Four hours remained until dawn. The significance of this was the fact that once the Sun broke through, the war between the Sorcerer Kingdom and the Slane Theocracy would begin. Currently, a base camp had been set up a few miles away from the Theocracy border that would for a time house the invasion's Commander-in-Chief Cocytus, along with his advisers and bodyguards.
The army would in sense be divided into three parts, placed along different points on the front. For this very initial phase, the bulk of their forces would be made up of Death Knights, Death Warriors, Nazarick Guarders, Elder Liches, and lesser undead with some aerial assistance from Frost Dragons. In addition, scouting and information gathering assignments would be executed by Shadow Demons and Hanzos.
Along with these more "generic" forces, Cocytus would also be able to call upon some of Aura's beasts and Mare's dragons, with the clear restriction that neither twin could take to the actual field of battle. A similar restriction was placed upon Demiurge, Albedo, and Pandora's Actor, as they could be sources of advice but could not be called to the field of battle. For the time being Sebas and Shalltear, weren't considered to be involved at all.
With only a few precious hours left for preparations, Cocytus was suddenly called to the Great Tomb of Nazarick's Throne Room to speak with Ainz Ooal Gown himself about the war to come. Upon arrival, the Sorcerer King was sitting upon his throne with Albedo to his right, Demiurge on his left, and a few steps away from the stairs was Sebas. Walking up to the base of the stairs, Cocytus kneeled before the Overlord.
"You may rise, Cocytus." Ainz regally instructed.
"As. You. Wish." The Floor Guardian obediently said.
"I understand that you still have preparations that you need to finalize, so I won't take long. First, I want to personally wish you luck in this endeavor, as you know it is one of great significance."
"You. Are. Too. Kind. My. Lord."
"Umu... I'm aware that Albedo and Demiurge instructed you on what is expected from this campaign, but I want to reinforce some points. Despite what those of the Theocracy did to Shalltear, that is not the 'official' cause of this war. So I want you to keep in mind that this is a war of not only retaliation, but also subjugation. As such, an effort should be made to keep as much of their infrastructure as intact as possible. As for the people, both civilian and military, if they surrender right away, ensure that they are looked after. The applies same with any slaves that you come across. They'll need to feel as if their sacrifice made by turning their back on their nation is worthwhile. But if they fight back, you are free to repay them in kind." Ainz pointed out in a dispassionate tone.
"Of. Course. I. Understand. That. For. Those. Who. Surrender. After. Engaging. In. Battle. I. Have. The. Permission. To. Execute. Them. As. They. Would. Have. Done. During. The. War. With. The. Elves." Cocytus stoically added.
"That is what we first agreed upon yes, but one of the reasons I called you here was to revise that. I will not be the one to advocate for their lives, but I do know that in matters such as these one does not know exactly what will happen, right until the plan actually meets reality. So I will add that, when it comes to the fate of those that give up while in combat, will be up to you and those under your command. Judge them as you see fit and as the situation calls for it."
A cold breath escaped Cocytus' mouth, as if he was going to say something, just to then stop himself, simply nod in understanding of his master's command.
"Is there something you want to say, Cocytus?" Albedo softly asked.
"No. I. Don't. Think. That. I. Have. Anything. Of. Value. To. Add."
"But if you have something on your mind, you are free to share. Go ahead." Ainz remarked, having also noticed that it indeed seemed like Cocytus wanted to say something.
"I... Wanted. To. Ask. If. It. Was. Possible. For. Me. To. Be. Able. To. Spare. Those. That. Had. Surrendered. During. Combat. Within. Reason. Of. Course. Even. If. It. Went. Against. My. Initial. Instructions. It. Is. My. Belief. That. There. Is. Value. In. Sparing. Those. That. Willingly. Surrender. To. Us. And. Not. Only. Spare. The. Noncombatants. I. Saw. No. Need. To. Say. This. After. Ainz-sama. Had. Spoken." Cocytus reluctantly explained.
"Even so, its pleases me that you spoke your mind. The other topic I wanted to discuss was that of the ones known to us as Zesshi Zetsumei and Captain Marcus Septimius Amor. Have you thought of how to deal with them? While Aizen gave us information on them, we certainly are still lacking some key notes. Especially on exactly how powerful they are, just what the relics the Theocracy has and how many World Class Items they have." The Overlord mused, his keen gaze looking through the Floor Guardian, as he waited for an answer.
"I. Must. Admit. That. I. Had. Not. Planned. On. How. To. Engage. With. Them. But. I. Have. Some. Ideas. On. What. To. Do. If. They. Were. To. Appear." The Floor Guardian nervously replied.
"If, I may, Ainz-sama. I also have already given some thought to how we could approach these two." Demiurge informed, fixing his glasses.
"As expected of you, Demiurge." The Overlord mused.
"I am glad that I could live up to your expectations, Ainz-sama. Of course, I imagine that you've already come up with a course of action for this matter as well." The Arch-Devil mused.
"Umu. Cocytus, at this point in time I don't fault you for not having a concrete plan, since there's a long road ahead of us, with many things that are still unknown. So for now I will let you ponder upon your own ideas for yourself and if you wish, speak with Demiurge on the matter. But I will make another addition to my orders. If the need arises, you are free to call upon Sebas to take to the front and fight."
