(no difference between wither versions)

CHAPTER FIFTY= The song of War

Yuri and Narberal walked with a young girl next to them, each holding one of her hands. It was the newest member of Nazarick, Ridda. The girl had not said much, just simply looked around in awe and wonder at the various things her eyes had never seen before.

While technically her mother, Narberal did not seem to show much interest in the child. Yuri, on the other hand, acted more like Ridda's mother, at least she seemed to enjoy the child's presence. But it would be hard to find a cuter picture the three of them holding hands as they walked down the halls of Nazarick.

"Are you ready to face his Majesty?" Yuri said turning to speak to Ridda, but probably also a bit towards Narberal as well. Ridda looked up at Yuri.

"Um… Is this Momonga…"

"LORD Momonga!" Narberal said loudly, interrupting Ridda who nodded.

"U-um… is Lord Momonga a scary person?" Ridda asked, looking up to Yuri. Yuri smiled warmly down at her.

"No, not at all, Lord Momonga is a wise and caring ruler, you are very lucky to be under his protection," Yuri cast another glance at Narberal who looked away slightly embarrassed. Ridda smiled, she had grown attached to her new "mothers".

"Well we will be meeting him today as his business in The Empire is concluded, so make sure you bow and pay him proper respect!" Narberal said curtly. Ridda nodded with a serious look.

"They walked into a large room where the [GATE] spell would transport all users of the spell to. Most of Nazarick was there to greet Momonga. Ridda looked around at all the girls and creatures around her.

"Master Demiurge, how are you doing?" Yuri greeted the tall thin man who had a young girl next to him. The girl nodded toward Yuri as well.

"Draudillon Oriculus, how are you today?" Yuri asked. The long-haired loli bowed graciously. Demiurge returned his attention to the large space that was bound to open. Soon… it did.

"Ah! Lord Momonga and his wives will be here soon! Stand at attention!" Demiurge called out in a helpful tone. Then Momonga along with Albedo and Aura stepped through the portal.

In unison all in attendance bowed, Ridda was late to pick it up but bowed as all did. As soon Albedo scanned the room her eyes stopped at Ridda. There was no visible expression on her face but he eyes did not leave the child as Momonga received his welcome from the floor guardians.

Aura excitedly explained her fight with Go Gin as Momonga told them what his trip to The Empire was until he noticed the new addition. He smiled and knelt to meet her at eye level.

"So… this is the one Narberal took in, eh?" Ridda stood up straight and tried to stand in what she thought was a respectful manner.

"Y-yes L-Lord M-Momonga… I-I…" She stammered out clearly nervous. Momonga smiled and patted her head. This action raised eyebrows from all who saw it but none said a word.

"Hello, I am Momonga," He reached out and she looked at his Dark Elf form. His familiarity with her seemed to calm her down and a small smile appeared.

"Hello… Um, I… I'm R-Ridda," she still spoke timidly. Momonga stood and looked at Yuri and Narberal.

"What a nice name, Ridda… How are you finding your time in Nazarick?" Ridda looked around the room as if she had not done so several times already.

"It's really big! And I think it looks like a church… oh! Are you a God?" Ridda put her hands together like she was praying.

"Yes! That's right little Ridda!" A female voice said loudly. Everyone turned to look at Albedo who had remained silent until now.

"Eh?" Momonga looked at her, not sure what to say.

"Indeed! He is our god and your new father." Yuri said leaning down and patting her head. Ridda looked around wide-eyed at the smiles. She had done something right but wasn't sure what it was.

"O-oh… um… what is a father?" She looked, still, wide-eyed at Yuri. Yuri looked around to the rest of those that were gathered to welcome Momonga back. Eventually, eyes fell on Momonga. The Dark Elf Momonga smiled.

"Well… it means you're part of our family… and we will protect you… You will come to understand in time," Momonga explained.

"Oh um… then what should I do?" She still seemed a tad uneasy but not at all nervous. Momonga looked at Narberal who had remained silent.

"Well, you won't have to do much, but your mother Narberal will begin your training, so all you must do is listen to her and get stronger," Momonga said to her. Ridda looked at Narberal and smiled.

"S...she took me from my home… please, I don't want to go back, I'll do anything you say!" She pleaded. Narberal forced a small smile.

"Do not worry, I will not send you back to a place I bothered to save you from… that makes no sense," She retorted but Ridda missed her attitude and smiled brightly.

"Thank you Narberal… I'll try my very best to make you happy," Ridda said bowing hoping she was still saying the right things.

