—A Boss to Hunt—
Draudillon's face froze solid and cold beads of sweat trickled down her face.
"C-Could you defeat the… that monster?"
Ainz parted his gaze from Draudillon. His sight peered beyond the horizon, the direction where the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord has reportedly nested.
"No…" Ainz answered and his eyes returned to Draudillon. "Unless you could impart some information about him, his weakness perhaps... I might have a winning chance."
This time, Draudillon was the one to turn her head and part her eyes, she believed lies would not pass unnoticed against those golden eyes of her adopted older sister. Draudillon helplessly took a glimpse of Micard, the man simply nodded at her as though in approval.
"The monster's weakness is divine spells. Holy-type and light-type works well against it. It also has—"
"Draudillon-dono…"
Ainz raised his skeletal hands and interrupted the queen.
"... I know that much. Those are the weaknesses of the undead right? I believe you know that we can't be beating around the bush here."
Draudillon glanced at Ainz with a pleading look.
"I, I can't divulge matters about the weaknesses of the Dragon Lords as the Draconic Queen of the Draconic Kingdom…I'm bound by my position. All I can convey is that the monster was severely weakened. His Wild Magic nearly ran out during his encounter with the Thirteen Heroes."
Judging by her pained expression, if he could not coax Draudillon to spill the beans, Ainz had no other way but to force her into submission. However, he knew that resorting to such an action would be less beneficial and he wanted to avoid doing it the harsh way if possible. He believed in diplomacy after all.
Out of options, Ainz instinctively turned to Emirya and received a silent nod. Although he knew Emirya could read someone's thoughts, others did not, particularly the Draconic Queen. Draudillon only knew the bullman's ability to decipher lies in which Ainz wanted to keep the pretense as it was for the time being.
For the common folks, even for the beastmen, the existences who perceived magic as rare, Emirya's Talent could be considered godlike unless someone had another means by using other types of magic or simply by resorting to brute force.
Of course, such magic, even though unique as it was, would be considered nothing compared to Ainz's spells. Moreover, Emirya's Talent could easily be countered. In Draudillon's case, it was because of her hatred against the bullman queen. If not for their past relationship, when they had considered each other as sisters, Emirya would not be able to even prod on the surface of Draudillon's thoughts.
"Then, I shall confirm it on my own… I must defeat it if I can."
Ainz stared intently at Draudillon and waited for her reply. He assumed Draudillon would at least share some information about his foe, however, what came along was out of his expectations.
"I shall go with you in defeating that monster, Your Majesty…"
Although Ainz could not read Draudillon's stressful look, he could keenly feel the queen's conviction in her voice. In reality, Ainz knew the decisions taken here would decide the Draconic Kingdom's future.
Ainz hoped Draudillon herself could realize that her deteriorating kingdom would take the wild storm of the upcoming war. If she could not immediately establish her allegiance with him, her kingdom would be considered unimportant to his plans and no other help would come for her kingdom, even from her fellow Dragon Lords or neighboring nations.
"Hmm…"
'Is that all?' Ainz pondered more as his index finger drummed against his staff.
"I… I shall go with you as Draudillon Oriculus! That way, I'll come not as a queen of the Draconic Kingdom but one who seeks vengeance. I can freely let go of all the information necessary to defeat the monster. I'm also longing for an answer…"
Draudillon paused and caressed the intricate ring around her index finger. A momentary sadness dawned on her face only to be replaced with an adamant look.
"Your Majesty, you have to let me go with you!"
A non-existent smile crept out of Ainz's faceless skull.
"Hoh? You'll provide limited information, huh? I applaud your brilliance and bargaining prowess, Draudillon-dono. However, you can disclose all that monster's secrets right here, right now, am I mistaken? Why would you go out of your way and risk yourself? Isn't it better to let both monsters fight each other and laugh at the results? Or you wanted to be an honorable hero yourself? Just like the Thirteenth Heroes' 'DragonTamer'? Ahh! Will you also bring your dragons to the fight? Just for an answer your longing for? Hmm... Never mind, it might be the truth or not, I would not pry to that point. Although, I wonder how many dragons did your father left in your care..."
Ainz poured the words as though a scorn-filled joke. However, Draudillon's face was instantly painted with seriousness. She fiercely glared at Emirya only to receive an innocent smile.
Draudillon exhaled an exasperated sigh and she bravely stared at Ainz with resolute eyes. Although she wanted to scream and cry, all she could manage was to display an agonized smile.
