Authors note: I don't own overlord

Please enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 24 Hunting sleeping dragons

-Nazarick-

He watched all the gathered children of Nazarick leave the throne room. The bitter feeling in his heart was gone. Between helping clear the air with Momonga in the trifold games, sorting out the command issue which they would decide between them. And giving specially selected potions to each one that would go in the attack on the dragon kingdom.

"Good to see you're feeling better."

"That was the point of the games bone brother."

Ainz gave him an annoyed glare at the nickname. "How are you not tired after that I thought you needed mental downtime as well?"

Kyuketsuki shrugged, unsure of how to answer. "Don't know after I used Jester's super tier spell, I haven't needed it. I still can't think of the name of it."

"As long as we are good now, I need to go lay down for a while."

Kettor hummed, noting he rarely saw him use the necklace. "You could turn human and sleep."

Ainz shuttered at the thought, checking the room for Albedo. "No, if I do, Albedo will jump me again. I can't waste time with our plan ready in just a few days."

Kyuketsuki laughed at this stopping once he realized Ainz was giving him a deadpanned look. "It can't be that bad, you have one wife. I have four to keep up with, two of which don't seem to understand what normal sex is or refuse to believe in it. Clemvet makes me limb and sore every time, and Shalltear's playtime is something I would rather not talk about."

Ainz gave him a deadpanned look back. "Don't want to hear it; you could have lost. As it is, you tricked me into those rigged games."

Kettor gave an innocent look. "I played fair and square, nor would I half-ass a challenge even if I wanted. If anything, I went easier then I was planning on you because Entoma cheered me up."

Ainz didn't believe him too bad he didn't know that Kettor could message the ash kin to rig which games would pop up. Not that a part of himself would have allowed Kettor to lose like that without even trying. That was the truth his warrior pride made him physically hurt to even suggest that he would end the match had shalltear lied to him again.

Ainz sarcastically commented. "Good to know you care for your poor guild leader's feelings."

"Well, see you later then. I need to see Jester. I already messaged Albedo and told her to meet you in your room."

Ainz flames flickered at him. "Your evil, and thanks for the warning."

Kettor giggled as Momonga teleported out of the room, leaving him to meet his group outside.

All four knights were talking among themselves next to them Clemvet was patiently waiting till her eyes locked on his body. Grinning madly at him while Entoma was near Shalltear and Kathrin having a heated conversation. Shalltear's fearsome dark aura battering Kathrin's blinding lightning storm aura.

"You are unfit to be near him, lamprey, go run along before I cook you into a proper meal for my lord."

"What's wrong tin lion Can't stand that he still wants me around. Scared after a long time away, he might want me more."

"The only thing nymphomaniac Leeches like you are good for is a bed warmer. Some of us know how to act dignified-like an empress should."

"Shalltear sneered back. "I can get hot by basking in our lord's presence and power. Unlike unfertile robots that have to flip on a switch just to get turned on."

Kathrin hissed back. "I can control myself for what My lord needs. Not something a wild and screwup Lamprey would understand."

Kettor sight turning to the others. "Clem-chan, how long have they been at this."

Clemvet gave a happy grin enjoying the show. "The last few minutes of waiting, Kathrin practically charged Shalltear once she arrived. I was disappointed when they didn't start fighting, but they throw some pretty good insults."

Kyuketsuki face planted with both hands time to deal with this before he could get to Jester. Walking over, he drew Shalltear's attention by tapping her shoulder. Reminding the floor guardian that she didn't have time to be bickering.

Drawing Kathrin into a hug once Shalltear had turned the corner. Lifting Kathrin's chin to meet his eyes. "Is there a reason you are antagonizing Shalltear. My moonlight, you know I don't like it when my women fight each other."

Kathrin pouted cutely as he scratched behind her ears, getting her to purr for him, ruining her pout and calming her temper.

His empress hugged him tightly, breathing deeply in his fragrance. "I was giving Shalltear a piece of my mind, my love. I don't know how you can forgive her after everything. Even if you forgive her so easily, I can't let her just act as if nothing changed. The fact that she is still in one piece is more mercy then she deserves."

Kettor caressed her body, smiling at those fiery golden eyes and the cute pout at being denied her retribution on Shalltear. Unable to be angry with him as she was held close. Still forgiving was the only way to move forward; staying angry wouldn't help them. Whispering sweet nothings to his empress till her magic core BPM (beats per minute) was back to normal.

Kettor shares a kiss to smother any other emotion in her mind. Before speaking up his own thoughts. "Everyone is allowed to make mistakes, my dear. Forgiveness is what allows us to move forward and heal. Now before we move on, did you find any players?"

Kathrin gave a savage grin at his question. "There was only one. He wasn't willing to talk before I was forced to kill the feral dog. I gave the body to Xennessa after collecting the armor and gear. I couldn't open his inventory." Kettor gave a disappointed but understanding look that human players were not something to be taken lightly.

He would have to ask Ainz what they would do with player bodies in the future. They would need countermeasures to prevent fallen enemy players from being brought back. Unless they died a natural death, enemy players could be revived. Even then, a necromancer might be able to use the high-level body to create powerful undead against them.

"Nothing to worry about then so long as the body is kept secure. Now come along we don't have time to waste."

Giving each of them guild rings, for now, to teleport to his room. Where he messaged Jester watching her shimmer into the room with a relieved look on her face.

She didn't take the gem shard as he expected.

-Jester POV-

Jester's eyes looked much older at the moment, then she appeared. Encouraging them to take a seat. While Jester was relieved that they had not tried to kill each other like the eight greed kings. Now came the much harder part—the real reason for giving him world corruption.

