Hello everyone. I do hope you guys are having a great time so far! Because I sure am! Sorry for taking such a long time to write this, but I truly wanted to take my time, especially with the whole (Overlord) volumes adding more information to the lore and how strong or weak, or who is who, and where is where.
I wanted not to move as far away from canon as much as I possibly could. Hope that explains it.
Now, on the good news, the next upload schedule!
-The White Lion of the Red Keep (Two chapters, maybe. I'll let you decide!)
-Then, a surprise update!
-Then, Harry Potter and the Demon Empress. (One Chapter)
See you all later!
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Chapter 56
The whimpering sounds of the king of the Re-Estize Kingdom, Ramposa III, reflected the nation's current state. A battle took place not too long ago, destroying the kingdom itself. Not necessarily in terms of cities being burned or annihilated, but more of a sense that the hopes for the nation to survive another year looked dark. But the nobles didn't seem to notice it. They, in fact, thought that it was just a small setback to their plans. Which plans? Who cares.
Their opinions or future plans could have never been a bother in the great scheme of things. After all, the nation final destination was alread set in stone. Still, Ramposa III would like to believe things weren't as bad as they seemed. A fool he was, but an optimistic one at that.
Yet, he didn't notice his youngest and only daughter's face behind such a lovely and seemingly innocent eyes, lay a demon who thought that the current situation was quite annoying to deal with.
"We haven't found Barbro's body yet?" Ramposa III asked softly.
"No luck, father," Zanac replied in the calmest way possible. "We can't do much since the Katze Plains are now part of the... Supreme One's domains."
"I see," Ramposa III just sighed sadly.
"Father," Renner approached him, slowly picking up his hand and looking at him with her big blue eyes. Renner has been quite frustrated in the last week or so. She hasn't been able to truly push things the way she wanted. A hassle and the nobles just made things slow. At that point, Renner truly believed she would need to be more upfront with her goals. Otherwise, her real objective would be put in jeopardize.
"We must make sure to prioritize the citizen of the capital," Renner, on her part, wanted to make sure more people came to the capital so that when the annihilation came, more people would die. She didn't necessarily want more civilians to die just because. No, Renner needed to create more chaos in the rural parts of the kingdom to create the perfect scenario where she could push things to escalate quickly. An ideal bait, an excuse for her master to bring forth the grand plan.
The more people in one city, the more they want to eat. And when there's no more food, chaos ensues. That was just one of many things she needed to accomplish. Yet, her father and the nobles were dragging it.
"We must evacuate the people from the rural areas, reports of sickness are coming in, and we are slowly losing more people every day," Renner stated with her best angelic eyes.
"Bringing that many people to the capital," Zanac interrupted. "It will surely cause more problems."
Zanac wondered what kind of game his sister was playing. He suspected that the nobles would surely not want to lose more of the peasant working in their lands. But there was a hidden message there. Zanac saw the faces of the nobles there, who grunted loudly. The massacre of the Katze Plains has hit them hard. Those who required forced labor practically lost a large number of workers. And things weren't getting any better.
We are running low on grain.
"Brother?" Renner asked, looking at him; those bright blue eyes held annoyance.
"We are losing more people. They flee the kingdom to our neighbors nations, the Empire or the Karsanas-City Estate. Some are even taking their chances and moving into the capital of the Supreme Being," Zanac announced, much to the annoyance of the nobles. They truly weren't paying attention to their surroundings.
"It may be true, but... we must try to help those coming here!" Renner exclaimed, trying to get her brother to shup up. "It's one of the reason, we can't let people leave."
I just need a bit more to work with. I can't dissapoint, the Supreme One. Failure is not an option now. Renner thought deeply. I'm so close to be with Climb forever!
The king only looked down, wondering how could everything turn so sour for them.
"Gazef, what'd you think we should do?" Ramposa III asked his loyal bodyguard.
