Despite the fact that he was rapidly becoming the figure that parents used to threaten their children when they were still at that guidable age, Morbus was immensely satisfied with his life at this point in time.
He had access to a range of abilities and weapons that he had obsessed about ever since his parents allowed his 5 year old self to watch the most iconic films in sci-fi and fantasy history.
He had tens of thousands of minions at his disposal, with the power of life and death over an increasing number of humans who had no choice but to follow his ideas if they wished to survive.
And most recently, and perhaps the most personally satisfying, his bed, while lying in tatters, was shared by the buxom body of an exhausted, but immensely satisfied woman.
In his previous life as a librarian, the only thing he could expect from a woman of Thuringwethil's features was either dismissive looks, out right mockery, or the much dreaded friend zone. But now, as the shapeshifting master of Utumno, a skill which he had been sure to use to his advantage during the previous couple of hours, he now got to experience what every straight nerd male wished for.
Sex with a fictional female character whose figure could easily rival that of any super model, or porn star for that matter.
But before he could allow his mind to wonder if perhaps the seductive vampire would be open to having a threesome with the red haired Supreme General, Morbus's companion focused his attention elsewhere.
"I must say my lord that was by far the best time I've ever had while in your service. Spreading your name across the land is fun and all, not to mention maintaining order amongst the lower ranks, but…curing your more physical needs, I'm depressed that its taken me this long to do it".
Chuckling in amusement at Thuringwethil's pouting expression, the shirtless overlord wrapped his arm around his bedding companion in what was meant to be a comforting gesture.
"Do not fret my dear. I'm sure that we can find a way to make up for lost time. Though I confess that in order to do so, I will have to assign you a more…domestic position, not to mention finding someone to take your place in the field, but I don't think that would be too hard".
Smiling in pleasure at being held close by Utumno's strongest ruler, though she chose to remain silent at the thought of abstaining from further bloodshed, the vampire's eyes gained a slightly more mischievous look as her hand decided to sneak under the blankets to the prize that she had finally managed to claim.
"Speaking of hard my lord, I do believe that you are ready for another attempt in creating your first heir. It's a bit of a chore considering the low fertility rates my kind possess when trying to create children with non vampiric beings, but I suppose we shall have to keep trying until your seed is successfully planted in me".
Groaning in pleasure at Thuringwethil's actions, the shape-changing overlord's mood soon changed into one of annoyance as his heard the familiar sound of someone trying to message him.
Scowling at the interruption, and already playing with the idea to electrocute whichever of his servants dared to get in the way of expanding his knowledge of the carnal arts, Morbus barely managed to keep a tight rein on his anger as he accepted the message.
"Whoever this is, for your sake I hope it's important".
Having expected to have his warning met with the groveling voice of either Saruman or Sidious, or even the firm, but apologetic tone of his less human looking Supreme Generals, the molten eyed doppelganger was caught off guard by the flat, but menacing tone of his fellow player.
"I believe it is Morbus. For if you are unable to answer my questions in an unsatisfactory manner, then I can safely say that truce or no truce, I will do everything in my power to destroy the pathetic empire you've managed to create".
Taken back by the seriousness of the threat, and fully aware that his vampiric bedmate was watching him with a more than a hint of disappointed curiosity in her ruby red eyes, Morbus allowed his tone to remain frosty as he responded to the skeletal overlord.
"Then ask away Ainz. However before you do, you should realize that if you prematurely end our agreement, my forces and I are more than capable of turning both you, and your precious Nazarick into a pile of smoldering ash. Or is the information I have regarding your PvP potential outdated"?
Allowing a smirk to cross his face as his reply caused his nude companion to sport an expression that clearly stated that he wouldn't be resting anytime soon, the shape changing overlord quickly developed a frown of confusion as his fellow player reacted in a manner that was not expected.
"Meet me in 1 hour at the fields that lay to the south of E-Rantel's graveyard. A conversation of this nature requires a more personal touch, so I will share no further information until that time".
Eyes narrowing in suspicion at Ainz's new conditions, the former librarian didn't bother concealing his skepticism as he gave voice to what he thought of this arrangement.
"Really? And how do I know that this little meeting of yours isn't some sort of an assassination attempt"?
