Authors note: I don't own overlord
I have made some adjustments do to a request for marking scene changes. I don't know if the horizon lines and the ideas I had for making one are not staying when I save it. So not much I can do about that till I think up a marker that works for scene changes besides Horizon lines.
Chapter 22 Ash Pit
-An unknown amount of time later-
While it was nice to talk and hang out with both Tuare and Ninya, they did need sleep. They had their own jobs, and with his mana recharged, he needs to practice more. In a way, he missed the ability to sleep, but it allows him to work and plan.
So far, the second test had shown him that [Tainted fusion] took two-thirds of his HP, and [Blight rebirth] took one third. So, he could use it three times. The cost was staggering and would slow down his testing. While he spent some time working in his lab and using blood magic as much as possible, he regained the lost levels in [blood drinker] and [blood dancer].
This should put him at ease if Jester didn't show him that his stats had not improved or changed. Another mystery to solve, or it would force him to change his style of fighting if he couldn't get them back to normal.
'I could just focus on getting back to level 100 and leave the fighting to Ainz.'
No, he wouldn't be shown up like this turning to the mirror in his lab, no shadow staring back frowning—only his own Jealous face. Which felt worse than when he heard the whispers of the shadows. At least then, he could put the blame on it now knowing the shadow was just a by-product. Born of his own ill feelings, he had been ignoring.
After organizing the new potions and turning off the lab, for now, to save resources at the very least, he would have healing and other buffing potions to help in the battle. Exiting the lab, Kathrin, Bardic, and Ritana were missing. Nimble and Leinas were talking with Entoma, and Clem-chan was looking over his trophies all over the room.
"Where is Kathrin?"
"Lady Kathrin had to take care of her work. Arche needs training with Velvet…
Leinas processed the best way to phrase it, not knowing what happened to the battle maid. Only that they were gone as far as Leinas knew.
-missing, some Whisper of the attack on you my emperor in the dragon kingdom, and wind flow scripture causing trouble."
Kyuketsuki berated himself for not thinking about the effects of Jester's gift. The Slain theocracy reactions to losing the world item. He wanted to head there and deal with it. But halted, he refused to break his promise to Kathrin. His empress could handle the situation Kettor had to trust her to message him if she needed his help.
Both Leinas and Nimble were quietly watching him Entoma, broke the silence first. "Where are we going, my lord."
Kyuketsuki had no idea how long he had been working losing track of time in the fun of blood magic. If one thought about it like using water as MP, it was fun. It was a relatively simple matter to level up classes in. Since his head knight and her best friend weren't here, he could travel through the 7th floor. While the sixth floor was ideal for training, he had a particular spot he wanted to go visit.
If Ulbert were here, they could brainstorm the best ways to train world corruption. Plus, Kettor could give him a piece of his mind for allowing Demiurge to cause so much death and pain.
"Seventh floor, I would teleport us there, but the walk there should be good exercise."
"Could I fly again? This harpy physique makes it easier to travel that way." Leinas piped up.
Kettor agreed to it before Entoma could comment on it. Keeping a careful eye on Clem-chan surprised she had been so patient despite the dangerous lustful gaze. He could swear she was undressing him with her eyes. [Reward chains] was not a skill he wanted to be caught by surprise again.
The walk down was long, which gave him time to think about how to test world corruption. He only knew of two spells so far, but he knew there was more just not how many. What he did know was that to find out, he would have to try different ways.
While he would love to test it on the sixth floor, he feared permanently damaging the beautiful forest home of Aura and Mare. Blue Planet loved that floor, and he was hopeful Blue Planet out of all his missing friends might be in this new world.
The seventh floor, however, was already a molten ruin. Making it perfect to practice not because Kyuketsuki was still a little irritated with Demiurge. Pulse the evil morose atmosphere might give him ideas to try out.
Upon arriving at the entrance of the 7th floor, he stops everyone snapping a red stick to supply him with blood for casting [mass abyssal protection: thermal shield]. Typically, he wouldn't use blood magic for it, but he needs all his mana for world corruption.
Kettor could only hope that its spells and skills would lower in cost as he leveled the world-class, or he would be much more limited when he could use these spells.
Opening the large gates Leinas and Nimble gasped while the eight floors had been a shock to them with the Sakura trees and peaceful nature. The Seventh was a hellscape of flames and ruin. They shared a worried gaze wondering if it had been attacked only for their emperor to smile at them.
"Welcome to the seventh floor, it is nice to be back here. Though I rarely visit mostly because the heat annoyed me."
Kyuketsuki traveled through avoiding the lava rivers for both his elite knight's safety. That they could even breathe without dying was only thanks to [abyssal protection: thermal shield]. Filtering the air around them and absorbing the heat. It was also excellent against cold but not much else.
Arriving at one smaller temple than the one Demiurge called home. The door creaked as they opened, showing the sizeable ash-covered training room he remembered fondly.
Kathrins' blood runes lighting up the area in eerily red light. The few pop demons in the area were all in the seating area watching Xennessa and another demoness fling spells at each other. They both stop as flames when wide at them in surprise.
Clem-chan moves in a blur, shouting [domination chains] chains rising up and shielding him as the flames were absorbed by the metal. They were cool to the touch. Before he could comment, Clem-chan was already moving [Redemption chains] shooting out at the caster stabbing and as they dropped to their knees with a scream of pain. As Clemvet shout out [Submission chains] watching in shock as shackles latched on to the other demoness neck wrists and ankles. Burning them till they did as Clem-chan commanded them to submit. Practically laying on the ash-covered floor.
