Chapter 10
In one of the luxurious dining halls of Nazarick the smell of various dishes wafted through the air. The smells intermingled as every dish appeared to have been made and plated mere moments before the food was delivered to the table.
"I have a feeling we died and went to heaven!" One of the people in the room spoke before going back to eating the food.
"I assure you my friends you are alive, although it is a great compliment to compare my home to heaven." Anzio chuckled and slowly ate the food at his plate. The people sitting across him were eating in a much more messy manner. Some using their hands while the others attempted to display more proper table manners.
"Forgive us Anzio-san but most of us know little of table manners." Ninya spoke, shooting a glance towards Lukrut who was the messiest of them all.
"It's alright, it doesn't bother me at all as long as you're enjoying the food." He assured them. "Peter, Lukrut, Dyne, I'm happy to see you're so energetic, are you feeling alright ?" Anzio asked politely.
"Never been better !" Peter spoke, taking a sip from his glass of wine as the other two men nodded in agreement.
"If you feel odd or dizzy let me know, I am unsure if your resurrection would have any side effects." Anzio warned the three. He took a sip from his own glass then shot a look towards Ninya.
"And I take it you three are fully alright with finding out Ninya is a girl ?" Anzio wanted to make sure there were no problems. When the three woke up Ninya was a sobbing mess happy to have them back. After their grogginess dissipated they noticed that the robes Ninya was wearing clung much more tightly to her frame and it was clear she wasn't simply a petite boy in baggy robes.
"Ofcourse, we understand your reasons, Ninya, and if Lukrut tries anything I'll castrate him myself." Peter promised with a smile as Lukrut began choking on the piece of food he was eating as soon as he heard that.
"I may be a womanizer but there's no way I'd do anything to Ninya, especially after all she went through." Lukrut spoke the last part a bit more silently as the mood turned somber.
"I do understand the events you experienced have been traumatizing. I can arrange for you to talk to Pestonya, talking to her may help you overcome some of the trauma you have experienced… and you can also talk to me." Anzio added with a smile as the others nodded.
"So… what happens next ?" Peter leaning onto the table slightly.
"Well I told the guild you were kidnapped by Zuranon and you can simply return saying you escaped." Anzio suggested.
"Although I would prefer if you stayed at Nazarick at least for now. You will receive training and better equipment here." Anzio offered.
Peter looked at his teammates as if waiting for their replies.
"I want to stay here." Ninya was the first one to speak. "If I ever plan to rescue my sister and repay you I need to get stronger." Ninya spoke, her voice determined.
"I want to stay here and get stronger too. You don't seem like a bad guy and I would be happy to repay you by working for you." Dyne spoke.
"You brought us back from the dead. I know you don't like it but if that isn't the act of a god I don't know what is." Lukrut smiled cheerily and Peter nodded in agreement.
"Well, it seems like the team has made up their mind. We'll serve you." Peter confirmed their decision. They stood up from their seats and knelt.
"The Swords of Darkness pledge their allegiance to Anzio of Ainz Ooal Gown." Peter declared. He worked hard to remember the name and its pronunciation when Anzio introduced himself after resurrecting them.
Anzio on the other hand was flustered. "Please get up ! And don't kneel to me when we're in private like that !" He reprimanded them and they looked at him surprised.
"I don't like all of that formal stuff, the Guardians and all the other servants already take it too far so I want you to consider me more of a friend… and less of a supreme being." Anzio sighed and the rest laughed. For a near omnipotent being he acted too much like a child sometimes.
Anzio was in the library once again, ever since he came to the New World he enjoyed spending a portion of his time here. This time he wasn't alone as Ninya was following close behind.
"Titus. nice to see you, it's been a few days." Anzio greeted and the lich bowed.
"Anzio-sama you honor me with your presence, how may I be of assistance ?" He asked with sincere politeness Ninya had never expected to hear coming from an undead.
"Well I would like for you to pick out books about third and fourth tier arcane magic for Ninya over here." Anzio pointed to the magic caster and she gave a polite but awkward nod to the undead.
"My wish is your command, Anzio-sama." The lich soon picked out the books which would be the best suited for Ninya.
"Thank you, Titus." Anzio smiled and Ninya noticed how this powerful being was treating each of his subordinates with unseen kindness.
"Thank you, Titus-san." Ninya decided to express her gratitude.
