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-Nazarick-
He watched all the gathered children of Nazarick leave the throne room. The bitter feeling in his heart was gone. Between helping clear the air with Momonga in the trifold games, sorting out the command issue which they would decide between them. And giving specially selected potions to each one that would go in the attack on the dragon kingdom.
“Good to see you’re feeling better.”
“That was the point of the games bone brother.”
Ainz gave him an annoyed glare at the nickname. “How are you not tired after that I thought you needed mental downtime as well?”
Kyuketsuki shrugged, unsure of how to answer. “Don’t know after I used Jester’s super tier spell, I haven’t needed it. I still can’t think of the name of it.”
“As long as we are good now, I need to go lay down for a while.”
Kettor hummed, noting he rarely saw him use the necklace. “You could turn human and sleep.”
Ainz shuttered at the thought, checking the room for Albedo. “No, if I do, Albedo will jump me again. I can’t waste time with our plan ready in just a few days.”
Kyuketsuki laughed at this stopping once he realized Ainz was giving him a deadpanned look. “It can’t be that bad, you have one wife. I have four to keep up with, two of which don’t seem to understand what normal sex is or refuse to believe in it. Clemvet makes me limb and sore every time, and Shalltear’s playtime is something I would rather not talk about.”
Ainz gave him a deadpanned look back. “Don’t want to hear it; you could have lost. As it is, you tricked me into those rigged games.”
Kettor gave an innocent look. “I played fair and square, nor would I half-ass a challenge even if I wanted. If anything, I went easier then I was planning on you because Entoma cheered me up.”
Ainz didn’t believe him too bad he didn’t know that Kettor could message the ash kin to rig which games would pop up. Not that a part of himself would have allowed Kettor to lose like that without even trying. That was the truth his warrior pride made him physically hurt to even suggest that he would end the match had shalltear lied to him again.
Ainz sarcastically commented. “Good to know you care for your poor guild leader’s feelings.”
“Well, see you later then. I need to see Jester. I already messaged Albedo and told her to meet you in your room.”
Ainz flames flickered at him. “Your evil, and thanks for the warning.”
Kettor giggled as Momonga teleported out of the room, leaving him to meet his group outside.
All four knights were talking among themselves next to them Clemvet was patiently waiting till her eyes locked on his body. Grinning madly at him while Entoma was near Shalltear and Kathrin having a heated conversation. Shalltear’s fearsome dark aura battering Kathrin’s blinding lightning storm aura.
“You are unfit to be near him, lamprey, go run along before I cook you into a proper meal for my lord.”
“What's wrong tin lion Can’t stand that he still wants me around. Scared after a long time away, he might want me more.”
“The only thing nymphomaniac Leeches like you are good for is a bed warmer. Some of us know how to act dignified-like an empress should.”
“Shalltear sneered back. “I can get hot by basking in our lord’s presence and power. Unlike unfertile robots that have to flip on a switch just to get turned on.”
Kathrin hissed back. “I can control myself for what My lord needs. Not something a wild and screwup Lamprey would understand.”
Kettor sight turning to the others. “Clem-chan, how long have they been at this.”
Clemvet gave a happy grin enjoying the show. “The last few minutes of waiting, Kathrin practically charged Shalltear once she arrived. I was disappointed when they didn’t start fighting, but they throw some pretty good insults.”
Kyuketsuki face planted with both hands time to deal with this before he could get to Jester. Walking over, he drew Shalltear’s attention by tapping her shoulder. Reminding the floor guardian that she didn’t have time to be bickering.
Drawing Kathrin into a hug once Shalltear had turned the corner. Lifting Kathrin’s chin to meet his eyes. “Is there a reason you are antagonizing Shalltear. My moonlight, you know I don’t like it when my women fight each other.”
Kathrin pouted cutely as he scratched behind her ears, getting her to purr for him, ruining her pout and calming her temper.