"That is enough, Clem-chan. I am sure they didn't mean it!"
Clemvent stops as her [punishment chains] hovers around the poor demoness waiting to inflict pain.
"They dared raise their hand against you master I need to punish them."
"I still need them alive!"
"We can't let this slight against us stand master! Unless you would try to stop me?" The double-layered voice playfulness hides the edge in it. One Kettor dare not test for his safety.
"Fine, but no killing, they have a job to do. Do not take too long either I wanted to train one on one with you." Forcing a happy mask to cover Kyuketsuki's nerves.
"Don't worry. This will only take a few minutes."
He would have argued to stop altogether, but the rage in Clem-chan's eyes told him she wouldn't stop till her wrath had been stated. He wouldn't waste the coins it cost to summon them. Watching the wretched succubus get dragged out of the room, the [Submission chains] preventing them from disobeying or grimacing in pain when they tried. As the doors slammed shut, shaking some dust lose from high above, he allowed himself to shiver.
"I like that one, my lord, did you summon her too?" Was Xennessa blushing? This was awkward.
"No, I made that one."
Which he was really regretting trying to analyze the brief showing of her special skills. Chains that were a command mantra effect and others that absorb damage. Some kind of draining effect (he couldn't be sure about those [Redemption chains] without another showing), and the lust effect from earlier. He already knew Velvets [punishment chains] had some kind of curse effect—Clemvet's was more effective. It would take high tier spells to undo.
This was just what she showed off to defend him, but that felt like an automatic response. If she could resist doing that, she would be deadly in PvP. For a few seconds, it looked like she knew what the demoness was doing before they did, probably just his imagination.
"Why are you here, Xennessa? I thought Kathrin had you in the empire overseeing political matters? Doing amazing work too."
The seductress smiled brightly at the praise. "I am, but as per your instruction, we use this area of the great tomb as a break area every sixth and seventh day of work."
"Sorry about Najarian. She gets a bit too into our training. We still haven't been able to gain any levels, forgotten one."
This was great news in that his rest time idea was finally getting through to Kathrin. If not, Sad to hear that the old summoning rules still applied here. But they could provide the training dummies he needed, just like old times with Ulbert where they could summon hordes of imps for target practice. To test out changes to spells and their effects. He was first tempted to try one of the two spells he knew. But figured it would be better to try something new, like testing the separate parts of the world corruption the deconstruction and re-creation aspects.
"That is understandable if not disappointing, would you mind helping me test something, I just need you to summon a horde of imps. Or other low-level demons nothing above your own level."
"It would be my pleasure, though, wouldn't one of the evil lords be better?"
Kettor gave a fanged grin, ok maybe he was slighting Demiurge a little. But he should have known to not allow the summoned evil lord to use Rita like a weapon, among other things Grombling in his mind about such carelessness.
"I don't see them around, and I see a perfectly capable and beautiful demoness right here. Unless you don't think you are up to the task, I am sure Clem-chan would love to give words of encouragement."
"No! no, I am happy to help, my lord, it would be this one's pleasure to help. [Summon 3rd demon horde]"
Twenty imps appeared in the center of the room with the pop demons cheering him on. Waiting for the blood bath as spectators to the violence while taking notes of what was going to happen.
Kyuketsuki, for his part, couldn't block the loneliness that came remembering his time shared in this room. Raising his hand as the intent takes hold into the spell-like the other two, they felt like they were not new, just waiting for him to know and use.
Kyuketsuki used the familiar dark liquid forming it in his hand hissing and bubbling hungry to be unleashed. Analyzing the mana drain and power in his hands, this would take about one six of his total MP. Charging it up, it drained about three-six of his mana. It also changed the name slightly, letting it fire.
[Muketsu curse: half cup]
The corruption overtakes the horde of imps covering them in the sticky darkness at first it appeared to do nothing.
Which was odd until some started attacking each other. Other imps looked like they were withering away. The effects seemed to differ, but all of them were experiencing some form of entropy, destabilizing them on a base level. Even their weapons seemed to be weaker, and some crumbled upon a single hit. After five minutes, half the imps had died vanishing.
Thinking quickly, Kettor raises his hand again now time to try the renewal aspect. The slight name change happened, but Muketsu remained. It felt like a familiar and essential name even if he didn't know why. The drain was the same using only two-third of the remaining power. He wanted to save some mana for his spar.
[Muketsu solution: quarter cup]
The dark liquid in his hand shined this time with less area of effect, only hitting half the remaining imps. They appeared to return to normal though the weapons and clothes on them were still damaged.
The other five imps dematerialized from the effects, but the impact he saw only killed them because of their low level. He had a good idea that Xennessa would live if not be severely weakened by the effects. Realizing that it destabilized anything it hit, it wouldn't just destroy the target or its gear. But make it far easier to kill.
[world corruption level 2 Muketsu is pleased]
'Jester Who is Muketsu? And please show me my stats again.'
Again, no increase what was going on was world corruption, the cause, or Jester's gift! This was going to be a problem for his future if he couldn't raise his stats.
'My champion, that is the effect of my world-class. It appears to have disconnected your stats and level growth. On the upside, this should make learning martial arts much easier. You will need to manually raise your stats from now on.'
