A middle-aged man was sitting behind a desk. At his back a window wall with a view of the city. He had white hair and was wearing shaded glass spectacles. He was having a conversation using his scroll, and in front of him was a blonde woman with a stern face, reading a report on her translucent pad.
"Are you sure about this, Qrow?" asked the middle-aged man.
"Ozpin, we are talking about my family here", replied the voice on the scroll.
"I know, but you do understand what this can mean", replied Ozpin.
"Look, I am not 100 percent sure. I could not hear her first name, but she did call herself Bronwen".
"Very well. Also, I want to ask you if you found the girl with the description I gave you?"
"Sorry, I could not find her body. Either it burned with the crash, or the Grimm arrived before me".
Ozpin sighed deeply, "I see. Thank you for making this detour. Please continue with your original mission".
"Got it".
The communication ended, and Ozpin sighed again.
"Nothing, then? A shame. She was highly priced by the security of Shion, and she got that recommendation", said the blonde woman in front of Ozpin.
The man grabbed the mug that was on his desk and gave it a sip. "It is a shame indeed, Glynda."
Both remained silent for a moment in honour of the Lifes lost in that airship and because they read about the promising future of a young lady who wanted to become a huntress. Glynda was a professor, and she lamented the loss of this young girl's life as if she were a student of hers.
"And what are we going to do with this supposed new daughter of Raven. If she is as strong as Qrow says she is", said Glynda to break the silence.
"We can't do much. Our priority now is Amber and her attackers. In the meantime, we should be only alert of any report that fits the description of a similar individual".
"Understood... Should we let Ironwood know?"
"Glynda. You know that I trust him, but we also know his methods. I guess that as long as we don't have concrete proof that the girl is a threat, we should not worry our dear friend".
The woman nodded and then left the room. Ozpin drinks a little more from his mug.
"Good work, Shalltear", said the great King. Ainza Ooal Gown sat on his throne in Nazarick.
"I am not worthy of your price, Ainz-sama", replied the vampire, bowing with a knee on the floor. Ainz moved his hand to ask Shalltear to stand up.
"I am more interested in your information about the data crystals".
"Yes. Unfortunately, none of us knew how to make work outside the utilities the humans showed me. So maybe it is not the same as we used", replied the vampire and then took one blue crystal from the inventory and gave it to the King.
While the great King was exanimating the crystal, everybody was silent. If those were real data crystals, it might put this new continent in our priorities; however, if this crystal proves to help create gear of divine class, a full-scale invasion would be possible. The only problem was that only the supreme beings were known to be able to use them.
The data crystal was used by the supreme beings to create all Nazarick. The customization of the tomb, the creation of the NPCs and their appearance, the armour, clothing, and weapons. A great example was Shalltear herself, whose real form, or shape, is completely different from her current appearance, which was modified to her current state.
"Mh", the great King nodded, and everyone's eyes went wide. "It is indeed a data crystal, but it is a common data crystal." From his inventory, he took two crystals; one was a blue transparent, bigger than the one Shalltear gave him, and the other white, with the same size as the blue one, but with light coming from it.
"Normally, the data crystals should be this size, and they were obtained after defeating monster enemies in Yggdrasil, and data crystals like this may be dropped", said the great King. At the same time, he raised the blue data crystal.
"On some occasions, you will find rare loot after defeating a monster and this kind of data crystal," said Ainz-sama while holding the other crystal he took from his inventory. "Who is a key component to create divine gear, together with other elements, depending on what you want to create".
The great King then turned and held the smaller crystal that Shalltear brought. "It seems that the habitants of this continent could cut the crystal without completely damaging it."
Ainz-sama then tossed the crystal back to Shalltear. "You said that they sell it in stores, right?"
"Yes"
"Very well. Well done, Shalltear," replied the great King.
Albedo, the beautiful succubus and floor guardian, then got closer and kneeled down. "What are going to be your orders, your Ainz-sama?"
Shalltear eyes got brighter, "Do you choose one of my 13 plans to attack? Of course, if you believe that they are not to your standards or don't align with the plans Ainz-sama currently has, I can always change them".
'Eh? Plans? Were there plans in the report?' thought Ainz-sama. He was caught by the information of the possible data crystals, and he started to think about the implications. The new World had a way to bypass the use of data crystal to enchant weapons, and it seems that this other continent did the same very differently.
Caugh caugh. "Yes, I do believe that your second plan was the one you should follow".
