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-Jester a few minutes after the fight-
She watched her champion and big brother collapse on to the ground as the back to normal elf Carnival was running away. She went over and plucked the two and a half-finished soul gems. Usually, it would take far more, but the dragon emperor's souls raw power had sped up her dreams. There was a high risk of the dragon lords winning the next battle or Nazarick and the dragon lords wiping each other out. She could use this fight to get the last few dragon lord corpses and save them with the world item once she knew it was safe. So close after 679 years of planning.
Glancing down at Aniki, unable to understand, he had the perfect opportunity to kill her and then Carnival keeping Nazarick safe. Turning to leave, stopping two steps away at the pain in her heart, remembering the betrayal of her sister. ‘Stop it. He will turn on you like everyone else without a bigger threat.’ Yet she couldn’t make the pain stop nor the thoughts his actions didn’t make sense. He should have turned on her; he couldn’t ask for a better way to kill her. ‘So why didn’t he?’
Her hands shaking, contemplating breaking the deal, then she would be free to be alone again…turning back, she marched up, touching his head she had to know why. Finding the usual thoughts of betrayal or hidden plots for her missing, only trust, love, and a void nightmare jumping back.
Watching in shock as her champion’s hair came alive, reaching out at her, his wings crumbling as his bone tail melted into amber slime. Seeing many eyes in the nearby shadows staring at her, annoyed.
“What a predictable reaction. Leave my brood alone until I am done before I eat you whole.”
Jester shivered at the otherworldly voice in her mind, expanding her powers. She couldn’t find the source. “Then tell me why he saved me. Even after plotting to kill me for so long, I don’t understand!”
She heard it deep laughter at her question, annoyed and scared where this voice was coming from. “Ask him when I am done with my test. If he manages to keep his mind, I am sure he will prove amusing to watch further.”
The maddening power was gone as quickly as it came making Jester's heart pulsed with green to calm her down. What was that? Gazing at her brother, he had reached that powers' attention, worried filled her kneeling down her hand, tracing the armor gold lines. ‘This is a stupid plan way too risky. Why can’t I bring myself to leave and watch the battle.’ trust was not something she could rely on. Only controlled trust offers any real guarantee she wouldn’t be left or hurt again. His last action replaying in her mind; no one had done that before in over 600 years. Not without being commanded to do so, why was he different? Then the only reason they were blood-related was a trick on her part.
‘I trust you, Imōto!’ Sighing as she created two void avatars, sending them out to gather the others as the portal opened, Ainz and Albedo walked out, ready for battle. She could pick up all the other floor guardians and Simmra nearby. Jester could feel the Despair Aura wash over her. As Ainz eyes stared into hers, cursing Carnival for destroying her mask without it, Ainz could see right through her lies or illusions.
“What happened to him, Admin’? If I don’t like the answer, you will regret it.”
Muketsu thought about running, but her big brother put so much trust in her. Making her gut twist painfully frown ‘Fine, I will help but only for Aniki. But not without making changes.’ there was no reason to kill all the dragon lords. She only needed two or three more to completely create the world-class item of Eodlolel.
“He tapped into the source of my power, awakening the mind of it. He will survive, I think…but we have six no five dragon lords left to fight four if we move the next fight away from the sea.”
Ainz eyes flashed, glaring at her. “Why would I trust a word you say. He might allow you to have this power. I have no intention of letting you keep the new world item without proof. You won’t use it against Nazarick or its allies. I will even become your second champion if you can prove it will be a benefit to Nazarick. Like I said before, you went through Kyuketsuki to get my gem shard.”
Muketsu glared at the floor, thinking this was way too dangerous Ainz might try to kill her, and he could see through her fake reality for the next hour till they meet eyes again. “If I can’t.”
Ainz despair aura flared up, putting heavy pressure on her. Making her look at him, resisting the thick fear effects. Her administration defense kicked in, blocking the fear and madness effects.
“I will kill you here, and now if you revive, I will keep hunting you down till your dead for good regardless of Kyuketsuki’s thoughts. He has already allowed someone so dangerous, far too much freedom. This is where it got him; I will not make that mistake.”
“Aniki-sam was only defending me and took away Carnivals admin’ authority and her immortality. She will live a few Centuries before old age and or sickness takes her.”
“That only gives me more reason to kill you being the only high-level threat besides the dragon lords and players.”
