Chapter 23
Dealing with Forbio had been annoying, but easy enough when he warned him about making Demon Lord Karion look bad with his hostile actions. Thankfully, he was smart and left with his subordinates; upset and humiliated by Milim who knocked him out with a single punch. Now the teen knew about how the other 4 demon lords had tried to create a demon lord that they could control. Sadly for them, he and the others had foiled that plan.
At the moment he was conversing with the leader of an investigation team sent by an earl from the Falmas Kingdom. As it turns out he had no idea that the Orc army had been dealt with, only a select few people outside of Midoriya knew this. Youma wasn't a bad guy, but like many who met the leader of the nation of monsters, he had insulted him. Lupusregina had seen fit to dish out a whack of punishment. "I'm so glad to see my 3 favorite adventurers again." He said. "And, who might you be?"
"Fuze, the guild master in the Brumund Kingdom." He said. "I asked to meet with you and was escorted here."
"Oh, and what can I do for you?"
"Well around 10 months ago, I finally got their report." He pointed to the three. "After they scouted the forest."
'10 months, it's really been that long.' He hadn't really paid attention.
'It feels like it's been longer.' Shizu said. 'Also pay attention.'
"I would like to thank you for mourning our guilds hero." Fuze said.
"I only did what any decent person would do, but there's more to your visit, right?" the teen smiled. "So, let's hear it."
"Alright…" As it turned out, the Brumund Guild had heard rumors about the orc lord a few months ago, too late in fact. Before they could flee, Souei had followed his orders and told them that the orc lord had been taken care of so there was no need to worry. Including how he wanted to coexist with humans, and how the rumors had been spread on purpose. By Izuku's own command so that they could prepare for the worst.
"But, the matter can't really be considered settled since a monster defeated another monster, so you came with the same motive as King Gazel and he recognized us as an independent nation; we even have an alliance with him." There was no need to mention Nazarick, they were complicated.
"Excuse me, Lord Izuku about selling the—oh, we have guests sorry." Vesta said. "This can wait."
"Don't worry, we'll talk later." Izuku said. 'It's probably about the recently perfected full restore, they don't degrade and a obviously superior to normal potions.' He didn't outwardly smirk, but these were also superior to the red potions that Nazarick used. Fuze recognized the former prime minister of the Dwargon Nation. "Now then…" looked to Youma. "So, the kid told us the situation with your group, but tell me something." He narrowed his eyes. "Why didn't you run since the contracts have already been undone?"
"Hm, the city people will be in danger if nobody scouted out the Orc Lord." Youma said. "That city is full of shitty people, but their deaths would leave a bad taste in my mouth; that's why." It would also haunt his consciousness if they died because he didn't do his job.
"That is the right answer." Izuku said. "Nobody aside from the people in this room and the minister of Brumund know about the Orc Lord's defeat, but soon they will." He smirked. The teen had an idea. "Youma, how would you feel about becoming the hero who beat the Orc Lord?" the older man was silent for a few moments.
"The hero, what're you talking about?"
"Chaos would erupt if humans found out that a monster defeated the Orc Lord, but if a human did it with help from a friendly monster city; well then things would be fine." He said. "I seek peaceful coexistence with humanity, but this is a request so of course you have a choice."
"Brumund can assist with this plan." Fuze said.
"Hold on a second, they're monsters how can you just—"
"This city is home to over 10,000 named monsters." Fuze said. "They could easily end our lives right now, along our nation as well." This was all to true, granted Izuku would never give the order. Unless they decided to start something, then the human nation was screwed. "I would like to discuss this plan with you."
"By all means, I'm sure we have much to talk about in private anyway, right?"
"Yes, after all I have to make sure that you aren't an enemy to humanity."
"Understandable, but if that's the case then you should stay for a bit and enjoy yourselves; I promise you will." He said. 'We have a hot spring and some really great alcohol; that'll make him easier to talk to.' Sometimes, adults were too easy to read; especially overworked and tired adults who needed some serious down time.
"You're asking me to be some kind of messiah, that—"
"Don't use the title 'Messiah'." Milim said cutting him off. "They're unique existences like demon lords, and using that title won't end well for you." She said. "Stick with the 'Hero' title if you value your life." She said.
"Wait, are you serious?"
"Yeah, the hero title is the safest thing for him." She said. "Of course, hero is human exclusive." She explained.
"Human exclusive, you don't say…"
'Unique Skill attained: Hero of Monsters.' Great Sage said.
He had yet to tell anyone about that Unique Skill, Shizu hadn't ever heard of it before, and its usage was more than unique. But, he could address it later. "Alright, I'll let you think about my offer." He really hoped that Youma would accept. Thankfully, his hope would come true; later that day the man would accept.
The Next Day – Jura Forest Federation – Midoriya
"So, how are you liking Midoriya so far?" Izuku asked.
"It's interesting here, but people keep asking me what I am and they don't believe me when I tell them I'm human; some even asked me if I was a ogre." Mina said. "And with my broken horns, they ask if they broke during battle…granted they were broken in battle."
"My ears stand out, but people tend to think that they're just weird earrings." Kyoka said though she was still a bit nervous being around so many monsters.
"She's still nervous." Tsuyu stated. "She barely comes out of the house except for work, and even there she's nervous." Izuku looked to Kyoka, it was hard to imagine her of all people being nervous. She was always so cool and composed, a rocker girl.
"It's not that I'm nervous, I just miss Earth you know." She stated. "I miss TV, electricity, music, and my family."
"I know how you feel, but most of all I miss my mom." Izuku said. "But, I know that I'll never see her again; I don't think that I'll ever get over that feeling." he smiled. "We all miss our families and the place that was our home." He hugged Kyoka.
