Well after watching a rather passive aggressive debate rage infront of me about dignity and state visits eventually it was agreed that Sana and Michael would accompany me along with a unit of Raifuru guard and another unit of inner glade Forest Stalkers as a precaution. A single platoon each should suffice for this meeting along with the guards and pets. My mount will be the griffin Akatsume while Sana will be on the pet dragon Chiia. Chiia is a lv 90 winged drake which while much smaller than a dragon of that level can be fitted with appropriate harness and armour as a mount and also be able to fight from drakeback.
Of course to show the dignity of our realm I must wear a more formal dress I have decided to be the military formal bdu since I will need to be riding along with a waist length collared mantle. This should be relatively appropriate wear for being able to visit as I take a sceptre meant for representing the guild, though obviously it is not the guild weapon which is placed by the WCI incase of war. We also had to drag out the seal of the realm from storage considering we did not need it ingame what with the interface system and simply using the chat system for talks. It took about two weeks for arrangements to be made for the visit thanks to the distance though now that the outpost system has been expanded we should have an easier time with paved roads and an external teleportation network.
After hashing it out with them the agreed upon minimum was a non-aggression pact along with trade but preferable suzerain or even protectorate status. The general arguments being for economic and military ties while controlling foreign affairs, some independence in terms of allowing internal rule and administration while not completely dictating military affairs. This has been worded as 'voluntary' donations and interdependence, frankly they are very very weak but can serve some purpose in aiding us.
They would essentially become another portion of the realm with internal provincial control but the dictates of the greater state doctrine will apply where needed. In Particular was the wish to absorb their military units to some extent to ensure they are at least somewhat up to snuff in case of aggression by outside parties. Very aggressive but frankly as long as we do not have to occupy their lands and maintain amiable relationships I am fine, still conquest of this scale is a little much for me. Still everyone here seems set and I suspect that the attitude stretches down the chain, not much I can do there. This is not a dictatorship or monarchy after all, maybe an oligarchy or military junta would be more proper description.
The aforementioned strength of the NW people is of minor concern in the short term though ensuring long term survival is the battle plan. With this basic requirement set up the trade goods include high quality lumber, salt, ore and refined ingots, and of course arms and armour. Frankly we got lucky with the discovery of a gold and other metal mines so creating a trade relationship without inflation or the microeconomic issues would be nice. The trade deals will be needing to ensure that we do not dominate their industry without allowing them to create some sort of relative trade advantage.
We need them to be relatively prosperous to be able to defend themselves and stimulate long term co-dependence, still I feel like some of the radical thinkers would advocate leaving only children to teach and indoctrinate into a new nation. Leaving the ethics of this I do not feel like the people of the realm would be able to do this, if they were able to do...
Moving on we want this group to serve as an additional source of manpower in case of war and a buffer state in case of invasion, the next plan after this is the country of Aeol'stori. This is the largest elven nation here and apparently in a state of turmoil as extrapolated form the words of the initial contact. We are sending expeditionary forces there slowly though we will need to bridge the gap with the needed infrastructure for supply bases and caches.
Of particular concern was the Slane Theocracy and Baharuth Empire where both connotations are rather negative. We do not know about their current capabilities until our spies and scouts arrive there which is presumably past the forest and bordering the rough area of the Elven Forest. Frankly we have no real map so we are simply heading in what should be the general direction, regardless we will need to know about the bordering lands so this is not a waste.
I think about the possibility of a war occurring and shudder at the carnage of a force many generations behind especially after seeing what is happening on the proving grounds earlier...which idiot put those there...
An amount of time earlier
The sounds of battle reverberated through the air as a szzz-pwahhh orchestra echoed across the field as soldiers take turns firing in volley. The drifting smoke caused a mist like feeling of sulfur to drift the air before a mage using [Air Curtain] blew it away. Most of the soldiers were dressed in simple leather laminar armour and thick bamboo hats however some standing to the sides individually were dressed in different regalia. Wearing cloth and leather coats more reminiscent of the late 1800's these fired weapons that at first glance seemed the same until you looked close.
Unlike the others who fired and kneeled to used ramrods and powder these took out small paper tubes and inserted them into their weapons before closing a bolt and firing. The early bolt action weapons that still used compressed lead bullets fired at a rate two to three times faster than the matchlock compatriots and more than double the range. How were such weapons available despite not being part of the game well there a a source to be thank for that.
"While the military power will certainly be appreciated why did we have to look through the archives for this, you know there are restrictions"-a figure in uniform and sash admonishes her immediate superior of long service while overwatching the exercises from a raised berm.
"Because as an executive I am allowed to do so and I took the time to sort out some of the information there as well besides what I wanted. The archives are a wealth of information that even the Enlightened ones do not know exactly what is contained such as these schematics whose copies are on the table before us. These purely physical weapons that do not use mana are perfect for training soldiers without the need for the no longer readily available materials to make proper gunner class weapons.
