Demon Lords
Disclaimer: I do not own Overlord or Sword Art Online
~ Forest, Gazef Stronoff ~
A low, thundering noise could be heard as two dozen horses galloped through the forest. The men riding them wore the Kingdom's colors and were fairly well-built. Young or old, they had a rugged, experienced air about them that would tell a non-combatant that these men had seen their share of action but this was where their similarities ended as they were all eclectically equipped.
No two armor sets were the same. Some wore leather armor, while others had breast plates and greaves but no vambraces. Some used long-swords, short-swords or maces with their shield of choice. There was even one who had a giant two-handed bladed slung on his back. Even their ranged complement varied. Some carried short-bows while others carried crossbows and there were even a few who sported the rare Dwarven pistols*.
At the head of this group, riding faster than the others, was a powerfully built man that radiated an aura of strength and nobility, though more than a few of the Kingdom's actual nobles would raise a fuss to anyone who described the man by the latter trait.
He is Gazef Stronoff, Warrior Captain of the Kingdom, and recognized as the most powerful man in the country.
For weeks now the warrior captain had been frantically searching the Kingdom's outskirts after reports of an unknown group of Knights, allegedly belonging to the Baharuth Empire, had been pillaging the countryside. With every burned village and corpses that he encountered Gazef's heart grew heavy with sadness only to be later filled with rage at the atrocities committed. They found pitifully few survivors whom Gazef had sent away under minimum escort to the nearest walled city.
"Captain!" a warrior caught up to Gazef, "Slow down a bit! Its dangerous! We've been riding for hours, maybe you should rest for a bit?"
"I'm not the one running, its the horses," Gazef replied, "The map indicates there's a village nearby, we can rest there after we see its safe or..."
Gazef left the last part unsaid.
If he stopped to rest now, how could Gazef live with himself if he discovered that another village was being burned as he relaxed? How many innocents would pay due to a momentary selfishness?
Gazef urged his horse to go faster.
"Please let me be in time!" He prayed to whatever gods that deigned to listen.
~ Carne Village ~
"G-get your filthy hands off my-" Albedo yelled making a move to summon her weapon before Ainz stepped in between Walkiria and her.
"Albedo, something to report?" Ainz said after a (fake) cough, "Are those miscreants we chased off coming back?"
"Why is she so worked up?" Ainz wondered, "Could it be a larger force?"
"I-I do not know Ainz-sama," Albedo had calmed down a bit, though steam was coming out of the metal slits of her helmet.
"The insect only mentioned it as such," she continued referring to the village chief, "Shall I neuter him for being imprecise?"
"No! No!" Ainz answered hurriedly, "If he can't identify them they must be another group. I think it would be best if we meet before anything."
"It would be strange if the man couldn't identify the Knights that had just attacked his village." Ainz thought.
"Understood"
"We almost done here," Ainz said indicating Walkiria, "I will join you in a minute."
"Y-yes, Ainz-sama." Albedo's shoulders drooped as if she was sad.
"Hmph, you were right about your NPCs being overenthusiastic." Walkiria stepped forward.
"Ah, well I didn't make her," Ainz turned around, "She was made by a friend. Our guild's theme was centered around evil you see."
"That's weird," Ainz thought, "Most people would have said something by now."
Earlier, they had been discussing things when Ainz decided to drop the ball. His name should have given it away anyhow.
Whether what was to be said was good or bad, everyone knew about Ainz Ooal Gown, as it was in the top twenty guild list in Yggdrasil but Walkiria strangely said nothing when he proudly declared his guild's name.
"So what do you say?" Ainz continued since Walkira seemed to have no intention of saying anything.
"Since we know nothing about this world it would be a nice investment to get some good-guy points. A partnership would benefit us both."
The friendly air around Walkiria seemed to suddenly withdraw and the player suddenly became more guarded.
"I've never been in a guild before," She said quietly, staring at him.
"Ah, no worries," Ainz said puzzled by the sudden change of demeanor, "I'm not inviting you to be a guild member, what I was referring to was strictly a working partnership."
It would be impossible to get a majority vote without his guild-mates after all. Ainz felt that even if Walkiria could meet the qualifications set by the guild it would be a betrayal of his friends' trust if he should decide something significant like this on his own. It was bad enough that he did what he wanted on the last day like alter Albedo's settings...
"I've never been in a party either**. I'm a solo-player."
"Eh?!" Ainz exclaimed in surprise in his mind.
Soloing as a Heteromorph was considered to be extremely difficult due to the prevalent PKing of by Human players. However, this information brought back the warm memory of when Touch-Me had saved him all those years ago. If he thought about it that way, it was not really impossible.
"Well, one of my closest friends was also a solo-player before we founded the guild," Ainz remarked thoughtfully.
Walkiria shrugged in response.
"Also, please consider what I have said about roleplaying ourselves, Walkiria-san," Ainz added.
"Do I have to?" She rolled her eyes.
"It's for our security," Ainz said, intentionally leaving out the part that he didn't want to disappoint the NPCs.
"I don't think people would believe us even if they were willing to listen given our appearances." This world seemed to harbor some prejudice against heteromorphs as well based on those the reactions of this two girls Ainz had saved earlier.
"Fine," she said annoyedly after a while, "But I leave when I want to."
"Fair enough Walkiria-san," Ainz was relieved.
