Slane Theocracy, Kami Miyako, Cathedral of Earth
.
.
"Dammit! They got us right from the beginning!"
Raymond slammed his fist on the table as he furrowed his brows. This caused some papers and pencils to fall, creating crashing sounds inside the room.
His servants stationed in the room silently began to pick up the mess Raymond made.
Forcing us to comply with a meeting and snaring us into a two-way trap like that. You damned undead. I'll make sure you fall.
It has been a few hours since the meeting with this frogman named Demiurge, the guards in the town were alerted and the army was called to be stationed in each city in the Slane Theocracy.
Which would explain the large concentration of soldiers in the capital right now.
There would be no doubt that war would be instigated after this.
One of the elite guards lost their composure and attacked the insolent frogman.
The surrounding guards filled with the same wrath did the same.
But after that frogman fired a [Fire Ball] at the statue Demiurge and his legion of demons teleported away.
Well, the ones that could teleport away.
Many succubus and Imps stayed unable to use [Teleport] and were quickly captured by the guards.
Interrogations have proven futile and useless. They are quite resistant and repeated the same phrases.
'Shall the Theocracy continue to shake their fists at the Supreme One shall be their downfall. Angels that fall from the heavens shall fall to hell. None can stand in front of the Supreme One. Ainz Ooal Gown.'
This is confirmation that the Sorcerous Kingdom knows about the ultimate trump card that is Asher. But how did they find out? How didn't the Thousands League Astrology, Eleventh seat of the Black Scripture find out? Was there some sort of leak? Spies?
No, there can't be spies. Only a few people know of his existence.
Raymond put his fingers on his forehead and glared at the piece of paper on the table.
'Mass protests. Riots.'
The news got out of Raymond allowing lecherous demons inside the Shrine of the gods.
There were many things happening.
Dealing with the protesters, finding out how they figured out that Asher existed, how to deal with calming the Theocracy itself.
The list was endless.
He looked out of the window.
And saw -
"-Come out here you coward! How dare you allow such things inside the sacred grounds?!"
"-You call yourself a Cardinal?! Step down from the position now! You are a disgrace!"
"-How dare you allow such a thing to go inside sacred grounds!"
"-Why would you do that?! You coward! Fake!"
A large gathering of protesters outside of the Cathedral.
A wall of guards stood in between the Cathedral and the protesters holding large shields to prevent anything bad from happening.
There was even a wall of magic.
They played us like a damn fiddle-!
In the event that Raymond didn't allow the demons to enter the shrine, the undead king, Ainz Ooal Gown, with his uncharted intelligence would have been able to form some sort of propaganda against the Slane Theocracy ruining the support for the Theocracy outside in other countries and ruining the reputation of the Theocracy itself.
Possibly labelling the Theocracy as, 'Beasts who cannot communicate' or much worse.
That was the outcome which was meant to be avoided in sacrifice of the reputation of the Cardinals inside the Theocracy.
But that sacrifice was in vain.
The Sorcerous Kingdom taunted the guards to attack them not only justifying war but still being able to label the Theocracy as, 'Ravaging beasts who cannot communicate and uses brute force to show their reasoning'.
The Sorcerous Kingdom killed two birds with one stone.
Not only did they ruin the Cardinal's reputation inside the Theocracy they also ruined the Theocracy's reputation in the eyes of the other sovereign nations.
Now we have no one to turn to in case of an emergency.
They disillusioned us into thinking we had two choices to pick from to avoid a trap, a dilemma, but in reality, we were trapped from the start!
This thinking burnt out Raymond's head as he leaned back on his chair.
"Servant. Pass these documents to the Commander in Chief of the army. There should be two envelopes as well. Give those envelopes to nearby guards and they'll follow you. Be careful. This document contains important information regarding the war course. Be careful when handling it."
"R-Right! As you command! Cardinal Raymond!"
War is about to begin.
And the Sorcerous Kingdom has taken the initiative.
Heh, we won't have to worry. We'll begin the attack of the Lizardmen Village very shortly. After we capture that village we'll gather more information from there.
The Windflower Scripture should be able to do that.
Besides, we have our trump card, they might know of it's existence but won't understand the true power it has.
Praise the gods.
Slane Theocracy, Kami Miyako, Outside of the Cathedral of Earth
"-Get out of your hole you fake Cardinal!"
"Sir! Please calm down!"