"The first thing you should know is that the first group I tried to lead was the eight greed kings. They had a different name, but they lost the right to be called that after they stopped listening to me and murdered each other."

Kyuketsuki hummed in understanding, seeing why she might fear something like that would happen again. Even if he still didn't understand why She wanted him to hold onto the gem shard.

For this, she pulled out the fused world gem shards putting them on the table. "You may not realize this, but I am a little over 700. At that time, I have not found any way back to our world. What I did find was that the answers I am seeking involve ironically sorting through code like my old job. To find the world code core, which will create this world-class item, then the only way to get closer. Is by Corrupting this world's core magic users' dragons. This also means they can sense the world gem shards."

Her champion quickly realized why they could hear the screams of the dragon souls used. Even if Kettor didn't understand what she meant about coding. All memories he had of coding were outside YGGDRASIL. What little he did remember of it was only a passing knowledge.

It did make her question what he defined code as now. Out of all the questions running through his mind, the only ones that mattered are which he would ask first. They didn't have a lot of time before the deep dark dragon lord would awaken.

"What are you seeking?"

Jester closed her eyes and wondered if it would be safe to say. She had only told him about her short-term ambition and goals. How long had it been since anyone really knew her goals? Smiling dejectedly at times before…before, Sister grew to hate her. Jester tightly balling up her hands.

Jester felt the rush of green energy, dulling all her emotions, leaving only an empty calm. She had to show Carnival she wasn't wrong even if her sister fought her every step of the way.

"I suppose the easiest way to explain it is recreating a better YGGDRASIL. If I can't leave here, I want the worlds full of adventures and fun."

"And what do you want me to do with the body of this dragon lord?"

Jester showed off her fangs at the thought of the dragons. Like her sister, they wanted her to stay in a corner and pretend she didn't exist. The idea brought a savage look to her face. 'They will regret not helping me when they had the chance.'

Jester panted a little still out of breath waving to the room full of rare item drops for the highest tier potions in YGGDRASIL. It was more rare drops then most could collect in a year worth of playing. "Well, I need a day or two to replenish my power. Turn the dragon lord into a world gem shard with world corruption. Then fuse all the gem shards together."

Her champion could feel the deal offered as he thought about what he wanted. Knowing Kyuketsuki would tell her when he was ready. Checking the hidden window showing Simmra's struggle.

Jester was a little too slow, though, as Kyuketsuki caught her eyes staring at the thin air to their view. As information about the third possible champion filtered over to him. Jester quickly explained that since lord Ainz led the attack, she planned on letting him know about a potential new member to Ainz Ooal Gown and Nazarick.

This got her champion thinking about the possibility even if both her Champion options where distrustful. Simmra's betrayal would stick it to her sister for what she did to the convent of crows. If she could complete the task as the rules, they both came up with dictated.

She just had to find the right selling pitch. Kyuketsuki was easy; he wanted the guild to feel more alive. Momonga, the overlord would be much harder, but that might not be as difficult as Jester believed seeing Simmra's activity in the viewing window.

Her champion turned away from him having a message chat with Kathrin. Jester let them talk before Kyuketsuki sighed at them. "Alright, my moonlight. Shalltear, Please inform Ainz that I am giving Blue Rose's spying mission to him. do tell him they have been well behaved and that I did promise them freedom."

Kyuketsuki turned to Avada and Entoma. "You two, please sort and store all the items in my lab and get the other 41 Homunculus Maids and Tuare and Ninya to help. Avada, you're in charge. I trust you know where I want everything."

Avada bowed overjoyed at the order. "Of course, my lord."

Kyuketsuki gave Jester a look saying they were done talking for now. "Jester, I want your information about fighting this dragon lord. I don't want any surprises."

Jester grinned and bowed before stepping back into the admin' realm. Looking over all Six viewing windows. Seeing the deep dark dragon lord talking with the old necromancer Rigrit and that puppet armor of the Platinum Dragon Lord.

Quickly messaging her champion to tell him the dragon lord would be coming soon. Her eyes caught on the third person there. So they were finally moving again to bad this time she would be ready.

Passing over the viewing windows for Simmra, and Carnival to the second champion. Momonga was with Albedo looks like now wouldn't be the time. The second champion was still iffy at best. Still, Muketsu was sure with enough time, she could get the paranoid overlord to trust her.

-Batharun Empire-

Kettor enjoyed the ride on the back of Kiyohime; his four knights were less thrilled to be so high up. Even with necklaces of [fly] as a precaution, only Clemvet and Kathrin didn't mind the ride. Seeing the land below them so high up with the wind in his face brought a content smile to him. Even if it was a little dull petting the cold scales of the undead dragon.

"So, what is the plan master will I get to kill something?"

That was the question he didn't know what kind of dragon this dragon lord was or what kind of reinforcements they would bring. Jester didn't have a lot to go on aside from that. It had a world-class item and that there might be others helping him. Still, they were sure to track him down by the world gem shard.

Kettor had a few aces on his side; the anti-wild magic zone would stop most of the dragon's power. The WCI was the most significant danger and unknown. Still, having a whole fortress ready with Kiyohime would counter whatever they brought to the battle.

"Kathrin and I will deal with it along with Kiyohime. The four knights will defend and organize the fortress. You Clem-chan will take care of anyone that tries to interfere with our dragon hunt."

Flying lower, they spotted the fortress, the high stone towers, and siege weapons ready to defend it. The guards were in thick coats as Kyuketsuki took notice of the winds and cloudy weather most of all, he noticed the snow-covered ground crunch under his feet.

