Alright, apology for the mess in the chapter before this one. My writing was horrendous and i made a lot of weird mistakes like : store bought fruit instead of store store fruit. I honestly don't know where the hell that "bought" came from. I reread everything and am genuinely sorry for all the weirdness which sometimes appears.
Also, someone mentioned wanting longer chapters. I've been staying under 3k per chapter for now, but im gonna try to write 5k and basically just write longer chapters the further i go into the story.
As i said, if you guys have ideas which you think could be cool for the storyline, interactions between ppl and such thing, feel free to tell me.
I got a rough idea of the direction, but there are many things i can include.
Ch. 12
The day was nearing. Ainz was bored out of his mind. Turns out not sleeping granted one a lot of free time. He had basically just waited for the day, still sorting out his spells. He had found some ridiculous stuff in his spell list.
There were basic arcane spells he had forgotten about, such as [absorb elements], which was pretty simple, although rather useless to him.
It simply appropriated any element he had been hit with and allowed him to use it in order to hit back with added power. Could be great for his devil fruit.
He had found strange spells such as [Parcaes Incentive], a strange spell that worked by combining different spells. It belonged to the divination magic category, a shockingly unpopular class that no one used due to strange magic and generally being seen as useless.
[Parcaes Incentive] was capable of quite literally rewriting faith or forcing fate on a person. At least lore-wise.
In the game, you had to use [Lachesis's eye] to see someone's stats, health, and mana. It was basically just a strong Divination spell.
After that, you could combine it with different spells, bringing about different outcomes. The problem had been the difficulty of playing in such a way. It was way easier to just spam spells, so divination magic was overlooked due to lacking that aspect.
Yet [Parcaes Incentive] was very useful. It was quite literally a step back, being able to return to a set point when you started casting the spell. That included positioning, health, endurance, mana, and even cooldowns. It was strong, but just a pain to play well.
He had found more spells. Ranging from holy to unholy to elemental summonings and subcategories, which proved more interesting. It was a shame he could not try them out due to him being in a Marine base. The real lore behind his spells made him want to see how they were now. Blasting a [Vermillion Nova] through the island was not a good idea.
Beyond just sorting his spells, he had also looked through his items. A few weapons, more poisons, and even self-made healing potions. He had simply infused holy magic into water. He had literally no Alchemist classes and no Holy affinity, but his [Dark Wisdom] and Overlord classes allowed him to use pretty much all magic, although severely weakened. He had been dealt damage just from blessing the water, and it had bypassed his [immunity] despite having been a low-tier spell.
The potion itself would probably work, although not as well as Yggdrasil's red potions. High-class alchemists were capable of creating golden potions, which were quite literally the strongest craftable healing potions in the game. He had some of them, but no way in hell would he ever use them on anyone. They were too potent, and even just a red potion was enough to fully heal a level 40 human.
He froze. Thinking about all these classes and levels, an idea went through his mind. Or rather a question.
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Could he grow?
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Was he capable of gaining strength, knowledge or abilities beyond of what he had?
Become a blacksmith? An Alchemist?
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A swordsman? A monk?
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Could he bypass his own nature? His race, his limitations, the eyes and grow past of what Yggdrasil intended?
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He sighed. No point thinking about it now. He went back to sorting his items.
He wasn't sure if the thug would request anything specific, so he was preparing an assortment of weak but useful things.
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It was noon. Nearly time for his meeting. He had been working through his stuff the entire night and morning and was pleased by his choices. Having finished Packing up, he started walking to the same place he had met with the thug. He manages to avoid the people living in the Marine base and simply ended up waiting for the thug once he arrived.
After approximately 20 minutes, the thug showed up.
"Ohh, Momonga! Aren't you punctual!"
He wore the same smirk and then simply signed him to follow him.
"Did you find a use for my present yet?"
"Hahaha, your little gift is worth a bit too much to just use on anybody. It had everyone all riled up about how to use it."
'I suppose being appreciated is a good thing.'
That was Momongas private thought, as he started following the thug. He did not waste his mana on defense this time, the people here weren't very strong and he did not want to remain paranoid for all of his life.