Gazef was still thinking about what took place on the Katze Plains and that it was hard. The dismissal, and lack of honor, he understood. A different level and goal. Still, Gazef couldn't truly know what to expect of the Supreme Being, Galadriel Melkor. He worried that the last days of the kingdom were upon them. Gazef's feelings couldn't be displayed to anyone, since if the Warrior Captain of the Re-Estize Kingdom stars to show fear, and doubt. Then everything crumbled, and what hope was left for them would disappear.
So, deciding to pray for the best and find a way to fight for his home. Gazef would not surrender, not even in the face of Armageddon. He then stared at his king, the old man who had lost so much in such little time and smiled at him.
"It is true that the kingdom's people find themselves in a position where we can't provide for all. But we must not lose faith. What the princess said... about bringing the most people we can here is a good idea. Then, we can focus on the capital until we find ways to keep the grain and other food from running out."
Renner couldn't be happier about Gazef's moronic words. She would have definitely thanked him if she didn't find him useless or a botter. Maybe a painless death was enough. Nevertheless, she needed to use this opportunity to pressure her father.
"Father," Renner, again, glanced at her father with hope in her eyes. "I know we can make it work. I have contacts in the Empire that could give us some grain. And if things change... maybe we could establish a peaceful relationship with the Supreme One?"
Renner stated, much to the shock of everyone.
"Renner?" Ramposa III looked at her, confused.
"It was a war, and we lost. It's time to seek new opportunities if we want the kingdom to survive."
Renner, of course, didn't want that, and it wouldn't happen. She just wanted to create more time for her to pull strings and create the perfect opportunity for her master plan. Squeezing dry the kingdom's resources and allowing more harm to lay upon the people. She knew it only took one action to create an excuse for a total war of annihilation. But, at the same time, Renner had to be smart and make sure to make Climb survive the onslaught and point the finger at the nobles who would be nuisances to her future plans. The Supreme One, would eradicate the Re-Estize Kingdom, and from the ashes, rebuilt it again. And with her small talk with Lady Albedo. She may have a role to play in how it would be ruled.
I must search for the kingdom's treasures and save anything important. Until I can hand over the kingdom to my master.
Renner thought, wondering if the internal affairs of the kingdom were bad enough to push for a sort of civil war. Which sounded quite extreme. Renner knew that few nobles could actually get some small mercenaries but nothing to scream enough manpower to be on a civil war level. But still, she pondered the situation that could cause a problem because at the end of the day. It didn't truly matter, and Renner knew it. All she needed was to throw a rock, create mayhem and open the door for her lady.
Still, it won't be necessary.
On the other side of the continent, Pandora's Actor's mission slowly approached its most vital plan. Lupusregina and Narberal have been doing an excellent job by acting friendly towards their companions. Although, Narberal could do better. Yet, their objectives were still there, open before them, and Pandora's Actor couldn't hope but to grind behind his creator's face.
There before him, the Dragon Lord who disrespected his lady showed himself in the most ludicrous manner possible.
"So, you're the one," Tsaindorcus stated, almost condescendingly. "Elian, the Black Heroine."
It's the Black Hero. But I forgive you. Pandora's Actor thought, a bit amused.
Pandora's Actor nodded, glad his lady had created a strong reputation with this character. And now, they were reaping what she sowed, which would benefit them. So with that in mind, Pandora's Actor decided to play it like he planned. A dragon lord likes their ego to be stroked. If their information was correct, then even after centuries of being hunted down by what Pandora's Actor would consider lesser players. They still acted like the most fearsome creature ever alive.
Their arrogance truly makes them easy to deal with. A shame.
Pandora's Actor's mission was to make Tsaindorcus feel confident, let his defenses down, and make sure to destroy him and the rest of the Dragon Lords simultaneously. Yet, that requires patience and the best moment to do it.
And to let him believe he was in control.
"It's not the first time we met... but last time, we didn't truly have a face-to-face meeting," Tsaindorcus said, spreading his large wings. "You met my... armor. But now you've come here, in my place. Only a few are allowed here."