He wondered how cold it was, but his undead nature made it impossible to tell. Even when he put his hand deep in the snow, he only felt the dulled sense of touch.

Approaching the gates, both guards saluted them. "H-hello, your ma-majesty fort Soflic is honored to have you here. ww-we didn't get word that you were coming."

Kyuketsuki patted the poor man's shoulder as he flinched a little. "No need to feel so nervous, or are you cold? I can't tell."

"It's T-the cold sire." His partner snickered for a reason Kettor couldn't guess.

Giving him a warm smile waving Ritana over, leaving the guard shaking either out of fear or cold. He could only guess the latter, but he didn't have time to worry about that. "There is a good reason it would seem a dragon thinks they can hunt me. I need both of you to go with my elite four and prepare the fortress. While I speak with the general stationed here."

Kyuketsuki moves past the stunned guard and his snickering partner. Shadowed by Kathrin and Clemvet passing guards and legion troops who kept up their work under the empress's critical eyes. They all knew how harsh the empress was to those slacking. Only the emperor's arm around her shoulder kept her from acting for now.

Finding the meeting room opening the door where the general was startled but quickly straightened up at them both. "Emperor Kettor and empress Kathrin. It is a pleasure to see you both after the rumors. Though I have little to report, the weather is terrible and cold, and the fortress watch is boring. Even if we are a little short-staffed with the new territory."

"At ease general Natel we came here because new information has come to light. A dragon is coming. We need to know what we have and discuss plans."

The general shifted to look at the runner panting for breath. "I assume that is part of the reason you brought the vampire dragon here."

"Kiyohime is her name. We don't know how much time we have to work with. My four elite shall organize the main defense while we take on the dragon lord."

Kyuketsuki felt terrible for the man as the general got him and others to alert the fortress of the news. While Ritana did her job if there was one thing, he knows of dragons, it was the no amount of preparation was too much.

-Ritana-

Ritana shared a glance with her long-time friend. They had never fought dragons before or seen a battle with one. The closest thing to one was the demonic wyvern. The news that they would have to minimize the damage of one was a daunting task.

The two guards following them after their replacements shift was given. Where more than thankful to be inside. Even if Sinadra could help snicker at Normikc shameful stuttering in front of the emperor.

Turning to the other three elite knights, narrowing her eyes at the two with Collars on their necks.

Leinas noticing her staring just sighed before lamely answering with a bright blush. "lost a bet found a boyfriend don't ask."

Rita noted that Nimble kept muttering something about mistress, bugs, and orders. She decided not to ask him. Kathrin told her that he crossed Shalltear.

Sinadra managed to stop mocking her partner to take notice of Ritana and Bardic. "So, heard you helped deal with the Slain Theocracy. How fun was that probably more than guard duty or catching the rare bandit group."

Her long-time friend gave a condescending bark of laughter. "Lass those cowards couldn't fight off goblins. It might be cold and dull here but better then cloak and dagger work."

"Yeah, I had more of a challenge with Go Gin."

Normikc eyes lit up at the mention of the fight. "Oh, you mean the legendary fight. How could you fight the troll, weren't you afraid? I always wondered I mean humans can't fight trolls. Not that you couldn't you did win and-

Sinadra slapped his head to get him to stop babbling. Harshly whispering. "Stop embarrassing us before we lose this chance. This is the leader of the four."

Rita couldn't describe the feeling she got looking at the human guards' fearful eyes. They reminded her of herself before the change, so unsure and afraid. Hissing as she tasted his fear, making both guards freeze up.

The group stopped in the stone halls with a few onlookers most might think she was angry. The truth was she just couldn't stand that defeated mindset. Remembering her time before meeting lady Kathrin. This pair was also different yet so similar to her past self.

Rita steeled her gaze at Normikc as he skirted back under her sharp gaze. "Fear is always there; that is why we must fight it. Use it to help guide you, but never let it control you." Rita patted the young man's shoulders hard awed by those words.

"Sorry, He kind of idolizes you. Even when I told him we're just grunts. We have been stuck at this fort for five years, even through the parasite purge. I doubt that will change anytime soon."

Rita shifted unsure what to say to that she wasn't even that great a hero. Even with all her work, there was still so long to go. She wasn't that good of a leader. Lady Kathrin thoughts told her otherwise guiding her through this odd feeling in her gut. She hates the defeated way Sinadra accepted that along with the way Nomrikc just took it.

"Don't you want more than that?"

Sinadra let out a breath crossing her arms. "Sure, but norm here is average, and I only know five zero tier spells not really helping that we get overlooked a lot."

Rita shook her head at this waving Bardic to cover for her. As the other three went ahead to get everyone ready. Rita locked eyes with the two humans they had that spark. That desire to get stronger and do right but stuck in a rut.

"Then come with me. Bardic cover for me."

They gave her a strange look while all that was in her head was Mistress Kathrin's gentle guiding words. Not that it was needed. Her body already knows what was required. The silent question that her inhuman blood asked that only she knew the answer to.

Rita already knew the answer to prove herself worthy of her own packmates. Leading them to a spare room. Which had them nervously glancing at each other, wondering if this would be a punishment. While Rita struggled with how she was supposed to help them unlock the limit of the human body.

She was different then lady Kathrin so her bite alone wouldn't be enough. Rita puzzled out how to help them most by breaking the limits, holding them back. When it seemed impossible, she heard the whispering blocking out all sound around her. She wasn't ready yet for that unique bite ability.

