CHAPTER 20-ADVANCEMENT OF PAWNS
"Whew~! I'm beat!"
Gagaran exclaimed in a good-natured, albeit weary tone as she collapsed onto a bed in a row of five in a large, semi-communal area with a number of tables, desks, and dressers for use. Between each bed were nightstands, and collapsible wooden partitions between those to allow for some measure of privacy. These were folded to allow full view of the other beds as Blue Rose collectively rested.
The entire team wore plain brown training garments that were absolutely coated with sweat as they took a few moments to themselves to rest for the day. Continuing from Gagaran's left, Lakyus gingerly sat as she wiped sweat from her brow, breathing heavily as she used her right-hand to massage her left-shoulder.
The twins Tina and Tia both did stretches and joint rotations as they laid on their backs to recuperate from their own exertions. Finally at the end was Evileye, her long hair tied in a ponytail as she stared blankly at the earthen ceiling. As an undead vampire, it should technically be impossible for her to feel fatigue, yet just as in their first encounter, their first day of training with Madara left her completely drained.
For a magic caster like herself, expending mana imposed a "mana exhaustion" that can have physical effects on a magic caster. For living races, this can take the form of headaches, vertigo, and loss of mental focus, in addition to physical fatigue. Yet somehow, training with even a clone of their newest benefactor had imposed nearly all of these sensations in her.
It was almost unbelievable that the mere presence of even a clone was so blinding like the sun, and so heavy it was like being hit with a high-tier gravity spell. Every cell in her undead body felt like it was burning whenever Clone-Madara came near, and delivered a sound strike that sent her onto the ground with a not-so-pleasant, *THUMP!*. A feeling akin to being punched by a fist made of condensed holy fire.
"Uuuugh... I feel so tired..." Evileye quietly groused.
"Hehe... I 'ear that shorty... Been o' long time since I've felt like this." Gagaran wearily said with a half-hearted grin.
"Hm... Not since our early training back in our childhoods have we felt this drained." Tina stoically said, with her sister following suit.
"Yeah, but compared to Madara we're like children. Never did I think it possible a clone could be this strong."
"Indeed. His strength is truly... godlike. I shudder to think what his actual body is like." Evileye replied with an awed, and slightly frightened tone.
"Uh-huh. Ain't no arguin' that, Evileye. I can't wrap my head 'round it." Gagaran said in an uncharacterically serious tone and expression.
"..."
Lakyus remained silent and pensive during their exchange as she massaged her other shoulder. She herself was a jumble of mixed thoughts and emotions as she tried to gather her wits about her. Everything came so hard and fast, it left her questioning all that she thought she knew.
The power of this "man" beggered belief, and that was just a clone! It was unbelievable that any mortal could attain such power and not be a god or demi-god of some kind. But it was an undeniable fact that he refuted any sort of connection to divinity. This despite the fact he successfully subordinated the Three Rulers of Mt. Rappaslea in the La-Angler Lava Lord H'yunglar, the Ancient Flame Dragon Argolas, and the Phoenix Lord Soleil.
Of course, that all paled to the revelation of Madara having a Dragon Lord of all things at his beck and call. A being that, from the brief descriptions given by Clone-Madara, was on par if not stronger than the "Jaldabaoth" and "Momon" duo. Which they had recently learned were fakes putting on a play.
A deception that cut them all deeply, as they considered Momon a great ally for his part in ending the Demonic Disturbance and a credit to adventurers everywhere. Although this had been far less shocking for the twins, since their prior lives had made them well-versed in the art of deception.
Although the deception that cut most deeply, was that her "friend" Renner wasn't who she thought she was. Even if Lakyus pushed through doubts she harbored about the "Golden Princess" the past, the knowledge of how Renner actually viewed her and her team was still a bitter pill to swallow. This making her message to the guildmaster that Evileye had passed along all the more poignant. (A/N:CH.19)
It was also yet another reason she called her aptitude as leader into question, and now she found herself wishing Rigrit were here, so that she may discuss this overwhelming series of events with her.
"Ooooi~! Lakyus? You there? Ooooi~?"
"A-Ah! Sorry, Gagaran. What is it?" Lakyus hurriedly replied, having her introspection broken by Gagaran's voice.
"Hehe. I expect our shorty ta' space out like that, but not you. Ya' okay over there? Well, besides the obvious 'dat is?" Gagaran nonchalantly asked.
"Oh, I'm fine. Just ready to soak in that underground hot-springs and relieve these weary muscles and relax my mind." Lakyus replied in exhaustion.
"Huh. Is that really all?" Gagaran asked with a smirk, prompting Lakyus to perk a brow at her teammate as she suspiciously replied.
"Well, of course. What else could it be?"
"Just sayin'... Even though we've only met the clone, it's obvious this Madara's a prime specimen of manliness and power. Just figured that you'd be havin' that on your mind, being the healthy, young maiden that you are~." Gagaran mischievously replied.
"Wha-?! What in the world are you...?" Lakyus exclaimed in a flustered tone when Tina injected.
"Hoh~! Has our fiendish former-boss finally found love?" She said with a comically blank expression, with her mouth in an "O" shape.
"Hmm... I always thought our evil former-boss was too much of a prude to have such desires, but it seems she was merely a late bloomer. Perhaps we should offer her our assistance, Tina?" Tia plainly mused.
"Yes, we should. As ninjas we're trained in seduction tactics, so we'd be ideal choices to help our fiendish former-boss in this."
"Indeed. And our evil former-boss even picked the perfect place for this. A hot-spring has long been a reliable choice for a woman to seduce a man with her sexy, naked curves. Especially a well-endowed woman like her."
"Grrr...! You-!" Lakyus growled before a howl of laughter erupted from Gagaran.
"AH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH~! Yeup! And ya' even have his clone 'ere to practice on to get ya' ready for tha real thing!"
At the eruption of boistrous laughter, Lakyus snapped.
"IF YOU DON'T SHUT UP ABOUT THIS I'M TELLING MADARA TO GO EVEN HARDER ON YOUR TRAINING TOMORROW WITH ALL THIS ENERGY YOU HAVE TO SPARE!"
"Evil former-boss is still evil." Tia whispered, terrified at the prospect of Madara putting her through the ringer even harder than today.
"F-From the sound of things, Lakyus, it wouldn't be too hard to drag you into that pit with us." Gagaran chuckled nervously.
"That was just because of adrenaline, but you lot can clearly keep going. Maybe I should go and speak to Madara right now to continue today's training for you three instead?"
"…Fiendish former-boss is as fiendish as ever." Tina groused.
Lakyus pouted as the twins continued their moniker for her, even after getting the upper-hand on their teasing, all while struggling to hide her blush.
"Heh. Seems like Lakyus is fine if she can growl and scowl like that." Evileye lazily said as she sat up and looked over with a slight smile of her own.
"..."
There was silence for a moment, before Lakyus and the whole group shared a moment of chuckling with each other. Then as the soft laughter died down, Gagaran spoke in a relaxed tone.
"Ah, don't let it get to ya', Lakyus. It's true that we ain't independant anymore and have a boss to answer to, and we've had our minds and worlds blown away, but that doesn't mean we've stopped bein' a team. We're still Blue Rose, and we're still here for ya'."
"Exactly. So stop worrying." Tina chimed in with an oddly friendly tone, with her sister following suit.
"Indeed. We've still got each other after all."
"..."
Lakyus was left speechless by them as she smiled in self-deprecation and introspection. Somehow they picked up on the doubts and fears she harbored, that perhaps they all resented her for the poor judgement that brought them to this. That after being drafted into Madara's service, she was no longer their leader, and no longer her team. But now those fears were gone, and despite everything, they were still comrades true.
"Thanks guys. Truly." Lakyus said in gratitude and relief.
"Anytime, Lakyus. We can't have you moping around after all. Even after my meeting with the guildmaster, we've enough to worry about... We share in your reeling from all Clone-Madara revealed to us. I'm also angry, confused, and not knowing how to process everything, but that doesn't mean we stop moving forward. And if there's one thing I can rest easy knowing, it's that we're getting prepared properly for what lies ahead." Evileye matter-of-factly said with a shrug.
"Hehe... Looks like our shorty's gettin' in touch wit' her feelings." Gagaran teased with a grin.
"Hm... Most unusual for the little old lady." Tina nonchalantly said.
"Oi! Who the hell you calling old?!"
'"HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH~!"'
A hearty laugh was shared by the group of women as Evileye grimaced in such a way that gave her an oddly cute expression. Folding her arms, she huffed in an exaggerated manner to emphasize that cuteness since, despite her age, she never once thought of herself as "old". After all, such a description was better suited to the winkled old-bag and former leader of Blue Rose, Rigrit.
"Hey guys, there's one thing I wanted to say since we've got a moment to ourselves. This being about Madara's... real strength. We all know how clones work thanks to the twins, but his clone is already so otherwordly strong that... that the thought of him being even stronger, is just so..." Lakyus began with a tone of uncertainty, when Evileye plainly spoke over her.
"...So, what? Ridiculous? Unbelievable? Overwhelming? You're not thinking anything we haven't already thought about ourselves, leader. I felt the same thing before when I was in the vicinity of 'Momon' and 'Jaldabaoth' when they put on their little performance, so I can hardly blame you. Tch~! Honestly, if it wasn't for that, I might have an even harder time with it. But after our first day of 'training' with Madara's clone, it's best not to think too much on it anymore..."
Just as Evileye finished saying her piece, Lakyus forcefully interjected.
"But we have to, Evileye. Just how strong are those two lying monsters? How strong are Madara's clones, let alone his real self? And how strong is the combined power of this 'Nazarick' that even someone like Madara feels the need to turn to people as weak as us to help him make up the difference? I know that he's going to make us all much stronger with the training he's putting us through, but none of us can even begin to imagine the sheer difference in power as we currently are... I… I'm glad to know the danger we're truly facing. I am... But after finding out how weak I am, how weak we all are even when we fight together, I-I feel so… so useless." Lakyus grit her teeth as she was finally able to allow her frustration free, and tears began to fall.
