XII-II
The day was about to begin. A new dawn full of possibilities... or denial. Truth be told the city had been in an uproar for the longest time by then and Luma knew that her small place in the world would be soon torn asunder. There was no helping it, for she had cooperated with the forces aiding lord Flannar and whatever the end result of the elections, she was prepared to pack her things and defend what little she had left before fleeing to greener pastures. The girl tossed her damp rag over her shoulder and leaned forward on the counter, her large breasts resting atop the wooden surface. A sigh escaped her lips as she contemplated what to do next.
She didnt have to wait much though; two figures soon entered the tavern, she had known both patrons for quite a while before then. Her visage lit up with a spark of happiness.
"Well hello there. Back again I see. The usual?" She smiled at little Mako who shuffled in behind the imposing Laor-f'ha.
The foreign engineer stroked his beard and nodded curtly. "Indeed. And a pot of your finest spice tea if you will. This week has been nothing short of dreadful" His deep voice rumbled.
Luma arched a brow but tried to cling onto the hope that good news would eventually come. Seeing Mako in good health was a small token at the very least.
"Coming right up!" She turned and bolted into the kitchen, gathering a tray of meats, cheeses and fresh bread.
Mako hurried up onto a stool, hiking himself up with some difficulty due to his small stature. He glanced up at Laor-f'ha hesitantly.
"Mom said I'm free to do whatever I want until curfew. Do you think we could maybe go back into the R&D for a bit? I have some new things to work on".
Laor-f'ha's expression softened as he looked down at the boy, "Perhaps it would be best for us to keep a low profile. There are... unnervingly bad people around us. Stay close to me until evening. Having to report your disappearance would be quite the inconvenience" He clasped a hand on Mako's shoulder in solidarity.
Mako's eyes lit up with contentment. There was little he wouldnt do to keep his role and precious tools intact, but when it came to social interactions he really didnt care much for anybody but Laor-f'ha and Risélla. He dug into his leather satchel and pulled out a strange mechanical device, placing it on the wooden counter.
Luma returned shortly after with the food and tea. She sat the tray down and eyed the contraption. "What is that, little one? Dont tell me... you use it to spy on your crush!" she said mischievously "At your age I used to peek outside the boys' locker room all the time! Ah, if I could just go back a couple years!"
She ruffled Mako's hair playfully without a second thought.
"Hmm... judging by the scent and shape of it, I would advise caution" Laor-f'ha noted with a hint of amusement "It's a bomb, isnt it?"
Mako nodded firmly, proud to have had its usage discovered so quickly. It meant that its purpose was clear and easily recognizable. Luma recoiled in distress for a few seconds before regaining her usual composure.
"W-What the... you play with fire huh. That's the kind of fire I would stay away from".
"Ah, dont worry! It wont hurt us too badly" Mako noted happily "I designed it with remnants of Plurimo's magic scraps. Its far more dangerous to unholy beings".
"Elemental shrapnel... impressive" Laor-f'ha nodded to himself, part of him eager to put an end to the ongoing conflict before returning to his homeland.
"So how are things going?" Luma asked distractedly before long "Please tell me there's something we can do".
"Well... consider this. I have been hunted down into the embassy by some shady assassins with mediocre skills for the past few days. Apparently they were sent by a Drykven lord to collect our heads. Fortunately though it appears that their leader is gone for good. Still, that is not even the greatest source of distress at the moment... work and more work await. If I hadnt decided to come here today I would probably have died of exhaustion".
The foreign engineer took a deep breath and leaned back against the counter.
"Lord Bormeliar seized control of the election. You heard about it, I'm sure".
"Yes... our mutual acquaintance came here just a couple hours ago to get drunk. He looked like he got hit by a carriage right in the face" Luma replied, shaking her head lightly.
"Oh. Not surprising. He did fight against that Drykven lord I mentioned, or so I was told" Laor-f'ha savoured the tea before continuing, gaze lingering over Luma's possessions just behind the counter "at any rate, the situation has stabilized for now. Yet many wish to leave seeing as there is little we can do to remain independent. You too I presume... seems like you're ready to get out of here".
"I have thought about it, yes. With Plurimo gone and the turmoil surrounding the city... its not safe anymore. Soon the Sorcerer King will march here, whether lord Flannar confronts him or not. And you know what, I'm getting mixed signals. Some say that his domain is rather comfortable, but many still despise the changes he made. I dont know who to believe anymore. So to err on the side of caution..." she closed her eyes for a moment, reminishing about her own arrival in the Star City "I think its best for me if I settle somewhere safer around the border. There are no more places to go anyway. Its just a matter of time, but living in the countryside seems the best option dont you think?"
Laor-f'ha stayed silent, hand resting on his chin. He contemplated whether to answer frankly or not, but ultimately decided to keep his thoughts to himself.
"Whatever you decide, be on your guard. The White Witch's forces are on the move. Its not just the Sorcerer King we have to worry about" he said upon leaving a few coppers on the counter "We will do our part in the defense of this city, right?"
"You bet!" Mako jumped off his stool excitedly "besides I love making things explode! You dont have to worry, we will protect you!"
The two walked out silently and disappeared among the crowd, almost as if they were never there to begin with. Luma stood behind the counter and waited for the doors to close behind their backs observing the large number of citizens who, like her, had decided to pack their things and leave en masse.
"I wonder if this is the only solution" she thought to herself "maybe the archbishop could do something about it".
A small prayer escaped her aching heart at the thought of Plurimo's whereabouts. The poor thing must have been suffering somewhere, prey to untold torturers. A fleeting moment of genuine sadness filled her soul.
.
