The tunnel between realities looked very much the same as before, thought Demiurge from the cockpit, a beautiful chaos that felt familiar to him. Although he didn't feel any particular connection to it, he was convinced that there was more to it than what could simply be seen. He hoped that one day he would have time to look into this phenomenon, beautifully looking like a never ending conflict between energies. Perhaps the oranges and the purples shapes hated each other to death or fought for the control of this red maelstrom, perhaps this was only a show to scare the travelers or was a representation of karma on some level.
The demon was wondering how to capture one of these shapes and to what kind of torture it might be responsive, when his daydreaming was interupted. Brutally exiting the unstable tunnel, the spaceship shook back in reality.
"We made it back" Demiurge said, looking at the pilot.
With barely a movement of the shoulders and a small twitch of the mouth that would have been invisible to anybody outside of Nazarick, Shizu seemed happy about it.
Straightening his tie, Demiurge smiled, opened the door toward the rear compartment and announced to the occupants, Sebas Tian, Richard Woolsey and the team SG9 "The trip was a success. I bid you welcome to our universe, we will reach the planet in a few hours"
…
"Did we really have to walk all this way, couldn't we take one of these big carriage pulled by a monster?" Asked Mckey.
The whole fantasy team had been asked by Momon to accompany him, without their usual adventurer escort and toward a mysterious destination and they had been walking for a couple of hours in the countryside surrounding Utopia. Their armored guide had obviously a sense of showmanship and liked surprises, so they weren't particularly fearful about the situation. However it was the first time that they didn't have their escort with them and that they were taken pretty much in the middle of nowhere.
"We are almost there, it's just behind this hill" answered the dark warrior "Trust me, I believe you will enjoy what you see today"
"Besides, what's the problem with some fresh air and a nice healthy walk, you had better things to do perhaps ?" Merily mocked Sheppard.
"Actually yes, today some of these dwarf men were going to show me their new model of runic golem and its first activation. It would have been a great opportunity to understand how it works, besides the 'it's magic' that we always get around here." snapped back Rodney.
"And I wanted to place a bet for tomorrow's final, I'm sure the cute girl is gonna win her match against that minotaur" added Vala "Apparently it's the first time that one of her fights doesn't have all the odds giving her the winner. Knowing bookmakers, I'm sure this is just to lure suckers. There is a fortune to make on this".
Sighing, Daniel grabbed her by the arm and curtly explained "We were not given gold to bet on arena fights, if we have it, it's to buy things that will be useful or interesting for Earth and the SGC".
"You spent a fortune on those books that magically translate in the reader's mother tongue! Why can't I also have something nice". answered the woman
"These books are not for me, it's intel for the SGC". precised the archeologist with a sigh.
"Come on Daniel, if we are stuck in this world, we won't have enough money to last forever. At least we have an initial funding, but for it to work, we have to invest it" pleaded the woman.
They continued to bicker for some time, Cameron Mitchell and Daniel Jackson trying to explain that making bets was not an investment and Teal'C arguing that the result of a fight at this level couldn't be known in advance. But once they arrived on top of the hill, the scenery was so breathtaking that they stopped arguing with each other.
A gigantic stone slab was in the middle of a plain with some kind of black and red device weirdly resembling a puddle jumper in the center of it. All around this strange construction, was standing still, an army that must be in the thousands. The first line was made of golden armors and some of them carried a Sorcerer Kingdom banner that flapped gently in the wind. They already saw this kind of soldier, standing guard in front of some official buildings and in the Dark Tower Senate, these were the Nazarick Guarders, some sort of undead honor guard that appeared to have a ceremonial role in the kingdom.
At the end of the path they took from the city toward this unusual place, there was a space that appeared prepared for some kind of reception. There was a big black tent, some parasols, a couple of carriages were already parked there and a few people could be seen coming and going.
While walking, they tried to ask Momon what was going on in here, but every time any member of the Earth's team asked, the dark warrior chuckled and made comments about the landscape and the weather. However, once they got closer, they recognised that the black and red tubular shape in the middle of this scenery, was indeed a reconstruction of a puddle jumper, the dimensions, the front window and the profile made it clear. They also realized that the people they saw were maids, carrying trays of foods and drinks inside the tent.