'You couldn't have told me about this sooner!'
'My champion, this is new territory for me as for you. Trial and error are the only way to learn these things. What you have shown me shall make for an interesting study. Why does the world code change so much with the disconnection it could be…"?
Jester trailed off before disconnecting much to his annoyance, keeping up his mask at the five remaining imps. Kyuketsuki didn't need more anger boiling with rage as he rushed at the fiends taking out his frustration on them.
Putting up a happy mask to Xennessa's confusion and worry at his sudden ire. Thanking the demoness and telling her that he didn't know if the imps where safe to keep around.
This testing had shown him a lot about this, and testing his knowledge, it did appear the cost of all four spells had gone down, or he could cast them more till he needs to recharge at least.
-Kathrin in the royal palace-
Kathrin was starting to see why her supreme being hated politics. She had been enjoying talking with Ritana and her friends. When one of her packmates alerted her to a few significant issues that had popped up in her absence. The first and easiest was Arche meeting with her and informing her that Velvet would no longer be viable.
Arche was downcast as she had bonded well. Which made introducing her to Clemvet less than optimal, so she came up with a quick lie that she died protecting her lord from a surprise attack. Though it would hurt the human, it was better than leaving the option open.
Still not sure what to think of the strange fusion, Clemvet seemed to regard Kathrin as a sister, despite the mad assassin's personality shining through. She would at least give the human Clementine this much she refused to die with the same willfulness as Kathrin herself.
Even if Clemvet still showed signs of disloyalty, for now, she could be trusted.
Arche's training would have to be done by Fluder despite his lack of loyalty. He knew magic well, and if he ever thought about betraying them, his old body would meltdown in the most painful way possible.
This, however, was only the first matter as lovely as it was to see Kevlar again happy. Someone had betrayed her direct orders even if only implied. Now she had nobles and traitorous rats to purge on top of the slain theocracy, which brought her a satisfied grin.
Their reaction had been slightly faster than she anticipated. Using the wind flow scripture to infiltrate and try and weaken her empire. Still, this would take weeks to find them and kill the mice.
Which is time she would have to spend away from her love sighing? Kathrin would have to content herself with taking out her frustration on the stray dogs biting at her empire.
Commanding a few death knights to follow her as she swiftly traveled the halls.
"How do you command the emperor's blood knights like that?"
She glanced at the dwarf. It seems Ritana was curious as well. Not a simple answer to give and how it varies from undead to living creatures. Sometimes pure fear or respect was enough for the lowly sheep. But she didn't have time for the full answer.
"Bardic, would you like to know a secret?"
"Yes, my lady, we shall keep it hidden," Rita answered hungrily to learn as Kathrin always was for knowledge. Self-improvement was critical as the most faithful servants of lord Kyuketsuki
"I am lord Kyuketsuki's 9th-floor guardian. My domain has command over all other summons, servants, and loyal followers of my supreme being. Does that answer your question?"
It was the most simplified version, but she would have time to teach Ritana how it was done later. Her lioness had been such a grand fine lord Kyuketsuki must have seen this well of potential when they first met. Something that not all sheep had to her disappointment.
The training and evaluation of all the empire's servants and people Revealed that most didn't have the same potential despite the same training methods and fairness of her style. Most struggled to even reach level 30, be it mental blocks or weak resolve. While most could not be trusted to hold power like the two outstanding examples next to one sheep, she had not seen before.
"What there are two of you! What is the meaning of this!"
Kathrin took in the noble with disdain. Did he not know of doppelgangers or other shapeshifters. Looking over the fake emperor and empress with four elite knights near them.
"Precautions in case foolish assassins try to attack us. Why have you demanded my attention?"
Kathrin wondered if the low noble even realized she already knew why he was here. Not that it mattered disloyal tools had no use to her or her selfish goals that her lord allowed her.
The new human stepped forward, kneeling to her."We simply wanted to know that his majesty was ok after the rumors that an attack had destroyed the forward fort in the dragon kingdom. If I may ask, is the emperor alive?"
Kathrin smiled as some of her packmates fed her information about the innkeeper records. She hardly needed to have his background checked to know. This was not an act, but real loyalty the innkeeper was the brother to the husband of wife and daughter saved in the dragon kingdom.
It was admirable how a little act of kindness could motivate some to follow.
With a hard stare at the other two whose gaze only held contempt for the commoner. Grinning darkly, perhaps this sheep had earned the right to test his character.
"What of you, Baron of Harlein and Viscountess of Airwinder?"
Both of them put up the worst facades of care she had ever seen. Even her lord could look the part better without trying this was just sad and enraging to see the parasites trying to worm their way in.
"We had heard the same rumors kind, empress Kathrin. We thought it would do well to help in return for access to some funds. We could use to organize spare food supplies for the new land of the empire."
Kathrin narrowed her eyes, already ordering a few pack mates to start investigating the two holdings of both. They could be connected with the sighted wind flow members.
Putting up a mask of innocence turning to Rita, remembering one of them had a connection to eight fingers remnants. The ones that Demiurge had told her about.
"You know, my dear lioness, I do believe I remember the viscountess here worked with eight fingers while they were still around. Would you be a dear and check for me she might be trying to rebuild it in the empire."
The viscountess paled, turning to flee only to be blocked by two large swords and spears of blood knights.