Guards standing in front of the Cathedral pushed the crowd back with their shields and professionally pleaded with the outraged protesters as they threw countless of objects towards the cathedral.
The magical barrier prevented the objects from hitting it and rebounded back at the protesters.
"-Why the hell would you do that?! Idiot cardinal!"
"-Coward!"
"-Heretic! Demon sympathizer!"
"-Traitor to the Theocracy! Burn him!"
The priests and bishops stood behind the guards and cast protection spells on them as the protesters continued to push back on their shields.
After Raymond allowed the demons enter the shrine of the god of death it became a game of 'broken Telephone' and rumours spread and continued to become worse to the point where it was said that Raymond was dealing with the Sorcerous Kingdom in secret. Or he was a demon at heart with the skin of a human.
It's scary how information could be modified by the mere decision created by emotion and not logic.
They played a decisive move, ruining both the reputation of the Theocracy not only outside of the nation but inside too.
The bishops who witnessed what happened frowned as they continued to cast buff and protection spells.
There was a crowd of at least a few thousand civilians and a thousand guards creating an anti-riot perimeter around the cathedral.
Spearmen were there for the worst-case scenario.
These guards looked nothing like the ones who accompanied Raymond during the meeting of the Sorcerous envoy Demiurge.
They were lesser trained yet skilled city guards and infantry pulled from the outskirts into the capital. The elite guards who did go with Raymond to meet with the Sorcerous envoy were at the back lines in case something happened.
But even so, the front line guards still questioned Raymond's leadership.
"It's not true is it?"
"I don't know..."
Murmuring between the guards lowered their morale and lessened their resolve to stop the protesters. Yet they still continued to push the protesters back.
That was until -
The sky suddenly turned black.
Dark intimidating-like clouds encircled the entire area taking what was left of the sunlight turning it into shadows.
Thunderous blue lightning engulfed and drowned out the protester's cries silencing the entire city.
Heavy rain began to fall as the loud thunder caused most of the people there to fall to their knees hitting the paved ground.
With the dimmest light from the lightning in the sky, there was distorted mocking laughter coming from the distance.
As time went slowly by it grew louder.
It did not sound human.
But as the protesters dropped their weapons and the guards turned their heads at the same place they heard the sounds, they saw it.
They were distorted clouds with the faces of humans constantly screaming at them.
It was a Sixth Tier spell.
As it trailed closer it began to properly speak.
"Oh, dear residents of the Theocracy. Hast thou not heareth of the treacherous actions of thou's Theocracy? Hast thou not heard what has enraged the Supreme One?!"
The sudden appearance of countless human-faced distorted looking clouds caused the people in the area to feel a sudden tremble down their cold spine.
No one responded.
The only sounds present were the continuous thunder and lightning along with the heavy rain hitting the stone-paved ground.
The Archbishops did nothing and continued to listen, but from their frowns, they were determined to cast attack spells but the curiosity of hearing the words of the distorted looking clouds prevented them from doing so.
Looking at the Cathedral window saw Raymond peeking outside.
"This country has committed the act of misdeed. An act when used against a nation could instigate warfare! Attacking under the false flag of a peaceful envoy meeting! Fools! Beasts who lack reasonable attributes, disgraceful and unhonourable!"
The cloud continued to speak.
Its voice got angrier by each word.
"The Supreme One! Ainz Ooal Gown! Has graciously sent their envoys in hopes of an agreement. The Supreme One! Has taken his consideration! To discuss with you, worthless humans! And you dare spit on it!"
Many people wanted to express their objections. But with the mood surrounding them right now, they only opened their mouths but no words came out.
"The Theocracy. Oh, they dare to shake their fists at the benevolent Supreme Being. Let angels fall from the sky and fall to the depths of hell. It was only a few hours since the unjustified attack on the Sorcerous envoy. With the justification-"
The unjustified attack on the Sorcerous Envoy.
It was demons who entered the Shrine.
The surrounding protesters and the guards felt as if it was justified that the Theocracy attacked them.
This was nonsense.
But still.
They understood what was going to happen.
"-The benevolent one, Ainz Ooal Gown, has taken his precious consideration for you worthless fools and allowed reconsideration of terms. If the Theocracy hands over the guards who were associated with the unjustified attack and murder of Sorcerous citizen guards and the one who commanded it, Cardinal Raymond, then war can be avoided. At the neutral city of the E-Restize Kingdom, the terms shall be granted there. Seven days! The merciful ruler gives you foolish mortals seven days to consider the terms!"