Rita knew how to get there though it was going to hurt. "Alright, you want to prove yourself then your training with me. Lady Kathrin has allowed a trial period to prove yourself. Show me your resolve, and you will get your chance."

Using her Aspect of Lycancat to shift configuration taking in the training dummies. Remembering her weakness before realistic training would help them the most.

Rita could see them frightened by the shift they didn't know. Not many did, but this is what she learned it would take to stand against the evils of the world. Her voice was more beast-like and rough. "The first test defends the training dummies use everything you have after an hour of this. We will practice magic from this book of spells Lady Kathrin gave me. After that, I will see which kind of training will be better for each of you."

Sinadra raised her hand. "What if the dragon attacks while we are training won't you be tired."

Rita chuckled at there question if there was one thing, she was sure of the emperor and empress didn't need her help. And if something could threaten them, then her orders were to bring his body to safety to revive. Not fight impossible odds, which wouldn't help her emperor.

"Then, you follow my orders and know that there is a time for fighting battles and avoiding fights we can't win."

Both the guards gulped as Rita started her training. Rita chuckled at the irony. This is how lady Kathrin must have felt training her; they were both so slow and weak. By the end of twenty minutes, they already lost. Starting again as they struggled and failed, only adding seconds to the time it took. This was not only training for them; she needs to get used to all her aspects at once. It would be the key to helping them both.

-A few days later-

Bardic was bord enough without his friend running off to train the two young guards. Both couldn't be older than 30. It must have reminded her of back in E-rental; either way, she was missing as they went around the keep. Not that there was much to do but wait without Jinna here, making it duller.

The dwarf kept his eye on the other two as they played the card game. Rechecking his hand, grumbling that there was no bar either. The harpy Lass eyed him before showing her hand. Smirking his way thinking, she won this round.

Bardic rechecked his hand, clicking his tongue as he throws the crap hand down. "I still don't know why you don't want to gamble. You would have half my pay for this week by now."

Leinas face scowled, shaking her head. Pointing to her collar with annoyance. "What can I say betting with demons taught me to think twice about it."

He gestured with his eyes to Nimble, looking out the window the lad kept shaking unwilling to stop working. Made Bardic worry what got him so worked up. Wouldn't say a word about it only that he had to keep working.

"He messed up bad, and Shalltear found out."

He widened his eyes in shock, looking at the poor lad. Worry filled his eyes as they all drew another hand. "Is he alright?"

Leinas gave him a deadpan stare ok, that was a dumb question. They quietly played, seeing his hand hiding his smirk looking at the other guards in the room.

If he was honest, he hoped the dragon would show up already. This was boring; he had sparred with all the guards in the fort twice. "So, where's Rita been haven't seen her around?"

Leinas tossed the hand on the table, tired of the game. "We can go find her last I heard Lady Kathrin brought a true blood paladin here to train with her and the other two."

Bardic scowled, "I was going to win that round."

Leinas gave a teasing grin. "Well, you're easy to read besides you need to inspect the siege weapons again afterword's. I need to scout out the area by air again as well."

-Simmra/ dragon kingdom capital-

She scanned around the corner, stopping Hana and the other two followers. Cursing her kindness for the tenth time, why did they think she could protect them. This is how she got stuck doing this, at least until she could find Blue Rose.

Watching a few of her followers lure the Archangel Flames closer, her heart was racing, drawing up her hand with careful aim and focus. At the chaos in the street, she had to be cautious of the people, but she couldn't let the poor people get killed for being hungry and cold. They didn't have protection spells against weather or the ability to bring back the dead if they had to ration out food for those that starved.

[silent: hellfire sparks]

The black flame in her hand shot out in several directions at all ten archangels. As they burned in the eighth-tier spell, the people cheering as her followers fought back Delight's own forces, they didn't stand much of a chance. Still, even if they got caught, it was better then if HK's angels got them.

Buffing all her followers, allowing them to overpower them with numbers. Seeing that the coast was clear, they moved across the street. Into the next set of alleyways. While she coordinates her followers to help the rebellion that had risen up once winter hit.

'That's what happens when you burn my farms and temple, trying to find me.' The whole city was a hotbed of troubles as HK tried to rain them in with his iron fist. She had seen it first hand as he executed poor parents trying to steal food for there children. Delight wasn't much better, giving half measures that couldn't hope to keep everyone warm and fed.

Simmra herself did what she could, but the winter was harsher than expected. The fierce winds made open streets death for those caught out in the snow at night. Her hooves helped her tolerate the cold snow crunched under her hooved feet. Even she would be in trouble without her [energy protection: cold] along with other elemental protection spells.

Even with her help, she had to avoid all of the open streets, risking the cold shadows of the alleyways. Sniping silent spells long range to help her followers, which for the life of her, she couldn't understand. They knew that when she came back to the temple, she was running away, not even trying to hide her intentions.

Her follower stayed even after telling them to scram before the snow hit. Advising them to leave her and the city, and their response to her trying to save their lives. "If the other two gods have failed us, then lead us and let us return the kindness you have shown Lady Simmra."

The only reason she was still in the city is Blue Rose was hard to find. Thankfully they had not been caught; Temra would have alerted her if they had. 'Now, if only I could find them before escaping the city becomes impossible.'

So many had died between the freezing snow and winds. Starving to death or being killed By her crazy friend who didn't seem to understand or care, he was killing people. Betraying them hurt more then she would like to say, but if it was her life or theirs. She would pick her own life every time.

