A/N Eyes on the future
Alt title: Or something like that
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spitfyre55555: Depending on first impressions, Zamaina either wouldn't care about her. Or totally dick her down and give her everything she wants from him.
All depends on how she approaches him.
Some1call4MR-E: The thing is, you don't need genitals to molest someone. The act itself is about intimacy and trust.
For, less wholesome means however. It's about power, control, domination.
That, and the NPC's genuinely believe Ainz can achieve anything.
Bradlysteak: hey! Over from my first and longest fic!
Church21: It's about the lore. Part of Odin's soul is bound to Zamaina, until someone kills Zamaina and takes Odin's eye from them. Zamaina is hallucinating, but it's more or less his mind being put into an ethereal state that allows him and Odin to discuss without outside interference.
Lore, is also the reason Odin seems to know more about Yggdrasil items than Zamaina or Momonga. Because lore wise, Odin sacrificed his eye for greater sight. Being able to see all that is hidden and revealing all the world's mysteries to him.
Odin can see the hidden functions of items.
FAKE-ROB: Zamaina doesn't really care about chest size. Though if anything, in terms of appearance, Lakyus or Lupusregina are ideal to him. But that's a holdover from his human sensibilities. To him, looks are secondary to their strength and sexual compatibility. For example, Gagaran is just as attractive to him as Tia or Tina. Because while Tia and Tina look nicer, Gagaran is physically stronger. Putting them somewhat on even terms in regards to attractiveness.
Hwang Manuel: You're all caught up!
F4dead.Gh0st: Thank you! Here's another chapter!
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-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
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-Carne Village-
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3rd person POV
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As the villagers continued to fend off the horde of trolls, barghest, goblins and more. Kouri, the orchestrator of this test. Sat on a nearby roof, overseeing the whole ordeal. Using higher level skills to remain hidden from his fellow NPC, Lupusregina.
In hindsight, he realizes he should've done that in the first place. Now the whole point of the test is compromised. To see if they can adequately defend themselves without constant monitoring.
Now that Lupusregina knows the army is his doing. He fears she may relay that info. But there's nothing he can really do to stop her. He was meant to stay out of the actual fighting and only reveal himself when the two hundredth enemy was killed.
"Hmm, what to do?" He thinks to himself, before a flicker of movement at the corner of his eyes catches his attention.
A girl and a boy, talking to each other as they ran to what he knew as the safety shed. The designated location where they would flee in case of, well anything. Along with all the non-combatants.
Enri, and Nfirea.
With a sharp toothed grin and gleam in his electric blue eyes. The pale, white haired apparition had a plan to keep Lupusregina from stunting his efforts.
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-10 minutes later-
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Enri Emmot POV
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"Nfi!" I run over to the bloody man as Miss Lupusregina beats back the troll.
"Woo!" She sighs before the troll, shatters? "That all you got! I thought you were goof at this."
Miss Lupusregina huffs and turns to us with a grin. Seeming unconcerned over all that has happened.
"Man, you guys really are suckers huh?" She grins enthusiastically, as though she were greeting an old friend.
"What do you-" I don't get to voice my confusion as Miss Lupu swings her staff to the side, and slams it to the ground with a loud rumble.
"URGH!" I hear a sharp, kinda high voice echo out before groaning. "Well, that went tits up on my end."
"Oh, don't be sad." Miss Lupu says before reaching down, and pulling up a white haired man in a red coat with a dark blue shirt underneath. "You got a beauty like me to chase you! How lucky." She says with a smile that promises mischief.
"Mm, yes, and would that be good luck, or bad?" He gives a sharp toothed grin. Like all of his teeth are triangles. "Because I be-lieve~! Specification may be needed."
"Hmm, stick around and find out." Miss Lupu says with a wolfish grin as she keeps ahold of the man, who I now notice has cloud white skin, and black in place of white in his eyes.
"A-a phantom?" Nfi says and I look down to the, unharmed man in my arms. And he looks down to himself as well. "W-what?"
"Mm! Ah yes, I see you are suffering a touch from the confusion my good, women? Men? If you would please identify your genitalia so I may properly address you!" The phantom in Miss Lupu's grasp says as he claps his hands together. "We can begin unbefuddling you! Idiots say what!"
"What?" I ask, so confused I feel I might cry.
"And there we have it!" He says before disappearing in a wisp of shadows. "Explanations will be useless!"
I look over and see him about ten feet away, and heading towards the gate!
"Lupusregina! Stop him!" I tell her.
"Not if I stop myself!" He says and pivots to face us. Smiling as I, have no idea what's going on.
"Enri, meet Kouri." Miss Lupu says in her usual tone. "He's, a friend?"
"Define friend!" He shouts back. "Because last I checked, consent was needed for a friendship!"
"He's a friend." Miss Lupu says once again with more certainty.
"What is going on?!" I ask as I stand up.
"Oof!" Nfirea groans as his head hits the ground.
"Nfi!"
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-Next Day, Nazerick 9t h floor, Sitting Room-
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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"So I had Kouri stage a false flag operation." I explain as Momonga is busy giving Nemu a tour of the ninth floor. "The goal was to test the defenses, without risking anyone's safety."
