A/N A Staggering Change
Alt title: Lupu's in trouble
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Church21: That is correct, for one. Ninya was already dead, she was brought back through the abuse of an items flavor text being turned real. And Odin pointing that out. To the rest of the tomb, she's a valuable test subject and Lord Zamaina's pet.
But she wouldn't have survived a bite from Zamaina. Not even taking into account his sheer physical strength. Zamaina's build focuses on damage and his race classes support that. Had he gone down a different race path and into Hound of The Wild Hunt, then his bite would be far less lethal and more likely to turn someone. But as it stands, his bite is intensely lethal.
Anyumaaka: All of that is true, however, Zamaina's line of thinking is. "The NPC's will throw a fit if I don't have an escort. And you're less likely to bother me with constant praise. Also, I like showing off my things."
Not that he'd say that out loud. He does care for Ninya's feelings. But again, it's in the way that one would care for a dog.
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-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
(Text)
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-Carne Village-
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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Setting Ninya down, I look around the village and try to look for a familiar face. Hopefully the Chief or something. Anyone who can fill me in on what's happening.
"I thought you said I'd be fine." Ninya says softly. "They were about to attack me!"
"Well of course they were." I shrug as I walk through the village. "When you see a guard dog, it's only natural to be wary until its owner comes along to assure everyone it won't bite. And yes, that was a pun."
"It wasn't funny." She mutters behind me.
"Lord Zamaina!" One of the villagers working on a nearby thatch roof waves to me as we pass.
I wave back and return a cordial greeting. The man returning to his work as he moves a few thatch panels around.
It's as we get further into the village, that we spot an ogre carrying a stack of logs. Causing Ninya to freeze and duck behind me.
"Hmm?" It grumbles as it looks to us. It's dull eyes honing in on us. "New humans? You friendly?"
"Very friendly!" I call up to the ogre standing at ten feet tall, and reach into my pocket to hide the fact I'm reaching into my inventory. Pulling out a piece of beef, cooked rare of course, I toss it up to the lumbering oaf.
The ogre catches it in one hand, sniffs the meat, and downs it. Before looking around, and then back to me.
"Gogo no see new humans." He says before walking off to wherever he was going.
"Di-did you just bribe an ogre?" Ninya asks in disbelief. "Like it was a corrupt guard?"
"Is it so surprising?" I ask as we continue, and receive more greetings from villagers as we approach the Chief's house.
"Y-yes!" She says as she moves to be beside me. "They're man-eating monsters who only, oh, um." She tapers off sheepishly and looks down to the ground.
"Takes one to know one." I say and flick the side of her head playfully.
See, this is what I like. I wouldn't get this kind of interaction from any of the NPC's. Which is why I choose her as my escort more often than not these days. Unless it's somewhere actually dangerous or problematic.
Though, I'm thinking I might switch it up. Take Aura and Mare on a few excursions. Maybe Shalltear.
It's clear she wants me, and more than just my body. She actively lusts after my attention and defers to me more than Momonga. Though I feel she'd still follow his orders over mine.
I guess I'm seen as more approachable in The Great Tomb?
Anyway, the thing is, part of me says to give her what she wants. But the other part, James, says I need to do things right. Actually build a relationship outside of servant and master. Otherwise, anything we do will just be an extension of that. The other part of me, Zamaina, sees nothing wrong with that. And says it's how things should be.
Neferpitou was, different. She ticked off both sides of my boxes. James, and Zamaina. Athletic build, strong, great ass, cute voice, playful nature, fair skin, subservient. But that's all she'll be to me. A servant.
The relationship with the NPC's I've created is, weird. I see any of those created solely by me to be children of mine. But those I collaborated on? Not so much. The entirety of Nazerick is my family. And I want them to be happy.
And I would see all who tarnish that happiness suffer and rot.
"I'm oddly self reflective today." I mutter as I knock on the Chief's door.
I wait a few paces, before the Chief of the village finally opens the door. A brown haired middle aged man, slightly hunched over from years of backbreaking labor In the fields. I can hear his bones creaking as he moves.
"Oh!" He says with widening eyes. "Lord Zamaina! Please! Come in!"
He steps aside, holding the door open and gesturing for me to enter. At which I do, looking to Ninya, I tell her to wait, and go inside.
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"So, I'm sorry." He bows his head as his wife hands me a cup of tea.
I don't care for tea. I'm a coffee drinker. And this tea is, disgusting to say the least. But it is their best. So, I'm not so cold that I'd disregard their attempts. I believe it is the effort, not the result, that is more important in some cases.
