Heaven or Hell

by Scarabeye3000

An Overlord of Death, and a Fallen Angel leads Nazarick into the New World. OC.

18. The Revolution Begins II

Disclaimer: Seriously, I would have owned Overlord if I'm a gazilllionaire, sadly I am not. So, tough then.

Title: Heaven or Hell

Chapter 18 - The Revolution II

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Re-Estize Kingdom - Royal Palace

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Prince Barbro looked down on the paper that lay on top of his desk. It was almost midday and he would be meeting the envoys of the Baharuth Empire in regards to the Trade deal that they opened up last night on Hilma's party. He was greatly pleased about the way the man called Zadicus treated him and his father, the respect to protocol, even the lavish gift-

Oh the gift! He closed his eyes as he regained control of himself as the taste of the 100 years old wine seemed to muddle his senses.

The taste was exquisitely smooth as the liquid flowed, not dribbled, down his throat in measured gulps. He savored every drop from his wine glass as he never thought wine could taste like so. It had a bitter sweet aftertaste yet a firm and robust flavor that seemed to caress his senses. It brought such a warm feeling of contentment last night that he felt very well rested. Unlike normal wine that he consumed in excess before, the after morning was especially brutal to his head and eyes. But after taking a small nip of the wine that was given to them, he guarded it with such jealousy that he would not dare share it to anyone. He also thought longingly at the bottle that he knew rested on his father's own wine cellar, surely he would not miss it, or rather that man might consent to have another bottle of that exclusive drink if he seriously asked for it. Maybe if he inserted the trade deal he might get more?

Barbro shook his head, no, he must not be forceful about them. The Crown might looked it seemed to be extorting them to an extent. No, it must not look like that, for he could foresee another use this Trading House could be for him in the future. He needs to be on their good graces as this is one of the solid lead he could about his plans for E-Rantel.

Unlike what most people thought, he portrayed a persona of brashness, foolishness and extremely passionate about things regarding pride and nationality. Indeed, that is who he is, but on moments of clarity and focus, Barbro could plan things like any other man with authority. He did not become Marshal of the Re-Estize Kingdom's military forces on his bloodline alone. No, he was a good swordsman, albeit, he had only been bested by the Warrior-Captain in practice combat. And he is also a somewhat sound tactician, although brash in his tactical senses, he won numerous campaigns against the Baharuth Empire by his unorthodox methods.

No, he would need to be in the good graces of the envoys. Instead, he could provide them concessions in exchange for the said elixir. Gold and silver he could do without, but the feeling of that drink was something else that he could not believe can be easily forgotten. As such, after their agenda, he will make sure to mention that 'little' request and for sure, if he knows the quality of the man Zadicus, then he would not be disappointed. So, as a personal touch of good faith, he stamped his approval on the request for the Trading House yet he left the provisions and limitations blank so that he could discuss this openly later.

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The midday passed without much problem as Zadicus and Arche walked through the halls of the Royal Palace. By following the set-up that was made last night on Hilma's party, they would meet the Crown Prince in one of the rooms designed for meeting dignitaries inside the palace. It would be quite a formal affair that would ratify their deal with the Re-Estize Kingdom. Now, Lord Sammael did inform them to expect that sometimes these meetings of back and forth usually take days, even months so he allowed them all the leeway he could give them.

But he was given strict orders that he had to abide to. First and foremost is that he would not expose any links of the Trading House to the Great Tomb, the Sorcerer Kingdom, the Elven Kingdom, the Dwarven Kingdom, not even the Fallen Angel in any sense. If ever he would be asked to divulge any information, then lie, or misdirect if you must. Additionally, he was also compelled to argue any points that would not be 'beneficial' for the cause or at least ask for concessions to lessen its impact on their organization.

They passed through a large double door and Zadicus bowed at the person sitting on the table's head.

It was the Crown Prince, and a younger man a bit portly on the side and a man with very sharp features sat beside him. On their other side, two vacant seats were reserved for him and Arche. They hurriedly entered and bowed once more near the Prince.

"Greeting Crown Prince Barbro," Zadicus bowed slightly as Arche also followed suit, "I am glad to see you today."

"As am I, let me introduce the 2nd Prince, Zanac Valleon Igana Rylle Vaiself."

The Angel turned to the 2nd Prince and bowed as well, "Greetings to you Prince Zanac, I was unaware that you were at the party last night. I should have come to greet you, would you pardon me for that?"

Zanac gave a condescending smile and turned to his eldest sibling, "Well, you were right about him though. He sure does it smoothly right?"

"Indeed," Barbro gestured to the vacant seats and said, "Please sit down for we have so much to discuss."

Taking their seats, a couple of scribes came from behind and gave them copies of the trade agreement. Zadicus and Arche took note that the Crown Prince have already affixed his signet ring to the document which earned a look of ire from the 2nd Prince.

"Why did you put your signet ring on this?"

"What do you mean?"

Prince Zanac pointed to the melted dollop of wax with the symbol of the Crown Prince, "This! Why did you approve this without discussing it with us first? Marquis Raven is the head of the Trading Guild in the Re-Estize Kingdom and I oversee the internal auditors, why did you pass this over us?"

"Relax, as I oversee the Military and foreign policies with neighboring nations, it is under my jurisdiction in regards to foreign request and trade agreements is it not?" Barbo said non-chalantly, "Additionally, father also puts this trade agreement in my shoulders-"

"-I was not aware of it!"

"-if you were not so busy frolicking with members of the Royal Faction and actually stuck with father and I then you would have met him and would not be floundering right now."

"Permit me to speak your Highness, as Head of the Trading Guild I was not also aware of this deal," Marquis Raven also looked concerned at the Crown Prince yet he kept slipping his gaze towards Zadicus. Perhaps to gauge his reaction or anything, but it did not seem apparent at the moment.

"Both of you will stand down, I am the Crown Prince and I handle foreign trade agreements. Though I can be asked to report or inform you about agreements that the Crown will approve on foreign trade, we are not COMPELLED to do so at your or anyone else's whim. Is that clear Marquis?"

Prince Barbro flexing his Royal Authority was not missed by those on the table. Even the companion of Zadicus, Arche, kept herself silent during the exchange of the 3 people on the table.

The Crown Prince shuffled the scroll of the trade agreement and said, "As you can see, I have kept the provisions, limitations and rules blank. That is to ensure that we can sit down right now and discuss this as civilized men, but if you wish to come into blows, let me just get my sword then from the rack."

"That will not be necessary," Prince Zanac still looked livid, "I am upset that you have passed this over our heads. You could have postponed affixing your signet ring. By affixing your authority on this paper, it nullifies the needed discussion points and time it may need to debate and discuss this trade deal. The Crown could lose on the terms that might set forth without proper education or forethought on such matter."

"This trade will happen whether you like it or not, Father and I believe that it should not be limited only to Trade, but information as well, additionally, an avenue of cooperation could also be opened-"

"Father would not agree to this!" Zanac's clenched fist slammed on the table, "You are doing this to get in the good graces of the Empire and open hostilities towards E-Rantel!"

Barbro gave a small smile and shrugged his shoulders, "As I have said, I discussed this with Father and he did not seemed averse to it."

"Seeming to be not averse to it and agreeing are entirely different things," Zanac shook his head and stood up, "I shall discuss this with Father."

"Go then, am I right to assume that you would not be agreeing to this Trade deal?" the Crown Prince called out to his brother, "Would you assure me that you will not benefit in anyway about this nor use any products from the Empire or from the Trading House."

The 2nd Prince did not answer and simply slammed the door behind him, Marquis Raven kept silent as the Prince now turned to him, "How about you Marquis?"

"I will stay and make sure that the Trading Guilds would be represented in this 'aggressive negotiations' and also to ensure that the terms would not be detrimental to the Kingdom's economy."

"Good," Prince Barbro clapped his hands and servants carrying trays of biscuits and drinks came inside serving everyone on the table, "I believe it is in our best benefit to have refreshments around while we discuss the terms. I expect us to be late into the night regarding this agreement."

Zadicus and Arche bowed in agreement, "As you wish, Your Highness."

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Meanwhile

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Prince Zanac seethed in anger at his elder brother's gall to actually bypass him in the trade agreement. Sure, he has that prerogative as he technically oversees the foreign policies and the ambassadors that are under him, but he could have been more considerate about it. He also mentioned their father's agreement to the trade deal, which is absurd since he knows his father would not tolerate such deals immediately without deep contemplation. And so, he now heads to the section of the palace where he knows where his father is at right now.

As he passed the southern wing, the Prince saw their father sitting on a small gazebo with the one person he actually was weary on speaking with.

Her dainty hands and powder blue dress fit her wonderfully and her beautiful face was framed by her long blonde hair and a small diadem sat on her forehead.

Princess Renner looked at him with a small smile on his face, as he approached her and their father. A cold pit on his stomach seemed to get colder as he approached, "Father, Renner, how good to see you?"

"How are you brother?"

"I am well sister," his skin crawled as he realized he can call this fearsome creature his half-sister, "I see you are discussing things with father."

King Ranpossa III smiled a bit as he looked at her favorite daughter, "Oh, I don't think I was discussing anything in particular to her. I just mentioned the recent events that is happening right now to the Kingdom and I just wish to know her thoughts about it."

"Did you now father?" Zanac smiled, he was thankful that the topic of politics was already open so he would not need to mention it again, "Then you would not mind me mentioning that your eldest son has recently approved a trade deal with a trading house that is affiliated with the Baharuth Empire?"

To his suprise, the King nods his head, "He did mention it to me and I was aware of his plans, it seems he did go through with the deal. I do hope that he could get concessions and not allow the Kingdom to lose on any Trade deal."

Zanac was floored, did his father actually supported the notion his brother made, "Fa-father, he just agreed to a trade deal with a nation that we have a long-standing rivalry with, they have not relinquished claim on our Fortress city and we have a long standing aggression against them. How can he allow such a thing to be resolved in just a few days without any possible repercussions or proper diplomatic discussions?"

"I understand your apprehension and I agree in a sense, but with a 3rd player on the table. It certainly changes everything."

"Like whom-"

"-like the Sorcerer Kingdom."

"Father, that is not-" Zanac was about to continue but stopped short.

Renner gave a soft cough as the two male Royals looked at him, "If you may please let me speak father, brother, I believe Brother Barbro is simply making sure that the envoys are aware of his intention and commitment to ratify the deal. By affixing his signet ring, he is assuring them that he will see to it that he will prioritize this above all other matters of his office. Did he already have the scribes put in the details of the trade agreement and the limitations and regulations about the limits?"