They eventually arrived at a nice estabmishment, in which he was taken to a private booth. A man sat there surrounded by 2 women catering to him. The man noticed their arrival and waved them closer.
"Ahh, our guests have arrived! My name is Pastellano Gambino. I look forward to dealing with you in the future."
Ainz gave the Man a polite bow before introducing himself with the support of years of accumulated role play experience.
"Greetings, i am known as Momonga. Indeed, i hope our cooperation to be beneficial."
Pastellano gave him a wide smile at that and signed the women to leave.
"I am sure it will be! Say, would you like to try one of these?"
He said while pointing at an arrangement of bottles.
"No thank you. It is my policy to avoid drinking while in company."
Ainz's response solicited disappointed expressions from both the thug and Pastellano, who had hoped to see his face. Pastellano considered asking him to remove the mask, but it seemed pointless to do so. He probably wore the mask with good reason.
"That is a shame... Very well, then! Let us get right to business! This potion you brought us will be very valuable to us. We have yet to decide how to use it, but possibilities with it seem endless!"
He gave a quick pause to take a sip and glanced at the thug for a moment.
"We were told that strength is indeed inconsequential to this poison, and an incident occurred that seemingly proved said statement.
That being said, we are very curious. We would like some more information on its effects. And we, of course, want to know how much of it you can sell."
He finished his speech and gave "Momonga" an interested smile. The thug could not help but lift his eyebrows. Pastellano seemed very low-key, like an important middleman, not like the son of the family head he really was.
'Well, they can't afford to be stupid with their positions.'
He thought while hiding his amusement.
Momonga's deep voice resonated through the room.
"Ahh, I thought that little gift would attract your attention. Truth be told, I do not have many of these. (Lies)
I do have a few more, and I can create it, but the materials used for this potion are rare."
Pastellano's expression did not change, but Ainz was sure he'd be disappointed after hearing such things.
"However, the information you have is correct. The potion indeed does not care for the victim's power, and its effect is immediate. If there are any ways to resist an instant death, I do not know of them."
He added with a chuckle. He had thoroughly prepared for this situation. Even if the man in front of him was an expert on this topic, Ainz had prepared many difficult scientific words he would use to, at least in appearance, "outsmart" whoever asked. There was, after all, no way that people of such a time would understand the meaning of "syn elimination" or what "unununium" was. He himself didn't.
"Hooh, that is indeed impressive. Now, you claim that this potion is capable of taking down a Navy admiral?"
"As long as they are not immortal, anyone will die with this."
Ainz wasn't sure what was implied. These admirals were probably a bunch of powerhouses, but he highly doubted them to have death immunity.
"And you say you have more of them? We would be ready to pay a lot."
"Unfortunately, I will not sell them all in one go. I'm sure you understand the reason for that."
Pastellano's smile grew strained. The implications of that statement were obvious, but it wasn't really the threat that bothered him. He was a high-ranking member of the Mafia, he had been threatened before, and he understood why people would keep a backup when dealing with them. What bothered him was the fact that "Momonga" was probably going to sell his potions to other groups as well. Not to mention whatever other products he'd come up with.
"I see, that is a shame then. Then, i assume you have some other oroducts you deal with?"
Ainz nodded. He took out a few items he had prepared beforehand and laid them out on the table. Small charms, to weak potions and even a few magic items and even scrolls.
'Lets push this devilfruit excuse to its limit.'
In front of him, both Pastellano and the thug were watching him take out his stuff. They exchanged glances and silently awaited for him to be done.
A few moments later he had everything. Facing them, he signed them to inspect the items.
The thug did not even try to hold himself back and immediately snatched several things to look at, clearly curious about them. Pastellano held himself back and carefully lifted up a scroll, only not to be able to read anything. There were obly strange symbols and circles on it.
Not saying anything, he simply lifted his gaze and looked at Momonga with a raised eyebrow.
"These items in front of you are all infused with my devilfruit power. For example, The scroll you currently have, holds liquid fire ... and anyone is capable of releasing them."