Rita glared at her with a look Kathrin had not seen before. Marching up to them and guiding them to a private room to "talk" with them. Kathrin was so proud, turning to the other annoyance looking far less confident without the main backer to this ploy.
Kathrin Easly traped him with his own words. At which point, he spilled what information they had. Scowling the coward didn't even know anything of real importance.
Waving the two other blood knights to take them away, leaving the last sheep.
"Sorry about that, but you know how corrupted the old nobility can be. His majesty is alive and well."
"How did you know she was an old part of eight fingers?"
Kathrin beamed coyly at the sheep. "How about you take up the old retainer's role and find out. You can even help me find out who is leaking this information."
"Really, but I am not cut out for such a role? I am just a simple innkeeper."
Kathrin walks up to the human, helping him to his feet. Yes, he had a few traits she liked in humans. Now, if he could resist the hunger for power, he would be a great fit.
"As my lord was once a simple human, he rose to become the powerful vampire that saved this empire. So too, can a simple innkeeper become a region retainer? If you are up to it, I could even arrange for you to meet your brother."
Kathrin thought the human might turn it down at first before he agreed. Which was one part solved! Now to purge the old one, the failure of this leak was too great to overlook. They should have alerted her to this sooner.
Escorting the human to the record room, they would have to go back over the logs for the last month to find when this started. Leaving Rita to investigate the two fallen nobles standings in case it was connected to the wind flow scripture.
-Back at Nazarick-
Lienas watched with her fellow elite knight in the stands of the demons spectators. The powers of her emperor were crazy. The fusion Clemvet was a monster. She couldn't help but wonder how many different chains Clemvet had. The mad assassin was terrible before; she was an unbearable nightmare now. With barely restrained evil that made it scary to even talk to the psychopath. Which made her thankful that Nimble was here with her.
"Is it really safe to let them fight. Lady Kathrin might kill us if he gets hurt."
As much as Leinas agreed with the sentiment. Lord kyuketsuki knew what he was doing so far and had not let her down once. Her hand ghosting over the once cursed side of her face with her clawed hand.
"Stop worrying, he will be fine. Besides, I think you still disliked him."
Nimble hushed Leinas as some of the demon spectators turned to regard them. Reminding herself that she would have to be careful of what she said in Nazarick. Unlike the empire, even forgetting title put them on everyone's shit list. Saying you disliked, one of the supreme beings would be seen as treason. Something she didn't feel like testing with so many strong demons around them.
Nimble glared at her pleading her to assure them that he didn't have lingering distrust about their new emperor. Leinas could understand in a way, but she was never too close to him or the other two old elite knights. Kyuketsuki had done so simply what former emperor Jircniv had promised but never delivered on.
"Sorry, Nimble meant someone else. Besides, aren't you worried about the supreme being? Clemvet is a tough opponent."
The spectator demons start to whisper again. Some agreed others throw bets that Clemvet would win. It was odd how short the attention span they had when it didn't include fighting or supreme beings.
"What do they even bet with?"
"I don't know, ask one of them."
The nearest one turned to her, holding out a vile of some kind.
"Remnants of the fallen, favors, and time for shifts cleaning. Anything you have, really." The short demon whispered.
"Would you like to bet?" another asked.
Honesty Leinas didn't even know what cleaning they did, considering how messy the place was. Ash and bone were everywhere, even on some of the seats.
Leinas thought up an idea if she was going to be stuck here. Having one of them to boss around might kill some time. Nimble gave her a look that said not to do it.
"Sure, five favors that Kyuketsuki wins."
"Oh, smart, taking the ruin house favorite."
"No me knows new girl will win. You saw metal leashes."
"Solic yo' pick a loser. No one stronger than blood master sides maybe goat master."
"Yeah, only Galic and his group stupid enough to pick weak challengers."
As they talked, it was interesting to see the different factions of the demon spectators argue. It reminded her of the arena fights in the empire. Only here, Kyuketsuki was the leading champion. And whoever this goat master was another demon perhaps.
They hushed as all eyes turned to the fight about to start. The succubus was alive and left as soon as Clemvent got back into the room. Which did worry Leinas a little the one or two sorceresses she had seen fighting in the beast kingdoms fall, killed thousands of beast-men on their own?
The fact that Clementine altered as she was could terrify one was nothing to scoff at.
Both Kyuketsuki and Clemvet stood apart, staring each other down. Both of them flashed a few colors when he had learned other martial arts besides the one?
In a flash of metal meeting, they started Clemvet could create her stilettos at will now, joy. Now Leinas would never sleep well again near the assassin. Watching in shock as two [Redemption chains] grazed Kyuketsuki both [Mana Essence] and [Life essence] allowed her to see his MP drop and a little of his health.
If not for the third spell she had taken the time to learn, she might not even be able to keep up with the battle.
Leinas struggled to follow them. Clemvet was all but a blur most of the fight. Kyuketsuki was less blurry, but she could tell that Kyuketsuki was struggling to keep up. Worrying her as he got pinned once [Submission chains] appeared on him, but they didn't look to have an effect they did before with the succubus, right he was undead.
"Come on, you can win this!" Leinas glances at a demon grinning at her then looking back to the match.
-Kyuketsuki pov-
This was a mistake Clemvet had him beat in speed and strength.
Ok, physically, she had him beaten all around. Even with [ruined replication] helping him use all Clementine's martial arts. Something he was sure he could practice with then after this and learn with enough time.