Pandora's Actor has made sure to take note of everyone detail of the base that was clearly part of a guild before. It looked truly, abandoned, and while it looked like the defenses were activated. It seemed that the Dragon Lord didn't truly know, how to operate a guild base. He didn't have the Guild Weapon at all, so, Pandora's Actor wondered, how much input, does Tsaindorcus truly has in this place. Well this ruin. Yes, Ruin, for the lack of a better word. Yet, he wondered if they could fix it or claim it as their own. Eryuentiu, from what Pandora's Actor saw, the guild base, or city type of structure, had fairly good defenses. Impressive, truly something he and any other would have expected from a Yggdrasil's guild base.
There were 30 fairly powerful golems equipped with powerful magical items. Nothing to scoff at, truly, but not something remarkable regarding firepower. Nazarick still surpassed it with bright numbers. However, Pandora's Actor wondered why such a base like this had no guardians like Nazarick. He noticed that there were fairly strong inhabitants in the flying city too, but not powerful enough to consider them a threat. Mostly the items they possess and magical armor and weapons, that made them strong enough to guard it.
Nevertheless, this base is a major threat to us. We can't ignore it or underestimate it.
"This is a show of confidence, no doubt," Pandoras' Actor added, using a soft and submissive tone of voice. "I thank you for the vote of confidence."
Tsaindorcus hummed, staring at her. "Confidence." The Dragon Lord whispered condescendingly.
Pandora's Actor decided to remove his helmet and show his face. Although, it was mostly his lady's crafted face for this character. That action was the one Tsaindorcus needed to look at her differently.
"This is the face of someone who fears not what lays upon her," Pandora's Actor declared, acting like he had never done before. "We are here because the world's safety is lingering from a tread... and a threat like never before has appeared. And we need to help each other if we want an opportunity to succeed."
A cliche speech, to be sure, but from what Pandora's Actor has seen. The dragon lord before him was a true cliche character, which was an insult.
"True," Tsaindorcus stated. "One of the reasons why I have brought you here. So, what do you think, Rigrit?"
Rigrit, the old woman, appeared from the dark corner of the chamber. She was hidden away and looked smug for some reason. Pandora's Actor wanted to chuckle since he knew she had been following them for a while now. But decided to humor her and acted surprised but not too surprised.
"So that feeling wasn't just paranoia."
Pandora's Actor said, faking innocence, which made the old woman chuckled.
"Knew you were different," Rigrit said, surprised by the woman before her. It should be impossible for anyone to sense her, but she has followed them ever since. Elian, the Dark Heroine, quickly felt something wrong.
"Mmhm, I guess we are then on an agreement about this," Tsaindorcus stated.
"We are," Rigrit nodded. "Azuth Aindra is a strong individual. Capable and has a... strong sense of right and wrong. Yet, he is not up to the task, and neither is his niece."
Tsaindorcus sighed deeply but truly understood it. Times were changing, and he needed to save the world once again. However, this was a different instance than it was before. The Supreme One, she was by the name alone. The biggest threat to the world. The Six Great Gods revered her. The Eight Greed Kings feared her. Galadriel Melkor wasn't just an enemy, but the enemy. And now, he must find a way to defeat her.
"And that's why we must ask your help, Elian," Rigrit added. "There are times in which we need someone that will guide the torch for the new generation."
Pandora's Actor wanted to scoff internally. But kept a strong and determined face. "I see. That's quite the endeavor."
"One that you must take to heart," Tsaindorcus said. "But, you'll not be alone in this. We all have a part in doing this. All of us must unite for the good of the world."
Tsaindorcus saw that this age was the turning point. If he succeeded, then, the Dragon Lords would thrive for centuries to come and take their rightful place in this world. That's why he was measuring the woman out, to see if she had any possibility of her being useful.
However, Pandora's Actor could already think what he was thinking. And smiled at the opportunity.
"That's a monumental task. A truly quite incredible task."
Rigrit knew it was true. It wasn't like the Evil Deities. This was something on a completely another level. "That's why we need to unite."
Tsaindorcue nodded. "I saw you fight one of the demon entities of the Supreme One. A being of equal power to one of the Evil Deities. And win, that in itself allow me to understand that you're one of the strongest warriors currently living in this world. Maybe, next to that child in the Theocracy."