Eyes were stretched out wide.
Every human in the area glared at the human-faced cloud with daring hatred as their fists began to tremble.
This was unreasonable.
The guards that accompanied Raymond were the Elite of the elite as stated before, even if one of them stood against a hundred of the skilled city guards they would still prevail, even against an entire army of the Empire's paladins then they would prevail if there were a platoon of them.
In short, they were cared for very much and could just rival that of a Scripture's strength at their peak.
The resources for training such a unit was tremendous.
Raymond would even trade an entire army of a million for an entire battalion of men like them.
"If the terms are not granted! Then the Sorcerous Kingdom declares its rightful war on the damned Theocracy! Meet at neutral grounds of the Kingdom's capital if Thou wishes to grant the Almighty's terms, if not, then prepare to feel the wrath of the Supreme Being, the one who transcends thou's foolish gods."
After settling the terms the clouds quickly faded away and the human-faced clouds quickly retreated with the same mocking laughter they did as they entered the city.
The heavy rain ceased and there was only a small insignificant lightning strike on the Cathedral of Earth.
Everyone was left speechless.
But before the clouds could fully retreat -
"Attack!"
One of the Archbishops shouted.
The priests heeding this order prepared divine spells and shot at the clouds.
In which they easily evaded those spells and faded into thin air.
And behind the lines of guards there sat a man wearing luxurious yet broad armour.
His beard was thick and his moustache stood more distinct and above all.
He looked to be the commander.
And after reading a letter signed by Cardinal Raymond he stands up and commands.
"Fortify this city. Issue Operation Wood on this entire country. Relay this letter to every commander in each city."
He commanded his subordinates with a croaky and deep voice.
"War was inevitable, huh?"
Tenth Floor, Throne Room
"Close."
With a wave of a hand, Ainz closes the monitor created by Demiurge to allow him and the guardians to watch what he streamed.
In the throne room stood intimidating looking beings that were assigned the role of floor guardians. Besides Ainz was Albedo, she was smirking as Demiurge cast [Fire Ball] on the so-called, 'God of Death' statue the Theocracy worshipped and was still grinning now.
Shalltear, Sebas, Aura and Mare stood in front of Ainz.
After watching the events they looked at Ainz.
"...It seems everything is going as planned."
Ainz murmured as he rested his skull on his hand.
"That is correct, Ainz-sama. Demiurge has done his part. With this, we are able to declare war on the Theocracy with no repercussions. Kufu... Hehehe..."
Albedo made weird laughing noises, almost as if trying to hold back her laughter at the end of her statement.
"Is that so? Then, Albedo, prepare a reward for Demiurge once he returns. His contributions to Nazarick has by far been tremendous."
Albedo blinked for a second before looking back at Ainz.
"Ainz-sama. I am sure that Demiurge would have been satisfied by the very fact that he was able to mock the Cardinal. I beg you to allow me to state my opinion but it is not necessary. Serving Nazarick should be enough for him."
"Albedo. I won't allow such works to go unrewarded. Prepare something for him."
Albedo bowed and replied.
"Forgive this one for her impudence. I shall prepare something right away."
"Mm..."
After Albedo straightened her back she also said.
"Ainz-sama, speaking of Demiurge, he should be arriving right now."
After saying that footsteps were heard at the end of the Throne room. And a few moments later the huge doors creaked open.
There was the expected devil, Demiurge, in his orange suit with a slick grin on his face.
His footsteps echoed across the room as he walked inwards.
"A round of applause. For Demiurge."
Ainz said as he began to slowly clap.
The Floor Guardians in the room also clapped but no one raised a cheer. Cheering in the throne room was unthinkable and unprofessional.
Demiurge stopped and went to his knees.
"My deepest appreciations, Ainz-sama, I am moved by your applause. There is no need to award me anything for this feat. Thank you Ainz-sama."
He humbly stated as he then rose back to the ground and adjusted his glasses.
His speech patterns contrasted greatly from his metallic tail as it was slightly wagging and his attempts to frown down his already ear to ear smile.
"Do not jest, you must have worked hard for most of this plan to succeed, Albedo shall prepare whatever you wish once this meeting is over."
"M...My- This one is deeply grateful."
Demiurge lowered his head.
"-Great work! Demiurge!"
"-Y-Y-You did pretty g-g-good."
Aura and Mare said as they smiled. Their ears fluttered as they did so.
