AN: "Cookies" → Speech / spoken air quotes
"Cookies" → Thoughts
"Cookies" → Spells / Martial Arts
"Cookies" → Message spell speech
I don't own Overlord
Have fun, enjoy and please review
Chapter 30
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama woke up when she felt a hand grab around her face and she grumbled a bit, turning around and trying to sleep again. Sadly this didn't work, as the evil hands found a much more sensitive spot and grabbed it. Giving up on sleep she woke up and looked around. Zesshi was sitting on the bed and stared at Arachama.
"Good morning, mom." Zesshi smirked and Arachama sighed.
"Mornin'" Arachama grumbled and stood up, Zesshi being scooped up. It had taken much practice, but Arachama became quite proficient at scooping her children up and changing herself into fitting attire. Zesshi herself had already changed.
"Today is my training, mom. I can't tell you how glad I am." Zesshi mused and Arachama began to smile, despite her tiredness.
Zesshi was now freeing herself from Arachama and she had a struggle to keep herself from exploding with happiness. Arachama saw it and giggled.
"That is true, but first we will gather the necessary things and people. Then we eat breakfast and after that I have to ask Enti to watch over her siblings." Arachama mused and gave her outfit a finishing touch by binding her hair back in a ponytail.
"Then be fast, please?" Zesshi pleaded, using her puppy-eyes.
"I am already going." Arachama smiled and both walked into the living room. They nearly stumbled into Enti.
"Good morning, mom. Breakfast is ready." Enti reported and Arachama scooped her up, like a mother would a baby.
"That is really nice. Tell me, could you watch the twins and Arche for me today? I have promised Monga that Zesshi will train in the Colosseum today." Arachama asked.
"That will be no problem. What about the one plan you wanted to do today?" Enti inquired, a small speck of disappointment in her voice.
"We will go there soon. Once we have more peace we will have a family day." Arachama answered and nudged Enti on her nose, under the face-bug.
"That would be nice, mom. Yuri and I also prepared something for breakfast." Enti proclaimed, pride emanating from Enti.
"Then I will gladly eat it." Arachama smiled and walked towards the table. Leinas joined them with Fluder. Both were excited and whispered along. Then came Yuri with a cloud of arachne. The twins and Arche walked in. Ninya joined with the rest of the maids, Foire, Fith and Tuare.
Once everyone was seated, Enti jumped from Arachamas lap and walked towards the kitchen. She came back with a tray of small chocolate cookies. The tray was split in two halves. One obviously for humans and the others for arachne. Arachama could almost see everyone staring at the cookies and Arachama was sure she didn't look much better.
"Dig in, everyone." Enti said, placing the tray in the middle of the table.
Afterwards she grabbed herself and Arachama a small stack of cookies. Once she was back in Arachamas lap Arachama and Enti shared the cookies. They tasted delicious and the small brown parts, which Enti called "Small Fry" made them better than the cookies she once got in her former world.
The others also enjoyed the dish, though Leinas had to keep Fluder in check as he tried to get one of the cookies for the arachne part of the table.
After the cookies everyone was full and rubbed their stomach. Arachama used this chance.
"Arche, Ure, Kuude. Enti will watch over you for today. Zesshi and I have an important appointment today. Could you be good for Enti?" Arachama asked.
"Yes, mom."
"Mom, yes."
"I will help Enti, mom." all three answered.
"That would be great. Thank you." Arachama rubbed one of her tears away and smiled at the group.
After a giant hug, the children were led away by Enti, who seemed to relish the time with her siblings. Arachama herself casted "Gate" and went through with Zesshi, Fluder and Leinas. That promised to be an interesting day for her.
→ Camp of the 2nd Legion near Colognium / Plumbus Pugnus Pulsus ←
Pugnus had woken up in the early hours and then cleaned himself. Afterwards he had prepared his ration and waited for Oculus. Just when Pugnus sat himself to eat, Oculus walked right in.
"Good morning, Pugnus." Oculus greeted.
"To you too, Oculus. Take a bite." Pugnus invited and both shared the ration.
After the ration was eaten Oculus looked expectantly at Pugnus.