"That child? Ah... I remember now."
Pandora's Actor knew who he was referring to. The supposed triumphed card of the Slane Theocracy was underwhelming but from their reports and agents inside their crumbling nation. The girl wasn't wearing the rest of the nation's treasuries. If she had, that girl would show what she could. Nevertheless, it wasn't their current objective.
"Still... even if we were joined our forces. We still needed something more to face the Supreme Being," Rigrit added. "The Supreme One possesses those items capable of great power."
"That is true... we need more than just us... we need more allies," Pandora's Actor mentioned and looked carefully at the face of the Dragon Lord, trying to seek any thinking or reasoning, wondering if he was plotting something.
"That's true... we need help. But not from just anyone..."
"Tsain," Rigrit whispered. "Are you saying...?"
"Mmhm, this is it," Tsaindorcus hummed. "Long time ago, we Dragon Lords agreed that if the world came to a point where an enemy strong enough to push the world to the brink of annihilation appeared again. We will join forces for one last time. And I suspected that only when the Supreme One arrived in this world. We would fight together like we did before."
Pandora's Actor had to admit that it was an incredible quest. But, still, this situation allowed them to create a perfect place where all Dragon Lords would be together. And to learn exactly who was truly the strongest Dragon Lord among them. He suspected that Tsaindorcus was one of them, especially in this form. But they still needed to be careful. Tsaindorcus may still have another [World Item] under his sleeve.
"Are they any other Dragon Lord with one of those... [World Items]?" Pandora's Actor carefully, not to raise any alarm. But he didn't need to. Tsaindorcus was quite over his head and didn't think much about it. He simply nodded and provided me with all the information on a silver plate.
"Yes, one of my oldest allies has one. He defeated a player and took away his [World Item]. He is also one of the strongest Dragon Lords left. Still, I'll have to... search for him and to convince him to aid us."
Pandora's Actor nodded. "I see."
"Tsain, your armor..." Rigrit added, with a touch of melancholy in her voice and sadness.
"I know," Tsaindorcus, already knowing that Rigrit saw his armor not just as an extension of himself but pretty much as another person's whole. "Next time, we face the Supreme One. It will be done face to face."
Pandora's Actor smiled at that bit of news. "We must be careful... we only have one chance."
"Tsain, you're calling a meeting with the rest of the Dragon Lords?"
Tsain sighed deeply. "The Argland Council will meet about the impendent rising of the Supreme One's nation. The other races will also raise their voices. But the other Dragon Councels will listen to me."
"Would they help us?" Pandora's Actor asked, intrigued. "Four more dragon lords against the Supreme Being sound like a good start."
"Mmhm, that could be, but my brethren in the Council aren't the strongest, honestly. Those there are the most... friendly to humans. The rest are happy to be left alone. Yet, they are definatly on my level. True Dragon Lords."
Rigrit groaned, frowning deeply. "If you are talking about those, you'll need to drag them out."
Tsaindorcus nodded. He could already see the pain in his head coming soon. "We need to be together. But I am sure once they know why we are fighting against it. They'll listen."
Pandora's Actor needed the information about where the rest of the true Dragon Lords were. They needed to destroy them before they got together. Because then, it would have to take Nazarick's entire might to fight all those Dragon Lords together. And while he was sure that at the end they could win without losing truly much. It was an unnecessary risk they didn't need to take.
The True Dragon Lords may be able to stand toe-to-toe against a guardian. And even win, if they aren't carefull enough. But their strategy of practically overwhelming the Dragon Lords five to one allowed them to eliminate them easily and effectively. So, Pandora's Actor needed to locate the remaining ones.
"If there's anything I could help with... let me," Pandora's Actor said. "We must gather everyone as soon as possible."
Tsaindorcus thought deeply about those words, wondering what the plan could be. In fact, he could barely know. He knew one of his brethren spent his time flying around the continent and the other deep in the darkness, enjoying whatever he did down there. They were the ones he wanted on his side. They were the strongest next to him. And one of them had a [World Item] that they'll need.
Mm, maybe...
