Hey Guys! Crescent Rider here and I am back with another chapter! But before you all begin, you may all wonder about what you'll expect in this chapter. The Lizardmen unified their tribes by Zaryusu Shasha.
The chapter will focus on Hope and others like Manor Personnel and Servants. Just putting some depth in her character when inside or outside of Nazarick.
That is all and enjoy the chapter!
8th Floor Manor
After Hope gained Ainz's approval, Solstice is in the middle of packing some of his stuff into a small pouch he hangs around his waist. It may look small, but the space within is vast but not like a Player's [Inventory].
As soon as he finished, Solstice kept his pouch hanging onto his waist and rushed up to Hope, who was standing by the doors, "Ready to go?"
"You bet I am, Hope-Onee-san! I can't wait to see what's out there!" Solstice openly expressed,
"I know, but remember. Upon first sight of trouble, you will be teleported back here for your safety. Do I make myself clear?" Hope reminded,
"I will! Besides, I've got you, what more do I need," Solstice remarked, and Hope genuinely chuckled before ruffling his gray hair again.
"I'm glad you approve, but before we leave I want to check up on Pride's Pawn," Hope said, "You can come with me if you like,"
"Sure! I can't wait to meet them!" Solistice agreed, and they went out of the room to Prideful Sector, which holds the entire 3rd Floor of the Manor. They first take the stairs, then stop as Hope turns and activates a unique feature through her manor ring.
The large stairs they took soon started to rumble and what followed was the middle section of the stairs started to spilt and flip itself upward to the ceiling. Solistice watched in awe before taking Hope's hand and marching their way up the stairs.
When their heads reached the ceiling, they somehow phase through, and before them was a bedroom that looked similar to a chessboard. The one sitting at the center of a half-black-white bed was a child with a black halo floating above his head, short black hair, a white collared shirt under a black sleeveless vest and black tie, long pants, and white socks.
His leather shoes rest by the center of the bed's footboard.
(For reference, the appearance is similar to Lucius Wagner from Lucius)
"Hello Marshal," Hope greeted, "How are you today?"
"I'm fine, thank you for asking," Marshal casually replied, then fixated their gaze on Solstice, "Why is one of the Envious Members outside their respective sector?"
"He wanted to leave the manor for a while. So I got permission from Ainz-san to supervise his outing," Hope explained,
"Ah, I see... And what brings you to visit my room?" Marshal inquired,
"I wanted to check on Beowulf before I leave with Solstice. Hoping that he doesn't do anything out of line," Hope revealed,
Marshal would conjure an orb with his hand and hover it toward Hope's direction. Moments later, the orb shows Beowulf sitting on the ground, and around him are heavily armed knights. Ever since his arrival in the manor, it's always Marshal tending to his urge for battle and Marshal's diversity with weapons, armor, and tactics proves that he is never bored with them.
He even gets up and faces the knights after he catches his breath again.
"I'm sorry for burdening you with this task, Marshal," Hope apologized,
"Don't be, I am more than happy to face tens, if not hundreds of him, under your direct order, Lady of the Manor," Marshal admitted,
"Much appreciated, however, that noble title is something I generally don't use. The manor is my home, and its people are my family," Hope stated, "If you'd like, you may call me 'Onee-san' whenever you please,"
"Of course, Hope-Onee-sama," Marshal casually agreed,
With that, Hope gently ruffled their hair and went back to Solistice's side, "Let's go,"
"Sure!" Solistice replied, held Hope's hand, and both teleported out of the manor,
As for Marshall, their expression hasn't changed in the slightest as they continue to treat Beowulf's urge for battle.
6th Floor, Amphitheater
Solstice would cheeringly play with the wolf of Hessian Lobo in a chasing game, its headless rider sitting by a bleacher as the chase goes on, and Hope watches the lizardmen via surveying magic with Mare watching beside her.
The village she observes closely was the first Lizardmen village and they were gathering their numbers and bolstering their ranks to a defensive line. Though it isn't special, they will certainly put up a good fight against Cocytus' army should he underestimate his opponent.