She gestured in the air and a console screen appeared in front of Ainz.
"A console?! Outside the throne room?!" Ainz thought, surprised. His passive kicked in and mitigated the emotion.
With a cleared head, Ainz reasoned it must be because he was part of a guild and as Guild-master he had a connection to the guild base. It would make sense that a solo-player would have a different set-up if this world's interpretation of the game was anything to go by. However, this did not explain what he saw.
It was not the black and red hues which contrasted with the gold and black of his console that was puzzling, but rather the text. He couldn't make sense of it. Not a single word. It looked like someone mashed the keyboard randomly.
"Forgot to read Japanese already?" Walkiria smirked, "Its the left button to accept."
She could read it?
Remembering the urgency in Albedo's voice Ainz decided to be done with it and pressed the left button.
The screen vanished as he did so.
Walkiria brought up the console and this time Ainz could clearly see his name - "Momonga" - on what he assumed to be an empty friend box, though the gibberish of the rest of the system was still there.
"Oh good," Walkiria declared, "The remove button is still here."
Ainz sweatdropped. It seemed she was really serious about leaving if she felt like it. And here he was feeling like an employee that had successfully closed a deal with a customer.
"Well, now that that's settled," Ainz coughed, "Lets go see who these people are."
~ Carne Village, Gazef Stronoff ~
Gazef's heart beat faster as he sighted the village's outskirts. There were clearly signs of a fight and he was afraid he would be greeted with the sight of another field of corpses and burned homes.
However, to his immense relief he saw people moving about fixing their homes. Perhaps it was just a monster or demi-human attack. Gazef could think this because as cruel as dismissing a constant threat outlying villages faced every day it was better that a few dozen died rather than the wholesale massacre of inhabitants he had come to expect.
As he neared a portly old man stood at the front. His clothes were humble, and his arms were tucked protectively at his sides marking him as simple villager, ever wary of wronging someone in the position of strength. However, this was not what caught Gazef's eye.
Next to the presumed village chief stood a person clad in a midnight black robe with a strange red mask and metal gauntlets. The fabric looked expensive and...magical if one took in the entire details of the person. To his right stood a knight clad from head to toe in black armor with elaborate horn designs on the helmet. Like the presumed magic caster, it was anyone's guess as to the actual gender underneath the suit.
Gazef's eyes finally rested on the last "not-ordinary" member of the group. Once his eyes met her face his heart skipped a beat. This was only natural since the female had a beauty that, in his opinion, surpassed even that of the third princess. Much like the others she was clad in black, a cape covering her entire body except for her head. Not even her feet could be seen. Another magic caster? That was an unusual set-up if the Warrior Captain ever saw one.
"I am the Warrior Captain of the Kingdom, Gazef Stronoff," he announced as his horse slowed to a stop, "Are you the chief of this village?"
The question was directed at the old man.
"Y-yes, Captain-dono."
"Who are those people behind you?"
"They are-"
"Its alright, I will introduce us." The one with the mask cut in.
"The knight to my left is Albedo, and this is Walkiria." The figure indicated the caped female who stared at Gazef's group disinterestedly.
"And as for myself, I am Ainz Ooal Gown," The masked figure gave a short tilt of his head, "Please call me Ainz."
"What is your business here Gown-dono, if I may inquire?" Gazef asked, "Are you adventurers by any chance?"
"No, no," Ainz denied, "We were just passing when I noticed that the villagers seemed to be under attack and decided to help."
Gazef narrowed his eyes a bit before dismounting.
Though it could not be seen, Ainz prepared himself for some kind of rebuke such as "You are interfering with the King's business! Who really sent you?!" or something of the sort.
Instead what Gazef did surprised everyone.
He bowed as low as he could while still remaining standing.
"Thank you very much!" He said with sincerity, "Thank you for doing what I should have been my duty!"
Internally, Ainz was surprised as a Kingdom denoted societal status. For the Kingdom's Warrior Captain to show such gratitude and humility was completely unexpected.
"That is quite alright, Gazef-dono," Ainz said, "I did not do so for free. You see I am new to this area and I have been asking the village chief for information that might help me."
"I see. It is only natural that you be rewarded Gown-dono," Gazef said straightening up, "I will arrange it once I return to the Capital."
"I'll probably have to pick it up in person," Ainz thought, "That could be troublesome, walking into a place I know nothing of."
"Information will do for now Gazef-dono," Ainz instead said, sticking to his original objective, "As I mentioned earlier, we are quite lost."
"Then perhaps we can discuss this inside?" Gazef said, "Though I am prepared to do my duty upon arrival here that appears to have been take care of by your group. As such I would like to rest while providing any answers I would be permitted to give."
As the group made their way to the chief's house the people looked on curiously but did not approach and Ainz realized why.
"Gazef-dono, could I trouble you and your warriors to place their weapons in the village square?" Ainz said trying to sound as tactful as he could, "The people here have been quite through quite a trying experience."
Gazef smiled thinly at the request.
"I would Gown-dono if the circumstances were different. However, these weapons were bestowed upon us by the King. I am afraid only he can command us to do so."
"It is alright Ainz-dono," the village chief said, "I believe we can trust the Warrior Captain."
Ainz made an "umu" sound then looked at Walkiria. It was only now did he realize that she hadn't say anything throughout the entire encounter. Maybe he was getting used to being waited on by the NPCs of Nazarick...