"How in the world is someone like me supposed to help someone like Madara fight against monsters like this 'Ainz Ooal Gown' or his 'Guardians'? We had trouble fighting against what we now understand to be sacrificial pawns of one of his servants. It's like what Tia said earlier about how we're nothing but children, even when compared to Madara's clone. What can any of us do in a battle amongst demi-gods, dragons, demons, and titans? Why are we even here?"
Lakyus' teammates all felt themselves reel at their leader's words as she sobbed, and her pent up frustrations finally letting go. Never before had any of them seen her act anything like this, yet they couldn't deny that her frustration at her own weakness, all their weakness, was well placed.
"…That's exactly why we're here, Lakyus..." Evileye firmly spoke up, pausing for Lakyus to allow her words to sink in before continuing.
"...Even if none of us can see how we might be able to contribute in any battles that may come, if one thing has been made clear to me, Madara can. We're far too weak right now to do anything of substance, but there's a reason why he chose us for this training, instead of putting us through a trial-by-fire in the Dragon Kingdom like he is with other Adventurer and Worker groups. Madara clearly believes that he can make us all strong enough that, once we're finished here, no matter now long it may take, we will be able to stand alongside those same demi-gods, dragons, demons, and titans with our blades and spells in hand. Or at the very least, provide some needed support."
Gagaran forced herself off her bed and went over to the side beside her friend and rest a hand on her shoulder.
"Let Madara and that Dragon Lord o' his worry 'bout those undead and demonic freaks for now, Lakyus. All we should be thinking 'bout for now is gettin' through this trainin' and coming out stronger. Then 'fore you know it, we'll be able to kick ass and take names like we never could before. Just you see!"
"If you've lost faith in yourself, then have faith in the knowledge that Madara had faith in all of us." Tina offered.
"Just like we all have faith in you. And that's why we'll get through this together." Tia added with a small but genuine smile.
Lakyus wiped her eyes, feeling a smile force its way onto her lips as her dearest friends gave her their encouragement.
"Thank you all. So much. I… I needed that."
"Hm... I feel the same way."
"Yeah, ditto."
Both Tia and Gagaran wearily replied, since they experienced such a sound trouncing at the hands of the being they now knew as "Demiurge", and knew better than most just how wide the gap was. Truly, as they collectively shared a sigh to relieve the tension, it felt like the gods themselves were playing with them like pieces on the board. And they could only be left wondering when the next die would be cast...
*RAP*TAP*TAP*
Suddenly, there was a light knocking on their chamber door, and the whole group went on full alert. That was until they heard a familiar muffled voice coming from the other side.
"Ladies? 'Tis I, Lottus. I bring hither medicinal herbs to aid in thy recovery, per Lord Madara's instruction. May I enter?"
Lakyus looked to her teammates and receive collective nods of approval before she replied.
"Yes, you may enter."
The door opened inward as Lottus' robed form entered pushing a wheeled serving tray into their quarters. It was still a bit unusual for them to see an undead like Lottus who was sentient, friendly, and cordial, but thanks to their initial encounter with Madara they adapted quickly.
"Mine apologies for the intrusion. I present unto thee medicinal herbs and potions that will aid in thy recovery for the 'morrow." Lottus said in a friendly tone as he waved over the tray's contents.
There were four glass bottles about the same size as a blue healing potion. Containing a green liquid, the herbs he spoke of were at the bottom. Being experienced in this sort of thing, the human members of Blue Rose needed no explanation as they each retrieved a bottle in turn and downed its contents.
"Bleh~! Thought so. Always hated 'dese sort o' things." Gagaran groused with a sour expression, which Lakyus shared as she wiped her shin.
"I know, but foul-tasting as the concoction may be, we'll need it if we're to keep up with this kind of training regimen at an acceptable pace. Although these are a bit different from what I've taken in the past."
"Indeed it is, milady. Lord Madara helped to refine the formula you have likely used in the past. These will not only aid in your natural recovery without magical means, but boost your energy for the 'morrow." Lottus dutifully explained.
Normally, using a magical means of recovery negated most of the gains made in training and combat. So it was a practice among some adventurers to use more natural means to boost the body's natural recovery cycle. Although the taste often left much to be desired due to the nonmagical refinement.
As the twins downed their bottles without complaint or change in expressions, Lottus moved the tray to Evileye, who looked at him in confusion. As a vampire, such things would be useless to her. That is until she noticed the small, rectangular metal container that was next to the now empty bottles.
"For you, Lady Evileye. Please, do open it." Lottus amiably requested.
With equal parts curiosity and trepidation, Evileye did as instructed as her team watched on, also curious as to what it could be. Opening the container's lid, she was surprised to see a small vial of diluted blood. Sensing magic, she concluded it to be a phylactery of some kind that magically preserved it contents.
Of course, while it was true that as a vampire she could consume blood to recover, such a small, thinned amount wouldn't have much of an effect. For a moment confusion was plain on her features, until her senses picked up on a familiar presence within the vial.
"T-This is...?!"
"Yes, indeed. Thine senses betray you not, milady. What is in thine hands is a vial of Lord Madara's blood. Thinned perhaps, but very much part of his formidable essence." Lottus confirmed.
"B-But... Is this really safe?" Evileye asked in uncertainty, with a hint of fear in her voice as her team drew closer to her.
"Verily. For we undead who hath experienced milord's power firsthand, thy reticence is most understandable. However, milord knew conventional methods of helping along your path to power would not suffice. Thus was this alternate means devised for that very purpose. As said, it is thinned, as milord's undiluted essence would likely be too much for you at this time. Still, milord left instructions that whether or not you take it is entirely your decision to make."
As Lottus finished his explanation, Evileye gulped at the implications, and then turned to her team, now huddled near the bed next to hers. What would happen if a vampire like her consumed something like this, even in its diluted state? Looking to her team, her eyes and expression wordlessly asked, and her team-leader/friend answered.
"Whatever you decide on Evileye, we'll be with you. While our latest... benefactor likely took this into consideration, judging by the fact he left this up to you, I cannot deny that this might hold the answer to what bothered you in the capital."
"..."
Evileye's expression grew pensive as Lakyus' words hit home. The events preceding the Demonic Disturbance left her self-confidence in shambles, but by that same token, the desire to grow stronger took root. Their encounter, recent revelations, and training with Madara only helped adding fuel to that fire that continued to burn ever hotter within her breast.
Never again did she want to feel helpless and useless, and never again did she want to face losing her precious friends. Not if she could help it. Solidifying her resolve, she then smiled to her friends, who then smiled back as they understood her intentions.
"Thanks guys. Whatever happens, I'm glad to have fought by your side." Evileye said with such a heartfelt tone, it fairly brought tears to their eyes.
"Oi, don't ya' be lettin' go on life b'fore you've even taken a swig o' that stuff. Ya' hear me shorty?" Gagaran affirmed with a smile.
"Hehe. Will do, you mass of muscle." Evileye lightheartedly replied.
"Miladies, perhaps we best give Lady Evileye some room. There is no way of knowing what her reaction to this may be." Lottus warned as he moved to Evileye's side.
While they hesitated for only a moment, they understood his subtle implications, and the fact that as someone presumably on Evileye level, he was the one best qualified to do something if something went wrong. So with reluctance, they complied with Lottus' instructions as they moved to the other side of the neighboring bed.
Sitting up on her bed, Evileye took the thinned-blood vial in hand, setting the metal container to the side. As she undid its top, she was struck that even diluted, the blood was still potent enough through the magically enchant glass to make her fingers tingle as if they made contact with static electricity. As its scent wafted through the air filtering into her nostrils, it made the back of her throat tingle in the same manner.
Taking in a deep breath, she prepared herself, and downed the vial in a single gulp. She quickly placed the vial to the side and laid down, expecting some kind of backlash to occur. First, she felt that same tingling sensation spread throughout her body, and then a warmth she had not felt since she was a human girl. But then suddenly...
"ARRRRRAGH!"
Evileye's agonized vampiric roars echoed off the walls as she writhed in agony, visibly shocking her friends in Blue Rose. Spitting and convulsing, her nails grew into talons as she tried to tear at her own flesh in an instinctive attempt to claw out the blood she imbibed. But the moment she tried, Lottus magically summoned a set of chains to stop and restrain her.
"No! Evileye! Can you hear us?!"
"Oi! Shorty! Don't ya' dare wimp out on us like this! Tough it out! Fight it!"
As Lakyus and Gagaran worriedly called out to Evileye, the twins tightly held hands with matching stern expressions, praying with all their hearts their teammate could endure this. As former assassins raised on all sorts of poisons and concoctions, this reaction was all too familiar to them; this was a severe violent reaction of a body trying with all it had to reject a substance it consumed.
Indeed, Madara's blood infused with the life-energy of his powerful and potent chakra was like a poison to an undead vampire like Evileye. However, much like one could build a resistance to poison by taking small amounts over time, Madara and Lottus theorized that Evileye could do the same, and thus gain power from it. That was assuming that she could endure this first draft of course.
"AaaaarGUH!"
Evileye's fangs elongated as she tensed and roared and the whites of her eyes become crimson-red. For the small vampiress herself, it was like she had consumed liquid-fire as every cell in her body viscerally rebelled against it as it slowly and agonizingly became a part of her. Seconds felt like hours, and hours felt like days as her mind, barely coherent, fought with all its might to regain control.
The panicked voices of her comrades faded as jumbled flashes of memories filtered into her consciousness. She saw battles and wars with combatants unfamiliar to her, yet they bore a similarity to her friends Tia and Tina. And in the middle of it all was Madara, who was like a beacon of stoicism and willpower as all went to hells around him.