This hellish world was crazy enough for her halting at the edge of another street. Cursing her luck peeking out, there was one of her followers on his knees, trembling in the chilly winds missing an arm. Several other followers dead around him in bloody pieces. Biting her lip at the glowing blade of the Cherubim order keeper with so many wings, it was hard to count them all or see its real body.

The Cold Eyes of the non-human head glared at the poor man. 'Come on, you can't just let him die! You have to do something!' Her body wouldn't move; she couldn't beat that NPC. It had killed her twice back in YGGDRASIL. Her hands shaking at this sight, screaming in her mind at the fool as he noticed her giving a bloody smile.

Elias understands now he would give her position away. Living with shame wasn't so bad. Its what Simmra would do.

Only he didn't even as he was bleeding out his stump of an arm he turned to the armored Cherubim throwing his blood on the gold, white and blue armor. "For the wise and kind goddess Simmra! I will see you both soon." Whispering the last part about his family, lost in the beast-men invasion.

Screaming in her mind yet traped by the despair in her heart, unable to move. Transfixed in slow motion as the Cherubim raised the huge sword up, bringing it down. She could have teleported him away or shown herself yet fear like chains pulled back such thoughts.

Feeling the snow rain down on her as the screen of winter slush cleared. Elias, someone who looked dead when she first found him lying in the remains of his home. Elias, who had been her first follower and the first person she helped. Now there was nothing left of him but red-stained snow and earth.

Rushing over to the spot once the danger flew away. Staring at the place with tears unable to believe this faith, she had done so little the most she had done was talk with him.

'Why he could have lived all he had to do was point at me?' Getting pulled away by Hana into the shadows as three Principality Peace and Archangel Flames passed overhead. Finally, forcing herself to look up at the group of Third Sphere angels in sorrow and rage [Hellfire- her arm stopped seeing a Seraph Empyrean guardian.

Crying as she was running again, she was a coward. Messaging her followers to use the summon scrolls, they might die to the fallen angels, but she couldn't risk herself. Her heart wouldn't stop hurting. Why couldn't they understand she didn't ask for such loyalty. Yeah, she fed them, healed them, and gave them a job. It wasn't even for a selfless reason. They were just useful.

Even as angry as she was, Simmra wouldn't step out to face the First sphere of angels herself unless she could kill them in one shot. Otherwise, she might die. The fear of that alone was enough to freeze up any thoughts of vengeance.

Scanning for some vampire, she had no idea what they even looked like. Sure there should only be one in the whole city, but that might as well be a tiny needle in a giant burning haystack.

Stopping as her divine warning spell alerted her to something that shouldn't be here—the lanky form of a level 80 shadow demon variant a shade's desire.

Peeking out, the street was filled with bodies around them of Delight's men. Rotting away as the Principality Observations, Principality Peace, and Archangel Flames close by where fighting and killing each other. Even the buildings were ruined as they just crumbled away to nothing. The demon was silent, but Simmra got the feeling that it enjoyed watching the angels fight as its twisted puppets.

Its red eyes hidden behind the vail turned to look at her even hidden entirely in the alleyway.

Watching in fear and shock as it sank into its own shadow. Rushing over to Simmra and rising out of the shadows, only two feet behind her.

Hana raised her mace and shield while Gabriel readied his own arming sword and kite shield. The demon didn't attack despite the horrible intent in its gaze.

"Betrayer, summoner wants you to have this. I will protect you so long as you complete your task." The shade's desires held out a map along with a red cloth that was worn.

Simmra carefully took the map and cloth, which allowed her to see a small building on the edge of the city where Evileye was hiding.

"Who is your summoner? Hay, where are you going!"

Looking back, the high-level demon was already hiding in her shadow, watching her silently. The threat was clear if she failed, it would act. She hushed Hana and moved quickly. They couldn't risk teleporting. The only reason they could even walk around so much was because of how many people were rising up, trying to leave the city, or get food and shelter to survive winter.

It wouldn't stay like this messaging every follower to hunker down. They had done enough for now, and she was close to Blue Rose.

Simmra breathed a sigh of relief as she spotted the half-collapsed inn and house. Reminding her of how much the outer city had been left unrepaired after they retook the city. Quickly getting in hearing hushed voices.

"We can't get any useful information like this."

"What would you like us to do with the civil war going on out there. Tina and I can't even cross the main roads to the center of the city without finding a trail of bodies."

"Don't forget about all the angels and guards roaming about."

Peeking in the room as the short-masked vampire she assumed was Evileye used hand signs.

"Not you too shorty, how are we going to get something useful."

Simmra gathered her courage walking into the room. "What we need to do is leave while we can."

The two blonde twins pulled out their blades, the muscular woman wielded her hammer and the blonde woman with the enormous dark sword.

Simmra raised her hands up in surrender. "I am Simmra this is Hana and Gabriel look we don't have time after this chaos the city will have so few people left that it will be impossible to leave."

Evileye made some more hand signs though Simmra couldn't read them. Looking to the others scanning for clues. Using her divine spell spotting the small curse around their throat.

"Ah you have a silence curse [holy wording: exile malice]"

Casting the spell, the power behind the curse was excessive. It struggled to push back against Simmra's positive magic. Like tar clinging with all its might, it took a tense five minutes to see the ethereal cloud evaporate.

'Who the hell cast such a powerful curse?' "How did you get cursed anyway."

The rest of Blue Rose looked at Evileye, rubbing her throat. Her voice was still rough. "A man-eating monster spider posing as a maid. She could summon bugs and use talismans."

Simmra frowned an Insect Master, and talisman users were not known to use a curse like that. Deciding to let the matter drop, Evileye pissed off the vampire lord to get that curse.

