PSA: Exams are over, *crab rave*. Sorry it's been a while.
Alright, I hear this question a lot. 'Why doesn't Ainz just go and conquer Earth, why is he working with the JSDF or whatever.' Firstly, Ainz doesn't even want to conquer Earth at the moment, only the NPCs do. Also, they want to conquer it in a way that it is preserved for Ainz, not just some ruins. So, some time is needed for them to set up plans so that the people there have even a chance of accepting their rule and it is not just constant rebellions. Sure, they could just quell the rebellions with force, but Earth, and even just Japan is a big place. Also, they don't know enough about the gate yet. It would be awkward if they sent the whole of Nazarick's forces through, then it just suddenly closed, trapping them there. You might then ask, why did Ainz go through with Nabe back then? Firstly, there is some merit to that argument, as it was a pretty risky move, and if I could go back I might've made him not go. My justification for why he did so in this instance, would be the curiosity of seeing what was on the other side for himself, before security tightened even further.
Steel and Sorcerers – Chapter 32
It was a peculiar sight. A knight in full-plate armour, a skeletal mage, and a robed silver-haired man sat on the roof of a Type 73 armoured personnel carrier as they were driven by a human in green camo army fatigues through the caves of the Azerlisia mountains, a large skeletal warrior running out ahead in front of them.
Even though the vehicle had tracks, it was quite a bumpy ride due to the numerous stones and small stalagmites that littered the ground, and they had to hold on to avoid being thrown off. This wasn't an issue in the proximity of the dwarven cities as they had cleared the caves of such obstructions for their convenience, but the party had made rapid progress, and they were now well outside of what could be considered the outskirts of Feo Jera.
Whenever any Quagoa or demons appeared, they would usually be quickly dispatched by the Death Knight, and they wouldn't have to slow their pace, enabling them to cover ground quickly. Such an approach had its flaws, as it left them open to a potential ambush. However, Ainz knew that wouldn't be an issue.
Several days earlier, before they had set off to Feo Berkana, he had taken a quick trip back to Nazarick, as Demiurge had said he had something to discuss with him and the other floor guardians.
As it turned out, Demiurge and the other NPCs seemed to have come to the conclusion that it was his objective to take over the world, including Earth. As for why they thought this, Demiurge was very cryptic about, only giving vague answers when prompted like, 'It was from that time'. Ainz had initially been filled with extreme anxiety, faced with such extreme ambitions. However, thinking about it, he could see the merits of such a goal. Currently, his main two objectives were: 1. Strengthen and protect Nazarick, and 2. Locate any of his comrades that may have also been transported to this world.
Forming a nation and taking over the world could potentially work towards those goals, as while capturing territory had a risk of retaliation, it also allowed Nazarick to accumulate additional resources. In addition, it could allow him to search for his friends more freely and on a larger scale. Not to mention the possibility that through spreading the name of Ainz Ooal Gown they might hear about it.
They had ended up going with the name, the Sorcerous Kingdom, with his title being the Sorcerer King. However, they hadn't announced their existence to any of the surrounding nations just yet. Demiurge had given him the green light to defeat Jaldabaoth whenever he was ready, after which he was to announce their intention to form a nation to the Dwarves and USJF. Shalltear had asked Demiurge why they wouldn't just announce this to all the other nations as well, to which Demiurge had responded that they were waiting for the annual war between the Re-Estize kingdom and Baharuth Empire. Perhaps he as planning to have Nazarick take a side in that war to gain some territory or recognition.
Before setting off on the journey to Feo Berkana, Ainz had revealed to the USJF and dwarves that he had the ability to teleport. Normally Ainz would prefer to avoid revealing any of his abilities, as information was key in warfare. However, there were a few reasons why he was ok with doing so in this instance. Firstly, he was keen on finding out more about the gateway linking the new world and Japan, and it would be difficult for him to gather this information if he was stuck defending Feo Jera from the demons and Quagoa. Secondly, he knew from his own intelligence gathering that there were other powerful mages, such as Fluder from the Empire that could also use the teleportation ability, meaning it would make sense for the USJF to have already assumed he may have this ability. In addition, he had not told them of his true potential, only saying he could transport a maximum of two other people with him, when in reality his [Gate] spell could transport far more. There was also the intimidation factor to be considered. He would soon be founding a nation, and to discourage others from attacking a show of force is sometimes necessary.