"Should we tell Lord Peroroncino of this development?" Demiurge added. Momonga nodded.

"Indeed, and how is his venture going?" Demiurge bowed now that he had his Lord's attention on him.

"Well, Lord Peroroncino and his unit had a brief battle with The Minotaur nation, but there were no casualties on our side, but their side took heavy losses. After this brief skirmish, they made their way to the Kitsune Forrest but…" Demiurge trailed off with a worrisome tone.

"But?" Momonga furrowed his brow.

"We've had no contact from their camp since entering the forest." Momonga looked serious.

"How long ago was that?"

"It's been over a week with no contact… there are several reasons for this but…"

"What? Have you attempted to [MESSAGE] him?"

"Yes My Lord… Nobody from his party responded to our [MESSAGE] attempts. Momonga immediately tried to contact Peroroncino, then Shalltear and Mare… but none of them responded. There was a silence in the room of many people.

"Um… who is P-Perochina?"

"Lord Peroroncino!" Albedo corrected Ridda harshly. Ridda winced and hid behind Yuri's dress, away from Albedo. Momonga shot Albedo a look that caused her to step back behind him and bow silently.

"This is an emergency and I'm just now finding out?" Momonga rose his voice causing Demiurge to wince this time around.

"Well… we didn't want to disturb your mission to the Baharuth Empire and the NPCs accompanying him statuses have not changed and remain normal so... " Demiurge stuttered, visibly under stress.

"...Mostly we hoped we wouldn't have to bother you and he'd contact us before you came back to Nazarick…" the look of regret was obvious on everyone's face that knew about this.

"Then we must send units there to find out what is going on… there must be a…" Momonga thought and fell silent.

"Lord Momonga? Is everything okay?" Aura asked walking close to him.

"Um… We are having trouble contacting Peroroncino and Mare," Momonga confessed. There was a look of worry and near panic on Aura's face.

"What?! What do you mean?" She threw her arms up is distress.

"I should go there and…"

"Excuse me My Love… but I do not think that is a good idea. If something has happened to Lord Peroroncino and the rest it means there is something that effect even a supreme being and floor guardians. I suggest we send an enormous team of expendable mercenary units to attack the forest and…"

"We don't know that the Kitsune are responsible for this, it's too soon to take hostile action, I'd rather send in a stealth team to look into this… but we'd need a team leader to..." Momonga said.

"ME! Allow me to lead the stealth team, my Lord!" Lupusregina jumped up and had her hand raised high in the air.

"How dare you interrupt a supreme being!" Albedo shot a harsh glance at Lupusregina and the tone of her voice was just as bad. Momonga again raised his hand to stop Albedo's rebuke.

"I actually like that idea, her invisibility will be very useful in remaining undetected, though I do not consider her expendable, but… Okay Lupusregina, I approve your request to lead this important task, but do not engage or reveal yourself to anyone, allow anything like that to the mercenary units, your main goal will be information gathering and to observe, only."

"Thank you, my Lord… what will my team comprise of?"

"I will provide you with some Hanzo but as a precaution, I will send a very powerful summoned Minion to assist your team," Momonga said. Lupusregina bowed thankfully.

"As you wish Master,"

"We will make this Nazaricks top priority. Everyone but Lupusregina, Demiurge and Albedo is dismissed, please remain on call should I need any of you," Momonga commanded and his followers obeyed, leaving in an orderly fashion.

"Come Ridda… we will begin your training," Narberal said walking ahead of Ridda and Yuri. Ridda looked up at Yuri who smiled and nodded toward her that it would be alright. After all but the two women left Momonga turned to them to begin the planning of Lupusregina's team.

Lupusregina stood before her King and Queen in silence. Albedo held her belly and looked fondly at Momonga who was in deep thought.

"I think I will summon a Stygian Shadow Demon to aid and protect you." Lupusregina and Albedo both looked at Momonga in shock.

"But My Lord! T-that is the highest level of shadow demon um… won't summoning it cost you experience points?" Lupusregina asked in a low tone. Albedo's expression showed that she was going to say the same thing.

"Yes, and I will need to attach it you, and once it's attached, until killed, will always love in your shadow… it will be a lifelong companion. And given what is at stake here, I don't feel comfortable sending in a second rate summons, plus I can get it back from Mare's world item after we return them to Nazarick." Momonga said as he raised a single finger like he was giving a lecture. Deep down however, while he could resurrect them… only Peroonchino would resurrect with his world Item in tact. The World items held by Mare and Shalltear would not return with their resurrected bodies… this really worried Momonga the most, though he did not say anything.