Regretting his choice of words, if only because it transformed Thuringwethil from a waiting lover into a battle ready fanatic, Morbus nevertheless maintained his composure as he listened to the answer of his fellow player.
"Because I doubt you would rush to meet a potential adversary without taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety. Not to mention the fact that I doubt your servants will allow you to meet with me unless they have a chance to first scout out the area. Which is also why I think we should bring 1, and only 1 servant with us while we discuss our business. Or do you think that you can convince them to let you meet a being that is more or less your equal without supervision. I know mine can't, so I suspect yours are the same way".
Though surprised by the skeletal overlord's generosity, especially since the threat of war was still in the air, the shape changing leader of Utumno gave his answer in a manner that would hopefully convey just how displeased he was at this potential situation.
"I can only guess. Do try and keep your part of the bargain Momonga. I'm a player who prefers to save his most powerful adversary til the last. And the premature destruction of Nazarick would ensure that I'm stuck on easy mode for the foreseeable future".
Canceling the message link so he didn't have to listen to his fellow player's retort, Morbus allowed a brief moment of regret to pass his features as he turned his attention to the still nude vampire.
"Once your dressed Thuringwethil, have all of our available forces placed on standby for immediate deployment. If my meeting proceeds in a…unfavorable direction, I want my armies to be ready for any incursion into our lands".
Receiving a dutiful bow from the visibly disappointed raven haired beauty, Thuringwethil responded in a manner that her lord and master readily approved of.
"Yes my lord".
…
Though she was thrilled beyond measure at having once again been chosen to accompany her lord and master while he undertook a mission to ensure his supremacy, the dark haired beauty was nevertheless confused as to why her beloved Supreme Being refused to use this opportunity to finish off this…heretic once and for all.
It was obvious that Shalltear's current condition could have only been caused by a being of great strength. And as much as she hated to admit it, the only other being in this world whose power approached that of her darling Momonga was the leader of Utumno 2.0.
Which meant the sooner he was eliminated, the sooner a great threat was removed.
She could understand, if not necessarily agree, with her love's reasoning to leave a powerful rival in play in order to provide a challenge worthy of his greatness. Especially since it would ensure that Nazarick had something more measureable to compare its majesty with than simple human insects.
But that just increased the chance, however unlikely, that her beloved leader, and all those who rightfully worshipped him as the god that he was, would eventually perish.
The problem was that while Momonga was aware of this potential outcome, he had given strict orders that no one of Nazarick was to provoke their power adversary unless they either had direct orders from him, or undeniable proof that the forces of Utumno had broken the temporary truce. This meant that unlike the search for his fellow Supreme Beings, who would swiftly and silently be eliminated for their betrayal, she had no way of acting in her master's best interests.
Even the act of allowing the enemy an hour to prepare was dangerous. For even though the forces of Nazarick had used the intervening time to prepare should Lord Momonga request assistance, the forces of Utumno had likely also used the generous warning to ready themselves for further examples of treachery.
A fact that she saw fit to once again point out.
"My lord Ainz. While I hesitate to once again question your will, I feel that I must protest at this chosen course of action. While I am confident that your powers, combined with my more negligible ones, are more than sufficient to deal with that…upstart and whatever lowly abomination he seeks to bring, I would feel more confident if we hadn't given Morbus the time to prepare. For despite our best efforts, we have been unable to discover precisely what forces he has to command. Which places us at a bit of a disadvantage should he decide to move against you first".
Her warning causing the skeletal overlord to let out a hum of consideration, the raven haired succubus found her earlier hopes crushed as she heard his reply.
"Be that as it may Albedo, I'm afraid that this was the only way to get the information I seek. I consider an attack on you and the other Floor Guardians to be an attack on me, and I am not one to let such an insult slide".
Vainly trying to fight her developing blush after hearing how deeply Momonga's feelings ran for her, as well as her colleagues, Albedo managed to recover her composure as Nazarick's ruler spoke again.
"However, your concern for my wellbeing is noted, and that is one of the reason why I have allowed you to accompany me on this meeting instead of choosing one of the other Floor Guardians. For while their loyalty is without question, your level of devotion exceeds any expectations. Which is why I trust you to watch my back should Morbus prove to be less than honest during our meeting. However, should my so called rival prove to be hostile, I wish for you to concentrate on whoever it is he has accompanying him. I am confident that my knowledge of his kind will give me the ability to hold him off long enough for reinforcements to arrive, but I am less certain about his servant. I trust that you can handle this task"?