"So? Are we going to do this or not?" Risélla asked, slightly upset.
"Look, dont rush me. This isnt something I'm used to" Plurimo hurriedly replied as if he had been caught lying, face flustered and gaze spaced out. He wasnt sure of it himself, but he was secretly eager to try. Bley stared at them both at the edge of the rocky formation protruding towards the innermost hilltop of the plains, at the very end of the encampment. The geysers would soon be active again, therefore the time was ripe for them to try it out and finally make the jump.
"Bley my love, are you absolutely sure that we'll make it in one piece?"
"Of course darling! Look, look! Its not too far is it?!" the crazed look on the doll's eyes grew tenfold as she indicated the steam-filled land several kilometers away with her bony artificial fingers "its going to be fun too! I know I can do it!"
"Okay... I want to trust you. So far you havent dragged me into any kind of real danger after all... not even that one time when we-"
"STOP! S-T-O-P" Risélla shouted out of indignation "I dont want to hear any of that. Whatever it may be. Have you lost all of your marbles, Plurimo? How can you get so reckless? This wont benefit us in any reasonable fashion. We are going to die!"
"You, perhaps" Bley hissed, showing off her sharp teeth "but me and my beloved will never be harmed by a simple fall. My heart would be beating so fast right now if I had one!"
"This is ridiculous... why am I even on board with it?" Risélla asked herself, crossing her arms in an uncharacteristic moment of weakness where her more upsetting demeanor surfaced.
She stood there long enough to regret it, yet she could not stop thinking about how pleased and intrigued Plurimo looked at the mere idea of being launched into orbit and then landing onto his feet all the way into the electoral building. Bley's hot take on the subject at hand was simple: she would have grabbed him and then herself in each arm and she would have made the jump through the steam-propelled geysers. They would have landed in one piece, more or less, if her calculations were correct. The trajectory seemed impossibly large and the risk factor was way higher than what she had anticipated, but it seemed doable in theory. Practice however... was another matter entirely.
"Look, look! A carriage! Maybe there's going to be new people for us to play with later!" Bley noted before exercising her joints several times, stretching and arching her modular parts so that her body could bend into a perfect L-shaped boomerang.
"Hmm, I dont recognize that person... could they be one of lord Flannar's most trusted people?" Plurimo muttered while observing the young boy guiding the carriage with a bit of an analytical mind "his face is... strange. No, not just his face. These fangs are a clear indication that he is not a human. And these are the eyes of someone who has seen terror. I mean, I would know".
Risélla looked at the carriage and noted that perhaps it was best for them to take a closer inspection at it. Maybe it could have been their ticket out of there without wacky plans set in motion bu Plurimo's obnoxiously suicidal plans. That side of him scared her to no end, especially because it had become something new that he had not displayed before then. Perhaps a symptom of his stay in these lands? She wasnt certain. But she truly needed the old Plurimo back at some point... the one that would not indulge in weird plays with that doll.
"So what you're trying to say is... you would be willing to part ways with your leader's corpse in order for us to stop our advance?" Demiurge smirked, pushing two fingers at the sides of his glasses.
"P-Precisely! I was chosen as a vessel to convey my master's wishes! And the population is also onboard with it!" Cyrus replied, trying to maintain a shread of dignity in the face of what he perceived as a shameful display of submission.
"Well, your offer is most generous. But where is the proof of what you claim?" the archdemon looked back at the carriage "I would assume your leader is in here?"
Cyrus hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully "Yes he is. Lord Flannar has decided to willingly part with his mortal shell in front of you to prove his point".
"Bold leader. But ultimately a fool" Demiurge replied, seemingly unimpressed "what good is a sacrifice if it cant bring salvation to their populace? We, on the other hand, may just be able to do that. While there is no reason for me to discuss our plans any further, the Great tomb of Nazarick will take care of things from now on. I may discuss this surrender with lord Ainz and report our final wishes to the population directly. We dont have a real need for any official claim nor interjection through your master".
Demiurge's words weighed heavily on Cyrus' mind and heart. He was fully prepared to sacrifice himself to protect lord Flannar and he had already eyed Demiurge's body in search for weaknesses. He distractedly pulled out a piece of strawberry cake out of his pouch and began to make it bounce in his hand.
"So our efforts will be useless no matter what we do, is that right?"
"Please. In which universe would you see any other outcome?" Demiurge crossed his arms and stepped forth, observing the carriage with a glint of curiosity "you have overstepped your boundaries. One of our finest has been unjustly attacked by your very own leader for daring to step into your domain. That is reason enough for us to act in self defense. Cant a nation protect its interests with the aid of force? Of course I shouldn't be explaining this to you. But I trust that even lower lifeforms can benefit of a lesson in humility".
Cyrus gritted his teeth and leaned forward slightly to be able to eat the piece of strawberry cake in his hand as soon as it landed at chin height. The flavour was impeccable, soothing and reinvigorating. He could feel his muscles tense ever so slightly, and a faint surge of energy emerging from the depths of his core.
Even so... lord Flannar had been adamant not to engage in any foolish action. That meant that his hands were tied. Still he would not let that demon get away with such insults.
His eyes briefly glowed of an intense red light, then he sighed with contempt and an uneasy smirk on his visage.
"Well then, it seems that you guys have already made up your mind. There's no convincing you at all. Still, I have orders so I will do what I have been called here to do".
The boy jumped off of the carriage and unveiled its backside, which was longer than a regular vehicle and open. A large coffin had been placed there, embroidered with royal drapes and small golden trinkets. Cyrus invited Demiurge to come closer.
"This is our offering. My master is inside. Please consider his offer as he has devoted his life to his people".