"A lovely brew Mrs. Carnally." I smile, having taken off my bandana. Keeping a straight face at the frankly gag worthy taste.
But if I can smile at the inane humans in the city as they talk behind my back. I can keep my disgust at the dirty leaf water hidden as well.
"You're more than welcome dear." She says kindly. "I know it's nothing compared to what you are likely used to. But I hope it's good enough to sate your thirst."
It's not. In any way. I wouldn't feed this to my hamster.
"It's more than enough." I smile before turning back to the downtrodden chief. "So you really don't know then?"
He shakes his head. And I don't sense any lies from him.
It would seem, that people are relying on Enri for guidance. Ever since the attack, and her summoning goblins for assistance. She's become the central figure of the village. The Chief is just a glorified organizer at this point.
His words.
"Truth is, we plan to hold a meeting once she's well on her way to E-Rantel." The chief sighs as he looks to the table.
"To make her chief, I assume?" I say more than ask.
"It is as you say." He nods and looks me in the eye. "I'm smart enough to see the changing times, and I know I'm not the one to lead us through whatever comes."
"It is the smart man who has the answer." I say, causing him to hum in consternation as his lips pull thin. "It is the smarter man who admits when he does not."
That brings some light back to his eyes as I finish. It's nothing too profound, but I imagine that in a world where literacy is pathetically low. It might as well be the words of a sage.
"Thank you my lord." The man bows slightly. "Your words ease my mind some."
"I'm not the wise leader my friend is." I admit. "But I still know a thing or two."
"I see, you'd never guess from your apparent age, but you have some wisdom to you." He says kindly.
'Hmm, how old am I?' I wonder as I look out towards the window. 'Do we count my previous life? Go by my current life? How I feel?'
If we add, I'd be in my early sixties. Having died in my mid twenties, and transported to this world when I was mid thirties. But if we go by how I feel. Then, I'd be somewhere in my twenties.
"Vampire!" I'm brought from my thoughts as I here shouting.
"What!?" The chief shoots up and rushes to the door.
"Not this again." I whine to myself as I stand up and head outside to find Ninya on the receiving end of a few goblins' swords being pointed at her. An ogre running over with a club. And Ninya against the wall next to the door with her hands raised in surrender.
"All of you stand down!" I command, unconsciously putting a bit of Bloodlust Aura into my words as I feel part of my werewolf nature come out. Feeling pissed at having to do this again.
The goblins all shakily take a step back, and the ogre pauses in its run.
"M-my lord." The chief speaks up, having run out the door and taken refuge behind the line. "I-it's not safe! She could turn us all into her thralls!"
I cross my arms with a huff.
"She's with me." I cross my arms after putting my bandana back on. "And she means no harm."
"Still!" One of the goblins says with his teeth bared. "How do we know you're not under her spell?"
I give a genuine laugh at that. Not that they have any way of knowing, but the idea is absurd. Not that I'm immune to mental effects without my Ring of Jormungandr, but still.
"Huh." I chuckle and snap my fingers. "Sit."
Ninya, getting the message. Takes a seat on the ground.
"Would my master take orders from me so easily?" I ask as I gesture for her to stand up and come over to me. "Besides, she's practically harmless!"
I move her in front of me. Her short stature being all the more apparent as her head comes to my chest. I then hug her, put my hand inside her mouth. Earning a flinch from her, but she doesn't resist.
I then open her mouth to show off her teeth, grabbing her fangs between my index fingers and thumbs. With more amusement than I should have, I wiggle her head around like one would a dog who's biting onto a chew toy.
"And just look at her! See these adowable wittle fangs." I coo as Ninya lets me move her head around.
Whether they're seeing my point, or are just deciding to trust me for now. The goblins all share awkward looks as they lower their weapons. And the ogre, upon seeing the goblins calm, lowers his club and scratches his head before turning around and heading off.
"Stop!" I hear Nfirea shout as he runs over to us, huffing as he reaches us. Looking ready to pass out as he stops. "Ha, ha, she, she's not. She's with him."
"You really need to exercise more." I mutter as I let go of Ninya's fangs.
He throws his head back and heaves a big breath as the goblins all look to him with worry.
"Yeah uh, we got that bossman." One of them says awkwardly.
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Having dealt with that. I continued my walk around the village. No one person here seems to have the answers I'm looking for. Nfirea did say he had a new potion made. Along with proof that it works. But that he had already given it to Lupusregina.