Zanac gave a large breathe and said, "Not yet."

"Then that seems to be it Father," the 3rd Princess smiled sweetly as she puts her tea cup on her lips, "He left the terms and conditions open to be discussed, yet already affixed his signet ring to make the envoys feel at ease that the Crown and Kingdom are very interested for this to go through. In case it did go through, the Kingdom could not just benefit from trade. Plus, if you look at it at a diplomatic standpoint, if it will not be ratified then the willingness of Brother Barbro or in this case, the Kingdom is not at fault. This might reflect badly on the envoys if it would not be ratified, so either way, the trade agreement would benefit the Kingdom greatly not just economically, politically, or even through force of arms

"In what sense my child?" King Ranpossa III asked, he knew it was the right thing to speak these things with her daughter. That intellect of her could save this country, he sighed, if only he was a man.

"Well, by establishing a trade agreement, we can always open this as an avenue for diplomatic relations and possible cooperation in the future with the Baharuth Empire."

The 2nd Prince's mind churned wildly, so, he was right in thinking his brother was manipulating the envoys to that end. He had a half-mind to march back there and know the details of the trade agreement, but his pride stayed his feet right now and-

"By the way my son, did you actually leave the table and discuss this with me? Who is representing the Kingdom's Trade on this deal aside from your brother?"

Zanac was still not satisfied, but he was assured that his ally would keep disaster from happening if need be, "Do not worry, Marquis Raven is there right now. He would not let the terms be disadvantageous against the Kingdom."

He sure as hell hoped not.

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Baharuth Empire - Arwintar Palace

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Sammael looked at the large veranda overlooking the sprawling gardens of the palace, it was the 3rd time he had come to the Palace and he was amazed at the size of this place. Mind you, it is nothing compared to the glory of Nazarick and their creations, but humanity was indeed capable of such feats of engineering it would have seemed impossible. He gave a small chuckle, Egypt was real right? So was Athens? He actually got to walk on the desert sand where the ancient Israelites once used to walk the old world to the promised Land of Canaan, or in his time known as Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. Now called the Levantine Coalition before being swallowed by the Eurasian Soviet Socialist Republic, before fire rained through the sky and destroyed everything completely.

He sighed at the devastation he had seen in the videos, what a wonderful waste of men, material, and history now turned to dust.

"Left someone in the past?"

Sammael gave a start as Emperor Jircniv Run Farlord El Nix called out behind him. He was too much absorbed of his self-musings that someone actually managed to approach him. Well, he was safe here anyway so why would he be worried?

"Just remembering my home, Your Majesty."

Jircniv looked at him and gestured to his Palace, "And looking at my sprawling garden reminds you of it?"

"Your Majesty, whenever I see such grandeur and beautiful works of architecture, I cannot help but feel melancholic and reminisce about my days learning about those subjects in school, plus, my favorite city resembled the red stone tile roofs that is part of the residential area," he pointed at the large area where they could see outside of the castle, "I once visited a city near the sea, the white washed walls of the houses and the red tile roofs was both a source of comfort and melancholy for me Your Majesty. I do apologize for that if it seemed too depressing for you."

"No, of course not, we are all human and as such to feel such things are natural," the Emperor led him away then inside as he wished to discuss some things regarding his Trading house, "I will need to ask you. It has come to my attention that you have sent envoys to the Re-Estize Kingdom. Is there truth in those reports?"

Birds fluttered in the air as Sammael nods his head and innocently looked back to the Emperor, "Of course Your Majesty. I do not deny that I wish to open another Trading House at the Re-Estize Kingdom and the Theocracy if possible. I am also looking to check the Forest of Tob for a hidden Elven Kingdom that I have heard rumors upon."

"Elven Kingdom?" the Emperor sounded a bit alarmed, not many knew of the whispers circling about the reestablished Elven Kingdom inside the Forest of Tob, "From where did you hear that information?"

"From listening to some of my acquaintances in the Trading Guild and some from the military of course, please don't take it against them your Majesty, they were merely sharing gossip to me," Sammael walked a step behind the Emperor as he smiled at the human, trying to figure out who could have opened his mouth to him, "Personally, as a businessman it is prudent to pursue all manner of trade. And if possible to open more products for sale so that commodities can be locally sourced if possible or imported. Hence, my whim to check if the rumors or gossips are indeed true."

"So, its all for the money?" Jircniv looked back at him with a sarcastic expression.

"Why yes your Majesty," he nods in affirmation, "But that doesn't mean I would not like to go there and experience a bit of fun and adventure. Of course, money is not all there is to it, but it is a necessity so that the fun and adventure can continue."

The Emperor turned to him and said in a serious tone, "Even though the nation you approached is hostile against the Empire, you did not consider the political ramification in case word got out that a Trading House sanctioned by the Baharuth Empire is reaching out to the enemy with a long standing history of aggression and warfare?"

"Your Majesty, it is a very moot point to consider since I am not a native of the Empire so there is no conflict of interest. And if the Kingdom denies the agreement that as a person I have extended to them, their reputation in considering the greater good of their economy would be exposed," Sammael smiled at that and gave the Emperor a bow, "Of course, there is a certain risk involved to the Empire at large, but the Emperor can always deny your approval and you can point out that I acted on my own. Even punish me at your own pleasure, thus washing the Empire's hand on any involvement and also clear the name of the Crown from any responsibility."

At his words, Jircniv actually laughed and continued walking, "That was very compelling you know. Did you rehearse that?"

"Of course not Your Majesty, I simply took initiative as I see fit," Sammael also laughed with the Emperor, "I took the move and ensured that the Emperor can deny your involvement with me, for your own protection, though if I was a native of the Baharuth Empire then I would certainly take things differently. Now I believe politicians called the actions I did 'plausible deniability on the Sovereign's part' if I'm not mistaken. You can certainly deny what you 'technically' did not know."

"An apt description, where did you learn it?"

"I have traveled far and wide your Majesty and I always try to grasp as much as I can on a particular subject."

"And you trust me that much Samuel?"

The Fallen and the Emperor locked eyes as the Angel slowly bowed to the human Monarch, "Every monarch that I have met and trusted have never sent me away in anger. My trust in the nobility and the heart of a sovereign is absolute, Your Majesty."

"And why is that?"

"A Sovereign is an absolute ruler and must make necessary decisions that would affect people and his home in the long run, an effective monarch cannot be successful if in the end of the day their feet would not stay grounded," Sammael smiled at him, "They would be jaded on their divine right to rule, oblivious to the suffering and thus, their people would hate them more. But I have seen how the citizens adored you, respected you and feared you. I know His Majesty can be trusted."

Jircniv continued walking towards the meeting chambers as the Emperor said, "Your trust is not misplaced. If this all pans out, I want first dibs of the products in any new nation where you will establish your Trading House."

"I thought the Crown already takes 5% off of our every revenue in exchange for the lease on my Manor? And of course the continued license and leeway we have," Samuel said as he looked comically hurt.

The Emperor chuckled at his hurt expression, "5% is for the treasury, the dibs is a personal gift to me."

"Of course your Majesty," Samuel also chuckled at that, "As always you have my word."

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They arrived at the meeting chambers and saw an old man waiting with two others on the small table. As this is not an official court, but a rather informal meeting with the 'movers' of the country. The first one was obviously Fluder Paradyne, secret servant of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, the other one was Marquis Maes Hughes who heads the Empire's Trading Guild, and of course the Emperor's own secretary, Loune Vermillion. The occupants of the table stood up in deference to the Emperor as they went to their allocated places at the table.

As Samuel approached, he caught Fluder's eye as the old man gave a very fond look back at him.

The Fallen shivered deep inside, 'Jesus H. Christ! Stop looking at me old man.'

Loune Vermillion caught the old man's expression, but merely thought it was a doting old man to his old charge, which is the Emperor. Who else could it be? Since he was the only one allowed to call the Bloody Emperor, 'Little Jir', he bit his lip as he remembered a funny memory where they were conducting a late night meeting with the border generals with Fluder in attendance. Maybe it was due to his age, or the lateness of the hour since it was almost nearing midnight and they were finalizing the provisions and mobilization on their annual war with the Re-Estize Kingdom. As they finished the meeting, there was a roll-call to recap the points and if there would be any other concerns, no one could remember who called out to him, but when the 'napping' Fluder was suddenly called out to ask for any last feedback. The old man was noticeably startled and said out loud to the amusement of the generals and their adjutants that night,

"Oh nothing more I can say Little Jir, but please do finish your homework next time or I'll have Elena 'spank' you later. You do love it when she does it sometimes no?"

And he promptly closed his eyes again that time to nap.

Loune could vividly remember as the border generals looked at the Emperor trying to stifle their laugh who was not helping his own cause as he blushed profusely at the memory of his childhood crush on her wet nurse. Much coughing and shifting on their chairs as discipline deteriorated steadily while the Emperor looked livid and loudly proclaimed the meeting to be over.

The secretary tried to stifle his laugh again, that memory was a really special one and cleared any notions that even if the Emperor was titled the 'Bloody One' by his opponents and those of other nations, he was still human and could feel emotions as raw as any person. After that outburst by Fluder, it was decreed that the meetings for such things would only be conducted in midday and there will be no more after-midnight meetings for the old man.

Too bad though, the Emperor observed him in the present as he sat down and asked, "Loune, are you thinking something funny?"

"Of course not your Majesty!"

Jircniv leered back at him, "That better not be about any late night meeting regarding the generals recently."

"Heavens no!" Loune said suddenly, his forehead peppered with bead sweat, "I'm not thinking about any wet nur- woman- err, meeting right now!"

It was an obvious lie, but the Emperor lets it slide. Loune was his oldest friend and aside from the Court Magician Fluder, was one of the people he trusted implicitly, "Is that so? Well then let us proceed with our agenda today."

"Yes," it was Samuel who spoke first, "Your Majesty, as I have initially discussed with Master Fluder. We have successfully penetrated the Sorcerer Kingdom with the screen of going to the Re-Estize Kingdom to establish trade and then to the Great Forest. We can innocently gather intelligence and have the other caravan go back since I am not expecting much in regards to the products an Undead City can produce."