"So he really did take his own life. Poor judgment indeed" Demiurge came a bit closer but did not dare touch the wooden surface. Instead, he raised his hands and pronounced unspoken words.
"Let's see then, how far this devotion to one's population truly goes".
A fierce bolt of lightning infused with red flames pierced the skies and landed onto the coffin with an eerie roar. A small explosion could be heard through the valley as Demiurge took in the sight of the coffin being penetrated at its center, a large smoking hole left there as a testament to the strategist's cautious demeanor.
"Nice shot, CZ Delta. Impeccable precision as always" he commented, looking upward for a brief moment "now then, lets see if what you claim is true".
Demiurge moved a little closer, enough for him to push the coffin open. Inside Flannar stood motionless, his chest slashed open and his ribcage exposed to the elements as blood oozed out of him in copious amounts. There was no denying it, he was utterly and truly dead.
"Hmm interesting. Not a single scream. So you were stating the truth all along. That is a commendable quality" Demiurge continued in an almost bored tone "When all this is said and done however, all I can offer you is some measure of respect. Committing self annihilation as a way to repay us for his transgression was unnecessary."
Lord Ainz Ooal Gown, the most confused being on the planet, was still standing far behind Demiurge with an inscrutable gaze in his vacuous sockets. He tried to wrap his head around the issue, putting the pieces together without looking like a complete fool.
"What in the world is going on?" he thought to himself "that's an unexpected turn of events. Perhaps I can convince Demiurge to stop his plans now. Bombing the city seems so petty right about now. This guy killed himself for his people... what better excuse to get closer to them?"
Ainz inhaled deeply and made his way towards Demiurge with his usual mighty gait, trying to keep up appearances as best he could.
"Ah, so this is the leader of our perceived enemies. Very well, I will allow it. Let this young vampire go" he said as soon as his skeletal features met Cyrus' terrified gaze "there is no need to proceed with our plan, is it?"
"But... lord Ainz, if I may, this is the perfect opportunity to subjugate these inconsiderate fools" Demiurge replied with a mixture of shock and frustration "or perhaps... yes, now I see it. You want to catch them by surprise, is that it? Ah what a fool I am! But of course I should have known better" he bowed deeply with unwavering reverence "please forgive my stupidity. You are always a hundred steps ahead, I did not realize".
"Hmmm yes indeed I... suppose I am" Ainz replied dismissively, leaning forward to check on the coffin's contents "regardless, this man had a vision. While I cannot condone his actions against Mare, it seems to me that he was as heartbroken as we were. Suicide may be a futile act, but it beckons respite. We should consider our options more thoughtfully now. Mare wouldnt want more bloodshed, and I for one am agreeing with him".
"Lord Ainz, your words are absolute. I shall take them to heart" Demiurge replied albeit the word "heart" had a tinge of blasphemy in its tone "However, how are you planning to deal with this direct offense against our interests? Wasnt our honor and prestige soiled, at the very least? Hurting Mare requires more than a simple slap on the wrist".
"Demiurge, the operation was under your direct supervision. Therefore if anything, you should be the one taking responsibility" Ainz replied with just the smallest hint of annoyance and superiority "Your attitude in the past decade has shifted heavily towards warfare, which you seem to have become a master of. However, remember your place and our purpose. There is no greater glory than to subjugate in an earnest attempt to become the ultimate empire. And in order to do that we must make sure that noone harbors resentment. Dissent is inevitable... look at the state of this world. But if destruction does not work, deterrence is the best option".
Ainz indicated Demiurge's cannons, all aligned towards their objective and ready to begin bombarding any second "this marvel of technology matches theirs. I'm amazed that such a tiny nation has discovered the efficiency of ballistics and ranged warfare. Why not simply keep these cannons there as a reminder that they should comply at all times? I find it much more beneficial than leveling the city to the ground".
Demiurge nodded, deep in thought. He looked back at the coffin and turned towards Ainz fully, bowing deeply in response to his suggestion.
"It will be done, my lord. I shall halt the preparations for now and keep an outpost here at all times. What you say is also true... I do apologize for my incompetence. I have no reason to be here at all at this point. I request permission to go back to Nazarick and punish myself with the highest degree of penance".
"Stop it. There's no reason for that" Ainz put a hand on his shoulder, a simple gesture which he had not performed in quite some time and resulted surprising to all including himself "I will decide a suitable punishment for you. When the time comes, you will know. Return to base and keep yourself in check. I shall have Sebas prepare something to keep you busy".
With that, Demiurge dismissed himself and returned to the edge of camp with a confident gait as if these words had only served to spur him into action even more. Ainz seemed pleased with the outcome although they still had not found out why teleportation magic didnt work. Regardless, they had acquired a new World Class item which seemed to be the main cause for it and even got valuable information from a nation which had a surprisingly advanced technological level. Ainz was not convinced that it could contain more than what met the eye and he had no real illusions that the vampire before him could come from a guild, but he needed to try.
"You, what is your name?" he asked in a solemn tone.
"My name is Cyrus, your majesty sir" the vampire replied, uncertain about his own status at the moment "what shall I call you? Uuh apologies I'm just not good with this stuff".
"Hah. Lord Ainz will suffice. Formalities are apt to broody chambers full of older men discussing politics. But right now we are here to talk about more than just that".
"What... should we even be discussing about, exactly? I told you what my master's last wishes were didnt I?" Cyrus remained on the defensive, unsure on how to react to this new terrifying presence.
