(This chapter wouldn't be possible without the help of anonmike217, follow him)
Meanwhile in the empire
A group of dwarven soldiers were being escorted by the temple guard through some hallways of pure gold and stone. Getting some dwarves to grumble about this hold was richer than their own. But shaking that off, their purpose is to bring a message to the lizardman leader Kroq-gar about the alliance that was talked and debated with the High King Thorgrim Grudgebearer and Thrór Oakenshield. At first they were a bit afraid that they would be stared down like last time being sandwiched between Barak Varr for the right to live.
But after some negotiations between the two holds they agreed for them to live on the mountain as a pit stop to the open oceans and the main capital city Krak-A-Karak. Along with great riches to supply the war effort against the war of Mount Squighorn and other conflicts against the Orks and other types of Orks that have been popping up in certain war parties. Being much more intelligent but much weaker then their stronger kin. After that first meeting and twenty years of testing they were allowed to ask for a request for the high king. Which was yesterday as Thrór and sons came to request his judgment of their alliance with the lizardmen. They saw the High-King scrutinize them before but something changed in him when they said it was Kroq-gar who put forward the alliance. And just like that his kingly presence fell and he smiled.
Thorgrim: A dawi from another hold I take it?
These were the final words that needed to be said and were given blessings to renew the alliance of Kroq-gar and the dawi race. Being told along the way they were about to come to blows of a certain hold down in the southlands that was assailed by lizard fiends and ghoul kings around the area. After some talk and discovering that Kroq-gar was like them they rebuilt the hold and destroyed the surrounding undead and demons that assailed the land. Earning their faction to be stricken from the book without death. Only have to foot in the bills and fees for the recolonization effort. They received their last payment but something happened and the lizardmen retreated back to the temple cities and no word was sent after some time.
They were still there but from ranger reports the lizardmen looked to be refocusing their efforts inwards. Even speaking to the elgi Teclis about something involving the spawning pools. Whatever the reason and would be a more entertaining story to ask Kroq-gar himself. They walked to the throne room after walking across the red carpet and looking around, seeing many artistic depictions of the lizardmen of old and the roof having dragon skeletons hanging above them.
After waiting for a bit the throne moved upwards after some clink and clanking of gears. Revealing a portal being turned on and out through it was a human looking much younger than any Noble of the Empire of Man. Especially without the common standard of gray beard being a pure black with his clothing and a red vest around his chest. Looking a little less fancier and more practical than what was considered noble men of the empire who wear the more colorful of their clothing. His face is a little worn with a mustache parting around in the middle and hair at the back of his head. Pulling out something from his pocket and looking at the time he put it away and fixed up his black tie and stood tall to address the welcoming party.
Alfred: Hello, my name is Alfred Pennyworth, Ex-Freedom fighter and Leading Butler of the Lizardmen Organization, how may I address you fine gentlemen today
After some awkwardness as they felt very afraid of how much power is radiating off of this umgi. Especially when he was fixing up his tie they felt the stranglehold of the air was lifted and they could swear they saw some string floating around the air going back into the collar of this Umgi. Putting up as much false bravado he could muster. One of Thrór's sons, being entrusted with this message, stepped forward.
Thráin: Greetings Alfred, I am the leader of this group and son of Thrór. we are here to speak to Lord Kroq-gar on both High-King Thorgrim and King Thrór Oaken shield, both have agreed to forge an alliance between the dwarfs and the lizardman
Alfred smiled and bowed explaining the absence of his leader going off on an errand.
Alfred: My apologies, lord Kroq-gar is not here right now; he is making an alliance with Ainz Ooal Gown, just south east of here, if you like, I'll give this message to lord Kroq-gar when he returns
The group of soldiers look at each other, Each giving each other a nod as long as the message is sent. They look at Alfred.
Thráin: I think we can agree on that
The dwarfs then gave a slight bow and gave Alfred a scroll. In that scroll are the agreements with the dwarfs and the lizardman.
Alfred: Now with business out of the way
Moving to the side and the portal of the throne shifted to a feast of tables of beer, meat, bread, and mushrooms on the table. The dwarves stopped themselves from walking towards the food. Alfred smiled knowing the dwarves' weakness of meat and beer.
