Bowing his head in reverence towards his skeletal master, and directing respectful nods to each of the Floor Guardians, though he noted that Shalltear was hardly in a state of mind to accept it, Sebas ensured that his eyes were firmly locked on the rug beneath his feet as he gave his report.
"My Lord Ainz, though it grieves me to stand before you without carrying news of your growing supremacy, I'm afraid that my agents have given me information that thwarts my preferences".
Though he could detect no hint of displeasure in his master's tone, the silver haired butler nevertheless felt as if each of his lord's words dripped with disappointment.
"Oh? And what news do they bring Sebas? Have our…rivals decided to break our agreement? Or have your agents discovered that there is more than one dungeon with the delusion of challenging our might"?
Shaking his head, Sebas was largely unsurprised at the anger filled mutterings of the Floor Guardians as he answered their master's question.
"No Lord Ainz. However the news my agents bring does pertain to the heretics of Utumno. While they have done nothing to violate the terms of the agreement, I'm afraid that they have recently increased their efforts to subjugate the human nation known as the Slane Theocracy".
Sharing in his fellow servant's distress, the leader of Nazarick's battle maids kept his stoic expression in place as the raven haired leader of the Floor Guardians shot him a questioning glare.
"And how did your agents come by this news Sebas? I do not doubt your words, but considering that some of your agents are recruited from those that have yet to pledge their eternal loyalty to Lord Ainz, it is possible that they are passing on falsehoods to inflate our enemy's strength".
Acknowledging Albedo's point with a nod, for it was never wise to underestimate an enemy whose might could rival that of the Supreme Beings, Sebas nevertheless had antipcated such a question before he gave his report.
And thus was fully prepared to provide an answer.
"Normally I too would believe that Lady Albedo. But considering the nature of how this information was first discovered, I am disinclined to believe that this is a ruse by our enemy".
His words earning a frown from the dress wearing succubus, Sebas was grateful that his lord and master possessed a more open mind.
"And what make you believe that this information is genuine Sebas? While my….rival appears to prefer the method of achieving his goals through force, I would not be surprised if he employs more subtle means in increasing his power".
Turning his undivided attention towards the last and grandest of the Supreme Beings, the composed butler continued his report.
"I believe the information is genuine my Lord Ainz because it comes from a private conversation between ranking members of the Re-Estize Kingdom, and a man who was been identified as the primary agent of one of the rulers of the Slane Theocracy".
His words earning a thoughtful hum from not only skeletal master of Nazarick, but also Demiurge and Cocytus, the Sebas moved to inform his audience of the contents of what his agents had overheard.
"While hiding behind the usual arrogant posturing that seems to be a common feature of the Theocracy's elite, it was clear that the agent was there to beg for any aid the Kindgm could spare. The promises the agent made in return of course where paltry promises for territory adjustments, and riches, but the desperation in the human's efforts to gain a firm promise for aid was unmistakable".
Silently waiting for Nazarick's ruler to pass judgment on the tidings he brought, and perfectly willing to suffer his master's displeasure should his lord wish to vent his frustrations in a more concentrated manner, Sebas felt a surge of pride as he heard Lord Ainz's words.
"You have done well in bringing this to my attention Sebas. Due to the nature of our rival, knowledge of their current endeavors is crucial if we are to preserve the integrity of Nazarick".
Bowing deeply as he accepted his master's praise, the Dragonoid Butler resumed his usual position as Lord Ainz directed his attention towards the more tactically minded of his servants.
"Cocytus, Demiurge, considering the current desperation of the fools that once dared to test my power, what do you think will be the course of action they take as they try and slow Utumno's conquest of their country"?
Putting a finger to his chin as he tried to anticipate the strategy of the dying Theocracy, Demigure voiced the first plausible idea that came to his head.
"Considering the scale of their territorial holdings, and the natural stubbornness the denizens of this land have in accepting their new found inferiority, I would suspect that they would spread themselves thin by trying to prevent any further incursions into their land. However considering that the only force that can trump Utumno's is our own, I suspect that such an approach would only marginally delay their inevitable defeat".
Nodding his head to show that he appreciated the 7th Floor Guardian's input, Ainz turned towards the multilimbed leader of the 5th Floor of Nazarick. Whose theory, while different from that of his fellow Floor Guardian, nevertheless carried the same thoughtful consideration that Demiurge had show.