The [Submission chains] were minimal effect thanks to his undead nature. However, he could still feel Clemvent's will trying and close to overpowering his own. Not helped by the [reward chains] driving him crazy with the thick fog of [soul dust III]. Which he had never heard of before even if he was glad to finally identify it.
[supreme dispelling field]
Teleporting a safe distance away as the chains broke down. Sighing Clementine had the of will prismatic ore. Ignoring his aching head from the soul dust and battle of wills. Brute force wasn't working, but he refused to lose this. He couldn't have the Ash Kin thinking him weak. Even with that said, he suffered a good chunk of mana to the [Redemption chains].
[Freeze Lance] [Frost breath]
Biting back a curse as he dodged the barrage of chains. Great Clem-chan had [High Tier Magic Immunity III]. Watching as the first did nothing, and the second was dodged.
Cursing his low mana, Kettor couldn't afford to waste more mana on useless spells. Nor did he have a lot left to draw on. Kyuketsuki had underestimated Clemvet.
[Perfect Unknown] [double: paradox dark mirrors] and [Illusionary projections]
Kettor would be able to cast maybe five more or one big spell after all three high-tier spells.
It would buy him time to think up a plan, even without her stilettos, which she could just make at will now with creation magic. Her talismans kept him from getting too far away. Then between her chain skills and her overwhelming physical advantage Kettor was between a rock and a hard place.
The words of the flavor text came back to him. Seven curses and seven blessings. The questions were what did the chains count as which nine of the total eighteen did Clem-chan have. They seemed to be based on the seven sins and virtues, which was a clue….
Kettor could not believe his eyes seeing Clemvent ignoring his illusionary floor traps altogether. His most potent darkness clones did little better lasting seconds before being burned and drained by [Punishment chains] and [redemption chains].
Realizing Clem-chan was using the skills punishment ability to do considerably more damage to high negative or positive karma. Which he was now 100 more points in negative karma then before the new world.
Then Clemvent looked right at him as if his invisibility meant nothing. Charging giving Kyuketsuki no more time to think or analyze his monster of a creation. Her hair tangled his bat fang daggers up, making them irretrievable. Raising his sabers to block and parry her fast and merciless attack.
[Invulnerable Fortress] just in time as she stabbed him in a weak point in the armor.
A little of His blood spilled on the floor from the attack backing up, panting the drain on the stamina was worse than the magic drain. He had a few minutes tops using all Clementine's martial arts at once.
If he could even beat Clemvet circling him, the length of his sabers where the only thing keeping her back.
"Isn't this a nice dance master. Like back in the cemetery, only this time, I can see through all those illusions. Give up, and I promise to heal those wounds right up."
Kettor glared the best he could, avoiding the [reward and punishment chains] as the powerful soul dust hung in the air. Not breathing to avoid contact as much as possible, or this end in the worst possible way.
Kettor could practically hear Peroroncino mocking laughter if he found out he lost because he was too turned on to fight. That or he was passed out, but he would not want to know which would happen first.
Kyuketsuki snarled blood frenzy was just about to activate due to his own blood. Raging at this shameful display, he could do better than this if his stats were not so low. Growling as he moves to try any faint, he could think of to try and gain an edge in this spar.
Every time it was like Clemvet knew what he was going to do moving before he did. Was this a skill or magic spell, either way, he didn't know of many that could do this. Ones Jade, Velvet, and Clementine shouldn't have known.
'how does she have some form of precognition. This doesn't make sense.'
Despite his displeasure at his weak display, Kettor relished the rush at a real challenge he had missed this. The new world lacked anyone that could genuinely challenge him. Clemvet was proving to be the challenge he was looking for grinning without knowing it.
"So silent even if you are enjoying this dance. I want to hear your voice master come on, don't be coy."
Kyuketsuki could not hold back any longer Shifting as he used the surprise of his saber, becoming five blades to try and catch her off guard.
Even if she could see what he was going to do, she might not be able to dodge. Kettor was right, but [domination chains] appeared again, blocking his claws. No matter which angles he came at her from. Clem-chan just stood there, beaming in victory like this fight was already over.
They refused to break or bend to his frenzied fury, but this is why he saved his trump card. He would wipe that smirk off her smug face and savor the taste of her blood!
[Boost Extend Penetrate Maximize Magic: Endless winter]
He had not used this one in a while. The combined power of the meta magic and the ninth tier boosted to a tenth tier obscured everyone's view as cold waves of frozen energy-sapping all heat from the room. With him, in the eye of this storm of this blizzard, that was all the MP he had left, but it should be enough to….
As the snow settles on the ground and covering the ash and stone. Clemvet stood her [domination chains] shining brightly through the white snow cover unhurt by one of his most potent death frost spells. Even Momonga should be hurt by that at least a little.
"Impressive master that would have been enough to kill. Can you do it two more times; otherwise, you will never scratch me." Board as she polishes and sharpening her magic blades.
Kettor took a step back. She could block that much damage or revive two times either way that was…thinking about it, he was almost out of stamina, then he would pass out. Kyuketsuki didn't have the time to analyze [Domination chains] as much as he would love to, and though he knew there was little reason to keep going.
His pride wouldn't let him his blood screamed for him to fight till he couldn't lashing out his tongue Clemvent dodge, dropping her chain shield as his tongue slashed the floor. Jumping at Clemvet with his claws acting like a blender. Cutting up the floor and pillars trying and failing to cut Clem-chan at all.
