Authors Note: Hey everyone…I know its been a while…but this should make up for it X)
I do not own Overlord, or any character created by George Lucas and Tolkien
Despite the fact that his fellow player was incapable of expressing emotions due to the nature of his chosen race, Morbus could nevertheless sense that the acceptance of his offer was genuine.
"Well that's one potential problem out of the way, at least for the foreseeable future if he manages to convince his NPCs that our little agreement is for the best. If their loyalty towards him is as strong as the loyalty I receive from my own servants, then it shouldn't be too much of a problem, though I suspect that their reactions will be very similar to my own forces".
Frowning as he remembered the less than pleased reactions of his servants who had been informed of Nazarick's existence, Morbus was pulled out of his musings by the voice of the skeletal player.
"Since we have managed to hammer out an agreement between us, which I trust will be honored by both parties, might I suggest we return to our servants? I don't know if you had any other business here tonight, but I did have another purpose for being here".
Nodding his head in agreement with the ruler of Nazarick's suggestion, for he had judged that he had nothing more to discuss with his fellow player, Morbus transformed back into the appearance of the grey Istari and gestured with his newly formed staff.
"Then by all means lead on my dear Ainz. I will not impede you from your mission. Though I am curious as to why you decided to come to this graveyard in the first place? Surely it wasn't just to raise your popularity amongst the locals"?
Allowing a inquisitive expression to spread across his now aged features as he watched the undead guild leader change back into his armored persona, Morbus was quite surprised when instead of being told to mind his own business, Ainz decided to indulge his curiosity.
"Actually that's pretty much the reason why I came here. I just recently came back from a quest that would hopefully raise my prestige in this country, but upon arriving to collect my reward, I discovered that not only had my…companions been butchered, but that my contractor had been kidnapped as well. My current presence here is because I accepted a contract made by his grandmother to bring him back, so I would appreciate it if you stayed out of my way. The terms of our agreement do prevent you from interfering after all".
Though he nodded his head in agreement, there was something about the dismissive attitude of his fellow player that ticked him off immensely. But instead of directly confronting the skeletal overlord, and thus potentially breaking the fragile truce he had managed to create, the grey favoring wizard discreetly activated one of the Ring's abilities, and directed his attention towards his servants.
"Mara, Thurwingethil. I have an order that I want you two to complete immediately. You are to take one of the leaders of the cult, 2 if you can manage it, and using the gate spell, deposit them in one of the holding cells of Utumno. Under no circumstances are you allowed to reveal to my…colleague that I just told you to do this. Understood"?
(Yes master)
(Understood my lord)
Severing the connection without a further word of instruction, for he was certain that his two servants would carry out his orders to the letter, Morbus ensured that his wizened features betrayed nothing of what he had just done as he followed his now departing companion
"And I will ensure that I will do nothing to hinder your little rescue mission. Though I am curious to know how your servants reacted once they learned that you're spending all this effort the rescue a single human. Cause from your companion's expression, I'm guessing that humans are somewhat less respected by your followers".
….
Though he was no longer capable of drawing breathing, the now armored skeleton nevertheless somehow still possessed the ability to sigh, and upon hearing the shape changing player's inquiry, a familiar sound of escaping air could be heard passing through his helmet.
"You have no idea how correct your assumptions are. Apart from one or two exceptions, the NPCs of Nazarick view anything not originally affiliated with the dungeon as something that should either be exterminated because it is too weak to live, or enslaved because their lives possess enough worth to die in my service. Though I suspect that such will not be the case with you or your forces".
Receiving a slightly apologetic chuckle from his fellow player, Ainz was rather surprised by the slightly dismissive tone of the grey wizard.
"True. While they by no means view your dungeon as another collection of kowtowing weaklings, their still rather adamant that you and all your servants should be exterminated. Nice to know that even monsters can behave like religious zealots. Don't you think"?