Then suddenly in that fractured memory, it was like he noticed her, and the lights of his eyes shined red transforming in sequence into the [Sharingan], [Mangekyō Sharingan], the [Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan], and then finally the mighty [Rinnegan] as her line-of-sight traveled toward and into his left-eye, and into a pit of darkness. From within that pit a bluish fire flared brightly, and a single word filtered into her consciousness...
'...Izuna...'
*GASP!*
Evileye's eyes sharply widened as she hungrily gasped for air. She looked to the side and her friends were all around her, their worry and trepidation plain to see on their faces. Even the normally stoic twins appeared as if they would break out into tears.
"Everyone..."
Her voice was weak, but steady as she tried to sit up, but then noticed the chains that bound her. She then looked towards Lottus on her left, who then apologetically bowed and spoke whilst dismissing the chains.
"Mine apologies. You were so violently thrashing about that I felt it necessary to restrain you until such time as you came back to us."
"H-How long have I been...?" Evileye began when Lakyus sternly interjected.
"You've been out for 30-minutes. Godsdammit, you scared us witless there Evileye."
"W-What? I was... unconscious?"
"Yeah, shorty. We thought we lost ya', but Lottus assured us that you were still here, so we've been waitin' for ya' ta' open yer eyes." Gagaran said, breathing a sigh of relief with even the twins following suit.
"..."
Evileye was frankly bewildered at the implications. As a vampire, she could never lose consciousness like what they had described. The closest she could ever come was when she entered her forced meditative state to recover mana more quickly and also give her mind some kind of respite. But even then she could maintain some kind of awareness. To so completely lose that awareness, yet not be destroyed was wholly unprecedented for an undead of any kind.
'Such potent blood... It was like drinking in the flames of the sun itself... Did I almost truly die...? But then it felt like as soon as I neared oblivion, its power pulled me back from the brink... What the hell was that?!'
Evileye was awash of confusion as she held her head, trying to make sense of what just happened to her. Then a thought came to her...
'Izuna...? Is that a word? No. It felt more like... a name?'
Shaking her head of such idle thoughts and questions, she knew that she wouldn't be able to make sense of it. This was uncharted territory for her after all, and only time and experience would allow her a chance to sort it out...
"Oi, Evileye. Do you think you can stand?" Tia sternly asked, pulling Evileye out of her thoughts.
"I... think so..."
Sliding her legs to the right towards her friends, she slowly stood up on wobbly legs, just as Tia and Lakyus on either side of her helped to support her footing. Quickly regaining her equilibrium, she waved away their supporting hands as she tested each leg. Hopping up and down, it seemed that she made a full recovery, just as Gagaran giggled.
"Huh? What?" Evileye asked with a frown, knowing that something was coming.
"Oh, nothin'. It's just that you looked so cute hopping like a little kid like that."
"Pffft~!" Tina sputtered, genuinely appearing to hold in a laugh.
"Oh, just... Shut up, musclehead. Go out and deflower some young boys like Climb, if it'll stop you bothering me." Evileye snapped back, rolling her eyes.
"Hehe. Shorty's back alright."
The team shared a collective laugh of relief, seeing that their friend and teammate was fine, and even Evileye could not help but chuckle as well. And as she did, she held her right-hand to her heart, and a new sensation she only just now started to notice filled her entire being...
'My heart still isn't beating, and yet I feel... warmth?'
Before she could mull further on that paradox, Lakyus resolutely spoke up.
"Well~! Now that you've given us a thorough fright Evileye, I'm eager to use those hot-springs so we might rest up for tomorrow."
"Yes, after all, we need to get started on fiendish former-boss' seduction training right away if she's to catch the eye of a man like Madara."
"Right you are, Tina. Come, evil former-boss. We'll show you how ninjas sneak their way into a man's bed and then into his heart, specifically in that order."
Lakyus blushed furiously as this infuriating topic was suddenly brought up again.
"You two-! I-! …Urgh~!"
Bringing a hand to her face, she took a deep breath and then lowered her appendage to reveal a mostly serene expression.
"Please Lottus, ignore them, and if you wouldn't mind kindly showing us to the springs?"
"Ahem... O-Of course, thy fair ladies. Everything, including your evening meals hath been prepared for thine use. If thoust will follow me?" Lottus politely said with a bow, as Blue Rose collectively nodded in agreement.
Following after him and out of their chambers, Evileye was struck by how warm and energized she felt. A stark contrast from the sensation of dying she felt previously. But then she was struck with another sensation; thirst. She licked her lips, and was shocked at not only the action, but at the realization of a new desire for blood. Or rather...
'Madara's blood... I'm... wanting more...?'
Sighing at herself, she reigned in this new desire and focused on joining her friends in the hot-springs. If today's pattern repeated itself, she would have more after their training tomorrow. And as agonizing as it was to drink even a diluted draft of Madara's blood, a part of her was looking forward to it. After all, for the first time in a long time, despite still being an undead, she felt truly alive.
...
Ainz sat at his desk in his study, surrounded by a mountain of reports that would have made his former salaryman self shrink in horror at the workload. However, after the successful acquisition of Zuranon he steadily, yet eagerly flipped through the reports that had anything to do with them all through the night.
Despite not being able to understand a great many things about how magic is learned in this world, and how much of it sounded like occult nonsense to him, he had to admit to a certain fascination with it all. It was this feeling that pushed him forward despite not fully comprehending the contents. But one thing he did understand and even admire is the fact that in this world, magic was much more flexible than in YGGDRASIL.
This allowed for the creation of new and useful spells. He learned some of this from the now deceased Ninya, but getting more detailed information made some things clearer for him. If he had to apply an analogy from his former home of Earth, it would be like a computer programmer learning to code, and then taking that baseline knowledge, and using it to create new computer software.
However, one of the most important and engrossing bits of information that he studied with rapt attention, was that gleaned from the now Revenant-Clementine's debriefing. Something that took place as Demiurge and others experimented upon her and Khajiit, and a wealth of knowledge was collected about the nation to the Re-Eztize Kingdom's south, the Slane Theocracy.
Now more than ever, his initial wariness of them seemed completely justified, learning of their many advancements when compared to the other nations they have studied. For one, they possessed a method of scroll creation far superior to those of the Kingdom and the Empire, allowing for 4th-tier spells to be imbued into them.
Sadly, not even Clementine knew what this method entailed. She was strictly a fighter, and even then the methods of their scroll creation was a closely guarded secret. This made Ainz's collector's spirit flare up with a zeal that surprised even him. After all, even with Demiurge's parchment efforts, the most Nazarick could produce without dipping into their stockpiles of YGGDRASIL-grade materials were 3rd-tier spell scrolls.
'Are they doing something fundamentally different from what this world's magic casters are doing? Even Titus the Chief Librarian said something about this world's refinement and magical production method being quite refined, despite being weaker than ours. So does this mean that the Theocracy's magic casters took this even further? Or do they have access to better parchment materials? I really want to know!'
Just as his excitement was about to get the better of him, Ainz's [Emotion Inhibitor] then quelled his heightened emotions. While at times an annoyance, here he was thankful for it since he wanted to focus on getting through Clementine's information. Keeping his focus firmly on that goal, he continued to read through the document.
The next interesting bit he discovered was that the Theocracy's healing potions were not like the traditional "blue potions" he was familiar with in this world, but were seemingly the red potions he was most familiar with from YGGDRASIL! Frantically reading this new section, the "Blood of the Gods" potion was passed down to them from their "Six Great Gods". This all but confirmed that these long-dead "gods" were Players like him.
Regardless of origin, all Clementine knew about potion production was that it was quite expensive to make, and their magic casters and alchemists were currently researching methods to make it more cost effective to produce. A point Ainz could completely sympathize with, since he would do the same thing.
Now more than ever he was grateful for acquiring Nfirea and Lizzie Bareare, since their research into potions had borne fruit, even if it was far from complete. Should they be able to acquire the Theocracy's knowledge and methods of potion creation, it would be very instrumental in progressing their potion research even more. Once again, Ainz felt his eagerness well up within him, before his emotions were quelled by his passive, and he continued reading.
Most of the bits of information that followed was how their Six Miko Princesses, now five after Clementine stole one of the [Crowns of Wisdom] from them, used high-level magic, and have worked in concert over the centuries to build up their capital's magical defenses through ritual-based magic.
Much like how Nfirea could cast the 7th-tier spell [Undead Army] when he was entralled by that item, the Six Miko Princesses working together had fortified the Theocracy's captial city with layers of 7th-tier wards against scrying, teleportation, and intrusion. They were instrumental in their many magic rituals to this day, although this capability came at the cost of becoming living puppets.
Then there was the miscellaneous bits of information about their various Scripture teams, but the most telling was information about their "Black Scripture", who's patron deity was their "God of Death", and the "God-kin", who possessed the lineage and items of their gods, and were the strongest in the Theocracy. While it wasn't complete, the information she provided about these exceptional individuals was invaluable.
In fact, such was the value of this information, that Ainz was actually glad that despite her affronts to him, Clementine was revived as a Revenant. She was a literal treasure trove of intelligence on the Theocracy. Between that and the role she played in teaching him what it meant to be a warrior during the Cemetery Incident, in his mind he felt that the scales had been tipped enough to earn a place as a servant in Nazarick.
'Now I kind of feel bad about the experiments I let Demiurge run on her. Information like this is deserving of some kind of reward, isn't it? Hmm... I'll worry about that later. For now, there's still... Huh? What's this...?'
Flipping to the last section of the report, Ainz's eye caught the mention of a powerful "godly" relic in the Theocracy's possession. She described it as a body-hugging one-piece dress of silvery-white color, with the image of a five-clawed dragon soaring through the skies stitched in gold thread.