When finally they entered with Momon, they discovered Richard Woolsey and SG9 in what looked like a social-event, talking with glasses in hand with a lovely young couple that seemed to be in their twenties. The man, a handsome blond wearing a shiny white armor finely crafted appeared human, but the woman, a beautiful long-haired blond in an open back black dress, had a couple of small wings that proved otherwise.
In a joyous tone, Momon announced "I believe you already know the people your planet sent as ambassadors, so I'll only introduce the person that has been appointed on the Sorcerer Kingdom side. This is governor Renner of Re-Estize and this is her husband, Climb".
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When the team sent in another universe entered his office, Ainz Ooal Gown thought that they looked somewhat disappointed or guilty. The Overlord knew how much the denizens loved Nazarick and himself, so much so that when they left for too long, they became sad and depressed. That's why he guessed that there was not going to be good news in their report, or else they would be gleaming with happiness. But something had to be dealt with before they got down with business.
"Welcome home" began Ainz. He wished they could sit down with him and relax, but amongst the things he learnt in the last ten years, was that the butler and the devil in particular, were absolutely incapable of doing so in his office. "Before you make your report, there are things that must be said. When you left, we noticed that you were considered dead by Nazarick, the status screen of the Throne of Kings updated when you came back, but apparently the mechanism is not powerful enough to communicate with the other universe".
Looking uncomfortable, Demiurge and Sebas exchanged a look. Involuntarily defying the Throne of Kings and Nazarick's functioning was troublesome for both of them, CZ Delta however, looked totally unfazed by the news.
Trying to appear as 'Overlordly' as possible, Ainz continued "It could prove problematic one day, the worst would probably be the Guild Weapon being considered destroyed if it was transported, but we might observe other effects. However there is also an opportunity".
Turning toward the adjacent room, Ainz called "You can come out now".
The door opened slowly and on the other side, appeared another CZ Delta standing still. When her eye focused on her other self, she faintly smiled before waving and saying "Hello, I am CZ2129 Delta".
CZ2128 looked uncertain of how to react for a moment, but she quickly mimicked the smile, waved and responded in the same tone "Hello, I am CZ2128 Delta. You are cute".
"Yes" said the new automaton "But since you are the little sister, you are cuter."
Looking thoughtful for a few seconds, the original Shizu answered "You were just created, you are the little sister".
"My name has a higher number, so I am the big sister" proudly concluded CZ2129.
"If your number is higher it's because you were made after, I am the big sister" added CZ2128 puffing her cheeks.
Demiurge smiled and seemed to have a hard time to not burst into laughter, while Sebas rubbed his chin, probably trying to figure out who the older sister was. Not sure if the loop was due to their programming as NPC's or automatons, Ainz decided to interrupt it. "I'm glad you are getting along. You two should go with your other sisters, I've asked Yuri to organize the next tea party in advance so you can sort things out".
In perfect unison, both automatons answered "Yes, thank you Ainz-sama". While they closed the door, one of them added "Yuri-nee will confirm that I am the oldest, but don't worry, I will be a good daisenpai to you".
After their departure, the Overlord sighed and continued "That went better than I imagined. Before you ask, I didn't make … twins for any of you. A level hundred would have been too expensive for an experiment and as automatons, all Shizus will have an increased utility in the times to come. Also I don't want to abuse this system if it's not necessary, Cocytus and Shalltear already asked to be copied this way, but I'd rather you all stay unique. Shizu's personality is different enough for it not to be a problem".
Sebas Tian and Demiurge could only nod, being at the same time disappointed by not being duplicated to prove more useful, but also appreciative of their master's love for them.
"Now, Albedo is busy integrating new tribes from the other continent in the kingdom, so you will have to fill out a detailed report later, but give me an abridged version please".
…
Listening to the recount of their mission, Ainz understood why his subordinate felt as if they failed. They had an objective and they decided to abandon it and take the blame, all in the name of his grand plan. In his opinion, it was an immense progress from the time when they would have died trying or simply ignored the context and go forth anyway.