"It is my belief that instead of trying to defend everything left available to them, they will concentrate their remaining forces so they can embark on a counter offensive. They will fail of course, since their enemies are led by a being whose power is only surpassed by that of the Supreme Beings. And once that happens, Utumno's conquest of the country will proceed rapidly as the Theocracy has no longer has the strength to slow them down".
Humming in consideration, Ainz would have smiled if he had still been able. For uncharacteristically, Mare decided to voice his opinion towards the developing situation..
"My…my Lord Ainz. I cannot claim the same sort of military brilliance possessed by Cocytus, or even the crafty intelligence of Demiurge. But I think it might be a good idea to find out what the Theocracy plans to do rather than simply think about what their gonna do".
Pleased to see that the dress wearing boy's idea had been met with smiling approval from the rest of the Floor Guardians, even if Shalltear's smile still lacked her usual cheerful nature, Ainz nodded his head.
"An excellent idea Mare. I trust that you already have an idea of where we should start our search"?
Chuckling at the young elf's nod, the Skeletal overlord busied himself with the necessary preparations as the crossing dressing boy answered his question.
"Ummm. How about the Capital? Since its far from the front lines, it would make sense for its leaders to use it as a meeting place to discuss their next move".
Nodding his head to show that he agreed with Mare's suggestion, Ainz settled back into his throne as he prepared himself to enjoy the magical equivalent of real time television.
Only to experience the familiar, though temporary feeling of shock as the scrying mirror displayed an image that once again proved the impeccable timing of his principled and loyal butler.
For if he hadn't voiced his concern, he would have been unable to view the bloody spectacle that signified the defeat of the Slane Theocracy.
…
(Excerpt from Rise of the Dark Empire)
Thanks to the decision to use the capital as a gathering point for the Theocracy's remaining military might, the 4000 man garrison of Kami Miyako had an additional 22,000 men to aid them in their quest to defend the city against the army that continued to pour forth from the fiery gate.
With the impressive fortifications that surrounded the city, not to mention that the capitals forces enjoyed not only a slight numerical advantage over its enemy, and the presence of some of the Theocracy's most skilled magic casters, most would assume that fate would favor the human army.
However, seeking to reduce the amount of causalities his forces would incur while taking the city, Lord Morbus had devised a scheme to ensure that the first wave of his attack, which was solely comprised of his weakest and therefore most expendable soldiers, didn't collapse in blood before it had even reached the city's walls.
Soaring above the beleaguered city, keeping out of range from any arrow or spell that could sent against him, the Nazgul had been tasked with disrupting the garrison's ability to resist the onslaught of Utumno's army. Combined with the seemingly random bombardment of their master's siege engines, the aerial component of Morbus's army was able to use their magic to instill fear and terror within nearly every inhabitant of the besieged city.
Because of their efforts, the first wave of Utumno's assault had to contend with only a few hundred shaken troops instead of the four thousand that would have normally been available for defensive purposes. But despite their greatly decreased numbers, those that possessed the strength of will to resist the Nazgul's ability to incite terror and despair were more than enough to ensure that their enemy would not have an easy time in winning control of the city's walls.
While their ability to scale nearly any surface made the goblins a valuable resource for any besieging army, their usefulness as front line warriors left much to be desired. Armed only with rust covered weapons, and lacking any sort of armor to protect themselves, the undersized minions of Utumno fell in their hundreds as they tried to clear the walls of the human defenders.
But their master never intended for them to be more than a credible distraction for the city's defenders. For while the goblin trooper was small and weak in stature, their numbers ensured that the human defenders couldn't dismiss them as a credible threat. Which had always been the intention of Lord Morbus.
With the Nazgul successfully preventing all but the most stouthearted warrior or magic caster from manning the capital's battlements, whether through their soul wrenching cries or by using their mounts to scatter rallying bands of soldiers, what little remained of the Theocracy's still battle worthy defenders were tasked with fighting the numerous blazes that had been caused by Utumno's bombardment. While 300 men fought and died upon the city's battlements, 400 were frantically trying to prevent Kami Miyako from becoming a funeral pyre.
This was a mistake that would quickly become apparent to them.
For while the still combat ready soldiers busied themselves with holding the line, or combating the slowly spreading blaze, little attention had been directed towards the great gate of the city. And it was this impressive fortification that would soon prove to have been the sole focus of the developing battle.
