Steel and Sorcerers – Chapter 38
Soldiers and vehicles of the 1st Recon Battalion from the JSDF's 1st division began entering central Tokyo just a few hours after the first sightings of demons in Ginza. Their objective was to collect data on the demons and slow down the progress of their incursion until further help could arrive. This particular part of that unit consisted of around thirty soldiers, along with a Type 16 manoeuvre combat vehicle. Since the streets of inner Tokyo were in a rough grid-pattern, units like theirs were assigned to clear a particular street or intersection, moving in a straight line towards Ginza. The army units stationed at the restricted zone around the gate had already been wiped out, apparently by a meteorite of all things, so heavy resistance was to be expected.
Citizens ran screaming down the street past them as they advanced. Due to abandoned cars blocking the road, their vehicles often had to driven along the side-walk. Smoke filled the skies above the city as the scent of burning flesh washed over them. Soldiers would do quick searches of the surrounding buildings for any survivors as they moved.
Before not too long they spotted the first demons. It looked like a pack of large dogs. Except their eyes were filled with an infernal intelligence, and in place of drool, flames leaked from their maws. Areas of burnt ground and buildings could be seen behind them as they plodded menacingly towards them.
The order was immediately given to open fire. Automatic rifle fire from the soldiers ripped into the hounds, causing them to quickly vanish in clouds of black smoke. After the demons had been dealt with, designated soldiers began quickly writing down details of the encounter, with a live camera feed having already recorded everything.
As they advanced further they spotted a pile of rubble at an intersection caused by collapsed buildings, which blocked vision of the way ahead. Thus, the way forward was blocked, but upon reaching the intersection they should still be able to go right or left, to temporarily join up with a different team. It seemed the group to their right was nearest, so they opted to go that way.
However, just as they arrived at the intersection, huge frog-like demons dropped down from the sky on each side, boxing them in. Just as they were processing what to do, the windows from a neighbouring department store burst open as a swarm of winged devil-like creatures descended upon them. They quickly radioed for assistance, but it would be at least a couple of minutes until help arrived.
The Type 16 fired a 105mm high-explosive shell into one of the frog-like demons, blowing a hole in its chest and causing it to dissipate. The soldiers fired desperately at the flying demons. However, there were too many and their movements erratic. From the air, they pounced onto the soldiers, ripping them apart before latching onto the Type 16. As it tried to drive away its tyres were slashed. Luckily, the crew were safe inside the armoured chassis, holding out until reinforcements from a neighbouring unit could arrive, causing the remaining demons to disperse into the surrounding buildings.
With the new threat of potential ambushes from the surrounding buildings, all units were ordered to hold their ground until additional reinforcements from the infantry regiments could arrive. This was especially since due to fear of collateral damage air and naval-support had so far been withheld, meaning they had little fire-support options. Something the demons took full advantage of.
Just as the members of the recon battalion were trying to tow the Type 16 away so it could be repaired, a new demon appeared atop the rubble of the ruined intersection.
Due to the ominous presence it gave off, everyone could tell it was different. Black wings protruded from its full plate armour, and it carried a sword wreathed in dark fire. It spread those wings as it leapt from atop the rubble to land with a thud amongst the troops.
Bullets and 25mm autocannon-fire ricocheted off and shattered upon on that devil's armour, which seemed stronger than steel. It raised its sword as it selected its first target, rushing forwards and cutting huge flaming gashes in the armour of the Type 87. One soldier raised an M72 LAW anti-tank rocket launcher, but with astounding speed, the demon raced across the street to slice them in half before they could fire.
The flying demons from before then appeared once again to finish off the fleeing soldiers. The armoured demon seemingly lost interest, as if it had just received a message, spreading its black wings once more and taking to the sky to go elsewhere.
Back in the Dwarf Kingdom, there was panic amongst the USJF soldiers. Earlier that morning they had abruptly lost contact with the main compound, and reports from various other sources reported that all that was left of the site was a massive crater, infested with demons. Though, it seemed the gate was still intact at least. They were now holding a meeting to discuss their options.
"There's no doubt that this is the work of Jaldabaoth" announced the garrison commander. "We've been far too lax after we drove him off last time."
"How were we supposed to anticipate something like this?" exclaimed one of the other higher-ups. "It looks almost like they nuked the bloody place."
"Gentlemen, I have a proposal."
Everyone looked to see who had spoken. It was 1st Lieutenant Akira Yanagida. Despite his fairly low rank amongst the officers he was well respected, especially by his subordinates, who he had helped escape from the disastrous attempt to defend Feo Raizo from the Quagoa and demons with zero casualties.