"Rigrit, one of my brothers... you know who is a master of swords and crafting."
"Ah... yeah, him," Rigrit said with a very curiously annoyed look on her face.
"I know, you don't particularly like him... but we must spread the word of what is happening."
"I get it," Rigrit replied with a sigh. "He must be still there, with his weapons, crafting, and all of that. What about the other two? I know one of them is... there, but the flying one. Well, that's beyond my capabilities."
Pandora's Actor glanced only at the old woman. She seemed to know more than meets the eye.
"I'll deal with them. Both of them truly won't listen to you in anycase."
Rigrit shook her head in annoyance but nodded. "So be it."
"It will take time, but we must be patient," Tsaindorcus would need to prepare personally. He didn't have the luxury of losing again. However, he had justice in his hand. And as a Dragon Lord, the mightiest of all. It won't be an easy battle, that was sure. Perhaps, some of his brethren would die. This upcoming war was the last one. The last of the Dragon Lords' battles. One that would change the course of history.
And he was right. But not in their favor, since now, Pandora's Actor has a very good indication of whom they need to get to get all the information they need. The treasury guardian stared at the old woman and smirked internally.
She is the one we need. Shame, she does look like an interesting character.
Still, on Nazarick's side, things would take a surprising turn soon.
Galadriel looked at the map of the continent, yet it was incomplete, which annoyed her greatly. There was great land down there, either east or west. The world hasn't been fully discovered, and what was unknown was a dangerous gamble for her. Clearly, they still need to grasp how big the world was and truly how big the continent was.
That's why Galadriel wanted to have explorers that would craft a better worldview. But she needed to verify the terrain first and to send someone from Nazarick. However, Galadriel needed help with how to approach it.
There could be potential threats out there awaiting my moves as well. I can't let my guard down. So... what should I do?
Galadriel pondered slowly, wondering if the adventurers could serve as her guinea pigs for this expedition.
Mmhm, it could help...? The city is slowly gaining some visitors, but it is still a far cry from a busy city.
Galadriel felt a headache coming, a strange sensation she has been feeling for a while. Maybe it was stress and exhaustion. However, thinking of that made her realize there needed to be a name for her city, her Empire, or her soon-to-be Empire.
"Names, I'm not good at names," Galadriel groaned softly. "Those suggestions weren't really that great. But mines weren't either."
Galadriel wanted it to be great and special. One capable of inciting fear in the heart of her enemies bringing admiration when someone named it or making everyone realize this place would last a thousand years.
"A name, a great name," Galadriel sighed. It was truly incredible how much work there was still left to do. Every time Galadriel thought she was finishing her assignment, her work. Another pile came to her.
"It never ends."
Galadriel then noticed Albedo entering the room with yet more paperwork on her arms.
"It truly never ends," Galadriel whined softly.
"My lady?" Albedo asked, tilting her head.
"Nothing," Galadriel replied, already tired. "What is it?"
"We have the current numbers we'll need to make the city... profitable. Among many other problems."
Galadriel sighed, reading paper after paper. "Sewer problem. Farming problem. There aren't enough farmers now, and we have a lot of land with no one to take care of them. The livestock is freely running around the small towns around the city. Many buildings must catch up on their maintenance rate, including the castle. The city wall has an incredibly abnormal amount of cracks. And it's going on and on."
Galadriel groaned loudly, and Albedo looked at her with an incredibly worried look.
"My lady, let me take care of it if you wish."
Galadriel shook her head. "I can't let you deal with all of this, Albedo. It's not right."
Albedo looked troubled, it wasn't something to say out loud, but the rest of the guardians and she had noticed some strange behaviors from their lady. There were times when Galadriel would be doing something and suddenly stop, and do something else, all while stopping abruptly while asking herself what she was doing. Like she was lost. Then, other times, she would be clutching her head like she had a painful headache.
Galadriel just looked sick overall. And that terrified Albedo to not end.
My lady? Sick? Nonsense! How could a perfect being like her beloved master be sick?!
The Guardians knew that the idea was ridiculous, absurd, and out of place in the world, they only knew about. Yet, there they were, watching their lady look more gloom each day.