"...I see, Your Majesty, you even knew of the Draconic Kingdoms' national secret. However, I believe it must be a pathetic force compared to what the Sorcerer Kingdom could muster. Regarding your question, I will never dream of following the steps of my father, I have my path to take. Hahh... however, you're really skilled in making jokes, Your Majesty."
"Umu…" Draudillon's mumblings didn't make sense in Ainz's mind, particularly how the queen accepted what he said and even considered some of them as jokes. He wanted to say another word but his confusion simply silenced him.
"The truth, Your Majesty? I'll be happy if both of you monsters die together. But…"
"But?"
Ainz prompted, wondering about the helplessness in the queen's voice.
"...You are the Eternal King, you declared that monster is the beginning of my kingdom's suffering. I also believe it must be true. All I desire for the people of my kingdom is to live in peace. I should go and annihilate the reason for destroying such peace."
Dradillon replied, she then glanced at Emirya. A hint of hatred flashed in her face the moment their pair of eyes met each other.
"However, make no mistake, Emirya. What you've done against my kingdom will never be forgiven. It would be better if you never address me as though I'm your little sister still. Amirya-sensei would have never allowed the Beastman Kingdom's horrible acts against my kingdom."
"Hahh, I know, Draudillon… Although you feel that way, I'll never regret what I have done. My will has always been the same with my sister. I may or may not change, may or may not suffer, may or may not die, may or may not kill… Our will shall always be nothing… but the will of this world or should I say, the destiny of this world… the Eternal King that is. Don't forget, Draudillon, she is I and I am her..."
Both of the queen's breathing thundered. The calm winds of the grassy plain quickly intensified but the hostility instantly halted as Ainz immediately faked a cough, drawing everyone's attention to him. At this moment, a useless fight between the queens was the last thing he would wish to transpire.
"Draudillon-dono, what would happen if you ever lost your life?"
Ainz hurriedly asked to deviate from the adverse situation.
"Life..." Draudillon let out a skeptical laugh, her eyes suddenly welled up in tears. "What life? I've lost more than a million lives during the Beastman invasion. Including those nine hundred thousand lives taken by the Great Minotaur Nation… They are all my life. What more could I lose, huh? You're a king and you must know how I feel."
Ainz weakly shook his head.
'Is that what you really feel? Or… are you just assuming your people are your life because of how Wild Magic works?'
Although he thought of it as a possibility, Ainz was still amazed at how Draudillon cared for her people unless what she had said was a mere facade. However, Ainz knew better, instead of adding sagacious remarks to the queen's feelings, he simply waited for Draudillon to compose herself.
'Even so, I've only asked you a random question to prevent a potential disaster, why would you have a mental breakdown instantly?!'
A sigh went through his mouth and after a moment of silence, Ainz decided to proceed.
"Draudillon-dono, I may or may not know how it feels but I need you to decide now based on your capabilities, not on what you feel. So, if I may ask, why should I invite you to my par— I mean bring you to the fight?"
"That's... I don't care if I die! Prime Minister Micard is here to take over as the head of the kingdom. He has my complete trust—"
"Your Majesty…"
Draudillon looked at the man on her side, his cold face was now overcome with worry. Draudillon's heart was unexpectedly filled with warmth, hearing Micard's imploring voice. However, her situation never gave her the luxury to be happy. Draudillon firmly shook her head and looked at the eyes of her saddened Prime Minister.
"Please no, don't try to stop me, Micard."
Micard opened his mouth but could not utter a word. Before he could find what he wanted to say, Ainz quickly cleared his non-existent throat.
"Very well, I heard enough. Draudillon-dono, you are free to come with us but with two conditions."
"T-Then, let me hear it, Your Majesty."
Ainz noted the faint eagerness in Draudillon's voice, she may have the blood of a Dragon Lord, but Ainz could not ascertain if she would do much in his upcoming battle. If she proved to have a notable strength, then it would simply prove that the True Dragon Lords would be one of his greatest enemies in the new world.
"Umu. Firstly, every one of you here is under my protection for each one of you is now considered allies of the Sorcerer Kingdom. However, I might not be able to protect all of you amid my battle. In that regard, if we plan involving teamwork in a life and death struggle, will you, Draudillon-dono, cooperate with my other allies, including the Beastman Kingdom?"
Draudillon gritted her teeth in unwillingness only to sigh in the end. She internally swore to herself to end what her father failed to.
"I will, Your Majesty. For the answer, I gravely seek. To decide which path I should take. And for the future of my kingdom and its citizens."
Draudillon bravely declared, her fighting spirit burned and her rage could not be hidden.