While that alone elicited some vague memories from his YGGDRASIL days, what truly caught his attention was the descriptions of what it could do. Specifically, the power to "dominate the mind of the target, no matter their nature, placing it under the user's thrall".
'No... Could it be...?!'
All at once Ainz felt as if his head was spinning. The implications were clear as day even to a simple salaryman like him; the culprit behind Shalltear's brainwashing was none-other-than the Slane Theocracy!
"Guuuh!"
Like a blackened inferno, Ainz's emotions began to wildly burn as his [Depair Aura V] involuntarily flaired on, and found himself barely able to control the rage that swelled from within. He tried to deny it in the past, but now there was no denying it. All the contingencies and precautions he made were for naught as all the pieces slowly began to fall in place, and he felt like an utter fool.
"GODDAMMIT IT ALL!"
The wrathful roars of Nazarick's undead ruler echoed with baleful fury as he allowed his rage and frustration to flow forth unimpeded. And the more his [Emotion Inhibitor] tried to quell its rising tide, the angier he became. Enraged, he slammed his chair onto the floor with superhuman force, breaking it into a dozen pieces.
"LET ME BE ANGRY DAMN YOU!"
It was a feedback loop of quelling and rising emotion as Ainz's aura blackened the lights of his study, and when it seemed like it would go on, the rational part of Ainz's mind exerted itself once again as he slowly reigned himself in...
"Calm down now... Calm down... Calm down... Calm down..."
Breathing calming breaths he didn't need but wanted, he repeated those words like a mantra until his emotions finally stilled. Looking back at the fractured bits of his chair, he sighed in disappointment at himself as he cast a spell.
"[Greater Repair Item]".
The chair reformed itself as good as new, and as Ainz sat back down with a dejected sigh, he inwardly cursed both himself, and those that brainwashed Shalltear.
'What an idiot I've been! I've been seeing shadows everywhere, when the answer was as plain as can be... And the Theocracy... They've been a bone in my throat since I've arrived in this world, but what to do now? Hmm... Demiurge compiled this report, so he's likely come to the same conclusion... Oh! And I think I owe him an apology...'
Without another moment's hesitation, Ainz activated his [Message] spell, directing it towards the object of his hurried thoughts...
[Demiurge.]
[Ah, yes, Ainz-sama? How might this one be of service?] Demiurge dutifully answered on the other end of the spell.
[Umu... Cease all experiments on the Revenants. They will return to Night Lich Sedefkar for the time being. Come to my study as soon as possible.] Ainz pointedly instructed.
[Of course, Ainz-sama. In fact, I was already on my way to you now, but I'll happily relay your instructions regarding the Revenants.]
[Hm. Good. I will be waiting for you.]
[Message End.]
Ainz patiently waited for Demiurge to arrive and 3-minutes later, entered Ainz's study after being granted permission by the Insectoid Warrior guards provided by Cocytus. He dutifully bowed before approaching with what seemed another file held in his left-hand. Ainz then greeted him once he was directly in-front of his desk.
"Thank you for coming, Demiurge. Now then, I'll get straight to the point; has anyone else seen these reports you've compiled from the Revenants' debriefings?" Ainz asked in a serious tone.
"No, Ainz-sama. I felt it best that you see them before anyone else. Even Albedo, who is presently busy working with Pandora's Actor to evaluate and integrate Zuranon's forces into our command structure is unaware of their contents."
Internally breathing a sigh of relief, Ainz was grateful for Demiurge's forethought. After all, the less they knew about his blunder, the easier it would be to contain and deal with it later.
"Ah, very good, Demiurge. I thank you for being so shrewd... Before we get into the main topic, I owe you an apology... I recall at the Great Lake when we were dealing with the lizardman tribes that you put forth the theory that Shalltear's brainwashing wasn't a targeted action as I believed, but merely the result of a random encounter. Given recent events, I'm forced to finally agree with that assessment. So you have my apologies for dismissing such a sound theory."
"..."
For a moment, Demiurge hesitated to reply. There were none in Nazarick who would not be startled by their master's open apology and roundabout admission of a mistake. His first instinct was to refute such things, since surely it was part of his grand master plan, no?
But before and during the course of the "seminars" their master organized for them, the one constant he drilled into them was that everyone made mistakes, himself included, as none of them were omniscient. While such a notion was still incomprehensible to him, he felt it best not to provoke his master's ire as he had once before, and try to set his master's mind at ease.
"There is no need to apologize to one such as I, Ainz-sama. We are of course, your loyal and dutiful servants, and shall always support he who stayed behind with us." Demiurge said in dedication and loyalty clear in his tone as he deeply bowed with right-hand over his heart.
"Umu..."
While Ainz grunted and nodded with magnanimity as he felt a ruler should, internally he was less than pleased by the NPC's reaction.
'Uuuugh... Do they ever learn?'
The Overlord internally groused at Demiurge's reaction, but in a way it was also a kind of relief, since it would allow him to move on and address their new situation.
"Rise, Demiurge. We have much to do, now that we find ourselves with a wealth of new information. Such as what to do now it is clearer that, despite what may have been mere coincidence, it was the Theocracy responsible being for Shalltear's brainwashing." Ainz coldly said as the lights in his eyesockets flaired brightly.
"As you wish, Ainz-sama... Naturally, our response should be clear; we attack with the full might of Nazarick, exacting a heavy toll for their transgressions... Or so the others might argue. However, as the Supreme One has no doubt already surmised, now is not the time for that. We are presently taking stock of our latest acquisition of Zuranon, and are still in the midst of preparing our moves on the Empire and Kingdom respectively. Additionally, in accordance with Ainz-sama's previously stated wishes, we must have a justifiable 'casus belli' before making such open moves..."
Demiurge cleared his throat, in what seemed discomfort as he spoke, waiting for his master to interject if he so wished. Since no such interruption came, and Ainz appeared to listen with rapt attention, he continued.
"...While Shalltear's brainwashing is in of itself sufficient provocation, that claim unfortunately loses most of its weight if it should turn out that she was the one who initiated hostilities with their agents. Which I must admit is rather likely. We cannot afford such things if we are to establish ourselves as a nation with any legitimacy with the surrounding countries. Unless we are willing to subject ourselves to what would likely be a lengthy campaign quelling any traces of dissidence. As well as putting at risk the cover-story Ainz-sama has already established with Momon and 'Honyopenyoko'."
As Demiurge succinctly completed his evaluation of the situation, Ainz felt like he was doused with cold water, cooling the embers of his anger that only minutes ago, boiled over in explosive rage.
'I... Wow... Maybe they ARE learning... In my anger I almost completely forgot teaching them that... And he's right. We've already got plans in motion to get Nazarick on the world stage. If we do this wrong, we'd just end up make enemies all around us. What happened with the lizardmen and with Entoma getting killed is proof enough that there are still too many unknowns in this world with potential threats... Dammit... As much as I want to head over to the Theocracy right now, I can't screw this up. I have to keep the bigger picture in mind and not let my impulses make my decisions.'
Having regained clarity of thought, and some much needed perspective, Ainz then spoke in a calm, dispassionate tone.
"Thank you for your input, Demiurge. It fills me with pride that one of Nazarick's finest minds has taken my lessons to heart. I can also assume that you've kept this information from the rest to ensure that they remain focused, correct?"
"That is correct, Ainz-sama. It was not difficult to imagine that there would be many of those that would allow their passions to get the better of them. They take great pride in serving Nazarick, as well they should, so I know just the thought that lesser creatures as contemptuous as humans may have slighted us would send many into a frenzy." Demiurge matter-of-factly stated.
"Umu... Like Shalltear, you mean?" Ainz pointedly asked.
"Indeed, Ainz-sama. In this one's humble opinion, despite the progress Shalltear has made in your seminars, there are doubts that she would remain focused if she knew, given how directly involved she was in that incident. Better that she remain ignorant until such time as is appropriate to take action. And she's not the only one. I'm certain you recall how Shalltear and the twins wished to immediately slaughter the lizardmen after Cocytus' defeat and Fake-Nazarick's destruction, despite your prior instructions being clear that no further hostile action was to be taken against them if Cocytus lost."
"Hmm..."
As Ainz thought on the matter, he could not fault Demiurge's logic. Having seen for himself how impulsive the NPCs could be, he knew full well Shalltear's feelings on what happened to her, despite his reassurances that it was his fault. Not that he felt he was much better in light of his own reaction before calling Demiurge into his study. Still, at the very least, his passive could help him regulate his emotions to think more clearly.
"Very well. I accept your reasoning, Demiurge. Moving forward, while it does vex me to a certain degree, we shall leave the Theocracy be until such time as we are ready, and it won't disrupt operations. Until then, the only ones who shall know of this will be us, and Albedo, once her current work is completed."
"..."
For a moment there was silence from Demiurge who had a contemplative countenance that was obvious, even to Ainz, who then inquisitively spoke.
"Demiurge? Is something the matter?"
"Ah, it is nothing, Ainz-sama. I was merely mentally going over some details. I offer my sincerest apologies for allowing the Supreme One to worry over one such as myself." Demiurge contritely spoke.
"Oh? Well, as long as you are certain then that is fine. Now then, what is it do you have there?" Ainz replied in a relaxed, neutral tone.
As Demiurge pulled out the file he held under his left-arm and handed it to his master, his thoughts were filled with an unknown, and rather vexing doubt he could not place. During his master's seminars in which he taught them how to best approach a fight with a stronger foe, he was among those matched against Albedo in mock duels.
Before this, whenever his friend Cocytus ever spoke of warriors facing each other, he'd go on about them being able to "feel the thoughts and emotions of the opponent". With no disrespect towards his friend and fellow Floor Guardian, Demiurge thought this to be a complete flight of fancy. After all, he felt little to nothing of the sort when in his mock battle with the Supreme One in Re-Estize.
