PSA: I have exams coming up in a couple of weeks, so there might not be any chapters for a bit.
Steel and Sorcerers – Chapter 31
The USJF higher-ups and the dwarven regency council were seated around the long table in the council chambers of Feo Jera. The new additions to their forces, Momon and Sebas, wielded unparalleled combat ability, able to easily defeat any demonic or Quagoa forces attempting to attack Feo Jera. However, in the end they were only two men. Although they could easily protect Feo Jera itself, the entrance to Feo Raizo, and thus the supply route which passed through the surrounding area remained occupied by the demons. Feo Jera was effectively under siege.
"Does anyone have any proposals for how we overcome this situation?" asked the Director of Food Production.
The Forgemaster spoke. "I understand sending Darkness to clear the area around Feo Raizo would mean leaving Feo Jera open to attack, but what if we had them split up their party, so one could stay here to defend while the other would be free to help re-take Feo Raizo?"
"Yes, that would be convenient…" replied one of the USJF commanders. "However, we've spoken with Momon and Sebas, and they are adamant that they must work together as one unit. In addition, they've expressed their concern that Jaldabaoth might show up and assassinate one of them while they are split up."
"How about contacting that undead?"
Everyone turned to look who had spoken. It was Habiki Ito.
The Forgemaster quickly responded, "I'm sure you know our views on that subject. Doing that wouldn't be a solution, it would be creating another problem."
"Forgemaster. Our… shareholders, have begun to grow weary of the losses we have been being taken recently. I'm not asking you to trust that undead, but we could at least hear him out to see what his objectives are."
"I don't see any point in it, but feel free to if you really want. Don't say I didn't warn you though."
"Thank you for your cooperation. Are the rest of you alright with this?"
The rest of the regency council nodded in reluctant approval.
After gathering some firewood from the surrounding forest, USJF troops lit a bonfire on the slopes leading up to Feo Jera. It took about half an hour, but lookouts soon spotted the regally dressed skeletal being ascending the mountain paths.
A delegation of the dwarven Cabinet Secretary, a Japanese, and a US commander, gathered outside the fortress at the entrance to Feo Jera to meet him. Soon they spotted the undead being approaching.
It wore an elaborate, jet-black academic gown adorned with golden and violet edges, revealing a ribcage of bone devoid of skin and flesh, a dark red orb floating beneath emanating a feeling of dread. Visible beneath a hood, tiny dark red pinpricks of light could be seen radiating from inside its empty eye sockets. Coming to a stop, just a few metres away from them, the undead entity seemed to radiate an overwhelming pressure.
"Greetings gentlemen. I take it you have decided to consider my offer?"
The skeletal being was surprisingly eloquent.
The Cabinet Secretary responded. "Yes, I would first like to apologise for the rudeness of my compatriots for turning you away without even confirming your intentions. It is clear that you are no ordinary undead, I hope you don't hold a grudge against us now, and if you did we could understand why."
The skeleton waved a hand. "Do not worry, I took no offence from their action. It is understandable that they would be wary of an undead being appearing on their doorstep without notice."
"Thank you for your kind generosity. I believe we have not formally introduced ourselves to each other. I am the Cabinet Secretary of the dwarven Regency Council, and these are representatives of the Dwarf Kingdom's new ally, the East-West Trading Company."
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Ainz Ooal Gown, and I am a magic caster."
The US commander then stepped forward to speak. "From that brief encounter, you said you were offering assistance from a demonic threat. We would be curious to know what exactly your intentions are behind offering such assistance."
"Of course, it is only natural that you would want to know."
The skeleton put a hand to his face, covering one eye.
"My tale starts long ago. Hundreds, or was it thousands of years? I do not remember. I was once the ruler of a prosperous kingdom in this area, all races lived in harmony under my rule. Although I was still human at the time, I studied the art of necromancy. By the way, undead beings make for excellent labour as they are untiring, able to repeatedly complete certain actions, easily available, low-maintenance, highly obedient, and never complain. Anyways, that all came to an end when the demons attacked. Coming in great numbers and with unyielding power, they reduced my nation to rubble. Although I was killed in the attack, my unbounding hatred for what they had done to my people would not let me die, thus I was reborn as a powerful undead being. When I awoke, the demons were nowhere to be found, so in anticipation of their eventual return I travelled across the land, searching far and wide, recruiting individuals who shared my sentiment of hatred towards the demons. Since then we have honed our power together, so that when the day came that those demons returned, we would be ready. And today, that day has come. The appearance of the Flames of Gehenna has confirmed it."