"Just like last time we need assistance, from both Darkness and Ainz Ooal Gown. I would suggest sending a team to submit a request at the E-Rantel adventurer's guild, and light a beacon outside for Gown-dono. Of course, I volunteer myself and my squad to deliver the request to E-Rantel."
After some thought everyone seemed to nod in agreement.
The garrison commander spoke up. "Although it's a shame we must rely on them once more, your plan does seem to be our best option currently. However, there is no need for you to go yourself. I would instead recommend sending Itami's squad, as I believe they have worked with Momon in the past. Now, unless there are any questions let's get moving. Time is of the essence here."
Just a couple of hours later, they had gathered materials to light a bonfire out on the mountainside as a beacon for Ainz, who appeared shortly after, as if he had been waiting for the signal. The garrison commander, the current de-facto leader of the USJF remnants left at the Dwarf Kingdom went out to meet him.
As the commander came to Ainz, he bowed deeply. "Gown-dono, Jaldabaoth has returned. If it wouldn't be too much to ask, we would be immensely grateful if you could lend us your aid once more."
Ainz waved a hand generously. "If it's to stop Jaldabaoth, then I'm more than happy to help. In fact, I have been watching from afar, and have a general idea of the situation. Including, that instead of a far-off land, it seems your group actually travelled here from another world through a certain portal."
"Oh, ah. Well, that's great news that you know what's going on. Please, come inside so we can discuss things further then."
Ainz held up a hand to stop him. "However, there are certain conditions for me helping this time."
"I see… And what would those be?"
"If we succeed in driving off Jaldabaoth once more, I would request that I be granted an area of land next to both sides of the portal, as well as permission to move my forces through it at my leisure. This would be so I could garrison forces to quickly intervene in case of an event like this happening again."
The commander paused. "That does sound like it could be rather helpful. However, it isn't my decision to make. You would have to travel through that portal to meet my superiors."
"Well, I'd better get going then."
"Is that alright? Wouldn't you be travelling through the main bulk of the demonic forces to get there, not to mention Jaldabaoth might ambush you on the other side."
"Do not worry. I can be surprisingly slippery when I need to."
"Well… ok then. But before you go, a word of advice. Our world, on the other side of that portal, isn't well acquainted with the idea of magic and undead creatures, so it's likely that they would regard you with caution, and might act unpredictably."
"Thank you for that information. I'll keep it in mind. Then, I'll be leaving, I hope to see you again. [Fly]."
With that, Ainz levitated off the ground and flew in the direction of the gate.
There was chaos at the National Diet Building in Tokyo. Nobody except a certain set of higher-ups had known that the special region was home to supernatural entities, and there was a scramble as everyone was trying to figure out what was happening. It didn't help that the military, with their headquarters at Yokota Airbase were hesitant to share information, other than that they were aware of the demons' capabilities and were moving to control the situation accordingly.
However, it didn't seem like they were controlling anything. Moving out from the gate, the demons had rapidly expanded their zone of control and were bringing ruin to not just Ginza but neighbouring areas of the city as well. The National Diet Building itself was only a few kilometres away from Ginza, so there were fears that it would soon be overrun. In fact, many officials had already evacuated and were in the process of establishing a new emergency seat of government nearby Yokota airbase to hopefully facilitate better communication. It also helped that the new site was about 40km away from Ginza, much further away from the conflict zone.
Prime minister Bumio Kishida was preparing to give an address to the nation when he noticed a commotion outside. An advisor came running up to him, saying "There's a demonic skeleton being outside along with two others with wings and lion-heads. They aren't acting violently, and the skeleton claims to be called Ainz Ooal Gown, and requests to be let inside. Security is ready to evacuate you if you wish."
"No, it is ok. Let him in."
The advisor seemed stunned. "Alright, I'll relay that to security."
There were some cries of surprise, and screams as Ainz and his posse entered the building and were guided to the stage of the main hall. Kishida had to get up and give an announcement because it seemed most people didn't know what was going on.
"Apologies for the disturbance. This individual is known as Ainz Ooal Gown. Some might find his appearance unsettling but I assure you he is here to help. In the special region he has worked with us in the past to fight off the demons before. I would now invite him to speak."
All eyes were on Ainz as he took to the stage. He had the appearance of an undead skeleton-like creature, his skull face devoid of skin and flesh, with pinpricks of red light radiating from each eye socket. He was adorned in an elaborate, hooded jet-black academic gown adorned with golden and violet edges. A dark red orb floating under his ribs emanated a feeling of dread. As for the two beings that flanked him, like bodyguards, they had a vastly different appearance. They had the head and mane of a lion, and four wings, with one pair of wings stretched out and another pair folded around them. Clad in suits of shining armour, they were each armed with a shield adorned with eye patterns in one hand, and a lance of fire in the other.