"As promised the answer. The emperor agreed." Pugnus told Oculus, who had a twinkle in his eyes at the news.
"You should also be aware that the emperor asked Nazarick for help. Those are not only monsters on the battlefield, but in general. At least the one I have seen. Please be aware that those are our rations will arrive together with ours. Each ration is for one person, though children could probably share one." Pugnus continued and Oculus smiled.
"Thank you. I can tell my people now that our future is secured." Oculus grinned.
"No problem, old friend." Pugnus said.
"I will take my leave then. I have great news to share with them." Oculus bid farewell and left.
Pugnus would wait for a bit longer, again thinking about the tactic he wants to use to capture the city. The rations were delivered and a messenger came to Pugnus.
"Sir? I have a message from the emperor." the messenger reported.
"Again? What is the message?" Pugnus sighed.
"Nazarick will send reinforcements soon, they only need a bit of time for preparation. Once those are here the emperor wants to have the city taken as soon as possible. Re-Estize has assembled an army, which is marching towards Katze Plains." the messenger told Pugnus.
Pugnus' mood went from relaxed, but annoyed, to angry the moment he heard the news.
"Is that upstart kingdom so stupid? They will have lost two percent of their male population when the first and second take the city. Now they want to make it what, four percent, six percent? They are insane." Pugnus hissed and the messenger sighed.
"I will go now. Anything to deliver to the emperor?" The messenger asked.
"I will attack the day after the reinforcements arrive." Pugnus said and nodded towards the messenger.
"As you wish. Have a good day, Sir." The messenger left and Pugnus fell back into his chair. He looked at the model of the city he had built and his eyes twinkled.
"There is a weakness. I need to take this." he whispered and looked intently.
→ Nazarick 6th Floor Colosseum / Arachama ←
Arachama had used "Gate" to get them into the Colosseum and all of them looked in awe at the building and the surroundings, including the sky.
"This is magnificent. Look at the fine craftsmanship of the building." Leinas whistled.
"Look at the sky. I can sense it is only an illusion, but the details are well done." Fluder drooled, looking at Blue Planet's masterpiece.
"I can't wait." Zesshi beamed and jumped into Arachamas lap.
"This is the 6th floor of Nazarick. As Fluder said, the 'Sky' is not a real sky, but my friend Blue Planet did a splendid job creating that illusion. Technically we are six stories underground, though it would be more accurate to guess it is around 1,5 kilometers (0,932057 miles). The guardians of this floor are Aura bella Fiora and Mare Bello Fiore. Please be kind to them." Arachama explained to them.
Just as she mentioned them, the two dark elves showed themselves and Zesshi looked intently at them.
"Good Morning everyone. Eh … come here Mare…" Aura greeted them and then dragged Mare to them.
"Uhm. G-good Morning." He greeted, looking towards the ground.
"I am here to take Zesshi training, it should all be cleared by Monga." Arachama smiled and gave them a note from Monga.
"As a supreme being you can do whatever pleases you, lady Arachama." Aura replied and beamed at her.
"Is Cocytus already here?" Arachama inquired.
"He is on his way, together with lord Ainz and Demiurge." Aura answered and Arachama nodded.
"That sounds great. Zesshi, dear, could you change into your training-clothes?" Arachama asked and Zesshi followed Aura to one of the changing rooms.
While Zesshi was changing, Arachama heard gasps from her group and turned around, her company began to kneel towards the arriving group. Monga, Cocytus and Demiurge came towards the group. Fluder looked between Arachama and Monga, Leinas tried to calm herself, looking at Arachama. Arachama herself meanwhile waved at them.
"Good morning, Monga, Cocytus, Demiurge." Arachama greeted.
"Good morning, Arachama. I thought I could observe the training today." Monga said and Arachama nodded.
"That shouldn't be a problem. Sadly I have a bit of paperwork and preparations to be done. You could actually help me with the latter. I only need you to sign a note." Arachama winked and Mongas eyes flared up.
"We will do that in a bit. What will we start with today? I propose physical training, since Cocytus also has a village to govern. Afterwards we can use her talent to have her learn some skills." Monga proposed.