'"...!"'
This earned surprised reactions from Albedo and Demiurge who, after having discussed things with Ainz, each other, and finally Cocytus, they were more or less certain of how plans were to proceed. They were also certain that the reason only Cocytus was being sent to wage war, was to reduce the chances that a situation like Shalltear could happen again. So naturally they were surprised that their master had altered the perceived plan.
"Do you know why I'm allowing you to use Sebas, Cocytus?" Ainz asked, his attention still on the Floor Guardian.
"To. Use. In. Case. Our. Forces. Do. Come. Across. Them. As. Their. True. Power. Is. Unknown. And. As. Commander. In. Chief. My. Engaging. In. Combat. Should. Be. The. Last. Resort." Cocytus confidently replied.
"This is true. But what else?"
Here the small, glowing red dots in Ainz's eyesockets became smaller, the Player hoping Cocytus would reach the actual reason he was being allowed to use Sebas if needed. It was true that he didn't want any Floor Guardian to deeply penetrate Theocracy territory, because despite the precautions, including having given each Guardian their own [World Class Item], part of him still feared something else happening to his friends' creations. Still, he also knew that at times risks had to be taken.
"If you wish, I could answer, Ainz-sama." Albedo pointed out.
"I don't wish to speak over Cocytus, but I also believe that I have come to the answer." Demiurge added.
"Umu. Would you mind them answering, Cocytus?" Ainz asked, leaning back into his seat.
"I. Also. Believe. To. Know. The. Answer."
"Hoh? Then go ahead."
"In. Case. The. Unexpected. Happens. We. Know. Only. Of. Two. Powerful. Beings. There. May. Be. More. And. Sebas. Would. Be. A. Good. Option. To. Use. In. A. Situation. Like. That. He. Has. Also. Shown. Great. Compassion. Towards. The. People. Of. This. World. And. As. Such. He. Will. Be. Able. To. See. Through. Any. Combat. Related. Stress. To. Reach. That. Person." Cocytus promptly replied.
"Very good. Indeed, that is the case. Sebas is the one that has interacted the most with the people of this world outside of myself, and has done so with genuine care for those people. So he is a good option to engage with these individuals. As said before, you are the main commander, so it isn't your role to take to the field unless there isn't another option. Sebas is meant to be one of your final options when the time comes. And indeed there is the chance that there are still more powerful individuals within the Theocracy that Aizen might not have learned of, and now is the time for them to act." Ainz pointedly explained.
"You. Humble. Me. Ainz-sama."
"Not at all. You are simply showing just how capable you are. Albedo and Demiurge, were these the reasons you were going to say?"
'"Indeed."' The two NPCs reverentially replied.
"Very good. This is a nation that has existed for many centuries, and was likely founded by beings like myself, so we cannot take them lightly. I wish you luck, Cocytus. You're dismissed." The Sorcerer King announced.
Giving the Overlord a deep bow, Cocytus turned and departed the Throne Room, going right back to overseeing the final preparations of his forces so that when the time came, all that was needed was for him to give the order for the war to begin. Ainz then dismissed Demiurge and Sebas back to their duties, while he and Albedo returned to E-Rantel where they went about discussing several other topics.
One of those topics was the now multi-day event that was being organized with the Roble Holy Kingdom. An event Ainz was actually happy to attend, but nervous about due to how it had bloated into something far more complex than he had initially intended, and how he again would need to go put up a confident act in front of the NPCs, and most especially Aizen. Despite such apprehensions however, he felt strangely confident that this event would go well.
As the Sorcerer Kingdom finished up their preparations and mobilized their forces, the Theocracy did the same, even if they weren't certain when the inhuman Kingdom would make their move. Although the gathering of the amounts of undead and other beasts at their border their scryers and scouts reported told them that it would happen soon.
This meant that after days of absolute chaos, with little to no chances to rest, a certain calm had filled the air of the Theocracy's capital. Like the calm before the storm, those in power, having finished the bulk of necessary arrangements to receive the enemy, could take a moment to rest.
This naturally also applied to Marcus, who took this opportunity to make his way to one of the many training chambers used by Zesshi. His wish being to speak with her in private before anything happened, but also because he had been informed that the esteemed Rufus, Surshana's First Follower, had gone to do the same before him.
Approaching the chamber's entrance, the sound of a sharp slap echoing in the air got the Captain's attention. He hastened his steps to arrive at the large open space, lit by magical lamps on the ceiling. Looking to his left, just a few feet away was Zesshi, and standing to her front was Rufus' unmistakable figure.
The undead had removed his hood to reveal his clean and polished skull; the sign that he too had reached the pinnacle of undeath as an Overlord. The only great distinction between him and someone like Ainz Ooal Gown, or the Theocracy's God of Death, being the pale green dots that lit his eye sockets, instead of the customary crimson.
Marcus' arrival was quickly noted by Zesshi as the half-elf faced his direction, and with a slight gesture to fix her hair after Rufus' slap she smirked, right as the Overlord spoke. There was a tone to it, that not even the oldest and wisest of the ruling class could ever hope to reach, along with a certain sense of domineering and cruelty that some said was very much like the being who had exalted him.
