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-Nazarick-
Kettor tightly gripped his wine glass, watching Clemvent get serious with this weird half white and half black-haired human holding the war Scythe. Something that She only did with their spars both of them glowed multiple colors as they activated their martial arts. In the clash of blades, Clemvet was using every part of her body as a weapon. While the war scythe kept her moving to stay out of range of the edge. Clementine was naturally agile before the changes after the last one. She was so flexible she could pull off dodging in ways that would be impossible for most humans, even himself.
He did his best not to be annoyed that this human was holding up better than most of his spars with her. ‘I wonder if I can drain status points out of the human.’ Jester bonked his head for the thought with Kathrin glaring but being unable to defy his orders. So long as Jester was his sister, she was honor-bound to protect her like Nazarick. Even if he could practically see the gears in Kathrin’s head thinking about ways to harm the administrator.
“That is not possible, trust me. I tried that before it didn’t go so well. Better to work on it yourself unless you would like to risk your health by abusing world Corruption.”
Despite his annoyance, he grins at his new sister, patting her head. “Good to see you care. Tuare, how is Rita’s hand? I forgot Clem-chan had real silver wear on her.”
Tuare hands glowed a dim light at the basic but useful 2nd tier spell. “Fine, my lord, the wound has already healed.” Picking up the silver knife when the scan showed no problem.
Kathrin piped in with a strange gaze to her lord. “To be safe cast one of the blessing spells on her, please.” Something Kyuketsuki had not counted on was the many differences to Rita from Kathrin. Rita had to eat and eat more the lower her energy was. She had to sleep, and most of the time, her sleep was filled with nightmares that she forgot the moment upon awakening. Rita’s training showed resistance to most damage types and immunity to fire damage now. Her sensitive hearing made her weak to thunder or loud sounds. Now it seemed she was not vulnerable to silver either.
Hearing Rita hiss loudly pushing Tuare away at the 3rd tier [blessing of regeneration]. Kettor narrowed his eyes, rushing to Rita's side. She had a low positive karma score that shouldn’t have hurt her. Yet Rita was sweating and shaking as if hurt.
[phantom pain]
He watched the negative energy calm Rita down as if she was undead, yet her heart still pulsed. Kyuketsuki had no idea what to make of this before concluding that [blight rebirth] had not fused the two Classes like Rita thought. It made her a corrupted hybrid, a race that the only knowledge he had on was what Rita provided him so far by watching and testing out.
Grimacing at what this would mean. “Rita, have you been to any of the temples or hallowed ground?”
“Yes, a few times to help Kathrin set up the new temples. Why?”
“Avoid all holy, good and light spells and weapons. It seems you have a weakness to them. Kathrin, please take Rita to the Ashurbanipal library and teach her about negative and positive spells and weapons. If this is one of her weaknesses, she needs to know how to deal with it.”
“At once, my lord. Come along, my lioness. It is time to learn and test more.”
Once they were gone out of the room, Kettor retook his Seat. It seemed Rita needed to master the new racial class quickly so he could find out and write a new book about it. On top of his own world-class for the betterment of Nazarick. Might have to make several since this world-class was proving to have so much hidden information about it.
Pulling Shalltear close, ignoring whatever Nimble was doing. Watching the last of Clemvet’s fight surprised that the last member had actually managed to wound Clemvet a little. Still, it was over once She had her war scythe stolen after losing an arm.
“Shalltear, I believe it is time you help guide Simmra and make sure she knows I expect to watch you both impress Ainz. We can’t have a possible new guild member look weak.”
Shalltear gained a gleam in her eyes at the chance to make up for her mistakes. “Of course, my lord, I will not fail you.”
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-Simmra-
She couldn’t believe the chaos the Shade’s desires pushed her into: angels, humans, undead, demons, goblins, ogres, and now this woman fighting that gave her the creeps to watch. She was thankful for the help but almost regretted it watching the monster with pink tendrils posing as hair and the living snake tail. Utterly crush the enemy, she was struggling with one by one.
Even the last and most powerful one that she feared crossed was choking on her own blood as her body was violated by chains covered in a pink mist. The mad creature wearing human skin laughed as She had her way with the beaten enemy.