"No need to thank me, just prove to be worthy of my master's kindness and be useful to him, that is thanks enough." He spoke and bowed before going back to book sorting.
Anzio sighed, he disliked the attitude his servants had, but he knew it would be almost impossible to change it. Ninya followed behind him while carrying her books.
"You can study here or in your room, you should also attend some practice sessions with Cocytus and the Pleiades." Anzio suggested and Ninya nodded.
"Hey… are you doing alright ?" Anzio asked stopping his walk.
"U...uhm I'm alright couldn't be better." Ninya spoke but her voice shivered slightly.
"You know I think of you as a good friend, I don't think friends should lie to one another." Anzio spoke, his tone revealing no apparent emotions.
"I… I still have some nightmares… and I don't like seeing any pointed weapons like that." Ninya muttered and Anzio nodded.
"Are the sessions with Pestonya working ?" He asked and Ninya nodded.
"Pestonya is really nice… she gave me some tips on how to deal with panic attacks." Ninya spoke remembering the dog-faced maid. No matter how odd her appearance seemed, Ninya felt nothing but compassion and kindness radiating from the maid.
"Her creator was kind too." Anzio smiled somberly. Ninya was unsure what to say. She heard some stories of these beings of supreme power from the other denizens and she knew Anzio missed them dearly.
In the amphitheater of the 6th floor Cocytus had already begun sparring with the rest of the Swords of Darkness. Anzio smiled and watched. He knew the Vermin Lord had to control his strength to a massive extent.
When Cocytus saw his Lord he knelt immediately, the Swords of Darkness noticed Anzio was approaching them followed by Ninya. They bowed respectfully. Cocytus was slightly annoyed they hadn't knelt but he respected his Lord's wishes, although he knew some guardians like Albedo and Shalltear were unhappy with the amount of attention Anzio gave to the humans.
"Cocytus, how are they holding up ?" Anzio asked.
"They work well as a team. but their strength is lacking. They wouldn't last long in a fight against most of Nazarick's denizens." Cocytus spoke and Anzio nodded.
(AN: Since a reviewer pointed it out I'll make Cocytus' speech pattern normal. It's easier)
"Well it's up to you to help them get stronger, you can use this half of the amphitheater, I'll do some summoning on the other half." Anzio smiled, patting the Vermin Lord's shoulder. Cocytus bowed.
"Ninya try to participate in the training if you can, your spells won't hurt Cocytus so no worries." The Nephalem advised and the young girl nodded.
[Message]
Anzio activated the communication spell.
(Hey Albedo.)
(How may I be of assistance Anzio-sama?) A melodic voice replied.
(Just wanted to inform you I'll borrow my Throne summons, I need them in the amphitheater. Good job on picking out a good area for them to guard.) Anzio complimented.
(I am unworthy of such praise my Lord.) Albedo spoke and Anzio ended the message before messaging the Thrones to come and meet him.
"We are ready to serve, Supreme One." The Divine knight and Divine priest bowed. Anzio's eyebrow twitched, the summons were as loyal as the NPCs and it unnerved him.
"Odal, Lisriel, thanks for coming." Anzio smiled. He was glad the angels had names.
"How may we serve ?" They asked.
"I intend to summon more angels and I wanted you to be here to help negotiate their staying in this mortal realm." The two angels nodded.
"Which angels do you plan to summon ?" The two angels asked.
"I plan to use my super tier spell Pantheon. After that I'll summon more Thrones until my mana runs out or I hit the cap." Anzio smiled and the angels nodded.
Anzio stretched out his hands as the two Thrones distanced themselves slightly. Runes and magic circles began swirling around Anzio.
Cocytus stopped the spar and began observing the spell of his lord. The Swords of Darkness turned around and did the same, their jaws wide open.
"W...what sort of spell is that ?" Peter asked looking at Ninya and Cocytus for some form of answers.
"It is a spell only the Supreme Ones can use." Cocytus spoke, his voice filled with admiration. He knew his creators' views on magic and agreed with them, but this was a spell of another Supreme Being, how could he not admire it.
"What tier is it ?" Ninya asked.
"I believe the Supreme Ones call it the super tier." The Vermin Lord spoke and proceeded to explain. "Super tier spells are those that surpass the 10th tier."
The Swords of Darkness were frozen from shock as they saw the dome of magic runes and circles expand in size greatly. After that a bright white light shone and the spell activated.