"You can join us, Marcus Septimius Amor. No need to stand on ceremony."
Taking a step aside and away from the half-elf, Rufus turned his attention to Marcus, who steeled himself and began to walk forwards, quickly coming up with something to say to try and move past the tension of the situation.
"Are you aware of the latest reports? They speak of thousands of undead gathering at three distinct points at our borders. There is also word of Frost Dragons among them. More than likely they will begin attacking soon."
"I've been informed and I agree. It will likely happen soon, which is why I came here to speak with your subordinate. Thankfully you came here yourself. Now, explain to me why I am the one that had to discipline your subordinate?" Rufus mused, as Marcus stopped just a few feet away from him.
"Is this regarding her attitude towards the messenger from the Sorcerer Kingdom?" The Captain calmly asked, briefly eyeing Zesshi.
"You are aware and had not talked to her about it because...?" Rufus asked with a pause.
"As you know I have been busy with war preparation, and was going to take this time to speak to her about it."
"Too little, too late. Again." Rufus remarked in disappointment.
"Not everyone likes to spend their lives stuck in a hole." Zesshi defiantly retorted.
There was a brief pause, which gave Marcus a moment to again look at Zesshi and signal with his eyes for her to be quiet, but thankfully or not, the Overlord resumed speaking while focused on the Captain.
"As I have told you before, while she is older and stronger than you, the position of Black Scripture Captain was given to you. So you are expected to be the one that does these things, not me. Both of you are at this point old enough to know how to behave, and I would prefer that my time to be spent on more important issues. Not dealing with cases of insubordination or possible international incidents when all that the messenger was here to do, was give us a declaration. Are we understood, Marcus?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good."
Straightening his posture, Rufus then turned to Zesshi, who was also standing with relatively good posture, albeit it was mitigated by a still playful and defiant smirk, that earned her no amusement from the undead.
"As things stand, both of you are old enough to no longer need to live in the shadow of your parents..." Rufus began to say, when Zesshi interjected with a venom and spite in her tone.
"Don't bring this up."
"...That is why, I expect both of you to step up and realize what is expected of you as our nation is faced with its greatest challenge in the last 200-years." The undead continued undisturbed.
"..." Zesshi went to speak, when the Captain interrupted.
"There is no need for concern. We understand what our duties are and will act accordingly when called upon."
"I assume that you will be working along side our best and brightest, to coordinate with the Ashendust Scripture, so that we have a place to escape in case things come crushing around us?" Zesshi asked, earning her a sigh from Marcus.
"As stubborn as always. I will say this; you're old enough to refrain from asking stupid and obvious questions. And you should know better than to speak of such things lightly. After all, 600-years of history will not 'come crushing' down as easily as that." Rufus said with annoyance clear in his tone at Zesshi's blasé attitude regarding the Theocracy's potential demise.
"You know how she can be. There's no need to think too much about her usage of darker humor." Marcus said in a placating tone.
"She doesn't need excuses, she needs discipline. See to that, Marcus..."
[Alert! Alert! The forces of the Sorcerer Kingdom have breached our borders, they are advancing! Everyone is to meet right now!]
The [Message] rang through the minds of the trio, telling them that war had now began and that once more the calm times were over, and now was the time for everyone to see their duties through.
"Let us go." Rufus instructed, with no real sense of urgency.
"Wait just a moment. If we're going to be working together and acting like professionals, the least you could do was refer to me by name." Zesshi hissed, looking at Rufus.
"Now is not the time." Marcus said as he sighed.
"Agreed. We have more important things to worry about. So if you're done with wasting our time any further, be silent and follow."
"Or what?" She immediately snapped back.
Without replying, Rufus straightened his posture and began to walk away, prompting Zesshi to follow, but the general irritation in her tone and posture, prompted Marcus to step in the way.
"What's the matter!? Are you so stuck in your ways, that even as we ponder the end of our nation, you can't call me by name!? Am I that much of an eyesore to you!?..." She roared, when Marcus placed a hand on her shoulder and tried to speak over her.
"Now is not the time to..." He started saying, but she continued.
"Do you still regret not having put me down, like you did my mot..."
Zesshi's rant was stopped, when Marcus in a display that was far beyond his usual calm composure, punched the half-elf in the face, causing her to stumble to the side and finally rendering her silent.
"Finish things up here, Marcus. She isn't needed at the meeting now." Rufus remarked, finally leaving.
There was a moment of silence as Zesshi moved a hand through her hair, and then to her lip, noting a minimal amount of blood on it from the punch, while Marcus looked at her as if he was in shock.
"Have you gone mad? Now is not the time for infighting." He said, slowly calming down.
"Hm~? That was a good punch. You should do that more often~. And what do you mean 'infighting'? I was just questioning the obvious. He's never referred to me by my name, nor has he ever seen me as more than just the useful stain on the gods' bloodline. The least he could do was put that aside now. Because if not now, when?" Zesshi scoffed.
"Not now. Not when we're considering our own potential destruction. You know that much. Now, calm down and let's get going."
"I'm not going anywhere. You heard what Rufus said."