Jircniv looked at Sammael and then to Fluder, 'So, the envoy to the Re-Estize Kingdom was a screen. He is saying it in front of them like I was aware of it from the beginning. Perhaps Fluder made him do it, but I can feel than Sammael is a whimsical person and would not let anyone simply dictate how to run his business, maybe the old man opened the idea to him.'

"We need to ensure that any item worthy of note is purchased and taken back here so we can study it," it was Fluder who spoke, "Information at least to give us a back ground on how could they have made the Fortress City theirs within the day."

"Not to worry Master Fluder, as I have mentioned to my envoys. We are traders and businessmen, as long as we can acquire information and sell it, then we would sell it."

"Like spies?"

"Of course not, but can they really stop us from reporting on the gossips and information we can generally get from the populace."

The Emperor nods satisfied as Maes also asked, "How about the products you will be infusing into the economy? I was actually hoping you could get a sample of their grain from the Re-Estize Capital."

"Why is it important though?" Jircniv asked earnestly, agriculture was not part of the subjects he took seriously before.

Maes smiled as he explained to the Emperor, "Due to the embargo of goods from the Re-Estize Kingdom, we have stopped exporting to their our products including our grain. In regards to the grains we have, our grains are resistant to pest and quite hardy to the cold since we are located near the foot of the Azerlisia Mountain range. But our southern cities are quite warm and arid, there are areas where grain is scarce that its driving prices upwards. Since the grain of the Re-Estize Kingdom on their Northwest borders are quite hardy with heat, I was actually hoping we can cross that with our so to make it more resistant to heat."

"Why not ask the Theocracy for their type of grain?"

The head of the Trading Guild shook his head, "They refused and only allowed us the milled type of grain to be purchased, as we all know, once a grain is milled and its skin shucked away. It can never be used for planting and we are unable to bribe them as their priest are quite adamant about rules and regulations."

Jircniv nods his head in understanding, "Any status reports from the Re-Estize Kingdom?"

"We have received assistance from Master Fluder about [Message] scrolls that my envoys can use for their long-range reports, plus it is directly linked to me once the scroll is used and the magic is invoked," Samuel answered as he took out a piece of paper, "Their latest report is that they have managed to speak with the King-"

"With the King? How did they managed to do that so fast?"

"Well, they managed to get in the good graces of a certain woman that was organizing a ball of the displaced nobles from E-Rantel."

"And?"

"They said that they have begun discussions of ratifying the trade agreement today, I should have more information later your Majesty."

"Excellent, now on to the other agenda- you have something to report to me Fluder about the research I asked you about the Sorcerer King and his pet Angel-"

The old man's cup suddenly fell from his lap as they all looked at him with obvious concern, "Are you alright old man?"

He tried to play it off as the sudden disrespect from his young charge's lips almost made him fear how Lord Sammael would react, "O-of course, Little Jir, w-well, I am planning to undergo a journey to a ruins that has been quite obscure. I discovered some text that I want to translate first that gives the ruin's location near the Azerlisia Mountains. It could be a civilization that once stood here that spanned from the Theocracy up to the lands of the Harpies, which incidentally include the Baharuth Empire."

The Emperor rubbed his chin in thought, "Is there any indication that the Sorcerer King is connected to these ancient kingdoms? Since his power is out of this world and their abilities seemed similar to the power of the Gods, I was wondering if this was true?"

'Smart thinking your Majesty,' he was right, not only was Jircniv a progressive mind in regards to ruling. But he was also quite smart and cunning too and knows a few tricks in regards to outmaneuvering his opponents. His discussion with Ainz regarding the Emperor being an excellent vassal has grown traction the more he spends his time within the Baharuth Empire. The foundation of education being one of the pillars in his Empire was actually the same foundation of modern society in the Old World, by strengthening education, it empowers the masses, thus it allows one to have them understand their purpose and meaning as a cog or gear in the machine called government.

"It is possible," Fluder shrugged his shoulders, "To be honest, ever since the news about how the Sorcerer Kingdom was established within the day. I could not help but think and feel the same way."

"But establishing trade, although somewhat restricted, with the Undead City could be seen as recognition on our part of their legitimate government," Jircniv said, he could not have his Empire look weak and legitimize the claim of that undead so easily. But then again, the preposition of his new trader confidante seemed promising and poses almost no risk to the Empire at large, "What say the head of our Empire's Trading guild?"

Chairman Hughes rubbed his chin and replied, "Not really your Majesty, we have traded numerous times before with the Re-Estize Kingdom, but these are merely minor items and in limited numbers. Not to mention our self-imposed rules that we would not allow weapons and armor through our members unsanctioned trading with other nations."

"So, your admitting that your doing illicit trading with the Re-Estize Kingdom?"

"I could not call it illicit since we do not traffic illegal items, I would like to reiterate to you, Your Majesty, that trading of arms, armor, magic items and illegal drugs and substances is not tolerated by our Guild. Once a trader has been accused and found guilty, then all of his assets will be seized and confiscated," Maes Hughes smiled at that, "They gave a written testament when they joined the guild that they will cooperate and would not be held liable for any defense against the garnishment of their assets. A fate so crushing that no merchant would ever dare cross it for the last-"

"-or they could be real good at hiding things they do not want anyone else to see."

"That can also be done," Maes smiled, "But do not worry your Majesty, we have permanent Workers who we have assigned to always look into it-"

"Workers?" Jircniv rubbed his chin, "They are the illegal adventurers right?"

"Yes your Majesty, they do good work especially for the Trading Guild as they are not restricted on their activities unlike the Adventurer's guild."

"And what did the Adventurer's Guild master have to say about that?"

Maes shrugged his shoulder, "Oh, the Armstrong's take it in stride."

The Emperor smiled at that, if ever he knew a more patriotic family that is loyal to the Empire then it was the Armstrong's, "Very well then, on to the next agenda."

The meeting continued until lunch time and finally broke off at around mid-afternoon.

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Slane Theocracy

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Pierre wiped the sweat from his brow as he looked at the wheat field he just harvested, working hard through the day as the stalks were cut systematically and then tied up in a bundle. Where it awaited another farmer so that it can be taken to the community thresher to remove the stalks and leaves. Admittedly, it was back-breaking work and he could not dismiss the comfort it would be to have more helping hands. But his whole family was already working on this community farm and considering their peasant status was much better off than the slaves that joined them on the other fields.

He was hoping there would be more that can be done to alleviate their hardships.

The sun's powerful rays bored down on them as the lunch bell went off from the distance, one by one the farmers who were hunched over from working the soil stood up straight and stretched their weary backs. The shrill sound of the bell a source of comfort and a signal of rest for their tired muscles. They made their way towards the wind mill where the water is pumped automatically from a deep well to wash themselves from the dust and grime of working the earth. Going to the communal pantries they were given soups and bread to fill themselves as the Theocracy believed it best to have the peasants well-fed so that they could be made to work extra hard.

As such, Pierre took his soup and hard bread as he took a seat on one of the long chairs. He was joined by his neighbors as state-owned slaves also took their own position away from the free farmers.

"How's work today?" his neighbor asked while offering a short prayer to the Gods, "Anything different happening lately?"

"Not a thing that we already know," another one replied who was name Kel, he was a part-time farmer as he also works as a trader since he has a share in the crops of the communal farm, "Though I went to the market last first day of the week and spoke to a merchant that informed me of a new nation that is commanded by the undead."

"You don't say?"

The farmer nods, "Its true! He showed me proof of the stuff they were selling there, mostly arms, farming implements, and could you believe fruits and vegetables too."

"Undead selling fruits and vegetables too?"

"I was really skeptical, but the merchant returned unharmed and he also thought the same. He believed it would be fully occupied by the undead too," Kel took out an ornate carved and lacquered spoon, "Look at this spoon, I bought this for a bargain. It looks very well-made and not only is it of such quality, but look how easy it is to clean it. And this insignia-" he pointed to the small carved insignia of Ainz Ooal Gown on the top handle, "-they said this is the symbol of the Sorcerer Kingdom."

"That's blasphemy! Why did you even buy products from that place?"

"It was only a spoon, you would not believe the words of the merchant when he told me the stories."

"About what?"

"He was a travelling merchant that goes around the Re-Estize Kingdom and then back here, but he said when he passed through the undead city, he saw the undead working the fields with humans as overseers."

Another farmer scoffed at that, "That's impossible!"

"No, it's not," Kel shook his head adamantly, "He also said that the roads are so much safer since Death Cavaliers-"

"Death Cavaliers? Wasn't that the undead that destroyed a nation of the demi-humans on the south?"

"I don't know, but he said Death Cavaliers patrolled regularly the roads going to and from the undead city, as such, there are no bandits at all," the attention of the table was with Kel now as he expounded on his story, "I also heard that the streets are all made out of uniformed stone, just like the streets in the Capital. And healing services are freely given to the populace as long as your a citizen of the Sorcerer Kingdom."

"Is that the reason why there are no peasants that are evacuating from that city going to other cities?"

Kel shrugged his shoulders, "It could be, the merchant also told me of many programs that the Sorcerer Kingdom is doing. Something about children's education, health care, umm- housing programs and all. Oh! Free transportation too."

"What!? Free transportation?"

"Apparently, the Sorcerer Kingdom has this transport thing- where they have headless horses pull carriage on specific points so that the citizens who work on the other end of the city or out into the farms will not be burdened by too much walking."

"The merchant said its true though," Kel raised his brow in thought, "He did mention the absolute discipline that they needed to abide within the city."

"And that is-?"

"Uh, he told us that it is prohibited to exercise violence except in your own self-defense, it is prohibited to kill or eat humans or demi-humans-"

It was Pierre who almost choked on his soup, "It is prohibited to eat humans or even kill them?"

"No! He said it was prohibited to kill. At all."

"But why?"

"Don't ask me, I haven't been there yet either," Kel shrugged his shoulders, "But one thing is certain from what he told me. The living to do not suffer in the Sorcerer Kingdom, in fact, they live quite comfortably and peacefully."

"Is that blasphemy I hear?" it was their overseer who overheard their gossip, "All praise and adulation for the undead?"

Kel shrugged his shoulders, "Hey, give me a break. I was curios and got into a conversation with a travelling merchant? And I'm not turning from the teachings of our Gods over a spoon. I was just curious why did the undead not just killed all the humans living in that city? I mean, we do know the undead kills anyone and anything with life on them. Why did he not do the same?"

Pierre nods his head as he finished his bowl of soup, "You're right, but that would not fill my belly. I'm going for seconds."