"But it will listen to any order you give it so long as it isn't considered treasonous, is that acceptable to you?" Lupusregina shook her head with an honest smile on her face.

"O-of course! Anything from Lord Mononga would be the best!" She remained kneeling but was squirming in her stance. Albedo still looked as if she had as objection but bit her tongue to remain silent.

"Very well…" Momonga put out his hands and a large casting circle covered Lupusregina. Ancient looking glyphs and sigils came in then out of existence. Finally some kind of energy encompassed her and Lupusregina's shadow twisted and contorted then expanded. Two red eyes opened on the floor that the dancing shadow covered. A head formed around the eyes and something rose from it's depths.

A small child, looking at the age of around 12 rose from her shadow that stretched a good 8 feet from her. He had well kept short Black hair and ash grey skin with the same red eyes. He wore a robe that seemed to be made entirely of raven black feathers all expertly woven together. He made not a single sound as he moved. He walked upon her stretched out shadow and bowed respectfully to his masters.

"Hello Master… I am your Stygian Shadow Demon, if that name does not suit you, please give me one that you like." The Demon said. Lupusregina look a bit awkward being addressed as "master" but smiled and waved.

"Hello… I am Lupusregina, the one who summoned you is The Sorcerer King and my Lord, Momonga. Next to him is his first wife and Queen of Nazarick, Queen Albedo. As for your name… I'll call you… Jiro!" She clapped her hands a few times. He nodded that he understood.

"I am called Jiro." He stated as it was a fact.

"So, Jiro… would you explain to us what you are capable of so Lupusregina knows how to use you best?" Momonga asked in a kind tone.

"Certainly. I am what you would call a "support caster". I'm afraid my health pool is very low so I should not be used to take damage on your behalf, but will if commanded to. My physical attack ranges from here to… there." Upon saying "there" his fingers whipped out so fast Lupusrgina could not follow them… he was much higher level than she was. His long tendril like fingers stayed in place, roughly eight feet from his position.

"Additionally, I have five spells at my disposal. The first is [GREATER TELEPORTATION]. Though we must remain together, so we will always teleport together when I use this. The second is the 7th tier spell [ABYS]. If you are unaware, this spell will cause sever Dark damage to everyone in a twenty foot radius around us and has a 33% chance to induce [CONFUSION] on all that are hit by the spell. I can also cast the sixth tier spell, [WAVE OF PAIN]. It will cause a group of up to eight to be paralyzed by tremendous amounts of pain, lowering all resistances temporarily. This will inflict no actual damage but all afflicted with it will not be able to do anything but scream, best used before casting [ABYS] for maximum effectiveness…"

Lupusregina's eyes lit up at the mention of that spell and an old sadistic smile appeared briefly on her pretty face.

"... I can cast [MINOR ILLUSION on myself to look like you as well. Combined with your [TRUE INVISIBILITY] it should make for a good combination. My last spell, [DIMENSIONAL LOCK] simply makes our enemies unable to use Teleportation or Transfer magic." Jiro waited to see if they had any questions before finishing his presentation.

"Finally I have a passive called [DEATH'S TEMPTATION]. If you, my mistress, die… I will automatically sacrifice myself to revive you almost immediately with half your Health intact. I will be gone forever… or until resummoned by your Lord Momonga." Jiro finished how he could best be used. Lupusregina nodded.

"You can call me Lupu for short Jiro," She said as he walked closer to him.

"Very well, please use me as you see fit Mistress Lupu." Jiro said as he sank back into her shadow until he seemed to be gone but Lupusregina could still feel his presence. Momonga seemed satisfied with his summons.

"Okay, let's go to the library to get your Hanzo unit ready then we'll send you out soon as we can." He led the two ladies to The Ancient Library. It's workers nearly cried out in surprise when Lord Momonga walked in unannounced, but all were able to remain professional and continued their jobs as they acted like they were working harder than they were.

After obtaining the Mercenary book and appropriate gold eight newly summoned Hanzo stood to escort Lupusregina.

"This should be enough to keep you safe… Hanzo's, listen to all orders given by Lupusregina and protect her with your life." They all bowed in silence as they recognized the order. Momonga then handed a pendant to Lupusregina. Her eyes looked up in amazement as he looped it over her head.

"I don't know how much this will help but there is a single cast of [TITANIA'S BLESSING] contained within this pendant. Maybe it will help you find them…" His voice betrayed how worried he really was.