"I did. But that doesn't stop you from going and waiting at the door." Marcus argued.
"A fine idea, but not this time. We don't need you to get in trouble. Go and I'll catch up eventually."
"Very well, but I expect to see you waiting outside when the meeting ends."
"Understood, o' Captain~." Zesshi said with a chuckle.
Exchanging nods, Marcus departed doing so with a hastened step as he didn't want to miss any part of the meeting, or be reprimanded for having taken too long getting there. Yet, he understood from Rufus' tone that there was no need to rush, even with the news of the invasion.
Something he understood because what they assumed was that given the Sorcerer Kingdom's position, they would start by taking over small settlements near the edges of their territory. This wasn't a cause for concern for many, because these settlements were for the most part seen as insignificant, and even seen by some as a buffer for this situation. A sentiment that even Marcus had a hard time swallowing.
On her end, Zesshi kicked the ground, causing cracks and sending small pieces of debris flying everywhere, while letting out a loud scream of frustration and excitement. She was more than happy to not have to be at the same meeting as Rufus, but was ecstatic to know that eventually, she was going to be allowed out and to do what seemingly she was born to do; to fight.
As this was happening, the Theocracy's suspicions quickly became reality as the Sorcerer Kingdom's three armies finally invaded their lands. Their first targets were their smaller settlements, with the plan to take over these small locations, effectively connecting the areas covered by them and to eventually act as their forward operating bases for their invasion going forward.
Since the Theocracy had already assumed this to happen, they hadn't mobilized anyone to the area, outside of some scouts that were supposed to retreat as soon as it seemed like an invasion was starting. These villages were more or less left to their own devices. A sacrifice meant to buy time and as such, many weren't informed on what was going to happen, and were left with little to no time to decide on how to handle the situation.
Currently, Cocytus was in the central meeting place of his camp, this being a large tower created through the 10-tier [Create Fortress] spell. Inside a large rectangular table resided with the Floor Guardian at its head. Sitting around him were several insectoid assistants and advisors, and atop the table was a large map of the territory occupied by the Theocracy, marked by the settlements they were aware of, which included several near their location.
"Based on reports, it shouldn't take long to secure this area." One of the advisors said in a neutral tone.
"Cocytus-sama, what of the people that reside in these places? We understand that they are simple. Does this mean that they are even worthy of consideration?" Another asked in curiosity.
"Such a foolish question. Our orders are clear." Another calmly argued.
"But they are hardly worth anything. According to the reports, they would hardly be a filling meal."
"Eating them is not even an option. That much has been made clear." One remarked with mildly disappointment.
"I was simply exemplifying."
"Enough." Cocytus curtly instructed.
'"Our apologies."' Everyone present quickly said.
"Our. Instructions. Are. Clear. And. This. Is. But. A. Preliminary. Step. In. This. Operation. These. People. Will. Be. Treated. Like. The. Rest. If. They. Surrender. We. Will. Take. Them. In. If. They. Fight. Back. We. Will. Do. The. Same. But. If. They. Surrender. After. Attacking. We. Shall. Let. Them. Live. They. Seem. Like. Farmers. No. Great. Danger." The Floor Guardian pointedly explained.
"Understood."
"Very. Well. Now. Let's. Discuss. Our. Strategy. For. When. We. Come. Across. Our. First. City." Cocytus announced, pointed to the map.
While the meeting unfolded the undead ground troops and Frost Dragons made quick work of the small farming and hunting settlements that they came across, using a simple strategy. An Elder Lich, or in some cases a Frost Dragon, would play the role of herald, giving the locals an ultimatum. If it was accepted, these people would right away start to be integrated into the Sorcerer Kingdom.
If it wasn't accepted the villages, some of which didn't even have basic defenses, would be overrun, and only those that were quick to surrender would make it out alive, to also be integrated into the Kingdom. Naturally, the dead also had a part to play, in many cases rising again to bolster the ever-growing Sorcerer Kingdom's war machine.
In one particular situation, an Elder Lich slowly approached a village surrounded by high stone walls, making it one of the more fortified of their targets. It was flanked by two Death Knights, while the rest of its unit surrounded the target, so as to crash through the stone walls on command. As it approached, its keen eyes taking in the surroundings, the Lich picked up on a human scout standing on the stone wall, who as soon as the undead's eyes fell on him ducked back down.
This possibly indicated an attempt at a trap, since from their reports and what they were quickly learning from conquered villages, some knew of the incoming invasion others did not, so perhaps these knew. Not wanting to risk making a fool out of himself, the Lich prepared to react in case an attack command was needed. Yet much to his surprise, the large wooden gate slowly began to be pushed open.
From within emerged seven figures of varying ages, but the one leading them was an aged, hunched over old woman who, like the others carried a seemingly heavy bag. While curious, what the Lich found even more interesting was the fact that everyone he could see, be it from this group or within the village, had fresh wounds on them, or were blood stained. As if they had recently been in battle.
Since the undead knew that they were the first to come here, this was most certainly the result of infighting. Whatever the case, both parties now stopped just a few feet from each other.