Projectile after projectile smashed into the barred entry way into the city. But for all the firepower directed against it, the gates continued to thwart the troll powered instruments of Utumno.
But it was to prove no match for the being who desired to unify the world under his command.
With the wall stationed guards busy the goblins threat, managing to inflict nearly 2000 causalities in exchange for half their number, and the rest of the still active garrison being kept busy by the constant, but random shots of his siege engines, Lord Morbus's appearance at the head of his army, accompanied by Supreme General Mara Jade, had remained largely unnoticed.
That was of course until the undeployed sections of his army began to chant his name in a growing cascade of thunder.
Many survivors of the battle recall with near perfect clarity the way in which this rhythmic chanting, along with the echoing clashes of metal on metal, seemed to drown out the frantic shouts of a frightened populace, and in some ways managed to surpass the terror that the Nine winged riders had spread throughout the city.
But with a single raise of the Dark Lord's hand, the chanting stopped. And all that could be heard was the lessening clamor of steel as the wall sentries found themselves fighting an enemy that no longer seemed willing to replace its number.
All that however was to change.
For in a display of power that surpassed the combined might of the Six Scriptures, the shape changing ruler of Utumno spoke but a single word, and watched in satisfaction as the mighty entrance into the city collapsed into itself with a thunderous crash of power.
It was at this point that the more deadly orc troopers, which had been held back for this exact occasion, surged forward into the now created breach. And once they were within the city, there was nothing that could be done to stop them. For with the goblins renewing their attack on the already blood soaked walls, as well as the Nazgul's continually successful efforts to maintain an aura of fear and panic, the only resistance the invading army encountered were from small scattered bands of soot covered warriors.
By days end, the flag of Utumno flew over the spires of Kami Miyako's Cathedral, and the now familiar process of selection had begun.
…
Doing his best to block out the frightened whimpering of the city's captured population, though he suspected that ordering them to remain silent would be futile, the shape changing ruler of Utumno nodded his head in satisfaction as his red haired minion informed him of both the cost, and spoils of his victory.
"Of the 4000 goblin troopers that started the battle, 1534 have been killed, another 321 are expected to die within the next 24 hours, and 400 will need some minor to moderate healing before they can be considered battle ready. Out of the 15,000 orc soldiers, 543 are dead, mostly from the final assault on the defenders' last stand, and 654 are either lightly or moderately wounded. In exchange, discounting the loss of 600 soldiers and 3435 civilians due to either the invading troops or the bombardment, we have obtained 180,000 new slaves for your empire, with at least 22,000 of them coming from the army they were assembling to foolishly challenge your might".
Casting his gaze towards the sea of gathered humanity, idly noting that most hurried to cast their eyes down in a feeble attempt to avoid drawing his notice, Morbus found himself frowning beneath his helmet as his Supreme Generals began to pose various suggestions on how to deal with the defeated inhabitants of the Theocracy's capital.
"Considering that these worms failed to pledge their loyalty after you gave them undeniable proof of both your power and mercy, it is my suggestion that you treat them little better than cattle. Which I point out would increase our current supply of food stores".
"While I agree with Angmar's suggestion that these miserable weaklings should be punished my lord, might I suggest a more long lasting punishment? The feeble and the very young could be used to increase Utumno's food supply, but the more able bodied could perhaps redeem themselves through hard labor. Sidious would surely benefit from having an additional source of workers, if only because his latest project needs more bodies to keep him on schedule".
Smirking as he recalled the grumblings of the corpse faced Supreme General when forced to report on his efforts to unearth their growing empire's mineral wealth, the armored ruler of Utumno considered the arguments of his faithful minions before voicing his decision.
"Both of you have a point. However, while fear is a useful tool when establishing an empire, one must consider that it could result in the formation of coalitions that wish to spare themselves from sharing in the fate of those that were too weak to defend themselves. To that end, I have decided on a appropriate punishment for not only the people of Kami Miyako, but also for those that were gathered here in a foolish attempt to take back what is now mine".
Turning his attention back towards the field of humanity, well aware that his servants were eagerly waiting for his words, Morbus pronounced what fate would befall on their human captives.
"For those who were unaffected by the Nine's auras, and thus were in a position to resist our efforts to claim the city, they will be given the choice to either join my empire, or live out the remainder of their lives within the cells of Utumno. Death would only make them martyrs, and I have no desire to give our enemies new legends in which to emulate".