“Come on, aren’t you enjoying my chains? You wanted my affection. Sadly, I only have eyes for Master, and we don’t want any more strays. Something both sister Kathy and I agreed on~.”
Watching in horror as the half-elf covered in cuts, missing an arm and panting with glazed-over eyes. She reached out to touch the monster, only to get covered in burning chains vanishing never to be seen again. “I will remember you, Zesshi. This was a good fight.”
To Simmra’s relief, the monster Passed over her to the last member. “Now, dear brother, no… you're too lowly and pathetic to be my ex-brother. Pet suits you much better. We can come up with a fitting name later. Come along, we have so much fun to catch up on.”
Simmra was frozen by fear as the monster dragged the unreceptive man through the void of darkness. As that one closed, the vampire’s general showed adorned in red armor with wings and a strange metal spear that had a ball of liquid in it. Followed by a blonde-haired man dressed in dark crimson armor armored with a sword and shield. A metal collar around his neck that had a chain, the vampire, unclipped the chain. “Now, pet stay close and kill anything that attacks us that isn’t with Nazarick.”
The young woman vampire turned to her, those red eyes glowing. “You may call me Lady Shalltear come along ins…I mean Simmra, my lord expects you to show off. After a good job of protecting his spies. If you want to live, however, you will have to help me fight. Fail to impress him and Ainz at your own risk.”
Simmra agreed quickly, following as the seeing magic eye hovered unseen over them. It was powerful. The madness of the crumbling buildings and fighting in the street was her last concern right now. Healing those that needed it and supporting with buff spells as they passed.
Realizing that Shalltear was leading her to the fallen city where the spell effects and flashes of attacks could be seen happening. Most of the rest of the city had calmed down by this point dead angels, and humans lined the streets.
Passing a village girl in armor leading the forces as she gathered up the survivors. Seeing many of her followers willing to help. Giving Simmra warm smiles and waves as they passed quickly. To the front of the once-great city of Alvanle, it’s shining gates and beautiful gardens ruined in a flaming hellscape.
More generals were there fighting HK and his last and only five first sphere angels. One of them already pinned by a four-armed and armored giant warrior. As a devil in a vermilion suit and metal tail dug his claws covered in black flames into its heart. Watching the powerful holy being give a dying gasp.
Simmra spotted two dark elf twins on a beast mount, an aged butler, and a woman clad in dark horned armor where all dealing with the other angels. HK was fighting a dark armored warrior with giant swords.
She briefly glanced over to where the burned and crushed rock lay next to it was Delight’s assault magnum 34 along with other broken magic guns.
Simmra's heart stopped seeing it imagining what he would say. ‘I don’t blame you, Simmra. I only wish I could have encouraged you more to stay with us.’ feeling tears well up behind her eyes, pushing down the bitter Regret that she could have convinced the fool to join her. Maybe If she did well enough, she could get to revive him. As much as they disagreed on things, she never hated him. If anything, she was a little jealous of his unwavering bravery even when he knew he stood little chance.
She did wonder where such a huge rock came from? Looking at the mountains seeing the gigantic Golam titan that stood there, its hand gripping another tip of the mountains around it.
“Stop standing around, which one would you like to fight Simmra. Keep in mind I will be taking point.”
Simmra snapped out of her thoughts; she didn’t have time to wonder where the clown is hiding. Turning to the Cherubim, pointing her hand at the angel to busy fighting off the four-armed armored warrior.
[boosted Maximize Magic: hellfire eruption]
The Cherubim screamed in pain as the black flames burned it shooting out of the ground under it. Shalltear charged once the flames died down, showing that The Cherubim had lost many wings now stumps or missing feathers.
Simmra made sure to keep watch of all the generals boosting their speed, giving them divine protection, and healing them if they got injured. Not that there was much need for her to go into the fray. This was what her build was made for helping allies stay in the fight.
Simmra also sending debuffs to all the angels still standing, which already started to lose one fell then another and another. Till the only one still standing was HK surrounded by all seven generals. Even then, he took in all of them ready for the final fight. HK’s eyes kept scanning around for someone that wasn’t here.