If he could not win, then he would at least show her not to push her luck. Reaching deep into his memory back to Rita's fight against Go Gin. That could work though he would be out after that.
[ruined imitation: Four flames shell cracker strike+3494729434-$&* #^(= temporary martial art: Fourth destroyer strike warning insufficient stamina]
The spectators were awed at the spinning ball of blades as waves of cold flew at the chains failing to pierce them. Kettor pushed his body despite the sharp pains all over, unable to stop the odd words coming out of his mouth.
"Just shut up and cut through!"
Seeing Clemvent smirk at him not moved at all despite the pain and strength he put forth.
[Insufficient stamina, at half HP ADMIN' safety halt engaging.]
Stopping mid-spin stumbling to his knees, everything hurt why did it stop he was close damn it! Hissing as he fell to his knees, unable to move through the pain great… now he looked weak, and they would abandon him too. Feeling the eyes of the shocked spectators, the Ash Kin's gasps and shouts filled the air.
Leinas was screaming for some reason so loud he could hear her over the noise.
[Muketsu award for reaching world corruption level 3 [Fourth destroyer strike] learned-
Ignoring the message shutting his eyes, this sucked so bad, but he refused to cry. It would ruin what little shred of dignity he had left if Clemvent didn't kill him first. As he drove deeper into his own depressing thoughts, he missed Clemvent's reaction to this.
-Clemvent POV-
Clemvet couldn't be happier with the power remembering how this started once as a weak human. At least that had initially been after narrowly winning against Velvet in another soul battle. Now her mind knew a different history.
Her first life had been as a battle maid for Lord Kyuketsuki. It had been fun until she betrayed him and died. Spending so many years in that horrible place. Her second life was as jade weaker but still as loyal and happy as the first. Taking joy in breaking those that offended master. Then she was killed again by that elf and the blade dancer.
Last was Clementine once a member of the black scripture seeing the horrors of humans spouting the BS about being humanities saviors. While cutting down anyone who got in the way, be it human or not. Oh, once she had been naive enough to believe it before she saw the truth that day. Finding although her best work, her parents praised her brother yet couldn't give her a second glance.
Even as she became the ruthless killer, her country and parents wanted, they praised all so long as you didn't do anything too wrong. The hypocrites the only difference between them is Clementine stop caring for masks or pretensions. The worst scum where adventures acting like her brother righteous and noble do right ha.
The truth was if a job didn't pay well enough, didn't feed their egos, or boost them up in some way. They would leave people to rot heck. She knew a few that could be paid to destroy villages and ruined lives themselves or did it for fun. It made her sick to see them pretend like kindness or heroics mattered.
Yeah, Clementine was a killer, but anyone who survived was that is the way of the world. She just learned to enjoy her craft and the thrill of the fight. Clementine had no trust for anyone but herself after one particular incident. But then she found her master again, which changed everything.
Her master gave her first potion the first test, then after she proved herself, she was given a second much harder test both past lives had been a tough challenge. Yet it was worth it to be whole again.
Standing over her master, seeing those angry blood tears displeased her. For anyone else, she would revel in it before their slow death. But the master was different. He gave her power made her feel incredible all six different curse chains at her beck and call. To say nothing of her three blessings, magic, and physical prowess.
Meeting those red eyes, they had lost some of the dull shine of a past spent fighting to survive. Yet master still understood the danger of this position. What it would take to survive if she turned on him.
He would not beg, nor would he forget this next time whatever she decided to do. The rage and fury Clementine had in both vision of Ainz and Lord Kyuketsuki killing her. False dreams, which only highlight the understanding between them.
Silently daring her to kill him after which all the demons would attack her. She could win with the power she was given, but she would never want him dead. After all, he had gone so far to bring her back each time she died. Succeed or fail, he was better than the monsters in human skin. Using fake emotions to make you believe they wanted what was best. Only to stab you in the back the moment you looked away.
Softly smiling at him, the only one who had proven they could be trusted was master and sister Kathrin. Summoning more [punishment chains] master didn't flinch away at the heat or screaming portals.
Clemvet turned her wrath to the crowd. "HAY!"
"Show your MASTER appreciation for his magnificent fight. Before I kill you ungrateful sacks of flesh."
They immediately started cheering Leinas, and Nimble gave her that look again. Of course, they couldn't understand they were weak and didn't know how few you could trust to survive.
Meeting her master's eyes even as he fought the fatigue distrustful but showing that spark of love she wanted so much. It got her all fired up, seeing those defiant eyes giving a fanged snarl/smile.
"Now, my master, don't push yourself. After all, we can try to kill each other again later. [Flow Acceleration] backlash can be a killer. But your already dead, so it should be fine."
Giggling at her own joke master grimaced, mumbling something. Probably that he would kill her later or shower her with love, before passing out. Grinning, she picked Kyuketsuki up. Oh, she couldn't wait till he woke up to get her reward for winning.
"You all won't be needed, for now, I will take master back to his room. Come back after you have repaid your lost bets." Much to Leinas outrage!
-A few hours later Kyuketsuki room-
Kyuketsukis ignored the dull throb of pain after Clemvet's "reward" while pleasurable it was not soft nor gentle. Rubbing his bruised wrists before downing the highest grade undead healing potion, which made the pain vanish totally.