After minutes of observation, she then checked the second village of Lizardmen. Likewise, they were preparing themselves for the war by gathering most of their Lizard warriors and gathering at the first village where the battle occurs.
The same applies to the third village, but Hope soon spots a lone Lizardman riding on the back of a four-headed reptilian monster, "A hydra? That's interesting to see,"
"U-Um, Hope-sama. Do you intend to take that Hydra after the Lizardmen are dead?" Mare inquired,
"I don't have any intentions of taking things from the Lizardmen, Mare," Hope revealed, "If anything, I'd prefer to collect samples from unique Lizardmen and replicate them in various methods I possess,"
Mare understood as she smiled, and then a question popped up in Hope's mind, "That reminds me, how are you and Anxious faring these days?"
"Eh? Uh, um..." Mare visibly blushed when reminded of Anxious Hope, "W-We're fine as of today,"
Hope just blinked and then read between his lines. She soon had her assumes, then she called for Anxious Hope via [Telepathy]. Since she's a part of herself, communication via her mind was possible.
Moments later, Anxious Hope appears before her and is as timid as she remembers, "H-Hello, Hope-sama,"
"Hello as well," Hope greeted back, "Pleasantries aside, I would like you to stretch your hand out to me,"
"S-Sure," Anxious Hope agreed and stretched her hand to her creator,
Hope firmly grips Anxious Hope by the wrist and what follows is the synchronization of their memories. Soon, she discovered how close she and Mare are and Hope soon learned just how deep this relationship is.
But she paid little attention to it and pulled her hand off after the synchronization of memories was complete, "Ah, I see what's going on. Rather interesting in my opinion,"
"Y-You aren't mad?" Anxious Hope inquired,
"No, in fact, I'm quite surprised that you'd establish this sort of thing behind our backs," Hope remarked, "Regardless, I'm not against it. But please, try to keep me updated if you can,"
"I-I will!" Anxious Hope replied,
"Same goes for you," Hope stated directly to Mare,
"O-Of course! And forgive me for hiding it!" Mare apologized,
Hope just smiled and ruffled Mare's head, then they heard Solistice's yelp as he was finally caught by the wolf and pinned to the ground. There wasn't any harm done or hostility between them, just the former cheerfully laughing beneath the latter's paw.
Because of everything that's been going on, Hope curls up a smile and then proceeds to stand, "Hey, Solistice! How about we join the game too?"
"You mean it, Hope-Onee-chan?!" Solistice inquired as he was released,
"Sure, the more the merrier," Hope replied, as she, Mare, and Anxious Hope stood straight and jumped down from their seats,
"Yahoo! More players!" Solistice cheered, and they would play for hours in the Amphitheater.
Meanwhile...
After Fuhrer and Reyna joined Sebas and Solution in their operation in E-Rantel, they immediately stood out as Solution's noble parents and gained the attention of Re-Estize's aristocrats.
Despite their false affiliation to the Baharuth Empire, the Re-Estize Kingdom's opposing nation, they were invited to a small noble banquet and all four of them attended despite the guest list being small.
As for what they're doing, Solution is sampling the meal and beverages with Sebas by her side while Fuhrer and Reyna are chattering with Re-Estize's Noblemen and Noblewomen. What soon followed was the former approached by a beautiful blond-haired woman in white clothing and a snake tattoo on her right shoulder.
"Greetings, Mr. Fuhrer," The woman greeted, "My name is Hilma Cygnaeus, esteemed host of this fine banquet, and owner of this mansion"
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I am Herr Fuhrer, Noble Count of the Baharuth Empire," Fuhrer formally greeted,
(I'm well aware that Herr means 'Sir' in German.)
"How modest of you," Hilma politely stated, "So, how's the banquet faring your noble family?"