"Then... With the war justified. You understand what happens next. Correct?"
"That is right. Ainz-sama. All we need to do is wait for their response. Although the answer would be clear. Fufu."
After saying that Albedo began to chuckle as well.
"-The beginning of the downfall of the Theocracy."
She muttered.
"Mm, then in regards to Asher and Cocytus. I'm sure you understand what needs to be done. Right?"
Demiurge glanced up and earnestly replied.
"Of course Ainz-sama."
"Then begin preparations. Anything you need. We will begin 'that' phase of 'that' plan."
Baharuth Empire, Jircniv's Office
-A day after the declaration of war against the Theocracy
The sounds of stacks of paper were present inside the medium-sized chamber.
A Roman-emperor-looking man with golden hair sat on a polished desk with his head leaning on his hand. There was no specific expression on his face but it resembled something between frustration or pure blankness.
"Can you repeat what you just said?"
"Right! It seems as if the Sorcerous Kingdom sent envoys to the Theocracy in hopes of negotiations regarding many moral issues such as the enslavement of elves, and during the meeting the Theocracy suddenly without any known reason attacked the Sorcerous envoys."
"No, I heard that bit. I'm asking about the last part."
Loune Vermillion, Jircniv's personal secretary looked down at his set of papers and went through some pages before reading out a part.
"An orange-suited frogman was the leader of the envoy and seemed to have a group of demons accompany him."
I'm starting to understand now...
'Negotiations regarding moral issues' was probably just a ruse to justify an excuse to be there but even so, that human supremacy country wouldn't have accepted that invitation in the first place. It's most likely that Ainz Ooal Gown threatened them to be there.
And there is no way the Theocracy would attack an envoy for no reason. Ainz must have planned something to somehow provoke them -
Jircniv let out a sigh as his thoughts gathered up.
Ah... I see now. A group of demons... A very basic trick but cunning. Ainz Ooal Gown must have known about their hatred for demons and ordered the stupid-looking frogman Demiurge to have demons accompany him.
And doing those lead to a justification of war...
No that doesn't matter now. What matters is that we'll be pushed into a war against the Theocracy!
"Uhm, Jircniv-sama, you seem to be in deep thought. Is something the matter?"
Everything is the matter.
"Ah, it's just. I'm wondering how this will end, by the way, what were the terms the Sorcerous Kingdom gave out to the Theocracy again?"
Vermillion looked at his sheet of papers again and responded.
"They have seven days to meet up on neutral grounds in the Re-Eztize Kingdom and hand over the prisoners and the Cardinal who was involved with the attack. If not then the war will be declared."
Handing over a Cardinal? There's no way they would accept something like that.
That Ainz!
He is thirsting for war!
Has he finally shown his true colours?!
"Tell me, Vermillion, what are your thoughts on this?"
"I'm sorry, Jircniv-sama, I can't say for sure."
"Haha, don't worry, your words won't be taken into official consideration."
Vermillion took a deep breath and began to speak.
"I feel as if Ainz Ooal Gown was just waiting for an excuse for war. From the information in these reports, it is clear from an allied point of view that they intended to trap the Theocracy into a corner, with this, we cannot do anything but stay afloat as the rip current brings us out to sea. Or in other words, we are standing on an orca's back on the surface of the deep-sea as it decides whether or not to descend into the ocean."
There's something. Something else. But I can't put my finger on it. This is definitely part of Ainz Ooal Gown's ultimate plan but...
I feel like I'm missing an important piece.
Something is off.
"Is that so? You make a reasonable thought. Well then, keep your eyes peeled for letters from the Sorcerous Kingdom. There is no doubt we'll have to meet that frogman again."
"Right!"
Slane Theocracy, Kami Miyako, War Conference Room
Ah... They did it, those fools, there's nothing I can do about it now except continue walking on Ainz-sama's palm, the pathway to the destruction of the Theocracy, huh?
Asher sat on a specific seat besides a rounded table with the Cardinals, Captain of the Black Scripture and Zesshi.
Of course, the room wasn't silent, they were all talking.
No.
They were...
Flailing around like dead fish.
"-We can't hand over Raymond, that is ridiculous, if they want us to tell us that they want war then tell us directly dammit!"
The way Ainz-sama messaged the Theocracy through the 'demonic clouds', what the Cardinals called it, made it seem like they had no choice but to not accept their terms of the agreement.
It's been an entire day since that happened.
It was Dominic who just spoke and Berenice responded.