Jester was tempted to move to defend herself before Peroroncino and Shalltear came into the clearing with the other old friends close behind. “Hey, chill Momonga, she is Kyuketsuki sister, plus she promised me a date after this.”
“You don’t know the danger she possesses. If she gets two more dragon lord souls, she will have a WCI for this world. I don’t want to risk what could happen if she does.”
“Muketsu-san is no threat to us.”
The other guild members were all lost watching containing their own unease about being here for now.
Muketsu bit her lip, seeing the fight coming, which they couldn’t afford. Standing up and pulling peroroncino back. Holding out her hand, this was stupid and foolish. Still, Kyuketsuki had put trust in her, something no one had done since arriving here, not even her own sister. She knew making another deal about Nazarick would be dangerous as the backlash could stack, but it was the only way to prove it.
“Once I have Eodlolel’s WCI, wild magic will slowly die out in a few years. Making dragon lords powerless without guild bases, tier magic, or players to help them. I can also locate and track any threat to Nazarick so long as it is within my range. Make me an official member of Nazarick, and I will protect it with Onii-san. If I become a threat to Nazarick, I promise not to fight back if you try to kill me for it.”
Ainz stared deep into her eyes for several long minutes before relenting. Shaking the hand and sealing the magic deal. “Aright, you will tell me everything about these dragons as we move everyone and plan. I expect to see you help us fight like Simmra will. Later I want to know everything you know about all players in your range.”
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-Location Unknown-
He had been falling for so long in the star-filled darkness he lost track of how much time he had spent here. The only thing keeping him from disappearing with the rest of himself was the red light he clutched to his chest, Fearful of what would happen should he let go. The soundless void began to fill with whispers again as someone was calling a name. He didn’t know if it was his own, mainly because he couldn’t remember any of the nameless masks he had donned. He could only remember the precious memories he held close. The only thing keeping the madness of the void at bay and its silent whispers asking him to let go. It was maddening every time he thought he would hear it only to hear silence in the memories of Nazarick and this strange new world. The nameless darkness had taken it, leaving him with only the light of memories of some vampire without a name. He wasn’t even sure if he was still a vampire; was he always one? He didn’t know all he could do was have his pure silvery living hair and long slimy amber tail hug him close.
“Please ~~~~~, wake up its time to go back.” He drifted closer to the dim light, still hugging the red-light ball of memories near. As it got closer, he could swear a thousand unseen eyes were watching him: his amber slime tail and living hair whipping out around him in defense.
“How interesting few have asked enough to fall into this place before. Even fewer had remained as intact as you. Even the dragon lords who claimed to be unstoppable, who dare try to steal my power could last only days while you have lasted an eternity. Though your requests are always so interesting to see.”
He had many questions, unsure which to ask, seeing a group of tiny green lights he thought where stars at first. Hearing a familiar voice. “Only ask the right questions ~~~~~-sama; then you have to wake up the others are waiting for you.”
“Jade, is that you?” He didn’t get an answer as the tiny green lights drifted away into the sea of stars, somehow getting the feeling she was smiling softly.
“How is Jade here? She should be dead?” Trying not to sound bitter and slightly happy to hear that sweet voice again.
“This dream is a waypoint between many worlds. Spirits of the dead can pass through for a short time. It is why the dragon lords tried to use my domain's power to pull the world items to them. I found their greed boring, and the world items resisted, so I allowed the portal for players to be opened.”
“Then why did you offer your power?”
The void of stars rippled, annoyed by the question. “I did not offer it. You and others found a way to draw upon it. I only took notice when you pulled enough to require my permission, and I obliged on a whim. After the snack and show, I decided to make you one of my brood as a gift. Now go before I decide to improve you further.”
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All at once, he was pushed out of the endless darkness gasping as he awakes. Covered in sweat in the dark room which he took a moment to realize. Taking a minute to find his arms to push himself off the soft bed sheets. His body was a little more sluggish to move than usual. Idly noting he had a heartbeat again, yawning and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. As he walked to his armor closet, opening it, he saw his royal armor and clothes. However, he was in his room in Nazarick, so he felt like wearing something, not for work.
Picking a Casual dark emerald hooded armor coat, dragon scale pants, and shoes. Realizing he had an extra set of arms and limbs. Taking a look in the mirror on the wall to see his 4.602 meter or 15 feet and ten inches tall body with black and silver mass of formless flesh with many slimy amber tentacles and six red eyes.
