AN: I forgot about Kyoko Jiro being alive, so I'm editing her into this chapter and Chapter 22. She'll be in the story and sorry about forgetting about her.
Chapter 21
Ainz had come to the city with Albedo, Aura, Mare, Cocytus, Victim, and Demiurge. These 6 stood by his side while Benimaru, Shion, Souei, Ranga, Hakurou, and Shalltear; the latter was wearing a white dress with silver linings. Izuku had changed his outfit as well. The teen adorned a green and white kimono custom made by Shuna. Treyni was once again a witness. 'These treaty conditions are perfect.' Ainz silently said. 'They're so detailed, and they benefit both Nazarick and the Federation equally; refusing would be foolish.' He would have to think of Nazarick's future. "We'll be equals?"
"That's right, nothing more nothing less." Izuku said before signing his name. "With this we both shall profit." Ainz picked up the quill and signed his name. There was nothing else to think about. A blue light shit into the air before splitting apart. "Nazarick has now been recognized as an independent Nation." He stated. "I hope that our two nations will get along splendidly in the future." The two leaders shook hands thus signifying the true acceptance of this alliance.
4 Hours Later – Jura Forest Federation – Midoriya - Nighttime
The nighttime celebration was massive as usual, and the two leaders simply decided to watch. The floor guardians weren't exactly up for celebrating in such a way; they were so stiff. Milim was eating next to her bestie since he didn't want her out of his sight. "Are they alright?" Milim asked referring to the floor guardians. "They look angry, do they hate it here or something?"
"I don't know, I really don't know." He said. "Ainz?"
"In their mind every other Kingdom is beneath Nazarick, in their minds the Jura Forest Federation will never be Nazarick's equal, even if another Supreme Being is the one ruling said kingdom." Ainz explained. "They see humans as lesser beings, and there are humans inhabiting Midoriya." He couldn't make them like or respect humans, but he could order them to treat humans with common dignity and at least some kindness in order to avoid an incident.
"Well, if they try to hurt me bestie's nation then I'll annihilate them!" Milim exclaimed happily. The scary thing was how she could actually do it with ease. "Taking down artificial beings like them is so easy that I could do it in 10 seconds flat!" she laughed.
"Artificial?"
"Yeah, artificial, fake." She said. "They aren't 'real' demons since they aren't spiritual lifeforms and don't originate from the spiritual world; not to mention they weren't summoned in the material world." She explained taking a bit out of the huge piece of meat she had in her hand. "That's why they can't evolve, unlike you." She pointed to Ainz. "You can become an Undead King if you manage to evolve."
"That does make sense, I've been wondering why their bodies aren't adapting like yours, I guess in this worlds standard their creation is considered unnatural; not like in YGGDRASIL." He said. 'Or the New World.'
"Become a Demon Lord." Milim whispered.
"No." Izuku said once more. "I have no reason to become a Demon Lord."
"Think of the fun we can have together, and all that power!"
"It'd be to much of a hassle, and I don't need that kind of attention." He really didn't want any unnecessary attention or any sort of negative attention. "I'll think about it." Immediately Milim pulled him into a tight hug. 'I'll think about it for a few seconds.'
"Izuku."
"What is it Ainz?"
"What are you?"
"What?"
"You aren't human so what are you?"
"Oh, I never told you." He said before going into his slime form. "I'm a slime." Ainz stared at him for a few moments before speaking.
"Just like Solution Epsilon." He said. "Do you eat humans as well?"
"Only once, and it was her request; aside from that I mostly consume monsters that have useful skills that I want." He explained. "It's my unique skill Predator, I got it when I was reincarnated."
"Reincarnated, you died?"
"Assassinated by All for One's orders, I was becoming a threat so I was killed, bled to death in fact." He explained. "But being a slime isn't so bad since I'm stronger than when I was human and when I was Tabula; plus I've been able to confront some feelings that I've kept quiet about."
"Like how Bakugo was a violent asshole and that you needed to get away from him as soon as possible." Ainz said not bothering to hide his disdain for the teen who had bullied his comrade and friend.
"I've come to accept that I really do hate him." He sighed. "But, enough if that." He said. "What about you, do you plan on increasing Nazarick's territory and influence?" he asked.
"I'm thinking of taking over E-Rantel if they decide to provoke us when we announce ourselves as an independent nation." Ainz said.
"They won't tolerate your existence, they'll want to get rid of Nazarick as fast as they can out of fear, but that's what you want." Ainz would smirk if he could. "Outright invasion would look bad so you want to make it so they make the first move, it'll give you a legitimate reason to take E-Rantel."