The dwarven and USJF delegation stood, stunned for a while as they took in what he had said.
After a while, the Cabinet Secretary spoke. "So what about the attack by the Demon Gods 200 years ago? Does that mean you fought alongside the 13 heroes and the Runesmith King?"
"Ah, no. Those were different demons."
"Oh, I see."
The American commander spoke next. "So, do you have any idea how we would go about taking down Jaldabaoth and his minions? Do they have some special weakness or something?"
"Indeed. Long ago, an artifact key to defeating him was sealed away within the treasure vault in Feo Berkana. It is said that even if that demon is killed he will always return to life eventually. This artifact will allow us to overcome that, allowing us to defeat him for good."
"I see. However, Jaldabaoth is currently in control of Feo Berkana. Doesn't that mean we've already lost?"
The skeleton called Ainz replied, "I do not believe that is the case. If so, he would have surely fled by now with the item. The fact that he is staying means he must be having difficulty obtaining it."
"Yes, it is said the locking mechanisms on the vault are extremely sophisticated, and it is very well armoured" said the Cabinet Secretary, with some pride. "However, just in case, I don't think we should waste any time."
"Well said. Now, Ainz…"
"Dono."
"Ainz-dono, sorry if this seems rude, but could you perhaps provide us with an example of the kind of power you have to offer us?" asked the Japanese commander.
"Of course. Would here be suitable?"
"Um, it depends. What kind of spell or something will you be displaying?"
"I will be summoning an undead warrior."
The Dwarf and USJF delegates nodded, taking a slight step back.
"Very well then, I will begin."
The skeletal being swept one of his legs in an arc, drawing a circle around him in the dirt. After a few complicated gestures, he raised his bony arms into the air, proclaiming, "[Create Mid-Tier Undead - Death Knight]!"
A cloud of black fog appeared, slowly morphing into a large humanoid shape, until a large undead being appeared before them.
The Cabinet Secretary gasped.
"So it really is him" muttered the Japanese commander.
"Ainz-dono, we have something to confess. Some time ago we actually spotted a being like this at Carne village. Was that undead also created by yourself?"
"Yes, it was."
"Then, if it is alright to ask, but what were you doing there, since there doesn't seem to have been a demonic presence. Back then you said it was for monetary gain, but surely that wasn't the real reason?"
The Japanese commander carefully studied Ainz as he gave his response.
"Saving someone who is in trouble is common sense."
"An commendable sentiment" replied the Japanese commander. "One also shared by an adventurer we recently hired."
"Ah… well-"
"If you share such a similar view to that admirable fellow, then you would surely make a welcome addition to our forces. We would be glad to have you" he said, extending a hand.
"I'll be in you care then" replied the undead, grasping the Japanese commander's hand with his own fleshless palm.
Akira Yanagida disembarked from his LAV with the rest of his squad before spotting the meeting area, a small clearing amongst the trees of the forest.
Making his way over he quickly spotted the individual known as Ainz, who they would be working with. Seeing his skeletal visage, Yanagida wondered if he could be trusted. He had been taught not to judge people by their appearance, but in stories and games undead were usually depicted as monsters of villains. Those stories were of course fictional, but based on what he had heard so far in the special region, the undead seemed to be evil here too. He decided to reserve his judgement for now though until he knew more.
The commander of the task-force assembled to secure the Feo Raizo entrance gave his briefing. Ainz, with his summoned undead would be the forward element, clearing out any demons in their path. Meanwhile, Yanagida and the rest of the USJF would follow behind and clear out any that were missed. Once Ainz had performed the ritual to summon his Death Knight, they set off.