Which, heh, is NEWS TO ME!
But still, I'm not getting what I want. And the goblins are too tight lipped, and Nfirea was needed elsewhere.
"Z-Zamaina?" Ninya asks. "A-are you okay?"
"I'm just irritated is all." I say as I think about everything that's been going on.
I knew Lupusregina was being negligent. Both canon knowledge and The fact that her reports kept saying there was nothing of note in the village was suspect enough. If it had been that way for once or twice, it'd be understandable. But to go more than five reports with "nothing of note."
I've seen retirement homes with more going on than what her reports suggest.
"Y-You, if you want." Ninya stutters. "You can play with my fangs again. You, seemed to really like that."
I give a soft chuckle at her attempts to cheer me up. And I turn to ruffle her hair again, only to earn another pout.
"Lord Zama!" I hear the high pitched voice of Enri's, little sister I think?
I stop petting Ninya and look over, spotting the little vermin with auburn hair running towards me. Her dress kicking up a small dust storm as she runs.
Something the show didn't really capture well, was just how dirty these people were. Like yeah, we all expect a medieval civilization to be filthy. But no one understands how casually filthy it is.
Think about that one kid from middle school who seemed to forget how showers worked as soon as puberty hit. And that's the average villager, just throw some dirt on them. A clean face is a rarity. And dirt stains on skin is a real thing.
"How ya been kiddo?" I say as I crouch down to meet the little girl's eye. A plan to see just what's been going on, forming.
"I've been good!" She says in that volume kids do. Speaking just a bit too loud because they think it'll make them more noticeable and more important. "I helped Enri mash up a bunch of Enkaishi, and I helped Mr. Rackas count his bushels!
"You can count?" I ask with false interest.
"I can count to ten!" She says and holds up her fingers. "And Mr. Rackas would keep track of how many tens there were. And we had three bushels of wheat with two more tens left over from last harvest."
Funnily enough, for a villager in this world. She'd be considered smart for her age.
"You're so smart!" I say with a smile as I rub her grimy hair, slick and rough with sweat and dirt. "Wanna know a trick?"
Her eyes light up in eager anticipation.
"Count to ten real quick." I say, and she does so. Using her fingers as markers to keep track. "Okay, now curl your left thumb. And count again."
She does so.
"Now curl your left pointer, and count to ten." I instruct, and she does so again, looking up to me in confusion.
"Mr. Zamaina, what is this suppose to do?" She asks.
"Curl your left middle finger, and tell me how many tens you counted." I tell her, and she does so. Before looking confused.
"Um, I uh, I don't know." She says with a worried look. "I need sticks to keep track."
"Look at how many fingers you curled." I tell her, and she does so. Her eyes lighting up as her mouth drops open.
"Three!" She says excitedly and shows me her hands. "I counted three tens! I didn't need sticks! Even Mr. Racksa needs to use sticks!"
"And now, you can count to one hundred. That's ten tens." I tell her, and watch her give me a look of amazement.
"Wow!" She says with pure adoration.
Getting back on track.
"Alright, now it's your turn." I say and stand up. "I taught you something, now you teach me something."
"W-what could I teach you Lord?" She asks with a worried look.
"Oh you know." I say with an exaggerated wink before moving to a more teasing tone. "Gimme the gossip! Anyone steal a sweet roll? Who farted in the chief's house? What about Nfirea and Enri? Come on, give me all the juicy details."
Her eyes light up with a mischievous glint as she giggles and waves me down to whisper in my ear.
And just like that, I have an in.
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-Nazerick, Guild Master's Office-
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Momonga POV
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Looking through the provisional reports of the Green Hole on the sixth floor, I see we're still well sustained on that front. If anything, expenditures are down, and self sufficiency is up! The tomato's and apples I had planted there seem to have taken to the soil nicely.
The Green Hole is mostly Zamaina's area of governance, but he still writes me reports for record keeping. In case something were to happen in the future and we need to cross reference. Moving to the next bit, I see the intelligence report on the kingdom capital. Skimming through it, I see nothing of any real note. Sebas seems to have almost mapped out half the entire city at this point using shadow demons and taking strolls.
Though this one does include a list of the policies Princess Renner proposed. Rejected and approved alike.
"Hmm, Zamaina might like to see this one." I idly note.
As much as he refuses to admit it. Zamaina has a head for politics, and an interest to match. He just doesn't want the burden of serious involvement.