"Understood I will wear this present with pride!" Lupusregina said loudly and with vigor.

"Present?" Albedo whispered in a hushed tone but still smiled with warmth. Momonga turned and waved to Albedo for her understanding, making her smile even brighter.

"Demiurge… you've been quite, anything to add?" Momonga asked turning to the thinking demon. Demiurge looked up with a frown.

"If I had to wager a guess… only a world item like the one The Elf King could do this… but all three of them would be immune to such effects given their possession of world items themselves… unless we are under attack by an opponent that equals them in power… but that also does not seem correct… it's certainly a mystery My Lord… but I actually have faith in Lord Peroroncino… I think there is a reason they cannot contact us, but I hope to believe they are safe as long as he is alive."

"Do you have any suggestions on what we should do?" Momonga asked but Demiurge shook his head.

"Your wisdom and decisions are, as always, perfect My Lord," Momonga nodded but still looked somewhat unsure.

"Okay then, we'll get the search team out as soon as we can in the meantime, I think it's…" the door to the library opened and a messenger ran in.

"Lord Momonga! Emissaries from The Holy Kingdom have arrived, they wish to speak to you about aiding them in their fight against The Elf king! They just arrived in your offices in E-Rantel," The frog like runner announced, as was its job. Momonga looked at Demiurge who nodded that this was all according to plan.

"Then… I will speak with them if there is nothing else?" He looked at Demiurge and Albedo before Teleporting to E-Rantel.

Before long he found himself in the presence of two members of the Holy Kingdom. One stood at the front with short brown hair and very well made armor, well by this world's standards it was well made. The other one looked more like a ranger but her bow seemed far too large for her. This one obviously did not like Ainz as she glared at him with such contempt. He decided to ignore this and focus on the one who seemed to like him.

"So… why have you traveled here all the way from The Holy Kingdom?" Momonga asked as he sat down at a table.

"First… allow me to express my gratitude you would see us personally like this with no forewarning… I am the personal attendant to The Holy Queen Calca Bessarez, Kelart Custodio..." She remained in the respectful bow posture she had been in upon entering the room. He nodded for her to continue.

"...this is Squire Neia Barajha, she helped me arrive here and is an… avid supporter of Your Majesty." Momonga wondered if that was true as the girl named Neia did nothing but glare at him.

"Okay, you've come a long way to speak to me… so why are you here?" Momonga asked crossing his fingers, still in his Dark Elf form.

"We… are here to ask for your Majesty's Help once again…" kelart began, Momonga smiled… this was exactly what Demiurge had said would happen.

"Oh? More Demihumans on the rampage?" He asked, knowing the real reason they were here.

"Uh… no, thanks to your majesty's help we've all but eliminated the Demihuman presence on our lands… the threat now is already laying siege to our cities… The Elf King." Momonga wondered still in the back of his mind if the vanishing of the away team might have something to do with The Elf King… but he had to attend to this until they knew more.

"Yes… I have heard he's been on quite the war path... "

"Indeed… His troops control our borders and we are slowly getting taken over by his personal unit one city at a time… he holds our strongest warrior… my sister Remedios captive and there is simply nothing we can do to halt his progress." She clenched her hands and teeth.

"So… our request is that You Majesty lend us the aid of your undead troops to fight the Elf King so that we may…"

"No…" Momonga said plainly, interrupting her. She looked up with worry and confusion as the blonde haired squire glared still, not changing her expression of contempt.

"My undead warriors would probably stand little chance against this Elf King if his lineage is to be believed… I will let them mop up his troops as I deal with this troublesome personal unit of The Elf King."

"Then…"

"I think it would be best if I were to personally attend to this matter as he happens to possess something I want, and it's not your sister," Momonga said nodding.

"Personally?" Neia said, seemingly not meaning to say it outloud as she caught her own voice and bowed apologetically.

"A-and w-what would your Majesty be… asking in return for this… incredible show of generosity? I have been told to grant you nearly anything you wish if you agree to lend us the aid we need..."

Momonga thought for several moments, acting as if he didn't already have everything in mind he wanted to say.

"Well for one… I want access access to the Elf King's belonging and corpse once I've quelled him. You're amry may keep whatever meager magical items his troop possess, but his body is mine." She nodded in agreement.

"Second… I am sure you are aware that this will be the second time I'm lending your nation personal aid… and you are still in my debt from the previous time so…" Kelarts whole body tensed up, she was expecting a huge demand… one she would have to accept.

"So I would request that this makes our two nations allies… officially," Momonga stated as he nodded to himself. Kelart's eyes looked up in surprise.