It was surprisingly difficult to find their way through the forested mountainside. Yanagida thought they would've been able to follow a trail of dead demons, but as it turned out, they vanished into clouds of black vapour when killed. There had been a couple of ambushes by flanking demons, avoiding the spearhead of Ainz, however these attacks were surprisingly weak, consisting of only a few smaller demons at a time. As a result, they reached and easily secured the Feo Raizo entrance with only a couple of injured soldiers. With that, they waited until additional troops and equipment could be brought in to permanently hold down the area. Their first joint operation with Ainz had gone incredibly well.
Over the past few weeks there had been a huge number of servicemen who had gone missing in the special region, ultimately assuring Kishida's victory in the elections, who promised 'openness without restraint' with regards to information about what was happening in the special region. This was in contrast to Yamato, the other candidate and previous prime minister, who had only promised 'more openness'. Now, just over 2 months after the infamous 'Ginza address', Kishida would give another speech which would shock the world to its very core.
Everyone was watching as Kishida walked up onto the stage in the National Diet, about to give his promised speech revealing additional information about the special region. Many half-expected him to have been assassinated by this point by government hardliners or American CIA agents. However, the address ended up proceeding as to plan, with Kishida taking his spot at the podium.
"I am Bumio Kishida, newly elected Prime minister of Japan. I would like to thank all of my supporters who allowed me to get so far. As per my campaign promise, and as I believe is my responsibility to all of you to provide the truth, I will be revealing what we know so far about the special region. Before I divulge this information though, I would urge that all remain calm and conduct themselves in an orderly fashion. After all, the special region poses unique challenges that we must work together to overcome."
Most people barely processed what he had just said. They were all just waiting for what would come next.
"Firstly, the special region is indeed home to intelligent life."
There was a huge uproar. Depending on the specifics, there were a number of ethical concerns that could arise from this, not to mention the thrilling prospect of contacting what were essentially aliens from another world.
"This life includes a wide variety of species, including the beings that attacked when the gate initially appeared, as well as individuals similar in appearance to humans. The overall level of technology there seems equivalent to that of the medieval period, and the landscape is similar to what could be found on Earth. As for the rumours of the existence of magic, that remains unconfirmed."
Although many had suspected it for a long time now, those watching or listening could barely believe what they were hearing.
"I'm sure that it has come to everyone's attention that a large number of individuals have gone missing or not returned from their deployment within the special region. While for the most part this is due to the novel nature of the special region, for example, we don't know what kind of potentially lethal diseases may reside there so they have been quarantined for a while, many have in fact been killed or wounded in their deployment. I would like to thank them, Japanese and US troops, for their service, and express my condolences for the families of those involved. Their bodies will be returned to Japan and the United States as soon as it is possible for a proper ceremony.
Finally, I would like to once again highlight the importance of the cooperation of all citizens with regards to this affair. Although the special region is a place which should be approached with great caution, it also holds a great deal of promise for the future. For this reason, there will soon be a proposal to increase the amount of funding available for operations within the special region, alongside increased cooperation with the United States. We will keep you updated on any future developments."
As Kishida left the stage, to a great deal of murmuring within the crowds, a spokesperson got up to quickly announce, "There will be no further questions at this time."
Yamato slammed his fist down onto the table in his office.
'That damn Kishida, what was he thinking, does he want to start world war 3!? He's provided China and Russia with an incentive and the cassus belli to invade Japan all within the one speech! Seeking the riches of the special region they'll use the excuse of 'freeing the people there from imperialist influence' to invade, bringing in the US, Taiwan and any other allies in the process. In addition, although one might expect revealing more information to ease tensions and sanctions, this will no doubt have the opposite effect.
Well, at least he didn't reveal absolutely everything. There's no way he doesn't know about the existence of magic there, but he still chose to be ambiguous about it. In addition, being more open does make it easier to funnel resources into the special region, as not everyone needs extensive background checks. Although, I wonder what the citizens will think of having the soldiers of the self-defence force fight and die in a foreign land, like what has been recently happening. One solution could be the increased use of mercenaries, or American assistance, but those come with their own risks.
Come to think of it, one of my informants from USJSPECCOM mentioned that Ito had recommended the hiring of a certain adventurer, or rather mercenary, group. It seems everyone thought I was behind that idea, but I think Ito's actually developing some free will of his own. Having some autonomy is convenient, but it might not be good if he starts thinking for himself too much. I'll have to check in myself in-person some time.'