His empress hugged him tightly, breathing deeply in his fragrance. “I was giving Shalltear a piece of my mind, my love. I don’t know how you can forgive her after everything. Even if you forgive her so easily, I can’t let her just act as if nothing changed. The fact that she is still in one piece is more mercy then she deserves.”
Kettor caressed her body, smiling at those fiery golden eyes and the cute pout at being denied her retribution on Shalltear. Unable to be angry with him as she was held close. Still forgiving was the only way to move forward; staying angry wouldn’t help them. Whispering sweet nothings to his empress till her magic core BPM (beats per minute) was back to normal.
Kettor shares a kiss to smother any other emotion in her mind. Before speaking up his own thoughts. “Everyone is allowed to make mistakes, my dear. Forgiveness is what allows us to move forward and heal. Now before we move on, did you find any players?”
Kathrin gave a savage grin at his question. “There was only one. He wasn’t willing to talk before I was forced to kill the feral dog. I gave the body to Xennessa after collecting the armor and gear. I couldn’t open his inventory.” Kettor gave a disappointed but understanding look that human players were not something to be taken lightly.
He would have to ask Ainz what they would do with player bodies in the future. They would need countermeasures to prevent fallen enemy players from being brought back. Unless they died a natural death, enemy players could be revived. Even then, a necromancer might be able to use the high-level body to create powerful undead against them.
“Nothing to worry about then so long as the body is kept secure. Now come along we don’t have time to waste.”
Giving each of them guild rings, for now, to teleport to his room. Where he messaged Jester watching her shimmer into the room with a relieved look on her face.
She didn’t take the gem shard as he expected.
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-Jester POV-
Jester's eyes looked much older at the moment, then she appeared. Encouraging them to take a seat. While Jester was relieved that they had not tried to kill each other like the eight greed kings. Now came the much harder part—the real reason for giving him world corruption.
“The first thing you should know is that the first group I tried to lead was the eight greed kings. They had a different name, but they lost the right to be called that after they stopped listening to me and murdered each other.”
Kyuketsuki hummed in understanding, seeing why she might fear something like that would happen again. Even if he still didn’t understand why She wanted him to hold onto the gem shard.
For this, she pulled out the fused world gem shards putting them on the table. “You may not realize this, but I am a little over 700. At that time, I have not found any way back to our world. What I did find was that the answers I am seeking involve ironically sorting through code like my old job. To find the world code core, which will create this world-class item, then the only way to get closer. Is by Corrupting this world's core magic users’ dragons. This also means they can sense the world gem shards.”
Her champion quickly realized why they could hear the screams of the dragon souls used. Even if Kettor didn’t understand what she meant about coding. All memories he had of coding were outside YGGDRASIL. What little he did remember of it was only a passing knowledge.
It did make her question what he defined code as now. Out of all the questions running through his mind, the only ones that mattered are which he would ask first. They didn't have a lot of time before the deep dark dragon lord would awaken.
“What are you seeking?”
Jester closed her eyes and wondered if it would be safe to say. She had only told him about her short-term ambition and goals. How long had it been since anyone really knew her goals? Smiling dejectedly at times before…before, Sister grew to hate her. Jester tightly balling up her hands.
Jester felt the rush of green energy, dulling all her emotions, leaving only an empty calm. She had to show Carnival she wasn’t wrong even if her sister fought her every step of the way.
“I suppose the easiest way to explain it is recreating a better YGGDRASIL. If I can’t leave here, I want the worlds full of adventures and fun.”
“And what do you want me to do with the body of this dragon lord?”
Jester showed off her fangs at the thought of the dragons. Like her sister, they wanted her to stay in a corner and pretend she didn’t exist. The idea brought a savage look to her face. ‘They will regret not helping me when they had the chance.’