Realizing she could help them even if she didn’t know the full reason. She knew HK had a family back home, and he wanted to go back at any cost. It was what drove him mad to not see what he had become realizing who his target was then coming up with a plan. She dared not Fight HK. He might not be the best PVP and PK (player killer) in the game, but he was up there, and a few with him could hurt them, hurting her chances.
She stepped forward with pain in her heart-driven by fear as much as she didn’t want to see him dead. Simmra had her own people to help most of all. She didn’t want to die. Sadly, she didn’t know what could motivate them to stop. They were so one-track-minded on getting home that He wouldn’t even listen to Delight anymore if they fought.
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“HK, you want to go home right. You can’t do that if your dead. Join us, and the vampire lord can find a way to send us back.”
HK cracked helmet let her see one of the dark brown eyes. Glaring at her as if disregarding those around him. She knew she messed up somehow by the evil Aura around him. “You expect me to believe you after everything you did!”
HK used his special skill, which was part of the name for the armor as four clones appeared shining, each shining a different color. Forcing the generals to form teams of two. Save the vampire in red armor who created a second wight clone of herself. Which left the original HK to charge at her. She throws a few [hell flames] at him, hoping to at least slow him down.
Knowing she didn’t have long to come up with a plan as HK let his shield take all the black flames even as it glowed red hot. He kept coming jumping up and throwing the shield still burring in black flames at her with blinding speed. Forcing her to throw up a [greater magic shield]. Sweating as she just barely stopped the fiery metal, her barrier cracked, which wouldn’t stop HK now almost upon her.
Simmra rolled as HK crashed down where she was standing using both her daggers to block the blade of his long sword only to feel the slicing of her shoulder. Hissing turning low with her reptile tail whipping against his armor to push him back.
[triple: hellfire wall] [triple: hellfire eruption]
The Hellfire spells were her best weapon right now using [Teleportation] to get as much distance between them as possible. HK’s armor, something he had spent a lot of time perfecting, barely even looked scorched. “We didn’t need to do this you lost ahh-
[Reality Slash] [Reality Slash] [Reality Slash]
Simmra screamed as she was cut into eight pieces holding on for dear life. As she used her skill [grand unholy reversal] [god hand of life], everything hurt as her blood and body parts flew back together hissing with steam and healing her HP back to half.
“You are a coward, and I don’t need to hear any more lies. We both know you can’t beat me.”
Simmra panted. She was almost out of mana and missing one of her daggers. She didn’t stand a chance like this Teleporting behind the Eight Generals. Seeing why they had been holding back. “I don’t need to; I just need to weaken you for the vampire lord.”
“I don’t see him anywhere, Simmra. I think you need to let me rip out those fear blinded eyes!”
[Muketsu curse: full cup]
HK turned too late as a stream of tar-like liquid poured down on him, roaring in a fury. Jumping up at the Vampire lord had a quick battle of swords in the air lasting a few minutes before kicking HK down. At the dark warrior with his great swords out spearing through the armor as it started to crumble. The other generals quickly attacked the crazed man who seemed to have lost his mind.
Simmra didn’t know what the spell was, but she watched in horror as HK’s body started to decay. It was slow but visible, taking ten agonizing minutes of him screaming even the dark warrior’s sword holding HK down broke down. As HK’s body and gear melted into a puddle of black ooze.
Simmra watched in hollow wonder as even that only stayed for about a minute before any proof of him existing was gone. She should be happy she got to live, and her followers would be spared hopefully. Only the bitter feeling stayed with her Knowing she would have to live with this. Both her friends were gone with not even a body left. She walked over to the assault magnum 34, trying to pick it up only for it to slip out of her hands. She couldn’t use that weapon grunting at the restriction. She couldn’t even keep the last thing he had.
Feeling a hand on her shoulder. “I know it wasn’t easy. Thank you for protecting them.”