Though the people in the audience had never seen them before, they instinctively knew that these were extremely powerful beings with their otherworldly appearances.
There was a brief pause before he started speaking. "Greetings, members of the Japanese National Diet. As his excellency kindly introduced me, my name is Ainz Ooal Gown."
The government officials sitting in the hall were shocked. His voice and attitude were surprisingly normal, and he had good manners. Though, they were still too frightened to discuss this with any of the other audience members.
"I should also clarify that I am not a demon. I am undead, and wish just as much as you to see the demons, and their master Jaldabaoth defeated. However, I would like something in exchange for my assistance."
There was some frightened murmurs after that last sentence. Although he spoke normally, and throughout their lives they had been told not to judge by appearances, they couldn't help but wonder whether he would demand something like their souls in exchange for his help.
"After Jaldabaoth is defeated, I would like to request ownership of a plot of land, adjacent to the gate in both Japan and the special region. This would be so I could garrison forces to safeguard this world from threats such as Jaldabaoth. Naturally, I would also be allowed to move units and materiel through the gate at my leisure. The details of which can be discussed later after the current crisis is over."
There was a pause as the members of the Diet discussed Ainz's proposal. In particular, there was the fact that he had left the size of the plot of land to be granted unspecified, and that what Ainz would gain from such an arrangement was unclear.
One of the officials requested to speak, his voice shaking slightly. "Gown-dono, not to assume you aren't purely acting on good faith, but we were all wondering how gaining these plots of land to safeguard us would exactly benefit you."
"A natural question to ask. Hmm, there are two main reasons I can think of. Firstly, is that it would prevent groups from the special region from gaining power in this world. For example, not to assume you wouldn't be able to beat him, but if Jaldabaoth were left to run wild in Japan unchecked, he would be able to create a massive demonic army that would be troublesome for me to have to deal with later. Secondly, there is the simple fact that this world interests me, and I would like to have an easy way to access it."
"Thank you for your clarifications Gown-dono, please allow us some time to discuss this further amongst ourselves."
After a short time, it all the Diet members had made up their minds. The battle against Jaldabaoth was only starting, and it wasn't certain that they would need any help yet. Also, it seemed likely that Ainz Ooal Gown wanted access to Japan so that he could learn from and influence it. Glancing at the undead sorcerer flanked by beastlike angelic entities, they felt that letting monstrous existences like them go to and fro from Japan as they pleased could only lead to further problems.
"We will now hold a vote as to the proposal of Gown-dono. All in favour of accepting, raise your hands."
About 20% raised their hands.
"All against accepting, raise your hands."
About 60% raised their hands. The remaining 20% were neutral on the issue.
"This session has decided not to accept the proposal of Ainz Ooal Gown. Gown-dono, do you have any closing remarks?"
Eyeing up the flaming spears that the angels wielded, a few of the Diet members suddenly had a realisation that perhaps Ainz might choose to seize control by force now that diplomatic means had fallen through. Luckily however, it seemed that those worries were unfounded.
"It is disappointing that you have chosen not to accept my help this time. However, I can't say I wasn't expecting this, given your limited experience with fighting Jaldabaoth so far. I will leave one of my entourage behind in case you change your mind" he said, gesturing towards one of the angels.
"In the meantime, to show the benefits of cooperating with me, I will grant a gift of power to an individual from your nation to help fight Jaldabaoth. I'm sure you will find out who they are after not too long. Now, I will be taking my leave. Good luck."
After he had left the Diet building, using the [Fly] spell, Ainz, and the remaining Cherubim Gatekeeper with him flew across the city in the midday sun in search of their target.
'Demiurge said she should be somewhere around here…' Ainz glanced at the screen of the smartphone he was holding. He had acquired one all the way back when he had come here with Narberal, and its map functionality made finding his way around the city much easier. Although, he did feel a little silly, and had to wear special gloves so that his bony fingers would be detected by the touch-screen.
Descending from the sky, Ainz and the Gatekeeper landed in front of a certain internet café, startling nearby citizens, who perhaps recalling the ongoing demon attack, screamed and ran off. A few braver, or perhaps stupid ones stayed behind to film and gawk at him and his summon.
'Ah, how nostalgic' thought Ainz, recalling the time he had spent here with Narberal when they had to quickly find cheap accommodation.