'Probably from his years as a manager.' I think to myself. 'He knows how to order people around. That kind of thing is way beyond me. I'm just a salary man for Pete's sake!'
Still, it's nice that he's here. Makes all this, seem more real.
[Momonga.]
Speak of the devil.
[Zamaina? What is it?] I ask, curious as to how he isn't being his usual self.
Usually it's a 'Hey Momo!' or 'Boner boy! Got something for ya.'
[So, you know how I decided to check in on Carne?] He asks.
[You wanted to see if there was any issue with the apothecary equipment seeing as we have yet to receive any updates.] I recall.
[Yeah, about that.] He messages with a low, dangerous tone. [You're sitting down right? Because you're not going to like this.]
I feel a quick flash of apprehension and nervousness at his tone.
'He's talking like my old boss would when he was about to fire someone!' Is the only thought I can get out before it's inhibited. 'Surely the equipment is fine? Lupusregina hasn't reported any issues yet so-'
[Nfirea already managed to make a new potion.] Zamaina says with a bit of bite in his voice, like he's holding back a dark laugh.
I feel my irritation start to flare as I consider the meaning of this.
'Was it recent? If not, did he intend to hide it? Or did he not consider it worthy enough to present to us?' I wrack my brain for possible answers.
[Lupusregina has the potion.] Zamaina's next reply derails my train of thought with a screeching fury. [And that's not all.]
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Albedo POV
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I walk into my love's office with a smile. My freshly prepared stack of reports dutifully organized and ready for reading.
Though I stop, my womanly intuition demanding I wait a few seconds as I sense something wrong. Before I can ponder on it however, I receive my answer.
"WHAT!?" The door rattles at the sound of my love's angered voice. "WHERE IS SHE NOW!?"
Sensing my beloved's distress, I burst into the room! Ready to comfort and appease my love of his woes. His angry, baleful eyes bore into me.
"Albedo, perfect timing." My love, Lord Momonga says as he calms himself. Likely to not worry me. He's so bashfully thoughtful like that.
He's just shy is all! But it's these small things that let me know, he loves me.
"Always for you my love!" I say happily with a bow, the papers still tight in my arms. "Tell me, what ails you?"
"Er, um, ehem." He coughs into his fist, showing his shyness as I said. "I received distressing news. Very distressing."
"Was it that bad?" I ask in worry as I approach his desk. "To cause you to lose your temper and shout so angrily."
"Let me put it this way." He says with a decisive glare. "Depending on how the next hour goes, there may be an… execution of sorts."
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-10 minutes later-
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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"A-and I just thought i-it was a tribute to you!" Lupusregina stutters out pathetically. "I-I didn't-"
"Speak clearly when addressing your masters, Lupusregina Beta." Albedo commands before sneering. "Or are you incapable of even that much."
Next to Lupusregina, Naberal has a stoic expression. Though it's clear from the occasional twitch of her lips, and the glances she keeps stealing. That she is conflicted
I stare down the terrified and cowering werewolf. Next to me, Momonga is barely containing his anger.
"So, we send you there with unquestioning confidence in your capabilities." Momonga sums up, his anger rising. "And you fail to inform us of the village's troubles. You fail to bring any of the issues with Nfirea's potion making. You failed to bring his potion to us!"
He's focusing a bit too hard on the potions but. Those are the main concern here. As cold as it is to say. Nfirea's potion research is the main concern here. Nazerick's self sufficiency is the priority here.
"I, I just, I thought it was, below your notice my lords." Lupusregina says with a cower.
"YOU FOOL!" Momonga roars as he slams the desk, his Aura of Despair flaring to life.
"If it was beneath our notice, then we wouldn't have sent you to notify us if something happened." I step forward, a growl seeping into my voice.
All is quiet for a bit as Momonga rubs a hand to his face. Appearing for all to be the exasperated boss dealing with an incompetent employee.
"Naberal." He speaks up, causing said girl to flinch. "Take your sister and wait outside the door."
Naberal bows quickly and grabs Lupusregina's hand. Escorting her out of the room and leaving us to talk.
"What to do?" Momonga sighs as soon as Naberal closes the door.
"She needs to be punished." Abedo says with a stern look before quickly adding. "A-at least that's what I think. My lord."
"Her opinion is shared." I say, holding back a growl.
Momonga is quiet for some time more as he thinks. Sighing, he straightens up in his chair and looks to me.
"Is it possible this is our fault?" He asks.