"Relax. I have no reason to dispose of you... yet" if he could, Ainz would have smiled widely to his own words. He had developed a twisted love for bluffing as time had gone on, the more he felt his soul reconnect with his human side the greater the effect on his psyche. That was a dangerous double edged sword but for now he felt content and secure.
"I-If that was a joke I didnt find it funny!" Cyrus looked down on his feet, feeling upset and useless "my master is dead... right in front of you. Please consider keeping your word, that's all I'm asking. As for me, I have nothing else to tell you".
"But you do, in fact. Your race is not native of this planet. When were you born? Where is your birthplace?" Ainz inquired insistently "know that lying wont be beneficial to you. Since I am already here, I will visit your nation shortly. I do not expect a royal banquet nor do I require any. However, I want you to be sincere with me. That seems a reasonable compromise am I right?"
Cyrus bit his lip and averted his gaze in frustration. Yet he could not do anything about it so he bowed his head and replied.
"I was born here, in the Star City. Perhaps... 300 or 400 years ago. Lady Hilda gave birth to me through the cocoon".
"The... cocoon?"
"It is a uuh... what should I call it? A device, I suppose" Cyrus blushed in frustration at his own ignorance "look, I'm not very smart. Its a giant wobbly thingy that produces stuff. Lady Hilda knew how to use it for us".
"I have never heard of such a device. Is it still operational? Where is it located?"
"That's... t-that's a secret" the young vampire stammered out weakly as he tried to keep his composure with the utmost reverence "I-I am not obliged to tell you!"
"Hmm, interesting. What if I revived your leader then? Would that be acceptable?" Ainz glanced at Flannar's corpse with a hint of pity in his voice "after all, he might know more than you do".
"But... that would render his sacrifice null and void. Then you could do what you wanted..."
"I still can. I have no obligation to follow your rules. I trust that you know that" Ainz replied, making sure to get the point across with an undeniably threatening undertone "this is a mere courtesy I'm offering. In exchange for some information and a promise of mutual understanding".
"I suppose... that could work" Cyrus fidgeted with his shirt, trying to gain a semblance of courage. He seemed lost in thought for a few seconds before his gaze returned to Ainz "Alright. Do what you will. Just umm... dont be upset okay?"
Ainz didnt understand his words. What was there to be upset about? He couldnt tell. He moved closer to the coffin and observed Flannar's remains with the slightest hint of sympathy.
"A leader must be brave for his people. Whether foolish resolution or righteous ambition, I can understand his reasoning. But I'd prefer to hear it from his own mouth".
Ainz took out of his inventory a high tier wand capable of casting divine spells and spread his arms high in the sky ready to get Flannar back from the dead. A large halo of intense light bloomed from thin air and into the coffin, accompanied by a plethora of white feathers. Evaluating Flannar's potential wasnt easy since his corpse proved no real indication of his level but it was clear to Ainz that he needed a much larger and stronger amount of energy. Considering his options carefully, he analyzed Flannar's constitution, physique and HP pool. Something seemed off about it, an unnatural set of rules heaving over that corpse like a tidal wave of unbridled energy. "This is a unique opportunity. What to do I wonder...".
There was little to be known just by letting Cyrus live. Despite him observing that the vampire could be tentatively placed above level 80, he could not detect his full stats. That was a major telltale of how desirable Flannar was, and all of his secrets. Thus he decided to cast True Resurrection, the highest tier resurrection spell available. The value in Flannar's words might be worth the cost, he thought.
After a second careful evaluation he opted to proceed. But as soon as the casting process began, something stunning happened... Flannar's corpse stood on its own, eyes slowly retaining their original colour as the snakes adorning his head began to writhe and hiss in unison.
"What the... this is unexpected" Ainz jumped back a little, putting his high tier wand away in a hurry "What is the meaning of this?"
Slowly, the wounds in Flannar's body began to give way to a new piece of flesh. His corpse disintegrated in a billion fragments of black mold and a new body emerged from it. His visage looked pristine, uncorrupted. He smiled briefly before dusting off the remains of his old self from his knees and shins.
"Oh um, apologies. Now I know how this looks like... but rest assured I didnt want to commit anything nefarious" he began to speak "lets make it clear that I did not have any idea that this would happen. I assure you I was NOT ready to stab you in the back, right Cyrus?"
"O-Of course! We were unaware of it, totally clueless!" the vampire began to gesticulate in a frenzy of embarrassment and frustration "you shouldn't be upset lord Ainz sir! I swear we-"
"...aaah. What nonsense" Ainz put a skeletal palm over his temple and sighed "I have known fools in my days on this planet but you truly are a shining example of the average dissident. Very well, first off I shall imprison you both. How's that sound?"
"I guess... that would be fair considering the circumstances" Flannar moved a bit closer, his demeanor clearly not hostile "I was prepared to be found out eventually. I did not expect you to try and resurrect me, that was a bold move indeed. I would have liked to try and settle things in a more heroic way but if thats how its going to be... all I ask is that you dont harm the population".
"What manner of nonsense is this? To think that you would be so foolish as to seek a so called heroic death against me..." Ainz was bewildered and genuinely flustered "There is no such thing as a noble death, nor a heroic defeat. All that matters is the result. Fairness can be left to the ones in charge. Are you in charge, Flannar?"
"Clearly I am not. The outcome of this invasion was decided from the start I suppose. I had no delusions, all I wanted was to preserve my nation's independence" he replied "no matter the cost".
It took Ainz several seconds to regain his composure without the emotional suppressor. Yet, he had gotten better at it.
"I cant decide whether you're a fool or a clever one. In the end while your reasoning is misguided by false principles of peerage, you did manage to surprise me a little. What were you even planning? How did you survive CZ's masterful shot?"