Over the next few days, their group continued to make rapid progress. There were slight hold-ups in the lava region and the Maze of Death as Ainz, Momon and Sebas waited for their USJF escort to catch-up. On the way, they had encountered a few stronger demons, such as more Scale Demons, but they were easily dealt with, serving their role as intermittent shows of strength for the USJF and dwarves. Notably, they had encountered very few Quagoa. Ainz had already ordered a certain number to be taken back to Nazarick to preserve their species, and it seemed most of the rest had either been killed in the human-wave tactics against the USJF, or slaughtered by demons, with their corpses taken back to Nazarick for later conversion into undead.
On the fifth day of their journey, they finally reached the entrance to Feo Berkana.
Ainz, Sebas and Momon stepped off their armoured personnel carrier, at maximum alertness, walking up ahead of the convoy but still well behind the Death Knight.
As they entered the vast cavern of the Dwarven city, they found it deserted. Entering the main city square, there were blood smears and bones strewn about, but otherwise no signs of any demons or Quagoa.
All of a sudden, the Death Knight that had been sent ahead was engulfed in a column of flames. It roared in defiance for a few moments, before vanishing into dark particles, revealing a masked demonic figure dressed in a crimson suit.
The USJF soldiers jumped back, scrambling for cover as Ainz and the others adopted a fighting stance.
"Well then, brave heroes. It's about time you showed up" the demon sneered. "I have already introduced myself to your, oh so brave comrades back there, but I shall do so again. My name is Jaldabaoth, and I will certainly relish this fight."
"I am Momon, of the adventuring team Darkness."
"And I am Sebas, also of the adventuring team Darkness."
"I am the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown, and it's time for you to face justice for what you did to my kingdom and its people!"
Jaldabaoth tilted his head, putting a hand to his chin. "I'm sorry, but have we met before? You see, I've destroyed so many empires over the years that it can be hard to keep track."
"Is that so? How disappointing. Momon and Sebas, I'm counting on you to buy me some time."
After nodding in response, the duo took up a defensive formation around Ainz, who began dancing an elaborate ritual.
"Haaa… but I wanted to chat a while longer. I guess we should begin then. [Aspect of the Devil – Razor Sharp Claws]."
With elongated claws now augmenting each of Jaldabaoth's fingers, he charged into combat, meeting Momon and Sebas head-on in a flurry of blows.
All the USJF and dwarven soldiers could do was watch this godlike display of power. They knew that firing a few bullets wouldn't be enough to even distract Jaldabaoth, not to mention the risk of hitting Momon or Sebas.
Sebas darted around to Jaldabaoth's flank, winding up for a devastating punch. However, Jaldabaoth saw it coming, and cast another spell, [Aspect of the Devil - Stout Demon's Gigantic Arm]. The arm on the side Sebas was approaching rapidly swelled in size and musculature, and Jaldabaoth swung it to meet Sebas's punch head-on, the impact knocking the adventurer back several metres across the stone floor. His effort was not in vain though, as Momon exploited the opening to land a hit on Jaldabaoth's shoulder, causing him to momentarily retreat.
Ainz's summoning was now finally over, and a new Death Knight materialised into existence. After a short pause, it began pursuing the demon.
"Graagh, come my demons!" cried Jaldabaoth, nursing his apparently injured shoulder.
Suddenly, a whole host of demons began emerging from every nook and cranny of the surrounding buildings, with more, including Scale Demons and War Devils flying in from elsewhere across the city.
Ainz cast the [Fly] spell and levitated himself into the air, throwing fireballs and casting bolts of lightning into the masses of incoming demons. Meanwhile, Momon and Sebas engaged the larger and more powerful individuals amongst them. The small escort of USJF and dwarven forces also opened fire with their rifles and machine guns, helping whittle down the numbers of some of the weaker demons.
After a significant portion of his forces had been destroyed, Jaldabaoth re-joined the fray, seeming to have recovered from his wound.
"I think I remember now. You're the leader of that kingdom that utilised the undead, aren't you?"
"Hoh, finally you remember" replied Ainz.
"Ahh, such a paradise that was" smiled Jaldabaoth. "Many different species all working together for the common good in such a prosperous society. It's almost a shame I had to destroy it."
"I'll make you regret what you did, but don't think you've destroyed it. Over these past years I've carefully taken care of what remains, for one of these days in its honour, I plan to rebuild it anew."