"It's almost like you're reading my mind." He chuckled.
"No, it's simply common sense that is all." He said. "That and I tend to overthink things."
"Does the Federation have any plans on invasion?"
"No, we don't start fight but we do finish them." He said. "I seek to peacefully coexist with humanity, but we both know how humans treat each other."
"They can be crueler than Nazarick, much crueler without reason." He stated. "Worse than any monster or demon, they'd justify their hate and fear with religion, they hide behind it while trying to justify their horrendous actions." They knew this all to well as former humans. "Peaceful coexistence is going to take a while and there will be those who stand against your goals and ideals, both humans and monsters."
"I'm very well aware of that and I'll deal with them as they come." His expression turned serious. "I won't hesitate, that much I can assure you." He had no choice, it was kill or be killed after all.
A Week Later – Jura Forest Federation – Midoriya
Ranged Barrier and Multilayer Barrier; intense training with Milim allowed for the creation of these two skills. While Spatial Motion was an evolved version of Shadow Step. At the moment , he and Evileye were waiting at the entrance of the city for someone who was coming from Nazarick. "Evileye, are you alright?" the slime asked. "I know that this may be uncomfortable since now you know the truth about Jaldabaoth, and who he really is; so if this makes you—"
"I'm fine." She said. There was silence between them for a few moments.
"Do you feel disdain for me now that we're allies with Nazarick?" He asked. "If you do then please be honest, and if you don't feel comfortable here anymore then I'll take you back home if that is your wish."
"Shut up." She looked to him. "I don't feel any disdain towards you, it's just that things are so complicated now and I feel kind of…" she sighed. "Inadequate, so small compared to other people here and it sucks; I feel like the weakest person here." She hated this feeling. "And, I can't stand this—" Izuku pulled her into a hug, his embrace was soft and warm; she felt safe like nothing could harm her as long as he held her.
"You aren't the weakest, and what you may lack in strength, you make up for in valuable knowledge and experience that makes you an important part of this nation." He explained. "Not just that, but you're very important to me as well." He held her tighter. "Not just as an ally, but as a friend." Evileye smiled.
'I have a chance.' she silently rejoined.
"Excuse me." A female voice said gaining their attention. Standing there was a brown-skinned beauty with an athletic look and red hair tied in two long braids. She was wearing a maid uniform with short sleeves and long black gloves with a skirt that has a long slit on its left side, revealing thigh-high white stockings. The two separated.
"You're from Nazarick." Izuku said.
"Yes, my name is Lupusregina Beta and Lord Ainz has sent me here to assist and serve you." She said. "It truly is an honor to be in the presence of another Supreme Being." She bowed, but a sudden pressure weighed heavily on her body. 'What is this?!' she looked up to see that Izuku didn't look pleased. 'Shit!' she kneeled to him. "F—forgive me!" she was breathing heavily. "Please forgive my insult, to not show you proper respect as a Supreme Being…I accept whatever punishment you see fit."
Izuku let up and pulled his demonic aura back in. "Don't worry about it." He said. "I may have overreacted a bit, I know my appearance looks kind harmless, but I'd rather you not judge me by my looks." The young woman's breathing calmed down. "Here." He walked up to her and stretched out his hand. "Don't worry, I won't punish you." He said. Hesitantly, the werewolf took his hand and stood up.
'Lord Ainz had scolded me, but he hadn't been this scary.' Death, she truly felt that the teen was going to murder her as punishment. Her insult being not properly bowing to him as she would with Lord Ainz.
"Alright, follow me and I'll show you where you'll be living from now on." He said. As they walked the streets, Lupusregina saw that what she'd been told was accurate. So many races roamed the city, including humans; everyone looked so happy. "Tell me, do you know what your duties are?"
"I am a maid so I'll act as your maid."
"True, but you're also a fighter and that makes you a bit more useful." He said. "Your karma is negative 200, it's how you were made and I understand that your nature shapes your personality." Izuku said. "I only ask that you not make any extremely rash decisions that could endanger this nation."
"I will mind my actions as they reflect on you as well."
"And this nation as a whole, humans are very wary of monsters, and I'd rather not give them a reason to see us as enemies." He explained. "Needless violence is something that will not be tolerated, it's why fighting is prohibited within the city; breaking that rule is one of the original 3 that I had created." He explained. "Don't fight amongst yourselves, don't harm your own, and…"
"That last rule is pending so don't worry about it." Evileye said knowing not to bring up rule 3.