"How?" I ask incredulously with a shake of my head.
"Perhaps we failed to convey the value of the village?" He suggest with an open palm. "What if our orders were too vague?"
"My lord, forgive me for speaking up." Albedo says in a measured tone that conveys a professional's discipline, while still displaying her grievances. "But her orders, specifically, were to 'watch over the village and report any and all new developments that may effect the lives of the villagers.' She didn't even report the new potion to you until we brought it up."
"She's right." I say as I cross my arms. "If, and I mean if we were too vague and she just didn't see the village's value. She still failed to report on anything. Not the wall being finished, not the ogres being added to the village, not the goblin tribes migrating in, not the new potion. The fact Nfirea and Lizzie were never taught how to use the alchemy sets can be forgiven as we never gave her any orders in regards to it. But everything else? Can only be described as negligence."
Which is honestly one of the biggest insults the maids can receive. They strive to work. And for their work to be lacking is one thing. To be intentionally lacking is heresy in their eyes.
Fiore's words. Not mine.
She, was following me around one day after I passed her. And was picking up every single shedded hair as I walked. Passing off the responsibility to another maid when I left her designated area.
[Momonga, do you need me to do this?] I ask my friend, knowing how uncomfortable he is when it comes to reprimanding the NPCs.
He's silent on all fronts for a bit, before finally adding.
[Would you please?]
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-Next day, Carne village-
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Nfirea Baleare POV
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Staring at the odd sight. I can't help but have, mixed feelings.
"So um." I ask nervously as I look at the kneeling girl with a worried look.
"Until further notice, she is Enri's maid." Lord Zamaina says with a calm tone. "It's a temporary thing, just understand that once Enri gets back. Lupusregina is to follow every order she gives. And this is Yuri Alpha."
He steps aside, revealing yet another peerless beauty! Fair and unblemished skin. Kind eyes and a gentle face. Black hair neatly tied up and glasses adorning her face.
"I, um." I try to say something, anything.
"This has nothing to do with anything you've done." Lord Zamaina quickly assures with a raised hand. "This, is a punishment for her."
Miss Lupusregina gulps at Lord Zamaina's glare. And the other maid, Miss Yuri, looks nervous.
"So, for one month." He says, turning back to me with a kind look. "Feel free to treat her as you like! She's Enri's maid until then. And don't worry about being to rough on her. She can take it."
'What does that even mean?' I think worryingly as I force my mind to stay out of the pot.
"Until then, Yuri here will instruct you how to use the apothecary we lent out to you." He finishes with a smile, and the smiling maid steps forward.
'Well, that's one thing I like to hear.'
"Oh, and one more thing." He says and yanks Miss Lupusregina's hat off. Revealing wolf ears!
"You can have this back in a month." Lord Zamaina says to the woman. Speaking as though he were scolding a child.
He commands Golems, Vampires, now Werewolves? He truly is a god! But, if he's a god, does that make Lord Momonga a god? Lord Zamaina refers to him as his leader, is he an even greater god!?
"Come along now Mr. Baleare." Miss Yuri says as she steps in front of me. "I'll be instructing you on the proper use of the equipment we lent out to you. Wouldn't want you accidentally blowing yourself up now would we?"
"That was possible!?" I ask in a slight panic. Upon seeing her smile at my outburst. I give a sigh of relief. "Oh, you were joking."
"Sure." Is all she says before heading off.
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-Next day, Nazerick, Eighth floor, Wonderland Grotto-
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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"So I'll be having you stage an attack in a few days." I tell one of my creations, Kouri Toll.
I made him, along with all the runners, as references to youtubers who did songs from back in my first life. While making their names be references to something about running.
Kouri, parkour.
"But of course my furry faced bossman." The pale, blue eyed phantom says with a sharp toothed grin. "Now, how do you like your villagers? Dead or alive?"
He straightens up with a closed lip grin. Adjusting his glove as he keeps his eyes on me.
"Alive, this is just to test them." I say simply.
"I see I see." He nods. "Well in that case, I'll try to make it multiple choice. Piss your pants and run, or stiffen your dick for the eh, the ripe buttfuckery to be held! When is this pop quiz to be held?"
"Night time, about a week from now." I tell him, knowing it'll take Enri at least five days to get to the city and back. And that's if she doesn't stop to camp
It'd be about a three hour round trip with a car. But horses can't run that fast, or run for that long.
"I look forward to it." He grins.