Ainz, Momon and Sebas were gathered in the meeting hall of the Regency Council with its members, as well as the higher-ups of the USJF.
One of the Japanese commanders led the meeting. "For the next phase of our operations, we would like Darkness to continue helping defend Feo Jera. Meanwhile, Ainz, with a supporting contingent of dwarven and USJF forces will travel to Feo Berkana to recover the artifact, warding off or defeating Jaldabaoth if required. Are there any objections?"
"Yes, I do have an issue" said Ainz. "While I appreciate how much faith you have in my skill, Jaldabaoth is not a foe to be underestimated. I will need the members of Darkness with me if I am to successfully defeat him."
The Forgemaster got to his feet, slightly unsteadily as if a little drunk. "How can we be so sure? Perhaps you just want Momon-dono and Sebas-dono to go with you so you can secretly kill them off, making it easier for you to enslave us later! Go by yourself, and maybe you and that demon can wipe each other out and spare us the trouble! Now, hey, wai-"
A few members of the Regency Council had hastily begun to carry him out, while the rest apologised repeatedly.
"It's ok" said Ainz. "One day I hope through my actions I will be able to prove to him my goodwill. Now, ahem, back to the topic of how to retrieve the artifact."
"Indeed, what do you propose?" asked the Japanese commander.
"I haven't revealed it to you yet, but I actually have the ability to teleport a fair distance."
The USJF commanders narrowed their eyes at this. Even without giving it much thought, one could easily find many ways in which teleportation could act as a major trump card.
"In addition, I can carry up to two other individuals with me when doing so. This would mean that if I went to Feo Berkana with the members of Darkness, we would be able to defeat Jaldabaoth if he appeared, and if a crisis emerged at Feo Jera we would be able to teleport back. Although, my Death Knight would have to be left behind, and I would need to re-summon it."
"That sounds like an excellent plan" said Ito. "Does anyone have any objections or questions?"
"We can work out the finer details in a moment" added Ainz.
There were no objections, so they began going over the plan.
While they discussed the plan, one of the American USJF commanders idly considered the possibility of Ainz becoming their enemy, what threats he might pose, and how they might overcome them.
'Firstly, he was undead. From what classified information they had collected thus far, other intelligent undead beings have existed before in this world, and all of them had been some flavour of evil. Although Ainz seemed motivated at the moment to avenge his homeland and defeat Jaldabaoth, the moment that objective was achieved it was possible his goals may shift to something more sinister. This meant they were on the clock in terms of figuring a way out to counter him.
As for his abilities, there was firstly the undead summon, the Death Knight. They had witnessed its attack power first-hand at Carne village, and as for its defensive capabilities, from what they had heard from Fluder it was extremely tough, but should be killable by conventional means. Since Ainz seemed to be only able to summon one at a time, and it required a somewhat elaborate ritual, it probably won't be a major threat. Teleportation however, especially since he can bring two other individuals with him, could be a huge danger, depending on the specifics of how it works of course. For example, right now, could he teleport over to Japan and assassinate the prime minister if he wanted to? Based on the reports they had gathered teleportation seemed to have no, or a huge distance limit, and required basically no preparation. However, the caster had to have been to the place before, and since Earth might be in a different dimension it might not work either. Still, it was an extremely powerful ability.
Ainz, being some sort of wizard, or a necromancer, as he called himself, could probably use some other spells too. Perhaps on the same kind of power level as the summon and teleporting. Lastly, there was the distinct possibility, no, rather it was extremely likely that he was concealing some of his abilities. For example, he could've been lying about his two-person limit on teleporting. Although, doing down that line of thinking wasn't too helpful since he could be hiding anything really.
Actually, wait, he said that he wouldn't be able to take on Jaldabaoth on his own. So, if they carefully observed them when they fought, then they might be able to get some idea of his true strength. Still, he could be lying about not being able to beat Jaldabaoth on his own too… But then why even speak with us in the first place, rather than just going off on his own? Yes, exactly! Thus, their highest priority right now should be trying to get Ainz and Jaldabaoth to fight, then carefully recording the details.'
The sound of a sneeze roused him from his thoughts.
"Are you alright Momon-dono?"
"Ah, yes, thank you for asking. Must be just a bit of dust in my armour."