However, when he and Albedo fought, with instructions to "treat it as a fight with a real enemy" by their master, it was then he realized that his friend might have been on to something. When he fought Albedo, he noticed a small, faint "crack" in the "mask" she usually wore.
It was only after the fight that he realized it, but there was something there that was disturbing to him. He knew not what, but felt that she was hiding something from him. No, from all of them. A feeling made all the more pronounced when he mentioned the other Supreme Beings in their duel, and for the most briefest of moments, he sensed not the reverence he would have felt from any of Nazarick's other denizens, but anger, rage, and even hate.
It came and went so quickly that at first he imagined it, but nevertheless as time passed, he came away with the distinct impression she was hiding something. This was why he hestiated when the Supreme One mentioned sharing this newest information about the Theocracy with Albedo.
Of course, without some proof to substantiate this "feeling", he could not give voice to the doubts he harbored about the Guardian Overseer. Especially when the Supreme One placed so much faith and trust in her. Until such time he had more on the matter beyond the vaguest of "feelings", he would remain silent, and serve their master to the best of his capability. After all, Albedo was still completely devoted to their Lord Ainz, and for now, he would place his trust in that.
"Hoh... Now this is interesting."
Demiurge was brought back from his thoughts by their master exclaiming in a rather pleased tone that made the Arch-Devil smile. Especially given the contents.
"It pleases me to hear Ainz-sama is happy with the report thus far."
"Umu~! The Chief Librarian has outdone himself with translating that tome in such a short time. Particularly this part about how Zuranon mistranslated the directions to creating Revenants. Yet they still managed to succeed, speaks well of how flexible magic can be in this world."
"Indeed so, Ainz-sama. From what Titus could gather, this strange dialect confounded their rather simple translation spells. So to them, a passage that should have read, 'a magic caster capable of performing magic of the 10th-tier', came out as, 'ten magic casters capable of the same tier of magic'. But as Ainz-sama himself has remarked, it is impressive what they accomplished despite the mistake." Demiurge analytically said.
"Yes, but this indicates that whoever wrote this tome was able to use 10th-tier magic, or at the very least knew someone who could. I wonder what else they got wrong. Hmph... No matter. Has Titus managed to determine just how old this tome is?" Ainz asked in a serious tone.
"That he had, Ainz-sama. According to him, it was written approximately 110-years ago. But by whom, he could not say. Even Sedefkar lacked this knowledge."
"Hmm..."
Ainz pensively hummed as he rubbed his bony chin with his left index-finger, continuing to read the report in-front of him. From all that he has seen so far, a Player like himself should not be able to create new spells like this. That left only two possibilities. First, the this tome's author was a Player that used a unique class, special ability, or special item like [Shooting Star] or a [World Item] to achieve this feat.
The second and frankly more disturbing possibility in his mind, was that there existed a native in this new world that could cast 10th-tier magic, and had the knowledge and capability to create entirely new spells. Ones that were wholly unfamiliar to him, which would grant such an individual a significant advantage, should Ainz ever be forced to engage them in combat.
'Uwah~! I don't want to fight someone capable of creating a spell like this... But come to think of it, would someone like that even be still alive today? Bah! What am I saying? It's better to assume that they could be. After all, anyone capable of creating Revenants from scratch would be able to become an undead themselves, if they weren't already a long-lived race.'
With that realization in mind, Ainz's caution in dealing with this world increased, and the only clue he had as to the author of this tome, was the skeletal dragon's head decorating the tome's cover. A thought then chilled his undead spine as he continued flipping through the report's pages.
'Wait, what if the original author of that tome was a draconic Necromancer? Then that would be even worse! That would DEFINITELY not be an enemy I'd want to face. At least not solo, or without a LOT of prep... Hm? What's this?'
Ainz's thoughts ground to a halt when he came upon a most curious passage in the last bit of the report that detailed all of Zuranon's possessions and holdings. He found most of it uninteresting and merely skimmed through it. That was until he came upon a note of Zuranon's custodianship of a massive dragon's corpse...
"The Catastrophe Dragon Lord, eh?"
"Ah, yes, Ainz-sama. I knew that would draw your attention. According to Zuranon's information, the Dragon Lords are among the strongest of their race. In particular, this one held legends of being a menace that destroyed all in its path, before being stopped by one of its own. They very recently discovered the corpse with the help of a 'pale-white figure, carrying a glowing fishing pole'. A rather curious description honestly." The Arch-Devil NPC commented as he pushed up his glasses.
"Hmm... Most interesting... This says they wanted to revive it as a Revenant sometime in the future when they had enough power, but they could never gather anywhere close to enough sacrifices to even attempt it. Maybe..."
Ainz's eye-sockets began to fiercely glow as he was struck with an epiphany; he could use this to his advantage. From the depths of his mind, his fascination and worry about the unknown threats in this world began to take shape in the form of a vague plan.
"Demiurge, could Chief Librarian Titus use that tome's information to create a [Spell Tome] for Nazarick?"
Demiurge smiled cunningly as he again pushed up his glasses and stood straight, pride plain to his in his expression.
"In theory, indeed he could Ainz-sama. I took the liberty of asking him this before I arrived. Although he made it a point to mention that it would require the use of some of the Supreme Beings' stock of [Cash Shop] items within the Treasury."
"Umu... Tell him he has my permission to contact Pandora's Actor for the needed materials."
"As you wish, Ainz-sama. Although, begging your bardon my lord, but a thought does occur to your foolish servant. As I understand it, more is required to learn new spells than just the requisite [Spell Tome]." Demiurge respectfully asked in uncertainty.
"No, that's perfectly fine, Demiurge. You are right about that. Although there are a few exceptions..."
Ainz could not blame Demiurge for his question. Rather, he was pleased by the fact that he asked instead of taking his word for it. In YGGDRASIL there were a number of ways to learn new spells besides from leveling. Some came from in-game quests, and others through the use of items like [Spell Tomes] to bequeath the desired spell to the user.
Of course, that was assuming you had the required Job Classes for the spell in quesiton, and did not hit the cap for the max number of spells for your level. While a typical magic caster at Lv.100 in YGGDRASIL could learn up to 300 spells, that could be increased up to 400 with the use of [Cash Shop] items. Then it was just a matter of filling those new slots with spells from the aforementioned sources.
"Do not worry, Demiurge. I already have something in mind. Are you familiar with my [Dark Wisdom] racial ability?" Ainz asked in a pleased tone.
"Ooooh~! Of course, Ainz-sama. Now I see..." Demiurge said with a cunning smile.
Items to grant new spells like the tomes could be bought, gained via quests, or crafted to meet those needs, so long as you had the materials. Ainz was a special case due to his special Racial Skill called, [Dark Wisdom]. This allowed him to break the spell cap to gain new spells, provided he could make sacrifices of powerful individuals.
"...If that is the case, what are your orders, Ainz-sama?"
"Tell everyone to be alert for powerful individuals. Those having sinned against Nazarick take precedence, but any powerful being equal to or greater than a Floor Guardian shall be noted at once. But do not make any move until I order it."
"Understood, my lord." Demiurge acknowledged with a deep bow and wide smile.
"Umu... Good. Now then, let us reconviene in the Throne Room tonight say around 7 o' clock."
"As you wish, my lord. I must meet with our collaborator in the Kingdom's capital before that, but I will ensure that word is passed along... Also, about the corpse of that Dragon Lord, shall I have it brought here into Nazarick?"
"Hmm... No. It's current location is remote enough to where it can serve it's purpose as a storage area. Post a few squads of high-level minions, and establish a means of regular communication with them to ensure that corpse is secure. Unless there is anything else, you are dismissed."
"Of course, Ainz-sama. It will be done."
With one last bow, Demiurge crisply turned on his heel and left to carry out his orders. Ainz meanwhile interlaced his fingers and breathed an exhausted sigh as he spoke aloud with a weary tone.
"So exhausting and frustrating. But at last we're making gains to compensate for the losses. I won't allow us to be caught unawares again..."
The Overlord spoke with the solemnity of an oath as his eyes once again shined brightly, and solidified his resolve to ensure Nazarick's survival and security. And if he had to be honest, he was eager to see if his [Dark Wisdom] could really be used again in this world and what the results would be if it could. He only hoped that he could find out sooner, rather than later. An unknown sense of disquiet continuously filled him. As if something was wrong with this new world that he and Nazarick now called home.
...
It was late afternoon as the "Golden Princess" Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself took afternoon tea alone in her chambers. She did not have any pressing engagements left for the day and dismissed her beloved Climb for now. It had become something of a ritual for him to train with Brain, ever since the Demonic Disturbance concluded with more than a few strong demonic encounters for their group who rescued civilians.
Of course, he was motivated to improve more than ever due to those events, but he also blamed himself for the tragic deaths of those poor girls he, Brain, and Sebas saved from Ampetif Cocco Doll's illegal brothel. Deaths she herself subtly arranged by manipulating the maid/spy that thought she was being so subtle with her mocking her precious Climb.
'Ah, perhaps that worked a little too well. My dear Climb's bond to me deepened when I gave him the news. He did his best to "comfort" me for that tragedy, but alas he now spends nearly every waking moment training with Brain when his duties allow. I do so miss his presence, but it's been said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I have to admit that his new fiery determination in his eyes makes him even more adorable. If only that maid could see him now but alas, she's presently assisting Lord Demiurge...'
As she sipped her tea, a devilish smile crept over her lips thinking on the maid that dared to mock her Climb when she thought Renner did not know any better. But upon Renner mentioning a maid that vexed her to Demiurge, a smile even more devilish than the one she now bore creased his lips.
Demiurge then promised that as a favor to her, he would see to it that the maid's was removed from her sight and repurposed into a more suitable role for someone of her abilities in one of his farms.