"As I was saying, we can't leave for our own reasons."

Simmra put a hand over her face why did everyone in this world not seem to care about there own lives. Was she the only survivalist around, or did they live such horrible lives that they didn't see its value?

"Look, I can't get caught, and I can't let you get caught either. There are scripture members and angels of the fallen flying city under the command of a mad man. If any of them find us, we are dead!"

The leader with the giant sword frowned at her. "If we leave without completing our mission, we are worse than dead."

Simmra screamed in her mind at these crazy people. Of course, her survival came down to fighting her old friends. There was a higher chance of it, the longer they stayed. The death of Elias flashed in her mind, along with so many others gritting her teeth. Huffing and pouting at them alright, she could still do this just avoid big fights.

"Fine, then we need to move while the chaos allows it. I have a hideout that won't crumble in the next snowfall."

-Fortress Sofli-

The [Aspect of lycancat: greater crimson fur] had the subtle side effect of keeping her warm despite the thick snow around them. At this point, the crimson fur aspect could be kept on without much effort even while she was sleeping. The only downside is it made her hungry more often to keep up her stamina.

Looking over both Sinadra and Normick with a proud smile, both had learned three first and second-tier spells and gained greater ability boost. They were still within the human range, only rising two levels. Rita herself had not improved in corrupted hybrid or any other class.

She had learned four new spells and gained even better control over the drain of her aspects. The closest classes she was to leveling up was Inferno swordsmen and shapeshifter. Both would take a while unless she wanted another life-threatening fight to the death.

Kathrin had explained that part of her and Kyuketsuki's rapid growth was due to not needing to sleep or eat. While they could both eat somehow, their bodies just made the energy it needed. It was more complicated than that most of what her mistress said went over Rita's head.

That and they were both workaholics letting others take breaks while they were always working on something. That sounded nice if not for the few talks with her supreme being missing the ability to dream. It did make Rita wonder if she wants the ability to not have to rest.

For now, the little gains would have to be enough; the days were dragging on. Which had her wonder just how long the dragon would take the lazy lizard. Did they not know how foolish it was to give them this much time?

Helping both her future packmates up huffing for breath and cold. "You sure I can't have that skill already. It's freezing out here?"

Rita teasingly grinned at Sinadra pouting in return any further reply was cut off at the shouts of alarm and sound of snow crunching.

Turning around, Rita saw the shining white armored figure standing there. Two floating swords by its side. Noting that with [Aspect of Lycancat: beastly senses and supernatural sight], this was not human.

Instead, the magic around the armor was very odd. It had no smell to it. Like every living being did even undead had small aromas to them. This was like a void. They weren't affected by the cold either.

Watching the moving armor look around even at her. "Where is the one responsible for the taint that stains this whole area."

Rita hissed at this thing; how dare he insult Lord Kyuketsuki realizing something. Neither she nor could any of the others notice the change in the area. Her hand went to her swords but halted this thing looked like living armor so swords would be pointless. "Mace or war hammer now!"

One soldier throws her a magic morning star, it was not the best weapon against such strong magic armor. Better then nothing holding a shield in the other hand. "Are you the dragon lord after him."

Try as she might, Rita had no way to read this walking metal. It had to be remotely controlled.

The voice sounded inquiring and angry at her question. "I see you know, then you should know fighting this body will not hurt me. Where is the player! I can't allow it to do any more damage to this world even if I must kill his corrupted slaves to do so!"

Ritana gaged this puppet armor. It was powerful even with the mace, it would be a challenge to fight. Charging as her body glowed, activating martial arts and Aspects of lycancat. Fainting a swing to the right before slamming the morning star as hard as she could into the armor on the left flank.

It left a small dent in the armor, but she had to avoid the blades. Still receiving a small grazing cut, even with the protection of her [ascpect of lycancat: greater crimson fur].

Unable to fight as mistress Kathrin's thoughts urged her to move back now!

Rita screamed out a warning to the others, "Get to Cover now!"

She had to dodge jumping as far away as she could, dragging both guardsmen away, shouting out her warning. The armor was bathed in blinding light as every siege weapon high on the walls fired its huge bolts into the armor.

Rita was sure she would be blinded had she been looking that way. As the water of melted snow rained down on her as warm rainwater. Intense light shining from behind her back, followed by loud booms of thunder. Deafening to her ears to all other sounds till it died down.

Once she could stand again, Rita struggled to her feet, seeing the courtyard just inches from her was nothing but a scorched deep crater filled with steam. The armor was totally destroyed even the ballista bolts that hit it were no were in sight only crispy fragments scattered around the bottom of the crater

"What happened?"

Kathrin informed her that this was her doing, not giving the puppet a chance to hurt Rita more. The ground shook as Rita rushed out to the gates of the keep.

The sight before her was one she had to wonder if there was a point of her guarding the emperor. As Kiyohime's three heads blasted breath attacks and ripped at the dragon's scales with a wild frenzy. Clemvent chains pierced its legs and wings, tearing at the scales without mercy. Lady Kathrin ripped something out of the detached claw. Kathrin quickly put the item in her inventory, the battle couldn't have been more than a few minutes.

If it could be called a battle, Lord Kyuketsuki scowled the whole time at the downed dragon as it slowly died. Without him having to move at all. What made him fear the dragon even getting in one attack it couldn't move as Kiyohime bit out its neck the final blow as it died.