"I am a messenger from the Sorcerer Kingdom. We offer you a chance to surrender and join His Majesty's nation, or to be swept away." The undead proclaimed with a haunting voice that echoed as if one were in a graveyard.
"We know who you are, messenger. We are of the few lucky to have been warned, and luckier still to have been told whom you serve and what he's done."
While the old woman spoke, her arms gave way and she dropped her bag, an unintentional gesture but one that the others followed, revealing that inside each bag was a head that had been recently removed from its matching body.
"Is this your surrender?" The Lich asked, completely unfazed.
"There was a disagreement regarding what should be done... My son was a brave man but..." The old woman tried to speak, pausing as she looked down at her bag.
"Your answer, please."
"...But a foolish one. In the past when the Six Great Gods came to us and saved us from a cruel demise, we accepted it. Even as it is said that the Shadow of Death was greatest among them, all consuming... Yes, this is our surrender. We will once more follow this cursed path."
"Hm. Congratulations. Someone will come to see you shortly, but for the time being I will stay here to supervise. So on your feet. Go share with your people the good word." The Lich instructed with a pleased tone.
While it would seem that the humans here had taken a rather drastic course of action, the Lich was more than pleased to see that had they settled these things themselves. It appreciated their initiative, since this ensured that the undead didn't even need to lift a finger. All and all, it had been a very successful outing.
Meanwhile, in another nearby village that was surrounded by wooden walls and a few watchtowers the villagers barricaded their main gate, after having seen the approaching Death Knights and lesser undead that were surrounding them. This been added onto when another messenger Lich had drifted up and landed on top of the gates, looking down at the gathered crowd that was armed with farming tools, swords, and bows.
"Listen well, peoples of the Slane Theocracy. I am a messenger from the Sorcerer Kingdom, and I'm here to offer you a chance to surrender and join His Majesty's nation, or to be swept away." The Lich hauntingly announced.
"We will not surrender to invaders!" One man shouted.
"Especially filthy undead!" A woman nearby added.
"Oh? Is that your decision?" The messenger coldly asked.
"We're people of the Theocracy! We stand with the gods and good!"
"…!"
The Lich was going to speak, when three arrows came its way, striking the undead and causing them to become embedded in his chest. Something that left the undead more perplexed than anything else.
"The gods, you say?" He mused, pulling out an arrow to examine its crudeness.
"Then let me give you a gift from my god; The gift of death... [Fireball]."
Lifting a hand towards the crowd, the undead released a flaming orb that engulfed and exploded those present, sending the crowd into a mix of panic and aggression. However their feeble attempts to react were quickly crushed as different points along their walls were brought down by the Death Knights. As expected, the villagers attempts to react were useless, being quickly cut down, just to rise once more as zombies.
This went on, until all that was left was a group of women and children in a small house, who were seen by the Lich as being in the proper mindset to where their inevitable surrender was genuine. All total, the attack lasted less than 7-minutes give or take, and bolstered the Sorcerer Kingdom's forces by more than fifty zombies, concluding with the Lich's demeanor quickly changing as he began to coordinate efforts to clear any debris, ensuring the surrendered peoples were seen to as expected by his superiors.
He also made it a point to question those among the survivors that were still responsive, to see if they happened to have their dead nearby since they too could be of use, just to disappointed when he was told that they burned their dead to prevent their rise as more undead.
Elsewhere, a smaller village with no true defenses to speak of was faced with shambling hordes of lesser undead moving towards them. The travel speed and distance between the treeline from the actual village ensured they could begin to hastily build defenses, all of which were being coordinated by a young man who was their village's top hunter. His skill was such that even as he assisted with the defenses, he would fire arrows through the trees at a certain undead.
"Good. Good. Everyone please stay calm, take the children and elderly inside. We will take care of this." The young hunter calmly announced.
"You should stay back, son. You're far too precious to be left on the front. Fall back. I can handle things." A large and bald man said, approaching him.
"You needn't worry, father. I can..."
"...!"
The conversation was cut short when something briefly obscured the sun, and a cold air descended upon the area. All eyes immediate rose, gazing upon a Frost Dragon that was flying over their lands, before coming down in-front of the village's entrance. The large, dark blue form extended its wings, before pulling them back to its sides, sending an air current of chilled hair through the small abodes. A snarl escaped its maw as it eyed the meager defenses, and a female voice boomed through the air.
"Like lambs to the slaughter... I'm a messenger for the Sorcerer Kingdom. We've come to take you all under our wing. Stand down and you will live. Fight back and... Well, you'll join us either way~."
Silence filled the air as everyone froze in place, both in shock and awe at the majesty of the beast before them. Some had never gone far from the village, visiting neighboring settlements at most. So while they heard of things like dragons and undead through books or word of mouth, to see an actual Frost Dragon was certainly more than any had expected from today.
"Well~? Are you lot unable to speak?"
"Y-Yes! Uhm... I-I am the chief of this village. We do not know who you are, but we're residents of the Slane Theocracy." The larger older man announced, taking a few steps forwards.
"I am well aware, but now's the time to make a decision. To stay with the Slane Theocracy or to join with the Sorcerer Kingdom, as war comes to these lands." The dragon explained with a bored sigh, further startling those present.
"War?"