Earning nods of agreement from both Supreme Generals, the armoured wearing leader of Utumno continued his explanation.
"For the civilians, after removing those with close links to the government, they are to be organized by skill set and will be forced to obey a set of edicts that will be enforced until I feel they are ready to enjoy the same freedoms as the rest of my human subjects".
His words once again causing his minions to nod in agreement, Morbus raised a hidden eyebrow in surprise as his strongest creation voiced his curiosity about the fate of the last group of prisoners.
"An excellent strategy my lord. Truly worthy of your brilliance. But what about the pathetic fools that lacked the courage to die for their misplaced loyalty? Surely they are wholly undeserving of your mercy"?
Turning towards the separate crowd of soldiers, who at his orders had been combined with the members of the city's religious leadership, Morbus turned towards his robed minion with a nod.
"You are correct Angmar. Those who lack the strength of will use of their acquired skills in defence of their home do not deserve to live within my empire. Which is why I have the perfect solution".
Stepping towards the disgraced soldiers of the Theocracy, noting that more than a few eyes were staring at him with hate, the shape changing ruler of Utumno raised his voice to address his victorious army.
"Valiant soldiers of Utumno. On this day, we mark the death of a weakened regime, and the beginning of a new era. For those that bravely tried to resist my will, as well as those that lacked the skills to take up arms, they will have a chance to earn their place in the new order. But for those that failed to stand by their beliefs, or profited from keeping their inferiors ignorant, I have something else in mind for them".
Smirking as his orc troopers murmured excitingly, and pleased that he had the foresight to use the Nazgul and the unbloodied uruks to separate the chosen survivors from the those that were about to be condemned, Morbus was certain that if he hadn't already enjoyed the loyalty of his more disposable minions, his announcement would have most assuredly guaranteed it.
"For those that risked life and limb to further the cause of my empire, it is my privilege to tell you that for your efforts….meats back on the menu".
For a moment, the only thing that could be heard was the heavy breathing of his panicked captives. But that moment was shattered as an animalistic cheer rose up from the mouth of every goblin and orc as they realized what their lord and master had just rewarded them with.
If he had still been human, the sight of his soldiers gleefully butchering thousands of panicking humans, as well as the horrified crying of those that had been spared this fate, would have been enough to make him sick.
But since he was no longer human, the former librarian was able to rationalize this display of brutality in a manner that mirrored that of one of the more disappointing renditions of a widely recognized piece of literature.
By demonstrating the consequences of resistance, while at the same time rewarding those that accepted his rule, he would ensure that his new subjects would accept their newfound circumstances. Which in turn would free up additional resources for further territorial expansion.
It was factors like this that made him grateful that he had been transferred into a world that was mostly medieval in nature. For if he had chosen to use his current methods of subjugation on a more modern society, he suspected that his efforts would be far less successful, and far more costly than what he had currently experienced.
But since this world followed the belief that only those with power could rule, and that those without power could only survive by obeying the edicts of those that did, he fully believed that he had little to fear from internal unrest.
Especially since he had developed various counter measures to deal with any foreign attempts to ignite the smoldering embers of resentment into a credible insurgency.
Though his efforts in preventing more direct attempts to spy on his conquests was still somewhat lacking.
Which was why Morbus scowled beneath his helmet as the sky above him momentarily cracked like a mirror before reforming itself.
….
Truthfully he wasn't sure which was scarier.
The fact that his current state of existence prevented him from having the appropriate reaction one would experience after watching thousands of animalistic soldiers massacre thousands of defenceless prisoners.
Or the fact that Sebas and the Floor Guardians had decided to critique the battle in a way that was more akin to literary or cinematic debate.
"Hmmm. The execution of the diversion was rather...clumsy, but it served it's purpose".
"I disagree. Recall that they had neutralized the majority of the human forces before they sent in the first wave. If they hadn't done so, the diversion wouldn't have been as successful".
"Still, to sacrifice ones life for a cause that is not in the service of Lord Ainz? Shameful if you ask me".
"Would we not do the same for our lord and master Lady Albedo? While they may serve a master that is inferior to Lord Ainz, it cannot be denied that their loyalty towards their master is genuine".
"Didnt stop them from being slaughtered in their hundreds. If this Morbus guy had chosen to send in his taller minions, he probably would have lessened his losses".
"But keeping his stronger forces in reserve until his weaker ones tired out the enemy probably preserved more of his more useful troops. Though why he didn't just destroy the city's gate at the beginning is rather confusing".
