After Ainz and Vaughn had finished the cleanup of the battle, they immediately used [Gate] to return to Nazarick. "As much of a hopeless optimist as I am," Vaughn started as he flopped unceremoniously onto one of the couches in Ainz's office, "we need to get out there and collect more information." He turned to look at his friend who had just taken his seat behind his desk.
"I agree." Ainz said as he steepled his hands in front of his mouth. "To that end I recommend that we go undercover as adventures. What do you think?"
Vaughn rubbed where his chin would be as he thought for a moment. "The Guardians would never allow just the two of us to go out alone, they'd insist on at least one guard for each of us, probably two. If that's the case it'd be highly suspicious for a group of 4 to 6 very strong people to show up out of nowhere. Therefore I suggest that we split our efforts. You go to one country, I go to another. However before we decide on where to go, I think that I should have a chat with the guys we captured. On that topic, I have an idea on how to get the cooperation of the leader at least."
Ainz thought about everything that Vaughn had put forward and nodded. "I agree with your thoughts about how the Guardians would react, and your recommendation to split our focus. What's this idea you have for Nigun?"
"Was that his name? Oh well it doesn't matter anyway, my idea was to use one of my weaker summons abilities, or at least that's what it was in YGGDRASIL. It's called [Summon Shade, it creates a level 35 shade that is basically just a damage sponge, but here I think that it could be used to transform an entity, living or undead, into a Shade under my control." Vaughn explained as he started leaning forward in excitement.
Ainz leaned back in his seat and took in the idea. "Before I agree to let you potentially remove the greatest source of information that we currently have, I want you to ensure that his memories will stay intact. And on another note why did you specify 'living or undead'?"
"Alright I can agree to waiting to use it on him until we've properly tested it, but until then I recommend that he be isolated, we have no idea how he will hold up to Nuronist's tourture, it might break him even before I get to him." Vaughn said as he stood and began walking around. "As for your question goes, it's because of the racial description of the shade that identifies them as creatures that are neither living nor undead, but stuck in a form of limbo in between them. A living creature whose soul is tied to the plane of Shadows."
"I see, maybe it's something that we test later. For now let's gather the Guardians and announce my name change." Ainz said as he stood from his desk. "Until we decide where we're each going, think about who you're going to take with you."
20 minutes later
In the throne room Ainz sat on the throne of kings while Vaughn stood just to the left, symbolically and literally making him the right hand of Ainz Ooal Gown. On the floor below the dais were the Floor Guardians, and a few of their key vassals.
"Now then!" Ainz spoke, calling the meeting to order. "To begin, there's a change that needs to be made." He pointed towards the flag that symbolizes Momonga, "[Greater Break Item]." He said turning the flag into azure flames before it disappeared completely. "My name is no longer Momonga, from now on I am Ainz Ooal Gown. You may call me Ainz. If any of you have an issue with that let me know now."
Albedo lowered her head before replying, "My Lord, we have heard this most important of names and we have no reason to speak against it."
"Very good, now as for our plans moving forward I will allow Vaughn to explain what we will be doing in the near future." Ainz said, gesturing slightly. 'This is for letting Albedo have her way with me the other day.' He thought with a grim sense of pride at how he was able to get back at his friend.
Vaughn hesitated for just a moment before realizing what it was about. 'I suppose it's a tactical withdrawal to do something else for now.' He shrugged, before turning to fully face the Guardians. "The first step towards our goals is to gather information about the world around us, to that end we've already taken some steps. I've set a fuse, if you will, within the 4 knights that we released back to their home country. Once they die, their bodies and souls will become my spies. Another one has been attached to the man who is the right hand of the current King of these lands. The next step is for Ainz and I to go undercover as adventurers and seek out the information in person." He saw the Guardians about to interject before he held his hand up to stop them. "Worry not, our Guardians. We know of your concern for our safety, and as such have decided to take a few of you with us. While I don't know who Ainz will choose, there will be two joining me." He paused for dramatic effect, before nodding his head towards his eldest creation. "Rivas Ruby, your skills, while immense, would be better service to Nazarick outside the Tomb. As such you are the first to join me."