Alfred: How about some food for the journey back
During the great tomb of Nazarick earlier
After walking out of the private room. Or Ainz Bedroom being just a wide throne bed with nothing else. It felt kind of cramped with a flag littered on the floor and the actual flag of Nazrick on his wall. They both walked out and entered the throne room. Showing the massive throne having the obsidian pillars of the throne room. Along with the flags of Nazarick proud in the air. After the two absorbed the sights for a bit and stood on top of the steps standing on top of the steps. Both walked some steps away from each other hoping to get this right. Then walked back as Kroq-gar and Ainz closed the distance to each other and locked forearms in a firm handshake.
Kroq-gar: I must say, I'm a bit surprised to find someone like me this early
Ainz chuckled, returning the sentiment.
Ainz: Especially one from a different game than mine, though I was hoping it'd be someone from Yggdrasil—no offense, of course
Ainz shook his free hand apologetically. Kroq-gar held his organic arm up.
Kroq-gar: Same
They let loose of the handshake, and Ainz gestured for Kroq-gar to follow him.
Ainz: Come, let's speak somewhere a bit more comfortable
Kroq-gar followed Ainz walking past some hallways and rooms that looked the same for him. Moving down some steps and watching as Ainz was moving back and forth thinking about which room would be the best. The velvet room, the bathhouse room, or the forest room. So many to choose but he figured out the perfect room to not overwhelm Kroq-gar.
Now managing to walk forward until they came to a room with two couches looking less fancy but more comfortable than any other room. A regular coffee table, and blue walls of some paintings of the sun across the meadows and the night sky. Walking in were two maids one having blonde hair and green eyes and another the other being brown hair and golden eyes. Both bowed once Ainz walked in. Turning around after walking a bit to the couch to order some refreshments.
Ainz: Would you like anything?
Kroq-gar: A glass of water will do, thank you
Kroq-gar answered. Ainz nodded to the maid, and the maids went to collect. Along with cooking some food in case Kroq-gar was hungry. Both debated for a bit on what to feed a lizard and opting some beetle grub with leaves would do the trick.
Ainz: Please sit
Kroq-gar followed while Ainz sat on the opposite couch. Both looked at each other and were now beginning to talk. Player to player. Ainz was the first to question.
Ainz: If I may ask, You and your comrade are all lizardmen
Kroq-gar nodded and leaned back.
Kroq-gar: Back in my time as a human, there was a game called Warhammer, along with the universe called Warhammer, being 40k, fantasy, bloodbowl, and a card game somewhat
Ainz nodded. It was at this moment that the maid arrived with Kroq-Gar water. Along with another maid hanging them a bowl of soup having a moderate large beetle shell acting as a bowl for the contents. He thanked them and both left the room, allowing the two to continue.
Kroq-gar: My parent race are known as the lizardmen, we have others but i'm running inventory for a bit and as of now I have dragons and humans deep inside of my home New Hexotal
Ainz hmm and asked a question.
Ainz: What happened to the old Hexotal
Kroq-gar was picking up his utensils to dig in on the soup.
Kroq-gar: On the other side of the world, I'm planning on getting things settled here before I make a pilgrimage to my homeland
Ainz ah at absorbing the information. It's not unheard of to have two guild bases but having a base that was here in this world was almost unheard of. Making this alliance a much more needed thing because they are not in the new world but in their world. Kroq-gar was drinking the last of the soup out of the beetle bowl aiming to eat it quickly because the last time he was sent food to a meeting like this it went cold. Taking a breath he analyzed Ainz seeing he was no mere necromancer.
Kroq-gar: Hmm, from what I could tell you might be an elder lich but I believe you're much stronger than any run of the mill necromancer, even their stronger ones but i'm not that all knowledgeable with the dead since they have been stagnant in my world, the only notable undead are either dead or somewhere else
Ainz nodded and leaned back aiming to be the leading part of the conversation.
Ainz: Indeed, from your armies and residents they seemed to be more stronger than our disposable army
Kroq-gar: Well that's a given
Kroq-gar said as Ainz nodded.
Ainz: Well that's because we haven't gotten to war yet
Kroq-gar whistled as he leaned back.