"YES", replied enthusiastically Shalltear.
"Very well. Demiurge! Albedo! Please assist her", said the great King and then he took a book and started to read. Inside the book was the report of Shalltear, as he wanted to know what he just ordered.
"The second, huh? Another reason why you are the leader of the supreme beings. Although it surprised me that you came with that plan by yourself, Shalltear," said Demiurge.
"Well. My time working close to Ainz-sama helped me. I did think about 'what Ainz-sama would do?'" replied the vampire while standing up again.
"Do you have someone in mind?" asked Demiurge.
"Some. But I will need to check their availability", Shalltear said while caressing her chin.
"What do you mean by 'checking their availability?' They should be available for Ainz-sama at any moment", said angry Albedo, not liking that Shalltear got so many compliments from Ainz-sama.
Shalltear only moved her hair, "Well, they will need to do what they are told to in the kingdom and travel to the new continent for a long time".
Demiurge nodded, "Do you have any perquisites for them?"
"Yes. Due to their strength, I don't want to propose anyone higher than level 60 as they would be way too strong for them, but they should be above level 40 as they should be able to destroy the rare Grimms like the one that killed the death knight on the sea", said Shalltear while taking her notepad.
"I also believed that a human from this land may help so we can have more details about this 'aura' thing", continued the vampire.
"A human, huh?" said Albedo, putting her jealousy behind her. "Judging by your plan, the Faceless Preacher may be a good choice. But she is under Ainz-sama's plan".
Ainz-sama only nodded, "well thought".
"Thank you. I also thought about CZ2128 Delta. Her weapons are similar to those used there", Shalltear said, reading the notes.
Albedo thought for a moment, "If you need someone else, then you may need to ask for someone from the Pleiades. You should talk with Aureole about them. She will tell you if the Pleiades are available".
Shalltear nodded.
Ainz-sama was trying to read the section for the plans. The first plan was extensive and described how they could attack the lands, enslave their habitats and make them fight each other. He then tried to skip it, but he went ahead and was in the 10th plan, which was introducing Momon as an adventure who is still searching for the vampire and introducing the undead from Ainz-sama as good Grimms.
The 5th was about showing up in Margarine and declaring the Faunus under the protection of the Sorcerer Kingdom and declaring war on any kingdom unable to ensure their safety.
He kept skipping and went back to the first plan. He went forward and found the third plan, which was advice to add spies and create different companies which could destabilize a country. Steal their resources, and then strike when the place is under chaos.
Finally, Ainz-sama found the second plan, which only said, "infiltrate a huntsmen school, create a team of four. Get information through the school, elevate the influence by achieving great things." That was all, apart from a note saying, "freedom of manoeuvre" and "Ainz-sama as only salvation". But these notes were similar in any plan.
"What do you say, Ainz-sama?" asked Albedo.
"Huh?"
"About the possibility of another human there", explained the supervisor of the floor guardians.
Ainz-sama thought for a moment. He never had any task for Neia, and his original plan of using her to promote the Kingdom's weapons did not work, so if she did not survive, it wouldn't be any problem. The Pleiades should be strong enough to survive and have a way to contact them directly using [Message] if they need help. So, this is an opportunity to test things out.
He remembered the tester of the Monument of Ruin's defences. The tester's corpse was stolen from Re-Estize and has been revived multiple times., making a cycle of revive and being killed. The tester recently lost her willingness to continue, even when freedom was finally achieved. Now, as a free person, the tester lives in a world controlled by the same people who imprisoned her. With the memories, I was afraid that anything could happen. The use of the tester was already done, as the word already spread about their strength, but maybe this will be another opportunity for HER.
"This could be perfect as another test for... Clementine", answered Ainz-sama.
The eyes of the other three went wide.
"I see. I understand now. I see, I see", said Demiurge while nodding.
"I'll make the preparations to bring her here", said Albedo. Ainz-sama nodded and then turned to Shalltear.
"Are you ok with my suggestion? Remember that this is your plan", asked the Supreme Being.
"Of course, Ainz-sama", replied enthusiastically the vampire.
"Very well. Albedo, once you locate her, let Shalltear be the one that gave her the information of her task", declared the great King. "Now, I need to leave", said the Ainz-sama, stood up, and teleported away using his ring.
The three remaining occupants kneed down until the great King left. After that, Shalltear excused herself and went to visit Aureole. She teleported to the 8th floor and was welcomed by Victim.