"With all due respect Lord." Enri says as she tries not to fidget in place. "Would it not have been best to inform us beforehand?"
This, everything here? Is so far from her realm of comfort it's bordering on sad.
It was Momonga's idea. And it is a decent one. We display an overabundance of wealth and power to them at a casualness that seems unreal. By their standards at least. And, garner more and more of their loyalty.
In short, inviting them here was a power move saying 'See what we can offer? Why think of anyone else when this is what they have to compete against.' While also saying. 'Don't try to backstab us, it won't end well.'
"That would defeat the purpose." I say as I lean back and cross my foot over my knee. "If I were to warn you, you'd have been expecting the attack. And if you expected an attack, we couldn't ascertain just how well you'd have dealt with an unexpected attack."
"I, suppose that makes sense." Nfirea says as he grabs his chin in thought. "It's like when grandma was teaching me alchemy, she'd randomly ask me about the processes and about what ingredients went into what potions." He said before quiet adding. "Even during lunch."
'She's a smart woman.' I think to myself.
It's worth noting that Lizzie only recently moved into Carne. And didn't move with Nfirea. Nfirea moved after I and Momonga offered him supplies and equipment to experiment with.
Lizzie followed of her own accord, out of a heartfelt desire to remain with her one living relative. His kidnapping back then, having left her scarred.
"Um, there's another thing I've been meaning to ask you, Lord Zamaina." Enri asks with a lack of confidence as she averts her gaze.
"And what is that?" I cock my head curiously.
"Well, with the Goblins, the vampire, Miss Lupusregina, and then Kouri." She lists off, and I can see where this is going. "A-are you and Lord Momonga, human?"
"Enri!" Nfirea hisses before turning to me, waving his hands out as though to catch the words she just spoke. "Excuse her Lord Zamaina, she's been stressed with all that's happened and-"
I hold up a hand and stop him. Causing him to taper off and rest back down in his seat. Having leaned forward.
"Let me ask you this." I say as I adjust my shoulders against the back of the couch.
It's one of those body language tricks. It's a non threatening movement that draws attention to you, and gives the impression you're preparing to get up. Which in a meeting, draws everyone's attention.
Of course, if you're not the one in power in the meeting. It only makes you come off as restless or fidgety.
"Does it matter?" I ask after Enri's eyes meet mine.
"What, do you mean my lord?" She asks with a worried look.
"If I am human, which I presume you already assumed I am." I start with questioning a look. "Then nothing changes. But if I said I wasn't, would you treat me different? Even after everything?"
Her eyes go wide as she realizes what I mean.
"If I'm not human, and if I never was in the first place." I continue. "Then what does the knowledge change? I guess you would know your savior and supplier to Carne isn't human. But again, that information shouldn't change anything about how we operate. Tell me why I should answer you Enri."
She's quiet as she stares at her lap for a bit longer. Trying to come up with an answer that won't offend me.
"I, I suppose I'm just curious is all." She finally mutters, earning a smile from me.
"There's nothing wrong with that." I say softly. "Causing her and Nfirea to snap their heads up. "What?" I chuckle.
"Th-then." She tries to find a way to ask again without sounding rude.
"To answer, what were your first thoughts upon entering the throne room?" I ask her.
Enri's brow furrows in thought.
"I, was just astounded." She answers. "I thought it was otherworldly! I had never seen or even heard of anything like that before!"
That brings about as much joy to me, as Nemu's outburst did. We spent the better half of a decade building the great tomb and decorating it. Filling it with all sorts of bits and bobbles and oddities that we just.
It's nice to show off something you worked hard for.
"But, what does that have to do with, y'know?" She asks.
"Oh, not much." I say with a shrug. "But, back to your question. When you entered the throne room, you, Nemu, and Nfirea were the only humans in the room."
I nearly laugh at her widening eyes. Nfirea, doesn't give much of a reaction. But that's because he figured out Inazama and Momon, were I and Momonga. And after the spiel I gave him about myth's legends and god's blood.
He probably put two and two together a long time ago.
I get up and stretch my shoulders as I head for the door. Hearing Momonga and Nemu running over, I open it just in time for the tyke to barrel through.
"Enri!" She shouts, and I tune them out as I nod to Momonga, and he nods back.
This is his deal. I have my own shit to deal with, and this was just a nice detour. The lounge, my usual pick when it comes to relaxation for the food and booths that hide me from the NPC's view, being off limits for a while.
Sous Chef is cordial and professional to a near fault. Being one of the more agreeable NPC's in my opinion. He even said that unless he was specifically ordered not to, he'd demand I leave if I cause too much fuss. Which is a breath of fresh air compared to the others who prostrate themselves and beg me to walk on their back as opposed to the ground.
"And the toilets in the east wing need a scrub!" I hear the voice of the second butler in command, Éclair Éklair Éklare. "After that, report to the cafeteria for lunch, then the after lunch cafeteria cleaning!"
"Oiwee!" The penguin butlers all salute before, in unison, turning their heads to me and kneeling.