Inclining his head forward to show that he somewhat agreed with that twisted analogy, for it made sense that those who viewed him as a 'Supreme Being' would look upon other players as evil incarnate, Ainz decided to keep his title a secret as he pointed out a potential threat to their newfound agreement.
"I suppose. Though I am curious as to how you propose we get our servants to follow our little arrangement. While I am confident that they will follow our orders to the letter, it would be wise to come up with some excuse that is better than 'because I said so'".
Though he suspected that Morbus had already thought of this before he had told him his plan, Ainz was nevertheless shocked by the answer he received.
"Just tell them that this competition of ours is a way in which we can reach our full potential. I'm not sure if you realized it, but conflict is the primary factor for change. And since the strongest beings in this world seem to barely reach what YGGDRASIL would consider to be mid-level, I'm sure that our servants will relish the opportunity to fight opponents of equal strength".
He wasn't sure what was more disturbing. The fact that his emotion suppressing ability actually allowed him to view this plan as valid, or the fact that the one saying this was currently in the shape of the true hero of the Tolkien universe.
Despite all that, the skeletal overlord had to admit that such an explanation would probably be well received by his servants, and actually looked forward to being placed in a position where he didn't have to rely on Demiurge's twisted reasoning in order to maintain the image that he was a Supreme Being.
"I believe that will be sufficient enough to convince them Morbus. However, I predict that one of my servants might be a tad more…vehement in her disapproval of your existence, so I cannot guarantee that she'll follow the terms of our agreement exactly".
Receiving a raised bushy eyebrow at his admittance, Ainz had to admit that the reply he received was one that he had not expected.
"I see. Well I suppose it's a natural response. Hell, when my personal NPC learned that we weren't the only dungeon in this world, I was afraid that he would go off and try to wipe you guys out all by himself. Can't imagine what it will be like for you since your creation is a female. Already have enough trouble with the female NPCs of my dungeon, and I'm not even their creator".
If he still possessed the ability to do so, Ainz would have turned red with shame as Morbus's actions reminded him of his meddling. As it was, the only thing Ainz could do to reflect his clear embarrassment was to try and steer the conversation towards another topic.
"Ah…yes your right, although Albedo isn't my personal creation, even if she does tend to act like it. Anyways, I think we should…".
"Wait wait wait. Your telling me that one of your female servants, who isn't even been created by you, treats you with more reverence than even your own creation? Hate to say it, but that's a little fucked up".
Sighing in annoyance at the interruption, though it might have been the fact that he now had someone else commenting on his unique relationship with the lovely succubus, Ainz was very glad he no longer had the ability to cry, for he was sure that he would be leaking tears of embarrassment as he listened to Morbus theorize how this could have happened.
"Wonder what could have caused that to happen. As a walking skeleton, you're not really equipped to indulge in any mature dalliances, so that rules out any pleasurable activities you could have done to make her extra clingy. And since you're probably suffering from the effects of having your emotions tampered with courtesy of your chosen race, that would rule out any desire to use an overpowered charm skill for the sake of amusement. Though I suppose you could have done so before we got transported to this world".
….
Feeling a bit strange discussing romantic theories while he was currently in the form of a character who had been played by a well-known homosexual advocate, Morbus quickly put that thought out of his mind when he heard his armored companion mumble an answer.
"I'm sorry Ainz I couldn't hear that. Mind repeating it again for me"?
The answer he received was something he had never expected.
"I used my position as guild leader to alter her settings".
Halting his steps with a speed that most would view as impossible due to the fact that he looked like a wizened old man, and with only one response in mind as he turned to give an impassive stare at his fellow player.
"I see".
As if that was enough to break the armored lich out of his musings, Morbus couldn't help but feel a tad bit better about himself as Ainz hurried to explain his actions. For despite their adoration stemming from his position as a member of the Shadowed Lords in addition to his role as guild leader, he had done nothing to interfere with their settings. Something which the leader of perhaps one of the most famous guilds in YGGDRASIL could no longer claim.