"Indeed. Your village is one of the first steps in it. That is why you must decide."
The man stopped, feeling his heart sink into his chest as he looked back, taking in the features of his son, a hunter who could certainly outgrow this place. Then back to all the people that had faith in him as their leader to keep them safe and do what was best for them. He then looked at the dragon and the undead that now stood around it, clearly waiting for a command. In that moment, everything became clear...
"We aren't fighters. We have no desire to harm you or yours. Please be merciful."
"Harm me~? An amusing thought... You are wiser than the chief of the last village I went to, I'll give you that. Very well. Go and spread word to your people. You're now under the protection of the great Sorcerer King, Ainz Ooal Gown." The female Frost Dragon proclaimed as she took flight.
The rest of the day's events followed a similar pattern, and by night all of their planned targets were hit, and the Sorcerer Kingdom earned won its direct land route into the Theocracy that would in theory, not risk an ambush from the enemy. By the day's end Cocytus, who up until now had spent most of his time at the camp, read several reports describing everything that happened.
For the most part he was pleased things had gone so well, and was surprised that so many locals lived, as part of him had expected them to fight back harder against the invaders. What did get his attention was the few cases where people had been aware of who the Sorcerer King was, especially an old woman who had announced her surrender by presenting the messenger with her son's head.
These people had all shared a similar thought that Ainz was in some way connected to, or was a replacement for their own God of Death. Their fear of this entity having greatly influenced their surrender. This was something Cocytus knew would be of great interest to Nazarick, so that he was quick to relay these reports back, knowing that certainly Demiurge and Albedo would know how to better take advantage of this.
By next morning word of the invasion truly began to spread to the neighboring nations. Aizen was among the first to know of it due to the numerous sources he had cultivated, allowing him to quickly disseminate word to his allies and call for another meeting with them, which hadn't happened in some time. However, the Sorcerer Kingdom's invasion of the Slane Theocracy was but a pretext to once more gather everyone in the same location.
Not only was he presenting the group with a new member in Queen Draudillon Oriculus, but he was certain there were those that wanted to know of his business with the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown, since some aspects of his dealings with the Overlord had been passed on to them via reports.
This meant that little to no preparation was conducted when compared to the other meetings. So the following morning the gathering took place upon a small island with the participants sitting around a large round table inside a large and semi-luxurious blue and green tent. Although some of their usual numbers were missing for various reasons.
To Aizen's right wasn't Amelia as her duties kept her from being present, since having both King and Prime Minister being hard to reach could be a problem. So to his side was the Player Cthalpi, while her descendant Eilyte stayed back on their island. The Avatar of the Platinum Dragon Lord Tsaindorcus Vaision was to her side. He too was on his own, as Rigrit and Azuth were preoccupied with other concerns, especially with the Re-Estize Kingdom being invaded by the Baharuth Empire, and dealing with its secondary issues.
To the Platinum Dragon Lord's right was Daisuke Goto, the young Emperor of southern nation of Koka no Shinku-Kokai. To his right was his bodyguard Doppo Ukita, as Dai Ukita had stayed behind. To Doppo's right was a red-haired, humanoid corpse Avatar of the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord, Zyl'vryg Grayl'dranth.
Following him was the Sea Dragon Karvi La Gama in his humanoid form, and after him was the Avatar for the Catastrophe Dragon Lord, Naz'da'gar Cyddrunarth. Finally, there was the new arrival to the group in Queen Draudillon Oriculus, since Princess Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself wasn't able to be present due to the war.
"Welcome. I would like to thank all of you for coming. And I would like to welcome our newest ally Queen Draudillon Oriculus of the Dragon Kingdom." Aizen coolly announced, motioning to her.
"Thank you all for having me. I hope this will be a fruitful relationship." Draudillon gracefully said with a slight bow towards the others.
"It is always good to see a new face, but I must say that we are missing several of the old ones." Daisuke calmly remarked.
"Indeed. From what I was told the current state of things makes it so that Rigrit, Azuth, and Renner can't afford to leave their areas of residence. Especially Renner who has to attend to her duties as a member of the Royal Family. That said, you have yet to share why Dai and Eilyte are missing." Aizen calmly pointed out.
"That is certainly true, but I felt like the reason for that was worth more than just something to be told by reports." Daisuke explained with a neutral tone.
"My thoughts exactly. Although, I would imagine that you are already aware of the reason Eilyte isn't here." Cthalpi remarked in a similar fashion.
"Either way, perhaps it would be best to elucidate what the reasons are for those that might be unaware." The Shinigami charmingly said.
"At the very least, for the sake of those who have no idea what you are talking about." Zyl'vryg added, having never been happy with being left out in regards to information.
"Very well, I'll go first then. Eilyte is with child, as a result to her growing closer to one Kaname Tōsen." Cthalpi announced with a slight smile.
"Hoh? That is quite the coincidence. My wife, Rukia Kuchiki is also with child. Dai having stayed behind as he has a role to play in the more formal aspects of managing the pregnancy and announcing it to my nation." Daisuke added with pleasant smile and raised brow.
"..."