"Izuku, I—"
"I can try to at least make you a guitar so that you can bring music to this nation; you'll be the first rock star of this world." He said. Kyoka began tearing up at the thought. "How does that sound?" the girl buried her face as to not show her tears.
"Than—thank you." She sobbed. While she could no longer be a hero, but her backup career as a rock star could come true. She could become beyond famous. "I'll find a way to repay you, I promise."
"Become the best rock star this world has ever seen, and then I'll be satisfied." He said. "And the rest of you?" Kirishima and Shoto were on road patrol, Mina worked in the clothing shop, while Tsuyu and Kyoka helped out at the various food stalls. Thankfully things were going good for them and he didn't have to worry about their well being for the time being. After they went home, Izuku went to the entrance of the city where Lupusregina was waiting. "Are you ready?" He asked.
"Yes, my lord." She said with a smile. In the time Lupusregina had been here, Izuku found himself able to understand her a bit more. She wasn't a bad person per say.
"This may be a presumptuous to ask, but why do you seek coexistence with humans when that man, Fuze said that this nation could destroy the human kingdom, Brumund?" She asked. "Would that not be easier?"
"No, because them being non aggressive means that they won't have any ideas about attacking when they know that we could wipe them out, they won't interfere and if by some chance we become allies…"
"It would increase profits because of the merchant connections you could establish there?"
"That's right, and this nation's treasury needs to increase for the future so being allies with humans is mostly for profit and a sense of security for them." He stated. "It's a win-win really, humans can be useful in many ways thus increasing their worth." He had to explain this in a way that Lupusregina could understand.
"Oh, I get it now." She said.
"Good." He said.
She wasn't dumb, but some explanation was needed from time to time. As he neared her, he couldn't help but admire her feature one last time. She really was a beauty that rivaled Shion. He put his mask on. "Alright." He grabbed her hand. "Spatial Motion!" in an instant the two were gone.
Great Tomb of Nazarick
Nostalgia, Izuku smiled as he walked through the halls of Nazarick. The time he spent here with the others was still fresh in his mind, now as a slime he could look through his memories and truly recall what he wished to see. "Does it feel good to be back in Nazarick my lord?" Lupusregina asked.
"Yeah, it does feel good to be back." He smiled. "So many good times here." He missed those times, but now everything was different. Yet at the same time nothing changed. They entered the Throne Room and there they were; the remaining floor guardians including Victim, and the Pleiades. Sitting upon the throne was Ainz Ooal Gown and next to him was a very happy looking Albedo. The love of her life and her father were in Nazarick. Izuku stopped upon getting closer.
"Izuku, it's good to have you back in Nazarick even if only for a little while." Ainz said. "It's a shame it has to be under such annoying circumstances, but we should enjoy our time before such annoyance shows up."
"I agree, but first…" he turned around. "Demiurge." The demon looked up. "I'm sorry about hurting you so badly, if I'd known who you were then I would've held back."
"There's no need to apologize, the fault was my own for not recognizing a Supreme Being such as yourself."
"Still…" from his hand came a potion, a full recovery to be specific. He walked over. "Here drink this." Demiurge looked up to the smiling teen. Demiurge looked to Ainz who gave him a nod of approval. Standing up he took the potion and drunk it. Moments later, Demiurge's flesh and tail regenerated as if they'd never been destroyed. This surprised everyone, including Ainz who hadn't thought the potion would be so effective. Demiurge flexed his arm and tail; they were good as new.
Great Tomb of Nazarick – Bathhouse
Nigredo was happy that her creator was back though, his kind statement about her needing a bath was debatable. At the moment he was cleaning her back and washing her hair. "You seem to be in good health." Izuku said. "I'm happy to see that." He said.
"Thank you, I've tried my best to live by the teachings that you instilled into me, it's why I protected those humans with Pestonya." She said. "Was I correct in doing so?"
"Of course, you weren't trying to betray Nazarick or hurt anyone; all you did was act on what you felt was right despite knowing the possible consequences." He smiled. "You did what I would've done and I'm proud of you." The woman smiled.
"Thank you, to hear that from you is truly a dream come true." She stated. "I must ask though, why and how you made Rubedo so dangerous?"
"Your younger sister is a very special person since she was created using certain precious items that I sacrificed, she's supposed to be Nazarick's very last line of defense in case of an emergency; the others trusted me to create something so strong that it posed a threat even to us." He said. "Of course I made her to have 100% absolute loyalty to Nazarick and myself." It was part of her script, but now it was real as was her power. "She's the way she is because as I told Albedo, you three were made exactly the way I wanted; you're perfect."
The woman somehow managed to blush upon hearing this. Her creator was saying such things that made her happy. If this keeps up then she might just leave with him. The Bathhouse door opened, and one of the Pleiades came in. It was time.
2 Hours Later – Great Tomb of Nazarick – Amphitheater
Izuku had decided that now was the time to close his metaphorical heart upon seeing how the invaders were falling one by one. He took no pleasure in seeing them die, but there a hint of satisfaction to see them get what they deserved. They were thieves after all. 'Still they must have families who expect to see them again; Shizu.'
'I can't always give you guidance, I'm sorry, but you have to decide this for yourself.' She yawned, it was time for her to sleep once more.
"Decide for myself." He sighed. "I've never killed a human before, but if I allow Ainz to have them then they'll most likely wish for death…" an idea suddenly came to mind. "My, Hero of Monsters skill." He smirked. "Now is as good a time as any to test it out, granted there's only a 20% chance that it'll work, and if it doesn't then the victim will die horribly."
The sudden sound of multiple footsteps caught his attention. If he could save at least one with this experiment then he would be content, the others would simply have to pay with their lives.
Chapter 23 End