"It's not like we have to worry about their terms, let's just attack right now while we have the chance, a large concentration of their death knight army are stationed in E-Rantel, right? We should send the Black Scripture right there and now to attack immediately."
Are they idiots? No, is she an idiot? Half of the Black Scripture is already dead due to your foolish actions, sending the rest would just kill them, last I heard Sebas should be there, they'll definitely die, not even Sebas will take lightly to anyone intruding in Ainz-sama's city.
"No, that's not the course of action we should take, nor should we be thinking about going on the attack this early."
Raymond interrupted as he wiped his forehead with his handkerchief.
"-Rather, we need to assess the dangers that are presented in front of us first, let us evaluate, first, The hero Momon, second, Ainz Ooal Gown and his servants, third, the large blue insect and the other nations."
"But Raymond, there is no way to contact Momon, and I'm certain the spies in E-Rantel had already fled hearing instructions from the Commander in Chief, they also reported that there is no way Momon would turn his back on the Sorcerous Kingdom, there is no point in negotiating with that 'hero'."
Dominic suggested and pointed out.
"-Then why can't we just kill him?"
An idiot, no, I mean, uhm, yes, an idiot, definitely an idiot suggested something practical.
She was Zesshi, the one who continuously annoyed me after the battle by begging to fight again and ask outrageous things such as having her baby.
Annoying, very annoying.
"By the way, fight me."
She grabbed onto my sleeve and looked at me.
You're annoying, let go of me, don't look at me like that, you may look cute but that doesn't affect an angelic being like me, what do you take me for? A prideless man?
"There's no time for that, look forward and stay true to your suggestion, or else everyone will ignore it."
And by the time I replied no one took into account Zesshi's suggestion and continued talking.
"Dominic, are you sure? Is there truly no way to convince Momon to join our side?"
Raymond confirmed with Dominic.
"No, he shows signs of complete loyalty to Ainz Ooal Gown, I doubt we would be able to convince him by normal methods, should I perhaps authorize the use of [Downfall of Castle and Country]?"
This caught the already swirling attention of everyone in the room.
"Don't say that. That artifact is only to be used in desperate situations, in other words, it's too early. Anyhow, we all know how Ainz Ooal Gown is going to be dealt with, right?"
The Cardinals nodded with a smirk.
Their arrogance is getting me angry.
Asher tried his utmost best to keep his frown from showing, the mere feat of himself not lashing out at Raymond for saying such a thing was an act of applaudable self-restraint.
Raymond did just say that Asher would be the one to kill his creator, Ainz Ooal Gown.
Ignorant pigs.
With a smile on his face, he executed his words excellently and 'calmly'.
"That's right..."
"Then what about repercussions with other nations? Such as the City Council Alliance and the Re-Estize Kingdom? We know that the Holy Kingdom, Empire, Dwarven Kingdom and the Elven Kingdom are a lost cause but how will we politically deal with the rest?"
Yvon asked. The question was directed at Raymond.
Raymond slightly lowered his head and frowned.
"...That... The Sorcerous Kingdom has won there, we can only attempt to recover our image outside of the Theocracy after we defeat Ainz Ooal Gown, but rest assured, Ainz Ooal Gown will be defeated, and I'll take his skull as a trophy ."
Another firing tremble ran down Asher's spine.
Unlike a tremble of fear, this felt different.
Almost as if the flames of anger travelled down Asher's spine, it burnt his heart and his eyebrow slightly bent.
Of course, no one noticed this.
Yes, no one, but Zesshi, who was staring at his face this entire meeting.
Stop it, your face is five centimetres away from me.
Zesshi had been sitting next to Asher this entire time and her face was directly beside him ever since the start of the meeting, her face and his face were so close that if someone saw himself and Zesshi in a park sitting like this then they would immediately assume they were a couple.
Of course, Asher did not like Zesshi, rather, she was very irritating.
His anger combined with irritation made him want to stand up and cast some sort of area effect spell that killed everyone in this room, of course, he didn't do that.
He could feel his breath on his neck and her eyes pinpointing towards his face.
Everyone in the room saw this but ignored it for the sake of continuing the meeting.
Even Raymond tried his best to avoid his gaze towards Asher's part of the table releasing a cold sweat every time he looked towards there.
"-What's wrong?"
"-Nothing is wrong, don't worry."
Asher immediately and quietly responded to Zesshi as he gently pushed Zesshi away.