"Sounds great. I can do my paperwork during her physical training. Afterwards I can go to Pandora's Actor and prepare some things." Arachama smiled and Monga agreed.
Shortly afterwards Zesshi returned. Her scythe was on her back and she wore a tunic, a cover for her abdomen and long socks, similar to the ones Arachama used as a replacement for shoes. Zesshi followed Fluders and Leinas' example and kneeled towards Monga.
"Now then. Zesshi, this is Cocytus. He will spar with you and gauge your physical strength. Please don't kill each other." Monga said and Arachama developed a twitch on her eyebrow.
After Zesshi and Cocytus began, it became clear that Cocytus was stronger, at least Arachama made that observation. Monga and Demiurge meanwhile were writing down notes as if their life depended on it. Then Arachama remembered her to-do list and used the grandstand as a desk. There she would face the wrath of the papertrail. It was then that she opened the note she received yesterday. She glanced at Monga, until he looked at her. Then she signed him to come..
"What is it?" Monga asked, intently looking at her.
"They are asking for reinforcements again. Zesshi seemed to have left an impression, as they are asking for our support to take the city Colognium in storm." Arachama hissed while Monga thought. He then walked to Albedo and Demiurge and brought them to Arachama..
"In the following situation, Baharut is asking for reinforcements to take the city. They have lost many officers in the last few weeks and fear that a strong individual is residing within the walls." Monga told them. Albedo and Demiurge were thinking.
"We should send reinforcements. If we dont my cover will be less 'useful' to the emperor. That would be bad for us." Arachama sighed.
"But who do we send? Cocytus is usually ruling the lizard men. Aura and Mare care for the forest and the safety of our home. Albedo is working the paper trail and so on. We don't have many options right now." Demiurge replied.
"Why don't we use this opportunity?" Albedo asked, looking shy at Arachama.
Arachama got a bad feeling and a shudder ran down her neck, back and then abdomen. Monga seemed to notice and looked at Albedo. He seemed to use "Message" to communicate with her. After a short while Monga looked at Arachama.
"Please listen to me, ok?" He pleaded and Arachama nodded, though it didn't help the terrible feeling in her stomach.
"Why don't we use this opportunity to have Zesshi learn more about tactics and strategy? We can send her over with other reinforcements and then let her work with Baharuts general? That way she will be safe but will also learn useful knowledge?" Monga tried.
Arachama was already tapping with her right foreleg in annoyance.
"Was that a question? Are you asking me to send one of my children to war?" She panted, anger rising in her heart.
"I would propose the following. We will send Zesshi and bodyguards as reinforcements. She will work with the staff and learn tactics and strategy. The one fighting will be her bodyguards. She will be in no danger." Monga argued.
Arachama looked around, trying to calm herself, when she saw Zesshi fighting her mock duel with Cocytus. Her last discussion with Zesshi flowed through her head.
"She truly wants to prove herself this way?" Arachama thought, small tears forming.
"If something happens, I am going to be true to my job-class and become a calamity for you and the tomb." Arachama hissed and could almost see Monga smile. Albedo and Demiurge meanwhile looked terrified, probably remembering what she seemingly did last time.
"Then you have every right, though I wish that it remains between us." Monga told Arachama and both relaxed a bit.
"I also have another proposal. Since this situation is very stressful for you, I could help you. If you would allow it I could use the spell "Sleeping Beauty". It would place you to sleep and we can wake you up once everything is finished." Monga proposed, holding his hands in a defensive manner.
"Am I really that unruly?" Arachama asked, fear crawling in her voice.
"The last time you needed to refurbish the mansion. It is getting expensive and, much more important for us both, we are lucky you hadn't hurt anyone till now. I can reassure you, I tested the spell and it will put you to sleep. There will be no negative side effects for you. You will fall asleep and wake up later. I am sure Yuri and Entoma will take care of everything for you." Monga sighed.
"Hmm. It will greatly help the others, but wouldn't I be a burden then? But I am a burden already with my emotional overload every time something happens. I just hope Monga knows what he is doing." Arachama thought, looking deep into Mongas eyes.