"Oh! To what do I owe your visit, Shalltear-sama?- said the pink angel with the shape of a fetus.
"Hello Victim-sama. I came to visit Aureole. I need her recommendation about a possible candidate to do an important mission for Ainz-sama", replied the vampire.
"An important mission? Wow, amazing! I wish you the best!" replied enthusiastically, "You can find Aureole at the Sakura Sanctuary. Let me walk you there. Some of our beasts are mindless and would attack friends unless I or Aureole are there. They are just a bunch of rascals," said Victim and then he chuckled a little.
Shalltear walked alongside Victim. The floor looked like a big field space, with a concrete path. The path guided them to pass a small river, and then they walked alongside the river. Then a small hill full of trees appeared, and they could see a big Tori, a red gate, at the beginning of some stairs that would take them to the top.
Shalltear and Victim climbed the stairs, well, Victim floated.
When they finally arrived at the top, they saw a Shinto Shrine. And outside of it, sweeping the entrance, was Aureole wearing a white haori and a red hakama. She looked as young as Shalltear but with a healthy skin colour and black hair. Anyone who sees her would think of her as a normal human girl.
Aureole turned to where the vampire and Victim were and smiled widely. "Oh! I have visitors!" said the immortal human and ran to Shalltear. "Welcome to the Sakura Shrine, Shalltear-sama".
"Good day to you, Aureole Omega," replied the vampire.
"To what do I owe your visit?" asked the leader of the Pleiades.
"I'll be leaving you then", said Victim and then teleported away.
Once Victim teleported away. The leader of the Pleiades smiled and invited Shalltear inside.
Once inside, they sat in a tatami in front of a low table. Then, a small fox-like creature appeared with a wooden tray with a teapot and two small wooden cups. Aureole took the tray and placed it on the low table. She thanked the fox, and then the animal left. At the middle of the table were some cookies.
The human and the vampire drink the tea, which they deem delicious. "So, how can I be of your assistance Shalltear-sama?"
"Yes. I was tasked with an important mission in the new continent", said Shalltear.
"Oh. I did hear about it. That's very exciting!" replied Aureole with a high-pitched voice.
"Yes, well. I have been given the ok with one of my plans, and for it, I will need someone loyal to Nazarick but still under the level of 60." Shalltear detailed while savouring the tea.
"I wished I could go, but I can't leave my post", said the human girl.
"Yes, well, I was thinking of your recommendation with any of your sisters. Anyone who could be friendly with the humans to avoid any problems. We need two".
"Well, Solution and Narberal are out. Unless you have a specific job like Ainz-sama. Lupusregina could be a good option, but she is too playful, and her sadistic nature may show up." said the leader of the Plaides while still thinking with the cup of tea in her hands.
"Entoma is friendly with the humans, but she may feel hungry and try to eat one," continued the human girl. "In reality, what I can advise you would be Yuri and CZ. Yuri-neechan is good with humans, and CZ, although neutral with them, have become very friendly with this human girl from the Sacred Kingdom."
Shalltear nodded, "I have already thought of CZ2128. And although Yuri could be a good addition, we need someone that looks young, like an 18 to 16 years old".
Aureole snickered, "I am going to tell Yuri-neechan that you called her old".
"What?! I am just telling her that she is the mature of the group", said Shalltear, and Aureole laughed.
Shalltear only drank again, "are you finished?"
"Sorry, sorry", said the girl. After a while, she calmed.
"Besides, we also need that their appearance is normal, maybe with animal traits", the vampire took a cookie.
"Well, that takes Entoma out. I guess the best option could be... Tsuare".
"Tsuare?" asked the vampire, who does not remember that Pleiade.
"Yes, Tsuare. The human wife of Sebas onii-chan."
Shalltear only frowned at Aureole, who was giving her a bright smile. Suddenly, Shalltear stood up and walked in front of a human girl. Then she started to bully her head, and the human girl started to scream, "I am sorry, I am sorry!"
Shalltear left her and sat back, "Please be serious".
Aureole nodded, caressing her head." I guess you already have your answer, either way. CZ and Lupusregina. The only problem is that Lupusregina was tasked to protect Carne Village".
Shalltear nodded, "Yes. I'll need to ask the Supreme Being".
Afterwards, Shalltear and Aureole continued talking about other things. After a while, Shalltear left the place with a promise to visit her sometime in the future.