'Glad I made a lot of those I still need to find a way to reproduce all the high-grade potions. Mide tier potions will only help so much.' Taking note of only Malga and Entoma in the room.
"So, where are the other two Clemvet?"
"Still at the ash pits. Want to spar the winner gets top again?"
Kettor shivered and growled at the memory he wouldn't lose so quickly again. To have a better chance, he would have to wait another six hours for his MP to replenish. Luckily his stamina was already back up after eight hour rounds of Clemvet's fun. Which would leave him time to improve himself and analyze the events.
He could have given up before he passed out, yet he couldn't. His pride as a warrior wouldn't allow it. Fighting till he couldn't move or died. The more he thought about it, the more he knew he would fight Clemvet again and find a way to beat her. Beaming with a rush of excitement at the prospect of the challenge.
Once he was redressed, he glanced at Clemvet, she had not killed him when she had the chance. After that spar, he should fear her, yet he could only find respect and love in his heart.
Which left only a little more analyzing to finish, then he could assure Kathrin's fears and leave Nazarick if he wanted. With one problem, he was still only level 95 though his stats had no change. If gaining status points were as hard as learning martial arts, then it could take years to raise them.
He had six martial arts now, but that wouldn't be enough, and he would have to train with them to gain the same mastery Clemvent had of them. As much as he hated to admit it, he was in no shape to take on level 100 players let alone three.
Kyuketsuki would have to define a new style and strategies for battle. Luckily if he could get more favors from Jester, resources for potions and other items wouldn't be a problem.
With a plan in mind, he reached a message out to Jester.
"Clem-chan, I need to talk to Jester, though, do take note of what she does. Alert me of anything I miss vie message."
Watching as she shimmered into the room.
Comfortable in the darkroom, which would set her at ease if not for Clemvet staring the administrator down. As Jester hesitated to remove her mask but did realizing something. Removing her smiling mask was a sign of trust, so he assured her Clemvet would stay put.
"My champion you called is it about your wayward knights. One seems to found himself on the second floor under the care of Shalltears brides. Leinas appears to be dealing with Solics affection."
Kyuketsuki gave his pity to nimble Shalltear would not take kindly to messing up that bad. He was sure Shalltear wouldn't kill him, his mental health would need checking later. Leinas, on the other hand, should be fine. The ash kin wouldn't make bets without consent. If anything, he would have bet he would see a few soon. Probably waiting outside his door, unsure how to get in.
"No, though, thank you for telling me I can go pick them up later. I would like to ask a favor. I am sure you want something."
Jester scowled and glared at Entoma. "Alright, but your battle maid needs to leave the room."
Kyuketsuki glances at the Pleiade maid, noticing the rare signs of distrust. "Why?"
Jester grimace she knew something he didn't. "Please just send her out of the room."
"First, tell me why! You never had a problem with her before."
Jester sighed. "Because this is private, and She will message lord Ainz about what we say."
Kettor heart stopped turning to Entoma with a look of betrayal, realizing no it wasn't her fault. It still hurt to find out. Entoma turned her mask away in shame.
"How much did you tell him about what I said was a secret!"
Shifting to his true form as he advanced on the battle maid. He couldn't believe Ainz would do this to him grimacing did Momonga really lose trust in him. "Is Shalltear in on this too!"
"No lord Kyuketsuki he just-
"What doesn't' trust me! Doesn't' think I am fit to be a supreme being. I Should have known. Tell me, was it my failure to protect Jade? Almost dying to Shalltear? Taking so long to get back to Nazarick. Tell me!" He roared out, restraining himself back from dragging the maid closer with his tongue.
"No lord Ainz is only worried about you I didn't tell him any of what was a secret. Please lord, Ainz is only-
"Tell me which orders do you hold higher Ainz's or mine! The answer will determine if I can keep you in my services!" Kyuketsuki gaze was fierce, daring her to say what he knew to be true. What he dreaded most to hear out of his favorite Pleiades. The fear was just an act or foolishly believed he would hurt them.
"I can't choose that my lord, you are both very precious to us all."
"Get out and return to Ainz If you have so little faith in me as a supreme being! Don't come back until you know the answer." He screamed his slime giving her little choice as it dragged Entoma out of the room and locking the door as it came back in.
"Isn't that a little harsh, my champion."
Kyuketsuki turned to glare at the admin' she didn't know how much it hurt to do that. Besides, Ainz didn't trust him anymore, which burned to know most of all. Had he not given everything for Nazarick if he didn't tell him, then it wasn't a threat, or Momonga could ask, but no, he had to undermine the trust of his small family.
"Just tell me what you want. I am in no mood for this."
Jester gave him a worried look before sighing once she realized he wasn't going to talk about this. It was between him and Ainz, something he would deal with later. Calming down and shifting back even as his pain boiled underneath the mask of neutrality.
"Fine, but if it gets too out of hand, my next favor will fix this situation. Momonga is stonewalling and fishing for my limits. I need that world gem shard before the Deep Darkness Dragon awakens and comes for it."
Wait, Momong had a world gem shard and didn't tell him, though, that did raise a question. "What could he ask for that you can't trade."
"He wants me to replicate the power of the world gem shard. That is more random chance then you would think. The world co…world magic core spits out whatever works. To recreate, it would take years."
Kyuketsuki narrowed his eyes as a thought entered his mind. "Use one of the shards on me."