It's clear he's biting his tongue. Keeping himself from speaking too freely. I did write him with the personality of a trickster and a little shit.
"Very well." I nod and turn around to head off towards the exit.
Before remembering where I am. And remembering the exit moves at a set interval.
"Under the rock." Kouri says.
"Thank you." I say and move to a large, painted rock and sink through a portal to the seventh floor. And then teleport elsewhere.
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-2 days later, Dummy Nazerick-
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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Stepping through the portal, I'm shocked to see the sight of Gu, in the courtyard of the Dummy Nazerick. On his knees as he seems to be praying to an effigy made to look like a serpent with a wolf's head. The serpent's body being jagged and jutting at sharp angles. And the wolf's head being an actual wolf's skull with twigs strapped to the back making up the wolf's mane. It looks dusted in charcoal and is splashed in odd spots with the same bluish purple paint from the naga's camp.
"What, is that?" I ask Aura as I point to the War Troll with his hands in the air.
"Oh! About that." Aura says before everyone else's attention is brought to the troll in the courtyard. "Yeah, ever since I put him to work. He sort of just, built that in his free time and started praying to it before and after his meals."
"And just what is the beast praying to?" Shalltear scoffs, but I feel a, bit of a twinge towards it.
Like staring at the sight, I feel a sense of, I'm not even sure there's a way to put it into words. But I feel like a part of me got cut off, spread out, grew stronger and returned.
I feel like there's a part of me out there in the courtyard.
"Your first follower." I hear as the world around me darkens into a foggy haze. "Or, at least one with a true soul."
"Hmm." Is all I can think to say as the world returns to normal.
Odin, only sticks around when he has more he wants to say, or more to explain.
"Me." I say, causing Shalltear to shut up, and Demiurge to look over in greater interest.
"How is that supposed to be Zamaina?" Momonga says curiously as he gazes at the misshapen totem.
"I believe it may be a more abstract representation." Demiurge says. "Meant to allude more than directly emulate."
I have a worshiper. A genuine worshipper. And it's a War Troll.
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Moving on.
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"And the bones?" Momonga asks Demiurge about the chair.
"All from only the best of specimens we could acquire my lord!" Demiurge says as he kneels. "Griffons, Wyverns and the like."
It's actually a pretty dope ass chair. I wouldn't call it a throne. But I guess that statement is debatable.
"I see, that's not exactly, no nevermind." Momonga says awkwardly as he stares at it.
[Help me out man!] He messages desperately.
[What's the problem?] I ask.
[What's the problem?] He asks in disbelief. [The problem is that those are human skulls damnit!]
[Skulls for the Skull throne.] I message and smirk.
Momonga pauses as he looks back to me. And I can tell you, if he had eyelids, he'd be glaring.
[Just pretend it's a halloween prop you big bony baby.] I message before cutting off the line.
With a defeated sag to his shoulders. Momonga moves to sit in the bone throne. Pulling up the mirror of remote viewing, and calling us to view.
The guardians all form to the side of Momonga as I take a spot behind and to the side. Shalltear next to me, in front of her are the twins and Mereum. On the other side, stands Albedo, Demiurge, Cocytus and Mizore on the other side.
"Now then, thoughts?" Momonga asks as he sets the mirror of remote viewing up in front of us. "Do you all believe we adequately wowed them?"
"Without a doubt my lords!" Aura says eagerly, and Mare nods emphatically.
"As far as displays of power go, one would be hard pressed to compete." Meruem says in his calm voice.
"I feel they'd be fools to think they could go against you after that display my lords." Demiurge says with a grin as he straightens his back.
"Mhmm." Mizore nods.
"I imagined it to be a spectacular showing." Cocytus says, having not been at the demonstration. Instead preparing his weapons.
Not that he needed it, but it was a warrior thing. And so Momonga respected it as part of his bio, which knowing Warrior Takemikazuchi, it probably is.
"It is as they say my Lords." Albedo says with a serene smile. "For none can doubt your absolute authority. A demonstration like that would cow any into reevaluating their position in life."
"Hmm, good. Good." Momonga says as he finds the lake.
He wasn't really paying attention. Rather he was buying time and looking to fill the silence as he found what he was looking for.
"For now, we have some time to kill so to speak." He says and has the mirror float back some. "Let us see how the lizardmen are spending this valuable time.'
There's, not much of note here until the lizardmen who were fucking showed up.
"Urgh! Way gross!" Aura sticks out her tongue. "No one wants to see that!"