Ainz's defenses were at their maximum and his subordinates, while not physically present, were all alerted and their eyes ears and weaponry aimed at Flannar from every angle. He could feel it in his veins... one wrong move and it would all be over.
"Well, I am different from most of your peers" Flannar decided to be honest with him to a certain degree "I am a Gray Thaumaturge. A class far superior to most of what you would normally consider... OP? Was that the right term? Apologies my mother has worded it all differently".
Hearing these words made Ainz's non-existent heart flutter. Could it be that this one was a true descendant to a player, and perhaps even closer still?
"Tell me more about it then. Explain it as your mother worded it" Ainz continued, setting aside part of his reservations and extending a willing hand towards him "let's get this over with. I promise on the great tomb of Nazarick's own existence that the information you will provide wont be used against you".
Feeling a little more confident after such a bold declaration Flannar closed his eyes and recalled what lady Hilda had previously stated. Careful not to overstep his boundaries and measuring every word with attentive consideration, Flannar began to speak anew.
"Well, the Gray Taumathurge was meant to be a bonus class for an expansion pack that the developers of YGGDRASIL were working on with a parent company, providing additional designs which would have included corporate advertisements on various outfits and magic spells. My mother told me that while it wasnt a complete cash grab, it certainly started to feel like it at some point and a couple disgruntled developers tried to balance it out on their own, silently removing most of the advertisements. Q&A testers were compliant with this procedure but got caught in the act and were immediately fired. Due to the controversial choices operated by the lead designer and the disagreements between the develpoers, in the end the project was abandoned after about 3 months of active development. And that... is where I come in".
Flannar took a deep breath, trying to wrap his own head around these mysterious words "The remnants of the source code were still present in YGGRDASIL at the time of shutdown, albeit inaccessible by regular players. But... my mother wasnt just a regular player".
Ainz waited with bated breath for the final revelation. He had not been on edge like this for ages, the absence of his emotional suppressor making the wait even more painful and tinged with anticipation.
"My mother was what they called a Q&A tster. She had access to the source code by means of a device that she used to call Developer Console. With that magic artefact she somehow had been able to get it working... and create me".
"MARVELOUS! Terrific! Unprecedented!" lord Ainz was overjoyed. To think that he had been near such a goldmine of information and direct access to the most powerful devices on earth was the ultimate solution to all of his problems. His mind began to think about all the possibilities; multiplying items to infinity, adjust mana values, minmax every weapon, change alignments at will. The endless number of desirable outcomes he could achieve within mere minutes made his head spin.
"Really? With all due respect lord Ainz, do you get all of that?" Flannar inquired, a bit perplexed.
"Of course I do. Do not worry about it, Flannar of the Star City. This is an encounter meant to be recounted in the annals of my domain" he replied with such confidence that the soil he was standing on began to tremble "Take me to this artifact... no, disregard that. Firstly, it is my understanding that some of my closest advisors harbor resentment towards you in particular. I need to clear this before proceeding any further".
That said, Ainz called over Mare and made him stand in front of Flannar and himself.
"Do you recognize this man?"
"Yes lord Ainz. It is the person who hit me, as I have explained earlier".
Flannar looked in all directions, trying to find the right words to keep his head on his shoulders for a while longer.
"Look, I didnt mean to-"
"I know. No hard feelings" Mare displayed a small smile "I told them already. Besides, you gave me the first scar of my life. That is proof that I started exploring... that I am living".
Ainz stood motionless at these words. He had already discussed it with Mare, this was merely a pretext to set the foundation for a peaceful annexation.
"Very well. I dont need to know anything more" Ainz began to speak "with this, I am officially revoking all hostile actions against your city. But make no mistake, you will operate under my banner from now on. My initial goal was to explore these lands, and I fully intend to continue until I am satisfied".
"That... sounds oddly reasonable" Flannar was stunned. He was expecting a monstrous dictator who ruled with an iron fist and a champion of ruthlessness. The fact that he seemed inclined to stop his advance had been a miracle. Of course Flannar wasnt entirely a fool, he knew that the price to pay for it would be recealing more of the city's secrets, yet if it meant that they could survive and maintain their independence that was an acceptable price to pay.
Cyrus looked at his master with pleading eyes, unsure of how to proceed. Flannar smiled weakly in return, patting his head with a mixture of apprehension and exhaustion on his visage.
"I know, we will get through this" he told him before resting his gaze upon Ainz's eyesockets.
"Sorcerer King, I appreciate your willingness to preserve our city intact. I was under the impression that what your subordinates saw was too much to keep to ourselves. I am in no position to negotiate given the circumstances but... I still wish to offer myself up in exchange for my people's independence. Please take me with you".
Ainz thought about it for a few seconds before turning his attention to the Star City again "Your offer is acknowledged. But the value you wish to give up is nothing compared to the intrinsic capabilities of the Developer Console. That artifact as you call it, may revolutionize the entirety of this continent".
He then motioned for Demiurge and the battle maids to step away from their positions and align themselves in front of him. Ainz reviewed each of them and predisposed a plan of action to silently subdue the dissidents without upsetting the delicate balance of forces at his disposal.
"Lord Ainz, if I may speak" Solution Epsilon interjected during his review "I have been on several missions inside the premises. This Flannar person... is a vile man, untrustworthy, AND a pervert. I ask for permission to chop it off".
"Chop it... oh! NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT" Ainz felt a shiver down his own phantom groin, a sliver of sympathy getting thorugh him "if you wish to have a duel I have no reason to stop you. However, I would advise you to wait until we are done with the main operation at hand".