"Would that be an order, or a proposal by a friend?" Arachama asked.
"Right now it is a friendly offer. I hope I don't need to make it an order as guild leader. I don't want to force you, but I will if I have to." Monga answered.
"Then I agree. We will do this tomorrow noon. I need to finish a few things by then. I also want to wish farewell to my daughter." Arachama replied, Mini-Arachamas cleaning their respective rooms.
Albedo, after the small talk, continues to cuddle with Monga, or try as Arachama would describe it. Demiurge and Monga took notes en masse. She herself observed and made mental notes on Zesshis fighting style.
After a long while Arachama roused herself and stood up.
"I will go now. Could you watch for Zesshi please? I need to prepare some things and it can take some time." Arachama asked.
"Of course. I will watch out for her. I will also have a unit of 'hanzo' prepared till you return. Sebas has also already agreed to lead the hanzos for this appointment. But what do you need to prepare?" Monga asked.
Hanzos were seemingly humanoids with the attire of a cliche ninja. They were excellent for gathering information and assassination. But easily taken care of as players.
"I wrote it in the reports I sent." Arachama winked and teleported to the treasury.
Arachama walked through the treasury until she reached Pandora's Actor. She reached Pandora's Actor and he stood up, this time in the form of Genjiro, a gigantic tarantula. Genjiro liked a book series called 'Harry Potter' and was struck by a character called 'Aragog'. He also liked to play like an evil half to her. It was nice to have the small spats within the halls of Nazarick.
"Good day, LLady Aaarachamaa." Pandoras greeted, using the front legs to imitate a bow.
"Good day, Pandoras. I am here to gather some items." Arachama beamed.
"I-items you say? What items would you need?" Pandoras Actor asked.
"Yes. To be more precise, I need 'Data Crystals'." Arachama told him in her, as she liked to call it, 'manager voice'.
"O-ho. 'Data Crystals'. Are you sure?" Pandoras asked.
'Data Crystals' were an important item in Yggdrasil. You could store data within them. That ranged from specifications for items, like fire damage to a weapon, to memories and flavor texts for the creations of NPCs. There were many different 'Data Crystals' for many different things. But they were even more important for guilds, because they could use these crystals to make NPCs to specifications, such as levels, background, behavior and much more. The guild had stored the last remaining crystals away, as insurance to keep the infighting at a minimum. Arachama now wanted to use the crystals that were in the treasury, though only enough for her project. She had gone to great lengths to get permission from Monga. She needed his signature for them after all. Then came all the paperwork and Arachama had fought this nemesis for the last few weeks to get the permission-slip.
Arachama stroked her cheeks to get her thoughts back on track and then collected herself.
"Yes, Actor. I need data crystals. To be more precise I need 85 data crystals. Here is the permission slip with the specifications of said crystals." Arachama handed the slip and Actor seemed to beam.
"Then I shall bring you the precious dataaaa crystaaaals." He boomed and Arachama smiled at him.
"That would be nice." she said and Pandoras Actor left to gather the crystals. Just as Arachama was sighing, he returned with a crate, which could store 100 of the precious stones. He opened it and then counted them before her.
"85 of the dataaa cryyystals." he posed and Arachama placed them in her inventory.
"Thank you, Actor. I am going now. If you need anything…?" Arachama asked.
"Everything is great for me, lady Arachama. I even get regular visits from L-Lord Ainz." PA beamed, throwing a salut in his answer.
"Then have a great day." She said and teleported to the eighth floor.
She stood in her 'Spider Paradise' and went outside. First she had no clue how to use the crystals, but soon she found out that she can place them on the wall and then think about the space she wants. Arachama was quite surprised when she got a large place, which was engulfed in spider silk and had furniture. Afterwards she continued to experiment, by imagining the rooms and so on. It worked splendidly.
She created a cozy place. It had a large living room, a bathroom, a kitchen, a bedroom, an office and finally a room to be designated a role. All was covered in fireproof spider silk and all rooms were connected with the living room. The only way inside was through her area and then a hidden door, or by teleporting with the guild ring. Everything was top quality and would serve the future occupants well.
