
Fighter lv10
striker lv5
shapeshifter lv 4
Magic sword lv10
Inferno swordsman lv5
Archer lv1
Known martial art skill: 9 total/ heavy strike/ twin fold slash/ ability boost/ greater ability boost/ superior ability boost/ Four flames shell cracker strike/ flaming shell aura/ Fortress/ blazing Fortress
Known spells: 11total/ 0 alarm spell/0 healing touch/ 1st rabbit ears/ 1st grasshopper legs/ 2nd flame sword/ 2nd blindness/3rd stone skin/ 3rd fireball/ 4th Rapid fireball barrage/ 5th Grand fireball/ 6th Grand fireball storm
Known special skills: 9total /Aspect of Lycancat: silver claws/ Aspect of Lycancat: crimson fur/ Aspect of Lycancat: greater crimson fur/ Aspect of Lycancat: wild grace/ Aspect of Lycancat: Jaguar's strength /aspect of Lycancat: beastly senses/ Aspect of Lycancat: supernatural sight (passive)/ Aspect of Lycancat: lesser regeneration/ Aspect of Lycancat: greater regeneration