But it was like pushing a huge balloon as she went back to her usual position a few centimetres away from Asher's face.
With a quiet sigh, Asher continued to listen in to the discussion.
"Then, with the placement of the Windflower scripture, I think we know what's going to happen, but when will it happen?" Berenice asked.
"Attacking the Lizardman Village?" Raymond questioned.
Berenice nodded.
"Don't be in such a rush, it is already guaranteed that we will win this war, just because it is the darkest day for the Theocracy doesn't mean the sun won't come up, the gods are on our side, we need to deal with the potential rebellions and the protests outside first. Offensive plans can come later."
"You're right, the gods are on our side."
The Cardinals heaved a sigh of relief as Raymond picked up a paper.
"...And regarding the Commander in Chief's decision to commence Operation Wood, does anyone object?"
They all responded with "No".
Operation Wood was the mobilisation of the entire army of the Theocracy and generalising them into important cities such as Kami Miyako and other important cities with large populations, it was a defence operation created against the Sorcerous Kingdom to battle them.
If the Theocracy were to fight on the ground toe to toe with the Sorcerous Kingdom then like the Re-Estize Kingdom's army, theirs would be wiped out.
So huddling together the army into specific cities will not only give the soldiers a safe place to stay (Under Raymond's assumption that Ainz Ooal Gown would not be foolish enough to kill the civilian population along with the army in the city) and would also give them a place to defend.
And with their armies effectively protecting their cities Raymond can commence his plans to kill Ainz Ooal Gown using Asher and start his attack plan of the Lizardman village and any other operations with special forces such as the Scriptures.
After all, giving the Sorcerous Kingdom a target to hit would be most foolish of the Theocracy.
"Then, the Sorcerous Kingdom gave us seven days to decide the terms, let us utilize this time to reorganise our army, civilians and the country, and once those days are over then the first official War-time meeting will commence."
Saying that Raymond rested his sheet of paper and walked out of the conference room.
.
How relaxing of the Theocracy, their arrogance in their belief in their 'gods' will lead to their demise, well, they are going to die anyway, I won't need to worry myself with their business, ah, this is tiring, I'm surprised I kept my composure.
After the meeting, Asher walked out of the conference room too.
Of course, he heard the footsteps of someone behind him.
"Wait up! Wait for me!"
Why the hell would I wait for you?
Zesshi called out from behind as she ran towards the irritated Asher.
Can I get permission to kill this thing?
Asher ignored Zesshi and continued walking, by that time Zesshi had already reached Asher and had been walking right beside him.
"...So how do you think the war is going to progress?" Asher nonchalantly asked as he continued to walk towards his assigned room.
"The Theocracy will win of course."
...I see...
"Ahem, anyways, I'm going to have to ask you to stop following me around, alright? Can you do th-"
"No."
The answer was instantaneous, Asher didn't get a chance to finish his own question.
"I'm serious, can you leave me alo-"
"No."
"You're really annoying, can you-"
"No."
This persistent elf...
Giving up, Asher heavily sighed and opened the door to his room, he intended to [Message] Ainz about the situation and their plans along with their comfortability about the situation, any information he got ahold of he would give to Ainz.
But if this brat is in the way then we wouldn't be able to do so.
Asher has to somehow convince her to leave, like all the other times she refused to leave his room and sat there reading some books.
The only time Asher got the chance to [Message] Ainz was when Zesshi had to carry out a mission given to by the Cardinals.
"Uh Huh... Well, have a nice day now."
Asher paced into the room and quickly slammed the door.
"Uuuu..."
He heard weird noises coming from the door, looking down he saw Zesshi's foot on the door preventing it from closing.
He did smash it pretty hard.
But that didn't stop him from closing it harder.
"Uuuuu-!"
The strange noises grew louder as Asher smirked, the foot between the door was getting crushed.
That was until the foot finally stepped back and the door closed.
"Finally."
Asher thought as he sat on a nearby table to rest.
"Hey."
A voice coming from the door called out.
"You got in anyway, huh? Well then, take a seat."
Zesshi was at the door and took a seat as instructed and spent her time staring at Asher.
Ah... This is annoying... Ah...
Sorcerous Kingdom, Lizardman Village, Outskirts
Seven days after the envoy incident between the Theocracy and the Sorcerous Kingdom.
The day of the Declaration of War.
"Men! Windflower Scripture morning report! Ryan!"
"Here!"
"Jackson!"
"Here!"