Rivas bowed her head to her creator. "I will not fail you in this calling, My Lord."
"Very good, and the second is an individual yet unknown to you. She was just created today, and while I do hope that she is here to stay, I must keep a close eye on her in the event that the magic sustaining her dissipates and I have to step in to prevent it." At this he holds his right hand out to the right as Gabriel steps out from behind a pillar and genuflects where she stopped . "This is Gabriel everyone, the newest member of Nazarick. Treat her well."
At his closing words Vaughn turned back to Ainz who was dumbfounded. 'How did he sum all that up so succinctly!?' Ainz gathered himself before continuing. "Yes, while I have yet to decide on my guard, rest assured that there is time before that. Now, are there any questions?"
Albedo returned her head to its bowed position. "No Lord, we shall do everything in our power to achieve your goals."
"Very good Albedo, then you are released to continue on your assignments." Ainz said as he stood before teleporting away.
"Rivas, Demiurge, step over here a moment. Albedo if you could find Gabriel a room for her to occupy for the time being, we'll find her a permanent room in the next couple of days. The rest of you are to return to your posts." Vaughn said before he turned to the two that he had pulled aside. "Alright, Demiurge, how's the defense of the Tomb?"
Demiurge frowned slightly. "I am sure that either yourself or Lord Ainz would be able to improve upon it, that being said it is as perfect as I can make it."
"Demiurge, while I appreciate the confidence, don't sell yourself short. There is a reason why you are the defense leader of the Tomb. That being said I'd like for Rivas to assist with making it impenetrable." Vaughn said before turning to his creation. "Over the next couple of days I want you to attempt to sneak from the entrance to the tenth floor without being seen. You are not permitted to use your authority as a Floor Guardian, kill any of the defenders, or your guild ring. Start by using only abilities of a level 50 rogue type, every time you get caught return to the entrance and increase the level of your abilities by 5. I'd like a report on any flaws that you've found by the end of the week given to both me and Demiurge. Any questions?"
Rivas shook her head in the negative. "No My Lord, I understand perfectly."
"Very good, off with you two then." Vaughn said with a small shooing motion of his hand before teleporting away himself.
Fifth floor - frozen prison
Vaughn reappeared in the frozen prison and began walking through the many cells that held their newly acquired information sources. As he contemplated how best to test his ability a thought occurred to him. He pulled the Tome off his hip and flipped it open, placing his hand on the open page and focusing on channeling his ability through the Tome towards a random Scripture member. To his surprise the book actually pulled up a lot more information than he thought it would, specifically it informed him that if he used this ability it would require 1 shadow , he would become a level 19 shade with a level cap of 35.
He moved on to the next person in line, 3 shadows, a starting level of 27, and a max of 40. The next was lower, the one after higher.until he got to the commander who was in a separate cell.
27 shadows required for transformation, beginning level of 43, max level of 75. Special: human legacy/talent - strengthen summoned monsters.
Vaughn turned his head to take a quick count of how many prisoners were available, if he had a mouth he'd have smiled at the 42 men that he saw chained before him. "I think I just found my test subject." He said walking towards the first two that he had looked at using the Tome.
Calling into the hall he had two guards come in and remove the two men and transfer them to -. Vaughn stopped realizing that he had nowhere to actually do this. He looked at the closest guard, "Where can I find Neuronist?"
"She is in the primary interrogation chamber, My Lord." The icy demon replied.
"Primary? That indicates that there is at least one secondary correct?" Vaughn asked, his voice indicating a quirked brow.
"Correct, My Lord." The same creature replied
"Very good, take them to the secondary chamber and secure them. After that I want you to come and guide me to the chamber while you guard them." He said pointing first to the one that he's talking to, then the other one in turn. "In the meantime, I'm going to go speak with Neuronist. You can find me there when you complete your task." He finished walking towards the nearby door that led to Neuronist's workplace.
Opening the door, Vaughn was pleasantly surprised to find that the room was actually very clean. In his mind he pictured that a tourture chamber would be bloody and gritty and reek of various bodily fluids. After he finished taking in his surroundings he laid eyes on mini Cthulhu, except it was a woman, who was wearing a black leather dominatrix outfit, that didn't flatter her at all, and she was genuflecting. After a moment of shock Vaughn corrected himself and spoke to the creature. "Rise Neuronist, I simply came to speak with you concerning our guests." He said with a very serious tone, trying to mask his internal screaming and retching.