"There are 7 important figures in Midoriya, think of them as the floor guardians of Midoriya." He said. "Benimaru, Shion, Shuna, Souei, Hakurou, Shalltear, and Demon Lord Milim; the latter is my bestie and has a complicated situation here so be extremely careful around her." Milim was still a Demon Lord so he did expect her to eventually go off and do her job, whatever it was.
"Hey!" speak of the devil and she shall appear. Crashing down in front of him apparently. Milim was wearing a blue and white dress. "Who is this?" she asked with interest. Izuku looked to her.
"I am Lupusregina Beta." She said introducing herself.
"Demon Lord Milim, nice to meet ya!" She got closer. "Hey, you're one of those artificial ones, so you're from Nazarick." The word artificial caught the young woman off guard.
"Milim, don't use the word artificial or fake." Izuku said.
"But—"
"I can just not make you lunch today, maybe I'll have Shion do it." The girl paled, and quickly apologized to Lupusregina. "So, what're you here for anyway?"
"Lord Ainz sent mentor serve and assist Lord Izuku with anything he needs." She could feel the raw power radiating from the little girl. The now group of four continued on until they reached their destination. "This will be my home?" It was better than what Carne Village had.
"Wait, isn't this your house?" Milim asked.
"Yes, she'll be staying with me." He said. "Just like you are." He had to keep an eye on Milim at all times, and she was his bestie so of course she was staying with him. Also, he would rather keep Lupusregina near him. It wasn't that he didn't trust her, he just didn't want her to get in any trouble.
'I was taken out of Carne Village for this, talk about an upgrade!' she smiled. 'Still…' she glanced to Evileye. 'That's the one who beat Entoma.' Originally Entoma was supposed to be sent here, but Ainz had changed his mind because of her diet; Izuku would never allow her to eat humans in the city. That meant that Solution coming here even less likely.
The Next Day – Jura Forest Federation – Forest
"We're lost." Shoto said as the continued to walk through the forest. They had somehow managed to miss the road that they were supposed to be following.
"Kirishima, where's the map that you were supposed to buy?" Mina asked for him to pale.
"You didn't buy it, did you?" Kyoka asked though this was more of a statement than a question. "Tell me that I'm wrong."
"I kinda forgot." He stated. "We got up so early when we left, I was completely out of it; besides why didn't we just hitch a ride with one of the merchants?"
"We have to save our money that's why." Tsuyu stated. "We don't have the luxury of being able to buy decent gear, and our quirks are the only reason we're still alive; we're very lucky."
"Should we just start calling the Unique Skills from now on, people look at us weird when we say quirks?" Mina asked. "Also, I'm considered a monster because of my appearance; should I just accept it?" This was a difficult question to answer. Indeed when people saw her, they instantly asked her what kind of monster she was. Some even asked if she was a demon, and were surprised to find out that she was actually human.
"That's up to—" something suddenly let out a loud roar. "What the hell was that?!" Kyoka exclaimed.
"Whatever it is, it's likely very big." Shoto said. That's when the creature came barreling through the forest. It was a massive black snake. "A tempest serpent!" he brought up a wall of ice that the snake easily broke through only to be met with a torrent of flames and acid. It backed away as the unique skills startled it. It charged once more.
"Harding!" Kirishima stopped the massive snake by grabbing it. The serpents hide was tough as well and it was much bigger. "Red Counter!" he punched the top of its mouth, cracking the hide much to its annoyance. "Shoto!"
"Ice Sear!" a spear of ice shot up from the ground, stabbing its underbelly, sending it upward but not piercing it. Kirishima rushed it when the fell to the ground and began to punch its head.
'I can't move…' Kyoko silently stated. 'I'm scared!' fear was penetrating her mind and body.
"I'll break through your hide, and turn your brain to mush!" the snake whipped him with its tail; sending him through a tree. It wasted no time in going for the kill. "Shit!" he dodged. The snake made a U-turn only to be lifted into the air.
"My tongue is stronger than before, but you're still kinda heavy." She flipped and sent slammed in onto the ground, head first. She landed and put distance between it and her. "We need to run before it recovers!" too late. The high ranked monster lunged at her, and she paled. "Shit…" her eyes widened as it got closer. Its head suddenly fell off and the body dropped to the ground.
"That was really close, huh?" a masked young man asked. "That tempest serpent must've been a survivor from Veldora's Cave." He said taking off his mask. "More importantly, it's good to see you guys again." Both parties had questions, but not all the answers would be ones that they liked. They would follow him, but only Kyoka would feel the shame of being a coward in the face of danger while her friends fought.
Chapter 21 End