Kroq-gar: You're going to have to get used to total war soon, since well...it's Warhammer
Ainz nodded thinking he needs to figure out how to train the undead army and more importantly some individuals to teach them the way of war along with making sure the undead will punch above their weight rather than being disposable.
Ainz: Hmm, I see, perhaps we shall tell each other of our worlds first then decide
Kroq-gar: You first
Kroq-gar giving Ainz the first discussion. Ainz nodded and recollected his thoughts as he might be giving him a lore dump of his world. Aiming to tell the important parts rather than being here for the entire week. Kroq-gar servants might starve and he has a feeling the others might be having a death match the longer they spend talking and aiming to wrap it up relatively quickly.
Ainz: Yggrisial is a DMMO-RPG, there are others like the Aberage being a mech game, D stands for dive by the way
Kroq-gar nodded understanding the acronym as a virtual headset. His world has it but it's still in the works as it's mostly rhythm games and Vr chat for now. There are others like half life 3 but he can't remember them off the top of his head. Ainz continued.
AInz: The game is special to me because it has one thing that sets them apart compared to the others, player freedom
Kroq-gar nodded, then a thought struck him that he must say.
Kroq-gar: When you say player-
Ainz: No, not that type of freedom, not after sex craze of the first generation
Taking a breath as he leaned back.
Ainz: So many lawsuits
Kroq-gar nodded.
Kroq-gar: Yeah Vr chat has those locked down in private servers, they still exist but at least it's restricted
Ainz hmm and continued after that minor side tangent.
Ainz: The game was quite an adventure for me, from boss monsters, to raids, and the gear me and my guild have worked so hard for, along with microtransactions
Saying it quickly at the end. Kroq-gar nodded as those types of games bleed you dry. Like a world of world craft. Great cutscenes but they are directionless and things weren't the same anymore.
Ainz: What really got people hooked was the information economy, ordinarily people would just use a walkthrough but in this game you had to find it, even those that had a walkthrough were outdated after a couple of months
Kroq-gar: The joy of discovering something new huh
Ainz pointed his finger.
Ainz: Yes that's it
He chuckled reminiscing about his time back in Yggdrasil.
Ainz: It was, something special to me and my friends, even this tomb where we are sitting used to be a dungeon, but after me and my friends beat the dungeon in about a day, this became our home
Kroq-gar smiled and leaned back.
Kroq-gar: Yggdrasil sounds like a fun game
Ainz sighed and looked out of nowhere. Whispering on the things he long lost.
Ainz: It was the best game I've ever played
Both were melancholic for a moment understanding the weight of each other's words that theirs came to an end all too soon. Kroq-gar breathed out through his nose.
Kroq-gar: Warhammer was for me
Kroq-gar thought out loud. Ainz perked up at this.
Ainz: Please elaborate
Kroq-gar looked up for a bit then recollected his thoughts. About a hundred and even more years to recollect his knowledge from and just like the texts of the game. They were either lost or mistranslated never to be discovered again. Or accepted again as players both in and out of the world believe their version of events was the best one.
Kroq-gar: Where to begin, hmm, let's begin with the total war version, Warhammer three and its other iterations
Ainz tilted his head.
Ainz: How many iterations
Kroq-gar tapped his fingers as he counted off the top of his head.
Kroq-gar: About maybe...four or five in total and the age of Sigmar
Ainz nodded.
Ainz: The game must be really popular huh
Kroq-gar made some noises that were a yes and a no at the same time.
Kroq-gar: It was mostly popular with the 30 to 40 age demographic
Ainz would have blinked if he had eyelids.
Ainz: How old are you?
Kroq-gar: Old
Ainz tapped his fingers.
Ainz: Yes but how old?
Kroq-gar made some noises again, not happy to recall his age.
Kroq-gar: Umm, oh...Guess?
Hoping Ainz would be generous. Ainz tapped his chin and thought of the age.
Ainz: Twenty
Kroq-gar gestured his thumb up.
Ainz: Twenty five?
Kroq-gar gestured his thumb up again.
Ainz: Fourty?
Ainz said almost disbelieving that Kroq-gar could be that old. Kroq-gar shook his head and moved his thumb down.
Ainz: Thirty two?
Kroq-gar sighed.