Even if Renner did not currently know what these "farms" really were for certain, with her intelligence it took very little to fathom what that implied for the maid's intended purpose in them. She had to admit there was a certain irony to it, and how fitting that swine's fate.
She found it a far more satisfying a punishment for mocking her dear Climb than simple death, and it served an even greater purpose. It was also her ploy to further ingratiate herself with Demiurge, since playing the part of double-agent between such mighty forces meant she could take no chances. Making that foolish maid/noble-spy one of her precious sacrificial lambs...
*WHOOSH*
Drawing her out of her thoughts, suddenly a black-purplish portal of a [Gate] manifested at the far-side of her chamber. Setting down her tea, she swiftly yet gracefully stood up and took a knee towards it, just as Demiurge's form walked out. Pushing up his glasses, he gave her a smile and spoke in a friendly tone.
"Good day, Princess. Please, do stand. I hope I am not interrupting anything."
"Oh, not at all, Lord Demiurge~! It humbles and pleases me to receive you. May I offer you any refreshments?" Renner cordially said with her twisted smile as she stood.
"Thank you for the kind offer, but that won't be necessary. This visit will be a quick one. Please, let us sit. Even though our conversation is intended to be brief, I'd like us both to be comfortable."
"Of course, Lord Demiurge. By all means..."
Following instructions, she daintily retook her original seat as Demiurge smoothly took a position across from her. As she once again nursed her teacup, the Arch-Devil's facial expression, while still a soft friendly smile, had an air of seriousness as he spoke.
"Now then Princess, from your last report, I am given to understand that your pawns in Blue Rose have have suspended acceptance of new missions and gone into isolation for training purposes. While I harbor no doubts that your information was as detailed as possible in stating the facts, it did raise a few questions I was hoping you could answer in person. As I understood it, they were quite the loyal group, both to this kingdom and yourself in particular. It seems most unusual for them to simply have withdrawn from the board as they did."
Renner did not bat an eye at the line of questioning as she set her now empty teacup to the side and looked the Arch-Devil in the eyes, still having her relaxed and twisted smile. Both she and Madara anticipated this line of questioning, despite the cover-story crafted to explain their absence.
This will be her first true test in her ability to lie to one as keenly perceptive as Demiurge and she had to admit, the challenge excited her. One wrong misstep, one wrong variance in vocal inflections, body language, and micro-expressions will mean the end of her life, with her beloved Climb to follow.
She would not permit that to happen. Not when her love for Climb was still strong in her breast. Not when this game was so exhilarating, and represented such a rare challenge to her capabilities. A challenge she embraced as she cleared her mind of all thoughts, save for the moves necessary to clear this hurdle, and spoke with confidence.
"It is as you read in my report, Lord Demiurge. My adorable 'friends' in Blue Rose had encountered a powerful druid in their latest quest. From what I learned from my sources this druid was powerful enough to test them all to their utmost limits and they barely won. While it is rather inconvenient to no longer have such reliable pawns at my beck and call, I suppose it cannot be helped."
"..."
Demiurge squinted slightly as he focused on Renner's being. There wasn't a hint of any change in her heartbeat, expressions, or vocal range. Her reaction to his query felt entirely natural and genuine. Especially when her mocking, almost callous disregard for the lives of her pawns in Blue Rose was still very much present.
Of course, given his disposition to consider every possibility, for the briefest of moments he did entertain the idea that Renner was lying to him. After all, he estimated Renner's intelligence and mental capabilities to be on par with not only himself, but Albedo and Pandora's Actor as well, now that he's had more time to interact with the latter. It was one of the reasons why he scouted her in the first palce, as she was a true inhuman among flotsam that inhabited this pathetic nation.
Theoretically speaking, it was possible that she would be capable of successfully lying to him. This was due to the fact that other than Lord Ainz himself, Albedo and Pandora's Actor were the only ones in all of Nazarick he could not accurately read. The Shadow Demon attached to her would have reported any obvious irregularities in her behavior, but then again it did not have the intelligence to catch such things from one like her.
Was he reading too much into things? It was a vexing feeling to not be entirely sure in a given situation. Only when speaking with Albedo, Pandora's Actor, and even Lord Ainz did he ever feel like this. Even though the Supreme One did say in his seminars that uncertainty was only natural in an ever-fluid situation, his still-present vexation was what prompted him to further push his line of questioning.
"Pardon me, Renner, but it still seems rather unusual for them to leave your side, given the current state of the Kingdom. As mentioned previously, our evaluations of their personalities indicated a fierce loyalty to this country and yourself personally. Do you not think it... unusual for them to leave their mistress' side in such tumultuous times?"
At his prompting, Renner curiously tilted her head to the side as her expression changed to one of puzzlement.
"Oh~? I did not consider it unusual at all. After struggling to take down that druid in their latest quest, even intellectual chattel such as they would be forced to re-evaluate their worthiness to call themselves 'Adamantite'. And this so soon after the Demonic Disturbance? When the superior capabilities of fellow Adamantite-ranked adventurers 'Momon' and 'Nabe', and the scourge of 'Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth' demonstrated for all to see. Perhaps the showing of their superiority worked a little too well...?"
There was a pause as the Princess poured herself another cup of tea. Her posture was relaxed yet emaculate with nary a hint of worry or hesitation as she took her teacup in hand and continued speaking.
"...What we must remember my Lord Demiurge is that humans can be fickle and fragile things. While it broke the will of some, convincing them they could never reach such heights, it has instilled in others the desire to better themselves, so that they at least won't be so utterly helpless when next disaster tries; my dear Climb being one such adorable example~. As for their loyalty to the Kingdom and to me as their 'friend', for all my influence over them I suppose they do have free will at the end of the day; it is likely they believe that by taking this time to train themselves and become stronger, they will be better able to help me and protect the Kingdom..."
As she casually took a sip of tea, her tone and posture remained ever constant as she concluded speaking.
"...If I may be so bold Lord Demiurge, if any parties are the most responsible for losing my most valuable pawns being unavailable, I do believe it would not be unreasonable to lay such a thing at the feets of 'Momon', 'Nabe', and 'Jaldabaoth', for putting on such a grandiose performance that shook so many to their cores."
As Demiurge pushed up his glasses, he could only smile as the Princess concluded her counterpoint, and even he had to admit to its merits. Truly, humans could be so emotionally and psychologically fragile. Something he has successful tested in his farms. Given how weak humans are, even those considered "strong" could be broken down when faced with the hopelessness that the Demonic Disturbance scenario presented.
Sebas' report on one "Brain Unglaus" who was now Renner's subordinate was one good example. Indeed, those events that night had given them a taste of what true strength looked like, and it would seem that after witnessing said strength, at least a few of the humans were now endeavouring to reach a similar level themselves; Blue Rose among them. It was useful information for when their efforts in the Roble Holy Kingdom would finally be put into motion.
Yes, perhaps he was reading too much into things. This was a habit of his that their Lord Ainz himself once pointed out during his seminars. It made no logical sense for Renner to lie or hide anything. Not when she knew full well the consequences of such actions, and required a madness and sheer stupidity she did not possess. Perhaps the simplest explanation really was the most correct one after all.
"Ah, indeed. That is quite accurate, Renner. Humans can be such... impressionable creatures. I do apologize for wasting your time on such questions." Demiurge said with an amused chuckle as Renner placed her teacup down and gave a subservient waist-bow.
"Please... Do not think anything of it, Lord Demiurge. It's only natural that someone of your superior nature would have difficulty understanding the decisions humans make, given how pointlessly futile their choices and struggles often are... In any event, I am of course, here to serve you, and by extention, Lord Ainz Ooal Gown."
"As are we all, Princess Renner. Although on that note, seeing that your greatest pawns have now withdrawn themselves in an attempt to raise their meager strength, I am admittedly concerned about your ability to project your influence and maintain your image without Blue Rose to act as your arms and legs in the Kingdom. I understand and accept the cause behind this, but the unfortunate fact remains that you have lost your most valuable tools for the foreseeable future." Demiurge said with amusement.
"Do not trouble yourself over such minutiae, Lord Demiurge. Thanks to my new 'alliance' with Marquis Raeven and my brother Zanac, I now have greater means in the Kingdom. As we speak, replacements for Blue Rose are being brought to the capital, and shall arrive tomorrow morning for an audience. Of course, being only Mythril-rank they will naturally be inferior to Blue Rose, but I have no doubt that they shall make for adequate replacements all the same."
"As expected of one we have such high hopes for, Princess Renner. After all, you still have an image to maintain, so we will require you to make moves of your own, and conceal our involvement whenever necessary."
"You will have no cause to worry. Leave everything to me, Lord Demiurge." Renner said with a soft, yet confident tone as she again bowed at the waist.
"Hm... Very good. And now I must take my leave of you. Do keep us informed of your progress with this new group of Mythril-ranked adventurers. I am curious to know how these new pawns will turn out to be..." Demiurge said with a malicious smile that Renner shared as they both stood up.
"Oh~! Before you take your leave Lord Demiurge, would you permit me a question to satisfy a fleeting curiosity~?" Renner asked with a warped expression of eagerness.
"Hm? I do not mind. I dare say you have earned it with how I showed one so promising such discourtesy." Demiurge replied in a friendly, yet cunning tone.
"Please, do not think anything of it, Lord Demiurge... As for the question, I was simply wondering how that former maid of mine was faring in your farm. I trust that she is enjoying herself?"
Pushing up his glasses, Demiurge noted the malicious smile that could only belong to a fellow heteromorph as he smiled in much the same way.
"Ah, yes. Surprisingly so as a matter of fact. She had to be 'broken in' a bit to properly accept her new role of course, but once that was done, she has been doing a splendid job keeping a great many of our lonely orcs company."