Still wrapped in a midnight-black cape, and her inhuman ears thankfully hidden behind her lavender hair, she walked silently. It appeared she was going to go with the flow of things. If this was her plan, Ainz was silently grateful. He had belatedly realized that upon declaring her a partner she might say things contrary to his plans down the road.
Ainz didn't know her well enough to predict her actions and the same could be said about her. Solo-players were notoriously independent and lived a romanticized life of wandering the mysterious parts of Yggdrasil***. Realizing this Ainz would somehow have to convince her to follow his lead.
Despite the current situation Ainz knew he would have to put the wellbeing of Nazarick above all else. Even if it meant sacrificing an alliance with the first player he had met. Still, it did not mean he couldn't address both concerns.
He just had to play his cards right.
Once inside Gazef sat down, the fatigue from the hours of riding finally catching up to him. He had considered using one of his blue potions but decided against it. If the body was treated for every inconvenience it suffered it would not grow well. Though Gazef was entering the latter portion of his prime, he firmly believed continuing his training, hence why he behaved as he did.
It was late afternoon and he estimated that the sun was due to set in a couple of hours. The village chief and his wife had offered him some tea and he graciously accepted. Coming from humble origins, Gazef was familiar with the different brews of the countryside and the steaming drink brought back pleasant memories.
As he took a sip, he cast a glance at the two strangers in the corner of the house watching their mannerisms as they spoke to each other in hushed tones. Though large and fairly luxurious by the standards of commoners, no self-respecting noble would call this place a proper residence. Such was the kind of people he was surrounded with. Among those in the capital perhaps only the king, the third princess and her bodyguard were truly the embodiment of the concept of "Noble". It was because of this that Gazef wanted to determine part of their origins without rudely inquiring about it.
There were in fact many reasons to suspect that they were traveling nobles.
The first evidence was apparent. The equipment of the magic caster, Gown-dono, as well as the black knight, Albedo, were of high quality. They could even be considered treasures in their own right. Based on Gazef's limited knowledge, only mithril ranked adventurers and above could afford a full set-up of gear.
The second was their aura. Ainz Ooal Gown had a commanding presence about him and his tone conveyed this. Albedo had respectfully obeyed his order to guard the house once they stepped inside. Walkiria also had a regal bearing about her. She stood up straight, not with the discipline of warrior, but one who believed that their existence was important and that any sort of deference was to earned, not given.
Yet at the same time they did not behave like nobles. They did not sneer or comment on the humble abode nor avoid touching anything like it carried a plague. Gazef couldn't gauge Ainz Ooal Gown's expressions but if his outlook was anything similar to Walkiria's then he would be disinterested, but not disdainful.
Earlier on Gazef had considered asking Ainz Ooal Gown to show his face but in light of the circumstances he thought it would be too rude. Perhaps before they left Gazef could say something like "May I see the face of this village's savior? I would like to invite you to my home if ever you are in the Capital." Yes, perhaps that would be sufficient. Gazef was never good with words and he rarely participated in court for fear saying something damaging to his king.
"Captain!" came a shout, "Captain Gazef!"
Standing up with concern Gazef walked to the door. It was one of his men and his path was barred by Albedo and the knight's monstrously large axe.
"What is it?" he asked from the doorway.
"Sir! We have detected troops outside the village! They have summoned monsters with them. The village is surrounded!"
~ Carne Village, Ainz ~
Ainz looked out the window facing an open field and saw a familiar sight. Beside presumably their summoners, Archangel Flames hovered patiently waiting for orders.
Archangel Flames were summoned monsters in Yggdrasil and were fairly low on the spell and skill ranks. They were useful in the early stages since they slightly increased a player's MDEF and PDEF stats and added an extra blade in battle. However, their usefulness dropped exponentially as one leveled up since later spells were more destructive and overall more efficient.
"Those are Archangel Flames alright," He mumbled absentmindedly.
Walkiria on the other hand, could only squint at the creatures. From this distance she couldn't see their basic stats and levels. What was more disconcerting was that she had never seen such summons in ANO before.
The beta-tester shrugged off her unease, reasoning that Light based summons wasn't something she really wanted to pursue back in the game even if her Karma alignment allowed it.
"I hope whatever plan you have doesn't include trying to stare at them to death," Walkiria commented dryly as Ainz hadn't moved in minutes.
"We won't be getting involved," Ainz turned toward her, "At least, not directly. Ah, here comes the Warrior Captain now."
Gazef approached them, just like Ainz his focus was on the creatures outside.
"They appear to have come in force, Captain." Ainz said.
"Indeed, they will be troublesome to deal with." Gazef replied. Internally he suspected that the summoners were from the Slane Theocracy. Even they wanted him dead for some reason.
"I could count my allies with my hands." Gazef thought wryly.
"An entire group of magic casters seems a bit too much to send against a mere village." Ainz's voice snapped the Warrior Captain's attention back to reality.
"You truly are not from these parts, Gown-dono," Gazef chuckled, "Their target isn't this village, but rather me."
"I see," Ainz spoke, "It appears you're a hated man Captain, though at the moment I can't see why."
"The situation is truly dire," Gazef looked at Ainz determinedly, "Gown-dono, I will not mince words. I would like to hire you and your companions. At very least to break through their blockade. I will see to it that you will be properly compensated once I return to the capital."