Kroq-gar: More like thirty one actually
Ainz nodded thinking he might be his senior and close to the actual age of Touchme. Being in his early thirties as well. Maybe even more since he has a family and is pretty gray. But that might have been the stress of working as a police officer taking its toll.
Ainz: Dang your old
Kroq-gar nodded.
Kroq-gar: Yeah that's what happens when you're born during the turn of the millennium
Ainz hmm getting onto another side track. Kroq-gar quickly changed gears to talk about the game warhammer. Or one of its many iterations.
Kroq-gar: Total war Warhammer or just Total Warhammer, is a game where you choose legendary lords to lead a faction of their race
Pointing to himself.
Kroq-gar: Like me, known as Kroq-gar, the last defender
Ainz nodded thinking these legendary lords might be celebrities and powerful leaders in this world. Might even be a challenge if they were to come to blows in the future. Till something struck across his mind.
Ainz: So players could become kings or queens of their own nation
Kroq-gar nodded.
Kroq-gar: Yes, from the hostile wastelands to the vibrant jungles, all could be conquered, most don't really do that because conquering the world is boring and hard
Ainz nodded and wondered why he heard a sneeze in his mind. Along with him feeling like he just learned a harsh truth but shook it off as Kroq-gar continued.
Kroq-gar: Eventually there was a mechanic called suitable terrain which drove some counter incentive of flat out conquering the place, instead players were encouraged to make alliances or vassal states to improve their empires, even getting troops and heroes their empires don't normally recruit
Ainz nodded, absorbing the information.
Ainz: I see, also, were Alliances common in Warhammer?
Kroq-gar clicked his tongue and breathed out his nose recollecting hsi thoughts on this was a yes, no, maybe answer.
Kroq-gar: Yes, no, maybe, sometimes people just learned there was a diplomacy screen rather than a button to fill up space, but it was mostly used sometimes, Ai can be a bit of a pain and buying settlements costs a lot of money, but it is possible
Ainz nodded as Kroq-gar was about to explain the further details of an alliance.
Kroq-gar: Ordinarily Alliances usually trade territories, money, even troops with each other by making an outpost to improve relations, along with an army being loaned to you if you have enough alliance points, they are as powerful as they are fragile, if you ever refuse a call to arms to defend or attack another nation, the alliance and all you built together are broken which makes it powerful in the long term yet fragile thing you must keep
Ainz nodded and absorbed the information to understand the finer machinations of the concept of alliance. Along with ways to implement in the future. But enough about that he was overjoyed on the prospect there are other players here. If he plays his cards right he might be able to find his friends in the world as well.
Ainz: I have to say, this has enlightened me very much, also I'm full of hope, knowing that since I found you, there might be others!
He yelled out excited to get his scouting mission back on track. Kroq-gar pointed his finger out, sharing the joy and sentiment.
Kroq-gar: Exactly! How did you plan on finding others?
Kroq-gar questioned at the end. Ainz leaned back, going over his adventuring plan and definitely not telling anyone that he did that just to get out of Nazarick business for a moment. Then returned gears to discover the surrounding landscape.
Ainz: I planned on getting my name out there and spread amongst the population, hoping that anyone in Yggdrasil that made it here or knew of the guild Ainz Ooal Gown
Kroq-gar nodded thinking on context clues that the guild might have been on the top charts. Before something else struck him.
Kroq-gar: Wait, your guild's name is Ainz Ooal Gown? I thought that was your name, or is it both?
Ainz raised his head.
Ainz: It is now, my original name was Momonga, but I took Ainz Ooal Gown so it would spread faster and as a sign of respect
Kroq-gar: Ah, that makes sense
Kroq-gar nodded and asked another question.
Kroq-gar: So how did you get to be on the top leader board of the MMO? It can't be that easy
Ainz singed as he leaned back.
Ainz: Through discipline, teamwork, microtransactions, and a lot of sweat and tears, even the potential of my friends getting fired for playing the game too much
Kroq-gar nodded.
Kroq-gar: Anything else? You must have a high pvp score because of guilds trying to siege you to take the spot
Ainz sighed nervously remembering the raid that happened here.
Ainz: Oh about lets say...a thousand and five hundred people came to sack this place, we managed to stop them on the eighth floor and nothing like that ever happened again
Kroq-gar blinked. He was about to ask how they managed to survive that but quickly retreated as he knew the answer.