The other farmers on his table went back to the cauldron and help themselves to a second bowl of soup. The discussion was forgotten with the thought of filling their bellies taking precedence, though unknowingly, a different seed was implanted that day on all their minds.

.

On another communal farm, a different farmer looked at the brownish spots on the threshed grains he had been finding for sometime now. It was not food rot, nor was it any kind of pest, nor was it any fungal infection he knew of. He went to the overseer and gave the batch of newly threshed grain on his table.

"What is this then?"

"Look at the grain, its the brown spots that I haven't seen before."

The overseer rubbed the grain in between his fingers and saw it somewhat faded with his touch. The natural abrasions of a human skin was able to peel off some of the dirt looking spots as the man shrugged his shoulder, "Don't mind it, it looks like dirt. Take a batch and mill it into flour, let's see if the dirt or spots go into the insides of the grain."

"Alright, but what about the batch where this comes from?" the farmer asked.

"We can't stop the threshing stone on every batch of grain that has been dirtied, just get it milled and we'll look into it right away," the overseer shooed him off as the farmer carried the grain towards the milling house.

The farmer dutifully milled the grain and then sent a batch to the church to check for any impurities and then went back to the overseer to report his progress. The man turned back to his charge and took the milled grain, he took a wooden basin and dumps the milled grain in. Together with the farmer they checked for any impurities that the brown marks might have on the grain.

"I don't see any brown spots."

"Neither could I."

"Maybe it was just a deep seated dirt that got in or something," the overseer took a handful of the milled grain or flour and puts it near his nose, "Does not seem to have any bad smell at all?

"Your right, it does seem okay," the farmer agreed and said, "To be sure though I sent some samples to the nearby church so they can check for any sickness."

The overseer does not seemed pleased at the farmer's initiative, but nods his head in acknowledgement, "Though I do not think its serious. It is a good thing that you sent samples to the church so they can support our reports. Can you mark this on the date calendar and have the other farmers check if they also encountered this brown spots on their own batches of grain."

"Okay, I'll do it right away."

"I will also make notes on my end to ensure that we can all cover our bases."

Both the overseer and farmer went back to their work, meanwhile, a new batch of grains was being threshed again at the threshing floor. The next farmer also noticed the brown marks on the newly threshed grains, but he dismissed it simply as dirt and logged the weight of his harvest for the day. Behind him, several other farmers were lining up as they waited to have their grains threshed.

.

On another outlying town near the Abelion Hills of the Slane Theocracy, Gavinrad, a newly established Head Priest looked down on the wounded man in front of him. He was from the nearby city of Karnak and he had been recently assigned near this border town and so far, the job is going swimmingly or rather tedious at times. Until a group of hunters who usually go out in search of animals came back with their wounded member, they could not know who or what attacked them, but what they saw was an unholy beast of strength and viciousness. As such, when one of their numbers was finally wounded did they managed to drive the beast away. The priest took out a piece of paper and writing implements as he approached the leader of the hunting party.

"I will need to report this to the Archbishop if the beast that you hunted is as powerful as you say, then perhaps a party needs to come here," Gavinrad the Priest now armed with his writing implements sat down as his other colleague attended to the wounded man, "What else did you see?"

The head hunter shrugged his shoulders, "It was a large wolf, easily as large as a red bear. Even as big as an Elder Bafolk-"

"A wolf that is as large as a Bafolk? What kind of monster would be as large as a Bafolk?"

"We do not know, but its fur was black and its paw was as large as a man," another hunter quipped, "Not to mention it was very fast and it has a golden star on its chest fur."

Another priest walked in to them, it was the one that was handling the wounded hunter. He shook his head and said, "The wound is infected with some poison that I am not familiar with. Our apothecary had also no clue on what type of venom that punctured him, but we do have this."

He produced an arrow tip that was shaped in the style of the nemesis of the Theocracy.

The priest shook his head and looked at the gathered men before him, "You mind telling me how a large beast that you told me seemed uncontrollable was able to fire an arrow with an Elvish tip on it?"

"As I told you awhile ago Reverend," the hunter said exasperatedly, "We were pursuing animals for sustenance, when suddenly we encountered the large wolf. It was aggressive and vicious as it pursued us and we barely escaped with our lives. When we were able to get away, we found one of our kinsmen on the ground with a wound on his shoulder, there was no arrow shaft nor indication that we saw Elves."

"I-it could have broken off with the confusion on the fight with the giant wolf, or it could be a bodkin type where the shaft is loosely connected to the tip and a sudden jolt could disconnect the two together and leaving the arrow tip inside," another hunter piped in.

The priest turned to his colleague and asked, "Were there any other wounds on him?"

"I already did the minor operation of removing the arrow head, its just that the poison is slowly killing him. I tried all manner of healing magic and restoration potions to no avail," his colleague replied, "Even our resident Apothecary could not deduce how the poison was made and he was a veteran on the War with the Elves."

"Very well," Gavinrad stood and finished his letter, he took out an envelope and sealed the letter inside of it. He walked to the head of the hunting party and said to him, "Bring this letter to the Archbishop at Karak, the walled city that we are under jurisdiction of. Go there and seek assistance for your friend, if indeed the Elves are using a new type of poison or testing a new type of abominable creature then we need to make sure."

He then turned to his colleague and said, "Go with them and ensure that the wounded makes the journey."

"Yes elder brother."

.

On the capital of the Slane Theocracy, a young student walked briskly towards the main library of the Fire God's Basilica as he clutched his notebook under his arm. He was a newly ordained Priest and a talented spell caster of Divine Magic, one of the very few that the Theocracy valued above all the elements. He was on the Basilica today to check their most revered records and do his research on the God of Fire's historical records, so far, he was able to secure the approval of his own department to pursue his research. He only needs to access the restricted records about the Fire God, so he can possibly combine his Divine Magic with Fire magic and be accepted into the Combat Clerics.

He finally reached the librarian who was an old man that handled the records for more than 5 decades and counting, he looked at the young priest in front of him and said, "Can I help you?"

"Yes, I would like to access the restricted section for the Fire God's history and personal notes."

The old cleric looked at him from head to toe and then slowly said, "I understand your thirst for knowledge, but one cannot be simply given access to records pertaining to the most intimate writings and records of the Gods. Without a clearance from the Cardinal of Fire or at least accompanied by an esteemed Cleric. If you do not have at least that, I am afraid you will be denied entry."

"But I have already secured permission from the Office of the Cardinal of Light, my own division has approved of this," he took out a scroll and laid it on the table.

"I understand," the old man did not even take a glimpse at it, "But it is from the Cardinal of Light that you got permission, hence, if he handles these records then I will be compelled to allow you access. But since this is the Fire God's Temple, you may only access the books written by his acolytes and his students, but the personal records are still restricted to you."

The young priest looked miffed, "But that's absurd? Are we not from the same country? Am I not serving the same Theocracy? Please, I need the information in there to advance to the cleric class so that I will be more of use to the Gods."

"If you can at least, get approval from the Cardinal of Fire, or with a Cleric-" the old man answered patiently, "-since Clerics are allowed non-stop access to that information and is only exempted to touch or even see the personal effects of the Gods themselves."

"Good luck with that, clerics are very strict and would not spare anytime at all considering they are at the forefront of the Theocracy's military together with the Knights."

"I am sorry," the old man concluded as he returned to what he was writing before, "I do wish I could do more for you, but rules are rules."

Frustrated but nonetheless pliant still, he walked down to the garden in the middle of the Basilica to gather his thoughts. He was looking around and found one or two clerics carrying numerous papers, some of them marching with Knights probably off to some orders by their overseers, he saw some other priest in training like him also looking lost and distraught.

"No doubt denied entry like me," he huffed in annoyance to no one in particular.

"Denied entry where?"

"GAH!?" a voice behind him caused him to gasp loudly as his heart jumped out of his chest, "Son of a bis-cuit! I'm sorry sir, I did not mean to shout."

Erythro smiled at the young priest, "Understandable, I do have that effect sometimes."

"Sir- I mean," he saw the pin and lapel and the hidden coat of office behind the leather armor and his heart felt hope again, "Cleric, I am sorry if I disturbed you, but I was only distraught and upset of my current situation."

"So, why are you upset?" the Cleric smiled as the young priest poured forth his frustration.

After a few minutes of listening, Erythro nods his head in understanding and said, "It is truly frustrating that you are unable to pursue such lofty aims because of a simple restriction and parochial 'red tape' that you experienced. No matter though, I am sure with my endorsement and escort he would allow you passage."

The younger man smiled, "You mean it Cleric? You would give some time for me and my research?"

"Of course, I was someone like you before and I thirsted knowledge, which I am sure you are looking for," they both headed back to the restricted section of the library as Erythro made sure that his crozius is still latched into his weapon's belt, "But let me tell you that not all knowledge is within books, sometimes the 'truth' is out there 'hidden' within a gossamer of lies."

"I- I see," he hesitated as the Cleric did said something thought provoking, "Again permit me to give my thanks on you sacrificing your time for me."

They arrived at the old priest again who manned the restricted section and he looked at the young man again and then to his companion. He noted that the newly arrived was a Cleric, but he needed to make sure.

"Welcome back young priest, did you manage to secure the Cleric as an escort for your research?"

"Yes."

"Very well," he then turned to Erythro and said, "Cleric if you would please present your 'badge of office' to me so I may analyze it."

The Cleric took out his black ornate crozius and laid it at the table, as soon as the 'badge of office' was laid in front of them, both the young priest and the old man's eyes bugged out at markings on the ornate heavy blunt weapon. It was a skull with wings, its shaft and handle was 3 feet long combined, but what captured their eye was the name on the 'purity seal' that was dangling on the end of the shaft. The old man bowed at once and the young priest could not believe his audacity to ask a high-ranking member of the Theocracy.

"Welcome High Confessor Erythro of the noble house of MyCin," the old man proclaimed loudly, "I am glad to welcome you within our halls."

As with all Theocracies, the ranks and responsibilities of government are tied to the clergy, as such with Priest as the starting rank. They can then branch out to the more conventional form of government where they will progress as an Assistant-Vicar, then a Vicar, then to a Bishop, then an Archbishop, and finally a Cardinal. However, if a Priest wishes to pass through the more militaristic arm of the government, then after being a Priest, you will graduate to a Combat Priest, then once enough experience and endorsement is given, the aspirant will be given to the Chaplaincy or you will become an Acolyte of an Inquisitor, then finally an Apprentice-Inquisitor.