"Apart from the daughter's tantrums and unruly behavior. We feel rather well with the banquet compared to our life in the Baharuth Empire," Fuhrer admitted,
Both sides were well aware of the situation among the Baharuth Empire's nobles. Particularly, the current Emperor, Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix, had been purging most nobles to consolidate his authoritative power, and those who opposed him while the rest were either revoked of their noble titles or kept on a short leash.
How Fuhrer knows this is due to the information given by Hope and Nazarick personnel. The rest is just improvisation and a calm demeanor with little bodily reaction.
"So I take it that life was better before the 'Bloody Emperor's purge?" Hilma inquired,
"Of course, though most of them had certain issues with personality. I still enjoyed our former conversations," Fuhrer remarked, then eyes on a few noblemen nearby, "And speaking with a few of your guests feels somewhat nostalgic,"
Hilma chuckles with glee, then comes up with an offer as she pulls a letter from her pocket, "Then let me provide you with an opportunity. If you'd like to talk more often,"
"That wouldn't be necessary, I'm formally married to my wife," Fuhrer declined,
"I'm not inviting you to my quarters, as tempting as you look. What I'm offering is more than my hospitality," Hilma corrected,
Fuhrer would collect the paper, unfold it, and skim through the contents of the paper. After he read it all, he turns back to Hilma, "Are you certain? I'm fairly new here and I belong to the Baharuth Empire,"
"This one cares little about your affiliation with either kingdom. As long as you've proven yourself trustworthy, capable, and supportive of our cause. We may consider having you and your family as allies," Hilma explained, "So what says you?"
Fuhrer glances down at the paper, and then looks at Hilma's eyes. Not minding the guests around them, there was silence then came Fuhrer's response to the matter, "Give me some time to think, as well as time to console with my family. After I've made my decision, I will return here alone with my reply,"
"Of course, until our next meeting," Hilma insisted, then dismissed herself from the floor,
As Fuhrer returned to Reyna's side, one of Hilma's supporters approached her, "Do you honestly think it's wise to invite a foreigner we've met not so while ago to the Eight Fingers? What will the others say?"
"Even though it was brief, his cold and focused gaze reminded me of a few noblemen supporting our cause as we speak," Hilma admitted, "But compared to them, Fuhrer may possess more than what they have. I may as well compare him to Baharuth Empire's Bloody Emperor, and he would stand on top"
The nobleman looked visibly concerned, and Hilma remarked on his uneased, "And the way he reacts to my words is more appealing than you or anyone present today,"
With that, Hilma retires to her quarters after the banquet has reached its conclusion. Fuhrer, Reyna, Solution, and Sebas would walk back to the mansion they're staying in and the latter would send a report to Nazarick regarding Fuhrer's invitation to Re-Estize's Criminal Organization, The Eight Fingers...
E-Rantel
As the sun slowly rises from the horizon, Cecilia finds herself lying on her bed out of pure exhaustion from working in the shop and her only company throughout the night is Hope's ravens, Huginn and Muninn.
When it comes to studying the magic arts under Hope's instruction and managing the shop in her stead. The stress of both was slowly getting into her and often spent what little free time she had to rest or catch up to current events around town.
But what she really wants to do is find her older sister, and hope to bring her back. If she is unable to do so, then she will spend the rest of her days as Hope's apprentice.
Soon, she heard Huginn and Muninn cawing quite loudly and watched them leave for the front counter. Cecilia would follow the crows and soon meet Ainz Ooal Gown and his companion, Narberal Gamma.
"Greetings, Ainz Ooal Gown-sama," Cecilia formally greeted, "What brings you here today?"