I have to blink to make sure what I saw was correct. And it was.
"Hmm?" Éclair hums as he waddles around to face me, and tilts his head in suspicion.
He likely hasn't heard of how I look when playing human. Though it raises the question of how the others under his command do, if he doesn't.
I sigh and transform back. The whole minute it takes to do so. With Éclair giving a sharp ah! As he recognizes me.
"Lord Zamaina!" He says in an elegant voice that does not match his appearance of a rock hopper penguin. "Lovely to see you here! Might I ask as to what you are doing?"
"Heading to the library to retrieve Ninya." I answer.
"Ah, your pet vampire." He nods. "Before you go, might I ask. How clean, would you say the throne room is?"
This is just how he is. If I keep playing along, he'll go into making me an offer. Last time, I was offered the role of head bellhop once he was in charge. All I have to do, is keep him up to date on how clean the throne was.
"It's a tad dusty." I say as a grin forms on my face. "But not as bad as the sitting room where Momonga is. Why, it's so dirty, only the head butler or maid would be capable of-"
"Say no more my loyal informant!" He says as he takes out a comb and refines his, hair? "Your words ring loud in my ears. As the future ruler of the Great Tomb, I shall not let this slide, tally ho!"
He points his comb in the direction of the sitting room I just came from. And one of the butlers picks him up, and carries him off.
'Now that that's over with.' I think to myself. 'Time to pick up Ninya and see what Ainzach wants with team Darkness.'
He's been pestering Momon for a meeting for about a week now. And Momonga asked me to handle it. I have to stop by the mages guild later so I figured why not. I can attend the meeting, see what's up, and peruse the available scrolls afterward.
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-E-Rantel, Red district-
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'Momonga owes me.' I think irritably as, somehow, I found myself in a brothel on Ainzack's invitation.
He handed me a letter to give to Momon. At which I opened it and read it, much to his discomfort. At which point I told him Momon asked me to handle this in full.
If anything, his cagey attitude over me reading the letter. Made me think it was some sort of trap. But his surprise and upbeat attitude once I agreed to go, made me think he was just nervous.
I really should have figured it out when the envelope read Velvety Vixens. But I thought it was just a high end venue.
"I'll, let Momon know he was invited." I tell the matron.
"You sure you don't want to, explore your options?" The lady who can best be described as an aged beauty says as she places a hand on my chest. "We may not be as, diverse as the capital. But I'm sure one of my girls can suit your tastes."
"I doubt you have anyone I'd be interested in." I dismiss immediately. Ready to just leave regardless of how rude it might come off as or how it might make me look even worse.
"Well you won't know until you- Oh!"
Ninya had actually used her staff, placing it gently on the woman's stomach and slowly pushed her back. Much to her surprise.
"Oh?" She says as she eyes my masked teammate. "Oh, is that it?" She says as she crosses and arm under her sizeable chest. "I see then. A shame. Well, you let Sir Momon know he's welcome here. Whenever he wants."
You'd think a place like this would be full of pheromones. But no. There is almost no arousal from the women here. Not even the matron is giving off that sort of scent.
Aside from the blushing blonde peeking at me through the key hole that leads to the back.
"Will do." I nod as I start walking towards the door. Having not even moved past the main parlor.
Fuck me! That was awkward.
"That was so embarrassing!" Ninya gives a quiet, high pitched squeal as we leave and make a beeline for the mages guild. "I never thought the guildmaster would've been the type to send us to a brothel."
"It takes all kinds." I say simply as we exit the district.
"I mean, I get that many in power enjoy that kind of thing but it just so weird experiencing it." She continues, somewhat incoherently.
"Uh huh." I nod along.
"It's just so weird to think of being propositioned like that." She keeps going. "And weirder to have it happen to you. It's not a bad thing I know. Everyone has their, needs. But like, I get that it's-"
"Lysithea." I turn on my heels and place a finger oh her mask. Where her mouth would be. "Let's just, not focus on that. Okay?"
"Um, okay." She nods sheepishly after I remove my finger.
We continue walking in silence for a bit. Passing the peoples as they greet us and attempt small talk.
"How much do you think it would cost to, be there?" She suddenly asks.
"You're spending time with the twins when we get back." I say in response.
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-Adventurer's Guild, Guild Master's Office-
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Pluton Ainzack POV
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Looking out the window. I sigh as I think about how poorly that could've gone. For one, there are rumors around the guild that Inazama is either Momon's secret lover, or pining for him. Not that I judge or anything. But, handing an invitation to a brothel, to the man interested in the invited. Well, it could've gotten ugly.
Though, seeing the interested and examining look on Inazama's face. I guess we can rule out him being gay. Maybe. Though it does strike me as odd that he'd take their spellcaster Lysithea with him. Maybe they have a thing? Maybe they want to spice things up?
"Get your mind out of the chamber pot Ainzach." I admonish myself as I look away from the window and go back to my desk.
It's not my place to pry into my adventurers love lives or their habits. So long as they're not breaking any laws or dragging any politics into the guild. I should be happy.
"Still." I can't help but wonder.