Once you graduate as an Apprentice or if your Inquisitor Master dies then he or she will replace his dead master. Once enough experience and skill has been passed, the Inquisitor would be promoted to High Inquisitor, then finally Inquisitor Lord.

If you wish to progress further than Inquisitor-Lord, the Inquisitor can directly apply as a Confessor to learn divine magic, after a few years he or she would progress to a High Confessor, then followed to be a Confessor Patriarch and then he or she can become a Cardinal.

So, if we take into account the ranking of a specific clergyman, Erythro was nearing the cusp of his career. He only needs to wait for a Confessor Patriarch to retire or fall in battle before he can wield an authority close to an Archbishop. As such, the reaction of the 2 low-ranking priest was not unfounded. In fact, it was such an audacious thought to have a High Confessor escort you for some paltry research at all.

"Forgive my presumptions Cler- I mean, High Confessor Erythro," the priest bowed without lifting his head, "I did not know it was you since I was only able to see your clerical robes."

Erythro gave a small laugh, "That's all right, I always hide my 'Inquisition Rosette' as it is generally a very dangerous thing to display in battle. Since it actually attracts the most attention and the enemy always takes out the most senior ranking officer."

"I understand, but then again please accept my apologies for taking your time."

"It's fine, I always wanted to go back and do research and read again the books that I have read before," he then turned to the old priest and asked, "So, can I come in now with- uh, what was your name again?"

"Luther, my name is Luther, High Confessor Erythro."

The hidden heretic smiled at the young man, "You need to relax, let us go and be quick. We do not have all day."

Walking past the previously locked and barred door, Erythro and Luther headed to the back as they selected the books and writings that they would read for the day.

.

.

Azerlisia Mountain - Feo Berkana

.

The residence of the Dwarven Royal Family was truly large that it allowed dragons to even walk along its vaulted halls and truly fit in to the size and scale of the place. It was such a feat of engineering that it even amazed the dragon clan that decided to make this their home. But the recent battle that raged with the dragons and the newly arrived party was pitifully one-sided. On the ground near the Throne Room was the bisected body of the Frost Dragon Lord, Olasird'arc Haylilyal, when he dared to raise his power against the servants of the Warmaster and the Immortal King. With one swing of his magical weapon, the 3rd Angel defeated the most powerful entity that ruled the Azerlisia Mountain Range.

But then again, all powerful beings that died leave a certain power vacuum.

Within minutes of his death, those that did not bare witness to his demise began hissing and gnawing at the heels of leadership of the clan. As with their bloodline, dragons respect power, thus the 3rd Angel was forced to display his once again.

With further two bodies of smaller dragons lying near their father, falling to the same fate as being bisected, the remaining survivors bowed to the one entity that their conquerors bowed to.

Baraqiel, Bardiel and Aura all bowed low as a being of absolute power stepped in front of them. Dressed in jet black robes as dark as the abyss, its eyes glowed with the red light of the undead as its power was so palpable it electrified the air with his mere presence. The dragon Matriarchs were no fools, here was a presence more powerful than the one that killed their husband, his mere presence alone cowed all of them into submission as a stab of fear wormed its way into their hearts. The pressure he exhumed was almost choking them as even the servants seemed pained to be in his presence. Who were they to even attempt to fight this undead who now walked on these hallowed halls.

Ainz Ooal Gown walked majestically forward, his head held high, his movement are regal and measured. He then stopped and looked at the bodies of the slain dragons that were on the floor. He then turned to Hejinmal and asked, "Are you the pet that Aura talked to us about?"

"Y-y-yes your Majesty? I am Hejinmal," the portly dragon puts his head on the floor as his sign of complete submission, "I am the first of our kind to have submitted to my Mistress."

"Umu," the Overlord nodded satisfied, he then turned back to the bodies of the dead dragons, "We are pleased at your initiative and we assume that you have no qualms or quarrel as to the fate that has befallen your sire and your half-siblings?"

The dragon nods his head, "Power is everything your Highness, I have asked and declared to them the might of my Mistress, but they chose to ignore it. I have known ever since I met her that she is incredibly powerful and in extension you as well, since in essence she serves you."

He then turned to Aura and said, "I applaud you Aura, you have picked a good dragon. Not only is he unique, but he is also intelligent and prudent."

The young elf blushed and smiled up at him, "Thank you Ainz-sama!"

"And of course to the swiftness of the way you have subjugated the whole Azerlisia Mountain," he then turned to the two Generals, "You have done both excellent work as such you all have our gratitude."

Both Baraqiel and Bardiel puts their closed fist on their chest in acknowledgement, "My Lord, we serve at the behest of the Supreme Beings."

Seeing that he had satisfied them by acknowledging their excellent work, he then turned to the dark elf child and said, "Aura, have the bodies of the deceased sent to the Ice Prison. I will think of a way to use them later-" he turned to the Generals and, "-the dead of the Quagoa is quite numerous. I believe you submitted a report on how to deal with them?"

Bardiel bowed and looked at Ainz, "Your Majesty, I have devised a way to use the Quagoa dead. Since they are beast and their numbers are too many. I have ordered to remove the fur of these beasts and process it as a durable cloak, we found that this could be used as a potential armor since weapons made by the Dwarves cannot even penetrate it without considerable force. Although the meat can be used for battlefield rations and such-"

'Rations," Ainz sighed internally as the military aspect was never lost on the NPC's made by Sammael, "Very well, process the furs and we shall see what we can do with it. Additionally, send the bodies to the Ice Prison on the 5th Floor as we need to preserve their 'freshness' to ensure that the maximum quality can be utilized."

"Yes your Majesty."

The Sorcerer King then turned to the remaining dragons and said, "You will be spared since you have bowed before me, I will discuss later the fate that will befall you-" he turned to Hejinmall as the other dragons walked away to their rooms as they prepare to vacate it, "Hejinmal, gather all the books and all the tomes of knowledge. I want you to go with Aura and take them to the Grand Library of Ashurbanipal."

"Yes your Majesty," the dragon bowed as well as Aura as they walked away towards the Library. Baraqiel and Bardiel stood up and followed the King as they headed for the Treasure Room that was adjacent to the Throne Room. The large mithril doors of the Treasury Vault stood daunting, but then again it was still no match compared to the double doors of the Throne Room nor to the doors of their own Treasury Room at the Great Tomb.

He approached the door and shook his head, "Surely it is not this simple in its construct?"

"Speak 'friend' and Enter," Ainz cleared his throat and said out loud, "Mellon."

There was a simple sealing spell that kept the door closed as Ainz simply remembered a puzzle maze that they did in Niflheim back in the Old World, the magic of the Vault accepted his words and the doors swung widely open. Both Generals looked in wonder as the treasures inside was revealed to them, gold coins, magical weapons, treasures, jewels of all kind littered the whole room as the Sorcerer King entered the room. Giving the room a sweep, he then turned to both Generals and said, "Do any of your forces managed to get inside here?"

Bardiel turned to Baraqiel and nods his head, the 7th Angel snapped his fingers and all around them the 1st Company of the 7th Legion materialized before their eyes.

'Complete invisibility huh?' Ainz thought as more than 100 soldiers appeared before him, "I want you all to search this Vault. Any item, any gold coin, any books, any magic items that resembled those of Yggdrasil will be taken. Have specialist units comb through every part of the Palace to ensure that we get everything that is connected to the Old World."

"Yes, your Majesty."

Ainz walked out of the room, but stopped and said, "Don't let the Dwarves know of our actions here. Set-off dummy explosions to keep them away from the Palace for now."

"Your Majesty, my soldiers have informed me that the Dwarven leadership has arrived and wished to meet with you, shall I say yes?"

The Sorcerer King bowed, "That might be a good idea since I can definitely stall them. Baraqiel I leave the 'mentioned items' to your capable hands, Bardiel take me to them so we can stall them together."

"As you command."

.

Outside of the Royal Palace, where the last bridge that connects both the Palace to the city, a mass of green, red and black armored soldiers formed a perimeter around the whole area.

On the other side, the Commander of the Dwarven Army stood on old stones carved and laid out by his ancestors. He looked at the large stone pillars supporting the mountain including the whole facade of the city they could actually see from where they were standing. He stifled a tear as fond memories of the old city brought forth feelings of nostalgia and sadness, he noticed the crumbling Merchant Building and found it somewhat intact considering that their new allies have agreed to relax their usage of explosive weapons to preserve the city more. The block houses were somewhat intact and the sound of their weapons echoed in the distance. He could not believe himself if he did not bear witness to the ferocity upon which the Quagoa was defeated, and the deadly capability of the weapons their new allies are wielding.

He could still see the bodies of the slain Quagoa on his mind, every street was piled with dead enemies, the city drains was actually reddish brown and caked with dried blood as the enemy numbered to about 50,000 individuals, not including the women and children.

In all honesty, the Dwarven Commander was both horrified and terrified. The violence and manner upon which their new allies made war to the Quagoa was simply that, horrifying to think that they would keep to their doctrine of systematic slaughter. If their new allies were capable of doing these to their enemies, then it terrified him to think what they would do in case these new allies turned to enemies. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply as he tried to calm himself, the notion was too much for him to think alone. But as he looked down at the city proper and the numerous flags that displayed their captured strong points, he could not believe the city was theirs once more. His adjutant approached him and whispered, "Lord Commander, the Undead King is here."

The Dwarven Commander looked and did a double-take at the image of 'Death' heading towards him.

'So, this is the Sorcerer King,' the Undead King was dressed in his jet-black robes, the same one he wore on the . The darkness of his dress seemed to ooze even more shadows and the soft light of the braziers seemed to be absorbed as he passed nearby. Behind him, an Angel that he had not seen before followed closely behind. He could feel a chill creeping up behind his nape as he tried to get a hold of himself.

Finally, the undead stood in front of him as he struggled to look up at him. Now that this undead was up close to him, he finds that its aura was simply stifling, it was like his mere presence is sapping his strength and the force of his will seemed to snatch the life away from him.

'Figures, he's undead,' he thought wryly as he gave a small bow, "Greetings to you, mighty undead Sorcerer King. I am the Army Commander of the last Dwarven Kingdom in this mountain."

"An honor to personally meet you at last, I am the King of the Sorcerer Kingdom," the deep baritone voice sounded human. It's pronunciation clear, its diction regal, and its warmth was human, "My name is Ainz Ooal Gown."

This is an undead? "It is a pleasure to meet you too at last."