Jester panted a little still out of breath waving to the room full of rare item drops for the highest tier potions in YGGDRASIL. It was more rare drops then most could collect in a year worth of playing. “Well, I need a day or two to replenish my power. Turn the dragon lord into a world gem shard with world corruption. Then fuse all the gem shards together.”
Her champion could feel the deal offered as he thought about what he wanted. Knowing Kyuketsuki would tell her when he was ready. Checking the hidden window showing Simmra's struggle.
Jester was a little too slow, though, as Kyuketsuki caught her eyes staring at the thin air to their view. As information about the third possible champion filtered over to him. Jester quickly explained that since lord Ainz led the attack, she planned on letting him know about a potential new member to Ainz Ooal Gown and Nazarick.
This got her champion thinking about the possibility even if both her Champion options where distrustful. Simmra’s betrayal would stick it to her sister for what she did to the convent of crows. If she could complete the task as the rules, they both came up with dictated.
She just had to find the right selling pitch. Kyuketsuki was easy; he wanted the guild to feel more alive. Momonga, the overlord would be much harder, but that might not be as difficult as Jester believed seeing Simmra’s activity in the viewing window.
Her champion turned away from him having a message chat with Kathrin. Jester let them talk before Kyuketsuki sighed at them. “Alright, my moonlight. Shalltear, Please inform Ainz that I am giving Blue Rose's spying mission to him. do tell him they have been well behaved and that I did promise them freedom.”
Kyuketsuki turned to Avada and Entoma. “You two, please sort and store all the items in my lab and get the other 41 Homunculus Maids and Tuare and Ninya to help. Avada, you’re in charge. I trust you know where I want everything.”
Avada bowed overjoyed at the order. “Of course, my lord.”
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Kyuketsuki gave Jester a look saying they were done talking for now. “Jester, I want your information about fighting this dragon lord. I don’t want any surprises.”
Jester grinned and bowed before stepping back into the admin’ realm. Looking over all Six viewing windows. Seeing the deep dark dragon lord talking with the old necromancer Rigrit and that puppet armor of the Platinum Dragon Lord.
Quickly messaging her champion to tell him the dragon lord would be coming soon. Her eyes caught on the third person there. So they were finally moving again to bad this time she would be ready.
Passing over the viewing windows for Simmra, and Carnival to the second champion. Momonga was with Albedo looks like now wouldn’t be the time. The second champion was still iffy at best. Still, Muketsu was sure with enough time, she could get the paranoid overlord to trust her.
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-Batharun Empire-
Kettor enjoyed the ride on the back of Kiyohime; his four knights were less thrilled to be so high up. Even with necklaces of [fly] as a precaution, only Clemvet and Kathrin didn’t mind the ride. Seeing the land below them so high up with the wind in his face brought a content smile to him. Even if it was a little dull petting the cold scales of the undead dragon.
“So, what is the plan master will I get to kill something?”
That was the question he didn’t know what kind of dragon this dragon lord was or what kind of reinforcements they would bring. Jester didn’t have a lot to go on aside from that. It had a world-class item and that there might be others helping him. Still, they were sure to track him down by the world gem shard.
Kettor had a few aces on his side; the anti-wild magic zone would stop most of the dragon’s power. The WCI was the most significant danger and unknown. Still, having a whole fortress ready with Kiyohime would counter whatever they brought to the battle.
“Kathrin and I will deal with it along with Kiyohime. The four knights will defend and organize the fortress. You Clem-chan will take care of anyone that tries to interfere with our dragon hunt.”
Flying lower, they spotted the fortress, the high stone towers, and siege weapons ready to defend it. The guards were in thick coats as Kyuketsuki took notice of the winds and cloudy weather most of all, he noticed the snow-covered ground crunch under his feet.
He wondered how cold it was, but his undead nature made it impossible to tell. Even when he put his hand deep in the snow, he only felt the dulled sense of touch.
Approaching the gates, both guards saluted them. “H-hello, your ma-majesty fort Soflic is honored to have you here. ww-we didn’t get word that you were coming.”