[Pantheon]
The bright light shone and warmth and hope radiated from the epicenter of the spell. The light began to fade and Anzio looked around noticing the shapes of familiar summons.
Anzio could feel 8 Cherubim Gatekeepers kneeling before him. They had larger wings than the Thrones but otherwise seemed mostly human.
(AN: I know in canon they have lion heads well I decided to change it)
But behind the 8 another angel knelt and was the first to rise. This one had 6 wings. Beautiful silver hair and piercing blue eyes. This angel was a Seraph Empyrean.
"We have come to serve, oh ruler of Heaven and Hell." The Cherubim gatekeepers spoke with determination.
"I noticed the summon and decided to tag along. I have heard some Thrones talking quite highly about how a new being appeared and that it would care for us since Father is asleep." She spoke in a neutral voice.
"In this form you seem quite powerful, not as powerful as father but it seems you have potential." The Seraph spoke.
"I Namiel, Seraph Empyrean of the first sphere vow to serve you, Anzio the mightiest Nephalem." She knelt and the Cherubs repeated the same vow.
Pantheon, now being on cooldown, Anzio decided to start using up his racial skills. He summoned 8 more thrones and then decided to try and summon some Nephalem.
This summon, unlike most, had a chant the summoner was required to use. Even though it was close to a racial skill, Anzio would still lose a lot of mana.
"Hear my call children of heaven and hell, rejected by both, I call you here to be accepted in my service." Anzio spoke those words and summoning circles flared to life around him. The circles seemed more unstable than any other. Anzio figured it was because it was a mix of two sides of magic that usually don't work well with one another.
The circles slowly stabilized and from them appeared 4 Nephalem.
They knelt, smiles clearly visible on their faces. Anzio recognized those expressions. The Guardians looked at him with almost identical elation when Anzio accepted their pledge of allegiance.
"We are here to serve, my Lord." All of the Nephalem spoke. Anzio noticed some Nephalem looked more demonic while some had more angelic features.
"Thank you, please rise and serve me well." Anzio spoke in a slightly regal tone. He was learning how to be a better leader so he read a few books.
The 4 Nephalem rose and looked around. They noticed angels but they didn't look at them with hostility. They were other servants of their Lord
"You truly are a Supreme Being Anzio-sama, to summon so many angels and Nephalem is truly the feat of a Supreme One." Cocytus spoke with admiration as the Swords of Darkness observed the mighty beings with caution.
"Everyone, this is Cocytus, a creation of a dear friend of mine and the Guardian of the fifth floor of Nazarick." Anzio decided to introduce them.
"It shall be a pleasure working with you." Cocytus spoke and the Angels and Nephalem bowed, introducing themselves.
"Cocytus, can you spar with some of them, I want to check if there is any level variation between summons." Anzio smiled and Cocytus bowed.
"I hear and obey." He spoke and bowed.
"I have a meeting with Demiurge and Albedo, I'll come and check up on the results of your spars after that." Anzio smiled and teleported.
In the throne room of Re-Estize. Murmuring of many conversations being held at the same time echoed through the air. All the nobles of Re-Estize were gathered there for a meeting.
On the throne sat a king, his gray hair and wrinkles displaying his advanced age. He still had the bearing of a monarch but the strength and intensity of his youth were long gone. He struck the ground with his staff a few times, silencing the room.
"I have summoned you all here today to discuss an important matter." King Ramposa spoke
"As you are all aware, a month ago a man rescued our Warrior Captain here. The man protected a village and slaughtered all the attackers including an entire scripture of the Theocracy." Ramposa spoke as Gazef straightened his posture even more when he was mentioned.
"Since a month has elapsed per Lord Anzio's request I feel we should set up a meeting with him and reward him for the good deeds he has done for our kingdom and its peoples." Ramposa spoke and as expected some nobles already began complaining.
"As if we could trust the words of the commoner Warrior Captain." One complained
"He probably lied about the number of the attackers to make up for his own failure." Another spoke
"Enough !" Ramposa yelled, silencing the crowd. "The scripture members we interrogated didn't reveal much but they did confirm the warrior captain's words about the strength of Lord Anzio.
"I believe it would be beneficial to befriend a person of such power." Marquis Raeven spoke. And some members of the royal faction nodded in agreement.
"We should have the magic caster serve us." Crown prince Barbro suggested as Zanac rolled his eyes at the idiocy of his older brother. Renner kept her mask up but inside she was calculating. This man was an unknown variable she hadn't anticipated.