"I wanted to know about your progress regarding that dragon we've talked about," Ainz requested,
"Oh, right. Wait here," Cecilia soon went up while Ainz waited for her,
"Ainz-sama, can we really trust her? It hasn't been long since she turned into an [Arachnoid]" Narberal questioned, "I normally trust that, but she was once human
"It's not about trusting Ninya, Narberal. It's about trusting Hope and her judgment," Ainz remarked, "Though I am indeed the leader of Nazarick and leader of Ainz Ooal Gown. There are some areas in which she exceeds me. Quite comical considering her father chose me as her Godfather, yet I often rely on her than the other way around,"
"I see, my apologies for questioning Hope-sama's judgment," Hope swiftly apologized,
"It's alright. As a matter of fact, I am certain that she wouldn't betray us since she holds a lot of contempt against noblemen," Ainz revealed, having read Cecilia's journal prior to her demise at Clementine's hand, "She may as well accept her transformation in hopes of finding her lost sister, who had been kidnapped by Nobles long ago. For that sentiment alone, she'll undoubtedly pledge her utmost loyalty to Hope, in extension to me, as well,"
Cecilia soon returned and brought a book that may contain information regarding dragons, "Here's what you've requested, Ainz Ooal Gown-sama. Fully restored and deciphered to the best of my abilities,"
"Thank you," Ainz thanked and stored the book inside his inventory, "And don't be afraid to address me by my first name, we aren't in Nazarick. And when we're out in public, refer to me by my adventurer name,"
"Of course, Ainz-sama," Cecilia complied, "And I'll do my best to keep your true identity a secret,"
"Of course, as for your payment," Ainz pulls out a parchment and places it on the counter, "Read this,"
Cecilia would open the parchment, then gasped towards the contents of the letter, "The Eight Fingers?"
"It was a report submitted by one of my subordinates," Ainz revealed, "With what they've gathered regarding the organization, they're mostly responsible for the illegal trading of slaves and drugs across the kingdom and the Baharuth Empire,"
"Not to sound so rudely, but how did you know about this?" Cecilia inquired, "And why tell me?"
"You said you're looking for your sister, correct?" Ainz inquired, and Cecilia gasped in realization as he continued, "With Hope ordering one of her subordinates to join the noble circle supporting the organization, she gathered more information than I intended to gain from this world. If need be, she may be one step closer to finding her,"
Cecilia was profoundly filled with hope, but Ainz continued, "However, be aware that we can't guarantee whether she's alive or dead. If it's the latter, we'll recover what we can. Do you understand?"
"Yes... Considering the circumstances and years we were apart, I'll acknowledge whether or not she's gone from this world," Cecilia stated, "As long as she back to me, I'll happily be grateful for your generosity, Ainz-sama!"
"Good, we will be leaving now. Let's go," Ainz turns to the door and leaves with Narberal,
Once alone again, Cecilia looked rather uneased but it didn't deter her from her life's goal. With a new day on the horizon, she would open the shop and go about another busy day.
Abelion Hills
Demiurge was dispatched to a wild area that's near the border of the Roble Holy Kingdom. He would conduct brutal experiments after capturing humans, demi-humans, and monsters in the area. However, his findings and exploits are often sent to Perfectionist Hope since their mind and professionalism are something that surpasses even his intellect.
A praiseworthy trait to behold and considered his position as an honor to the Child of Nazarick.
The first experiments he proposed to Perfectionisht were to harvest the skin of young Abelion Sheep, which are originally human children, and be used to produce parchment for Magic Scrolls.
Perfectionist Hope declined his proposal, not out of sympathy for humans but for a more suitable alternative source for parchment production; Project Chimera...
Though Demiurge states that there weren't any chimeras living within the area of Abelion Hills, Perfectionist Hope clarified that the project solely focuses on the creation of Hybrids between human and demi-human races. In her words, an artificial Chimera.
Upon Demiurge's initial testing of crossbreeding two species, female humans and various species of demi-humans. The latter rejects the former solely due to their esteemed preference and unfavorability towards humankind.
When Demiurge addressed the problem directly to Perfectionist Hope. They came to his ranch and tended to the experiment personally...
"Demiurge," Perfectionist Hope greeted as they arrived at Demiurge's ranch,
"Welcome, Hope-sama," Demiurge greeted back with a well-mannered bow, "Everything has been prepared as you instructed,"
Perfectionist Hope went to the testing field and was met with a female human and a male demi-human with tiger-like features.