Kyuketsuki patted the poor man’s shoulder as he flinched a little. “No need to feel so nervous, or are you cold? I can’t tell.”
“It’s T-the cold sire.” His partner snickered for a reason Kettor couldn’t guess.
Giving him a warm smile waving Ritana over, leaving the guard shaking either out of fear or cold. He could only guess the latter, but he didn’t have time to worry about that. “There is a good reason it would seem a dragon thinks they can hunt me. I need both of you to go with my elite four and prepare the fortress. While I speak with the general stationed here.”
Kyuketsuki moves past the stunned guard and his snickering partner. Shadowed by Kathrin and Clemvet passing guards and legion troops who kept up their work under the empress’s critical eyes. They all knew how harsh the empress was to those slacking. Only the emperor’s arm around her shoulder kept her from acting for now.
Finding the meeting room opening the door where the general was startled but quickly straightened up at them both. “Emperor Kettor and empress Kathrin. It is a pleasure to see you both after the rumors. Though I have little to report, the weather is terrible and cold, and the fortress watch is boring. Even if we are a little short-staffed with the new territory.”
“At ease general Natel we came here because new information has come to light. A dragon is coming. We need to know what we have and discuss plans.”
The general shifted to look at the runner panting for breath. “I assume that is part of the reason you brought the vampire dragon here.”
“Kiyohime is her name. We don’t know how much time we have to work with. My four elite shall organize the main defense while we take on the dragon lord.”
Kyuketsuki felt terrible for the man as the general got him and others to alert the fortress of the news. While Ritana did her job if there was one thing, he knows of dragons, it was the no amount of preparation was too much.
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-Ritana-
Ritana shared a glance with her long-time friend. They had never fought dragons before or seen a battle with one. The closest thing to one was the demonic wyvern. The news that they would have to minimize the damage of one was a daunting task.
The two guards following them after their replacements shift was given. Where more than thankful to be inside. Even if Sinadra could help snicker at Normikc shameful stuttering in front of the emperor.
Turning to the other three elite knights, narrowing her eyes at the two with Collars on their necks.
Leinas noticing her staring just sighed before lamely answering with a bright blush. “lost a bet found a boyfriend don’t ask.”
Rita noted that Nimble kept muttering something about mistress, bugs, and orders. She decided not to ask him. Kathrin told her that he crossed Shalltear.
Sinadra managed to stop mocking her partner to take notice of Ritana and Bardic. “So, heard you helped deal with the Slain Theocracy. How fun was that probably more than guard duty or catching the rare bandit group.”
Her long-time friend gave a condescending bark of laughter. “Lass those cowards couldn’t fight off goblins. It might be cold and dull here but better then cloak and dagger work.”
“Yeah, I had more of a challenge with Go Gin.”
Normikc eyes lit up at the mention of the fight. “Oh, you mean the legendary fight. How could you fight the troll, weren’t you afraid? I always wondered I mean humans can’t fight trolls. Not that you couldn’t you did win and-
Sinadra slapped his head to get him to stop babbling. Harshly whispering. “Stop embarrassing us before we lose this chance. This is the leader of the four.”
Rita couldn’t describe the feeling she got looking at the human guards’ fearful eyes. They reminded her of herself before the change, so unsure and afraid. Hissing as she tasted his fear, making both guards freeze up.
The group stopped in the stone halls with a few onlookers most might think she was angry. The truth was she just couldn’t stand that defeated mindset. Remembering her time before meeting lady Kathrin. This pair was also different yet so similar to her past self.
Rita steeled her gaze at Normikc as he skirted back under her sharp gaze. “Fear is always there; that is why we must fight it. Use it to help guide you, but never let it control you.” Rita patted the young man’s shoulders hard awed by those words.
“Sorry, He kind of idolizes you. Even when I told him we're just grunts. We have been stuck at this fort for five years, even through the parasite purge. I doubt that will change anytime soon.”