Kroq-gar: The game was not balanced?
Ainz: The game was not balanced
Ainz finished the Kroq-gar sentence. Both nodded that Ainz and his friends were at an attrition war on who would most spend real life money and resources to claim the dungeon. Managing to break the will and back of them by realizing they spent their money in the triple digits over nothing. That alone managed to dissuade any other attacks with players raging in the forums. After that both were at an awkward silence as they were not talking or going off in a side tangent. Kroq-gar patted his knees blowing the air out of his nose.
Kroq-gar: Sooooooo...now what?
Ainz was silent for a moment.
Ainz: I don't know, I didn't think or plan to find anyone so soon
Kroq-gar clicked his tongue and leaned back.
Kroq-gar: Shit, me too, then...hmmm
Thinking of making a trade deal but what does he have to trade with a tomb.
Ainz: Hmmm...
Ainz was deep in thought of making a non aggression pact but at the same time he doesn;t know if his residents will follow the pact.
Kroq-gar: Ah, how about... no, no, neverminded...
He thought of making a vassal state but both would immediately revolt and burn their cities down if that was implemented.
Ainz: We could...no, that's stupid, hmmm...
Ainz was about to suggest an economic treaty zone but they have no money. In fact they have no idea on what this world's currency and the gold are in different variations when compared to the other nations having the faces of their emperor or king.
Kroq-gar: Hmmmm...
Both were in deep contemplation but they figured out what type of alliance that woul please the residents and them both.
Kroq-gar and Ainz: We'll make a new alliance!
Now
Kroq-gar: That's right! Today marks the day the Alliance between The Empire and Nazarick was formed!
Kroq-gar said and posed with Ainz as two kings united into one. Ainz was following up with Kroq-gar move but he figured out something that killed it almost immediately.
Ainz: And we shall call it... the...what should it be called?
Kroq-gar's smile instantly dropped and both stopped posing.
Kroq-gar: We didn't really think about that, did we?
Both of them hmm as Albedo pondered for a bit but snapped her fingers.
Albedo: How about the Nazarick-Hexotal Alliance?
Gor-rok smashed his mace on his shield challenging Albedo who accepted by pulling her halberd out almost immediately.
Gor-rok: You don't deserve to be in front of us, it's obviously the Hexotal-Nazrick Alliance
Shalltear yelled out backing up Albedo pulling out her giant lance out of nowhere.
Shalltear: Nazarick should clearly be ahead of your puny city!
Nakai hmpth as he stood tall moving his axe close around her hand.
Nakai: By law of the lizardmen empire, I won and we deserve to be first as the true protectors of the world, so stand down little one
Shalltear felt a spike of rage in her as her height was challenged. Both Albedo and Shalltear were in a fighting stance with Nakai and Gor-rok following suit.
Shalltear: You know what, let's fight
Gor-rok, Nakai, and Albedo: Let's fight!
Both yelling out their war cries as they bash their weapons against each other both not moving an inch. Gor-rok and Albedo resume their halberd and mace smashing with each other. Nakai and Shalltear smash their axes and lances with each other. Shalltear being so enraged she was using it as a sword rather than the pointed end with Nakai hitting the weapon back. Having the rest to breath out through their noses and shake their heads. Kroq-gar and Ainz both pinch their noses on this scenario is what they were hoping to avoid in the future. Taking a deep breath in seeing both were not stopping and not aiming to tucker themselves out. They yelled out using their most kingly voice they ever improvised.
Kroq-gar & Ainz: Enough!
The four stopped their bashing their weapons together and took a quick breather with the lizardmen instantly recovering while Albedo and Shalltear being a little slower as they have not exercised before. Kroq-gar shook his head with Ainz following suit.
Kroq-gar: We can worry about the name later; for now, we must depart and prepare the empire for some guests
Gor-rok stretched his back and moved his shoulders.
Gor-rok: Guests?
Kroq-gar nodded.
Kroq-gar: Ainz Ooal Gown shall be visiting the empire with three of his own companions, it is only fair
The Lizardmen gathered and nodded as that is the fair price of alliance meetings. With the guardians looking at each other thinking which one's would have the honor of going with Ainz in the city. Getting a little stare down from Albedo and Shalltear as they are both fighting for a spot. Nakai nodded.