"It was supposed to be a joke. I was reading the back story my comrade had programed her with, but at seeing that he had made her a bitch, not to mention the fact that the game was about to end, I decided to change it to her being in love with me. I swear I wouldn't have done so if I knew the NPCs would have come alive".
Failing to contain a hearty chuckle of amusement at his fellow player's plight, Morbus's expression soon adopted a more thoughtful look as he proceeded to mock the clearly panicking overlord.
"Such a pity that your character isn't really capable of reaping the rewards of your criminal misdeeds. Though I suppose given the fact that our NPCs view us as examples of divinity, having your female servants chase after you was bound to happen sooner or later. Have to admit though that I am rather surprised, and more than a little disgusted with your actions. I mean, yes the girl is rather…developed for her age, but that vampire guardian of yours looks like she's barely 14 years old. Still, to each their own I say".
Greatly desiring to correct the grey wizard's observation, for last thing he needed was to have a fellow player believe he altered the settings of an underage girl to become infatuated with him, Ainz hurried to fix his mistake.
"That is not what I did at all. It's bad enough that I altered Tabula's creation just because I thought his obsession with gap moe was a tad too extreme. But if I ever thought of doing something like that to Shalltear, I'm certain that Peroroncino would either kick my non existent ass for what I did, or laugh at my final embracing his perverted teachings".
Inwardly cringing at the hell he would undoubtedly experience if he ever messed with the creation of his perverted guild mate, Ainz nearly missed his aged companion's reply to this revelation.
"Well that's a relief. Almost had you pegged for a pedophile Ainz, so I'm happy at the fact that isn't the case. Though I must admit, despite being a bit disgusted with your actions, you did use illegal means to get a girl to become infatuated with you after all, I can't help but feel more than a little sorry for your predicament".
If he still possessed the ability to do so, the skeletal overlord was certain that he would have raised an eyebrow in a questioning manner at the pitying look he was receiving from the grey wizard.
"And what predicament would be that exactly".
Seeing the amused twinkle in the wizard's eyes, which seemed to indicate that the answer he would receive would be one that he could do without, Ainz fought the urge to grit his teeth in frustration when he was proven correct.
"Why, your inability to function as a proper man my good Ainz. Must be rather frustrating for you. I mean here you are, placed in a position where the NPCs worship you as a god, and yet your body is incapable of taking advantage of their more…sultry offerings of worship".
Having already lamented the fact that his body lacked the ability to partake in any bodily functions, Ainz was prevented from offering a rather sharp retort to the shape changing player thanks to the unmistakable sounds of a developing cat fight.
"I suggest you take that back little Ms. Maid. While our master has forbidden us from killing you, he said nothing about making you wish you resembled the bag of bones you call your lord".
"How dare you act in such a disrespectful manner towards a Supreme Being. While I concede that I would be most honored to take on the appearance of Lord Ainz, as well as the fact that your powers surpass that of my own, that doesn't mean I will stand to hear your foul breath insult the majesty of my awe inspiring master".
"Awe inspiring? I suppose it is rather impressive that a walking skeleton can command the respect of a heavily populated kingdom. However, if said population consists solely of beings who are little better than insects, that's not exactly saying much is it"?
While such insults meant nothing to him, unless of course they were spoken by beings who could rival him in power, or more worrying the loyal forces of Nazarick, the skeletal overlord knew that Narberal would be unable to accept any criticism of her master. Which meant that he had to intervene before the battle maid did anything to damage the tentative truce that had just been established between himself and his fellow player.
"Narberal that is enough. While I greatly appreciate your unshaken loyalty to my person, considering I have just reached an agreement with their master, I am afraid that for the moment I cannot allow you to take action against Lord Morbus's servants".