Once she had decorated she teleported towards the colosseum, where Zesshi was breathing heavily. Leinas and Fluder observed, while Monga and Demiurge took notes upon notes. It went so far that Albedo had to fight the notebook for her love's attention.
She arrived just in time when Zesshi finished her physical training. Monga stood up and decided that they should eat in the canteen on the 9th floor. He opened a "Gate" and all walked through.
Zesshi, Fluder and Leinas were in shock at the hall and it didn't lessen when they saw the quality of the food, which was served here. They took after Arachama and followed her example. They ate while Demiurge and Monga compared notes. Albedo, quite resigned, chewed on her own lunch. It was a relaxed affair, after which they would return to the colosseum.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Entoma ←
While mother was away, Entoma had a tough day. Even with the help of Arche, the twins wanted to play tag. That was problematic as they either played inside, which wasn't funny enough for them, or outside, which was risky as they could be seen. This gave Entoma quite a migraine.
"How does mom do that?" Entoma asked herself.
She remembered all the time she saw Arachama cuddling, helping and keeping her children calm. Entoma, after this day, had decided to watch more closely. The twin seemed like angels in disguise, but now Entoma saw her mother as a sorceress for keeping them calm and quiet.
She was now walking into the living room to prepare lunch, when she met Yuri. She was clothed in more regal clothes and placed a mantle, which was made of silk, on her shoulders. Fith was just behind Yuri in her typical maid outfit.
"Where are you going, sister?" Entoma asked.
"I have an important meeting with some traders. Lady Arachama wanted me to deal with them as soon as possible. Do you need help with the twins?" Yuri asked, a coy smile on her lips.
"Of course I can manage my sisters." Entoma snapped, remembering Yuri's teasing throughout the day.
"Are you sure ~" Yuri teased and Entoma decided to stay adamant.
"Yes. I am sure and I will win the bet we have going. I will keep my sister calm and good. You will see." Entoma replied and fire shone in her eyes and the 'eyes' of her face-bug.
"We will see. Remember, if you don't manage I will serve Arachama for the month." Yuri smiled and Entoma snarled.
"How dare she trick me into such a bet." Entoma hissed in her head.
Just shortly after mother, Zesshi, Fluder and Leinas left, Yuri remarked how difficult the twins were and that she should help. Entoma then remarked how she will manage, though it might have been too prideful. That far she was ready to confess. Yuri then proposed a bet. If Entoma either didn't manage to keep the twins calm and from pranks, or asks Yuri or another maid for help to either clean up or to manage the twins, she would lose. Yuri would then be the maid for mother for a month. If she won, she would have much more time to cuddle with mom, because Yuri would take over her duties for a month.
Entoma was just walking into the kitchen to collect the food, when she saw the twins in the foyer, fast asleep and clearly exhausted.
"They look sweet though." Entoma thought, before finishing lunch.
→ Nazarick 6th floor Colosseum / Arachama ←
After the lunch was eaten, all went back to the colosseum and fought off the tiredness. It was hard, but they managed. Arachama let Zesshi take a break of roughly an hour. It worked wonders, as Zesshi was now ready and stared at her. Arachama was quite happy and so she began.
"Now Zesshi, we will begin with the magical part of today's training. I want you to learn three spells. If we get through fast enough I prepared a fourth spell, though I am sure the fourth will be a little troublesome." Arachama began and Zesshi nodded along, seating herself and giving Arachama her undivided attention.
"We will begin with a summon, which comes with our race. Are you aware of the summon "Breath of Flies"?" Arachama asked. Zesshi looked confused.
"It comes with being an arachnoid. You take a deep breath and then breathe out slowly. While doing it you will use your magical power to change the moisture of your breath and turn it into carnivorous flies." Arachama tried to explain and Zesshi nodded. Fluder, meanwhile, had taken notes and looked intrigued.
"I will try, mother." Zesshi said and walked over to a dummy, which was prepared to test the spells.