The door to the café was quite small. No, it was normal sized. But for Ainz, with his extremely broad shoulders, he had to turn sideways to fit through the doorway. It was a rather undignified look, and he regretted not anticipating this earlier. It went without saying that the Gatekeeper had to wait outside since it was far too large to fit.
Luckily for him, the exact location of the target inside the café had been relayed to him by the shadow demon stationed there. Otherwise, it might've been a bit awkward trying to shuffle around in the cramped rooms with his current outfit and stature. As he made his way towards one of the rooms at the back, the people at the various desks stared, mouths agape. Some shuffling backwards in their seats, or outright bolting out the front door once he had passed by.
Ainz didn't let this faze him, and rapped on the door to the room with a skeletal hand. "May I come in?"
There was a short silence before he got a response. "Who is it?"
"Ainz Ooal Gown."
"…Wait, you mean like the skeleton person from the TV just now? Is this a joke?"
"I assure you, it is not."
The door opened revealing a young woman with black hair. It was Imaga Yotiaru, who was one of his co-workers while he had been staying in Tokyo with Narberal. Although, it seemed like she had styled her originally brown hair into a bun, and was now wearing glasses.
'Perhaps she felt like having a make-over.'
Upon seeing Ainz, she audibly gasped, taking a step back from the doorway before suddenly trying to compose herself.
"Ah, I'm sorry, I just didn't expect it to actually be… Umm, so, what can I do for you?"
"Rather than that, the question should actually be what I can do for you, Imaga Yotiaru."
"Wait what? Also how do you know my name? Actually, never mind, you probably used magic or something to find out."
"Yes… that is correct. Anyway, as you may have seen on that thing you call a TV broadcast, I am here to grant you a gift of power as a way to show my goodwill towards the people of Japan."
"Surely not, but, why would you choose me?"
Ainz didn't want to say it was because he didn't really know anyone else who might be suitable, so instead he said, "I can't exactly explain it, but I believe you possess some exemplary attributes, and have great potential."
He then brought out a several items from his inventory, laying them out on the desk in the small room. He then began gesturing towards each in turn, as he explained their properties. "This is the [Ultimate Shooting Star Super], far mor powerful than an ordinary bow, with some arrows to go along with it. Then, the [Circlet of Iron Will], which will strengthen your mind from mental attacks and fear. Here, these [Gauntlets of Archery] will raise your shooting skill, as I believe you haven't used a bow and arrow before. You will still need some practice though. Next, this [Necklace of Warding], which will increase your general defence. Finally, this [Ring of Regeneration], which will decrease your recovery time from injuries.
Looking at all these otherworldly relics sitting on the same desk with an old desktop PC and her half-drunk coffee, she couldn't help but have some doubts.
"Is it really ok for me to take these? I mean, there must be someone better?"
Ainz wanted to say, 'Just take them already!', but he did understand her unease.
"Let's go for a practice run then. If you find it's too difficult then I'll try to find someone else."
"Well, alright then. I'll put them on now."
Ainz had to admit, with all the various items such as gauntlets equipped while still wearing her usual modern clothes, she looked rather strange. 'Well, outfit coordination can wait for later. It's not exactly my speciality anyway.'
"Please take my hand, I'll teleport us to a location near where some demons are. Don't worry, I'll step in if something goes wrong."
With that she reluctantly took his hand.
[Greater Teleportation]
Their field of view suddenly changed from the cramped inside of a net café room to the ruined streets of Ginza. The smell of smoke instantly filling their sinuses. Ainz gave a mental order to the Cherubim Gatekeeper to move from the front of the café, and also for a group of demons he had summoned to move to his location.
"Before any demons appear, let's first do some basic practice." Ainz picked up a fallen chunk of rubble and set it atop a windowsill. "Try and hit that."
Although Ainz wasn't an archer, he had some experience with the basics, and was able to guide Yotiaru through being able to aim and fire a shot, although it missed by a lot.
"I should mention that the [Gauntlets of Archery] you're wearing require some shooting skill before their effect actually activates, which means this should get a lot easier once you master the basics."
Ainz had considered giving her a melee weapons such as spear, which might be easier to use. However, since the humans of Earth primarily used ranged weapons, if she was caught up in melee while others were shooting at that same target then there was an increased chance she might suffer friendly fire.
After about 15 minutes she was able to reliably fire arrows, albeit inaccurately, and the bonus from the gauntlets kicked in. All of a sudden she was able to hit the target almost perfectly, and was drawing and nocking arrows at much greater speed, much faster than what a normal human archer would be able to typically achieve.