Rita shifted unsure what to say to that she wasn’t even that great a hero. Even with all her work, there was still so long to go. She wasn’t that good of a leader. Lady Kathrin thoughts told her otherwise guiding her through this odd feeling in her gut. She hates the defeated way Sinadra accepted that along with the way Nomrikc just took it.
“Don’t you want more than that?”
Sinadra let out a breath crossing her arms. “Sure, but norm here is average, and I only know five zero tier spells not really helping that we get overlooked a lot.”
Rita shook her head at this waving Bardic to cover for her. As the other three went ahead to get everyone ready. Rita locked eyes with the two humans they had that spark. That desire to get stronger and do right but stuck in a rut.
“Then come with me. Bardic cover for me.”
They gave her a strange look while all that was in her head was Mistress Kathrin’s gentle guiding words. Not that it was needed. Her body already knows what was required. The silent question that her inhuman blood asked that only she knew the answer to.
Rita already knew the answer to prove herself worthy of her own packmates. Leading them to a spare room. Which had them nervously glancing at each other, wondering if this would be a punishment. While Rita struggled with how she was supposed to help them unlock the limit of the human body.
She was different then lady Kathrin so her bite alone wouldn’t be enough. Rita puzzled out how to help them most by breaking the limits, holding them back. When it seemed impossible, she heard the whispering blocking out all sound around her. She wasn’t ready yet for that unique bite ability.
Rita knew how to get there though it was going to hurt. “Alright, you want to prove yourself then your training with me. Lady Kathrin has allowed a trial period to prove yourself. Show me your resolve, and you will get your chance.”
Using her Aspect of Lycancat to shift configuration taking in the training dummies. Remembering her weakness before realistic training would help them the most.
Rita could see them frightened by the shift they didn’t know. Not many did, but this is what she learned it would take to stand against the evils of the world. Her voice was more beast-like and rough. “The first test defends the training dummies use everything you have after an hour of this. We will practice magic from this book of spells Lady Kathrin gave me. After that, I will see which kind of training will be better for each of you.”
Sinadra raised her hand. “What if the dragon attacks while we are training won’t you be tired.”
Rita chuckled at there question if there was one thing, she was sure of the emperor and empress didn’t need her help. And if something could threaten them, then her orders were to bring his body to safety to revive. Not fight impossible odds, which wouldn’t help her emperor.
“Then, you follow my orders and know that there is a time for fighting battles and avoiding fights we can’t win.”
Both the guards gulped as Rita started her training. Rita chuckled at the irony. This is how lady Kathrin must have felt training her; they were both so slow and weak. By the end of twenty minutes, they already lost. Starting again as they struggled and failed, only adding seconds to the time it took. This was not only training for them; she needs to get used to all her aspects at once. It would be the key to helping them both.
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-A few days later-
Bardic was bord enough without his friend running off to train the two young guards. Both couldn’t be older than 30. It must have reminded her of back in E-rental; either way, she was missing as they went around the keep. Not that there was much to do but wait without Jinna here, making it duller.
The dwarf kept his eye on the other two as they played the card game. Rechecking his hand, grumbling that there was no bar either. The harpy Lass eyed him before showing her hand. Smirking his way thinking, she won this round.
Bardic rechecked his hand, clicking his tongue as he throws the crap hand down. “I still don’t know why you don’t want to gamble. You would have half my pay for this week by now.”
Leinas face scowled, shaking her head. Pointing to her collar with annoyance. “What can I say betting with demons taught me to think twice about it.”
He gestured with his eyes to Nimble, looking out the window the lad kept shaking unwilling to stop working. Made Bardic worry what got him so worked up. Wouldn’t say a word about it only that he had to keep working.
“He messed up bad, and Shalltear found out.”
He widened his eyes in shock, looking at the poor lad. Worry filled his eyes as they all drew another hand. “Is he alright?”