Nakai: As you wish, my lord
The Lizardmen want the guardians to say their goodbyes. The most surprising thing was Oxyotl and Demiurge shaking hands together. Making both Kroq-gar and Ainz raise their eyebrows.(They both don't have eyebrows but they made the gesture so it counts.)
Demiurge: It was an honor meeting someone of like mind, perhaps we can get together and discuss further deals we can make
Oxyotl smiled and nodded.
Oxyotl: Of course, I'll show you some trade secrets demons don't want you to know about
Demiurge smiled thinking how to get the entire demon without making any deals. Only their bodies would prove to be quite a boon in the making of scroll crafting. Perhaps even asking Oxyotl advice for his sheep farms. Demiurge waved back.
Demiurge: Farewell, Oxyotl, may you be unseen once again
Oxyotl waved back, returning the gesture. Meanwhile Nakai and Cocytus were shaking hands on their sparing.
Cocytus: Maybe next time we spar, you won't hold back?
Nakai hmm and nodded.
Nakai: Very well, while you spar I'll show you how to be friends with the little ones
Giving Cocytus to think deeply on making more friends rather than here. That is an interesting prospect. The twins were hugging Grymloq by his head saying goodbye till next time. Leaving only Gor-rok and Albedo to stare each other down but nodded in some respect.
Gor-rok: Till next time demon, once we spar properly, you wish we never spar at all
Albedo smiled thinking on how best to break him but her first spar told her that his words were not idle boasts. But all things break eventually.
Albedo: Till next time, Lizard. I'll prove to you why Nazaick is the best
Leaving Shalltear to not get a goodbye who only pouted and walked off to the twins patting Grymloq goodbye. After that exchange Kroq-gar followed along Shalltear, noticing one of the twins looked familiar to him somewhat before shaking it off as the others were coming to his side and it's time to say goodbye.
Kroq-gar: We'll meet again in a week or so if nothing apocalyptic happens to finalize the Alliance papers, till then, I wish you the best of luck. Ainz
Ainz chuckled having the guardians come to his side who groaned mentally for a bit that he gave the honor of casual name calling to this lizard.
Ainz: And I to you, Kroq-gar
Being led out of the great tomb of Nazarick by the Maids to the teleportation pad to the outside world. The four now walking along the grassy plains with the maids going back to the teleportation pad for their job was done. For the entourage was met by a large carriage being a variant of SkekTek of being a prototype troop carrier and beast wagon. Now being embarked with Grymloq having a carriage attached at the back all to himself. They rode off seeing the plain grassy hills and the tomb of Nazarick far off in the distance. The trip back wasn't anything eventful. No second thoughts or questioning, just a mutual understanding. Plus they will meet again to further iron out the details.
Now heading back to the city of new Hexotal having the very mountain open for the returning carriage team and parked at the designated disembark spot. They all moved on to do their daily duties and chores around the city as skinks rushed his generals to provide their needs and reports on how the tomb was expanding and spawning pool numbers. Leaving Kroq-gar alone to walk to the teleporter pad and into his throne room to meet Alfred who messaged him along the way using a new spell from Mazdamundi known as"Mind message". A one way communication to people you know and trust. If they wanted to have a talk they would have used the spell"Mind Link"but that spell would require concentration and focus. Stepping into the teleporter pad and teleporting into the throne room. He met Alfred who was standing at the side going through the scroll that was sent.
Alfred: Lord Kroq-gar, how was the Alliance with the tomb of Nazarick?
Kroq-gar nodded as he walked over.
Kroq-gar: It went well, Alfred, and any news with the dwarfs?
Alfred nodded and handed the scroll to Kroq-gar.
Alfred: Yes, Lord Kroq-gar, a group of soldiers and one of the king's sons, Thráin, entered a few days ago and said that their leader had agreed to forge an alliance, along with a certain High King to give you these papers
Kroq-gar opened the scroll and found the blueprints for the cannons and ballista launchers for the dwarves. Finding a note here saying welcome back fellow dawi. Kroq-gar smirked that Thorgrim is still up and about. Putting the scroll on his hands and getting his mind to think of how to return the gifts.