Glancing back at the handsome face of a Japanese man with black hair. This was the face of the dark warrior. Simmra didn’t know what to say; she felt numb after everything. Unsure what to think about any of it. She could only think of one thing to ask. “Can you keep this magic gun somewhere? I know Delight stood against you. But he was a good friend, and I can’t hold this stupid weapon due to my class restriction.”
“Sure, though I will have to move it to a secure location. What about your daggers? I thought divine casters could only hold staffs or spears?”
“Well, being a divine and infernal healing support build, I got the chance to switch to short swords or daggers. The tradeoff helps since I can control the daggers from range, and my two magic stealth classes help me hang back unseen.”
Then the woman covered in similar black armor rushed over, holding the dark warrior close. Her helmet off showing that the horns came out of the smooth long black hair. “lord- I mean Momon-san, your fighting skills have improved so much. I loved watching you crush the insects. Speaking of what shall we do with this insect.”
Simmra cleared her throat bowing low to the man. “Lord Momon, I would like to humbly beg to form an alliance with you. In return for joining you and the protection or at least safe passage of my followers.”
Momon looked conflicted about it before rubbing his chin. “I can ask the sorcerer-king and the emperor, but That will take time. Do you mind if we move then to Crain village till all this can get sorted out?”
Simmra gazed over the ruins, which were once a capital. Beyond it, the cold and mostly quiet of the crumbling city. She had to at least warn them about what was inside. “Of course, I should tell you the old queen of the dragon kingdom is inside. Most of the traps are broken, and the NPC should all be dead. Save for my helper angel tell her I am your ally, and she will help. Also, there was some kind of clown administrator here trying to lead me and my…. the other two. Be careful of that one.”
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-Nazarick meeting room -
Kettor could only feel joy for the successful battle even though the capital had only a few thousand people left. He left delegating the dragon kingdom to Kathrin with no illusion that Draudillon would be little more than a governor for the region. The old queen was in no shape to rule with her spirit so broken.
This would be tricky. Kettor wasn’t even sure how it would go glancing over all the Floor Guardians. Ainz was hard to read again after switching out of the human guise as the dark warrior. This would be important to see if future players could be recruited. Like old times only now, they both agreed the Floor guardians would have a vote in who could join.
“Wonderful job, everyone. Also, Kyuketsuki, you owe me two swords.”
Kettor shrugged, looking to Jester, who had her mask off for right now. She gave a kind and gentle smile, “Sure thing, bone daddy.” materializing two swords like Ainz’s old ones.
Ainz looked like he wanted to comment on the nickname, but Kettor moved them on to the Next subject. “Now there is an idea I would like to propose. First, after talking with Jester, we concluded that before YGGDRASIL’s destruction, there were other beings like Ainz and me. She estimated at least a few thousand to a few hundred may have been transported like us. Now besides the three players, we ran into today. Kathrin ran into a mercenary leader that was a player around the mid-level 60.”
Ainz finished for Kettor. “We don’t know where or when they will appear. Has anyone felt a presence like lord Kyuketsuki’s outside of Nazarick? Kathrin said that when she was close enough, she could feel the avatar’s energy?”
It was a crappy name, but Kettor and Ainz weren’t sure what to call it lifeforce was mixed up with EXP and levels. After talking it over, it seemed to be the best name at the time.
All of them shared a look before answering no. Demiurge spoke up first. “Can Jester locate them finding even lord Kyuketsuki’s and lord Ainz’s presence is much harder outside of Nazarick.”
Jester frowned as she concentrated. “If I focus on one area, I can, but it takes time to find the exact location. If you told me a name or description of them, I could track them much faster. Now a few are floating around in this region. Some have been around hiding for years. Others have arrived only today. Carnival is blocking most of them, slowing any progress on finding them.”
Ainz raised his flaming eyes to stare at Jester. “Any other guild bases around?”
“Most lose connection with the guild base if they were outside during the shutdown. Even then, there are many factors to if it will transport or stay behind. To my knowledge, there are four, five, if you count the underground one, the thirteen heroes destroyed. Nazarick, the no longer flying Alvanle city, one in the Slane Theocracy, which I forgot the name to but is old. Finally, there is the flying city of the greed kings in the Argland Council State.”