"Tch... you got lucky, bastard" Solution hissed at Flannar who stood just beside Ainz, so far unrestricted "I guess I'll have fun slicing you up once all this is over".
Mare cheerfully took a stroll towards Plurimo as that was unfolding, eager to give his newfound friends the good news. Not finding anyone where he last saw them, he sighed deeply in frustration.
"Why do they always have to be like that? I, I mean, that's enough playing around".
The young elf sensed someone's presence approaching at high speed and instinctively dodged to the side of his location. A large trail of soil and pulverized flying debris materialized before his eyes in the blink of an eye, a thunderous echo announcing some kind of weight slamming into the earth.
"Perfect landing! Look, look! Its your boss!" Bley contracted her torso so that Plurimo could dismount from her body safely. Risélla was still clinging tightly to one of her legs, almost passed out from fear.
"Ah, there, there you are. Where have you been? Things have changed quite a lot you know?" Mare began to explain. Plurimo's pale complexion seemed even more pale as he took in everything that had happened earlier. However, his demeanor remained tense and guarded towards the young elf no matter what he said. His psyche still felt threatened by the absurdly quick turn of events that had changed his life forever in just a few weeks.
Flannar's eyes met Plurimo's for the first time on the field. He hurriedly moved to him and grasped his shoulders tightly, squeezing his back in a clumsy embrace.
"Thank mother you are alive and well. We have a lot to catch up on" Flannar noted, letting a little emotion show "Dont worry, I'll get you back home soon".
Once his gaze met Bley's, Flannar felt extremely confused. "Wait... I saw you dead on his bed! And the blood, that demonic ritual...!"
"Actually, about that" Plurimo didnt have the heart nor the will to confess his deepest sins "Bley is um, an acquaintance of mine. Yes. She is uuh, not exactly human".
"Acquaintance? Aww what?" the doll arched an eyebrow before wrapping her metallic arms around his neck "dont be mean to me my love! Our connection is as deep as the ocean!"
"I'm not sure I understand..." Flannar felt embarrassed to possess such a limited knowledge of the world that he could not recognize what Bley truly was. Ainz intervened with a veiled chuckle "I suppose the young ones need a little space for themselves. I will say, granting such a request took me back several decades. I once had a similar companion for myself".
"I... see. Well that means that I was doubly wrong then. If she is not dead and there was no demonic ritual in place, my assumption was just asinine" Flannar concluded, observing with interest and mild amusement how Bley's display of affection was having a positive influence over Plurimo "This simplifies things. I took you lot for demon worshippers".
Ainz shook his skull in a vain attempt to quell his unrelenting internal turmoil. The mere thought seemed so ridiculous to him. Did Flannar not understand that he was talking to a literal walking agglomerate of reanimated bones? Did he not see the archdemon and his minions? He decided to not bother and simply nodded away.
After about an hour of continuous preparations and diplomatic talk, in which both parties agreed to what could be considered a truce until Flannar could formalize the annexation inside the municipal building, everyone seemd to agree that invading the city was not an option anymore. All in all, both Flannar and Plurimo had obtained what could benefit them most. Their city would not be destroyed, there would be no battle, and more importantly they could keep their status and possessions as long as it didnt benefit Ainz or Nazarick directly. That meant walking on a minefield for Flannar, who wished to keep as many relics from his mother's time as possible. Surely Ainz would not care about the sanctity of these items, therefore it would befell to him the onerous and perilous task to deceive the Sorcerer King into thinking that many of these were just garbage low tier prizes. As he mentally prepared for this, alongside with explaining to his subordinates at home that the hostilities were temporarily settled aside, the young god of the Star City reminded himself that the path they were able to walk that day was not at all to be taken for granted and the unusually human behavior of lord Ainz Ooal Gown was to be thanked for it.
The two stood side by side albeit not as equals. Ainz had prepared a separate carriage to give Flannar the benefit of a return home befitting of a leader, allowing him to take Plurimo and his friends with him with the caveat that Mare would stand guard in the back of the vehicle and intervene immediately should any suspicious activity arise.
And so they went back to the city, accompanied by two files of Death Knights and a small goblin parade. Upon passing the large bridge connecting the valley to the first defenses posed by the militia, the soldiers stood in shock and bewilderment as they saw Flannar comfortably seated next to the enemy of the nation Ainz Ooal Gown. Nonetheless, they presented arm and gave way obediently, standing on shaky ground.
"Will I have the pleasure to talk to your mother?" Ainz inquired suddenly as they passed through the main square "I wish to talk to her about many things. Such a rare opportunity cannot be passed on, especially under the current circumstances".
"I'm afraid that's impossible" Flannar replied, looking at the ground moving swiftly beneath the carriage "she died... because of me".
"What happened then? I need to know".
"She... wanted to create me with such fervor that even her own life was worth sacrificing" Flannar explained meekly "her goal as a researcher was to experiment with a human-NPC hybrid, so she left in her writings. She used the artifact Developer Console to give herself traits outside of our reality. And then, she conceived with one of her guild members, which happened to be an NPC. I do not know the specifics, it's already a miracle that such amount of knowledge had been imposed on my weak mind back then".
Ainz's mind was blown away by that revelation, his immediate thought going to Sebas and Tuare long sought after dream which took him ages to conclude.
"But there was a price to pay for my birth" Flannar ended with a somber note "My body was unnatural, born from meddling with nature and defying the gods. To maintain my existence, I had to find nourishment... At some point in my early stages of development, it became clear that I could not survive on food alone. She offered herself up for me deeming her research complete. I recall very little about that precise moment in time when... I absorbed her body and ate her essence".