"Then, I'm glad… now, it shall be easy to keep you all alive if matters turn for the worst. The second condition must be…"
Ainz spoke but his voice suddenly waned from everyone's ears. Only Draudillon felt no change. The blue irises of her eyes went wide, and her lips parted agape.
"E-Every...thing?"
"Yes, you heard me right… Everything."
Draudillon shuddered and felt a vague smile from the undead king's fleshless face. It was as if she was having a pact with the devil. A priceless proposition that was more than she could ever imagine. The queen could barely keep herself from collapsing on where she stood.
"Everything… All of this is for the people of my kingdom. So long as you keep your promise—"
"I shall." Ainz interrupted Draudillon's words. "I swear on the name of Ainz Ooal Gown. I shall keep my promise and in return…"
Draudillon did not wait for another moment and immediately kneeled in front of Ainz. Micard and the kingdom's soldiers gasped in shock, their faces were quickly overcome with fright.
"For a better future… The Draconic Kingdom, with everything I have and will ever have, swears allegiance to the Eternal King… for eternity."
Micard unconsciously took a step back as the words of her queen echoed in every corner of his head. Seeing Draudillon in her position, as the Prime Minister of the Draconic Kingdom, Micard kneeled beside his queen and kept his silence despite the turmoil in his heart.
Witnessing the actions of their beloved queen and respected Prime Minister, the soldiers fell into uncertainty. As the soldiers exchanged glances with each other, all they could see were faces full of worry. In the end, however, the soldiers gradually kneeled one after the other.
'Umu. The trust they had for their leaders has kept their loyalty unwavering. Hahh, blind loyalty is never a good thing. However, this time it worked favorably for my purpose.'
Ainz internally nodded, seeing the spectacle. Suddenly, he heard a gasp of delight from his side. The archdemon had his eyes glistening as he enjoyed himself on the display his master had created.
"A splendid choice!" Demiurge passionately exclaimed. "Now that Ainz-sama rules the Draconic Kingdom, it shall be celebrated. I propose to declare a national holiday to commemorate this unforgettable day!"
"I, I agree w-with Demiurge."
Mare shyly added his opinion as well. Emirya and Nalten maintained their silence but also nodded in agreement nonetheless.
"W-Well, enough with the formalities." Ainz graciously waved his skeletal hands and gave his first command. "People of the Draconic Kingdom, please rise as you all now considered as the people of the Sorcerer Kingdom."
Draudillon whispered her gratitude, barely enough for Ainz to hear the response. She slowly stood together with Micard and the soldiers followed a moment later.
"Now…"
The crimson points on Ainz's eye sockets peered between Draudillon and Micard. A sudden sense of anxiety sprouted in his mind as he immersed himself in his thoughts.
'I hope I've done that in a manner befitting of a ruler… Although this is an expected outcome, I still felt it was too unchallenging. How could they bend their knees this easily, particularly Draudillon-dono who was reported to be a cunning woman? Is it because of the unwritten prophecy of the Dragon Lords and the world-ending enemy? Am I really the Eternal King? The last gamble of the Dragon Emperor to save this world? What if I'm the said world-ending enemy rather than the said savior? Will there be another wave of beings from Yggdrasil to become the savior instead? That Dragon Emperor, whoever he was, how dumb he can be?! He was supposed to become the Eternal King! He only wanted the World Items in the first place, so why include the Players in your whatever prank then?! Uwahh! I can't even understand why Emirya's older sister had no memories during her time with the Dragon Emperor! This turned out to be so complicated. The world-ending enemy might just be a mere legend, and the Dragon Emperor took it to heart! However, being prepared for the worst would lessen my unease. After this, I should consider all the changes and discuss my 'master plan' together with the guardians… Now, how should I handle the Draconic Kingdom? Umu… I can leave everything to Demiurge, right? Naturally, I can't trust them… yet.'
After his extended silence, Ainz pulled himself out of his thoughts and noticed the expectant gazes of everyone around him.
"...Umu. As the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown, I hereby declare: After this day onwards, the Silent City shall be known to the world as the Free City of Micarda. So, before anything else… let's plan on how to win our battle. We have a boss to hunt!"
With that, Ainz's party proceeded in their preparation.
x x x
In a dark and gloomy place, situated a mountain of rotten bodies of beings neither dead nor alive. Some had severed horns while others featured chipped scales or tarnished furs — they were all beastmen. Extreme agony was written all over their lifeless yet terrified faces. It was as if they were screaming in anguish and pain. Although, in this death-filled place, nothing could be discerned with only the exception of the deafening silence. And then...