"Such lofty ambitions. If you truly are able to re-create that past-glory you would certainly have my respect, Sorcerer King. However, don't think I'll make it easy."
"I expected nothing less. Now, come. Stop hiding behind your puppets and face me."
What followed was an exchange of flashing lights and powerful spells, that the USJF bystanders weren't able to fully comprehend. While Momon and Sebas held off the demons, Ainz duelled Jaldabaoth in a battle of parallels. The undead being used his Death Knight as cover to cast his spells from behind, while Jaldabaoth followed suit, gripping a War Devil in one hand for use as a meat-shield. After some time however, Momon and Sebas had finished dealing with the rest of Jaldabaoth's minions, and now had him outnumbered.
"Hah, it seems I had underestimated you. It has been a pleasure, but it is time for me to take my leave. Until we meet again, Sorcerer King and adventurers. [Aspect of the Devil - Tentacle Wings]"
Abnormally long wings with feathers sprouted from the demon's back, and he took to the air. When they tried to pursue him, they were met with a shower of tentacles, buying enough time for him to teleport away.
There was a moment of stunned silence before cheering erupted from the ranks of the USJF and dwarves. Although it was not defeated, they had finally driven off the demon.
Shortly after that brief celebration, they quickly headed to the Royal Vault, which to their dismay was emptied, meaning Jaldabaoth was now in possession of the resurrection item that was needed to stop him for good.
Nevertheless, the dwarves were extremely grateful to Ainz, Sebas and Momon for doing what the USJF had failed at, driving off Jaldabaoth and re-capturing Feo Berkana. Thus, once they got back to Feo Jera, a large round of celebrations was in order.
While the festivities were being prepared, Ainz, Momon and Sebas had been summoned to the Regency Council's chamber to discuss the new situation.
One of the council members spoke. "Ainz-dono. We heard something very interesting during your battle with Jaldabaoth. Is it true that you seek to establish some sort of nation in the near future?"
The USJF representative listened closely as Ainz gave his answer.
"It is as you say. In the near future, I plan to establish a new nation, although I am not yet decided where its capital should be. Throughout my travels I have realised that this world is much different to the one I once lived in. It is split apart with many deep divides, often due to race, and imbued with turmoil. Of course, these problems were present in the past as well, but my Kingdom served as a beacon of hope, where people of different species could come together to live in harmony. I seek to re-establish such a nation. However this time, in addition to those values, its first goal must be the destruction of Jaldabaoth, as with his existence there can be no peace."
The dwarven council members beamed, "Such a worthy goal! It is sure to be difficult, but with your prowess it may be possible. We would offer you our full support in such an endeavour."
However, the USJF representatives, as well as the Forgemaster, seemed more sceptical. One of the US commanders said, "Indeed, these do sound like admirable goals. Although, one should also consider the means in which these objectives are achieved. We appreciate all you have done to help us so far, and would be willing to offer you our support, depending on the circumstances."
"Come now," said Ito. "He literally just vanquished a demon, I think we can show him a little more trust. Anyway, that's all our side has to say. Is there anything else the Regency Council would like to add, or shall we join the festivities?"
The Forgemaster grumbled a little, but faced with any delay to drinking alcohol, he decided to agree that nothing more was to be said.
"Chug, chug, chug!" yelled the dwarves heartily.
'Goodness me,' thought Ainz. This was his seventh barrel of beer now, and he was worried he might start running out of space in his inventory.
He had managed to convince the dwarves that he was capable of drinking alcohol. It was through a trick where he would take mugs of liquor and pour them out into his inventory, miming a drinking motion as he did. It was a little ridiculous, but they seemed too drunk to care, and this seemed to be significantly boosting his reputation with them. Sebas was doing fine as well, and Pandora's Actor was also managing somehow. Although, it was a little disconcerting to see him transformed with his own human face.
'Ha… Now I'm thinking back of all those super-embarrassing things I said earlier. Judging from their reactions though, I don't think they thought my act was too bad, although they could just be being polite. There's also that summoning dance for the Death Knight that Pandora's actor came up with…'
Anyway, that wasn't the main reason he had joined the celebrations. He had heard an interesting report from Demiurge lately, regarding a unique form of magic originating from the dwarves. So, turning to address them he asked, "So, do you fellows happen to know anything about RunecraftTM?"
PSA: Sorry this chapter's a bit short, this is finally the end of the dwarf arc. I'll try and get another chapter out soonish.