Sighing, willing his body to shrink down like usual, his hair stayed long raven and silvery tendrils moving to his thoughts. Which would take some getting used to along with one slimy amber tentacle for a tail. The rest of his body looked human if not for these razor-sharp inhuman teeth and black sclera and red eyes.
Not his best battle gear, but it was easy to repair and still some top tier gear. His hand brushed over where he usually kept his sabers and bat fangs…right, they were broken and gone. Mumbling in annoyance those would take some planning to remake.
Moving to the weapon closet, walking in to see the large selection of weapons. Picking a hand and a half sword with a deep blue blade and red cross handle. Then another normal looking arming sword with a pitch-black blade and gray cloth wrapped sheath.
Setting his eyes across the many sets of six side weapons, sadly, he couldn’t pick out any that he could wield, even missing the dancing blade spell.
Letting out a long breath, one of his hair tentacles reaches out, making his stats screen appear. Quickly skimming it over, he would need to regain a multi-weapon class. His weakness and resistances were slightly different now. Great, he would actually need to eat and sleep again; for some reason, breathing was still optional and unnecessary.
Unsure what to think of his summons status, Kathrin timer 09:47 till she revived. He had missed the battle, wondering how it went coiling his hand to a fist. He only knew his martial arts and the seven spells of world corruption.
‘It was a miracle I am not a level one with nothing. Still, doesn’t this make me dead weight till I change my fighting style again? Now I have three classes to master and possibly remaster world corruption.’
The amount of work would take months or years of hard training. An altered version of his old build or a whole new build would be needed. How could he keep them safe being so weak hearing the air shimmer? Turning to meet Jester's red eyes filled with confusion, fear, and a maelstrom of other emotions.
“Why?”
“I don’t know what you mean, Imouto. How did the battle go? I hope none of you were hurt?” he smiled weakly, trying to keep positive he might not know when he would be needed, but he had to hope for plenty of time to grow strong again.
“You know what I mean, I can read your thoughts. Remember, the last part was not on the plan! I know you have never fully trusted me, even thought about killing me. So why did you use that spell early and not wait till all the dragon lords arrived…. why did you save me? I could have turned on you. They could all be dead now?”
He grins, “You know I wasn’t sure if it would work on that many living dragons? Or only half of them if they were all there.”
“Stop avoiding the question you still planned to wait for Phase three! That was the best chance of killing all of them and both me and Carnival.”
Even though he could not even remember his name right now and most things not in Nazarick or in the new world. He walked up to Jester, shaking as he ruffled her soft, cool hair. ‘At least I can feel warmth and cold again. Not the numbed touch like before.’
“You already know the answer to that. You can read my thoughts, remember.” He tapped his forehead.
“That doesn’t make any sense!”
“What I can’t want to protect and cherish my new Imouto.”
“You have been looking for a way to kill or control me since we met—the same thing we both have been doing this whole time. The only reason you agreed was to keep me useful yet…
Quickly thinking about what was best to say, Seeing her in this frazzled state so out of character for her. Now seeing for the first time the very deep emotional scars Carnival had left on Jester. He didn’t even know where to begin, only that it would take time. He could see she was struggling with something he had missed before now.
“You know I don’t remember a lot of my past, only vague feelings of most of it at this point. Anything outside of Nazarick or the new world is lost to me. What I do know is the look in your eyes. I had it for a while after I lost Jade. Thought if I knew everything and controlled everything, I could keep myself from getting hurt again.
In my pain, I almost tried to kill my old friend without realizing; what was right in front of me despite all the clues. I know it’s hard to trust again after everything Carnival and all the others did. I’m sure Momonga gave you a hard time as well.”
He raised her chin to look into her eyes, being as open as he could. Seeing the silent uncertainty in Jester’s eyes wanting to pull back and close off. He wouldn’t repeat his mistake with his last younger sibling now that he was immortal.
“We are siblings after your naughty trick. You are just as much a part of my family as all of Nazarick. Yes, I was worried about my home and family at one time; I thought of what I would due should you betray me. You are part of that now, even if the others disagree, and I love you as much as them.’