"You made the right call. If the lack of natural magic results in a cost to use things that in this universe don't even require mana, that is certainly a problem. If we can't sustain summons or regenerate our pools, we will be greatly diminished" confirmed Ainz, trying to make them feel better about their mission "Since you perfectly accomplished your first objective and made the right decision about your second, we can consider the operation a success. I'm also glad that you were able to work together without issues".
"But Ainz-sama, the problem could be solved by diffusing unclaimed mana in the vicinity, we should have anticipated the possibility. This is a failure from us" argued Demiurge with a pained look on his face.
The concept was not from Yggdrasil and was unfamiliar to the overlord, but at the same time he believed he already heard this term somewhere. Tilting his head, trying to remember when and what it had been about, he asked the archdevil "What is the way you are proposing? The amounts needed are enormous".
Pulling up his glasses the devil turned his frown into a grin "You are exactly right Ainz-sama! The phenomenon we discovered while making experiments on runecraft, was effectively far too weak for high level summons or regenerating the mana pool of a powerful caster, it was nothing more than an interesting accident. However, combining what we learnt then with mana regeneration items from Yggdrasil, I believe we could reprogram data crystals and create a new type of items with a similar effect. The power would then only be limited by the materials used and with our new engineering capabilities, we could even build a generator able to recharge them when the mana has been exhausted."
Worried for Nazarik's supplies, Ainz asked "What would be the potential of such an item to maintain a summon like, let's say a Primal Elemental or regenerate entirely a level hundred's mana?"
Besides a few tail flapping, Demiurge remained motionless for a moment, making calculations and extrapolations, after which he answered "From my observations, with level hundred materials, an item could sustain this sort of summon for up to one year, if it doesn't use any capacities or if the mana remain unclaimed. Mare would be able to regenerate his mana about eight times. After that this kind of item would be depleted and would have to be refilled or replaced".
"Oh, That's pretty good, almost overkill. With materials around level fifty, what would it look like? At least we have tons of these stuff laying around" Wanted to check the overlord.
"That is only an estimation, Ainz-sama, but I believe we could even improve on this base, once we will be acquainted with the production and experimented with its use. With a level fifty item, a level eighty seven sumon like a Primal Elemental, could last up to five months and Mare should be able to regenerate his entire mana pool a minimum of three times".
"That would be enough for the time being" decided Ainz "In the end, it might be a blessing in disguise that you didn't infiltrate Earth already. Like Sebas summarized, they will be extremely cautious when dealing with us and Pandora's Actor had an interesting idea, thanks to his talks with their exploration team. The World Item that we got by killing the Catastrophe Dragon Lord, The Gates to Paradise, could be a better way to establish a bridgehead in their galaxy".
Surprised by the proposition, Demiurge told his master "This World Item is indeed very potent, allowing the user to receive or cast any teleportation magic with all restrictions being ignored" thinking furiously, the Guardian considered as the smartest of them all, couldn't figure out where this was going and asked the overlord "Forgive your humble servant, Ainz-sama, but I don't think even this World Item could pierce between both universes and it's too powerful to be modified, is there something that I'm missing ?"
Amused by the humble devil, Ainz Ooal Gown answered him chuckling "Don't be so hard on yourself, it's all thanks to 'Momon's' work. While you were on your mission, he escorted two of the Earthlings to the Arwintar Magical Institute, using one of the new permanent [Gate] portals. Apparently the shape, design and functioning is reminding them of their stargate and they shared some interesting concerns, they seem to have had issues from time to time. Did you know, for example, that they involuntarily traveled through time or reached the wrong gate ?"
"I did not, but it indeed seems that these technological systems lack the certainty that we have from using magic. According to the information we gathered, the stargate network in particular, is far from being perfect" acknowledged Demiurge, before looking enlightened. Facepalming, he exclaimed "Of course, how could I have been so blind, there is a solution from over there! We will have to study the technology to find a way, but if we can reproduce the effect of the inter-universe device by modifying a stargate on one side and a portal using something as powerful as The Gates to Paradise on the other, we could have an efficient method of travel."