That got their attention. Pastellano's eyes widened as he stared at the scroll, only a glint of scepticism in his eyes, while the thug broke out in laughter before excitedly asking about the other items on the table and asking if he could try one of them out.
Only a moment later, a short sword which the thug had picked up erupted in a fountain of ice and snow, freezing over the entirety of the room.
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Jonathan was worried. His last investigation of Ainz's devilfruit had brought surprising results and he had already finished writing a report about him.
The Mise Mise no mi did not exist in the encyclopedia.
That was not really a problem, the problem was its strength. The fact that the newly appeared devilfruit proved to be so destructive was worrisome. The black hole he had used had been huge, and while the men in the vicinity understood it was the work of Ainz's devilfruit, those who didn't, sounded the alarm.
It led to a lot of explanations and excuses along with a reportage of what happened to Rear Admiral Strawberry, who was currently away from the 80th Branch.
The man himself did not seem problematic. He behaved like a researcher/merchant hybrid and was generally polite.
He frowned. Jonathan couldn't shake off the feeling he was overlooking something.
(He had been going through his food for a few minutes now, and he could not find any vegetables...)
It suddenly hit him. Ainz had introduced himself as a merchant. But what kind of wares was he dealing with?
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He'd look into that after his meal.
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The servers of the establishment had rushed into the private booth, only to find it covered in ice. The bench, table, and everything in the room were buried underneath a thick layer of ice and snow. They had ties with the Gambino family and paled at the idea that something had gone wrong while in their establishment.
But in the end, they were ushered away.
Pastellano, the thug, and Momonga were all unharmed, although they looked surprised.
"Umu, let me handle that."
Momonga held forth his hand, and a moment after, the ice simply shattered into small particles.
He then looked at the thug.
"Perhaps it would be better for you to ASK before trying out an item... Incidents like these are better avoided."
The thug, seemingly still in shock, managed to let out a bashful laugh before putting the short sword back on the table.
Pastellano simply sat there, still holding the scroll he had taken earlier. He looked calm, but his mind was actually churning. All of these items were capable of similar feats?
He swallowed hard before carefully asking his question.
"Say, Sir Momonga, what would you consider the most destructive item here..."
Momonga raised his imaginary eyebrow. He had tried to avoid too powerful spells, and the most powerful here was [Napalm].
It was powerful and versatile, like real Napalm. It was a stream of liquid fire which ignited the moment it appeared (contact with oxygen) and had a wide spread.
Honestly, the spell was strong, but not completely overpowered. What actually made the spell strong was meta magic, but you couldn't access that with a scroll.
He wanted to grow his Business fast as to avoid getting exploited or getting Monopolized. For that, he'd have to get attention with his goods and a spell like that was bound to get attention.
"Well, the scroll with the fire drawn on it holds a destructive uhhh flame, which is a bit difficult to handle, but very destructive. Do keep in mind that they are limited. The flame at full strength will burn for only 10 seconds, but i can create some which will last longer."
Pastellano and the thug were visibly excited as they started asking questions about other items and scrolls and setting aside those they were interested with.
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'I got carried away.'
They had been very enthusiastic. Too enthusiastic. But now, it was time to get to Momonga's payment. And he looked like someone who knew what he wanted.
"Well, Sir Momonga, i must say i am throughoutly impressed with your Merchandise."
Pastellano took a deep breath and kept speaking.
"You have been very patient with us. I'm afraid we lost ourselves a little in our deal, but i suppose it is time to get to your payment. "
It was subtle, but he could've sworn the grin on Momonga's mask widened. He continued.
"I assume you have a price in mind?"
Momonga leaned forward.
"Devilfruits, as many as possible."
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He had returned to the base in a good mood. Pastellano had told him that devilfruits were hard to come by and that he would need to discuss this with the family head, but he also assured him that he'd receive at least one devilfruit as payment for the items he had given them now. So all he had to do was wait for a week, until they'd get back to him.
He had gotten swarmed upon entering the base. Commodore Jonathan was standing in the back, clearly looking like he wanted to discuss something with him, but he'd have to wait a bit because Emi was currently talking about how she had fought a Marine and would definetly join them to protect everyone.