Promptly kneeling as she was alerted to the arrival of her master by his somewhat stern rebuke, the black haired doppelganger's look of deference quickly turned into a scowl as she heard a far more relaxed version of Lord Ainz's command being spoken by the grey bearded wizard.
"The same goes for you two as well. Since the agreement between myself and Ainz has only just been formed, I would appreciate it if you curtailed any action that would potentially put it in jeopardy. Now, judging from the rather impressive destruction surrounding us, I take it you were successfully able to complete your task"?
Receiving matching nods from his pair of kneeling servants, Morbus had to keep himself from smirking as he listened to their somewhat edited report.
"We have indeed my lord. The pathetic scum you had us deal with proved to be no match for our combined power, even if little miss maid managed to lower our overall kill count thanks to her interference. And though Thurwingethil is a bit disappointed at the fact that she couldn't play with the bald one and his assassin, we have nevertheless completed our task to your specifications".
Humming in approval as he motioned for his two beautiful servants to rise, and judging that he had managed to accomplish all of his goals for the evening, the shape changing leader of Utumno was about to give the command to leave when the black haired servant of his fellow player spoke out.
"My lord Ainz, while I hesitate to do anything that would go against your spoken order, I feel I must inform you of the treachery of these poor deluded fools. For despite the insistence of their master, as well as your own expressed wishes, these two ended up throwing both the leader of these lowly band of humans, and his mouth right hand, into a swirling vortex of fire".
Her eye's sparking in triumph as she caught sight of the murderous expressions that were currently being sent her way, the black haired doppelganger barely managed to keep herself from smirking, something that was easily picked up upon by her skeletal master, when she heard the grey bearded shape changer voice his disappointment with his servants.
"Is that so? Well I do believe that once we get back home, I will have to think of a suitable punishment for your disobedience. Unless of course you have anything to say that would make me reconsider said punishment"?
…
Though his tone carried disapproval with his servant's actions, in truth Morbus was especially pleased at the fact that they had been able to not only complete the secret orders they had been given, but had also acted in a manner that lend credence to the belief that they had acted without his orders.
"Of course it might be a tad risky to make it appear that my servants are somewhat incapable of following my orders to the letter, but I'm sure that Momonga will merely attribute it to overzealousness on their part. Still, should probably do what I can to ensure that he doesn't suspect my interference in his plans, even though I haven't done anything to keep him from achieving the objective of his mission".
Satisfied with his plan, and secretly wishing that his fellow player had chosen a race that possessed the ability to convey their true feelings through the use of facial expressions, Morbus directed an apologetic bow towards the armored lich.
"I am terribly sorry about my servant's conduct Lord Ainz. I hope that their actions have done nothing to prevent you from fulfilling your purpose here? If it has, I am quite willing to discuss what could be used as adequate compensation for your time".
To his astonishment, which he attributed to the fact that he had spent his YGGDRASIL career in a guild that was somewhat backstabbing in nature, the skeletal overlord not only accepted his apology, but also dismissed his attempts to safe guard their fragile truce.
"There is no need to apologize Lord Morbus. I know only too well how easy it is for loyal servants to forget the big picture, and your minions have merely sped up my time table in a most appreciative manner. I want to thank you for that".
Accepting Ainz's words with a nod of his head as he proceeded to conceal his relief that their agreement was still intact, and judging that there was nothing further for them to discuss, the shape shifting master of Utumno gestured for his still kneeling servants to rise.
"It was my pleasure Lord Ainz. Now, since I am sure that you have much to do in this rather pleasant cemetery, I shall take my servants with me and depart. I trust that you will be able to convince your forces to support the goals we had discussed"?
Receiving a nod from his fellow player, Morbus voiced his approval.
"Good. Cause this agreement of ours will only work if both parties are committed to following its guidelines".
Turning his now changing body towards his minions, the last guild leader of the Shadowed Lords allowed his tone to adopt a level of easily identifiable sternness as he spoke the names of his slightly glum minions.