Ramposa ignoring his eldest's stupid advice seemed satisfied. "Very well, this is a scroll given to us by Lord Anzio and I will now use it to contact him.''
Ramposa opened the scroll and it burnt up as he spoke the name of the spell.
[Message]
(Hello ?) A voice seemingly belonging to a young man called out.
(This is King Ramposa III of Re-Estize, am I talking to Lord Anzio of Ainz Ooal Gown ?) The old king asked.
(Yes this is me, I was wondering when you'd call, how may I help you ?) Anzio asked.
(I would like to invite you to my home to properly thank you for your services to my kingdom and peoples.) Ramposa spoke.
(I simply did what needed to be done but very well I'll be there in a week.) Anzio spoke.
(Very well I will have a carriage and escort arranged for you.) Ramposa promised.
(That won't be necessary, King Ramposa, I have a carriage and escorts of my own.) Anzio smiled. (See you in a week) Anzio ended the message and Ramposa looked at the courtroom.
"It appears Lord Anzio has quite a bit of wealth. He said he would come here with a carriage and escorts of his own." Ramposa announced.
Gazef was thinking intently on the time he spent with the mysterious magic caster. 'Anzio-dono treated me much nicer than any noble would, and he treated the villagers all the same way… a being of such power to treat those beneath him so kindly…' Gazef couldn't wrap his brain around it and decided to give up.
At Nazarick, Anzio just walked into his office where Demiurge and Albedo were waiting for him. They knelt and as usual Anzio told them to rise after he sat down in his chair.
"Now please give me your reports." Anzio smiled, suppressing a sigh. He knew the amount of information he was about to be bombarded with was enormous.
"I suggest we begin with presenting all the information that has been gathered up to now." Albedo spoke gracefully and Demiurge nodded in agreement.
"We have information about every neighbouring human nation and all the demi human tribes." Demiurge reported proudly.
"Well done you two, I'm proud of you." The two Guardians beamed with happiness at the moment those words left Anzio's mouth.
"Now first I want to know more about the Slane Theocracy." Anzio smiled and Demiurge began listing the extensive amount of information they had gathered.
"They also possess a formidable information network which surpasses any of the other nations." Demiurge spoke.
"Judging by their religion and equipment I think your conclusion that players founded that nation is correct." Demiurge continued.
"There is one area our Hanzo was unable to enter and that is their treasury." Anzio nodded after hearing that. "That is where they keep the world item when not deployed." Demiurge added.
"The Hanzo made a good call by not attempting to enter by force." Anzio concluded.
"What about their politics and economy?" Anzio asked. He did know some information about them from the first round of information gathering but he didn't know much details.
"They propagate human supremacy, they are currently at war with the Elven kingdom and are enslaving the elves they capture." Anzio nodded, clenching his fists slightly.
"The Baharuth Empire also uses those slaves but judging by the Emperor's reforms he plans to eliminate slavery in the long run. Due to his predecessors their economy is too reliant on the slaves now."
"How are these slaves treated ?" Anzio closed his eyes hoping that there would be at least some sense of morality in those nations.
"Slaves are mostly starved, barely given any clothes. They are also used in many of the cheaper brothels where customers are allowed to do anything, even kill them as long as they pay. The situation is only slightly better in the Empire." Demiurge began listing all the horrendous things that the Slane theocracy was doing to the elves all while convincing the population the elves are slightly better than beasts but still they have no soul.
"What of the elf kingdom ?" Anzio asked, barely containing his anger.
"The Elf kingdom started the war a century ago. The war began after the Elf king kidnapped a female member of one of their scriptures. the Elf King proceeded to rape the woman and impregnate her. He seems to have an ambition to create powerful offspring since he rapes any woman he finds, however, before she could give birth, the woman had been successfully rescued and retrieved by the Black Scripture and returned to the Theocracy. The whereabouts of the child is unknown to us." Demiurge spoke and as he finished that sentence a wave of pure unbridled fury exploded from Anzio.
His divine and infernal auras unleashed made the two Guardians fall to their knees. Demiurge's thoughts raced. 'Is our lord so unhappy with the amount of information we have gathered, what else could have infuriated him so ?
Albedo was having similar thoughts.
'Is our lord so angry about what's happening to lower life forms ?'
"They… they are recreating the same world like the old one. Why… why are they all like that…'' Anzio's emotions felt way more intense, his demonic side was in effect while his angelic side didn't seem to complain.