"I think I've got the hang of this now!" exclaimed Yotiaru.
"Good. The demons are just about to arrive."
A pair of Gazer Devils flew from the sky to land on the road in front of them, and began approaching slowly.
"Alright."
Normally she might've been paralysed by fear, or at least shaken enough to throw off her aim, but due to the effects the [Circlet of Iron Will] there was no issue. Yotiaru nocked an arrow and fired it at the first demon, the arrow piercing straight through its chest and passing out through the other side, causing it to evaporate into ashes. The second abruptly broke out into a dash towards her, but she had already drawn and released another arrow, eliminating it just as easily.
"I think you're ready" said Ainz. "Just remember that this is only a one-time blessing, that these items are only for you to use, and that you must not let anyone take them from you."
"Um, I know I'm supposed to show off your powers to the people of Japan, but the thing is… the government doesn't really like me at the moment so…"
'Wait, did she have some dark past that he wasn't aware of? Demiurge didn't mention anything though so it should be fine right?'
"Whatever issues they might have with you, I'm sure that once you demonstrate your abilities, and since you have my backing their opinions of you will soon change."
"I see! Thanks so much for your guidance, and all this equipment. I'll do my best to try and make it up to you."
It was early-afternoon in E-Rantel as Enri Emmot rode her cart laden with jars of herbs through the streets. After an incident with the guards in which due to the horns Ainz had given her she was mistaken for a magic caster, which Momon had thankfully stepped in to clear up, she had finally arrived at the Adventurer's Guild.
She handed the reins of her wagon to the sentry standing guard outside, and pushed open the door.
At the counter, she was welcomed by the receptionist's smile. "Welcome."
"Y-yes, I've been welcomed."
"Then, may I ask what business you have with the Adventurer's Guild?"
"Mm. Ah, first, I'd like to ask for some help with the sale of herbs."
"Understood. Where are the herbs now?"
Enri told her they were on the wagon outside, and the receptionist turned to speak to a woman beside her. "The appraiser is going to check it now, please wait within the Guild until he's done."
"Thank you. Then, another thing, we wanted to put in a request." Enri explained how a couple of days ago there had been a bright flash of light, and the distant sound of an explosion emanating from within the Great Forest of Tob, and that they would appreciate it if someone were sent to go investigate.
"Is that so, how strange. However, I must say, unless there's any immediate danger, this would likely be considered a low-priority request, and it might be a while until we find some adventurers to complete it. And, if it really did happen, the size of the explosion you described would warrant fairly high-level adventurers to deal with whatever caused it."
There seemed to have been a shift in the receptionist's mood. She seemed entirely unmotivated, as though she had decided 'It's probably just their imaginations and not worth investigating, that is if they even have the money.'
"I understand. Then, please tell me how much the fees will be. That way I can go back to the village to discuss things."
"I see... then how about this? Please come back after the inspection for the herb sales are done. We should have finished calculating the request fees by then."
After thanking the receptionist, Enri left the counter and sat on a sofa in the lounge, staring at the ceiling and almost falling asleep due to her tiredness from the journey while the inspection dragged on.
"Haaa— haaa— Enri-san of Carne Village. No, I mean, Enri-sama. Could I have a bit to discuss the matter from just now with you?"
Enri was startled awake. This was the same receptionist from just now, but her attitude was completely different. Even her eyes were bloodshot.
"If it's alright with you, would you like to discuss this over a drink in the receiving room?"
She was smiling, but the smile did not reach her eyes. There was a strange, desperate look in them. Perhaps she had sensed something from the confused Enri. The receptionist's eyes were moist, and her hands were clasped together as though in prayer.
"Please, I'm begging you, you have to let me hear you out! If not, I'll be done for!"
"Got… got it. Then, could you show me the way?"
In that moment, the receptionist's body visibly relaxed.
"Thank you very much! Really, thank you very much! Come, come, let me show you the way."
Enri entered the waiting room, traces of unease in her heart.
"Come, come, please, have a seat. Please, tell me everything about the incident."
Enri began speaking. She had only given a brief outline just now, so she had to patiently explain the details this time round, not that there were many details.
"Thank you for your help! There's some drinks here, please help yourself before you leave! It's fine to leave the cups here, but thank you for coming to us today! We'll immediately put together a team of adventurers to investigate the incident!"
The receptionist suddenly stood up, and left the room as though she had been chased from it.
"Really... what happened?"
Of course, there was nobody here to answer her muttered question.
PSA: It seems Yotiaru has become discount Neia.