"Aarrgghh! Wretched beings! I curse you, filths of this world! I curse you, shameful traitors! Ahh! Damnable heroes!"
Suddenly, a thick fog of undeath was blown in all directions. The silence was shattered by a growl of misery and the entire earth shook restlessly. The terrorized scream echoed throughout the solemn sky, reaching every corner of the city of Micarda.
"Damn you, Tsaindorcus Vaision! Damn you, Draudeimos Oriculus… I'll forever remember your heinous names… As one of the dragonkin, I curse every one of you!"
A couple of rotten bodies slowly moved and a huge crimson eye crept out from beneath, reflecting the moonlight's gleam. It was devoid of life, clouded with unbearable hatred.
"I've cursed every last one of you with the last ounce of my strength… with every fiber of my being… It has been hundreds of years since I had been humiliated and concluded this place as my paradise. However, I'm still suffering from the pain of that terrible defeat. After everything… I'm still here. After everything… I'm alive! The Platinum Dragon Lord might have lived but I reckon that fake Dragon Lord and those filthy beings have already peroshed before me! I may not have seen your ends but it must have been full of suffering! Huhahahahaha!
The being's distorted laugh reverberated and the pain in its heart gradually vanish. The thought of his enemies being tormented in their death beds had always brought it extreme comfort and joy.
For those who survived my last struggle... For those who are left of you who let me live with humiliation as you viewed me with pity and despise... I'll return this 'kindness' you've granted me in the near future!"
The mountain of corpses trembled. It slightly shifted and its features reshaped as if it was alive.
A moment of silence passed, the surroundings had eventually regained the calm. Seconds later, a hoarse sigh which could be mistaken as a silent roar of a dragon escaped from within the sea of corpses.
"I'm already incapable of falling into slumber… all I want is to heal my soul and recover my strength. Why should I relive all those nightmares every time I achieve my desired peace?"
Another hoarse sighed followed the snarling complaint.
"Should I ask for a piece of advice from him? He has previously offered me help to achieve the power I've always craved… I've considered this a hundred times. In spite of that…"
The mountain of corpses shuddered the instant the grumbling voice died down. The supposedly menacing crimson eye hastily closed, frantically hiding the fear under its broad eyelid.
"...It's best not to…"
The being whispered in hesitation, realizing how idiotic the idea was.
"Yes, I should not… Right, how could I forget again? Facing those accursed heroes was such a breeze compared to meeting him. Huhaha—"
He tried to calm himself but the being's dry laugh instantly quieted down, replaced with loud sniffing sounds. The yearning to return to its dream instantly vanished upon the unexpected occurrence it discovered.
"Visitors? Brightness Dragon Lord? No… with such a weak presence of a lower life form… must be another descendant of his and this smell… This despicable smell!"
The being fumed in anger and its killing intent distorted the deathly atmosphere.
"What are those damn humans doing?! Why did those worms allow these damn fools to set foot in my paradise?!"
The being underneath the mountain of corpses grumbled through its gritted teeth. Several corpses flew and the supposedly closed eye peered into the distance. It saw a glint of blinding golden light on top of a figure's head. The being contracted its eyes and its gaze came across a pair of crimson points in the eye sockets of a fleshless skull.
A familiar feeling crawled into the being's non-existent heart. A sudden restlessness surged throughout its entirety and the memory of a lingering fear was reignited in its wounded soul.
"No! I have changed… I have long abandoned my cowardice... You're just another filth. You're not in the league of those heroes…"
Rage overcame the being's heart but as he peered on the deepest parts of his memories, his defeat reminded him to make use of his wits.
"No, I have learned my lesson of what power those filthy beings could muster… Even so, what can mere filth together with a bunch of weaklings do? Huhahahahaha! You should've brought more filth with you if you wanted to defeat me! This time, it'll be my win! Huhahahaha!"
Wave after wave of corpses assembled in one place until the size of a small hill was formed. The being underneath unceasingly moved and the small hill of corpses continued to grow.
"You have the audacity to challenge me? I'll give you fools the privilege to learn from this mistake of yours! That is... in exchange for your lives… Huhahahaha!"
The commotion in the surroundings ceased. However, after the immediate standstill, the mountain of corpses that had spanned a kilometer in diameter spread open as though all hell broke loose upon the city of Micarda. Countless corpses erupted from the summit of the mountain.
A ball of undeath flew into the sky. Clad within thousands of beastman corpses, a distorted image of a dragon could be vaguely recognized. Its destination was a destined enemy. Its purpose was to redeem a sullied pride.