"Hrm "Breath of Flies", "Breath of Flies", "Breath of Files", argh." Zesshi tried. Then Arachama give her a hug to calm her down, as she could see the frustration in Zesshis eyes.
"If you want to cast spells and summons, you need to imagine what they look like. It can be hard, if you have to learn something you haven't done yet. Let me show you." Arachama explained and placed Zesshi beside her.
"You take a deep breath and then, "Breath of Flies"." Arachama casted and a cloud of flies emerged from her throat. It flew to the dummy and ate it whole. Nothing remains of the dummy and Arachama signed for Auras assistants to bring more dummies. This time dispersing them over a broader area.
"Sadly "Breath of Flies" has a small disadvantage. It can't cover the same area as "Storm of Flies". The spell is still useful to either disrupt or disorient the enemy." Arachama told Zesshi.
Zesshi walked over to the former dummy and observed it. She then nodded and walked back to Arachama.
"I would like to try again." Zesshi said, fire in her eight eyes. Arachama smiled and nodded.
Zesshi took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
"Hem. "Breath of Files", "Breath of Flies"." Zesshi managed at her second try and it worked, a large cloud of flies came from her mouth and flew to the dummies, devouring it completely. Arachama observed and then hugged Zesshi.
"Nicely done, Zesshi. Just a small tip from me. You can use the trachea in your abdomen to continue breathing. That way you can keep the flies coming for far longer." Arachama proposed and felt Zesshi nod.
"Do you want to try again?" Arachama asked, again she felt Zesshi nod.
"Then try again. We have all afternoon." Arachama cooed and let Zesshi free.
Zesshi walked a bit forth and then closed her eyes to focus.
"Breath of Flies." Zesshi casted and Arachama could hear her breath through the trachea at her abdomen. The cloud grew bigger and flew towards the intended target. Then Zesshi, still casting, turned towards the next dummy and the newer flies attacked it.
"You did very well. That would have been the next step." Arachama praised and Zesshi showed her pride by holding her nose a tad higher than before.
"But now we will take a small break. We need to watch out for your mana, otherwise our training will be cut short." Arachama smiled and hugged Zesshi again, who still held her nose up.
During the break, which was quite lasting and relaxing for her, Arachama observed the others. Fluder seemed to have itching fingers. Monga and Demiurge, after having finished their noting for now, were comparing. Albedo was disgruntled and seemed to be close to breaking. Leinas smiled and had a small duel Cocytus, which she lost to him.
When Arachama felt Zesshi grow restless she decided to resume training. She needed to have some accomplishments today after all.
"Ok. Now I will teach you an advanced version of that spell. It is called "Storm of Flies". It is the same principle as before, but with much more flies and on a far greater scale. For that you need to breathe out of your trachea and you need to keep in mind that those flies are purely carnivorous and could spread if you don't watch out. If you cast the spell, cast it on enemies and be careful to cancel the summon. Then they will disappear without destroying too much around them." Arachama explained and Zesshi sighed.
"I think I could try, but isn't it dangerous here, with all those here?" Zesshi asked, pointing towards the observing crowd.
"Nah. We are in a controlled environment. If something would happen, Monga and I would be here to keep it under control." Arachama reassured and Zesshi nodded.
"I will try the summon then." Zesshi said and walked to the last remaining dummies.
"Storm of Flies" she summoned and then the waves upon waves of flies came forth. They swept forth and forth with a cacophony of buzzes and hums. The air was vibrating in the lungs and the dummies didn't last that long.
Only the metal pole remained when Zesshi stopped. Zesshis eyes were wide open and she stared at the result. Fluder wasn't in a better shape and Leinas gulped. Albedo praised, while forcefully cuddling into Mongas arm. Demiurge took notes, while Monga tried to do the same, having a rather jealous Albedo taking his arm hostage.
"They can be terrifying, can't they?" Arachama whispered, placing her head on her daughter.
"Yes, but it feels great, homely…" Zesshi began
"Welcoming, fantastic and supportive?" Arachama continued, finishing in a question.
"Yes. I see why you warned me. The feeling is quite addicting." Zesshi smiled and Arachama reciprocated.