"Oh~? Orcs you say~?"
For a moment Renner possessed a pensive countenance, before a look of realization flashed over her face, and she began to uncontrollably chuckle. It was like she could burst out into full-on laughter if she did not control herself. Demiurge then smiled widely as he posed a question that in his eyes, the answer was fairly obvious...
"What brings you such jocularity my dear?"
"Pffft~! O-Oh, my apologies, Lord Demiurge... I just could not help but... Teehee~! ...but see the humor behind it... Ku~fufu... I mean, orcs have different aesthetic tastes, do they not? So... So it's like an animal, enjoying the company of other animals, who see her as nothing more than... an exceedingly grotesque beast... Hah~!"
Grinning devilishly, Demiurge shared in her revere with amused chuckles of his own, and likewise saw the humor in the analogy. After all, orcs were demi-humans with low levels of intelligence, and saw humanoid beauties as being the pinnacle of ugliness, so it was quite apt. As Renner gathered her composure, she gave Demiurge a respectful bow as she spoke with an appreciative tone.
"My thanks for humoring my selfish request, Lord Demiurge. It has been too long since I have had such a good laugh."
"It is no trouble, Princess. In fact, it pleases me that the fate of one of your offerings brings you such levity. Of course, if you have any requests in her continued handling, I will be happy listen to them." Demiurge casually replied.
"Once again, I owe you my thanks, Lord Demiurge... Hmm... I suppose all I ask is that she is kept in good health, and that she enjoys a long life with her orc consorts. And if by some miracle she happens to one day give birth to an orc child, or rather a half-orc child, then please pass along my congratulations." Renner said with a twisted smile.
There was a malicious chuckling from Demiurge as he looked upon her honest contempt for the maid/noble-spy she gave him. Now he felt foolish for doubting one such as her. Especially when her venom and spite for the one who slighted her and her adorable "puppy" was plain to see.
"Do not worry, Renner. That can easily be arranged."
"My thanks, Lord Demiurge. Please, have a safe journey home." Renner said with a graceful bow.
*WHOOSH*
With a courteous head-nod, Demiurge stepped forward as the [Gate] opened, and he disappeared as quickly as he arrived. Stepping back to her table, Renner sat down as she triumphantly smiled to herself. Not only had she passed the test with Demiurge, but she even managed to acquire a small bit of information on what the purpose behind these "farms" were.
Of course, despite her victory she pondered what to actually do with it, since it would be some time before one of Madara's Clones would arrive to entrall her Shadow Demon and collect her report. Although she considered whether or not to actually tell him of this latest development at all for a few reasons.
First was that despite the fact that she learned a little more about the farms, she knew naught of a single location, or what else they could be used for. This latest visit from Demiurge proved that she would need to tread carefully whenever she made a move. So asking more about it was not the wisest course of action.
It would not only ignite more suspicion on her, but if that farm were to be mysteriously liberated and/or destroyed shortly after she asked such questions, the list of suspects would indeed lead to her. As exhilarating as it was playing a double-agent, she was not foolish enough to push her luck.
Second was the curiosity she had over what would happen if Madara found out about it on his own. What would his reaction be? Just his clone was proof enough that was what the pinnacle of what a human could be, and with a presence that rivaled even that of Demiurge. She couldn't begin to imagine what his actual body might be like. He likewise possessed a keen mind and an intellect that could easily keep up with either of them, adding to his mystique.
However, one thing about him struck out at her in the few times she met his clones; he still possessed a spark of humanity within him. To her it was a fascinating contradiction, as she clearly noticed a cold, ruthless quality to the man whenever they spoke. So now she was curious to know what he would do should he learn of this. Would he write such a thing off as a necessary sacrifice, or would he lash out in a righteous storm of vengeance? Sipping her tea with a disturbing smile, she decided to be silent now, wishing to one day know the answer.
...
Dusty winds blew through the air at a steady pace as the sights of rocky vistas, dirt, and stone landmarks were all that could be seen as far as the naked eye could see. It was here that Madara found himself as he stood with arms folded atop a flattened stone platform. There was an odd sense of serenity in this place. As if one could easily just lay down their burdens and collect themselves in meditation.
Madara nodded once in quiet approval at the location. It was isolated and afforded one a useful detachment from worldly concerns and distractions; perfect for the one they sought who pursued martial perfection and strength. Just as these thoughts crossed his mind, the Deep Darkness Dragon Lord's blackened frame appeared in the skies above and behind Madara, blocking out the sun.
Even though it was just before dusk, the sun barely glistened off of Dy'vom's scales that drank in all light and warmth in much the same way as their first meeting. Landing next to Madara, the Dragon Lord spoke in firm, yet neutral tone.
"One of my Avatars found whom we seek. I left a trail that he should be able to follow to us without much difficulty, so all we needs do now is wait."
"Hm... Very well. I will trust in your approach to this first meeting." Madara stocially said.
Indeed, if Madara's own first meeting with the Deep Darkness Dragon Lord was any kind of indication, going straight to a Dragon Lord's den, especially this one, was not the wisest course of action. So upon their arrival in these barren lands, Madara left the method of first contact up to Dy'vom who, much to Madara's surprise, openly released a weary sigh as they waited.
"Is something the matter?" Madara asked with a perked a brow.
"As I have said before, most of my former comrades have troublsome personalities. This one in particular will be the most troublesome of them all to recruit. Hence why I wished to get this meeting out of the way first; it'll also serve to send a powerful message to the others. You will understand why after the initial meeting." Dy'vom replied with a weary, and decidedly languid tone.
"..."
Just as Madara was about to inquire further, both his and Dy'vom's senses picked up on a large, powerful presence closing in on their location rapidly. Madara's sensory abilities sensed it swerving at sharp angles at impressive speeds, likely following the trail that Dy'vom left in his wake.
Soon enough, the Uchiha looked skyward, seeing a massive winged frame rapidly descend. With a thunderous *BOOM!*, filling their entire area with a dust cloud, the other platform 15-meters in-front their position buckled under the impact of a massive draconic shadow.
Equal in size to Dy'vom himself, the obscured form forcefully unfurled its wings, violently displacing the massive dust cloud in a grand spectacle. Neither Dy'vom or Madara were disturbed by this and as their vision cleared, the majestic form of a brown-colored dragon came into view.
The sun's rays fairly glistened upon the dragon's scales as it folded its winges and sat up straight like a cat at attention. It's piercing draconic orange eyes sized up the pair to its front in but a moment as its tail coiled to the front. Its tip looked like the sharpened end of a lance, promising death to any that dared to venture near. Madara briefly smiled as he gazed upon the object of their search; the Swordmaster Dragon Lord.
"Well, well. Now isn't this a surprise. Never did I imagine to see an old comrade like you again. And traveling with a most interesting human no less." The newly arrived Dragon Lord said with a dignified, yet guarded tone.
"Grm... Much has happened in the last few centuries since we last saw each other..." Dy'vom began when the Swordmaster Dragon Lord began to chuckle heartily.
"Indeed! To see you on the surface, and under the sun no less, is quite the rare event. It must be quite the auspicious set of circumstances for you to seek me out in such a manner. So tell me, what brings you here?"
As the Swordmaster Dragon Lord asked his question, his gaze shifted to Madara, who nodded at the action as he stepped forward and spoke.
"Your instincts are truly keen, Swordmaster Dragon Lord. My name is Madara Uchiha, and it was I whom prompted Dy'vom here to seek you out."
"Hrmph! I thought as much. To see one such as him move and act with such deference, and to a human no less, means that something quite special had happened. Hrmm... You hide it well Madara, but I can sense you are one of great strength. Is this not so?"
To this question, Madara merely smirked, to which the Dragon Lord smiled as he spoke with girth.
"Hah! Interesting~! I think I understand it now... You trespassed into his domain, the two of you clashed, and he lost. He likely didn't see your true strength for what it was until it was too late, yes? So very like him, but of course our kind was always quite prideful..."
There was a growl of annoyance from the Deep Darkness Dragon Lord at the slight jab, but given the circumstances of his initial meeting with Madara, he could not dispute his peer's appraisal of how it happened. (A/N:CH.5&6)
"...So tell me, Madara... Are you a 'Player'?" The Dragon Lord asked with a serious edge to his voice.
"Hmph... No, I am not. Although I will freely admit I am not of this world like they are, I'm not of the place that they call, 'YGGDRASIL'." Madara stoically replied, to which the Dragon Lord smiled.
"Oh? This is becoming more interesting by the moment. I must confess to some curiosity to your own circumstances, but those can wait. I shall repeat the question that I asked of my peer in, why are you are you?"
"I shall answer your question with another question, Dragon Lord... Can't those keen instincts of yours help you come to your own conclusions?" Madara plainly replied.
"..."
There was a predatory grin and chuckle as the Dragon Lord's eyes locked with Madara's in a tense battle of wills. This human stood his ground without fear and spoke as an equal among a pair of Dragon Lords. As if he was in no danger at all.
Of course, as he had correctly surmised, Dy'vom fought and lost to this "Madara", so naturally that could give someone a boost in confidence. However, he felt it was more than that. No, he felt that there was something else to this. And as the pieces fell into place in his mind, the Dragon Lord smirked as he spoke with aplomb.
"I presume that the 'Advent of Players' is upon us once again, and you likely asked my peer here if there were allies that could be sought out... Hmm... That alone would be cause for concern, but my peer likely also pointed out the strange 'shift' in the world's balance that I've been feeling for the last moon or so. Unless his senses have dulled in the last 200-years or so."
Once again, Dy'vom growled in annoyance at the jab whilst his right-claw gripped and cracked the stone platform beneath. Pointedly ignoring this, Madara smirked at the Dragon Lord's fairly accurate analysis of the situation. He then spoke in an oddly pleased tone that surprised Dy'vom enough to relax his aggressive posture.