Shalltear was in her room on the 3rd floor. She already had an idea of what she needed for the mission. She had been reading her notes while taking a bath, when she suddenly received a [Message] from the Supreme Being.
"Shalltear, come to the throne room. Integrants of your team are here".
"Right away, Ainz-sama!" Yelled Shalltear, standing up still naked. Shalltear's vampire wives were there and helped dry and dress.
Once ready, Shalltear opened a portal and went to the throne room. There she could see a girl kneelingn in front of the great King. Shalltear did the same until they heard the King say, "Stand up".
Shalltear then had a good look at the other person. She was a girl with short blonde hair, around 18 years old; her features did not stand much except for her eyes. A piercing gaze and a couple of small black eyes, which at the moment, instead of looking menacing, looked full of adoration while they were looking at Ainz-sama. At that moment, Shalltear understood why she was selected from all the citizens of the Holy Kingdom.
"Shalltear, I want to present you Neia Baraja. She is a citizen of the Holy Kingdom, a brave warrior, a Paladin, and a good friend of mine", said the great King.
"Neia, she is Shalltear Bloodfallen. She is a vampire who is working under my instructions. She is loyal to me and those who follow me", said Ainz-sama. Shalltear made a courtesy to Neia and replied with a small bow.
Neia was nervous because of the way she was presented. "Th-thank you for the introduction, Your Majesty. Although, I guess I need to let you know that I declined the Paladin assignation".
"Is that true?" asked Ainz-sama.
"Yes. It would have taken time that I wouldn't be using to help people in need. I am already assigned as something like a High Priest, which has helped me heal my nation. Unfortunately, Paladins are now just personal bodyguards for the south Holy Kingdom instead of helping with the protection and reconstruction of the north", said Neia while clenching her fist.
"Is that so? Mmh. That makes me think. I am going to be honest with you, Neia-san. I was hoping to assign you for a personal favour", said the King.
"Of-Of Course, your Majesty. I'll do anything in my possibilities. After all you had done to us..." Neia stopped when she saw the hand of the Supreme Being.
"Is that so? Thank you. But leaving your country without you may be problematic. Tell you what, I'll send you some more help to conclude the reconstruction. I am sure our citizens and some dwarves would be thrilled to help you. Of course, I'll send some death knights as bodyguards. That is even if you don't accept doing this favour", said the Supreme Being.
Neia's small eyes widened, "Your Majesty is really merciful".
The great King nodded and then made a gesture to Albedo, who was standing next to him. Then he turned to see Neia, "Now about the favour I want to ask you. Recently, we were able to cross the sea. And we found out that there is another continent. Well, 4 continents to be exact. There, the people have developed differently than here. I wished to have a friendly relationship with them, but due to the cultural shock, it may be counterproductive".
Neia was standing and listening to everything with her utmost attention.
"Shalltear here already made a small investigation on the zone. They seem to have a problem with the mindless undead beasts that they call Grimm, which are driven by negative emotions. What I want you to do is to enter their Kingdom so we can know more about these monsters and see if I can do something about them."
Neia's vision of Ainz-sama got even bigger.
"I accept! I'll do it!" said Neia, almost yelling. She thought at that moment that she could help the great King and also that land. It was obvious that they just needed to learn about the greatness of Ainz Ooal Gown.
"Thank you, Neia-san. Of course, this will take place after the reconstruction of the north is completed", said the great King. "If you need more information, please talk with Shalltear here".
Neia nodded.
"Oh, and before I forget. You will share the mission with Chizu", said the King, and Neia's smile widened. The great King then left the place, and Neia and Shalltear were alone in the throne room.
Then Neia stopped in front of Shalltear and offered her hand, "It will be a pleasure to work with you. Let's do our best to not let Ainz-sama down."
Shalltear frowned when she heard the human girl calling the name of the great King so casually, but she also heard that she was given permission directly from him to address him that way. She then sighed and shook her hands together.
"Now, can you tell me more about this place? Were they attacked like the Holy Kingdom?" Neia asked.
"No. The problem of the Grimm seems to be ancient for them. But they seem to have similar problems of racism against beastmen, or how they call it, faunus", explained Shalltear.
Neia nodded, "it was expected."
Shalltear turned and frowned at the human girl.
"His majesty is truly justice. I bet he decided to take action when he heard about this discrimination. He wants to expand the paradise of his nation and protect all and every species", Neia elaborated with her hands together as if prying.