Admittedly these weapons are not as effective for enemies that are above lv 15 but since the normal for this world is lv 10 we are good. The better quality ones can be used up to lv 20 but that is the limit for common grade materials. Still we are experimenting with using the available adamantine, orichalcum and other material to make weapons that work up to level 30 or even 40 but that is on the backburner. The issues of powder or magic power along with the necessary forges for alloy will be for another time, right now we train the new soldiers. Perhaps if I could manage to replicate the great arms factories of the Enlightened One's past...To have a good base is fine for now, actually I think this lot is ready for their next live combat exercise"
"Rotori start summoning the practice units, once you reach your cap go switch with the next in line. I want a company of units to work with for putting this lot to the test"- As the Baelnorn magic caster nodded he started summoning his stack of low tier undead with [6th rank Summon Undead] to summon a small swarm of zombie warriors, skeletons were too easy to miss with so much empty space.
The next group summoned by the trainers were a pack of imps with pitchforks running in circles while simple golems made up other groups. To finish up a random pack of various forest and woodland creatures made up our opposition force, with so much variation the trainees would have to adapt or be taken down. A few high level clerics stood by with [Revival] spells ready, a luxury so to speak but using only mana and not unrenewable resources was worthwhile to train soldiers.
Several companies in double line formation prepared themselves to fight as the enemy forces came, some working together, others running ahead baying. The skirmisher troops fired their rifles in rotation of their fire teams as howls of pain rang out from those in the pack. The fire funneled the attacking beasts to meet the wall of lead unleashed in crossfire by the waiting companies. The ground takes the first good drink of the day of blood both normal and infernal besides the flesh and bone of various groups.
The first two ranks fire in quick succession while the third waited for signs of movement. A few shots rang out in response to those few to survive the fire as piteous howls rang out before the summons went away for these were fueled only by mana without a physical anchor will eventually fade depriving the ground of the bounty. The next group to advance consisted of a pack of zombies moving forward with imps hiding behind to use them as undead shields. The lumbering golems waited behind the imps as they neared the range of the skirmishers.
A slight deviation to the battle plans of the waiting musket troops and light infantry came in the surprise attack of a flock of giant birds who clawed with the element of surprise at the skirmishers. While the skirmish formation buckled as reserve forces rushed to their aid in melee the imps broke formation to unleash [Fire Bolts] at available targets. Beginner mages rushed to action to unleash [Air Shields] and [Water Blades] to block or retaliate.
Eventually the birds are overcome either shot down by fellow skirmishers or bayoneted to death though some are too injured to fight as the skirmish line retreats, some are carrying comrades on their shoulders or working in tandem to help an injured third. Clerics cast [Lesser Heal] to stem the bleeding as the matchlocks waited for them to reach within seventy meters unlike the two hundred of their rifled skirmishers. As the imps attempted to obscure the sight of the waiting forces with [Fire Bolts] fired to impact to distract the eyes of the matchlocks [Turn Unholy] spells vaporize several imps forcing them to retreat. However enough wavering has occurred for the zombies to enter range.
A fog of smoke lazily floats past the battlefield as the ranks fire at the command of their officers causing some zombies to fall from shots to the head or heart but others walk regardless of the damage. Here imps return to their harassing tactics while another twist occurs as several of the fallen monster bodies return to life as undead, the instructors felt a twist was needed as skeleton mages led by a lich enter the field. The skirmishers rally to attempt to stop this action and force a [Wall of Bone] to emerge to shield and bolts of [Earth Spear] to retaliate. A quick look reveals an ambitious officer with a command squad of mage, warriors, and cleric attempting to circle around with a reserve squad in tow.
On the other side an entire platoon advances at an angle to engage the incoming zombies better. The first two ranks have been firing and have unleashed three volleys into the golems at their officers orders before the zombies reach. Bayonets and gun stocks lash out in battle against the clashing ranks and the imps join in the mayhem. Several warrior reserves finally take action as halberds and other heavy arms lash at the golems advancing.
These low ranking wood golems splinter but their fists impact on some. Mages begin firing [Magic Arrow] in response to the closer ranks to finish off wounded zombies and another fires an [Acid Javelin] to decapitate and burn away a golem. [Cure Light Wounds] spread out both on the injured and the undead clashing in the lines as blood and tepid fluids spread across the grounds.
A coordinated bayonet charge from the out stretched platoon impacts the rear of the clashing units after plowing through the few infront of them left from coordinated crossfire to allow this charge to occur. On the other side of the field the handpicked squad of veterans from the coreis attempting to fire upon the undead while they spread out. [4th tier Summon Undead] and [2nd tier Summon Undead] create obstacles to the squad but a third element cuts through the field of battle. A small squad of dragoons appear around the flank and dismount to fire from the opposite side catching several skeletal mages off guard. Others ride closer and dismount to engage in melee with swords as the desperate lich wards off strikes. His opponents are lower leveled by a considerable degree but being caught in melee causes the lich to weaken considerably.
At this point as the final trash mob emerges and is struck down by a stock to the head and bone cracks the command squad charges the lich from behind. More strikes rain down but it is the final [Cure Moderate Wounds] that finishes the job and the lich falls but not without having reaped a toll on his attackers. Fireballs and magic arrows have eliminated several while others were grasped and emancipated by the negative energy. Meanwhile the skirmish with the companies of line infantry is winding down as the final imps are impaled while golems are struck down by mages.