Jester stared at him in disbelief opening her mouth, trying to find some argument against it. Before looking away, this wouldn’t be quick or easy for either of them, but he wouldn’t back down from his promise or his family.
“Now let's go watch Kathrin revive. I want to see what that looks like. Then you can fill me in, and I can get something to eat.”
Jester took his hand, leading them to the main room where Avada and Clemvet were waiting.
“My lord, I am glad to see you are well, I feared…
Clem-chan smirked at the maid, avoiding touching the maid, settling on crossing her arms. “My master, would you like to see my work? I would have done more, but you were in danger, and I had to help Ainz in your place. Though someone wouldn’t let me enjoy the fresh dragon meet.” Sending a glare at Jester, who squirmed under the stare.
“Enough Clem-chan; you can order a plate of dragon stake or three before your next mission. Glad to see you both. We can talk about other matters after we greet Kathrin.”
He would check on the others later, heading to the spare room, which was only a little dusty like always.
It only took a few minutes for a single portal like the star-filled night sky to slowly open. Out of it rose the magic core with the amulet embedded in it. The magical core shined with golden light draining some gold out of his inventory. Kathrin’s metallic body took shape before landing naked on her feet. Quickly regrowing artificial skin.
Avada tossed Kathrin a spare maid outfit, dressing quickly before retrieving her spear and claws out of the weapon closet. Before running up and hugging him in a tight embrace.
“Did we win my love?”
He had to ask, not remembering his name was going to get annoying fast. “What is my name, my moonlight?”
“Kettor minx, why did Jester do something again?” Kathrin narrowed her eyes.
“No.” He gave Kathrin a kiss scratching behind her ears before turning to Jester. “Can we see the world item, and how did the battle go.”
Jester moving her cloak showing the red glow of a crystal heart in her chest. Acting much more like the regular act, she had up all the time. “Don’t worry, we won. Only the Platinum Dragon got away back to the eight greed kings castle. The diamond dragon lord never showed up, and the sea dragon was unable to join; once, we moved the third part away from the sea. I am a greater deity now, and I can help in many more ways our agreement still stands.”
“Speaking of, could I get some spells back up to my current level. What does my sister want in return?”
Jester's subtle movements showed she had trouble accepting the truth despite being able to read his mind and intentions. Before opening her arms for a hug. Kettor gave the biggest, warmest platonic hug he could. Mentally noting that he had 56 spells now instead of only seven. It was only up to sixth, but it was better than having to relearn them all.
Jester pulled back with worry looking scanning over his body. “Oh...I just noticed your stat growth and level growth are reconnected? Though so much is different, your data is …is this-
Kettor hushed her with a finger to her lips. “This is the price for protecting my family. I would do it all again, and none of that is your fault.”
Jester glared at the floor. “If I could have killed Carnival none –
Kettor beamed slyly at Jester. His eyes told her that it wouldn’t have mattered. “Let's not talk about that. We have so many better things to do, and I have to show my sister around Nazarick. and introduce my friends.”
Muketsu rubbed the back of her head. “I kind of already met them while you were sleeping, and Peroroncino took me on a date around the tomb.”
Kettor controlled the nauseous feeling building up before letting it out in a breath. ‘Damn it, Peroroncino, you couldn’t wait a day. It is fine, he is your friend, you can trust him.’ Forcing a smile saving his aggression for training.
“Great, let’s go meet them. Clemvet, did you get to the god kin and the living scriptures yet. Also, let me see the crowns of wisdom.”
Clemvet beamed, handing over the jeweled gold threaded crowns. “I also killed off one other scripture that got in the way before I got called back.”
Taking the Five crowns, he could experiment with these see if he could improve them with [blight rebirth] as a boon to Nazarick. He wasn’t done, not till the Slane Theocracy was no longer a threat. Pulling out a scroll written in infernal with his instructions to demiurge for the fate of the god kin.
“Great work, I assume the remaining members of the black scripture are dead. Since you enjoyed it so much, talk with demiurge and give him this once you capture the god kin for a special breeding program with them. Then your mission will be complete for now.”
Clem-chan was grinning, ready to take off before frowning. “What about your defense? You’re too weak for me to leave without someone strong to protect my only master.”
Kettor’s hair slithered in the air, irritated. Before calming down, this was something he would have to get used to for a few years till he was back up to level 90, at least. ‘Not that I plan on stopping at level 100. I am sure Momonga might have made some progress on that front.’