"Indeed. Though it will lessen over time." Arachama reassured and Zesshi sighed in relief.
"That is good." She said and sat herself down, giving Arachama the chance to engulf her in a hug.
"I have one more for you and then we have to try something." Arachama sighed, stroking Zesshis hair.
"Just a little rest… I will con…" Zesshi yawned and fell asleep.
Arachama kept her guard up as Zesshi took a nap, continuing to stroke her hair. It was like silk and it felt great to have children around. She was maybe, but only a little maybe, a bit protective and might have hissed a few times at Monga, Demiurge or Albedo when they tried to get closer to wake Zesshi up.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Entoma ←
Entoma was in total stress. She was running around the house to catch the twins, who were running from them. The determination of Entoma was slowly decreasing and she was just about to ask Yuri for help when she met Yuri in the foyer.
"I take it you need help?~" Yuri teased and Entoma felt the resolve to rebuild herself.
"I will not lose my cuddle time." Entoma decided again.
"Everything is alright. I was just trying to get the twins." Entoma replied, trying to sound relaxed. She didn't, as a small part of her shudder distorted her voice a bit.
"As I said, I could help you. But it will cost you your win." Yuri reiterated and pushed her glasses higher up her nose, giving them an evil shine.
"I have them under control." Entoma repeated and in that moment a small ruckus echoed through the foyer. The twins tried to sneak back and fell over each other.
"Don't worry, I have you." Entoma tried to help, but as soon as the twins were back up the continued playing tag, to the dismay of Entoma.
"Totally under control." Yuri smiled smugly.
"Totally under control." Entoma said in a strong voice, trying to convince herself.
"I will be in my office, if you want to concede defeat. By the way, I expect no visible traces of the pranks in the western living room." Yuri snickered and Entoma wanted to cry, but pride held her back.
"There will be none." Entoma stubbornly hissed.
Yuri walked away, shaking her head and muttering about stubbornness.
"She may think I am stubborn, but I will win this bet and have my cuddles." Entoma though, with a bit of venom inside her mental voice.
After Yuri was gone Entoma sighed and went towards the western wing, when blue dust exploded in her face. It didn't hurt, but completely colored her blue. Her dress? Blue. Her face-bug? Blue. Her entire being? Blue. Entoma wouldn't be surprised if her soul would be colored blue by now. The worst though was that the twins, Arche, the room and even a small part of the foyer was also blue. Entomas' last straw was now breaking.
"TWINS!" she shouted and they immediately stopped.
"You will come with me. NOW!" Entoma tried to shout as loud as her lip-bug allowed.
She led them towards Nazaricks clothing room and got them maid outfits. Afterwards they cleaned their prank up. All was done in silence, the only time anyone spoke was when the vendor in the clothing room asked who needed clothes. Arche meanwhile just went with it and also got a maid outfit. They were even able to keep them.
"That was the worst day of my life. But the things we do for cuddle time." Entoma thought, trying to cheer herself up.
→ Nazarick 6th floor Colosseum / Arachama ←
Arachama had watched over Zesshi until she felt her stir. She released Zesshi, who then yawned and rubbed her eyes. After looking confused for a few seconds Zesshi blushed with embarrassment and Arachama softly giggled.
"Don't worry. You needed rest and I think you got it." Arachama smiled and Zesshi nodded.
"Can we continue?" Zesshi asked, still embarrassed.
"Of course. Demiurge wanted to test something. Here is an item, which I used ages ago. Try to use your talent on it." Arachama asked and Zesshi did as told.
Arachama had given Zesshi a hat, which she had used when she was roughly level 50. She wanted to be careful and decided to not have too powerful spells thrown around. Zesshi placed the hat on her head and then a small white-black aura engulfed her. Her eight eyes flared up slightly and she had a small wave of glimmers on her. Then all of this vanished without a trace.
"Did it work?" Arachama asked, a bit frightened.
"Yes, mom. "Teleportation"." Zesshi replied and a crack was heard. Zesshi looked like she was rammed into a wall.
"I see, you can cast the spell. Maybe you should be more careful with it?" Arachama asked
"I agree." Monga ordered and Zesshi mumbled something under her breath.