"Well done, Dragon Lord. Your instincts continue to serve you well. Yes, I am here to recruit for the storm that lay over the horizon. As one who once stood with your peer Dy'vom against the scourge of Players, will you join me?"
"..."
For a moment there was a pensive silence as the Swordmaster Dragon Lord gave the words of this "Madara" serious weight. This human was more powerful than any other humanoid he had sensed before. Even more so than the Player he defeated in the past, if his senses read true. And the way he spoke made it clear that any that joined Madara would be following his lead. This would not do at all. At least not without...
"BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH~!"
The Swordmaster Dragon Lord's mirthful laughter echoed over the rocky crags they were situated in. As if the dragon had heard the most amusing of jokes ever to be uttered in his presence. At this Madara perked a brow, whilst Dy'vom sighed in resignation.
"You wish my aid, under YOUR leadership? PAH~! Do not misunderstand it. Defeating Dy'vom here is worthy of praise, but it does not mean that I'll follow you without seeing for myself if you are worthy. Prove yourself in a test of might, Madara Uchiha! Only then will you earn my support."
As the Swordmaster Dragon Lord boisterously issued his challenge to Madara, Dy'vom covered his face with his left-claw whilst shaking his head.
'I thought that something like this might happen...'
Dy'vom saw that, barring some increased wisdom gained through the experience of centuries, his peer's personality had changed little since their last meeting. As one who pursued martial prowess above all else, this was one of the things that made dealing with him so troublesome. Their Alliance from 300-years ago sought him out only after the first five had gathered, so as to avoid this same scenario. Even then, it barely contained his impulse to issue challenges such as this.
'Knowing Madara's personality, his reply will likely be...'
Before Dy'vom could finish his line-of-thought, Madara grinned as he replied with a disturbingly eager tone.
"So you wish to dance, Dragon Lord? Very well, then. I accept."
Not waiting for either of the challengers to speak again, with a few flaps of his obsidian wings Dy'vom created a distance of 50-meters from the pair. As he landed with a sigh of resignation, he laid down with a huff as he grumbled to himself.
"Hrmph! Here I am, stuck with a pair of battle-manics... I can only hope they just don't kill each other."
Meanwhile, Madara and the Swordmaster Dragon Lord continued to lock eyes with each other as the latter slowly stood up on all fours in preparation for their duel. Madara then removed his cloak and allowed it to float away in the breeze as a smile creased his lips, and he spoke in an expectant tone.
"Before we begin tell me, what is your name, Dragon Lord?"
"Hah~! Like my stength lent to your service, my name is something you must earn, human. Although you are most fortunate that it is only the two of us that will do battle." The Swordmaster Dragon Lord said in eager humor.
"Oh? Why is that?"
"Because if it is only the two of us..."
*SHWING!*CRASH*BOOM!*
In the blink of an eye, the Swordmaster Dragon Lord violently unfurled his tail, creating an explosion that destroyed of series of rock formations over 100-meters in length in the shape of a crescent to the dragon's left. Even without engaging his [Sharingan], Madara could tell that display was pure physical strength, performed without a single ability to enhance his capabilities.
"...then the maps of this area will only have to be redrawn by a little bit."
In that instant, Madara's smile widened into a manic grin as his eyes morphed into the [Mangekyō Sharingan], and he replied with a pleased tone that was equally as manic.
"Keh-heh-heh-heh... I like you, Dragon Lord. Let us see how well you dance!"
"GROOOOU~!"
With a mighty roar, both the Dragon Lord and Madara charged towards each other with such force that a massive shockwave of displaced air and dust was released in all directions. Dy'vom looked unperturbed as their duel began, and murmured in a tone that was equal parts boredom and annoyance.
"Hmph! I only hope that their 'fun' doesn't attract the wrong type of attention..."
...
Just as Madara's duel began, above the heavens of the new world he now called home, its silvery moon continued its ever-constant journey around its celestial partner. All was serene on its surface as the intensity of the sun's rays began to lessen with its eventual passage into night on the world below.
Then suddenly, a ripple upon a singular location in its northern hemisphere occured. It would have barely been perceptible even to those in the vicinity, and from this ripple a visible "crack" in space-time itself manifested. It spread open like unto a black doorway in reality, revealing the pale-white figures of Urashiki and Toneri.
As the former stepped out with his bright-crimson fishing rod pulling on the latter, the portal closed behind them as Urashiki released his hold on Toneri. Testing his ability to move freely again, Toneri's head moved to and fro as he attempted to get his bearings on his environment. As he did, Urashiki grinned as he blithely spoke up.
"And here we are~! Welcome to a new world, Toneri-dono."
"..."
Pointedly ignoring Urashiki's verbal prodding, Toneri focused his sensory abilities to their utmost to gain a clear feel for his newest surroundings. Despite the circumstances, he had to admit to himself a certain excitement in crossing the boundaries betwixt worlds to come here. The experience was unlike anything he had ever experienced. If not for his situation, exploring other worlds would have been an exhilarating prospect.
"So tell me Toneri-dono, how are those senses of yours adjusting to your change in environment?" Urashiki nonchalantly asked.
Toneri's brow visibly twitched in annoyance at Urashiki's subtle provocation. It galled him at how his moment of excitement was ruined by the reminder of why he was here, but he knew he had to play along despite his feelings. So reaching out with his senses, he scanned the moon that they were on first, and then noticed something peculiar in the distance...
"Are those... people? On this moon?"
"Hoh~? Not bad, Toneri-dono. That's right. There's some humanoids on this new world's moon. They're called, 'Lunar Elves'. They were brought here some five or six centuries ago by some powerful being to help them avoid a cataclysm, or an extinction event, or some such. I wasn't really interested, so I didn't bother to learn more. Now focus on the planet below, Toneri-dono. That'll really be a showing of those sharp senses of yours."
Silently nodding in acknowledgement, Toneri faced in the direction of the planet below. He was struck by how different it felt in comparison to the world he left behind. While its size and shape was comparable, its aura felt so foreign. Indeed, its very lifeforce and those who dwelled upon it felt so odd that it truly was a different world altogether.
'Not just humans, but... Incredible... So many different races. And... what's this energy? It's not like chakra... It feels so... strange...'
He could not quite understand what he felt. It seemed like the world's energy was in flux and distorted. Like it existed inside an energy bubble that somehow warped its very nature, whilst at the same time being in harmony with it. It was as if the very fabric of reality was made more malleable.
It was almost akin to a summoning Jutsu, or better yet, the ability Urashiki used to bring them here. In such a state, it was not inconceivable that beings from other worlds like themselves could be drawn in...
"...!"
Then suddenly, he gasped as his senses picked up on presences upon that world that shocked him to his core. So palpable was his surprise that he could not help but react.
"W-Wha-?! How is it possible?"
"Oh~hoh. I see you feel it now. Those sharp senses of yours are truly exemplary, Toneri-dono~. Yes indeed, a Divine Tree has taken root upon that world." Urashiki said with a sadistically pleased grin.
"Uh... Y-Yes... It was quite the surprise... But there's also how strange this world's energy feels. It's all twisted and distorted. It's making it difficult to get a proper read on things." Toneri hurried replied.
"Ah, indeed. That. It seems long ago a dragon monarch cast some sort of spell upon the planet that summons beings from other worlds here from time-to-time. Occasionally those beings bring with them powers and items of power that wreaks havoc on the land..." Urashiki said with an indifferent shrug before continuing.
"...Well, I already figured that might be a problem for even your senses, and I have to admit it is rather inconvenient to have you going around blind in such an environment. I suppose we should do something about that~. I have some friends who may be able to help with that. Let's go see them." He said in an aloof tone as he walked up to Toneri's side, placing his left-hand on his left-shoulder.
"Hmph... Don't you mean pawns?" Toneri sardonically replied.
"Eh~? Why so cynical, Toneri-dono? One can still be friendly, even with pawns. But it's of no matter. Let's get you a new set of eyes, so you and I can get to work on cultivating this world~."
"..."
There was no reply from Toneri as he knew that whatever Urashiki had in mind, it would mean someone would be sacrificed for his renewed sight. Once again, he would be forced to tread upon the ground of past mistakes, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.
However, something gave him a spark of hope as Urashiki warped them to the world below. He was glad that this self-assured Ōtsutsuki came to his own conclusions for the reason behind his reaction. He worried that his shock and surprise had given him away, but his bluff about the world's warped nature clouding his senses was readily accepted, and not expecting a Divine Tree to have already been planted was readily accepted.
Maybe Urashiki had experienced something similar, or maybe he was confident enough to believe that Toneri would not dare oppose him, so long as the world he guarded was under threat. Perhaps it was a combination of those reasons, but whatever the case, it was not just the Divine Tree's presence he felt, but that of another, powerful chakra.
It was a presence he had not felt since his youth, during the time of the Fourth Shinobi World War. His rational mind told him that it was impossible, and yet he could not deny it either; Uchiha Madara was alive and on that world! What's more, the Ghost of the Uchiha felt even stronger now than when last he sensed him in this youth.
How this came to be he could not even begin to fathom. However, if it was true, Madara represented a way for him to oppose this Ōtsutsuki filth, and not sacrifice this world. A thought that helped form the basis of a vague plan in his mind.
'I must be careful now... Until I can find a way to set them upon each other, I must bide my time and do as he says... Uchiha Madara... You may be the only way I have to ensure that the Ōtsutsuki fail...'
...
*A/N: Heya true believers~! Once again, I must apologize for the long wait. IRL stuff just kept getting in the way. With how the collective world is losing its collective mind, I'm sure everyone can understand. Anywho, no clue when the next chapter's coming out, but expect the Madara vs. SMDL fight, and more movements in the story laying the groundwork for things to come. Until then, everyone take care out there~!*