-Kyuketsuki-

That was too close. The stupid dragon didn't even understand how dangerous the WCI was. It could decimate the entire continent. How it got ahold of the world-class item didn't matter, nor did its weakened state. If that small cross had been used, so many would have died.

Sighing in relief as the dragon breathed its last breath. Scowling Kathrin had used her most potent lightning spells to destroy the other puppet. It was danger close for Rita and a few troops, but he couldn't take the chance that it had a world item as well. Best he could hope was that it had not gathered any information out of the near instantaneous destruction of the armor puppet.

Holding up the world gem shards as the world corruption whispered what he needed to do. It would not be pretty, and doing so would use up every part of the dragon.

"That was sooo much fun master can I eat it now!" Clemvet screamed in joy, drooling at the blood and mess.

"No, go check on the puppet, make sure nothing was on it. Also, keep any of the guards from seeing this next part."

Walking up to the dead dragon, its soul was still powerful despite passing. It didn't even lose any power after dyeing. Watching it glare at him opening his hand feeling a little drained as all four shards where not one piece. Glistening with too many shades of pure darkness to count, turning to the fearful spirit of the dragon.

Whispering [Muketsu eternal curse: source distortion]

All emotion drained out of him like the dream deal. Watching as the soul of the dragon let out a blood-curdling scream of pure agony as its very soul was ripped apart and dragged into the many colors of the pitch-black void. It was odd to think that darkness could have so many different shades and tones.

Oddly mesmerizing to watch it all the horrible art created by this tainted magic. All of it reduced to the shard of a gem that fits in his hand. Then used [tainted fusion] to merge them with the rest. The great power lost as it all combined into the dark space in his hand.

Shaking his head as his emotions returned, scowling what was that? It didn't feel like himself. It was cold, cruel, and unfeeling like an eldritch horror had reached into him and asked to see that through him.

Even that didn't fit. It was impossible to describe watching something so cruelly and heartlessly ripped apart and put back together so half hazardly. Only seeking to see what incredible artwork it would create. Kyuketsuki wasn't even sure how to feel about it at all, only to have it all suppressed to a calm nothingness.

"Are you ok? My love, what did you do?"

Kettor had an answer, but even onlookers like Kathrin didn't truly comprehend the impossible artwork of an alien mind. So fundamentally different that there was just no way to explain. Now he understood what World Corruption class was. He was barely tapping the tip of what it could do, and that scared him. Pushing all thought about it to the back of his mind. He would deal with it later.

"Fine, and I will have to show you later. There are no words to properly explain what that spell did."

Kathrin hummed in thought, looking at his MP. "I would hope so that spell took up almost half your mana. With the use of [tainted fusion], you are almost out for today."

Kyuketsuki chuckled at that this was about par for the course. The insane drain of spells for world corruption made it so laser-focused he had to plan and strategize how to use them. Which would leave him almost defenseless against magic for the hours of recharge time.

Jester shimmered in front of him, taking off her mask and beaming. "That was quicker than expected, looks like it was no trouble for you."

Kathrin gripped his arm tightly, glaring at the administrator.

"It was surprising to learn that none of its wild magic was working. I doubt the other one will be so careless after this. That said, you failed to tell me it had one of the twenty!"

Jester smiled sheepishly at the accusation. "Well, I kind of forgot I was taking care of something. I knew you could handle it, though, so everything is fine."

Kettor glared at the admin' handing over the world gem piece, looking like a small gem now. Jester took it, watching it overfilled with energy as she did. "Oh, wonderful, my champion, as for your end. I can do that kind of a waste, but no problem."

"If it makes Rita happy, then the boosted EXP gain for both herself and her new friends is worth the cost."

Jester gave a gentle warm beam. "Tell you what I can temporarily reduce the time it takes for them to learn new magic and skills as well. Seems only fair, all I ask is that you help me talk Momonga into accepting Simmra."

He pondered the offer deeply; it was something that until he learned of Simmra he had not considered. Already he had run into or found out about four other players. Not knowing how many were already here or would show up. The different time and place each person landed seemed random.

"Jester, do you remember how many where still on before YGGDRASIL vanished?"

The admin' took up a thoughtful pose. "No, but if I have to guess anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand. Granted, the number drop sharply just before shut down. I have no idea how many where willing to risk the forced logout. It is never a pleasant feeling."

Kyuketsuki thought on the odd words he knew them once. Forced logout was on his mind just before the end of the old worlds. What it meant was lost to him.

Before dropping the matter in favor of the more pressing concern. That there was too good a chance that other players had arrived here and still might depending on what factors determined when and where they would.

"Ah, you already see why I want Nazarick to gather other players. Then I don't need to tell you that now the dragon lord will start gathering them as well after your showing today. Most of all, watch out for the son of the dragon emperor, the Platinum Dragon Lord, also known as Tsaindorcus Vaision."

Kettor memorized the name and title as Jester shimmered away with her prize.

-Jester-

Muketsu couldn't believe just how much the tainted soul gem boosted her powers. Before, it was a struggle to open six observation windows. Now she could stand in the middle of the Kaza plains and simply turn her head. To see to the edges of every part of the kingdom in this region seeing everything in her area. Even better, she could split her focus between doing two things at once.

All thanks to the new job class.

[demi-god] portfolio skill tree focus: Corruption, deception, void, fabrication, and Heteromorphic creatures.

Muketsu was not surprised that destruction was not a focus as much as her sister would like to believe it was one. Speaking of which, she left her real body to examine this tainted soul gem time to check on Ayane.

Stepping out of the administer realm as the void formed her projection, no the avatar made of nothingness. Appeared in the fallen guild base, the old queen of the dragon kingdom was a drunk now. The fear of her champion feeds into her mana pool as the city was in total chaos.