I'm brought from my musings by a knock on the door. Giving a quick affirmation, a courier comes in. Designated by the blue vest containing the post master's symbol. A stylized horse with wings surrounding it.
"Hmm?" I hum curiously. Not surprised that there's a courier here. They're paid to ensure their parcels are hand delivered.
And impeding an official courier comes with a hefty fine. Depending on the courier's rank, you could even face execution.
Though, that's only for royal couriers. And they wear a bright purple vest with the emblem embedded into the back with gold silk. Funnily enough, the bright vest's they wear act as a sort of warning to them. Like saying, 'Rob me, and this is the punishment you can expect.'
Needless to say, Courier is one of them most dangerous, while paradoxically being one of the safest jobs. With lower rank couriers being easy targets, and the higher ranked ones being protected so fiercely by the law. Bandits, muggers and thieves would be mad to accost them.
"Pluton Ainzach?" He asks, for posterities sake more than anything, as he hands me a paper to sign. Ensuring I received the letter. "For you." He hands me a letter.
I already know who it's from. The perfume being a dead giveaway.
Opening the letter-
Dear Pluton Ainzach
You ask of me to inform you upon any developments with the adamantite team, Darkness, and my establishment. While I know why, you sneaky fox-
'And no one would blame me.' I think to myself.
My plan was to have Sir Momon visit the establishment. Hopefully find a girl he likes. And, god's be willing, he'd impregnate one of them. An honorable man such as that, there's no doubt in my mind that he'd settle down. Or at least make E-Rantel a consistent stop on his journeys.
Though Inazama is just as powerful, he doesn't have the same awe inspiring presence. Half the people who meet him, say they feel he has this predatory hunger to his eyes. Like he's sizing up everyone he meets. While the other half are rabid fans, male and female alike.
Anyway.
-And while I don't blame you. You have this city to think of after all. I feel you should know that Inazama and Lysithea came to my establishment under the mistaken impression that it was a male brothel-
And there goes my wonderings.
-Next time, I would appreciate you properly inform any potential clients you send my way. Save everyone the embarrassment.
P.S. You're paying the courier.
Looking up, I see that said courier has yet to leave. And I heave a sigh as I reach into my pocket and prepare to pay the fee.
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-3 days later, Nazerick, Guild Master's Office-
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MomongaPOV
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"Al-right then." I say with an exhale. Despite not having lungs or a throat, I still feel the need to sigh as I stare at the screen.
We're here because of a job we picked up from the guild to eliminate an orc warband that had been spotted to the north. Needless to say, it's already done.
We're just spending time in Nazerick while we wait out the time it would be appropriate to have done the job.
"It's fucking hilarious." Zamaina chuckles.
On the mirror of remote viewing, is the inner chamber of the Draconic Kingdom's palace. On the screen is a little girl, somewhere between eight or ten.
Downing an entire bottle of wine as she holds it up. Using both of her tiny hands to support the weight as a tired looking older man looks on.
"W…what am I looking at?" I ask slowly as the girl sets the half empty bottle down, and moves to grab the ink and quill to write on the parchment before her.
"Queen Draudillon Oriculus." Zamaina says as he turns to me. "Great grand daughter of the Brightness Dragon Lord. User of magic that is native to this world. Primeval magic."
Primeval magic. The magic native to this world and said to only be useable by those with the blood of dragons in them.
"So, does the dragon blood allow her to safely consume alcohol?" I ask, puzzled as to how this could possibly be our concern.
Well, except for the knowledge of a nearby possessor of primeval magic. Perhaps, if the need ever arises we could coerce her into working with us? She is a child. I don't imagine it would be too hard to do.
'Ah, now I feel scummy.' I lament to myself. 'Still, if it's for Nazerick, well. So long as it's not predatory or anything.'
"No, well, maybe but that's not the point." Zamaina shakes his head before tapping the mirror and turning it off. "What is, is the fact that unbeknownst to the wider public, the Dragon kingdom is facing imminent collapse."
'A nation falling?' I can't help but wonder just what that means for us. It is quite a ways away. Across the empire and past the wyvern tribes even.
They're not even really involved in the Re-Estize kingdom politics. That's how removed from the wider world they are.
"What does this have to do with us?" I eventually ask.
"Because the reason they're collapsing is due to invasion from the beastmen country." He explains. "And that little girl you saw, is in her early fifties. Yes her aging is slower due to dragon blood, but that form she's in is to garner support from her subjects in fending off the invasion."
"How does posing as a child garner support?" I immediately ask. "If anything, I'd think it would make others see her as easy to take advantage of."
Zamaina nods his head at my assessment.
"And there no doubt are those who do. But she's competent enough to see through their attempts." He agrees. "But the main thing, is sympathy. The beastmen are eating her people. Treating the Dragon Kingdom like a hunting ground."
"I'm still not seeing the point." I say. "We have enough to worry about here."
Though, I'd like to what these beastmen are like. I haven't heard of them before. And they're eating people? Does that make them carnivorous or do they genuinely rely on human flesh to survive?
I supposed it'd be a neat thing to look into.