The Commander was stumped, how can an undead simply sound so- so alive? How? It does not make sense at all! But then again, their forces does not make sense too at all.

"I do hope that once our business with the Dragon Clan within the Royal Palace is concluded, then we can begin the hand-over ceremony?" the Sorcerer King asked nonchalantly.

"Hand-over ceremony?"

"Of course, our agreement is that we would hand you control of all the Dwarven Cities once it has been reclaimed by our forces. Our Undead Army then would secure the city and defend it from anyone that might try to destabilize it from the Dwarven Council," the statement appeased the Dwarven Commander's heart, "Your Kingdom is one of the first that allied with the Sorcerer Kingdom, I will not allow our word to not come into fruition, nor would I allow your civilization's downfall. As such, in regards to our formal meeting and subsequent agreement at Feo Jera, we will include usage of low-level undead to handle menial labor including mining, agriculture and possible infrastructure works."

The Dwarven Commander stuttered a bit, "Y-yes I suppose."

"Then it is done," he waved his hand and opened a [Gate] portal, "This goes back to Feo Jera, please assemble the Dwarven Council to meet me here for the Hand-Over ceremony."

Ainz turned away from him as the dwarf had no other say nor choice, he turned towards the portal and walked right through it. Hopefully, his peers would not be so hard to gather as to keep the Sorcerer King waiting. He could not help it though, there was an underlying fear in his heart. The presence of the Overlord left little to question and his personality commanded complete obedience to all who are with him and his statements are all spoken with such conviction and finality that it would be difficult to contradict it. Maybe with time they could converse more normally, but he concluded that it is not to be that way at the moment.

He certainly hoped that this firmness would relaxed in time and would not affect the hand of friendship nor diminish it with the passage of time.

.

The Regency Council arrived after half an hour, ample time for the 7th and 3rd Legion to complete their preparations and have all the bodies of their adversaries to be halfway finished in its removal. A sea of red-robed, green and black armored soldiers welcomed them, from the steps of the Royal Palace to the whole city. The city was simply blanketed by the soldiers of the Warmaster as the leaders of the Dwarven Race lined up to receive the city from its liberators.

"So?"

"What do you mean so?" it was the Army Commander who turned to the Forgemaster, "Doubting again?"

"Not really, more like afraid for our own safety and our nation's sovereignty," the older dwarf sighed, "Look at this spectacle, they even prepared the city so that it won't look as devastated as it is."

"They said that the battle was quite fierce, not to mention they have relaxed their usage of their destructive weapons to allow our infrastructure to actually be preserved-"

"-a battle you say? More like a massacre after I read the report," the more nervous of the two said, "Is it true that none were spared?"

The rest of the Regency Council walked inside the Royal Palace courtyard and headed for the raised platform near the entrance to the Palace was located as the Sorcerer King waited for them there. A black monolith flanked by two Angel Generals and an Elven child, the Commander turned to him and answered, "Yes, none were spared."

An audible gulp was heard as they continued walking, finally they reached the raised platform and joined Ainz on it. As they neared the undead, they could see the severed white head of the Quagoa Lord on a golden basin. There were two large holes on its head as its glassy stare looked up to the cavern ceiling, one by one the members of the Regency Council bowed their heads in greeting as Lord Ainz also inclined his head.

"Members of the Dwarven Regency Council," sensing that the dwarves were speechless, the Sorcer King started and loudly proclaimed, "I, ruler of the Sorcerer Kingdom with the Warmaster Sammael, hand over your cities back to your hands. We have promised that you would be the rulers of your realm once more and we have given form to this promise. As such, accept the head of your adversary as completion of this promise-"

Bardiel took the golden plate or basin since it was larger than a plate and puts it respectfully in front of the gathered dwarves.

It was the Cabinet Secretary who got his tongue back first, "W-we graciously accept your gift, as such the Dwarven Kingdom will provide and construct your Citadel on the top of this mountain. We sincerely offer to you our nation's hand in friendship, as a full-pledged vassal, in exchange that we would get the support that was promised to our people."

"Ah! I believe there were stipulations about your labor force, infrastructure, and of course national security," Ainz rubbed his chin and nods his head, "Of course, for a period of 10 years. Usage of our undead laborers would be free of charge and only a portion of the raw materials would be funneled back to the Sorcerer Kingdom, let's say 10% at least?"

The Dwarves looked scandalized, why did he suddenly reduced it? Did they not agree to be at 25% of the raw materials of iron, gold, copper, silver, and mithril.

It was the Forgemaster's turn to reclaim his voice, "S-Sorcerer King, d-did we not agree that you would take 25% of the raw ores? Why have you lowered it by 15%? It is simply too complex and too much to be discounted that amount."

"It is understandable that you would grow weary and suspicious if a large amount was suddenly discounted on an already profitable agreement, but there in lies the provisions of our agreement," Ainz assured them and said, "We do not require much copper, gold, silver, iron, mithril, nor other known metals of this mountain. That is why we request that you only give us 10% of it however, any other metals that will be discovered like for example Palladium, Rhodium, Osmium, and Iridium- not including if Uranium is discovered then-"

"Uh, forgive my intrusion Sorcerer King," it was the Forgemaster who interrupted him, "We are not aware of those kinds of minerals nor type of metals, as such, I am not sure what our answer would be?"

Ainz gave a small laugh, "That is why I am asking for any types of metal that you do not use for trading to be given to me at 100%, though you might think that you are getting high strung with this deal. If you do not know how to utilize it, then I suppose there is no loss of profit for you is there?"

"We accept," the Cabinet Secretary replied and quickly wrote down the addendum on the piece of parchment where the terms of agreement are written down at. "Anything else that you wish to add?" he turned to his colleagues and each one of them shook their heads. Although the Forgemaster did so a bit reluctantly at the eagerness his peers seemed to be to saddle the Sorcerer Kingdom wagon.

One by one the members of the Regency Council put their signatures on the parchment as finally they presented the terms to vassalization of the Dwarven Kingdom. The last signature awaited Ainz as he looked at the terms put forth in black and white. He nods his head in satisfaction as he easily conjured a pen out of nowhere, writing in his native Kanji. He affixed the name of Ainz Ooal Gown into the document and completely incorporated the Azerlisia Mountains into the Sorcerer Kingdom.

Ainz raised the parchment high as he proclaimed out loud, "The Dwarven Kingdom is now a vassal-state, its security and liberation has been secured by the sacrifice of the 7th Legion with the 3rd Legion as their second. We honor their sacrifice and offer up this cooperation as the ultimate price for the peace and freedom our friends will now enjoy. Freedom from fear, from persecution, from hunger and pain. A lasting peace for this civilization that was bought by the Legion's dead and spillage of blood."

"And now, our friends under the Mountain, I beseech you. Build your Kingdom once more, rise up from the ashes and take your birthright, reclaim your pride, take your place once more on this world. As engineers, craftsmen, tradesmen and as warriors, tell the world that the Dwarves are still here. That they are not dead and they will rise again from the Mountain, upon which your ancestors have first birthed your race," Ainz offered his hand to the Regency Council, "Together, we would be unstoppable."

Never had the frustration of their forlorn race be opened again for all to see. The shame of seeing other races uplifting them could not be denied from the faces of the Council. And to think an undead's voice was all it needed to take for their own hearts to be inflamed once more of the great potential their race could accomplish. To their surprise and elation cups of brew and ale were given to them as the Sorcerer King raised his own and loudly proclaimed.

"Hail!" Ainz raised his cup while the Council did the same, "For the rise of the Dwarven Kingdom and the 7th Legion's dead!"

"HAIL!"

The Regency Council almost choked on their drinks as the voice of more than 10,000 soldiers filled the space of the whole Royal Palace courtyard. The sea of red parted and the sound of marching made them all look at the approaching line of soldiers. Aligned at 10 across and 10 deep, their flags were tattered and battle torn, but their masked faces and body language exuded pride, strength and an iron will to carry out the will of the Supreme Beings. Trumpets, drums, and string instruments played as every Chapter of the 7th Legion marched in front of the raised platform to the delight and awe of the Council.

'Belaya armiya, chornyy baron'
Snova gotovyat nam tsarskiy tron,
No ot taygi do britanskikh morey
Krasnaya Armiya vsekh sil'ney.

Boots stepping in unison as the 1st Chapter of the Legion came into view. Their heavy plate green armor with silver lining was matted with dirt, blood, and everything else that a battle has to offer. The Council noted that their weapons gleamed even within the diminished light of the caverns, no doubt their soldiers were armed with the deadliest of weapons that not even they would be able to replicate. As such, each and every passing soldier drew their weapon and pointed it to the ground as they marched. A show of weapon that most parade soldiers do for dignitaries as their flag and standards flew side by side with the insignia of the Warmaster and the Sorcerer Kingdom.

Though it cannot be denied that a stab of fear wormed its way into the heart of the each and every Regency Council member.

Uncertainty perhaps that the Sorcerer Kingdom would not do its promised terms or perhaps instead of vassalization, slavery comes into the fore. Undoubtedly, all manner of nations fear this, especially if one knew of the terrifying power that the Sorcerer Kingdom possess, even the Forgemaster could not think of anyway how they could resist the advance of this mighty nation. Even the combined might of the Quagoa and the Dragon Clan was not enough to cow them, let alone slow them down of their promise to conquer the Azerlisia Mountain range. He found it impossible too at first, until they saw the image of the Frost Giants kneeling like children in front of the black armored Angel beside that terrifying undead who now stood not 10 paces away. They also said that they would not stop until all sentient beings in this mountain has been given the chance to join their nation.

And now, as he watched the 9th Chapter march past them, with the number of their dead more than half of their Chapter. Would he actually had the gall to counter them as they sacrificed their soldiers seemingly without any disregard to the amount of loss nor to the intensity or hard-fought a battle is.

No, this is not the time for that. Now is the time to honor these brave soldiers and their willingness to give away their lives. Haranguing for a better deal can be done later as such, these soldiers need their honor and gratitude. Though the way they sang their marching song was very inspiring and uplifting, the horn blasts and the drum sounds vibrate with such intensity that it lights a sense of comradeship and national pride on whoever heard it.

Tak pust' zhe Krasnaya,
Szhimayet vlastno
Svoy shtyk mozolistoy rukoy,
I vse dolzhny my
Neuderzhimo
Idti v posledniy smertnyy boy!

That could probably explain the reason of the increase in number of their army's recruit these past week. It was after they marched to battle on Feo Jera the first time and their songs seemed to touch each and every patriot of the Dwarven Nation.