Kroq-gar: Alfred, I have two tasks for you
Alfred bowed.
Alfred: I would do anything, my lord
Kroq-gar, now getting the pieces in his mind pointed Handed the scroll back to Alfred.
Kroq-gar: First, give these blueprints to Skektek at his science lab; second, send the first batch of Urtin Crystal golems to the dwarf holds as thanks for the agreement of the alliance, is that understood?
Alfred: Yes, my lord, it shall be done
Alfred nodded then left to do his task. Leaving Kroq-gar to do one more thing before he turns in for the day. More importantly figuring out if his treasure hold is still intact. He has the one in the city but there is a much more powerful artifact room elsewhere. Hoping to not be blindsided and rely on what he has. He makes his way to the outskirts of the city remembering where the second vault lies.
Timeskip
On the outskirts of the south-east of the kingdom, a building was guarded by two Kroxigors wielding sacred gauntlets with the fist variant rather than the large ball on each hand with golden armor on their heads and chest standing beside the door. Both scanned the horizons and saw their leader Kroq-gar approached the building alone. The two Kroxigors stepped aside to let him through. Pushing through the door like any other door he entered a house. Looking plain to all other outsiders but when he stepped inside the room shifted into a long, dark stairway being lit up by torches to the underground. Walking down Kroq-gar picked up the lantern made out of Chinese cultural markings on the side of the wall.
Not aiming to use his gauntlet hand because it would ruin the mood. He walked down the stairs as if it was endless. Until finally he arrived at the bottom seeing a door mechanical in nature having the Lizarmen symbol on it and being illuminated by spotlights. Taking a look he found it was in resemblance to the fallout doors of old. Having six metal clamps holding the door it released its metallic grip and moved upwards. Having the giant gear turn like it was unlocking a key and opening. Moving forward the darkness is no longer being illuminated by the spotlight and torches. Being replaced by the skylight of the moon and stars up above for the nocturnal of species that might be living here yet enough light to allow any surface dweller to not have too much trouble to find their way here. Only making the blind spots more numerous.
Moving through the underground city of moss and nocturnal creatures that might live in these halls. Finding an odd chameleon skink here or there. Maybe some bats of different sizes flying along the long hallway. But Kroq-gar knew this was just a brief overview for there is an entire city in this caverns. With skinks and other types of creatures they have picked up along the way for magical crystal research that might prove dangerous for the wider lizardmen population from above. Hearing the howls of demonic beings echoing at the caverns below being experimented on and finding the souls they have captured being released and flying to the air. Being surrounded by the bright souls that were long captured circle around Kroq-gar then moved in all directions being reborn to something else. But most are being guided by a Skink priest floating nearby with his scythe.
Having the death mask of his skink brethren and robs of black covering him. Then moving to the walls that opened for him to be created into a gathering of more of his kind this time of blue robe surrounding a pool of blue then closing the walls behind him. Kroq-gar nodded that the spectral warriors were still functioning. Now managing to get to the end of the paths and find another pathway that opened far and wide. With warriors of red bowing in reverence to something in front of them. Having the warriors in brown being three times as tall carved into the wall holding longswords with both hands of heads of helmeted stone. Now walking forward he sees many warriors down in puts of about fifty of them having weapons of halberds, swords, axes, and shields upon their backs.
Being in grid like shape down on below then looked finding more with red hair tops and golden masks surrounding the head with chain. Having flaps of red on their side as they sat down holding their metallic red robe and armored flabs. Finally having metallic red shoulder pads and gauntlet gloves up to their arms. They sat forward as Kroq-gar passed them with a lantern in hand.
Now finally reaching the end. He found arrows littered everywhere on a plain looking battlefield with arrows and weapons scattered about. The weapons being decorative of course as those who have arrived in this sparring field were only guests and demons to be executed. Finding a giant pink tree with leaves of white at its edges and its roots above the ground glowing a faint life underneath, the tree kinds reminded him of the cherry tree back home blossoming. Kroq-gar smirked that he managed to find another old friend home. Now walking to the middle he heard an arrow whistling by but made no move to dodge for if that was a kill shot. They would have aimed a little more to the left instead of the ground.