Leinas gave him a deadpan stare ok, that was a dumb question. They quietly played, seeing his hand hiding his smirk looking at the other guards in the room.
If he was honest, he hoped the dragon would show up already. This was boring; he had sparred with all the guards in the fort twice. “So, where’s Rita been haven’t seen her around?”
Leinas tossed the hand on the table, tired of the game. “We can go find her last I heard Lady Kathrin brought a true blood paladin here to train with her and the other two.”
Bardic scowled, “I was going to win that round.”
Leinas gave a teasing grin. “Well, you're easy to read besides you need to inspect the siege weapons again afterword’s. I need to scout out the area by air again as well.”
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-Simmra/ dragon kingdom capital-
She scanned around the corner, stopping Hana and the other two followers. Cursing her kindness for the tenth time, why did they think she could protect them. This is how she got stuck doing this, at least until she could find Blue Rose.
Watching a few of her followers lure the Archangel Flames closer, her heart was racing, drawing up her hand with careful aim and focus. At the chaos in the street, she had to be cautious of the people, but she couldn’t let the poor people get killed for being hungry and cold. They didn’t have protection spells against weather or the ability to bring back the dead if they had to ration out food for those that starved.
[silent: hellfire sparks]
The black flame in her hand shot out in several directions at all ten archangels. As they burned in the eighth-tier spell, the people cheering as her followers fought back Delight’s own forces, they didn’t stand much of a chance. Still, even if they got caught, it was better then if HK’s angels got them.
Buffing all her followers, allowing them to overpower them with numbers. Seeing that the coast was clear, they moved across the street. Into the next set of alleyways. While she coordinates her followers to help the rebellion that had risen up once winter hit.
‘That’s what happens when you burn my farms and temple, trying to find me.’ The whole city was a hotbed of troubles as HK tried to rain them in with his iron fist. She had seen it first hand as he executed poor parents trying to steal food for there children. Delight wasn’t much better, giving half measures that couldn’t hope to keep everyone warm and fed.
Simmra herself did what she could, but the winter was harsher than expected. The fierce winds made open streets death for those caught out in the snow at night. Her hooves helped her tolerate the cold snow crunched under her hooved feet. Even she would be in trouble without her [energy protection: cold] along with other elemental protection spells.
Even with her help, she had to avoid all of the open streets, risking the cold shadows of the alleyways. Sniping silent spells long range to help her followers, which for the life of her, she couldn’t understand. They knew that when she came back to the temple, she was running away, not even trying to hide her intentions.
Her follower stayed even after telling them to scram before the snow hit. Advising them to leave her and the city, and their response to her trying to save their lives. “If the other two gods have failed us, then lead us and let us return the kindness you have shown Lady Simmra.”
The only reason she was still in the city is Blue Rose was hard to find. Thankfully they had not been caught; Temra would have alerted her if they had. ‘Now, if only I could find them before escaping the city becomes impossible.’
So many had died between the freezing snow and winds. Starving to death or being killed By her crazy friend who didn’t seem to understand or care, he was killing people. Betraying them hurt more then she would like to say, but if it was her life or theirs. She would pick her own life every time.
This hellish world was crazy enough for her halting at the edge of another street. Cursing her luck peeking out, there was one of her followers on his knees, trembling in the chilly winds missing an arm. Several other followers dead around him in bloody pieces. Biting her lip at the glowing blade of the Cherubim order keeper with so many wings, it was hard to count them all or see its real body.
The Cold Eyes of the non-human head glared at the poor man. ‘Come on, you can’t just let him die! You have to do something!’ Her body wouldn’t move; she couldn’t beat that NPC. It had killed her twice back in YGGDRASIL. Her hands shaking at this sight, screaming in her mind at the fool as he noticed her giving a bloody smile.
Elias understands now he would give her position away. Living with shame wasn’t so bad. Its what Simmra would do.
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-End of Chapter-