Titor's assistant was doing roll call as Titor himself, the superior officer of the Scripture, sat on a log in front of some very quickly made buildings that were the barracks of the Windflower scripture.
Titor was a muscular man with a defined jawline, from being out here he developed quite a scruffy beard, he was known to grow his hair really fast.
When the Windflower scripture finally gathered at the orders of the Cardinals they set up base and preparations to siege the Lizardmen village.
And looking down at the village showed them setting up defences and wooden walls facing the way of the camp of the Windflower Scripture.
It seems that they know that we are here now.
Titor sighed as he inhaled a cigar-looking object and exhaling smoke out.
It was only to be expected, last night a Lizardman was walking too close to the camp so it was captured and put into the interrogation, but it seems as if it refuses to talk because of fear.
Not fear from the Windflower scripture, fear almost as if it was afraid to let out information because someone or something will murder them if they did.
Titor went through his pockets and looked at a necklace the Lizardman had.
It had the emblem of the Sorcerous Kingdom the Lizardman all wore it as if they were the property of the Sorcerous Kingdom.
"Want a smoke?"
Titor offered the cigar to the cage beside him, in the cage was the Lizardman who was being kept there as a prisoner.
"...I'll never speak."
The lizardman replied as it moved his head towards the other side.
The only information Titor has about the Lizardman is that he is a traveller and is named 'Zaryusu'.
"Come on now, I tried my best to make sure you would have decent food or water, the best you can do is smoke with me."
Titor said with a blank look on his face.
Zaryusu sighed and took the cigar from Titor's hand.
"What's this? Is this some sort of magical item? Will I die if I use this?"
"Didn't you see me use it? You won't die, just try it, all your worries will go away. The gods created the recipe themselves."
Zaryusu reluctantly put it in his mouth and sighed.
"It may feel good but don't think I'll release any information because of that, rather, Cocytus-sama should be here to capture you all very soon."
"Cocytus? That blue insect? Ah, then we'll fight him."
Titor nonchalantly replied as he leaned back on the log relaxing his back on the cage, right now Zaryusu could stab Titor through the back with his claws but he decided not to.
"So, what were you doing coming near our camp?"
Titor asked as he closed his eyes.
"I was looking for some natural resources, what are you doing here?"
Zaryusu quietly responded.
"Is that so? Well, I can't tell you any details about that, you'll just have to die of curiosity."
Titor then stood back up and lit up another cigar.
"Hey, yo, do you have some for me too?"
A frail magic caster called out after finishing roll-call.
"When you learn to remember the name of our enemy I'll consider giving you some, so, did you remember?"
"Yes, yes, of course, I know, the name is... Uh... Nines... Ainz... Ainz... Uh."
"-Ainz Ooal Gown, you idiot."
Titor sighed and muttered, "You're an idiot" again before looking back up.
"Anyways, go back to surveying the enemy, I'll keep watch of the prisoner."
"Sigh, right."
The frail magic caster, dejected, slowly walked back to his post.
That was when Titor heard a voice from behind.
"Sir Titor! Sir Titor!"
It was the voice of a woman, a woman with blonde hair and the one who was calling out the roll call.
She was his assistant, Alice.
"What is it?"
Titor asked with a curious expression.
"The Cardinals have relayed orders to begin attacking the Lizardman village!"
Ah... Uh... You got me, I'm guilty, yes, sentence me to prison for not uploading for over a month straight, even though I have been uploading my crossover fic (Konosuba X Overlord) I haven't been updating my Nazarick's New NPC fic.
The only reason why the Konosuba X Overlord fic gets updated regularly is because I created the chapters long before I made the story so it's ready by default and I don't have to destroy my fingers creating ten thousand words a day, so technically I'm idle in both my crossover fic and Nazarick's New NPC fic.
I know... 'You haven't been uploading for a month and this (6000 words) is all you're giving us?! How dare you!' calm down, I'll try to release 10,000 worded chapters from now on and upload at set intervals.
And no, I haven't dropped this fic, no, I won't abandon it.
COVID-19 is destructive to everyone, and if it weren't for my messed up schedule (once again, fucked up by COVID-19) I would be able to upload normally.
Well, once I fix up my messed up schedule I'll go back again to uploading once a week, but because of life, it may be once per two weeks or three depending on the workload.
I apologize for staying in the dark for a month straight. I hope to continue writing and will never abandon this fic for the justice of the readers.
Goodbye, review, please.