Finding arrows being planted all around him they appear to lift themselves up along with the weapons littered along the ground into neat rows and placed on the wall in front of Kroq-gar. Hearing this behind him he looked back finding no one and turned to see one of the mystics sitting down with his hands on his knees and his other hands strumming his bow along. Having a long gray top knot and hair along his side. He bowed his head as his arrows were returned to him on his quiver. Kroq-gar hmpth at the figure named UrVa sharing some traits of the hunter in making grand appearances.
UrVa: Lord Kroq-gar, welcome to the vault of power, if I may be so bold to ask, what brings you here?
Kroq-gar helped UrVa up as that manover took some out of him. Thinking he might have interrupted his nap as he wandered in.
Kroq-gar: Just getting some items that I need in the journey ahead, you don't mind if I collect some insurance, right?
UrVa shook his head.
UrVa: Not at all
UrVa then stepped aside, both facing a vault with the decorative weapons on the wall. Seeing a big abyss in front of them in the shape of a circle. Kroq-gar approached the abyss and he laid his hand on it. Causing the abyss to shape into letters of pure white creating a riddle of the vault. Kroq-gar read out loud with UrVa following suit.
Kroq-gar: For those who seek its treasure, you must answer a riddle or suffer oblivion forever
Kroq-gar thought that if anyone else was with him saying that it was a stupid to unlock a vault. Thinking of a counterpoint in saying it was fun if they ever were in this vault with him. Also shut up. Aiming to not use that second reasoning he nodded.
Kroq-gar: I'm ready to answer the riddle
The Abyss shuffled some words and showed the two the first riddle. Kroq-gar read it allowed.
Kroq-gar: I never was and always will be; no one ever saw me nor ever will, and yet I have confidence in all who live and breathe; what am I?
Kroq-gar thought carefully; one wrong answer and he was done. So the saying goes. What really happened was that the warriors' golems in the back would activate and attack the intruder to either leave this vault or die until they either get another riddle right or destroy all of the warriors here. Thus being the vault of power. Being of mind or of body. There was a long pause as Kroq-gar racked his mind on the riddle until at last he spoke.
Kroq-gar: You are tomorrow
The worlds from the door disappeared, creating mechanical sounds, and finally the vault started to open. Splitting the black abyss in tow as it opened forwards. As it opens, a bright golden light blinds him for a moment. UrVa has the hindsight to wear glasses to shield him from the upcoming light. When Kroq-gar regained his sight he smiled, finding the treasure room intact as mountains of gold and jewelry laid at the sides, almost touching the roof. Both now enter with UrVa putting away his glasses. Walking the path of stone as the Vault of power itself moved the coins out of the way for the two to find what they came here for.
Taking a look next to it was the sixth gem he collected but opted to separate them as this gem might be the most powerful of them all. Despite the purple gem being known as power. Had to separate them for power stone sake as they were moody sometimes. Finding a gem inside of a fancy metallic eye with string to wear around his neck.
A nice insurance policy but this isn't what he was looking for now. Not with the harpoons that control the seas right next to it. Having three of its kind standing next to each other. They might be useful during naval engagements against pirates and sea creatures. But they looked to be too auspicious and creating water out of thin air will take some time to function.
Walking past the tridents and some more jewelry. He found it. Finding a monster eye inside of four rings that spin around in place. Taking a look at it and it looked back. He picked it up and the lenses closed in the air to conceal it. Now pulling out some sting in his bag to tie it around his neck and hold it there.
Getting what he needed he thanked UrVa for his time and left. Now safe from all magical curses and voodoo magic that Ainz might cast against him, if he ever decides to betray him so it's better to be safe than sorry. Granted it's not foolproof as he could still get hit by magical blasts and elemental magic but it decreased by a lot rather than getting a full hit on him. Plus having mind control immunity and body immunity is a certain plus for him. The old one's and the people who he's fighting for would be severely disappointed if their savior drops dead from instant death magic.
When that time comes he thinks of playing possum and chuck his spear at the sorcerer's neck if he does any monologue about how he is the supreme sorcerer, how he defeated their champion, him being death himself, Kroq-gar please stop stabbing me, blah, blah, blah. Speaking of death.
Kroq-gar: Wonder where death is, I need him to keep an eye on someone
Word count: 6800
How did I do?