"Because, at the rate they're declining." Zamaina says. "All it would take is showing up at just the right time to save them. And suddenly we have the favor of someone with access to magic native to this world."
'I see now!' I feel it click in my head.
"So you're keeping an eye on them to see when best to swoop in and save them?" I ask, finally seeing what he's saying.
"To some extent." He nods before tapping the mirror again, pulling up the scene again. Only this time the girl is vomiting into a bucket as the old man holds her hair back.
Before sitting up and grabbing the bottle again.
"Admit it." He grins. "The sight of a little girl downing a bottle is hilarious!"
Looking at the scene. I have to say.
I just don't get it.
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James "Zamaina" Petrosky POV
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There's something akin to a dark humor in this image. Maybe it's because the scene doesn't seem real. Like, when are you ever going to see an alcoholic woman trapped in the body of a little girl. Downing wine bottles like they're juice boxes.
I wonder just how many people in the palace are aware of the truth. They have to notice the wine cellar emptying. Do they think the Prime Minister is an alcoholic and is constantly getting smashed out of his gourd while watching over the queen?
That's a funny thought. Would love to see a random maid walk in and just see the little girl drunk off her ass.
Better than reality tv. That's for sure.
"Well, I have paperwork to do." Momonga says as he turns back to his desk. Pushing the mirror out of his view for me to stash back in my inventory. "Unless you want to help me-"
"Goodbye!" I say as I hurriedly walk towards the door.
Nothing against him. But we already split the paperwork. And no one in their right mind would willingly take more just because.
Exiting the room. I think more on the nearby kingdoms.
The Holy Roble kingdom is a fucking mess. Probably more so than the Re-Estize Kingdom. Calca, I refuse to refer to her as any form of a leader. She is pathetic. No other words for it.
Fourth tier magic, she's a genius caster capable of the fourth tier. But it's all focused on beauty magic. Not illusions, not divine magic that rejuvenates. No, she pioneered a new form of magic, in the hopes of staying pretty.
Her brother isn't any better! He's spineless and inept. But at least he admitted it.
The country is so divided that there are rumors of the south having a separate currency. A rumor I've confirmed by having Nigredo spy on them. At least the Re-Estize Kingdom has a charismatic leader. Calca is openly disrespected.
The only use I could think of for her, is PR. She's open about caring for non-humans. So when our nation is founded, she'll play a key in keeping us recognized on the world stage. So, despite how I feel about her. I ordered Demiurge to insure she survives.
For now.
The Draconic Kingdom is falling. But its only real fault is that it relied too much on outside forces to protect them. Adventurers, Workers, the Theocracy etc. But now that the beastmen are trying as opposed to sandbagging their way into the country for a quick snack. Well, they're fucked.
Think the Western Roman Empire, and how they relied too heavily on mercenaries.
Those are the three easiest targets. Re-Estize, Roble, and the Draconic.
Re-Estize is just the closest. And I plan to have Demiurge reach out to Renner much in the same way he did in canon. Because while her nature is obvious to me. I technically have fifty plus years of experience to pull from. She's fifteen with no formal education in this field. She taught herself nearly everything she knows. And she knows so much, because she uses deductive reasoning.
She is a genius. But, she's not this unfathomable genius on par with Albedo and Demiurge. She's merely as sociopathic as them.
Still, things are progressing as canon, kind of. But I feel we can do better. Destabilizing the kingdom is step one. Which will need project Gehenna. Project Witch is how we plan to manipulate Renner into tearing the country apart.
Which won't be hard once the evidence of the first prince's involvement with The Eight Fingers is revealed. Which, it will be. After that, there'll be a succession war between Barbro and Marquis Pespea, who is married to the first princess. And Zanac.
Zanac, has one backer. Marquis Raeven. But that one can be equated to the second most politically influential being in the country.
The royal faction, mostly backs Marquis Pespea, and the Nobles Barboro.
"Honestly." I sigh to myself. "Some of this seems too easy."
Now, to time the project gehenna so that it lines up with the attack on the Eight Finger's bases. Because with my intervention I do not trust canon to remain perfectly on track.
"Za-Zamaina."
'Speaking of canon divergences.' I think to myself as I turn around and greet the vampire.
"Ah, Ninya." I say and reach out to give headpats. "Don't mind me. Just lost in thought."
"Yeah, I got that." She grumbles as I finish ruffling her hair. "Um, I was wondering. A-about my sister."
"I've narrowed down which city she's in and I have a servant on the look out for her." I say, causing her eyes to widen in disbelief.
"R-really?" She nearly cries. "Y-you're not just messing with me right?"
"Oh Ninya." I say as I kneel down to eye level with her, cup her chin and give her a sharp grin. "Even if I was, what would you do?"
That was cruel to say. I know. But I couldn't help it! You know how puppies get when you yell at them? All big eyed and droopy eared. That's this.
She blushes and looks down. Fidgeting with the edges of her cloak as I, don't sense any fear from her. And looking closer, I see she has a slight smile.
The fuck is wrong with people in this world?