"With my focus hindered, I couldn't fully control my undead slaves… With my soul wounded, I couldn't wholly wield my Wild Magic… With my lack of knowledge, I couldn't masterfully use your filthy magic… Almost half of my being was impaired... Nonetheless… Nonetheless! I have my pride to keep and for that, facing a filth like you, I'll leave all the excuses… I may have fallen into this unsightly state. However, I'm still Cure Elim Los Malvar, the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord. Born as a True Dragon Lord, I once again swear to cleanse this world of you… The filth of the Dragon Emperor!"
A/N: Hey guys, it's been a long time since the last chapter update. My apologies for the long wait my random readers. League of Legends: Wild Rift has taken my attention these past months. By the way, my friend and I started the YT channel: The Villain. It's about some random stuff about Overlord. A dull picture video series was also created to visualize the LN. We started from Vol 10 and it'll be constantly updated. Waiting for the Vol 15 of the Light Novel bored us and upon hearing the Season 4 and Movie announcement of the Overlord anime, we got an idea to create a series with the full might of Ainz-sama (no skipped contents = more fun. It's been entertaining for us and it's also a good way to relish the LN to its fullest, even reviewing the past seasons and volumes of Overlord could give us joy! I hope you guys check it out!
So, now I need to continue this fanfiction with all my heart. HAHA! Well, if a miracle happens and we caught up with the LN and no Volume 15 is released, we'll just have to continue the dull series on our own but that'll be in the future. Nonetheless, with the release of the Overlord side story, "The Current Situation of Various People. A Prologue", I hope we'll be blessed and receive a miracle for Volume 15 to be released this year.
Anyway random reader! Thank you for reading up to here! For that, you'll receive intel from Demiurge-sama and have a share from his recent learning! Today is the beginning of a new arc for this fanfic so you'll also receive a bonus thought from Ainz-sama!
Fanfiction Trivia: Draudillon is in love with her Prime Minister and he is arranged to be her husband but she wanted to know his true feelings beforehand. It could be said that Micard was her beloved niece, a grandson of her mother's brother. Because of the tradition to keep the Draudillon's Draconic bloodline as pure as possible, the Marchell's bloodline, which was weak yet compatible gives a higher percentage of the Draconic bloodline to be inherited. Also as a tradition, Micard, as the tenth Prime Minister was the last in line for the queen to get married otherwise, three more years and Draudillon would not be able to produce offspring even with the assistance of magic. Draudillon could have married early, this is the reason why all past and present Prime Ministers, including Micard, are all men from the Marlchell family. In spite of that, she chose not to for the sake of her quest for love. In the end, the hopeless romantic queen wanted assurance to have a marriage bounded by love instead of duties just like the marriage her parents had.
Draudillon is a proud queen given her Draconic heritage but she could not triumph against two things. That is Ainz Ooal Gown for his power and Micard Marlchell because of her love for him. Although she might succumb to anything that Micard wishes, Draudillon would merely kneel but would never submit her heart to the undead king and give her full pledge of loyalty despite knowing his unparalleled might.
Demiurge's Digest: Providing all the people of her kingdom's needs, offering trade opportunities between our kingdoms, and even giving all the perks a vassal kingdom could possibly have, it must have been impossible to let the Black Scale Dragon Lord yield voluntarily. But out my foolish expectations, to think Ainz-sama would offer the proud Draconic Queen to bestow a longer life span for that human Prime Minister to easily acquire her pledge of loyalty. I still have much to learn... Sasuga, Ainz-sama!
Ainz's Inner Monologue: I'm glad Draudillon-dono accepted my offer in exchange for her allegiance. The offer was all a gamble but as Demiurge said, they're all according to my 'master plan'. But her Prime Minister had that cold face! He also looked sickly and pale. I need to extend his life and keep him healthy. I can't have him die and let Nazarick provide more workforce to the Draconic Kingdom than needed. Umu, that seems a great reason. It'll also serve beneficial for me, having a competent Prime Minister manage the Draconic Kingdom will be less of a problem. I could then leave Demiurge to him together with Draudillon-dono and vice versa! Uwahh! I hope Demiurge and Albedo wouldn't think that this decision is foolish. It isn't, right? According to Demiurge, the Prime Minister was competent and rational, a capable leader compared to the Draconic Kingdom's past and corrupt Prime Ministers. So, I hope... "Seeing an exceptional human dying early will be a missed opportunity, so I decided to let him live a little longer and give him time to prove his worth to Nazarick. I'm fond of rare talents after all." sounds reasonable enough to them.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Overlord Universe.