"My lady, please, let Pestonya heal you of any problems and illness," Albedo pleaded slowly.
Galadriel, oddly enough, felt annoyed to hear that. It was strange. She didn't want to be healed of anything she thought she didn't have.
"I'm fine," Galadriel replied hissingly.
"But, my lady!"
"Albedo, I'm fin-"
Before she could even finish her words, Galadriel sensed something slowly rising up from her stomach. A feeling she once knew all too well. A horrible sensation reminded her of an awful time in her life when she would be forced to push things out of her body by force.
Galadriel's horrors came to life when she vomited so violently that Albedo dropped everything on the floor and froze in place.
Albedo didn't know what to do after witnessing such a thing. But then it clicked like it was the end of the world.
"Galadriel!" She yelled before screaming her lungs out at one of the poor maids standing there, watching her god puking on the ground, holding her stomach, and falling on her knees in shock. "B-bring Pestonya now!"
Albedo could have sent a message to Pestonya but didn't. Her mind wasn't in the right place.
Galadriel was the same; however, her mind needed to be truly in the right place. Not only was she terrified, disgusted, and anxious about what was happening.
But she sensed something odd. Galadriel was simply on her knees, thinking, feeling, and wondering why she felt so abnormal. But not in a scary way, but as if her body were telling her something of incredible importance.
"My lady!" Pestonya arrived quickly there. The head of the maids practically flew the way there and was as frantic as Albedo.
"Heal her. Use anything!" Albedo screamed, with fear in her eyes. Yet, Galadriel stood quickly, looking a bit disastrous but resolute.
"No."
Galadriel stated quickly. "Do not do so, Pestonya."
"But-"
Pestonya and Albedo exclaimed together, and their eyes showed utter anxiety and confusion.
"No," Galadriel's mind came to a hold. "It's... alright."
Galadriel could only touch her stomach, slowly caressing. "It... it can't be?"
Galadriel then darted towards her room, ignoring both Albedo and the maid. Something was telling her that things weren't bad. No, if she were to use her menu, she would have seen a new status. But, of course, that wasn't necessarily possible. However, that wasn't essential any longer. Galadriel stood before her mirror, watching her reflection of her, and as she stood there, watching, inspecting her.
"My lady?" Albedo called softly, watching her beloved mother with anxiety.
"Albedo... when was the last time we slept together?"
Galadriel asked quickly, with no sense of shame.
"The last time we shared a bed was two days ago."
Galadriel nodded before glancing at her again. "When was the last time... you used your ability?"
Albedo tilted her head, confused, wondering why her lady was asking that. But then it clicked her too. Albedo just stood there, stunned. "Two... two weeks," she declared, while slowly, it all made sense as she felt a sudden pull. A spark of such, an essence of her own, inside her beloved master.
"My lady... this..."
Galadriel noticed the guilty voice of Albedo and sighed deeply. It was clear that Albedo unconsciously has a part in her current state. But it would be unfair to blame her for this.
It takes two to tango. Galadriel thought tiredly. We were careless... I was careless.
"Albedo, I want every guardian here now. All agents must go back, except for Pandora's Actor, Lupusregina and Narberal."
Albedo looked like she wanted to say something but quickly nodded. "At once, my lady."
Albedo left quickly, leaving Galadriel with Pestonya and the homunculus maid alone. Galadriel then took her clothes off, leaving her completely naked. Yet, while surprised by sight. Pestonya just looked at the lady's naked body.
"Pestonya... I would like you to check my status."
Pestonya tilted her head a bit confused but obeyed. Soon enough, Pestonya scanned her master's body, looking for anything out of the ordinary. But soon, Pestonya discovered something that stunned her completely.
"This is...!"
Galadriel knew now what was inside her without a doubt. "Just as I fear. Truly, I shouldn't have expected less. Albedo and I are demons. It's not a surprise we could do this."
Galadriel looked at her still-flat belly and sighed.
Well, this is certainly... the last thing I expected to happen.
"I'm pregnant."