After a long pause in which he felt like sinking into the depths of hell, Flannar reprised "this act gave my body unparalleled properties and more importantly, continuous healing. Much like the Ouroboros which befits my racial stats, I can resurrect endlessly. Since then... me and my crew have tried to replicate trait shuffling and other features from my mother's world to advance our races to the next level. The fact that this is practically an oasis in the middle of nowhere is a blessing. It gives us ample time to research without external interferences and the attractiveness of the terrain and pro merchants' legislations make it so its a thriwing business center. Granted it has its problems and lots of corruption, but in the grand scheme of things its what we need''.
Ainz listened intently with fascination and childlike curiosity. The more the ordeal seemed to advance, the better it looked for Nazarick as a whole.
"I see. Pity about your mother. Research at times can bring unforeseen consequences. But you have done something that piques my interest, and perhaps it could bear more fruits than you can imagine".
"I doubt that. Even though we managed to create a new race which we have tentatively labeled Elves of Purity, so far our studies have proven inconclusive. In an act of defiance and frustration I decided to isolate myself from the world and seek atonement and spiritual guidance but I feel like I'm still back to square one".
Flannar's eyes met Asta's as they passed through the crowded road leading back into the merchant quarters. She smiled weakly in understanding before retiring into a small tavern, a familiar face peeking outside for a brief moment. "Phrax... I'm sorry. Hopefully everything will be alright" he thought to himself before going back to Ainz's intrigued inquiries.
"I apologize, I dont know why exactly I'm telling you all this. Its none of your business after all. I would imagine you will get rid of our base of operations' '.
"Me? Why would I?" Ainz replied steadfast "As long as it does not interfere with Nazarick's plans and its effects are a resounding success, I dont see why I should. It seems to me that you need proper assistance. How about I lend you part of my... workforce. I have plenty of material for you to explore and experiment on'' his words seemed sincere. Flannar too the proposition to heart, albeit with some reservations. He was sure that such generosity would come at a high cost, but the prospect of completing his mother's research and make a difference so completely was too tempting. Perhaps negotiations were still on the table.
The vehicles moved at a steady pace throughout the city, with many bystanders simply shocked by the news that there would be no conflict. Those diehard dissidents who opposed Nazarick's regime simply disappeared inside their own houses waiting for a chance to flee, or otherwise escaped through the many crowds that sought refuge at the outskirts of the desert. The militiamen were working their hardest to keep order intact while chasing down the remnants of Rokkan's forces who had joined with the last of the three criminal houses that once roamed free into these lands. Panic would soon spread among the population which was already on edge due to the very recent meddling of the government into the elections. The mere notion that they had averted a full coup and a civil war altogether was astonishing.
"Somehow... we are still standing" Flannar kept telling himself as he dismounted and gestured for Cyrus to get out of the carriage and follow him.
The main square leading up to the municipal building and the electoral college was semi deserted. Barricades, sandbags and abandoned wagons littered the streets just adjacent with militiamen and rioters alike. When Ainz stepped outside, everyone and everything seemed to stop. The Death Knights announced their visit one step at a time, making the cobbled road shake. Ainz Ooal Gown's banners soon were raised next to the city's own flag.
Demiurge, who was clearly the least happy about this outcome, stepped forth with a neutral expression on his face. His inscrutable way of thinking did not betray any kind of emotion beside a sliver of upsetting contempt.
"Let us be clear" he told Flannar with an icing tone "I do not look forward to cooperating with the likes of you. But I'm willing to recognize that this is going to be an important stepping stone in our future conquests, so perhaps there is merit in keeping you lot here".
Flannar, who had secretly hoped to catch Demiurge by surprise by feigning his own death into that coffin before Ainz ruined his plans, was more than willing to take the challenge. He too did not look forward to serving under him in particular and would surely find a reason to stay away from him as much as possible.
Ainz sensed the tension in the air but didnt dare intervene. His grasp on regular interactions between people was still unsteady and he wanted to cultivate more experience in order to become a better orator. Years of defining change in his demeanor and way of thinking had shaped him into being more rational about his view of his subordinates and had induced him to seek less confrontational outbursts despite appearances. Once again, he was surprised at how collected he had kept himself without suppressing his own emotions with magic.
He called Narberal over and consulted with her as he had done previously to better understand the customs and layouts of the people and locations he would soon visit. Then, with slow and measured steps befitting a king, he walked over the staircase which would lead him up into the municipal building.
"It is time to announce my presence to everyone in these lands. Due to the peculiar occasion however, I will not set up a show. Discretion is the name of the game here" Ainz told Narberal, making sure Flannar would listen as well "I do not wish to upset the results of your elections. But I will take charge of whoever is in power at present. Rest assured, if you comply I wont have to bruteforce my way into your hearts and minds. Take this as an opportunity to evolve. Isnt that what we all want in the end?"
A fleeting memory of his human life flashed before him just long enough to recall long forgotten words.
"We will build something so great even people like you will be welcome. Now I get what that meant".
Just as the tension seemed to have faded in the background and the soldiers had started gathering around the premises without so much as a cough, an unexpected flash of bright light blinded everyone but the denizens of Nazarick before erupting into a massive explosion. The municipal building bent in on itself and its foundations collapsed, leading to mass panic as destruction engulfed the streets. Countless debris hit the bystanders as well as most militiamen. Large smokestacks and dust clouds covered the scene before them ensuring that nobody would be able to escape quickly enough. Among the unbridled chaos and sudden outburst of unapologetic destruction, screams and feeble cries could be heard everywhere.
Flannar had shielded Cyrus from a large portion of the building falling over them. Even though both could run at inhuman speed, the blinding effect of a spell cast amidst the explosion had made their movements more erratic and uncertain.