"Allies? Simply just allies… Your Majesty?" She had been expecting him to make himself king, to marry The Holy Queen… ot at the very least demand vassalship!"

"Yes, is that a problem?" He asked coyly.

"N-not at all Your majesty! W-we… I am allowed to agree to such a request… you may consider the Holy Kingdom an official… ally to The Sorcerer Kingdom!" Kelart said, still with disbelief in her voice.

"Perfect, then it won't be odd for us to lend aid would it?"

"N-no Your Majesty it… thank you!" Kelart said her eyes still showing her surprise as the others eyes still shown only anger. Momonga wondered if Neia would be a problem going forward… maybe he should have her taken care of… just to be safe.

"S-so when should we tell the Queen to expect your help? I'm afraid sooner is better than later…"

"When? Why… we'll tell her help begins immediately, allow me to get supplied and ready… I will use my magic to transport you, myself and my troops… please wait here for a few hours until I return.

"Today?" Neia whispered in a hushed tone and her hatful eyes darted back and forth.

"That's… yes Your Majesty, t-thank you again for this!" She said shaking her head as momonga bowed and excused himself.

"Help will be arriving today?! We… we are saved aren't we?" Neai whispered to Kelart who was still in near-shock.

"Y-yes… at least it appears that way… what if The Elf King beats…"

"Unthinkable!" Neia interrupted her.

"His Majesty The Sorcerer King is unmatched in power, and you heard how confident he sounded, right? Clearly Lord Momonga knows something we do not… why else would he rush to challenge The Elf King so quickly?"

"Yes… he did seem rather confident it's just… anyway, we've succeeded in our mission, let's prepare our statements for the Queen, she will be shocked to see help so soon," Kelart said as she stood and sat at a provided table, Neia joined her, trying to keep her excitement contained to remain professional.

"Either way… our mission is over, at last…" kelart said, mostly to herself. Before long Momonga had returned, though he did not seem to be carrying or wearing anything different than when he was first in the room with them.

"Well I am ready… shall we?" Momonga asked as he gestured to a large black portal that was behind him. The women looked at it with clear worry. Momonga took notice.

"Oh, don't worry, this is just a magical doorway I created that will allow us to arrive in your capital, it's perfectly safe." He assured them. Neia was the first to show trust and walked into the darkness, who was tentative and followed by Kelart then Momonga. In a blink of an eye, the three were standing in the courtroom of the Holy Queen of the Holy Kingdom.

"Your Majesty! I have brought The Sorcerer King, Lord Momonga to lend aid!" Kelart announced as soon as she realized she was in the presence of her Queen. Queen Calco looks surprised to see the three in her room unannounced but a huge smile spread across her face when she saw Momonga.

"King Momonga! You've come!" Calca said happily, ignoring Neia and Kelart as she rose from her throne and ran over to greet Momonga. The look of excitement was plain to see as she made her way to him. Kelart wanted to say something but remained silent.

"W-welcome Lord Momonga! This… is your magic?" Calca asked as she inspected the fading black portal of the [GATE] spell. Momonga simply nodded with a smile.

"Indeed, it seemed the best option given your Kingdoms emergency," Momonga said looking around the palace room. The smile on Calca turned to a frown.

"Y-yes… The Elf King's Personal unit is cutting a swath for his army and I fear they will soon be in my immediate region of influence but…" She said but was stopped by the risen hand of Momonga.

"Do not worry, in exchange for our countries becoming official allies… I have agreed to personally take of The Elf King… so long as I am allowed to take his body and belongings," Calca waited for the rest of his demands but realized that was it.

"Allies? That is… all?" There was almost a tinge of disappointment in her voice.

"Indeed, I am not trying to take over the world or anything… simply trying to make the land peaceful…" Calca smiled that she understood and bowed with grace.

"Thank you King Momonga, anything you need will be provided for, when will…"

"Don't worry, I will require no aid from you or your men, simply allow me a chance to engage him, that is all I will need." Calca looked at Kelart and Neia who nodded that this was indeed all he'd asked for.

"Well… okay then, you are given permission to use any magic you see fit in my lands… is there anything else you'd like?" She asked, as she battered her eyes at him with a smile that was ignored by the Dark Elf. Momonga looked toward the exit.

"I have already have a team following his every movement from the shadows… I know where he is, so if you don't mind…" All in attendance offered no objection. Momonga smiles and threw up his hand a bit dramatically as he cast…

"Greater teleportation!" and in an instant he was gone.