"Hmm..." Ainz cupped the chin of his mask, making a show of thinking deeply.
"I am sorry Captain," He said finally, "As mere passersby we have already meddled in affairs not our own. I will have to decline."
"I thought as much," Gazef smiled, "What if I were to recruit you under the authority of the crown?"
"Then I will have to resist." Ainz replied quickly.
A moment passed before Gazef sighed in defeat.
"You are quite set Gown-dono," the veteran warrior said, "If I may make one selfish request, please protect the villagers! I will draw the enemies away. So please..."
The Warrior Captain was about to prostrate himself before Ainz's armored hand prevented him from completing the act.
"Your spirit is truly noble Gazef-dono," Ainz said, "Though I cannot directly aid you, I swear by the name of Ainz Ooal Gown I will protect the people here with all my might."
"Thank you Gown-dono!" Gazef stood up straight and looked like he had received a buff, "With this I can ride without hesitation or regret!"
"Here, take this." Ainz pressed a strange looking object into Gazef's hand, "It will protect you along the way."
"A gift from you?" Gazef stared at the strange object, "I am forever grateful Gown-dono. If ever you are in the Capital, my offer still stands. I would welcome you with a feast in my household!"
Minutes later, the warrior band had finished their preparations and rode off to try break through the blockade.
"I initially thought that humans were insects," Ainz mused out loud, "However, after conversing with them, the Captain most of all, I have come to see them as small creatures."
"Is that why you promised them in your glorious name, Ainz-sama?" Albedo inquired. She seemed less hostile to the humans after she picked up her master's tone was like how one would dote on a pet.
"Partially, Albedo."
"What happened to 'not interfering'?" asked a voice.
Albedo glared at the impudent voice of the player who casually walked up to her lord without bowing respectfully.
"This is too good an opportunity to pass up, Walkiria-san," Ainz said before they could start butting heads, "Those men will be a good source of information about this world. As per our partnership agreement, I will share what I learn once we...obtain it from them."
"P-partners?!" Albedo stammered, eyes darting between the two rapidly.
"Hmph, they look like those guys I encountered on the way here," Walkiria ignored the spluttering NPC, "If that's the case they're going to break easily."
The assurance from Walkiria made Ainz smile beneath the mask as he couldn't think of a reason for her to lie.
"Then we'll just have to be...gentle, Walkiria-san."
This looked like the start of a productive venture for Nazarick.
~ Carne plains, Nigun Grid Lewin ~
Nigun Grid Lewin, Captain of the Sunlight Scripture, looked satisfied as the troublesome Warrior Captain finally fell to his knees.
Finally! After all these weeks of traipsing around this godless country, they could finish their task and return home. If memory served him right, the Beastman nations were set to attack the Draconic Kingdom soon. The country paid the Slane Theocracy a yearly sum to hold the line against the foul creatures. To say that the amount was...sizable was an understatement. A large chunk of the national budget was devoted for defense, which translated to the Scriptures whenever the higher-ups heard of the word. More importantly, pay or not, the job was what the Sunlight Scripture was formed for, not this...assassination.
"Well done Gazef Stronoff!" Nigun praised, "To have lasted this long against so many Angels is a feat worthy of the title Kingdom's Strongest Warrior!"
"But sadly, you will die," Nigun grinned, "No songs of your last battle, no one to know the truth. It might even be a while before anyone realizes you're dead!"
The bloodied form of a man, Gazef Stronoff, struggled to rise. The fact that he wasn't on his back was truly praise worthy. Whereas his men couldn't even take down a single Angel, Gazef not only defeated multiple of the holy summons, but actually managed to reach halfway across the field they had chosen as the battleground. However...
"Finish him off!
The Archangel Flames rushed forward to stab their target before everyone heard a growl. The growl soon became a defiant roar as Gazef stood up.
"DON'T UNDERESTIMATE MEEEE!"
The released fighting spirit of the man was so great the Archangel Flames actually backed off, while Nigun's men took an involuntary step back. Nigun, however, looked unconcerned.
"Its just the cry of dying beast!" He shouted to snap his men out of their surprise, "Hurry up and kill him so we can torch the village and end this little outing."
"hehe *cough* ahahaha!"
The laughter came from Gazef.
Nigun's eye narrowed with irritation. Did he go insane? It was said all sorts of things happened when a person was at death's door.
"Kill the villagers?" Gazef said between labored breaths, "Hah! That will never happen in a million years!"
"Why do you have some sort of trump card hidden there or some such?," Nigun decided to humor him.
"In...hat...village is someone stronger than me..."
Perhaps he really did snap.
"The ravings of a dying man," Nigun sneered, "I'll tell you what's going to happen! After we kill you we'll massacre the villagers! There won't be single one left to tell the tale!"
"Have all of the Angels attack at once!"
The summons darted forward, far faster than an average human or beast man.
Gazef readied himself for death before he heard voice.
Looks like its time to switch.
Nigun blinked. One moment his target was there- and then he wasn't. Even his men had disappeared, leaving nothing but bloodstains and trampled soil as proof that a battle had taken place.
On the spot Gazef prepared to make his final stand were two individuals who appeared seemingly out of thin air.