Tak pust' zhe Krasnaya,
Szhimayet vlastno
Svoy shtyk mozolistoy rukoy,
I vse dolzhny my
Neuderzhimo
Idti v posledniy smertnyy boy!

Yep, the Forgemaster agreed in his mind as he saw the other members of their 7th Legion marching with blood on their weapons and armor. Not bothering to clean them right away, it seemed they were ready for battle again as how enthusiastically they sang their victory today, their willingness to fight and bleed the enemy. Their allies seemed to breed its citizens only for war, an expansionist regime if he see one. And such thoughts gained traction on his mind as he saw their walking contraptions, expunging steam and gases that gave him pause. Their weapons are far too advanced for even their engineers to copy or use, even their cylindrical weapons called a gun had too much working parts as he was given the chance to analyze it. But to easily break stone, melt forged steel, and pierced through the toughest armor and hide.

Indeed, it was wise to be wary of such a nation, even though they professed peace in your face.

.

Hejinmal's mouth was left hanging open as he stood on the threshold of the Grand Library of Ashurbanipal. The dragons were transported outside of the Azerlisia Mountains and was taken to the 5th Floor together with the Frost Giants. They were given places to lay their heads as they awaited their place within the grand plans of the Sorcerer King, meanwhile, together with the bodies of the fur gathered from the Quagoa corpses and the paltry books they got from the Dwarven Kingdom, he was tasked to head to the Grand Library and deposit it there.

But never in his wildest dreams would he see such an other-worldly Library in such a short time, but in perspective he should have expected it. Considering the might of his Mistress, then the Supreme Being should be at least more than what his Mistress is. As such, his eye could not see the end of the main hall at all, he stepped inside and looked up. A tear welled-up in his eye as he saw stacks and stacks of books from at least 5 floors up, their were bridges that connected the floors and he could not imagine how he could even finish reading all these ancient tomes at all.

A slight cough made him look down as an undead mage was shrouded in a dark cloak, but 2 curved horns protruded underneath.

"Greetings, I am Titus Annaeus Secundus, Chief Librarian for the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown and to the Warmaster Sammael-sama."

The dragon respectfull bowed and said proudly, "Greetings, my name is Hejinmal, I am a new servant of Lady Aura Bella Fiore, I came from the Azerlisia Mountains and was tasked to stay within the Library and wait for the Sorcerer King. He also instructed me to bring all the books from the Dwarven Kingdom and take it here including those-"

He pointed to the pile of uncured and untreated Quagoa fur.

Titus rubbed his bony chin and said, "I can understand that the Supreme Being wants the books to be perused and cataloged, but the fur is a mystery to me? No matter, follow me as the Sorcerer King usually visits this place regularly everyday.

He did not want to point it, not even to himself, but he was probably the most fortunate of the Frost Dragons that recently joined the Sorcerer Kingdom. Perhaps it is his initiative to bend the knee or serve willingly, but no matter, without the stifling influence of his father. He would do everything he can to devour all the books and hidden knowledge in this Library. It will definitely take him years, decades, centuries, or even a millennia to finish it all, but as long as the Sorcerer King rules, then he would stay with him forever even at the cost of his freedom.

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Arwintar - Capital of the Baharuth Empire

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Sammael stepped out of the carriage as he finally arrived in the late afternoon after concluding his meeting with the Emperor. With his immortal body he certainly does not feel any need for rest or relaxation, in fact, what he just wants is to move over and over again. Immerse himself in work as his overactive mind churned continuously on the labor that he set forth for all of them. The security of the Great Tomb and the fortification of E-Rantel by having all neighboring Kingdoms as buffer states, in case some one did the unthinkable of assailing the Sorcerer Kingdom. Indeed, that was the plan that they have set forth themselves, unaware that the NPC's have something much broader in mind.

And so, he made a beeline for his office as he found numerous reports waiting for him at his desk.

Sitting on the large chair he got for himself, he perused the reports one by one as the numerous secret operations have begun to turn the gears of fate. With the support of the Baharuth Empire and of course the Emperor himself, he was able to integrate to society much quicker than a normal human could. Coupled with innate charm and projection of power and security, he was able to get one thing that the nobles or anyone who lives in the Empire to survive and that is the trust of the Emperor. A naturally suspicious man, he was quite hard to woo at first, but then again his audacity to act normally in front of the Emperor and his blunt honesty won him over. Of course, in the face of other people, he does not forget his place and so the Jircniv's opinion of him has certainly risen. Though the financial growth they were experiencing right now was not just because of his efforts, but due to the fact that they were able to pull off a scheme to filter out the large amount of food and processed raw materials they have into the market.

With the re-establishment of the Elven Kingdom, they were able to funnel their resources through it on a sort of consignment as the Elves of the Forest of Tob began trading once more with the Argland Council State. Though they were able to use their Treasure Box in Nazarick to convert large amounts of raw material to gold coins, they still set aside a number of resources to revitalize the Elven economy and to ensure that their first vassals would be taken care of. Including the Lizardmen township that had now been taught farming and much to their delight, Japanese Fish Cultivation, they successfully yielded more than enough fish to sustain their large population and expand further upriver into the mouth of the Azerlisia Mountains.

He was also gearing up the Manofactorum for the influx of Dwarven artisans that they have recently acquired from the Dwarven Kingdom. Though he would most likely let Ainz have them stay at Carne Village since it is the place for their R&D department of sorts. The Fallen was still contemplating further on their continued set-up with the surrounding Kingdoms when a link from his mind pierced through his reverie.

[Message]

"Satoru?"

"Youji?"

"Are you at home?"

"Yes, you wish to discuss something with me?"

"Personally. Yes."

A black tear in space opened near his table as it grew larger and larger as time passed. It finally stabilized and the opening grew to twice the size of a human person as the single entity of death stepped outside of the portal.

"Momonga, I am glad to see you," Sammael smiled at him, "I thought you were doing the hand over ceremony at the Dwarven Kingdom?"

Ainz sat down in front of the table as he sighed tiredly, not in a physical sense but mentally of course considering he is undead, "I sent Pandora's Actor- he should be able to accomplish that at least. And if he would need to make specific changes or alter some agreements then he could decide on the simple matters at least and then delay the decisions on the others-"

"Ah! You mean your NPC that you designed that looked like the German Sturmabteilung?"

The Overlord waved it off, "I did not want to use the Schutzstaffel's uniform as it might offend some of our members back then. But yes, that was definitely the look I was looking for."

"Why didn't you just use the Kenpeitai or something similar to the IJA?"

"That was actually the look I was going for considering the boots he had right?" the Sorcerer King gave a giggle, "But I thought the hat was a bit lacking so I changed it to the German one. Turns out he would learn German on his own too."

Sammael looked at him quizzically, "Don't you just love it when they grow so fast?"

"I hope not too fast that they won't need us anymore."

"Indeed, anyway, what did you wish to discuss to me personally?"

Ainz took out numerous scrolls out of his pocket dimension and gave it to the Warmaster. Opening one of them, he saw that it was the operation documents for their numerous endeavors around the continent. From the Theocracy, the Argland Council State, the Re-Estize Kingdom, the Roble Holy Kingdom, the Dragon Kingdom, the Baharuth Empire, including their new vassals the Elven and Dwarven Kingdom. He opened a few and saw that there were some marks on the piece of paper, he took note of it and nods his head. He turned to the Sorcerer King and said, "You want to clarify a few things?"

"Most are quite clear to me and I have given my approval too-" The Sorcerer King took one of the papers to the fore and handed it to Sammael, "As you know we have numerous Operations already in progress around right now however, I would like to more about these initiatives that you have forwarded to me."

"Project: Prometheus? Enhanced [Black Hand] Initiative? Plans for the POW's we currently have? What about it?"

"I want you to discuss this further with me, our current offensive Operations within the Abelion Hills did not include the possible 'harvesting' of human skin at first. Though now, I heard that we have begun manufacturing of WMD's in the region?" Ainz questioned as a servitor served tea and coffee to the Supreme Beings, "Additionally, our plans for the conquered territories are not complete and all-encompassing. This does not include of course the members of the Black Scripture that we have captured, should we 'turn' them as well or simply give them back to the Theocracy?"

"In regards to the WMD, I asked Demiurge to experiment on 'biological tools' that could help us along in weakening a powerful nation."

"You mean the Theocracy?"

"Not just the Theocracy my friend," he took out a report and gave it to Ainz, "Based on the intelligence passed on to us by Nigun, recent reports from the Theocracy suggest that the one they truly feared was the Argland Council State due northwest of the Re-Estize Kingdom and certain cities within the Karnassus City States due north-east of the Baharuth Empire. We must decide on who to hit when the time comes as I have confirmed reports that there is a confirmed 'Guild Base' from Yggdrasil just due south of the Theocracy."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," Sammael nods with certainty, "The 'flying city' has been corroborated by Fluder himself, additionally, katanas are made there so we can safely assume that that flying city is a guild base. A guild base that has NPC's in it and enough firepower to thwart any real threat in this world considering the 8 Greed Kings or Players that controlled that guild base is already dead."

"That is alarming, considering that the city had been here for centuries, we cannot simply dismiss that there is a Guardian that might be making its home there. Of course, we do not know of any other 'Players' that might have made their way there," Ainz shook his head, "It's too risky to fight them right now."

"I concur, hence I wanted to discuss with you the deployment of our 'biological agents' which might usher the wheels faster than they are turning right now."

"Can it be done? Our forces are spread quite thinly right now."

"Well, if you put it that way, since my Generals are currently deployed everywhere right now. Azrael is within the Re-Estize Kingdom together with Nabe and Pandora as they continue Momon's charade, Baraqiel has recently finished the 1st and 2nd phase of Operation: Reinhard and would complete subjugation and exploration of the Azerlisia Mountain range within 2 months at the least, Leliel maintains our contacts within the Baharuth Empire, Elven Kingdom, Sorcerer Kingdom and now the re-established Dwarven Kingdom, Bardiel will handle the reconnaissance with the Argland Council States once the dwarves finish the construction of 'Zirakzigil'. I sent Shamshiel to the Draconic Kingdom to assess if they would need assistance or if they would be a problem to us, I also sent him the Land of the Wyvern Riders and see if they are any tales and myths that are worth pursuing. Ramiel is holding orbit near the Slane Theocracy while Zadkiel is handling the Re-Estize Kingdom and its criminal underground," Sammael lists down the deployment of his troops as Ainz rubbed his bony chin, it was true that since the Angels are more combat-oriented than the Guardians, it would be prudent to send them out to lands that are scarce in information. Since the Guardians are more hands-on about the administrative side of things considering that Shalltear is currently managing Nazaricks's defense, Aura and Mare is without a doubt the consultants for all flora and fauna that they have recently discovered, while Demiurge handles administrative works in regards to the 'special projects' that he and the Fallen had tasked him with. With Albedo as acting Emissary and Ambassador of the Sorcerer Kingdom, the Guardians have their own jobs to take care of. As such, one thing still fall shorts on Ainz mind as they discussed further the means on to spread their name.