The last few struggling zombies are simply decapitated by free warriors and the flag from the observer's post is waved signalling an end to the battle. The mages and clerics from the sides join in the work of attending to the injured, it appears that the summoners orders worked properly for none are dead though a few [Cure Moderate Wounds] are needed for those mauled badly. When everyone is gathered once again a tally is taken as their stats are checked, many have leveled up and as cheers are raised and everyone leaves weary to the mess hall the overseers compare notes.
Later on
"Soushuykou-sama I have a proposal for your eyes"- Fallatina is currently passing me a pamphlet, after her display earlier I simply did not bother saying anything in rebuke and moved on even if my eyebrows are twitching. Thank goodness I made sure to nip all the history books into the fully forbidden section but how was I supposed to know someone hid schematics for weapons in the library. I thought we would have crossbows first then primitive hand cannons not simply skipping past a few centuries of progress to matchlocks and cannons.
The unfortunate thing is that I cannot narrow down the culprit as there are about 20 who had access to this sort of knowledge in the guild and any could easily have down so. Honestly do I want to know what else is hidden there, we had enough recreationists and historians for more stuff to be hidden.
How these things slipped the censors of Yggadrisal is insane but then again I suppose they did not think about the possibility of someone bringing the production manual and blueprints for pre 2000's arms. At least a few war historians included their life's work on the various warfare periods so we have tactical manuals as well, these are labeled however... Damm you glorious bastards for hiding this much in the base, you included your magnum opus titles and the original annotated versions as well. I honestly do not know what to feel about this anymore with the nostalgia... Sigh their stupid debates around tables before meetings began was always nostalgic as well, 'sigh' this old man's reminiscences later what is the proposal.
"Proposal for new weapons platforms, incorporating discovered weapons schematics with traditional golem platform to provide several new tactical weapons systems. Test of concept for low level units before attempts at incorporating high grade materials to create higher level platforms"
Flipping through the first few pages I see that there are what is essentially a golem with a gatling gun for an arm another has a mortar/cannon along with golem horses with improved capability and apparently a hovercraft golem...
"Sigh approved though before using high grade non-replenishable materials bring me the results so I may approve or disapprove. And clean up any messes you make"
"Yes Soushuyko-sama I will properly clean up after myself"-why do I not believe you and why did I add that part? Ohhh I see that aura of partially contained enthusiasm...you take after your creator, sigh she was always too passionate about research. The only reason she never got sacked from her position in the ballistics lab as a young scientist fresh out of academy after incidents is that no one died and we at least proved that the railgun prototype worked. There was a reason I wanted to leave that liaison position to go back to the front lines so quickly, never would have expected to run into her in the game decades later.
The fact that she had built up a following made things more absurd, add that to the other historians, researchers, and reenactors and things happened. Enough about that part then as she snaps a salute and leaves the room closing the door with a thump behind her. You are honestly trying to make artificial diamond ap rounds as well... Too much paperwork to spend it reminiscing about former students and co-workers even if I still get distracted so much by such absurd ideas that if they work will be glorious in execution. Artificial diamond... And she got the idea in only a little more than a month of time since being here.
Unknown Room, Great Tomb of Nazeraick
"So these are the sorts of things those two want. Still to make leg and chest armour of this design is..."- why in the world do Albedo and Shalltear want armour that is invisible except for select portions for I assume censorship purposes. But this would only apply to the armour and not the person?
"Yes Ainz-sama but this is the request of the overseer and guardian of the outer defenses, I came here to submit the request for what grade the armour should be made. If we made this armour out of divine grade materials then we would be able to negate the weakness of the exposure but the permanent strain to the resource cache would prompt in this humble one's opinion the need for a lesser grade rank"-the poor head craftsman among the npcs is currently asking me about this bizarre affair that has come up. I would think that the armour they recieved is already enough, I mean that the equipment should already be optimized to fit their builds by Peroroncino and Tabula Smaragdina.
The craftsman is still waiting for my answer, what do I do about this? I usually decide this sort of equipment thing with the guild as a group but now I am alone. How do I make this decision, to deny the npc's request and risk upsetting them or lose material from the treasury for something unnecessary. I just don't know.
AN:Well I decided to add the gunpowder bit for a number of reasons
Spice up battle scenes since writing about sword duels is dramatic, mobs of guys with swords not so much. There is a bit more with guns but I admit only so much.
Something to scare the NW in a way that is not mass amounts of undead or magic
The MC is a retired officer and his guild was a bunch of wackos who liked doing crazy shit, it felt appropriate for a decent bunch of them to start skirting the law of digital content. Gun nuts is a mild term for them, 200 people with a decent amount of time and cash is a recipe for stupid.
The society was rather dystopian corporate shenanigans, someone will want to cut loose in ways that are not healthy to do so in actual world.
Explosions are justice, explosions are romance, explosions are cool
Cuz I can, nuf said.
That funny bit over any reviews that are constructive will be nice, not sure about my pacing of the story so far along with other factors. Feedback is appreciated.