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Lysithea "Ninya" Veyron POV
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He's just teasing me. I get that! Still, he doesn't have to get so close! And with how he's making it clear he's doing it for me. That with his power he could do whatever he wants. But is doing this because he cares for me.
"U-um." I say as I look up. "Thank you."
"I feel like there's been a miscommunication here." He says as he stands back up to his towering seven foot plus height. "But I'm too lazy to correct it. Point is, if she's alive she'll be found before the end of the month."
'That soon!' I feel my eyes widen.
I, I've, I don't know what to say! I've spent over five years looking for her, and he says he'll find her, in less than a month of knowing she exists?
'This isn't real. He's toying with me.' The darker side of my mind voices my fears.
But looking up at him as he turns around and walks away. I can't help but think. 'If he wanted to toy with me, there are easier ways to do it.'
He likes me. What that means for him, I'm not sure. But he's nothing but nice and generous. And he's given me so much!
And, there's nothing I can really give to repay him. Not really.
Even, well.
I'm, not confident in my abilities as a woman. Especially not now that I'm undead. Men want a woman who can bear children and I'm not even sure if I can do that anymore.
But, it wouldn't hurt to try, right? There's no proof that vampires can't give birth. So, it's surely worth investigating!
'What are you thinking you pervert!' I admonish myself with a rough shake of my head. 'Stop it! Bad!'
I need to stop this! He's done so much and has so much power and is a literal god! I shouldn't have these expectations from him when he's given so much! Besides, why would he settle for an underdeveloped peasant girl with vampirism?
I've seen the girls that throw themselves at him.
I'm not so foolish to think I could have a real relationship with him. But, nobles take on mistresses and concubines all the time! And, if he hasn't done anything so far, I don't think he'd be the kind of sort to take advantage of me and get bored then toss me out.
He's not like that.
Running up to him, I follow the god of lightning to wherever he's going.
For no particular reason.
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-1 week later, Capital of Re-Estize-
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Climb POV
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"Is Renner in danger!?" I ask after hearing how the sword Lady Lakyus wields might be taking over her mind! "We have to go!"
"Calm down." Lady Evileye chides. "It's not like there's anything we can do. If anything, making a fuss now will only make the situation worse."
I stop in my tracks as I look back to the two. Feeling a pained mix of hopelessness and fear.
"Really?" I ask.
"Yep." Lady Gagaran says with a stern look. "Besides, the only thing that can stop an adamantite is another adamantite."
'I, suppose that's true.' I begrudgingly admit to myself.
"That's just how it is." Lady Evileye says as though it were just a fact. "Oh, that reminds me. There's a third adamantite adventurer team that's popped up in E-Rantel."
"Really?" Lady Gagaran says with a bit of interest. "Well that's news to me. What're they like?"
I step closer, interested in hearing more as well.
"They're a four man team." Lady Evileye starts. "There's Momon, the Raven Black Hero who wields twin great swords. Beautiful Princess Nabe, an arcane caster of the third tier specializing in lightning magic. Then there's The Graveyard Butcher Inazama, he's a ranger with a specialization in all manner of piercing and slashing weapons from bows to axes. And then, they have another Arcane caster. The Mysterious Sage, Lysithea. Not much is known about her but apparently she's a fangirl of mine and styles herself after me. Mask and all. Third tier caster as well by the way."
"Hmm, not a bad lineup." Lady Gagaran appraises.
And I have to agree.
"They sound like they've got some firepower." I say with a smile, happy to hear there are more capable heroes protecting the people.
"No kidding. We've only got one shorty and look at us!" Lady Gagaran smiles. "They've got two!"
"Piss off." Lady Evileye says casually. "Though I will say, never thought I'd see the day when I had a fan."
"Why not, Lady Evileye?" I ask curiously. "Your power is incredible. I've yet to meet any caster who can hold a candle to you. Is it so weird that people would look up to you?"
"Hmm?" She looks to me, before looking back to the table. Sighing, she continues. "No it's just, there was a time when no one would ever emulate me. It's just weird is all. Don't think too deeply about it."
She, seems sad. Like she was reminded of something she'd rather forget.
Perhaps seeing her mood spiral as well. Lady Gagaran speaks up.
"Hey, tell me Shorty." Lady Gagaran speaks up. "What'd these guys do to earn adamantite. Gotta be a lot in a small amount of time if I'm just now hearing of them."
"Well, they fought off an army of the undead that threatened to overrun all of E-Rantel. Where Momon singlehandedly fought off two skeletal dragons, Nabe took on the Zuronon cultists and fried all of them with her magic, and Inazama took on the Infamous Hero Killer, The Inhuman Lady Clementine." Evileye says. "He apparently got so enraged at her showing off all the plates she collected, that he butchered her and spread her body parts all over the graveyard. They still haven't found all of her."
That's, barbaric!
"Damn, was that necessary?" Lady Gagaran puts my thoughts into a kinder question.
"Hmm, what if I told you she was wearing the plates she collected as armor?" Evileye says, and I feel a pit in my stomach grow. "And that there were over two hundred and fifty plates in that armor?"