"Its probably because unlike my illustrious creator, the lowly shape shifter lacks the power to withstand the concentrated might of a group lowly humans. If he had but a fraction of our glorious leader's might, I suspect this Morbus would not hesitate to confront his enemies head on".
"I agree with Pandora's actor. Whereas our beloved master has proven his willingness to expose himself to danger, this weakling hides behinds the unearned loyalty of his minions".
"And yet Lady Albedo wouldn't we gladly give our lives if asked by the Supreme Beings? While their existence is wretched due to the fact that they do not have the honor of serving Lord Ainz, it cannot be denied that they carry out the
Sighing at the quarrelsome nature of his servants, though in truth he was rather grateful that they were restricting themselves to solely verbal methods of expressing disagreement, the skeletal ruler of Nazarick sat back in his throne as he formed his own opinions regarding the bloody spectacle he had just witnessed.
While his fellow player was strong enough to overpower any native opposition to his goals, for apart from the magic that had brainwashed Shalltear, he had yet to come across any being in this world that could use 7 tier magic, let alone 9th tier magic of which the Implosions spell belonged to, Morbus appeared to prefer to rely on his more numerous, and thus more expandable minions to accomplish his goals.
Which tended to indicate that Morbus at this point in time was more interested in playing the part of a rising dark lord, and as such would purposefully limit the deployment of his more powerful forces until he met an opponent that couldn't be conquered by his more disposal soldiery. And considering that he had probably learned from Shalltears example, Ainz suspected that he couldn't wish for his fellow player to make the same mistakes he did when it came to deploying his more powerful servants on fact finding missions.
"Lord Ainz. What are your thoughts on the conduct of your inferior rival"?
Pulled out of his musings by his bespectacled servant, and seeing that the rest of the Floor Guardians were waiting for him to answer, the skeletal leader of Nazrick took a moment to gather his thoughts before giving his opinion.
"Considering that Utumno is using its war against the Slane Theocracy to train its forces, I believe it would be foolish to think that Morbus will not address their short comings before the next battle".
Drawing upon his past experience as a gamer who had steadily learned from his mistakes, Ainz believed that this was the only answer he could give without revealing his slight anxiety.
Something which thankfully hadn't been picked up by his servants.
"Your wisdom is impressive as ever Lord Ainz. However, the actions of the blasphemous one continue to disturb me".
Gesturing for Demiurge to continue, though in truth he suspected the cause for his displeasure, Ainz was largely unsurprised by the 7th Floor Guardian's observation.
"While I have no doubt that the inevitable war between you two will end with the glorious triumph of Nazarick, it cannot be denied that Utumno's current rate of expansion is far greater than our own. And while it is only a matter of time before the...inhabitants of this land understand that you are their rightful ruler, I predict that many valuable slaves will be lost to us if they are presented with an alternative ruler".
Seeing that the rest of the Floor Guardians nod their heads in agreement with this observation, the skeletal overlord of Nazarick announced his decision with all the majesty that one could expect from one in his position.
"Then perhaps its time that we increase our efforts in spreading the glory of Nazarick".
...
ANNNNNND think this is a good place to end for now XD.
Pleased with this chapter in both how long it took to write, and content. Finally have a more detailed battle in this chapter., and one that more or less follows the idea I had when I first posted this story XD. Was a big fan of EA's Battle for Middle Earth series, and wanted to incorporate that somehow (I.e. Goblins being able to climb walls was a BFME2 trait of the Goblin Faction). And as for having the Orcs and Goblins eat the soliders that were affected by the Nazgul...you guessed it, influenced by the Two Towers scene were the Uruk kai tear apart an orc for meat.
For those who are wondering which adaptation of a literary work I am referencing, its Dracula Untold.
Also wanted to once again touch upon the difference between Ainz and Morbus. One is a player who enjoyed going on quests, the other is a player who likes to play military leader. Also thought it was a good idea to include the Floor Guardians in this chapter, just to give their opinion on Utumno's capability. Going with the whole 'We're better than them, but they're better than everyone else/they have the power to pose a threat' kind of attitude.
Anyways, next chapter will be a follow up of the battle, maybe some sexy fun time with a red headed assassin, and some slight modification on the Lizard men story arc.
Hope you all enjoyed this, reviews welcome. Flames not.
Til next time.