A person, clad in an expensive looking robe which looked like it was for magic casters, stood at the forefront. He wore a strange looking mask and metal gauntlets but had no staff. To his right stood a beauty with pale skin, her lavender hair and red irises were the only thing that seemed to give color to her person. Like the person with her, she was clad in black, the cape hiding all but her head from view. However, this wasn't important.
"Who the hell are you?!" Nigun questioned, "Were is the Warrior Captain?"
"Greetings, men of the Slane Theocracy," The tall figure spoke in a measured voice, "The person to my right is Walkiria. As for me, I am Ainz Ooal Gown. Please call me Ainz.
"Before anything else, might I ask if those are Archangel Flames you've summoned? They are creatures from Yggdrasil."
Nigun's eye twitched. It wasn't surprising that this man knew of their summons if he was a magic caster. While most people knew that magic casters of the Slane Theocracy could summon Angels, only those in the magical academe knew of their names specifically. This man was probably one such person and was responsible for sending or hiding away Gazef Stronoff.
"They are not your concern," Nigun replied haughtily, "I'll ask one more time, where is Gazef Stronoff?"
"Back in the village," Ainz said casually, "But speaking of which, I couldn't help but over hear your conversation with the Warrior Captain..."
Nigun felt a chill down his spine, but he dismissed it as his imagination. The sun was setting after all, it could be just an environmental change.
"So what?" Nigun sneered, "Did you come to beg on their behalf?"
"No, no," Ainz shook his head slowly, "Actually...you have some balls. I spent a bit of time and effort in helping that village and yet here you are declaring that you'll massacre them. I've used my name to ensure its safety, I will not permit you to tarnish my reputation."
"So here is my counter-offer," Ainz said after a pause, "Submit your lives to me and your deaths will be swift and painless."
"PERMIT?! SUBMIT!?" Nigun fumed inside. He'd never heard of the name Ainz Ooal Gown before, yet here was a man claiming he was someone! The audacity of the declaration snapped something in Nigun and drove away the unease he felt earlier.
"Order the Angels to attack him!"
In response two Archangel Flames sped toward the arrogant magic caster, their fiery blades drawn. At this point, magic casters would have either erected a barrier, flown away or launched a counter spell. Others would give in to their instincts and attempt to flee, but Ainz did nothing of the sort. In fact he did nothing at all.
The summons' blades pierced his body and head. His companion, Walkiria, turned her head to witness the event.
Nigun felt some sort of relief. The attack was so quick that neither had a chance to react in time.
"That's what happens when you make stupid bluffs!" He sneered, "Well, what are you waiting for? Have the Angels pull back, otherwise his body won't fall over."
"I've given the order," His subordinate responded confusedly, "but they can't seem to-"
"Nullify low tier physical damage," came a quiet voice.
The Sunlight Scripture looked in surprise to see Ainz holding the by the head as they struggled to pull back. The summons, stronger than the average human, flailed helplessly like flies caught in a spider's web.
"As its name implies," Ainz explained casually, "Its a passive that nullifies physical attacks if they are below a certain level."
With one swift motion he slammed the creatures down with ridiculous force, destroying them outright.
"I see, so they really are Archangel Flames from Yggdrasil," Ainz said to no one in particular.
"Impossible!"
"It must be a trick!"
Similar shouts of disbelief from the members of the Sunlight Scripture echoed in the dusk.
"Oh? So your level is high enough that they can't damage you?" Walkiria sounded amused.
Ainz made an 'umu' sound. "Your assessment was right earlier Walkiria-san, but we'll have to be careful for any trump cards."
"Now then," Ainz spoke clearly this time, "I want to know who taught you this magic."
"Order all the angels to attack! Hurry!" Nigun yelled, ignoring the casual talk of the two.
"What frisky people," Ainz mumbled. Then he looked over to Walkiria, who seemed to be just as unconcerned as he was. Maybe his earlier guess that she reached the level-cap was correct after all.
[Brilliant Prism]
A beam of energy shot out from Ainz's finger an impacted the foremost angel. As the beam dealt damage, numerous beam split from the main body and shot out towards the other angels. The process repeated until all the Archangel Flames looked like they were caught in a net of light. A heartbeat later, they disintegrated. Victims of a single, never before seen spell by the members of the scripture. And they acted predictably in the face of such a show.
"OOOHHH!"
"Its a monster!"
[Shockwave], [Fire ball], [Confusion], [Holy Ray], [Air hammer], [Lightning], [Open wound], [Confuse Human], [Poison]...
The members of the Sunlight Scripture threw out spells they felt most proficient in at the monster before them. However...the spells dissipated harmlessly upon impacting on Ainz. It was the same as rainfall on the side of a cliff or a castle wall.
"Hmmm...These are spells from Yggdrasil alright," Ainz mumbled nonchalantly amidst the barrage before an explosive fire spell hit him.
However, the smoke cleared as if afraid of his very presences, revealing the man to be unharmed.
"Who taught you those spells?!" He questioned them more forcefully.
"Aiiiiieeeee!"
One of Nigun's men panicked and sent a metal ball launching towards Ainz. If spells wouldn't work, maybe physical attacks would? It was known that Magic Casters didn't fare so well in physical combat. It was reasonable to think they did not have much defense in that area since they relied on vanguards. Plus, the ball was heavier and traveling faster than a mere arrow. Ainz's head would be smashed like a watermelon. However...