Ainz should have received the biggest blunt of the explosion, however both Narberal and Cocytus were close enough to his location for him to dodge any potential damage. His clothes were still pristine as well as his skeletal features.
"Lord Ainz, is everything okay? I'm mortified by this outcome" Narberal hurried up and unsheathed her sword "Its all my fault, all of it. I should have known better... I'll cut that filthy rat piece by piece" her gaze immediately locked on to Flannar who was barely standing with Cyrus next to him.
"No, you fool! Stop it at once!" Ainz roared with genuine discomfort "This isn't the time to be throwing accusations. Think for a moment!"
Yet even as they argued, a second explosion, this time way stronger than before, destroyed part of the gardens which had been constructed just a few kilometers away near the entrance to the merchants' quarters. The deflagration was massive, encompassing several patches of woodland which spurted out a large fire engorged by deep red flames so intense that Ainz thought impossible in nature. Panic once again spread out much faster than predicted. People abandoned their carriages or spurred the horses to trample anyone on their path to get a chance to get out of there. Many thought the explosions to be planned by the Sorcerer King and hastily took up arms, marching in unison towards the collapsed municipal building.
"Damn... this isnt the way I wanted it to end" Flannar stammered out, confused and saddened by such a brutal turn of events. His eyes darted around his location, taking in the massive amount of damage and dead bodies littering the streets. The scene could only be describe as apocalyptic for someone who had never witnessed anything more devastating outside of his domain.
"Please believe me this isn't my doing. None of my subordinates would ever do such a thing" he plead to Ainz for a sliver of support "I want to find out what is going on as
much as you do. Let me handle this".
"Lord Ainz, we cannot trust these ungrateful idiots" Narberal insisted with murderous intent in her pupils "this is far too convenient. We have no choice but to cut them down".
"Regrettably, I have to agree" Demiurge intervened with a small smirk "Lord Ainz, please, let us see reason. As it is often the case, humans and their derivatives - whether flesh and blood or not - tend to be driven by instinct and irrational logic. We are not fools".
"Back down I say" Ainz repeated, on the verge of resorting to his repertoire to freeze everyone in place "Demiurge, there will be a time for reconsideration. This is not it".
A third explosion seemed about to seal the deal. This time it came in the form of a large conic suction which seemed to be enveloping several buildings at once, shrinking their gothic architecture into smaller bits before reshaping it and expanding its physical form. massive blocks of granite and arches collapsed in on themselves closing off most entrances and exits in and around the main square.
"Good day lord Flannar!" someone shouted from across the square, walking amidst the remnants of a building without a care in the world "Boy did I miss walking among the living. Yet here I am! The same cant be said for most of your politicians though, as sad as that may be... I'm sure someone will agree. Not me though".
Emerging from a putrescent black dust cloud, the person addressing Flannar directly made his presence manifest.
"Who... no, that must be it. You're that Drykven lord Bormeliar warned me about. Is this your doing?" Flannar was stunned to see them in one piece, but even more so by the amount of sheer energy that could be felt right behind him. Something much more powerful and menacing was going to join them.
"Gracious of you to remember me even though we never truly met. I guess being classified as a corpse on a report is good enough for gods to remember mortals. But fear not, for I am not a mortal anymore!" Rokkan was indeed still standing. His head which had been supposedly destroyed stood intact, his muscular body tense and glowing with magical fervor. With every beat of his heart his multiple arms shook uncontrollably seeking to tear and destroy. His bare chest full of runic inscriptions and rings stolen from his many victims.
"Great, more fools to deal with" Narberal felt a tinge of disappointment by that man's presence "I thought you were better than that. Guess my judgment needs further training".
"Hahahah! I do apologize for my manners. There is nothing but sheer adoration for you and lord Ainz all the same. Let me deal with Flannar for you and I shall join your ranks in no time" he replied within conceited guttural sounds that made his presence more feral and unhinged.
Ainz observed the display of destruction and depravity before him and sighed with contempt.
"There is nothing in what you are doing that would make me want to add your presence to my entourage" he spoke with fury and solemnity all the same "whoever gave you the illusion that I would need an insignificant pest incapable of the most basic logical reasoning merits my disapproval and scorn".
These words seemed to stir something within Rokkan's newfound surge of adrenaline. He looked confused for the briefest moment before straightening up anew.
"A-ha, I see. So that's how it is. You are an impostor... of course. I should have figured as much".
"What did you say?!"
"Lord Ainz Ooal Gown always takes what he wants without compromises! He is the just ruler of this world!" Rokkan shouted as he prepared himself to strike "The righteous queen of this city instructed me as such. Therefore, I must only conclude that you are a vile impostor. Rest easy though, I will extract answers out of Flannar's corpse!"
"The queen of this city? Is he... referring to the White Witch?" Cyrus was trying his hardest to wrap his head around the matter. Flannar looked as confused as he was, but there was also a powerful surge of dread looming within his stomach at the sound of these words.
In the blink of an eye, as if they had always been there but hidden from view of gods and mortals alike, large, shapely black wings made themselves manifest in the horizon, still shrouded in the deep darkness of the smoke surrounding the destroyed areas of the city.
These unnaturally bent feathers seemed to grow, almost akin to the base of a crown, before spreading towards the sky intertwined by ominous black spikes.
Two flaming eyes of pure white essence began to glow, towering over a large building. The massive amount of physical prowess and magical concentration made even Ainz turn his head in disbelief.
A trembling voice ebb with sadness and laughter echoed through the streets, freezing everyone in place.
"Welcome home, my love..."