Lady Gagaran's face hardens into a merciless stare as she grips her mug. The handle audibly straining under the force.
"I take it back." She says, sounding calmer than she looks. "He should've kept her alive. Let me have a crack at the bitch. Not everyone needs their kneecaps after all."
'Holy crap!' I think as I keep my emotions in check.
Though, I can see where they're coming from. An adventurer's plate is meant to verify their identity, and their body. Taking it after killing them, is tantamount to grave robbing. No, it's worse. It's like scratching the name off of a tombstone. And to wear them?
"Wait, what about Lysithea?" I ask. "What was she doing?"
"Oh, she only joined after they became Orichalcum from that." Evileye says. "But other than that, there's the fact they've gathered ultra-rare medicinal herbs from further in the Tob forest than anyone else, they killed a vampiric monster known as a wendigo without suffering a single injury by setting a trap for it that ended up blowing up the side of a mountain. Said monster having already killed two iron plated parties, one silver, three copper and a mythril plated party singlehandedly with only two iron plated survivors. Both of whom have since retired. Other than that, they dissolved the goblin tribal coalition, slayed a giant basilisk, culled a horde of undead in the Katze plains, and they subjugated the magical beast known as the wise king of the forest and are keeping him as a pet."
Neither I, nor Lady Gagaran know what to say to that. And I feel my jaw go slack as I try to say something.
"Holy hell, which one slayed the Basilisk?" Lady Gagaran asks.
"Apparently, it was their ranger." Evileye says. "According to the eyewitness report of the merchant they were guarding, Inazama said 'Dibs on the lizard.' And took off. Then, twenty minutes later came back with its head and told the Wise King of The Forest to retrieve its body."
"Shit, that's hardcore!" Lady Gagaran laughs.
"Reckless is more like it." Evileye counters. "He's reportedly a bit of a headache for Momon."
"I can only imagine." Lady Gagaran says with a bit of a frown.
"I'm imagining a tired blonde with a certain cursed sword not knowing what to do with a certain hammer wielding meathead who charges an entire bandit camp." Lady Evileye says pointedly as she stares at Lady Gagaran.
"You'll never let me live that down." Lady Gagaran sighs. "When are you going to stop living in the past?"
"Living in the- it was last month!" Lady Evileye shouts as she stands up.
Not that she's much taller standing up.
"Is it that big of a deal?" I ask.
"Hmm?" Lady Evileye and Lady Gagaran pause to look at me. And Lady Evileye sits back down.
"Whatcha mean Cherry Boy? The bandits, the basilisk, or the undead?" Lady Gagaran asks.
I force a blush back down at the ridiculous name, Cherry Boy. It's not like I'm a virgin by any real misfortune or anything. If I wanted, I could always head to the brothels and lose that particular card. I just haven't gotten around to it. That's all.
"Um, yes." I say, hoping to just get the conversation moving.
She crosses her arms and hums in thought. Tapping her armored foot as she closes her eyes.
"Hmm, an army of undead? No problem. Skeletal Dragons? Tricky but I'd manage." She hums. "But herbs, exploration, and beast taming are beyond me. And past that, is the Basilisk. No way I'd beat a basilisk without curative measures."
'Is it that impressive?' I think to myself. I'm aware of what a basilisk is. But if Miss Gargaran is hesitant.
"Yeah, their poison and magical petrifying gaze." She continues. "You either keep a distance, or have a healer on hand. But for an Adamantite Ranger. Yeah, I suppose a good shot through the eye would do it."
"He killed it with an axe." Evileye speaks up, causing Lady Gagaran jolt, leaning forward with her hands on her knees.
"Horseshit!" She shouts. "If he were a warrior that'd be one thing. But a ranger killing a basilisk with an axe?"
"Is it that outlandish?" I ask, seeing Lady Gagaran's severe reaction, as compared to Lady Evileye's lax composure over it.
"It means he had to run up to a giant lizard that can outrun a horse, and not get hit once while also killing it faster than its eyes can stone him." Miss Gagaran says seriously.
"And yet, he did it." Lady Evileye says with a shrug. "Its head is mounted in the E-Rantel adventurer's guild."
"Shit." Lady Gagaran says as she sits back, the chair creaking under her wright. "Someone like that, has to be in the realm of heroes."
"And that's not counting the fact Momon is reportedly stronger." Lady Evileye says.
I get the feeling she enjoys surprising Lady Gagaran.
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-Earlier that day-
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Sebas Tian POV
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Leaving the girl to rest in the room, I turn to Solution. I can see she is no doubt upset at my actions. And I intend to address it now.
"Lord Sebas, you can't possibly think of keeping that thing can you?" She preempts the conversation.
"Watch your tone Solution." I say, earning a slight flinch from the woman.
Taking a deep breath. I calm myself before speaking to freely. And potentially saying something uncalled for.
"She's been through a lot." I say softly.
"Even still-"
"Even still I need her for an ongoing investigation of mine." I cut her off, causing her eyes to widen.
"What investigation could you possibly be a part of that I have no knowledge of?" She glares as I turn and start walking, lest this discussion reach the troubled girl's ears.