Jester was caught off guard but denied him confirming something even at the threat of unleashing Clemvet on her. "They lose power once they fuse, don't they?"
Jester smiled shyly before giving him a warning glance about the threat. "Yes, but the arbitrary power was never the real power. Only a possible power related to the real one I am still trying to figure out what the world c-
"world code core is?" smiling at Jester, annoying glare something he knows somehow.
"Keep that to yourself, by the way. If you can read me that well, then Once you reach world corruption level five, you will max out that class."
"You have yet to tell me what the name Muketsu means or who that is."
Jester gave a small knowing grin at him, giggling like it was a funny joke. "You will find out in time, my champion. For now, get the gem shard from Ainz and get ready to fight the dragon lord that comes for it. Then you will have all the items I can create at one time."
Jester put on her mask, shimmering away.
Now the question was how he was going to get the gem shard. He didn't really know any right way to go about it. To say nothing about his own rage at the trick, Ainz pulled on him. He knew he would explode on him when they meet up.
"My only Master, if this gem is rare, just say the word I have my sixth and final chains."
Turning to Clemvet trying to discover what she meant, yes assassin and black warden where technically thief classes one really oddly named one. But they were more fighter and defensive type respectively without a valid thief class, she shouldn't be able…
Watching in shock as Kyuketsuki's inventory was open with an ethereal chain inside, pulling out a sword with six others holding his bat fang daggers.
"My [Raider chains] can disarm and reach into the most secure areas. But only for the rarest of treasures master. I am no common thief after all, though if you ask nicely, I might still steal anything."
Kettor takes back his rare sword drop item. He only had three of those. Frankly, they would only be used on dragons or high-level enemies. Mainly because they could only be used a limited amount of times before they would need expensive repairs. Even if the DPS was worth the cost of repairs.
"Take [legendary Behir's red claw 3] again, and you will see why you don't steal from me."
"No need to get uptight master I was only showing you. If you want I could kill-
"NO! I am angry with Momonga, but we are still friends. If he wants to go behind my back, then we will return the favor."
What did he want to do about Momonga? He Couldn't ignore this, but Kyuketsuki would only do enough to show him that he was worthy of the title of a supreme being. Something that would settle this matter between them.
Sadly he couldn't think of an excellent way to do this, yet a PVP match was no good right now. Neither was talking. He needs to physically work this out. Then it came to him smiling the mini-games in the ash pits. He was a master at that, plus he could come up with a way to make it around defending Nazarick.
His mind worked overtime, constructing a scheme that would get him the world gem shard and help silence the jealousy that wouldn't stop plaguing him. "Clem-chan get up; we need to head back down to the ash pits. I have preparations to make."
Opening his room door to see all twenty level 30ish imps waiting. Smiling at them, Entoma was not in sight, probably going to tell Momonga. Better this way, he didn't want those that didn't believe he had there best interests at heart.
For example, if He gave her an order to save Entoma's life and she dies because Momonga told her something else. Then better, she hates him and follows only Momonga. Kyuketsuki needs to know if he gave an order to protect them that it was followed to the letter.
Otherwise, he would only have himself to blame for even one of there deaths, something he would not allow if he could avoid it. Sighing this would be so much comfortable with just one or two other guildmates.
First, Kettor sent one to Shalltear with a letter he dare not talk in person or his rage at her silent disapproval and mistrust of his leadership. Then he left orders for Avada if Ainz came looking for him in his room.
"What if Pleiades Entoma comes back, my lord."
Staring into the maid's eyes, did she really believe that his favorite spider maid would come back. He knew she never trusted him for one of his failures, even if she wouldn't say it. Not that he didn't understand, but it still hurt so much. Pushing till his emotions suppresser kicked in. Better to feel hollow, then think about it.
Still, she did have a point. What Kyuketsuki's orders should be? The original question came back to him.
"Ask her who holds higher order. If it is not me, then send her away. If she changed her mind…
It was a vain hope to even think that answer would change. If by some impossibility she did, then he couldn't turn her down.
…give her this guild ring and tell her to come to the ash pits."
-Avada Pov-
Avada gave a small smile of understanding before watching them leave.
Avada sighed once they left her lord was so sensitive about proving himself he seemed to fail to realize none of Nazarick lack faith in him. The maid saw Entoma leave ashamed that she hurt one of the supreme beings so deeply. They just couldn't decide which lord to follow orders of most. Most of Nazarick deferred Momonga for higher orders.
Sadly it wasn't her place to tell lord Kyuketsuki the change had made him more sensitive to his faults. She could only hope he realized he was too critical of himself. Avada was sure there was no other supreme being so hard on themselves as Lord Kyuketsuki. Or so worryingly selfless that he held less value of his own life and wellbeing than all of Nazarick even the duke's children.
Waving to one that crawled by the room, the little cockroach kept up its job.
Once in the room, she started her rounds of cleaning. Noting the shimmering sighing as she turned to the admin' Lady Kathrin told her to be wary of them.
"What do you want? I am busy, and the lord has left already."
The admin bowed to apologize. "I only wish to help my slip up has caused unneeded friction. Unlike Carnival, I don't plan to be the cause of pain for my Champions."
Avada stopped sweeping, turning to regard the admin sighing deeper than before. If it would help her lord, then al long as it didn't go against her orders, it would be fine. Waving Jester to go on.
"First, I need you to go talk with Entoma. I will cover for you till you get back."
-End of Chapter-