"What methods have you been using?" Perfectionist Hope inquired,
"We've tried simple conversations, threats, force, as well as [Charm] Magic from a powerful succubus," Demiurge stated, "So far, the latter has provided some notable results. Yet none of the females seem to have bore any children from them,"
"What about the use of drugs?" Perfectionist Hope inquired,
"Drugs? But what use would that do?" Demiurge inquired,
"As I expected, there is still much for you to learn..." Perfectionist Hope clarified, then accessed their own [Inventory], "Restrain the Demi-human to his knees and arms stretched apart,"
Demiurge performs this action through [Control Mantra], "On your knees!"
The Demi-Human soon followed his command and Demiurge followed, "Do not resist! Spread your arms!"
With the Demi-human restrained, Perfectionist Hope went behind the Demi-human with a long syringe in one hand and a small medical bottle in the other. They would puncture the top of the bottle and fill half of it up.
Then they find the softest spot of the Demi-human's neck and administer the drug via injection. Once empty, Perfectionist Hope pulls the needle out and what follows is the effects of the drug.
"Release it," Perfectionist Hope ordered,
"You are free to move!" Demiurge commanded, and the Demi-human was free of his bind,
Its muscles spasmed, its voice crackled, and its self-conscious mind was overwritten by the drug's natural effect. Before long, the self-aware and unwilling Demi-human had become a beast with sole desire...
The first thing it set its sights on was the human girl before it and lunged at her as a predator would to its unsuspecting prey. Demiurge watched the scene unfold before his very eyes while Perfectionist Hope remained neutral as the Demi-human ravaged the girl to the ground.
By the time it was over, the Demi-human collapsed on the ground and the human looked unresponsive but alive. Perfectionist Hope neither cared for both and examined the girl's belly.
Upon close inspection through Magic, they soon turned away to face Demiurge, "Heal her of her injuries and monitor the progress of its child. Give it a few months and proper care, Project Chimera will move forward to phase two. If you need any questions, contact me via [Message Orb],"
Just as Perfectionist Hope opened a portal, Demiurge called upon her, "Wait, before you return to Nazarick, I must know. What was it that you injected into that creature? I wish to study it for future use,"
"I will provide you with a substantial amount of ingredients, equipment, and instructions to replicate the drug for your use," Perfectionist Hope stated, "As for the details, know that the drug provides high levels of potency, increases their carnal desires as well as aggression, and switches off one's self-aware. Not at all that harmful and effective to us powerful creatures, those below will. Making them act more like beasts than individuals,"
"As expected, you certainly exceed my utmost expectations, Hope-sama. It is no wonder that you are the Child of Two Supreme Beings," Demiurge praised,
"Save your praises with the original. I merely act in her name as a clone," Perfectionist Hope dismissed, then returned to Nazarick,
With that in mind, Demiurge monitors the woman under her instructions and ensures that no harm comes to the future of Project Chimera. While doing so, Demiurge sought to improve himself further and gain further insight from the Child of Nazarick's mind.
Additionally, he's in the middle of preparing a throne for Ainz after the dummy Tomb of Nazarick is fully constructed, one that's made out of high-quality bones within his ranch...
Nazarick
A couple of days passed and the war between the forces of Nazarick and the Lizardmen was about to commence. Within the 6th Floor's Amphitheater was a mirror that overlooks the first village of Lizardmen and what they were about to witness was the first battle under Cocytus' command.
But as they were watching, Hope was nowhere to be seen nor was she within any floors of Nazarick...
...
...
...
For she watches the battle much closer than anyone here...
That is it for this chapter! As for what comes next, it'll be on Hope's point of view as the first battle between the Lizardmen and Cocytus' force happens.
I promise that I will make it interesting as I go through with the chapter.
Lastly, I've decided that I'll proceed with the Original Overlord Story in the future. It'll still be labeled as a Crossover Story, but I'm currently deciding on whether the plot remains the same as the original Overlord but in a different route or I go for a more original plot with a vast amount of OC characters.
I'll listen to whatever opinion you guys have on the matter.
Until then, I will see you all in the next chapter!