"A personal one from Lord Zamaina." I say, causing her to stop and bow almost immediately.
"I-I'm sorry Lord Sebas." She says in a soft tone. "I didn't know. I didn't mean to impede one of the great one's plans."
Looking back at the blonde. The only things visible being that of her soft curls. I can't help but sigh, exasperated at myself for this mess.
"Raise your head Solution." I tell the girl, who does so. Her placid expression telling me her feelings of regret and anxiety. "You're fine. If anything, I would suppose this is on me. For not explaining further."
"No I, I shouldn't have doubted you Master Sebas." She says, returning to her former honorifics with me. "I, must confess I had thought you were prioritizing your own agenda over the orders we were given."
'Is that how it looked?' I think worryingly as I reflect on my actions. 'No, if she knew nothing of the Lord's request. Then my actions would garner suspicion.'
"In that case you are wholly in the right." I say as I adjust my tie. "Take pride, Solution. You-"
I'm cut from my line of dialogue as we hear a knock on the door. Causing me to pause and turn around towards the sound.
We never receive guests. And given recent events, it would be obvious who it is. Or rather, who they are after.
"It would seem the stray has dragged in fleas." Solutions says, earning a side eyed glare from me.
"I'm not going to stop calling a mutt a mutt just because it was given a bath Master Sebas." She gives me a flat look before shrugging her shoulders with a gelatinous wiggle. "But very well, let us receive our guests and be done with this."
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Bonus
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Speed Key
[Loudest Runner]
Creator: Touch Me/Zamaina
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Heteromorphic Race
-Racial levels-
Fae 10
Leprechaun 6
-Job Levels-
Fighter 12
Knight 8
Brawler 10
Green Knight 3
Berserker 8
Bard 5
Entertainer 3
Court of the Fae 2
Blacksmith2
Alchemist 2
Demolition 2
Total: 73
-Stats-
Sense of justice: 100 Chaotic Good
HP: 70
MP: 40
PHY. ATK: 75
PHY. DEF: 55
AGILITY: 80
MAG. ATK: 35
MAG. DEF: 70
RESIST: 80
SPECIAL: 60
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-Bio-
Loud and energetic, Speed lives up to his name. Most of the time.
Enthusiastic and bringing an air of joy where he goes. Speed is genuinely a good person, with good humor. He takes this enthusiasm with him into almost all he does. That'd not to say he doesn't know it's appropriate to be calm. He just prefers it when he can be his loud, energetic self.
That being said, he will 'Slap a bitch' when need arises.
He encourages others by almost always being the first in a situation. Rushing headlong into fights that break out, or missions they go on. Unless stopped by Usani, he will charge off shouting his own name as a way to encourage his fellows.
He even takes this energy into dealing with Nazerick's energy, of a bit more maliciously.
Resourceful and quick witted, Speed can usually bring a smile to other's faces by thinking and acting outside the box.
Also, he has an Irish Offaly Accent.
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Bonus 2
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-Lizardmen Village-
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Cocytus POV
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This is, problematic.
"And his roar rages with thunder!" The War Troll Gu shouts.
"But what of Lord Momonga?" A smaller lizardman child asks. "The scary undead is his boss right?"
I'm glad I'm not the one being asked. Because I'm not sure how I'd answer that question in simple terms.
"But Lord Zamaina said they were friends." Another child speaks up. "You can't be friends with your boss."
I disagree.
"The great being of life and death is hand and hand with the Lord of War." Gu says as he kneels to little one. "For in life, we meet many conflicts, and all ends in death. Lord Momonga is the final father we will all one day meet, but Lord Zamaina is the one who walks with the spirits and speaks to them. For nature, the wilds and war will always walk with death as its friend."
"So, are they friends?" Another child asks as it raises there hand.
"It is more complicated, but in a way yes." Gu says.
"Lord Cocytus should know!" One of the children turns around and points to me.
'Please do not ask.' I beg. 'I don't know how to answer that.'
Maybe I should ask Demiurge or Shalltear. Demiurge is smart, and Shalltear is a faith caster. They should know how to answer this.
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A/N
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Looks like Zamaina accidentally'd a religion. As well cause some divergence.
Though, he knew that would happen. So now, he just wants what he thinks will most benefit the nation he knows they'll make.
Indebting the false loli queen to them.
Manipulating the intelligent Renner and the Incompetent nobles.
Making sure Demiurge isn't left to go too wild.
The plans he is forming to make the Roble kingdom legitimize them alongside the Empire.
And then there's Ninya who is now actively corrupting herself.
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Ask about Zamaina!
Crywolf178 want to know.
what is the dumbest/lamest items or gear he still has in his inventory. Like I know at the end of my last playthrough of Skyrim I still had dozens of wheels of cheese and basic level 1 potions I had saved the whole game for absolutely no reason.
There is no real way to answer that, because everyone has different opinions on what is or isn't dumb.
But, Zamaina has a ring that allows him to breathe fire. Literally. He suffocates when not on fire, but! He doesn't take damage from fire!
And yes, he was one of the biggest hoarders in Nazerick.
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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