"Deplorable, absolutely. I can't even." Albedo sneers.
"They truly are mere animals with a working voice box." Demiurge says with a small amount of bite.
"Hmm?" Mizore cocks a brow.
"Oh my~" Shalltear says as she brings a dainty hand to cover her mouth.
Meruem says nothing and just snakes out his tail to cover the twins' eyes. Mare, the cinnamon roll that he is, just looks helplessly confused at everyone's reactions.
"Enough!" Momonga raises a hand to silence the guardians. "In cases where individuals are about to die, it's only natural that the instinct to preserve the species arises. If, movies are to be believed anyway."
Yes, he actually said that last bit.
"Still." Meruem says as he looks away from the screen, still covering the twins eyes until the mirror is put away.
"I suppose it is natural." Demiurge says, not contradicting his previous statement.
"Hmm." Mizore hums as she lowers her brow with a slight frown.
"This much can be forgiven." Albedo nods sagely as though she didn't just condemn them.
"So dangerous situations can increase one's sex drive?" Shalltear mutters to herself.
'Nope!' I yell to myself. 'Note to self! Stomp that cigarette butt out ASAP!'
"Enough." Momonga says with a tired sigh.
The room devolves into an awkward silence as Momonga suffers in his own thoughts.
Personally? I have no opinion. It looked like snakes tangling themselves together, and even if I saw it differently. Not their fault we went peeping in their homes.
[Hey um, do think it'd be a good idea to have Meruem or Mizore give the twins the talk?] I suddenly get messaged.
My brow furrows and I look to the bonehead. Before uttering all my current thoughts and feelings on the matter.
"What?"
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Bonus
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-Zamaina's room-
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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Looking through the papers Momonga handed me earlier. I come to a shocking conclusion in regards to the witch of Re-Estize.
I am of course, referring to Renner.
"Merchant Tariff for the Empire, approved. Land subsidies for lesser nobles, rejected. Agricultural reform policy, rejected. Debt forgiveness system, approved." I start listing off.
Renner is supposed to be a genius. But, I think that label is overstated. Because looking at these proposals, taking into account the notorious selfishness of the nobles, it's obvious which of these would be passed.
For example, three years ago. The property protection act she proposed was signed and ratified. It basically stated "Hey, I'm responsible for my stuff. If it breaks, or it hurts someone, I pay for it." But under kingdom law, any and all 'living assets' could be acquired by the king in times of need. I.e. work force and livestock.
It's how they draft their peasant armies. Now, peasants aren't property per se, but slaves are. And the wording of the Property Protection Act, made this neat loophole where a slave, is counted as both property, and a living asset.
Making it illegal to mistreat a slave. Because if a slave breaks, then they have to be properly disposed of and given burial rights. Which isn't cheap and would normally fall on the next of kin to take care of. But, in this case the owner is forced to foot the bill.
In short, she made slavery less cost effective by masking it as forcing merchants and nobles to ensure their property is taken care of.
Then, there is the Debt Forgiveness System. I won't bore you with the details, but it's basically student loans from the nineties. The forgiveness system works on a system of ruling nobles lending out money to pay off debts and in return, they receive payment with interest. Compound interest.
To the average peasant, Renner made it so that a debt can be slowly paid off. And they won't have to fear losing their livelihoods over a debt. Most peasants being unable to do anything beyond addition when it comes to math. To the nobles however, Renner stupidly made a system by which they profit over the course of a lifetime.
Then there's the Living Asset Protection Policy. This got rid of the buying and selling of slaves, but has a loophole that allows people to pay off debt with service. And as stated before, a noble can lend out money to forgive another's debt, transfer responsibility of the debt to the noble. And then charge compound interest.
Slavery is legal, you just can't buy and sell directly. And since the debtors aren't counted as the noble's property, the noble isn't required to guarantee the individuals safety.
"They are their own person, why should I be held responsible for their choice in how to repay me for the money they owe?" I snort.
The rest of these policies are a mixed bag of 'This will help the people! It just requires a little bit of investment.' getting rejected. And 'This can help the nobles. But secretly lessens their power through carefully worded loopholes that they think are in their favor.'
Maybe it's my experience in dealing with contracts, but these proposals are rife with loopholes and predatory conditions.
"Hmm, I remember in canon that Zanak, Raeven and Jircniv saw through her." I mutter to myself.
Honestly? If I hadn't known about Renner, I'd consider her actions an attempt to strengthen herself and achieve her own authority.