None of Canrvial's champions had any link to her, but the one desperate for something that he couldn't have. It would become her downfall when he found out the truth. Ainz was almost here as well, not that he had much to worry about besides a few angels in the first sphere and second sphere.

HK was the biggest threat, but if she could nudge Simmra, then he could be weakened. Delight would be crushed by the floor guardians. This was just sad. Jester suppressed her emotions with a flash of green. Sister had this much coming to her. If she allowed her first champion to come, then there wouldn't even be a challenge.

Walking silently to the room, throwing up a fake reality to test her skills with the new job class. Seeing Carnival watching the might of Jester's champion using herself created spell on the dragon lord body. Was it really necessary to vomit at her first spell in the new world?

"Sister, you shouldn't do that. It's bad for your health."

Watching Carnival turn to her surprised? 'she didn't know when I got here wait no, not just that she thought this shell of an avatar was her real body.'

"What do you want? I followed our rules."

Ayane was shaking even her mask might as well not be there. She could read her sister like an open book, and Carnival couldn't understand her at all or even realize she wasn't really here. She had waited for this moment for 400 years to prove Ayane her plan could work.

"Do you remember what you told me after you help killed my stupid greed king champions. More of a sacrificial pawn now that I think back on it. Really taught me a lot, not just about myself. It showed me that you never really loved me even now, glaring at me with such hateful eyes. Where is the sister I knew?"

Jester created three illusions of herself, noticing that Carnival couldn't tell which of them was real. Taking a step back, her brown eyes filled with terror and fury. Jester kept her eyes on the [Truth seeker blade] while her power was much more significant. She still wasn't much for combat; she didn't even really have any dedicated weapon aside from randomly created weapons.

"I only told you that because I was angry, did you see how much damage you did. I told you they would destroy themselves, and they took most of the world they knew with them!"

Muketsu shifted her mask to a wide toothy grin chuckling filled with wrath and pain. The same BS as before judging her by her inexperience at the time. There was a reason she had Heteromorphic creatures as a focus. Of course, Ayane didn't understand she did not see that was the same reason all her chosen warriors were turning on her.

"Tisk, tisk dear sister, you haven't learned a thing even after the thirteen heroes, did you? Leadership is about knowing how to work with your team. With people, you should be able to trust like I trusted you."

Carnival came out in full, taking away her dear sister again. Ripping off the mask to show the Dark Elf humanoid face. Her immortal face unchanged even after all this time. "Don't you start, it was your fault. They fell apart to begin with! Your obsession with dark and evil creatures pushed me to help them in the first place!"

Jester was thankful for the green wave, washing away the pain and hurt. Being undead was much better then the last race she swapped to. This couldn't get rid of the deep cold anger hidden under her grinning mask.

"If you remember sister, I was trying to organize and teach them to be better then there nature. If I have been given a few years...Instead, you killed them all without even stopping to understand half of what drove them. They were lost and abandoned. Marking them as evil when humans just misunderstood their needs."

Carnival did something unexpected, attacking one of the illusions on the far right. Stabbing right through it, even watching it bleed out in shock at her own action. Before vanishing but the acts sparked something in Muketsu that she didn't think she could still feel again.

Betrayed again by her own sister. This proved it her sister was lost in that fake mask twisted against her by this world.

"ss-sorry I panicked…look. Do you know why I took over the covenant of crows? It was because, again, you were putting together monsters that would have destroyed the world we know. If I gave you a few years, there would be nothing left just stop this, please let's go off together like when we first got here."

Jester narrowed her eyes. Ayane was sidelining her and lying right to her face. Crying and begging like she was the bad guy! She had lost two of her primary senses for years. Been robbed by her own sister and still suffered minor panic attacks, if she felt a little light touching her! Struggling to trust anyone these days.

Jester snaped two illusions attacking only to again have Ayane fight to kill her. Targeting vital spots if that had been her, she would be dead.

Jester mask scowled as she vanished from Carnival's eyes. "I was joking before, but it appears you really do hate me deep down, don't you? You didn't even hesitate. You didn't listen to a word I said, hoping I really do vanish forever!" All humor or myth was gone from Jester's tone.

Carnival was shaking her eyes, scanning the room even as Jester was standing right in front of her. Holding up the dagger and looking at her lost sister so fearful and angry. Jesters' hands were shaking before banishing the weapon. "I just came here to talk and say that I will prove it could work. But since you hate me enough to try killing even a fake version of me. I guess the only real family now is my champion big brother Kyuketsuki. He trusts and cares enough not to try killing me. Unlike you, Ayane."

"Wait, no Muketsu, you don't understand…this sword…I."

Oddly, her hateful eyes changed to slits like a lizard. "…will murder and eat your soul for what you have done to my kin! You will never…my…s-sister-" Jester's eyes returned as if to confirm her own feelings. Panting for breath, unable to form words with how angry she was.

Stopping at the door of the room as blood tears flowed down past her mask. "I was going to help you escape Ayane. But I only see a stranger pointing a sword and seeking to kill me. I hear by denounce the rules of alliance accord. Shou…S-Should I see you come after big brother Kyuketsuki again, I…I will kill you." Jester felt her emotion again washed away in green. As her eyes glowed deep crimson bound by her contract.

The sound of a loud string snapping filled the air. Along with [The turn counter] was gone. Nothing would stop her from granting her Champions requests now.

Jester fled back to her void, unwilling to deal with these wretched emotions any longer.

-End of Chapter-