A silence filled the meeting area at that. Aizen was indeed already aware of this, since his duplicates and subordinates were always reporting to him. This meant that Nazz was also aware of these events, yet he hadn't been allowed to tell Draudillon so that her reactions to them was genuine, along with her congratulations for the occasions. Though she had been briefed on who they were. The Sea Dragon meanwhile always felt like the odd one out in this group, quietly followed Draudillon's example.
The Elder Coffin Dragon Lord showcased a stoic façade, holding back a smirk as he fully grasped the true meaning of these revelations. Especially with Draudillon present and the existence of her three children. The Platinum Dragon Lord remained silent, but his fists curled, as he too understood the true implications of what was going on around him and again was unable to hold himself back, deciding to speak up.
"Is no one going to say anything?" Tsaindorcus asked in veiled frustration, looking around.
"About?" Draudillon asked, looking at her Espada lover to see if he knew something she didn't.
"I can only guess." The Espada snidely remarked, his focus on Tsaindorcus.
"Really? I understand that our relationship with Aizen goes both ways, but it cannot be denied how clear his efforts to dig his claws into our domains is. Especially now, where we three individuals here will be raising children that are related to his subordinates, and by extension him, solidifying his claim on your dynasties." The Platinum Dragon Lord argued with a restrained tone.
Again silence filled the air, with Aizen being visibly unbothered. The Sea Dragon sunk into his seat out of pure awkwardness, since this too occurred to him. Daisuke leaned back into his seat as if waiting for more reactions, all the while maintaining a smiling façade that concealed his true feelings on the matter.
Cthalpi simply smirked, with the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord doing the same now that someone had voiced it. In Naz'da'gar's case he sighed, looking briefly at Aizen to see how his superior had reacted, before looking to the side at Draudillon, because she looked like the person who was the most affected by the reply.
"Hmph... Is that all you had to say? I will not stand here as someone, even one of your standing, questions the legitimacy of my relationship or the reason my children came to be." The 1/8th dragon-blooded Queen hissed.
"You cannot deny the intention. Among those Aizen sent to assist you, that he chose to send one that was a Dragon Lord. That he had his people hold back their power to maintain an image that did little good when compared to what they really could have done. That he went as far as having one of his own take rulership of the beastmen once the opportunity arose. You cannot deny that he did things exactly in the way that would benefit him and his image, with the only problem having been the presence of the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord." Tsaindorcus argued back.
"Hold your t..." Nazz went to say when his lover spoke over him.
"I can speak for myself."
"Apologies."
"You say that I cannot deny it? And you're right. I will tell you this even, I resent Aizen, Nazz and all of them for that to this day."
The honesty in her tone was enough to surprise the Platinum Dragon Lord, since he wasn't expecting her to say something like this or to be honest about it, if it had been the case. This was such a significant stance, that even Aizen briefly eyed the Cero Espada, because no report that he had been given spoke about any resentments, meaning that the Espada had willingly retained that information.
Despite that however it wasn't surprising. While Aizen allowed Naz'da'gar to be honest with the Queen of the Dragon Kingdom, he had done this knowing that it was possible that she would turn on them, even with the bond she had created with "Nazz" and the children. Yet, he would have certainly preferred to have been informed about this.
"I resent them, because it is clear to me if they had acted honestly from the start, the number of dead, the number of time and resources used on putting an end to that bloody conflict would have been much lower. But the truth is that I also understand why they didn't do it and that at the end of the day it is finally over, and my nation is growing once more. It was a relief to know that Aizen had gotten someone to rule the beastmen to reduce the chances of them attacking us again. No matter what his original intentions were, I cannot imagine myself without Naz'da'gar or our children, and I know that he feels the same." Draudillon explained with a willful tone.
"As she said, I love her and my family more than anything else. Now and always." The Espada added, furthering the surprise to those present.
"You find this situation that simple to accept?" Tsaindorcus asked, clearly thrown off guard by what the Queen just said.
"I am sitting at the same table with the individual responsible for starting the war itself, the one that made the beastmen attack us in such a large scale war to begin with, and I have come to terms with it. I have come to terms with the fact that Zyl'vryg has a role to play, even if that is only happening due to Naz'da'gar and Aizen's influence. It isn't that difficult to come to terms with the self-serving nature of those who have come to save me. Or those who failed to act before them, and yet has the audacity to speak of it." She replied with clear venom in her tone as she eyed Tsaindorcus's Avatar with contempt.
"If I might interject, my descendant Eilyte is happy with the state of things, as she has finally been able to be with child. Something that was growing more and more of a concern for her, and I can rest easy knowing that island's ruling line will continue without me needing to step in directly." Cthalpi placatingly said.
"And I have known where things were going for a long time. In a similar sentiment to Draudillon-dono, I have come to terms with the self-serving nature of the people that have lended their hand to me, and are helping in expanding my nation beyond our borders." Daisuke added, still with that smile that made one wonder if it was genuine or not.
"A sentiment that is certainly shared by Queen Calca Bessarez." The Elder Coffin Dragon Lord mused with a cunning smirk.
"Indeed, she is very happy with the current state of things." Aizen calmly replied.
"That said, as the King you will have to provide an heir correct? I assume that is also part of the role you have acquired for yourself." Cthalpi mused in amusement.