The metal ball hit him square in the forehead...and rolled down a small incline.
Ainz and Walkiria watched the ball roll until it stopped a few meters away.
"Hmm, I expected that to pass through me like the Flame's blades..."
"Idiot, if its a metal ball its not supposed to pass through anything even if the damage is negated. Its probably blunt-damage type."
"Ah, sorry. It appears that the effects translate rather differently after all."
Nigun felt like he was trapped in a nightmare. The person standing before him was casually chatting with his companion like they weren't even there!
"Oh! Sorry to keep you waiting," Ainz turned towards them, "Now then. I remember asking a question."
"Principality of Observation! Attack!" Nigun yelled, pushing back his fear with a might effort.
His summon, the Principality of Observation was a support type Angel that increased the abilities of any allies in view. However, it had to remain still for the effects to take place. Despite this Nigun had ordered it forward because he sensed that most of his men were running low on MP and that there were no more Archangels left. The Principality of Observation advanced inexorably towards the pair. Nigun's passive enhanced the abilities of his summon and thus, while it was a defensive type summon, it should win in a battle of attrition.
"Oh, good! It'll be here tomorrow!" The woman, Walkiria said derisively.
"At least the movement animation is correct..." Ainz mumbled, though the men could hear it.
"Fine!" Nigun fumed inside his mind, "Keep talking! We'll see who's bragging when they're a bloody pulp in the-"
"[$# &*(+=] !" Walkiria uttered an unknown language. Strange runes swirled around her form. To Nigun and the members of the Sunlight Scripture the words hurt their very ears and deep down inside they knew the runes were something blasphemous, unholy...
One moment, the Principality was advancing, the next it was split in half. The two portions continued forward even as it began to dissolve in motes of light. The summon apparently didn't realize it was dead and kept moving forward as it disintegrated.
Only Ainz, who was at the level cap, could see what happened. Walkiria had produced a short scythe, black, red and jagged. In one smooth motion she hurled it towards the advancing angel and cleaved it in two. The throw was at an angle, and the scythe missed the humans only by a few inches and continued to fly until it disappeared from view. It happened so fast the humans probably thought the gust of the passing weapon was the wind.
"Still what was that attack? A skill? or a Spell?" Ainz asked himself, "I don't recognize those words. Were those runes an animation effect?"
Countless questions arose in his head. While Yggdrasil was a big game, Ainz thought he'd seen most of what the game had to offer after all those years.
"I can't wait until tomorrow unfortunately," Walkiria said in a cold tone, "You've had you fun Ainz. If this is what they call a fight, then its time to collect what we're really here for."
Nigun felt cold all over. Deep down, he couldn't help but imagine Walkiria's words were referring to his soul.
"Protect me you idiots!" He yelled.
His subordinates looked at him uneasily, as if he planning on using them as meat-shields as he ran away.
"I will summon our trump card!" Nigun held out one of the Theocracy's treasures.
Bolstered by this thought his men used up what little MP they had left to summon Angels or defensive barriers.
"That glow...so they even have Yggdrasil items as well." Ainz thought and then he looked at Walkiria, "Crap, maybe I should have brought Albedo along. What if its a high level Angel? I could win...maybe."
Nigun smiled as he noticed Ainz's unease at the crystal. So even from there he could feel the immense power eh?
"No!" Ainz shook away his doubts, "There are two players here! We can't lose to a summon! If its what I really think it is, we'll just have to take out the caster and then run away. We can come back after it disappears!"
"Ainz," came a soft voice, "I'm tired of playing this game. I'm finishing this."
"Oh?" Ainz thought, "She must be a frontline fighter! Right, I've done this set up before!"
"Be my guest Walkiria-san," He said, "I'll provide support from here. Please exercise caution, it might be a high-level summon."
As the black-clad female player casually walked forward, the glow of the crystal in Nigun's hand now seemed as bright as the sun. It was here!
"Behold! The highest form of Angel!"
There was a blinding flash of light and the surroundings were immediately lit. Motes of holy light drifted downwards and banished the darkness that was befalling the land. There on high floated a being with innumerable wings and no discernible features. In its hands rested an ornate mace made of ivory and gold. It would be obvious even to those who had never seen it what it was. A holy type creature.
"Dominion Authority!"
~ Carne Village, main lodge ~
The villagers and their chief tended to the survivors of the Warrior Captain's men as best as they could. A few minutes prior to the disappearance of Ainz, and the subsequent 'arrival' of Gazef's men and the battered captain himself, he had given them a few red potions and told the gathered villagers to tend to the wounded.
Though he did not hate humans, his undead form prevented him from forming the necessary empathy for people he did not know. Instead, this objective outlook had birthed a hypothesis where he wanted to see if an entire bottle of red potion had to be consumed for the healing effect to work. He spotted the two girls he had saved earlier but didn't worry since he had muddled their memories after the elder sister had drank the potion. As such, the current situation was a goldmine of information if everything went according to plan. Wanting to cover all bases, Ainz had left Albedo to guard the villagers.
Despite exercising what could be considered due diligence, a minor unforeseen factor had occurred. The villagers had only heard of potions at best from traveling merchants and Adventurers and they were extremely expensive from their situation. They did not even know what color they were supposed to be. This being the case the village chief wanted to consult sir- er, Lady Albedo on the proper amount to administer, however...
"Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn that bitch!" Albedo muttered viciously as she paced back and forth like a caged animal near the door.
"How?! How did that bitch inveigle Ainz-sama!" Albedo raged internally, "And so quickly!?". They only alone for a few moments!
An even more disturbing observation was that Ainz seemed eager to bring her along, going so far as to leave Albedo behind to guard a few insects!
The earlier words of Ainz made Albedo freeze in her tracks.
"Co-could it be? Ainz-sama really was intending to make her his partner!?"
"No. No. No. No. No." Albedo mumbled the one word litany.
"She's not a Supreme Being!" Albedo denied to herself, "She's not even from Nazarick!"
Bits and pieces of reasoning fell into place in her hyperactive mind. That slut would undoubtedly fail whatever test her master had set forth. He would be disappointed! He would turn her away despite her pathetic pleas!
Yes! There was precedence for this! Many had applied to join the guild of Ainz Ooal Gown and many were turned away. There were only forty-one Supreme Beings after all. Maybe Ainz-sama would even order her to lop off the female player's head!
Her battle axe appeared in her hand and she stroked it lovingly, she couldn't wait for the order.
"Hehehe, hahaha! I will be waiting for your order Ainz-sama!"
The village chief, with his human hearing, heard Albedo's laughter as he approached and shivered. Perhaps it would be better if they should deal with healing the soldiers on their own.
~ Carne Plains ~
"I will give you credit Ainz Ooal Gown!" Nigun grinned at the despairing form of the magic caster in front of him, "You are truly powerful to make me summon the highest form of Angel! Perhaps if circumstances were different, I would recruit you but alas this is merely bad luck for everyone."
Ainz didn't respond immediately. He seemed broken. His back was bent slightly forward and his gauntleted hand covered his face. It was the image of one who gravely miscalculated a maneuver. All the while his female companion, Walkiria, advanced leisurely ignorant of the power displayed before her.
"This is, how?" Ainz's soft words were carried by the wind.
"Are you afraid?" Nigun asked smugly, "It is only-"
"This is stupid."
"What?!" An involuntary cry disbelief tore itself unbidden from Nigun's mouth.
"I was concerned over something like this? Man, this is embarrassing. Good thing I didn't bring Albedo along," Ainz muttered casually to himself, though somehow Nigun could hear every word.
"Ah! Walkiria-san! Sorry for making you worry!" Ainz raised a hand as if to wave to his companion, "Its just a Dominion Authority!"
"J-just?!" Nigun swallowed at the casual dismissal of the Dominion Authority. Could they possibly...NO!
"You're bluffing!" Nigun yelled hysterically, banishing the unrelenting foreboding he felt since the start of the fight, his spittle flying forward, "This is the highest form of Angel! An existence that humanity cannot defeat! You've doomed yourself and your companion Ainz Ooal Gown! Dominion Authority! Activate [Holy Smite]!"
In response, the angel's mace shattered into numerous fragments and spread out swirling around its body. Then a pillar of light straight from the heavens slammed onto the spot where Walkiria was standing. The attack that could defeat a Demon King, would reduce anything it hit to ashes. If it was evil there wouldn't be anything left, if it was a force of good something might be left behind but only if it was fairly durable or just out of luck.
It was an awesome sight, something Nigun and his subordinates would probably see only once in a lifetime. The clouds parted as the pillar of light extended far beyond sight into the heavens.
A tortured scream from Walkiria could be heard and it served to raise Nigun's spirit tremendously. Of course, he expected Ainz and his companion to be able to last at least a second given their strength.
From across the field Ainz took an involuntary step back and readied a teleportation cash item. This wasn't supposed to happen? Did this world interpret holy/dark weaknesses differently? Was it a one-hit kill simply due to attribute or something else? Regardless, he would have to ponder on this some other time. He would escape during the cooldown period of the spell.
All the while Walkiria kept screaming.
Ainz regretted her fate, but at least it wouldn't be in vain. He was a PKer. He would find a counter to this and-
"Hehe...HAHAHAHA! AHAHAHAHA!"
The screaming morphed into maniacal laughter as the light from [Holy Smite] died down to reveal an unhurt Walkiria.
Her cape was gone. She stood proudly, with all four of her sycthe-like wings spread majestically bathing the area with a defiant shadow to the holy light cast by the angel with a serrated red and black Scythe that seemed to radiate a wrongness about its blade.
"Oh?" Ainz stored the cash item away before anyone could see it as he examined her form,"She's fine it seems. Hmmm...are those sub-wings? Ah yes! I remember Shalltear having them on her armor as well, but Walkiria-san's seem to be part of her body."
Oh, the things those devs allowed you to do in Yggdrasil.
Meanwhile, Walkiria's laughter died down.
"I'm sorry," She said, a chuckle escaping, "Was that your best shot? Looks like bonehead was right. That thing isn't even near the level cap."
"Eh?! Please don't call me that Walkiria-san!" Ainz pleaded internally.
"Well, like I said. Playtime's over!"
[%&*$ #$!%^]
More of the strange, unholy runes swirled about her as Walkiria uttered the painful sounding words. She leapt into the air towards the Dominion Authority and swung her scythe.
A black tear, seemingly from reality trailed the weapon's blade closely and it cleaved the angel in half diagonally. The tear in reality seemed to engulf the angels form and the very light it generated. Within moments it was gone, sucked from existence, leaving only darkness across the land.