"My Lord Vaughn, it pleases me greatly to have you, the expert information gatherer, within my hallowed halls. How can I be of service to you My Lord?" She said, being extremely dramatic.
"It's quite simple, I'm going to be conducting an experiment on one of the prisoners in one of the secondary interrogation chambers, if it goes well I'm going to take an additional 30 or so for a follow up. After I'm done with them you may have the rest." Vaughn said, grasping his hands behind his back.
"My Lord, I could have no greater honor than to host you in one of the chambers over which I am guardian. If I could be so bold, might I observe the experiment that you are conducting?" Neuronist pleaded, stopping herself just short of licking his boots.
"If that is your wish, then there is no issue. After all, as area guardian, you have a right to know what is happening within your area." Right after he had finished speaking, the door opened and the Ice Demon guard was standing there, head bowed.
"My Lord, the task you had set me is now complete. If you would please follow me, I shall guide you to the chamber in question." The creature said with as much respect as it could offer.
"Very good. Lead the way then." Vaughn gestured ahead of him as he moved towards the door. Following behind the guard they walked down a few halls before coming to another door nearly identical to the one that held Neuronist's place of work. Upon entering Vaughn's eyes glowed brightly with excitement. In the center of the room were two tables with restraints that also seemed to be able to rise into a near vertical position, to which his current guests were strapped with gags in their mouths to prevent them from screaming or swearing or anything else of that matter. In the far corner there were three cages that would be able to hold a dozen people each.
As he approached the tables he gestured for the guards to raise them up and turn them towards himself. Once he saw the fear in their eyes he spoke. "Hello gentlemen, I appreciate your cooperation in assisting me with an experiment today, as involuntary as the assistance is. Now I am a fan of answers for questions, as such I will allow each of you to ask two questions of me, and I will answer honestly to the best of my abilities." He then gestured for the guard to remove the first man's gag.
"Who the hell are you?! What the hell are you?!" Vaughn gestured again and the gag was replaced.
"Short and to the point, I like it. In the order they were asked: my name is Vaughn, and I am a Shade. A being that is neither living nor undead. Next questions." He said nodding to the other prisoner.
Once the gag was removed the man stretched his jaw for a moment, looking like he was thinking. "What's going to happen to us?" He asked after careful consideration.
"Ah, smart man, thinking before you blurt out the first thing on your mind, I can appreciate that. Very well then, your friend here," Vaughn gestured to the other man. "Will be turned into a shade, like myself. As for you, that depends on the results of this experiment."
The man looked mortified but schooled his expression and spoke once more. "Why are you doing this?" After the question had been asked the gag was replaced as he continued to gaze at Vaughn.
"Ah good, the ever important 'why?' Simply put, retribution. You tried, rather hard I might add, to kill an entire village of innocents. For that you're getting what you justly deserve." Vaughn clapped his hands twice before reaching for his Tome and doing as he had done earlier he targeted the first man and cast. "[Summon Shade]." After the ability was activated the second man's shadow consumed its host before crawling across the ground to the first and covering him. "Note to self: number of shadows required exclude the shadow of the subject." Vaughn muttered to himself as the bound man let out muffled screams as his body was turned into shadows bit by bit.
After a solid 30 seconds the screaming stopped and the new shade looked at Vaughn. The original motioned for the gag to be removed and spoke. "What is your name?"
"My name is Mason Waters, master." The shade spoke with the same ghostly tone that Vaughn used.
"Very good, what was your mission?"
"Our mission, to the best of my knowledge, was to assassinate the Head Warrior of the Re-Estize kingdom."
"Good, final question. Are all of your memories intact?"
"All but the earliest memories of my life."
"Very good, now I would like you to wait here with these two gentlemen," Vaughn said, gesturing to the guards, "while I get the Guild Master." After a nod of acknowledgment from Mason, Vaughn cast a simple [Message].