"Mara, Thurwingethil, it is time for us to leave. We shall discuss your punishment when we get back".
And seeing no need to conceal his appearance at this point, though he would activate the abilities of the Ring once they cleared the walls of the city, the ruler of Utumno flexed his newly formed wings and launched himself into the air, soon followed by the transformed Vampire and the ring wearing assasian.
…
Having waited til the flying trio were out of her line of sight, the black haired battle maid turned towards her master with a look of concern.
"My Lord Ainz, while I hesitate to question any of your decisions, but was it wise to enter into an agreement with…those people"?
Earning only chuckle from the armored skeleton, Narberal failed to conceal her confusion as her lord and master provided her with an answer that she had not expected.
"Indeed it was Narberal. For their unexpected presence has just ensured the continued supremacy of Nazarick. But since I am sure my decision will confuse the rest of my forces, I'd rather wait until we are back home before I offer up my explanation. Besides, right now we have a mission to complete, and I would hate for my reputation to take a dive before I've even begun".
Though his answer still confused her greatly, the doppelganger nevertheless contented herself with the knowledge that all would be revealed to her in time. For how could she know that her lord and master was still busy trying to think of the best way to inform his servants that they now faced a worthy rival to their plans.
And thus it was with this mindset that the pair made their way into the blood stained mausoleum that had served as the headquarters for the now deceased members of the death worshipping cult. For Ainz Ooal Gown had promised to rescue the kidnapped grandson of a well-known apothecary owner, and as the inhabitants of this world would soon discover, he always kept his promises.
…
Slowly walking through the numerous corridors that led to the darkened prison cells of Utumno, the armored knight couldn't help but wonder why his master had ordered him to inform their new prisoners as to the nature of their circumstances.
One possible reason was that unlike the inhuman servants of the underground fortress, he could enter the dungeon without worrying that his body would damage the structural integrity of the prison cells.
Another reason probably stemmed from the fact that unlike his master's lesser wraiths, prolonged exposure to his presence would not send their prisoners into a state of suicidal madness.
Regardless of the reasons for his selection, he would perform his task with a level of efficiency that would be most pleasing to his master. And perhaps if his efforts truly impressed the shape shifting master of Utumno, he would be entrusted leading more useful troops into battle.
The only value the goblin soldiers had on the field of battle was the fact that they made the most ideal cannon fodder, and as his master had already made clear, never again would those foul mutations show up on the field of battle, having far greater use in delving new tunnel systems that would keep Utumno's armies hidden from watchful eyes as they marched to bring further glory to their lord.
But as he arrived at his destination, the black armored being pushed all thoughts of future advancement out of his mind.
And as he took a moment to decide which prisoner would have the high honor of being the first insect to experience his integration technique, all that could be heard through the near empty dungeon was the cold, almost mechanical sound of his never ending breathing.
…
ANNNNND I think that's enough for now :P
Sorry for the long wait…especially since there had been that period where I was particularly active, but at least this time you didn't have to wait an entire year lol.
FINALLY completed the conversation that I had envisioned in my head when I came up for this story. Hopefully you all enjoyed my OC's reaction to Ainz's brainwashing of Albedo…not to mention the misunderstanding that the brainwashed NPC was in fact the loli vampire :P
Since I had already stated that Morbus had gained information about the servants of Nazarick thanks to the help of those who had been part of the alliance to try and take them down, its logical that he wouldn't have any info on Alebdo since they never penetrated that far into Narzirck.
Shalltear he would know about since she is the first guardian, so he would assume that the female NPC whose settings had been altered would have been the only female he knew about.
Anyways…hope you all enjoyed this. Espeically with the introduction of a new NPC at the end of the chapter…pretty sure you can all guess who that is :P.
Wont start working on new chapter until other stories have been updated…new resolution I made to myself lol.
REVIEWS ARE A MUST…Flamers will be burnt.
And til next time.