His words causing her to give a firm nod of assurance, Albedo was prevented from offering any further comments by the fiery arrival of the lowly being who dared to label itself as Momonga's equal.
…
Grateful that he had managed to placate the most terrifying aspect of his new life, one in which he was personally responsible for creating, Ainz turned his full attention to the 2 beings that stepped out of the swirling vortex of fire.
If he still possessed the ability to do so, he would have either smirked in amusement at the rather flashy entrance of his fellow player, or stared with a degree of nervousness as he took in the appearance of the shape changing overlord and his accompanying servant.
For in place of a grey bearded wizard and a lovely, if rather insulting female companion, what had stepped out of the specially modified gateway was a creature whose armored visage made it clear that he had chosen the path of a conquering dark lord, and a robed being that was nearly identical in appearance to the one displayed in the third live action adaptation of the classic literary work.
Gesturing for Albedo to remain stay close to him, a move that was copied by his fellow player, Ainz proceeded to greet the molten eyed shape changer with a small nod of his head.
"I'm pleased to see you kept to your side of the bargain Morbus. Though I have to say, the way you looked the last time we met was perhaps a touch more dignified than your current appearance".
Earning a snort of amusement from the molten eyed player, which seemed to indicate that he partly agreed with his observation, the skeletal overlord cast a watchful eye on his winged companion as Morbus responded in a manner that could be interrupted as disrespectful.
"That's the benefit of being me Momonga. I have a form for every occasion. But since the tone of your message was rather…hostile to say the least, not to mention the fact that I doubt that any of your servants could be lulled into a false sense of security even if I did choose a more amicable persona, you'll have to forgive me if I choose a form that is less…comforting than that of the Grey Pilgrim".
Conceding that particular point with a brief nod of his fleshless head, the skeletal overlord decided to get right to the point instead of delaying the potential clash that he was sure his fellow player had prepared for.
"Then I suppose there is little point in delaying it any further. One can only hope that I find your answer to be acceptable Morbus. For if I don't, I do not care how long it will take, I will see to it that both you and your servants lay crushed beneath my heel".
Earning an approving nod from the gleefully smiling succubus, as well as a undeniable scowl from his fellow player, the skeletal overlord proceeded to inform of the nature of their meeting without further delay.
"Are you the one responsible for my servant's current condition. Yes or no"?
Though he could tell that the question surprised the shape changing ruler of Utumno, the answer Ainz received was less than informative.
"Depends what you mean by current condition. If your refereeing to the fact that your lovely companion is currently staring at me in a vain attempt to light me on fire, I suppose I can admit to being responsible for that".
Wishing he still possessed the ability to narrow his eyes in suspicion, the undead ruler was largely unsurprised by Albedo's reaction to Morbus's less than helpful answer.
"How dare you answer my master in such an insolent tone. It matters not that you speak the truth when it comes to my distaste of both you and your heretical following, but to disrespect the great lord of Nazrick in such a manner by refusing to admit to the crime of attacking Shalltear, you continue to justify my desire to see you destroyed like the worm you are".
Shooting the surprised looking shape shifter a glare that if possible was even more deranged than what she had previously been sending him, though she wasn't sure if it was caused by his insolent tone or the fact that he dared to use the name that she had sadly been forbidden from using, Albedo was prevented from saying anything more as Morbus's servant decided to respond to her insult before either of their masters could.
"And how dare you accuse my noble master in such a manner you witless harpy. For if my master had indeed chosen to attack that dress wearing corpse you call an ally, then both you and your pathetic kingdom would have quickly turned to ash as my lord swiftly moved to catch you off balance".
Grateful though he was at Angmar's display of loyalty, Morbus nevertheless shot his robed servant a look that clearly expressed his displeasure.
"While there is some truth to your words Angmar, may I remind you that I currently have no wish to provoke a confrontation at this point in time, so keep your opinions to yourself until I ask for them".
Receiving a deep nod from the strongest of his personally created minions, the former librarian allowed a small smirk to cross his face he witnessed his fellow player enjoy a similar lecturing moment with his own servant.
"Albedo. While I appreciate your continued devotion to both me and your colleagues, I ask that you do nothing to provoke Morbus and his servant at this point in time".