“Kathrin will be here, and I…. Gurr...I plan to avoid fighting until I am back to full.” That hurt to say as his body and mind rejected the very idea of him backing down from danger. At least he was still a warrior at heart. Finally, Clemvet grinned before teleporting away.
He found Entoma waiting outside his door with Sebas. They both stared at him before Sebas contained himself. Asking if he was alright before telling him that lord Ainz wanted to see him.
Cursing he was still hungry, pulling out a [Ring of Sustenance] as he put the ring on, he growled, staring hatefully overcome by intense rage. ‘No tricks, you must find or kill real food. Then rest So we may talk in your dream space again.’ Watching as it dissolved off his hand. ‘You could have just told me and not wasted a ring.’ The nameless darkness wasn’t listening already gone again. Sighing to Entoma, questioning clicks, and Sebas raised eyebrows.
Telling them, he would need food and a bath before he met Momonga. It would at least delay the coming speech about his personal safety. He couldn’t help the smile on his face. His home was safe, and now he had time to see how they were all doing.
Talking while he walked down the halls in no real rush to get anywhere with the dragon lords were taken care of now. Jester, as the only Admin’ with greater deity powers, could pick up everything, even players for miles around. Kathrin was no doubt having a message chat with Rita. Who Jester informed him was taking care of the people of Re-Ulovale with the other four knights. He decided to Enjoy the peaceful downtime for now and the company of the Nazarick family.
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-After breakfast-
After another lovely meal with Sebas, Turae, and Ninya, he went to the bath closing the door to the changing room. Sinking into the warm water of the steamy hot spring. Slipping under the water as his mind relaxed, letting his long-living hair scrub off his body. This was different than before, so many things he missed out on being an undead. Now he had to think of how he would explain the change to the mass of his empire—possibly use the greater doppelganger to cover for him while he was recovering again.
The others, the maids and other children of Nazarick, didn’t mind the change so much as how weak he was now. If he was honest, gazing up from below the water, it was freeing a little. At the same time, it annoyed him to no end all the work to get back up to max again. It also reminded him about what the nameless darkness showed him in the starry void it lived in.
The power it offered was tremendous and game-breaking. The cost of most of the chaos of information also made Kettor hesitate. Each new rank required more of him needing Eldridge classes to lessen the damage to himself and improve his control. Uncaring if he overspent or didn’t have the stamina to cast it at the time only that the price was taken. The deeper he looked into the void, the deeper it looked back.
His musing halted as the surface of the water rippled, rising above the water to see Punitto; it had been so long since their last talk. He tried to think of how to break the ice but found himself unsure what to say.
Sitting there in silence for a few minutes before, finally, a voice different to the one he remembered spoke. “So why did you pick me to summon? You know I left the game? Do you know what it feels like to see yourself somewhere else while stuck in this body?”
At this sour mood, he found his throat dry, sinking back down till only his eyes were above the water. Wishing for the suppression of emotion, only the guilt didn’t leave. He knew how they might react but summoned them any way he hoped those he picked would respond better than Touch Me. He already saw the way someone like the world champion would react badly.
Gathering his courage, he raised again enough to speak. “I wouldn’t know my human body is dead. I only thought of our friendship and that you always said you would help if I called no matter what.”
This was a second time trying to read the Death Vine. Well, the first one was fake, but still, it was somewhat tricky, but the mood seemed to brighten. How was his friend even talking he never really found out?
“I didn’t mean literally summon me to another world. Tell me, what are we copies, our avatars with our human memories or some other crazy theory? Ainz didn’t seem to know.”
Kettor looked up at the star-covered ceiling. “I wouldn’t know, and I don’t want to go ask a cosmic horror in a star-filled void to find out.”
“You have been hanging out with Tabula too long. Though I suppose it is not the craziest theory at this point.”
After a little casual talk, He asked his friend what he wanted to do now that they were all stuck here. If he was going to find a way back or not. He was a little surprised by the answer.
“Well, since this is real life now, guess set up a spy network. Not really looking to get on the front lines unless you guys or Nazarick is in trouble.”
The watch Sebas gave him went off grinning as he silently messaged Kathrin and Entoma. Saying he would see his friend later before getting dressed in the changing room and using his guild ring to teleport close to Shalltear.
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-End of Chapter-