It took a while until she left and the Commodore quickly appeared in front of him, probably having waited for him quite a while.
He did not waste much time with pleasantries, and instead immediately asked him "what kind of merchant" he was and about his products.
Ainz had been taken aback a bit by the question and honestly started to panick a little. He had next to no idea what he should say. Introducing himself to the underworld as Momonga was an idea which came to him at the moment, but there was no point in that if he'd use both personas to sell the same wares.
'Crap, am i gonna be branded a criminal if they find out?'
In the end, he just answered:
"I sell many things, ranging from food to weapons. Their uniqueness however, comes from the power i imbued into them with my devilfruit."
Commodore Jonanthan nodded as if resigned.
"And would you be interested in selling me some?"
That had Ainz confused.
"Are we talking about supplying the Marines with weaponry and equipment? I highly doubt your superiors would support such a sudden change. You do not know the quality nor the price."
"No, no, I am talking about just me for now. I am curious about your products, but who knows, perhaps you might just do that in the future. And you do not have to worry too much about my superiors. Believe it or not, I am a rather high-ranking member, and I'm quite sure I'll get promoted soon."
"Forgive me, but I am not completely aware of the Marine positions." Would you mind enlightening me? After that, I will show you a few of my wares, and you may take what interests you as payback for letting me stay in your base for free."
Jonathan had given him a surprised look but did not overthink it too much. Most people did not really pay attention to the ranks, and he was sure most people only knew about the top.
"Of course. As you know, the Marine is subservient to the world government. We are the shield and sword that protects the common people from the hands of piracy.
The highest position is that of the Fleet Admiral. He answers directly to the five elders and the commander in chief. The current Fleet Admiral is Kong.
Below him are the admirals. They are known as the strongest fighting force of the Marine, and there are only 3 of them at all times. Admiral Sengoku, known as the Golden Buddha; Admiral Zephyr, known as Black Arm Zephyr; and Admiral Sokuon Kato, known as the Twinned Man.
They represent the Marines and are also tasked with protecting the celestial dragons during their outings.
Below them are the vice admirals and rear admirals. There will most likely be a change there soon. Rear Admiral Kizaru will most likely be promoted soon, and Sakazuki might follow. In fact, I will probably be promoted to rear admiral as well."
He chuckled a little bit and gave Ainz a bit of time to process everything. Ainz seemed lost in thought for a moment and then simply signed him to continue.
"Below them are the commodores, the captains, the commanders, and the lieutenant commanders. Then come the lieutenants, the lieutenant junior grade, and the ensigns. That is all of the commissioned officers. There are more ranks and divisions, but I doubt you'd be much interested in that."
Ainz was surprised. It turned out this Commodore Jonathan was a rather big shot. He did not look that strong and was most likely more on the strategic side of the Marine, but it was impressive nevertheless.
"Congratulations. I seem to have met quite the important person. Should I address you as Rear Admiral Jonathan already?"
Jonathan tried to act humble but clearly puffed out his chest at the compliment.
"Hahah, no need. Instead, I will gladly take a few of your wares. Might I take a look?"
"Of course."
Ainz laid out a few things, basically the same kind of stuff he had given the Mafia.
A bunch of scrolls, amulets, and a few consumables and weapons. Jonathan asked a few questions about them before choosing a potion that had "strength stored in it," a scroll with a weak water spell that he seemed strangely elated about, and a small staff capable of casting 10 fireballs.
He did not try them out immediately, bjt instead asked some questions on how to use them correctly before excusing himself.
Later that day, an explosion could be heard from the Marines Training grounds and the marines on site were called to extinguish a fire.
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I recently moved AND i have my exams. Im gonna be a lot slower than usual, but i promise not to abandon this fic. Please point out any mistakes kr things which bother you while reading. I dont promise to fix them, i'm not comfortable with rewriting, but i can do so if it's really serious and i can also generally learn from anything i mess up. Im also still catching up on one piece, Big mom is currently throwing a fit about the cake Luffy destroyed.
Hope it's not too bad. Give me suggestions.