"I would like to try it a few more times?" Zesshi asked, worrying Arachama.
"Maybe later. I think we should train this spell later. I still have another one I could teach you? How about that?" Arachama tried. It seemed to work as Zesshi nodded.
"I would like that." Zesshi sighed and Arachama smiled.
"Then come here." Arachama said and pointed towards the last dummies.
"What is the last spell, and why do we need corpses for them?" Zesshi asked, holding her breath as best as possible.
"The last spell is a summon, which works best with corpses. It is called "Summon: Widow-swarm". Small spiders will grow inside the corpses and … ah there they are… they will break free. They are highly venomous towards all non spiders, with the notable exception of golems. Be careful with those around others. They will disperse after a while though." Arachama explained and casted the spell. It went faster as it did in Yggdrasil, but it worked non the less.
Zesshi observed the small spiders, small and elegant. Arachama knew that those were similar to the black widow, which got bred to much bigger sizes. In the old world they were bread to the size of small tea cups. Luckily they didn't get any more venomous, though it was small conciliation for most people, except some collectors and fanatics. Those Arachama summons were only the size of a coin.
Zesshi observed the small spider, which was relaxing on Arachamas hand. Once she was done she nodded and Arachama placed the spider at the edge of the arena. Zesshi looked at the last corpse and breathed deeply, closing all her eyes.
"Hrem. "Summon: Widow-swarm". Did it work?". Zesshi asked, still holding her eyes closed.
First nothing happened, then Arachama saw a small fang rip through the skin. Then more and more fangs were visible and the corpse looked like it was bubbling. Soon the skin tore apart and a large wave of those spiders were free.
"You did fantastic. It worked." Arachama praised and scooped Zesshi into a hug. She could feel Zesshi beam within her hug.
Suddenly Monga coughed.
"I have an idea. Why don't we test her strength in magic and compare it to his." Monga asked and pointed towards Fluder.
"I would like that mom." Zesshi agreed and used her puppy-eyes. Between those two, Arachamas resolve was crushed and she agreed.
After the arena was cleared, Fluder and Zesshi stood opposite to each other and nodded.
At Mongas signal both jumped out of the way. Fluder casting "Fireball" while Zesshi used "Breath of Flies". The fireball collided
"Use this momentum to strike with an area attack." Monga advised.
"Cover yourself Zesshi." Arachama countered.
Fluder heard Mongas advice and used "Firewall", a tier four spell which covered a great area in a wall of fire. Zesshi meanwhile used the flies that survived the "Fireball" to cover her maneuver. She positioned herself sideways of Fluder, who hadn't seen her thanks to the smoke.
"Now use shields, she will attack from either behind or your sides." Monga shouted.
"Watch out while you strike back." Arachama proposed.
Fluder, with a small tick on his forehead, used "Praetorian Protection", a spell he created, which could block spells up to tier had the drawback that Fluder couldn't cast anything while it was active. Zesshi meanwhile decided to use her chance. She stood still once she had positioned herself behind Fluders shield.
"Einherjar" Zesshi smirked as she used the skill and Fluder looked flabbergasted, as a white foam came from Zesshi and formed into a carbon, white copy. Meanwhile almost all jaws dropped to the floor, the exception being Arachama, who smirked.
"You need to get rid of the 'Einherjar'. It can't be easily healed, but will give you much trouble. You can manage." Monga shouted.
"Use her to take his shield and then it's time for a checkmate." Arachama proposed, just trumping Monga in her volume. Mini-Arachamas were chanting in a mental stadium, wearing white and black clothing and some even having similar hair to Zesshi.
Fluder and Zesshi meanwhile looked at each other and nodded.
"Mom. Why don't you and lord Ainz show us how to duel then?" she asked, lewering her weapons, as Fluder dropped his shield.
"I like that Idea." Fluder agreed.
"That sounds like a lovely idea. Any rules we should agree to beforehand?" Monga turned towards Arachama.
AN: … And here is an evil cut. But it will definitely be a duel in the next chapter, otherwise this one would be too long.
And as always, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please leave a review.