The necessity for such decisions would weigh heavily on a human leader however, since he was an undead, it was fairly simple to agree to it especially if he considers it justifiable for the means to an end.

So, the two Supreme Beings slowly formed the plan that they would be doing as the wheels of fate have started to turn a little bit faster.

.

.

To be continued... into the next chapter.

.

Nigun Grid Luin sat on his veranda as he quietly sipped a cup of tea. Right beside him, the Apostle of their movement, Erythro also took a small bite out of a round biscuit as they let the silence permeate around them. The house was almost deserted except for the servants that are beginning to file out of the house since it is not permitted to stay within the house anymore except for the diminutive maid called Entoma. It was deemed much safer for everyone involved if few people could ever interact with her as she seemed to be uncontrollable on some few instances when her bouts of hunger would overtake her.

Soft footsteps came from inside as Entoma appeared and a rolled scroll held carefully on her hand.

"Nigun, here is the paper for your reports that I will be sending tomorrow."

"Thank you Entoma," he turned towards her and saw her glowing violet eyes, "Are you hungry again?"

"No-" she lied as her stomach grumbled, "Okay, so maybe a little."

Nigun shook his head and said, "Why don't you go back to the Great Tomb and get some refreshments for you. Me and Erythro could fix up our dinner anyways."

"Well, if you insists, but the cook already made your dinner. Let me get it first then I'll go get something to eat," she walked back to the house as the Heretic opened the magical scroll he was given. The scroll was enchanted to jumble the information he would write down on it and would not reveal its information unless a passphrase is said out loud. Not even himself knows of it and only the Magos of the Astronomicon could ever interpret it.

"Our men reports that the seeds of doubt have been planted already."

"Really? That's good- were they able to reach the district distribution centers too?"

"Yes, hopefully, the priesthood would not be made aware of the situation until its spread up to the autumn grain reserves."

The Heretic nods his head satisfied, "How about the members of the clergy? Any new recruits?"

"There are many stalwarts and those that do not believe and are only blinded by senseless devotion and zealotry," Erythro puts down his cup and cracked his knuckles. He formed an energy ball in his hands as it reflected pictures and shapes more solid than what he was able to show before, "I described to them a vision of a future that might come to pass. Thus, I am also due for investigation tomorrow at the Cardinal of Light's cathedral-"

"Do be careful though."

"I will be," Erythro smiled as the blessing he received pulsed within his mind, "I will not say any lies to them, for the truth can always be twisted in a sense. But I do fear that if I am discovered I would be saddened if I would not see the Supreme Beings again since I will be expecting a death sentence would be waiting for me."

Nigun smiled at that, "The first martyr of the movement- I would prefer it a different person aside from you old friend."

"So do I, but one cannot simply shy away from the task- especially a task as important as this," the Apostle stood up and walked towards the edge of the veranda, "If execution would be my verdict, then I will gladly welcome it all. How about the displaced veterans and their families? What news of them?"

"They have settled on the south and have begun a following for the movement," Nigun smiled at that, "The south is more malleable ideologically speaking since they have had less exposure on the lessons of human supremacy from the Capital and have constantly dealt and traded with the city of Eryuentiu and is more tolerant of demi-humans in general."

"That's good to know, at least we know that the movement will not falter in case any of us are taken down."

"Indeed."

Nigun and Erythro walked inside as they heard Entoma's voice calling them to dinner.

.

Meanwhile, on a small candle-lit room inside the dormitories for the Theocracy Priest that are currently studying in the Basilica of Light, a young priest pored over the notes and copies of the books he made awhile ago. The blessed High Confessor actually gave him insights and thoughts that provoked his imagination, but then again it also stirred things that should not be thought about by clergymen that is faithful to the Theocracy. A few case in point was that the magic that was bestowed by the Gods was actually not maintained by the Gods, but rather is established as an inherent trait and power of a certain individual. Though faith plays a part in it, it is determined that faith actually helps one focus the coalescence of a magic spell, but it does not increase its potency nor does it produce different results as mentioned by a thesis that he copied within the restricted secion.

So, going by that thought, how can the Gods even bless them with their power? What is the reason for worship and veneration when they do not answer back, nor provide any assistance in anyway? Why is there a demand for divinity when there is no clear divinity?

Additionally, the restricted section yielded fewer results and many of the writings that were copied from the originals had a lot of black marks or as the Confessor puts it in his own words, 'classified blindfolding' which is actually quite apt in a sense that the information is there, but it is still restricted.

And that is actually what he was still frustrated about, why was he even granted access in the first place when the restricted section, which should have been opened for him already is still restricted. It did not make sense at all! What a slow and bloated mentality the former Cardinals have been?

Why in essence are they not allowing more information about the Great Gods to surface? Why do they not allow the people knowledge to get closer to the Gods? Why do they keep a tight fist on this information, which in essence can lift not just the faith, but the magical technology advancement on these thought provoking processes could give them.

Why?

Why does the Theocracy do this?

What is the point of knowing if the explanation is lacking?

It is simply not enough, Luther concluded dangerously in his mind, the Theocracy is not enough at all.

"We must have the 'Truth'," and the young man picked up his pen and began writing his thesis against the policies of the Church.

.

On Karnak, the Fortress City of the Theocracy near the Abelion Hills where the Father Gavinrad sent the hunter that was poisoned for additional treatment was now strapped on a bed as his fever has somewhat intensified and a rasping noise from his incessant coughing pierced through the silence of the Cathedral. His companions had now returned to their own towns as the Priest that escorted him convened with the Archbishop that controlled the city. They decided to convene in the late hour due to this being another Elven ploy to break the stalemate in the Elven Kingdom.

"Monsignor, I have never encountered a poison of the Elves that have such potency," the Priest began as he read from the journal he wrote down about his analysis of the wound the man sustained, "The wound is not festering, which means that it does not attack the muscles per se, yet his fever has not gone down and he developed coughing symptoms."

"Indeed, our [Cure] spell has no effect on him, even the high-class potions our citizens have access to have no effect at all," another Priest interjected, "Perhaps we can consider this another biological warfare by the Elves? Another one of their terrorist activities?"

"It could be, but the thing that puzzles me is that what kind of animal or plant they derived the poison from?" the clergy replied, "We have extensive records of the flora and fauna within this continent and so far, we have nothing that could have matched such an-"

The Priest was interrupted when the heavy door suddenly opened and a Medical acolyte barged right in, "I am sorry to interrupt your meeting tonight Monsignors, and Fathers, but our 'special' patient has expired."

Archbishop Mendez and the 2 Priest including the one that escorted the man all stood up and hurried to the room where they kept the man. Their boots contact on the marble floor was the only sound as the Acolyte led the way towards the clinic. Opening the double doors wide, they made a beeline towards the dead man. However, they all reeled back as they saw his bloodied face and mixed mucus, blood, and bodily fluids that pooled on the man's blanket.

"Wh- what is this?" the Archbishop demanded to the Acolyte, "Did someone kill him?"

The orderly quaked from fear, "No, Monsignor! It was only a few minutes before midnight and we were preparing to extinguish the lights and was doing our final rounds for the night when we heard his coughing intensified. My partner and I looked him over and he was still fine, we even gave him a drink of water, but then he choked from the water and sprayed the water all over my partner's face-"

"Where is your partner now?"

"He's wiping himself off and changing clothes right now-"

"-very well, carry on," the Archbishop egged him.

"After he spilled water and my partner left, I began to wipe him off when a bout of coughing led him wheezing and out of breathe. I tried to give him medicine to stabilize his cough, but he simply could not give himself enough time to stop coughing and take the medicine. After a few minutes of violent coughing he began to turn blue and I noticed blood was coming out of his mouth-"

A priest lifted the covers and saw that one of the straps they used to hold the man down had snapped and his free hand was used to claw his chest out. There were 3rd degree gashes on his chest as he seemed to scratch away at his lungs from its irritation.

"-so, how come you did not see that he was free and as he tried to rip his lungs out?"

"I did not see it your Eminence," the Acolyte replied, "I was looking for you and the Priest that escorted him. I was not able to ask the other Acolytes since they are already asleep and I went to your room first so I was not aware that you are still in the Rectory for a late night meeting."

The Archbishop nods his head, "Very well, nothing else we can do about it. Prepare an autopsy tomorrow, preserve his body so we can check who or what killed one of our citizens."

"Yes, Monsignor."

As the others dispersed out of the room and other Acolytes cleaned the room and the bed where the deceased once occupied. The other Acolyte that changed his clothes sighed deeply in his chambers as he washed his face, fatigue was setting into him quickly as he felt the exhaustion of a day's work. Couple that with patient's that actually barf in your face and you get more tired than you can think of. As such, he did not return to the clinic and instead went straight to his bed and rested, his partner could take care of it now.

It was his long-awaited vacation tomorrow and he would go back to the Holy Capital first thing in the morning to see his family. No Archbishop, nor barfing patient could keep him away from his vacation was his last thought as he drifted off to sleep.

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(A/N: And... here I GO AGAIN!)

I am very happy of the feedback that I got for the recent chapters. I seriously thought this section of the website was already dead and no readers are here anymore. But I was actually proven wrong with the reviews I received and I would like to give my thanks again.

As such, I will still continue to write for FREE and not go to any or Pay-Per-View sites. I believe it is not right and its quite despicable for other writers to use the names and materials who are copyrighted for their own benefit.

Additionally, being in a world wide pandemic gave me enough time to actually immerse myself into this world again. As such, my pending stories have been updated and I was able to finish in less than a month. What's also unbelievable is that the fanfiction does not seemed rush with all the details that I just put into it. Including the weird wordplay that I used for some scenes that is reminiscent on dialogues I have heard on a classical English setting.

Cheers,

Scarabeye3000