Kettor scowled at the information, something that had been glossed over; when he saw Jester's memories. “I see so my enemy the platinum dragon lord has one. He hates players, but Jester seems confident He will gather those he can trust to attack us. Also, be on guard the Slane Theocracy already tried to damage my empire while I was recovering.”
“Should we not move up the plan for the Roble Holy Kingdom than my lords.”
Ainz and Kyuketsuki were quiet for different reasons as much as he hated the plan. If they could draw out possible enemy players despite the danger. They could be taken out before the dragon lord could rally them. Nazarick and his family came first before his morals. He had to decide what to focus on going after the Slane Theocracy, Carnival, getting stronger, or spying on the Argland Council State.
They were far too short-handed, and he could only focus on one problem at a time. Realizing he might have to ask some of the guardians to handle some of them. Which would be fine if he could watch them, but this would require trusting them to handle the task themselves. Glad he didn’t need sleep for once.
Looking over the maps on the table that Ainz had made for this meeting. Glad he didn’t have to translate this new world written language for once. The names on the map where all in Japanese. Jester took the liberty of marking the location of each guild base.
“Yes, demiurge, I want the operation started after this meeting. Make sure to capture any players’ if you can, if not alert me. Pandora acter keep playing the role of the hero Momon and cover for Albedo and me. I assume you still have Erdbeere with you.”
Pandora acter saluted his creator. “Of course, mein Schöpfer, Erdbeere, and I shall show your subjects the unending kindness and strength of Ainz Ooal Gown.” Ending a dramatic bow that always gave a smile to Kyuketsuki, Ainz not so much.
Kettor finally gathered his nerve to present the idea, which could help them or doom them if not careful. Even back in YGGDRASIL screening players for those that would use the guild or just infiltrate, it was difficult. Now he had a feeling it would be challenging to get the guardians to let any new players join. “Seeing as we have so many issues to tackle at once. I would like all of you to be open-minded and also give your input. I propose since Simmra Thorns helped us in the battle that we give her a trial run to see if she could become another supreme being of Nazarick. Now I know it sounds strange, but each member of Ainz Ooal Gown proved themselves and earn their rank normally we would decide. Seeing as how well all of you are doing, we both agreed each of you shall get a vote.”
Ainz flames flickered. He was still against the idea even if he saw its merit. This is why it would fall to the guardians even Simmra was given a chance both agreed most of the old rules applied as Ainz listed them off. With one stipulation of a year of supervision for any sign of betrayal to become a member. Then another two for gradually allowing them to see all of Nazarick and even get a say in the vote. They could both agree if the person could earn the favor of the guardians, then they gain the spot.
“If more than half agrees, she may join. I expect all of you to watch her closely. See if she proves she has the same will to protect Nazarick and its children as we do, then she will gain a temporary spot. But there will be a vote two years after that to see if we all feel she is worthy of being a gui…cough actual supreme being.”
Already it was an excellent sign that they were talking about it instead of rejecting the idea outright. Kyuketsuki could see some would not change Albedo sided with Ainz as always. Surprisingly both Cocytus and Demiurge sided with him. Pandora Acter was unsure which to pick. Torn between his creator and Kyuketsuki’s valid point making an amusing performance out it, which got Kyuketsuki to chuckle if nothing else.
Mare voted yes as well while Aura voted against. Kyuketsuki had to keep Mare's sister from bullying her to say no. Shalltear agreed with Kyuketsuki, narrowly getting half the vote. Smiling at Jester not only as a welcome but as a sign to keep an eye on Simmra.
“Well, it looks like Simmra Thorns shall get the probation period. Now, as a way to prove herself and the first mission. Ainz, would it be ok to send her to the elf kingdom and dark elf kingdom with Mare and Aura.”
It was a little mission to see any hidden skills, and if she couldn’t be trusted, the twins could easily trap and kill her. It also had the benefit of harassing the Slane Theocracy, so Kettor could decide where he was most needed.
“I will agree though I will give the twins a side mission. While you talk with Simmra if you don’t mind.”