"Hmm, no wonder Demiurge sought her out in canon." I think as I get up and step out of my room.
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Bonus
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-Nazerick Library-
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Mizore Shirayuki POV
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Grabbing the book I came for, I feel a small dusting of a blush appear on my face. The title, Love in the Snow, being written in beautiful silvery laminate.
"Well what do we have here?" I nearly flinch at the voice. But restrain myself from doing so.
The only ones who can sneak up on me, are Aura, Aureole, Kouri, Wolfy, my Father and-
"Shalltear." I say, turning to the smaller nympho.
Hypocritical of me to call her that, I know. But I'm only like that when me and Tsukune are alone and in private. The proper time to be a degenerate little freak.
Shalltear however, doesn't seem to have an off switch.
"Mizore, still pretending not to steal ideas for the bedroom?" She smirks.
"I'm not pretending anything." I say as I hold up the book in my hand. "I just don't flaunt my attractions like you do."
"There's nothing wrong with my likes." She says, looking mildly offended. "I am as my creator made me, as are you. You don't see me casting judgement."
I ignore her as I move to put back the book I previously got. With the little degenerate following me.
"You know, I can't help but think of how if I am to marry Lord Zamaina, you'll be my daughter." Shalltear speaks up.
"Wouldn't be the weirdest thing ever." I say dryly as we pass my father's pet. Nose deep in an arcane tome.
"No I suppose not." Shalltear agrees, not seeing the insult. "Especially for your family. Isn't your great half uncle a horse?"
'Oh, she just had a comeback prepared.' I realize as I find the spot.
"And with you we'll have a little girl as the mother of several adults." I remark.
She's perhaps the furthest thing from a little girl. It's just a jab at the padded chest and short stature.
"Hmm, maybe one day you'll see me as a mother." She smirks as she selects her own erotic novel. Ignoring my comment. "You know, the Supreme Ones have an entire section dedicated to relations between step family."
I'm willing to bet my hair it's mostly Lord Peroroncino's.
"Choke on a dick." I tell the pint sized vampire, though she knows I'm mostly joking.
"I think I will." She says smugly, causing me to freeze. Not literally of course.
She then turns around and gates out of the library. Likely to look for my father or leave her book in her room.
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"Hmm, well that backfired." I say to myself, before remembering I don't really care too much.
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Bonus
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Kouri Toll
[Most Devious Runner]
Creator: Punito Moe/Zamaina
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Heteromorphic Race
-Racial levels-
Ghost 12
Poltergeist 6
Phantom 4
Will-O-Wisp 1
-Job Levels-
Rogue 6
Thief 6
Informant 2
Wizard 8
Illusionist 8
Evocationist 6
Mad Mage 5
Bard 3
Misophonia 2
Total: 69
-Stats-
Sense of justice: 0 Neutral
HP: 40
MP: 70
PHY. ATK: 20
PHY. DEF: 52
AGILITY: 63
MAG. ATK: 67
MAG. DEF: 69
RESIST: 72
SPECIAL: 89
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-Bio-
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Kouri is, for lack of any better term, mischievous. Intelligent and wily, Kouri may be the slowest Runner in terms of body, but in terms of mind, he is the fastest. Cunning, devious, and relying on a mix of trickery, illusions, conjurations and mind games to outwit opponents. Kouri plays the part of a boisterous joker, taunting and teasing enemies. While teasing friends in a more friendly manner.
Kouri is an expert in social and emotional intelligence. Able to pick up on ones habits and tells in a staggeringly short amount of time. He uses this to best rib his opponents with taunts and casual comments aimed at their insecurities.
He does this with friends as well, but in a more playful and less malicious manner.
Kouri gets along well with others, despite his boisterous nature. Others who find themselves on his good side, see him as an agreeable person with a wealth of insight. To all others, he's a little shit.
Kouri is not the kind to hold a grudge. Rather, if slighted, he would rather handle the situation privately. And if it can't be fixed, he would rather cut ties than drag out any real drama involving himself.
Underneath all this, hides a deeply philosophical mind. Kouri enjoys reading into the philosophy of stories, finding the deeper meaning of tales and actions.
It's just a shame that he often phrases his musings, into a lead for an often crass joke.
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A/N
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More comments! I want them all! Every one of them! Especially speculation, I love speculative comments.
Fuel me my NOOBIANS!
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Find me in my channel, newb's-grotto, on the discord.
Link to the discord: discord .gg/DarkWolfShiro