"And I think there is a fast and simple method to be sure that it works, we still have two [Wish Upon a Star] from Shooting Star" said Ainz while grabbing something from his inventory. He then put on the table a piece of paper and the ring in question. "You have a new mission Demiurge, establishing a secret outpost and opening a gate between universes without the device. Once we figured out the possibility, we used [Sleep], [Hypnotism] and [Dominate] to extract a suitable gate address from one of them and I'm pretty confident they have no clues or memories of the interrogation."
"Sasuga Ainz-sama! Once again, you proved how superior the Supreme Beings are." Said Demiurge ecstatic. "Will Sebas be a part of this expedition ?"
"No, I'm pleased enough that you managed to work together and put aside your inimity. Besides I have another assignment for you Sebas, we are close to indisputably ruling this whole world, so I want you to prepare the first worldwide celebration. It will be a date that will be remembered in the ages to come".
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In the Nazarik's puddle jumper, baptized 'The Dark Traveler', both Shizus were piloting in the front seats and observed their instruments carefully. After a moment, one of them announced placidly "It appears we are undetected"
After what the other one continued " Yes, there are no reactions from the ground base and there are no ships in the system."
Behind them, Demiurge arbored a wide smug smile "Good, the [Perfect Unknowable] directly casted onto the ship is definitely a success and we managed to outpace the establishment of surveillance equipment. Bring us down ladies".
"Yes Demiurge-sama" responded the pair of automatons in perfect sync.
Getting up from his seat, the Archdevil made sure his suit was perfect before he went to make the last briefing to the team he assembled for the mission. When he opened the door between both compartments, all eyes from both rows of seatings turned on him and the red suited devil grinned.
On one side was waiting his technical team; leaded by the ritual specialist, the Overlord Wiseman, Fluder Paradyne. With him were standing some of his coworkers from Ashurbanipal, Aurelius, Fulvius and Ulpius. All four of them were gathered to create and perform the rituals that would be necessary to ensure the functioning of their future inter-universe gate, the fact that the group of Overlords was able to destroy a continent in self defense, was just a nice bonus. The last member of this group was their stargate specialist, Doppel-Rodney. Although he technically never touched or even seen a gate, he still had, among others, the job classes Engineer (Genius) at level eight and Stargate expert at level four.
On the other side was his infiltration team; They were led by Solution Epsilon, not the strongest one, but without a doubt the best overall operator of Nazarick. She was accompanied by four Hanzo in case more muscle was needed and the team had been completed with four Shadow Demons. The last member, the sneak attack maid CZ2129, would join them for their operation while CZ2128 would bring the ship back. The team had been composed to be able to efficiently and silently perform a wide variety of tasks, from surveillance and espionage, to target manipulation and elimination.
"The first phase of the operation is a success, we are concealed and are free to proceed further." Began Demiurge, pulling up his glasses "Now remember, the whole Earthling base has to be under control before we are free to use the stargate to our final destination. Every human has to be incapacited one way or another and their memories of the operation has to be wiped out, we are to leave no trace or hint of our presence here. Once they are overpowered, we will make sure that no proof remains in their security system and move on. Don't forget that the planet we are going to was chosen due to the arsh environment and the aggressive lifeforms, remain extremely cautious and protect the research team". The Archdevil paused for a second, before pulling a big runic pendant from beneath his suit and showcasing it. "More importantly, as explained before, this universe lacks the natural magic that we are using, that is why all of you have been given one of these prototypes. This whole operation from now on to our final success, has to be fulfilled with a limited amount of mana. To overcome this problem, you have all been given equipements, magic items and scrolls that shouldn't require our own pools, use them and remain cautious about this phenomenon."
"Landing in ten minutes Demiurge-sama" said one of the Shizu, "There are still no indications that we have been spotted".
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Hello everybody :)
So here is the last chapter and the end of the first part. Now that there are most of the elements that I wanted in this story I will change the format. From now on I will try to make a more 'episodic' story in the SG fashion using what I've written so far as a base.
I hope you are still entertained and enjoyed so far, thanks for the feedbacks