"How?! Wh-what is she? A monster?!" Nigun didn't realize he was sputtering out loud.
"Yes, people keep telling me that." Walkiria said in a silky voice that hid a dangerous tone.
"I know what you two are!" Nigun screamed out loud consciously this time, "You're Demon Kings!"
"That's not going to matter in the slightest." her indifferent response came, "Now then..."
A crack appeared in the sky, only to disappear after a short time. If one blinked, they would have missed it.
"What was that?"
"Someone was watching you," Ainz explained casually, "My counter-magic activated and blocked it. Hmmm...if I'd invested more into the spell I would've been able to give them a nasty shock. Hehe...Ah! Forgive me we were going on about your fate?"
"W-wait! Wait! Wait! Walkiria-sama! Ainz-sa- no! Ainz-dono!" Nigun pleaded, "I am sorry! Please spare my life! I will give you anything! The amount of money is no issue! Even if just me!"
Cries of despair and unspoken betrayal by his men could be heard but Nigun ignored them. His subordinates could always be substituted but he was irreplaceable!
"I have no need of money." Walkiria took a step forward bringing Nigun's fate ever closer!
"Please!" Nigun was all but on his knees, "I'll do anything! Just spare me!"
Walkiria took another step forward, and suddenly appeared in front of Nigun. Before he could fall over in surprise her hand gripped his jaw and held him in place with inhuman strength.
"Anything?" She asked sultrily, "As long you live? I will extend the offer to your subordinates too."
"Yesh," Nigun managed an answer.
He looked into her slitted irises and saw an alien mind but was sure of one thing. Though he could not profess to be an expert, Walkiria seemed to be a bit unhinged even by their monstrous standards. The only thing he could do was to avoid angering her.
She released him and he fell ignominiously on his back.
"Did you hear that Ainz?" Walkiria called back looking at Ainz, "They agreed to be interrogated until their minds break!"
"Ooh! Excellent negotiating Walkiria-san! Neuronist will love these gifts!" Ainz removed his mask for all to see, revealing the polished grinning skull behind. The universal symbol of death.
"You will indeed live commander," Walkiria turned back to Nigun, who felt like a huge chasm had opened beneath him, "You will tell us everything you know, and if bonehead over there wasn't exaggerating back in the village, you will beg for death before his specialist even begins to work."
~ Carne Village ~
"Its been eight minutes and forty five seconds since I've been separated from Ainz-sama!" Albedo fumed as she continued to pace. There was now a small trench that was evidence of her activity.
"Bitch must have fucked things up and made my beloved Ainz-sama clean up! Unforgivable! When Ainz-sama gives the order to take her head I'm going to- Ainz-sama!"
Albedo halted her ramblings and bolted out the door as she felt a presence that could only belong to her master.
Nemu peeked from the opening. Maybe she was just imagining it but Albedo's posture looked like she would be wagging her tail if she had one.
"Sorry for the wait Albedo we took the scenic route and walked back here," Ainz said as they approached, "We're done for now. After we tidy things up we'll return to Nazarick."
"As expected Ainz-sama!"
Albedo eyed Walkiria who stood a bit behind her lord. She even had the gall to have a smug look on her face as if she did something worthwhile!
"Ainz-sama she has clearly fallen short of your standards," Albedo said in a gentle voice, "Give the order and I'll-"
"What? No, no. Things went rather smoothly," Ainz said patting her shoulder reassuringly, "Walkiria-san's negotiation was spectacular. She actually got them to surrender. They didn't even put up a fight once the Eight-edge Assassins we had hidden around the village showed up. Though I had them [Paralyzed] just in case."
"Now, I'll see to the village chief and the Warrior Captain," Ainz continued, "Please [Message] Pestonya and have her prepare a room. Walkiria-san is coming with us to Nazarick."
"Whaaaaat?!"
Author's Note:
*While the Dwarven kingdom and pistols (Vol. 1) have been mentioned we don't really have any information on them. I imagined that despite their seclusion they are still willing to trade with humans to a certain degree. This can be seen in the arena manager's collection in Vol. 10. If you don't agree with their appearance here then I ask you let it slide. Its not like its a game changer or even do them any good.
**Not a lie on her part or a mistake. See Ch. 1
***At this point in time, I would like to point out that neither Ainz or Walkiria have realized the other is from a different universe or even different games. Just in case.
Finally, here is chapter 3! As you can see this is why I dislike having to go through a fixed event and asked the previous question before on pacing. As fun as this section was in Vol. 1 I prefer to move at my own pace and the length is a bit long by my standards.
As for the reviews, I appreciate the help in pointing out things inconsistent in the dialogue. They should be fixed by now. To new readers, I mentioned these in my other stories but I type these things late at night and in segments. Sometimes once a day, sometimes a few days so things will might get lost once I return to work on it.
The symbols that appear around Walkiria are those you might find in ALO but with the Karma system active, hence the the unreadability of it by the people who see it, Ainz included. I had no choice but to use the plain symbols since I don't have the necessary font or even sure if the site will allow it. However, whenever she'll use an attack from her point of view it will be typed using the regular words in the future. It would be a bit difficult to get the point across that it sounds like she's speaking in a different language if used something readers could read easily.
Until next time.