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-In the waiting area outside the meeting room-
Simmra was relieved to be alive even if the two guards wouldn’t even let her listen in. It would be nice to at least know if, after everything, her work to survive wasn’t in vain. Luckily, they had luxury seats that couldn’t compare to any but the old guild base... Allowing her to sit and review everything, her heart still weighed heavily on the cost. She felt like if she spent much longer here, she might forget what the real world was like.
Thinking about it, this was her real-world now, not something she could run from. Even if she hated to admit it. Sighing as she slumped in her seat, would they had stood a chance if they stood together? She had no way of knowing. Even if the cynical part of her mind reminded her of the odds. After seeing how badly outmatched her friends where. More importantly, the mad assassin sitting next to her. Grumbling about not being able to break in her pet yet.
Those chains were a nightmare. Simmra only had one or two spells or items in her inventory that might be able to block one maybe two of the abilities. Curses of such a high level would be tricky to counter even with all her magic. This was without considering all the assassin's other skills.
Looking away when that madness and blood lustful filled eyes gazed her way. “Don’t worry, I might make it quick If they reject your offer.”
Simmra gulped, unable to meet that cold taunting stare. “You mean like with Quaiesse or the rest of his team?”
She expects to hear yes just to torture her or some other sadistic reply. Which is why she was caught off guard by the soft and gentle voice in her ear. “No, you're a survivor like me even when the world tries to kill you. You’re still fighting to survive, and you see the bitter truth I can see it in your eyes.”
Snapping over to see a serious and understanding face, Simmra halfway thought it was another trick to mess with her mind. Finding no deceit to be had, this was so strange she didn’t know what to say.
She ends up blurting out. “Does the guilt ever go away?”
Clemvet patted her shoulder, making her heart speed up a little. It left as soon as the assassin drew back her hand. “Sorry, forgot about the lust curse.” The smirked said she wasn’t putting her hands behind her head looking up. “I suppose that’s up to how you want to live. I stopped caring and learned to enjoy it, what's the point if you don’t have fun. Even if I don’t care what happens to you. I respect your resolve to live enough to give you a quick death. Feel free to try running makes the kill and more enjoyable.”
“Thanks, I guess?”
She chose not to push her luck with this odd moment. At least some of her followers lived that had to count for something, right? Hearing the doors to the meeting room open, she slowly turned to look, seeing the handsome vampire come out with the odd masked sister that reminded her of Carnival a little.
“Good news, you can try out, but you will need to do a few things for us in turn.”
Simmra knew that part was coming; this was Ainz Ooal Gown; they wouldn’t take any freeloaders. How did she want to live? “What do you want me to do?”
Clemvent pouted but was quiet. Simmra didn’t want to know why. “The first objective will be to scout out both the dark elf and tree elf kingdoms. Second, look for any players and see if they can be turned to our side. If not, Mare and Aura will help you kill them. Third, make both kingdoms allies to the empire and sorcerer kingdom. I don’t care how or what means you use, but Mare and Aura will be grading your performance. Lastly, I shouldn’t need to tell you the Shade’s desire watching should you betray Nazarick or me. It will kill you. It will also help you if you're in trouble.”
It was like a whole new weight had been placed on her shoulders, chilling the air and crushing her hope. The ease with which Kyuketsuki said kill and the hidden message that she would have to impress the generals of Nazarick. Something impossible based on their low opinion of her even after helping in the battle. Why couldn’t they be friendly and nice then again that wouldn’t make them powerful. Relenting while this might not be what she wanted, it was better than death.
Watching one of them leave while the shorter sister remained her mask shifting. “Don’t be so down big brother is a sweetheart once you get to know him. I can help you out too if you agree to be my friend and help me with a few things. Deal?” The masked vampire held out her hand.
Simmra considered it the kindness seemed a little too good to be true, but she needed something to lift her spirits. “Sure, who's…”
“Who are you talking to, Betrayer?”
Looking down at the shadow demon halfway out of her shadow. Looking back only to see the empty hall with only the two guards looking at her strangely. “...myself.” The shadow demon’s red eyes narrowed before sinking back down to act like it wasn’t there.
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-End of Chapter-