Fighting the urge to cackle at the pouting expression that had come over the dress wearing succubus, Morbus soon adopted a look of contemplation as he realized that he had just been given some rather interesting information.
While information regarding the bottom most levels of Nazarick where nearly nonexistent due to the fact that few players had every penetrated further than the 5th floor, which meant that he had little knowledge on what Albedo was truly capable of, the same could not be said for the upper levels and those NPCs that guarded them. And while many players mocked the physical appearance of the NPC that guarded the first 3 levels of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, no one could deny that the personal creation of Ainz Ooal Gown member Peroroncino was a powerful combatant.
With abilities that gave her the chance to provide a challenge for even the most experienced player, Shalltear Bloodfallen enjoyed the status of not only being one of the most powerful weapons in Nazarick's arsenal, but also a threat that had too removed if one was to directly challenge the skeletal overlord.
Thinking that he could gain more information about the current status of the rather disturbing vampire, for only a pervert would choose to equip a young looking girl with breasts of that particular size, Morbus changed his tone to one of sympathetic understanding as he caught the attention of the one being who he considered more or less his equal.
"I apologize for Angmar's less than amicable words Momonga. However he does highlight a certain point. If I did in fact kill your vampiric servant, I would not be foolish enough to expose myself to danger by agreeing to meet you in a place of your choosing. Prior warning or not. That being said, I am surprised that a…being of your resources would be unable to resurrect your recently departed servant. Or does our new found circumstances prevent us from utilizing that rather expensive method of…restoration"?
Though he lacked the ability to easily convey his emotions, even if they had been muted by his racial class, the skeletal leader of Nazarick still managed to make it quite clear to the shape changing leader that he suspected what he was up to.
"If that had been the case Morbus, I wouldn't feel the need to lure you out into the open in order to have a face to face conversation. That being said, since you seem so desperate for information, it costs me nothing, apart from making you aware of a potential danger, to admit that Shalltear is in fact not dead. Instead, she has been hypnotized by something, or someone of great power. Something which could have only come from the world we have previously left behind".
Scowling at the dismissive way Momonga appeared to dismiss him as a threat, though he was more annoyed by Albedo's expression that clearly stated that she did not view him or his guild as a 'great power', the shape changing overlord managed to somehow school his features into a more relaxed as he responded to this piece of information.
"If that's the case, then I wish you well in hunting down this threat Momonga. As long as this new threat doesn't interfere with my plans, than I am content to leave them too you".
Turning to leave, Morbus had to fight the very real urge to destroy something as the skeletal overlord drew his attention yet again.
"Actually I have reason to believe that you may in fact be responsible for my servant's current predicament. Albeit in an indirect manner. For I suspect that your current war mongering might have served to increase the desperation of those who wish to maintain the status quo. Meaning that in a desperate attempt to curb your rather amusing dream of military glory, your enemies summoned their best and brightest to scour the land for anything that could be used to defeat you. And considering the differences in power between our servants and the average being of this world, I feel its safe to say that Shalltear was brainwashed because they thought that she could be turned into a weapon against you.
Frowning as he realized that perhaps he had been responsible for the vampire's current condition, the shape changing overlord allowed his voice to carry a grudging tone of apology as he stared into the glowing red orbs that served as the eyes of the skeletal player.
"If that is the case Momonga, I can assure you that I had no intention of allowing that to happen. And should you desire it, I am more than willing to offer my assistance in helping you cure your wayward loli of her current ailment".
…
Apologies for the cliffhanger…but believe this is a good place to end this chapter XD
Next chapter will hopefully see the conclusion of the story arc of the first season. Unsure now if a battle scene between Ainz and Shalltear will included, though I admit to playing around with the idea of having both Morbus and Ainz take on the loli vampire XD But what I can guarantee is that their will be a battle scene involving the army of Utumno.
Hopefully you all enjoyed what I have written so far. Apologies with the lack of lemon between the OC and his servant, I have other stories for that lol, but I believe I did a good job of capturing the mood after the deed was done XD.
Also believed I did a good job with Albedo and the conversation between the players. Ainz is shown to be more thoughtful and standoffish than before.
Anyways, reviews are always welcome. And for those grammar Nazis out there….I am willing to accept offers for beta reader XD.
Til next time.