The true vampire thought for a moment, "I don't know about that. But it will be stupid to think that we can comprehend the thought of the Supreme Being".
Neia smiled and nodded, "You may be right. But my experience tells me that he already has a plan to save all of these people".
Suddenly, a maid appeared in front of the two girls, asking Neia to follow her as she would be talking with Albedo regarding the help that would be sent immediately. The same maid told Shalltear that she was summoned to the office of the supreme being.
Shalltear nodded and said her goodbyes to Neia, letting her know they would be in contact. Then she walked to her new destination.
When Shalltear arrived at the office, Lupusregina was already there, alone, standing in front of the desk. The office had two doors, and the second was behind the desk.
"Osu!" greeted Lupusregina. The vampire only nodded and stood there.
"Hey! You know what this is about?" asked Lupusregina, but before the vampire could answer, the door opened again, and this time it was Sebas and Tsuare.
"Oh. Good afternoon, Shalltear-sama, LupusReina", said Sebas with a small bow. His partner made a small curtsy with the skirt of her maid's dress.
"Good day, Sebas" answered Shalltear.
"Yo!" replied Lupusregina.
Suddenly, the other door, the one behind the desk, opened. From that door, Ainz-sama appeared with a maid on his side. The four of the people already in the room were about to kneel down, but the great King stopped them. "Stop, please, especially you, Tsuare. Please for the remaining time here, have a seat". After that, the great King asked his maid to help her seat, which she did.
Tsuare was nervous to be singled out, but she obeyed, walked to the sofa close to the wall, and sat.
When she finally sat, Ainz-sama nodded and then sat behind the desk, "At this point, I guess the rumour is already circulating about the current mission of Shalltear, correct?"
Sebas and Lupusregina nodded, but the last one spoke, "So it is true that there is another continent?"
"It is. Now, this is a mission under the care of Shalltear, but she will have the support of the great Tomb of Nazarick. For that reason, the help of Lupusregina is needed; of course, you can decline. But if you accept, you need to follow Shalltear's orders".
The eyes of Lupusregina light up, "New toys to play? Of course, I'll do it! I'll do it."
"Didn't you hear? You will need to follow my instructions", said Shalltear.
"Oh, come on, Sally. We know that you also like to have fun. And if the rumours are correct, you really like to have fun at night," said Lupusregina with a naughty smirk.
"Caugh, caugh." The supreme exaggerated the fake cough to stop that talk.
"Now, because you will be out for a long period of time, Sebas will replace you in Carne village. The village will be a good place to raise a kid", said Ainz-sama while looking at Tsuare. Both Sebas and Tsuare bowed their heads, saying, "Thank you very much."
"Oh! You are waiting? I didn't know. Congratulations!" said the vampire.
"Thank you, Shalltear-sama", replied Sebas while Tsuare smiled and bowed her head.
"Congrats! Congrats! Will we have another Pleiade sister in the way? Or will it be the first boy Pleiade?" asked Lupusregina.
"Thank you, Beta-san. We still don't know the gender", replied Tsuare.
Caugh caugh.
"Well. Now That it was resolved, Lupusregina, you will need to follow the instructions of Shalltear until the mission is completed. I'll call you back when it starts. In the meantime, take Sebas and Tsuare to Carne Village and find a good place for them to stay", declared the great King. The people inside bowed. "You are dismissed. Shalltear, please stay a little longer".
Sebas, Tsuare and Lupusregina left the room, leaving Shalltear together with Ainz-sama and his maid.
"Shalltear. We have found Clementine, but she will need a little more persuasion. Because this will be your mission, I will let you decide how to approach it. I can also assist you with it, as I was the one who suggested her use", said the great King.
"Thank you very much, Ainz-sama~," said the vampire with her face red.
The King, immune to her reaction, asked, "Do you have anything in mind?"
Shalltear composed herself, "yes. I was thinking maybe using 'Control Amnesia'. I know it can take time for it to work, but as we still need to wait for the reconstruction of the north side of the Holy Kingdom, we may have enough time".
"Any memory in mind?"
Shalltear took her notepad and read it quickly, "Maybe let her believe that she deflected her home country to work with us. She will be able to do chaos as she wants to our benefit. And that she had become loyal to you, Ainz-sama. That she understood true power."
Ainz nodded, "I see what I can do. I will let you know when it is ready. In the meantime, prepare everything for your mission. Remember, you can't plan everything as unexpected things may appear. Your plan should be able to adapt".