"No… I won't let them, my friends won't arrive into such a filthy world."
Anzio noticed Albedo and Demiurge were on the floor. He forced himself to calm down as he deactivated his auras.
"Forgive me for my loss of temper." Anzio took deep breaths.
"My lord, what has angered you so ?" Albedo asked, worry evident in her voice.
"There are things. That me and all of your creators collectively abhor. And the humans and the elf king committed these atrocities." Anzio spoke and the Guardians were relieved for a moment then their expressions turned more determined.
"My lord shall we eradicate these humans and elves ?" Albedo asked.
"No. I do not plan to harm an entire race for the actions of individuals. Although, many will pay for their sins. Demiurge about your farm. I am allowing you to go and build it. Some humans do deserve to be there." Anzio spoke and Demiurge nodded, visibly happier.
"I will decide which humans will be allowed to go there though, not all are guilty enough." He added.
"Thank you, my lord." Demiurge bowed. "I promise my experiments will only be done for the improvement of Nazarick." Demiurge vowed and Anzio nodded.
They got back to analyzing all the information and after he learned everything he could Anzio had made his choice.
"Albedo go gather all of Nazarick's denizens in the throne room not on mission even the Swords of Darkness should be there. I have an announcement to make." Anzio spoke and teleported away.
Anzio teleported to his room and fell onto the bed. His mind was racing. Doubt and anxiety creeping in. "I'm just 16, a kid… how the hell am I planning to fix an entire world." Anzio buried his head in the pillow.
"Guys… I miss you… if I had you by my side I could do anything." Tears began sliding down his cheeks.
'You wish to summon your comrades here ? To transport their souls and take their more powerful bodies and merge them ?' The voice spoke in his head. Anzio recognized it. It was his demonic side but it had never spoken to him like that.
'You lack strength, you are in control commanding the might of me an archdemon and of that archangel but you are still far too weak.' The voice spoke.
'If you cower and cry in this room like a child you won't accomplish anything.' The demonic voice mocked.
'As that Seraph said, you have potential, do not falter now.' A more gentle angelic voice spoke.
"How the hell are you talking to me like this ?"
'We are a part of you, a demonic and angelic side as powerful as this will never merge properly. You are the bond holding us together.' Both voices spoke.
Anzio wiped away his tears. His childlike expression turned more determined.
He stood up, straightened his robe and teleported to the throne room. All of the denizens in the throne room knelt at the same moment, only the Swords of Darkness kneeling a few milliseconds later.
Peter, Lukrut, Dyne and Ninya were barely keeping their composure, they stuck close to Cocytus. To be surrounded by so many monsters, most of which they couldn't even identify, it was stressful but they knew none would harm them because they served the same Lord.
"Thank you all for coming." Anzio said as he sat down in the Throne of Kings.
"Now, After gathering the necessary information I have come to a decision on how to proceed." Anzio took a deep breath.
"This world's inhabitants are significantly weaker than us, their leadership is flawed. They enslave other living sentient beings. And that is something I will not tolerate." Anzio spoke with decisiveness in his voice.
"I will visit the Re-Estize kingdom. Their king wishes to thank me for saving Carne, there I will judge how competent their nobles truly are." Anzio smiled.
"Cocytus." Anzio called out the guardian's name.
"How may I serve ?" The Vermin Lord responded.
"How have the sparring bouts gone ?" Anzio inquired.
"They are all formidable warriors, all of the Nephalem are above level 65. And the angels are within expectations as well" Cocytus reported and Anzio nodded.
"You are to conquer the Lizardmen at the southern part of the Great Lake. They are having problems finding food. Challenge their chieftains, unite the tribes, make sure they are fed and willing to serve, do not kill unless you absolutely have to." Anzio ordered and Cocytus bowed.
"After you do that you are to subjugate the toadmen and any other demi human race around the Great Lake." Anzio instructed "I want to put your leadership skills to the test. Feel free to ask for help if necessary."
"Demiurge, you are to analyze the situation in the Draconic kingdom, I want you to investigate why the beastmen are attacking them." Anzio ordered and the archdevil bowed.
"I want all of you to know our goal. Our goal is to save this world. These nations are far too flawed and we shall fix them." Anzio spoke as all the denizens began cheering after that proclamation.
"We promise to serve this box of jewels to you my Lord." The Guardians knelt and swore.