{Ainz, are you free right now?}
{Yes, why?}
{I've conducted an experiment that I figured that you'd be interested in seeing the results firsthand. I'm on the fifth floor in one of the secondary interrogation chambers.}
{Alright, I'll be there in a moment.} and with that the spell ended. A few seconds later, the swirling black oval of a [Gate] opened near the door and Ainz walked out of it followed closely by Sebas. After looking at the creature of Shadows still strapped to the table, the Overlord looked to his friend. "Please tell me that this isn't the commander."
Vaughn nodded. "This is not the commander, but the weakest of the scripture members that we are holding. I used the Tome of Wisdom as a go between in an attempt to see if it would work at all and it confirmed that it would and more."
"More?" Ainz questioned. "How so?"
"The Tome told me how many people would have to be sacrificed to accomplish the task, what level they'd be after the transformation, the max level they could obtain, and specifically in the case of Newkirk, or whatever his name is, a special ability that he apparently has as his human self." Vaughn took a proverbial breath before continuing. "Not knowing if it would keep the subject's memories intact, I brought two of the weakest, and therefore cheapest, members here so that I could see if the memories carried over."
Ainz looked at the subject in question. "And did they?"
"Ask him yourself." Vaughn said gesturing towards Mason. "So far he's been addressing me as 'master'."
Ainz ran the new Shade through a series of questions, everything from his name to anything about national security. Feeling satisfied with the answer's authenticity, the Overlord turned to Vaughn. "Alright, you may turn Nigun into a shade. That being said I'd like to stick around for it, if you don't mind."
"Of course not." Vaughn said. "I expect that it'll be quite the show." He said before ordering the guards to first release Mason, who stood quietly in the corner still dressed in his scripture armor, and then bring Nigun and 27 others.
The guards strapped Nigun down as he stared in fear at the creature in the corner that wore the armored robes of his unit. He tried to scream but with a gag in his mouth he could barely make a sound. As the others were corralled into the cages by the guards they began to panic seeing their former comrade that stood by, waiting for his master to call for him. Finding the noise annoying Vaughn simply held his hand up towards the cages. "[Silence]." Once the spell was cast the only sound in the room was the muffled screaming coming from the table before them. "Now then," Vaughn said as he once again pulled the Tome to lay across his hand before him. "Let's begin. [Summon Shade]."
Just as he thought it was quite the show. The shadows of the sacrifices quickly consumed their owners before they leapt towards Nigun like a pack of feral dogs going for a scrap of meat. To Vaughn's surprise Nigun actually bit clean through the gag and proceeded to let out a scream of pure agony. However all this did was allow the shadows to enter his mouth as well, expediting his transformation. Before long the body went limp and hung there.
"Hmmm it seems that the pain of fusing the shadows to his soul has rendered him unconscious." Vaughn commented before putting the table back down to a horizontal position. He picked up the uniform from the sacrifice of his first experiment, folded it into a pillow-like shape, and placed it under his current subject's head. "I recommend that we let him rest and consolidate himself. His power and potential just grew by several powers of magnitude." He turned to the first of his new underlings. "Mason, you are to stand watch over him until he awakens. He is to remain bound until either myself or Ainz speak with him and confirm his loyalty."
Mason bowed his head and put his right hand over where his heart used to be. "It shall be done, master."
Vaughn nodded before turning to Nazarick's personal tourturer. "Neuronist, I appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Unless Ainz has any further use of you or the captives, you may do as you've been created and make them sing."
Neuronist made the same gesture that Mason had just a moment before. "I thank you for the opportunity to witness your power, Supreme One. I will put any information that I gather into a report after my conducting is completed."
Vaughn and Ainz nodded before teleporting away.
A/N: thanks for the support all of you. I'd never have thought that we'd already have more than 30 following and 25 favorites before we even got to chapter 5.
In answer to:
TheMist33: thanks, Vaughn is actually a character that I played in a D campaign but I felt that the way that he is would make him great as an Overlord character. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with Enri's mom yet, I just always thought that it was really depressing that the girls lost both of their parents, and that (maybe) it could have been avoided if Ainz hadn't taken so long with his preparations. If anyone has any ideas on what I can do with her as a new character, I'd appreciate the input.
Until next time!
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