"Correct. That is part of my responsibilities. But if we have come to an agreement regarding this matter, perhaps it would be far more productive if we were to move on to the next topic." The Shinigami suggested, also amused with the exchange.
"I assume that is your connection with Ainz Ooal Gown." The Platinum Dragon Lord said, turning his attention back to Aizen if for nothing else to avert his gaze from the still glaring Draudillon.
"Indeed."
"While I understand that you have many means to get close to others in order to get what you want from them, according to reports and what we know of the Sorcerer King, he is unlike any other you've 'recruited' before. Yet you have informed us of meetings that you've had with him, of plans to have him visit the Holy Kingdom to showcase your growing relationship, and we also know of a fight you organized between one of your Espada and one of his Floor Guardians. Being direct, I would like to better understand the plan going forward."
"I am of a similar mind. How you go about things isn't a problem. Nor do I let it bother me too much as one of the best things regarding our standing relationship is that if things go badly we are free to pull back. That said, most of us here have contributed to 'Project Spearhead' in one way or the other, be it in resources, labor, time, and precious usage of [Wild Magic]. You've already used some of the fruits of this project for this aforementioned fight. I simply wish to know if the aim is still to build a force to counter Nazarick's, or we should move in a different direction." Zyl'vryg remarked with a perked brow.
"If the main goal is to try and form a working relationship, I would rather prefer that. I say this since I hadn't had the chance to speak on the matter, and as one who's had to actively oversee a nation at war, I can say that further conflict benefits no one. Not if it can be avoided." Draudillon said with clear conviction in her tone.
"Let us not forget that he has killed many thousands, and has just invaded the Slane Theocracy." Tsaindorcus skeptically pointed out.
"You're being short sighted. To be rid of him and what he brings to this world would be a complete waste. Better to attain than to destroy." Zyl'vryg calmly argued.
"We can also keep in mind that there are those among us who have also committed acts considered 'terrible', and yet we are still here." Cthalpi interjected.
"Because you proved far easier to subdue than this Ainz." Tsaindorcus promptly retorted.
"That is enough. To answer the previous query, Project Spearhead's aim has not at the moment changed. The battle between Rylen and Shalltear was a clear indicator of the quality of items we can produce. At the same time an avenue has opened that may allow us come to a peaceful relationship between our respective sides. While the Sorcerer King has indeed proven himself a more complicated matter than any I had come across before in this world, that doesn't mean we need to jump to any rash courses of action. It will take time, and that is something we all have." Aizen explained calmly.
"From what you have shared with us, there is an open line of dialogue with him. Enough that the two of you oversaw that match and have spoken on several occasions now. This leading into an event between both your nations. In other words, at least for now diplomacy is a viable way to continue. We all would be foolish not to try." Daisuke said with a more serious expression and tone.
"Some things are beyond reason. What will we do when he turns his gaze upon one of our nations? He is now focusing on the Slane Theocracy, while the Empire's actions are more than likely influenced by him. It is possible he might try and do the same to us. one day." The Platinum Dragon Lord argued.
"Then 'Project Spearhead' goes into effect, correct? Aizen and the Espada go and handle the matter. Or has that changed?" Zyl'vryg asked with a smirk, his gaze on Aizen.
"That has not changed. If it comes to it we will take the fight to Nazarick using the results of the Project. As agreed, if we were to fall, you are all free to act as you choose. To ensure that the death of the head will not mean the death of the whole." Aizen replied completely unbothered.
"Something that I'm certain most of us are thankful for, given our desire to not throw away what we have been working for all our lives and beyond. Of course, I am sure that this event between your nation and the Sorcerer Kingdom will provide another chance to speak with this Ainz Ooal Gown." Daisuke said in a now more relaxed fashion.
"Indeed. Especially when he was the one to suggest this event. That means that he is also keen on a more diplomatic relationship with me." Aizen explained with that same unwavering confidence.
"Meaning you have his interest, which is good and unsurprising. Now let's just hope that things play out as favorably as possible." Tsaindorcus cautiously said.
"If he was able to bring all of us to this table, I am sure that Aizen would be the one able to establish peace with the Sorcerer Kingdom. As far as Slane Theocracy is concerned, I think we can all agree that perhaps they have brought this upon themselves." Draudillon coldly remarked, as memories of the exorbitant ransoms paid to them for her nation's defense with little positive gains to show for it still frash in her mind.
"If we are in agreement in regards to my dealings with Ainz Ooal Gown, I declare the main topic of this summit concluded. Let us now move on to any other topics that you wish to discuss." The Shinigami declared with an outstretched hand.
The summit went on for a little while longer, further discussing a few aspects of the ongoing "Project Spearhead", along with a few other topics between those present regarding relations between their nations, since a summit like this was the perfect opportunity to discuss possible, future agreements.
Once things were concluded, everyone returned to their respective abodes, with Aizen going back to the Roble Holy Kingdom to resume preparations for the upcoming event with the Sorcerer Kingdom. Something that Aizen was very much looking forward to. It was because it told him that Ainz was very much interested in continuing to work with him, and that with the right moves, even the Sorcerer King would be made to dance on the palm of his hand.