Second Arc: Chapter 21: Nazarick's Shadow Part 1
In the stillness of the eternal darkness, where no sign of existence returned, there was but the ever-existing night that enveloped all. It was a void that occupied most of known existence, a realm yet to be claimed by someone.
Despite the potential existence of billions or trillions of stars beyond the current world, none were visible in that moment. Their light paled in comparison to the radiant sun that graced the one habitable world.
Around this world, a solitary moon orbited endlessly, its rocky surface offering no hospitable environment for life, as oxygen was an absent companion.
Yet one being, supremely powerful, walked upon the moon's desolate expanse with a carefree demeanor, as if it were a leisurely stroll through a park.
To gaze upon such a being would induce a great fear, prompting one to either kneel or flee in despair. Its very presence had the ability to send even the mightiest giants trembling and the tiniest ants quivering.
To describe this being would border on surrealism, rendering any account unbelievable. Its form was far from ordinary, devoid of the skin that humans possess, with bright white bones contorted into diabolical proportions. It appeared artificial, as though it had been crafted into existence, a concept as bewildering as it was true. The being was its own creator, a notion that defied conventional understanding. Yet the power it wielded was immeasurable, so to understand its nature would be to understand the nature of existence.
Above its head, a dark halo hovered, radiating an unholy divinity that emanated from the being. And a dark miasma surrounded the entity, consuming most of the surrounding light.
Its divine robes billowed as if caught in a non-existent wind, a curious phenomenon considering the moon's lack of air. Nevertheless, it defied the constraints of the natural world.
In its left hand, the being held a magnificent golden staff with a firm grasp, a staff housing seven divine orbs of immense power, each possessing the potential to rival entire worlds.
"Finally, peace." It declared, its voice resonating with unquestionable authority, a voice befitting a god incarnate.
With a swift motion of its right hand, a pitch-black obsidian throne materialized behind it, and the being seated itself, surveying the world below. From this vantage point, the world appeared puny, almost insignificant. And considering the being's capabilities, it very well could be.
There was nothing to prevent it from annihilating the world if it so desired. However, what purpose would that serve? It would result in a land littered with lifeless bodies, both deceased and undead. What kind of world would that be, if not a mirror of the one it had escaped?
"No, that's not right." It thought, understanding that simply ending all life was not its objective. Its desire was to rule over life, ushering in an era of eternal peace for its progeny and the inhabitants of this world, while expanding its power, now unrestrained by the world's rules. Such a goal was well within its reach.
'I believe enough time has passed.' The being concluded, and in an instant, it vanished from the moon's surface, reappearing above a specific city.
'E-Rantel. My city, my kingdom. A new responsibility aside from Nazarick. Exactly what I needed.'
However, uncertainty clouded its thoughts as it pondered on the next course of action. Expansion seemed the logical choice in this world, free from the intricate alliances and global conflicts of the future, he could conquer as much as he liked. And the overwhelmingly powerful force known as Nazarick, or more precisely, the Sorcerer Kingdom of Nazarick, ruled by Ainz Ooal Gown, the Sorcerer King, Lord of The Arcane, and Master of the Mystic Arts, could make its mark on the world with relative ease. These titles, while meaningful, paled in comparison to his true classes: Ruler of Death or The Eclipse.
Several months had passed since the acquisition of E-Rantel, and the city's inhabitants had adjusted to their new circumstances. Skepticism had given way to stability, as crime decreased and infrastructure improved under the sorcerer's rule.
Yet the ruler of the city remained an mystery to most, known only by name, title, and magical prowess. A sorcerer of such magnitude, capable of claiming an entire city, was presumed to be as formidable as the Warrior Captain, if not more so. Thus, rebellion remained a distant thought, exacerbated by the presence of the sorcerer's formidable army.
Within the sorcerer's castle, towering knights clad in obsidian armor patrolled, their mere presence instilling fear in the hearts of most citizens.
But beyond the castle's walls, different guards roamed the area. They were not as imposing, lacking the sheer strength and intimidation factor, yet their presence still evoked dread.
These guards referred to themselves as Dark Knights, revealing little more about their origins. Suspicion lingered among the populace, as these "Dark Knights" seemed to be quite intimidating for the regular man. They thought the name was what their order was called, yet they were wrong.
In truth, it was a race called Dark Knights of approximately level 35, belonging to the undead vampire lineage. While not as imposing as Death Knights, they possessed greater agility and speed, standing at a height of approximately 1.90 meters. Their plated armor offered formidable protection against even the most formidable human blows.
'It seems these will suffice since other undead would be too problematic to use.' The being mused, satisfied with its choice.
With a simple gesture, it vanished from the city, reappearing near a white tent situated amidst a grassy plain. As it descended and approached the tent's entrance, a man in a crimson suit emerged to welcome him.
"Greetings, Lord Ainz. I presume you are here to assess my progress?" The devil named Demiurge inquired, inviting his master inside.
"Indeed." Replied the Overlord. "Lead the way."
Entering the tent, one's attention was drawn to a colossal table in the center, bearing a map of the current known world. However, this was no ordinary map; it intricately depicted mountains and rivers, offering a more detailed perspective. Strangely, it had a somewhat ethereal quality, as if it were a projected image.
"I can confirm that we have successfully subjugated the demi-humans of the Abellion Hills under my command. They will follow every order I give them once I appear as the Chief Elder." Demiurge reported, zooming in on the map to reveal a camp populated by diverse demi-human species, ranging from bafolk to toadmen.
'Right. He used his shapeshifter form to appear as a demi-human and unite those under one banner.' Ainz mused.
"Good. I suppose you will lead them toward the Roble Holy Kingdom once the time is nigh. Good work, Demiurge. Once Aura and Shalltear have explored the Azerlisia Mountains, you may initiate the first phase of your plan." Ainz declared, to which Demiurge responded with a respectful bow.
"Of course, My Lord." Demiurge replied.
"Until then, command them to prepare themselves, make weapons and armor, and supply them with enough rations to keep them fed but still hungry." Ainz instructed, with Demiurge concurring and a wicked grin forming on his face.
"Already set in motion, My Lord." The devil affirmed, eagerly anticipating the moment when chaos would engulf the holy nation.
"Once the dwarves are under my rule and Runecraft begins circulating our markets, word will spread. And at the same moment," Ainz raised his hand and clenched his palm, "the Roble Holy Kingdom gets attacked by demi-humans, seeking our aid possibly." Ainz stated his plan, understanding it himself once.
"Just as you have planned, My Lord. The world will soon be ours." Demiurge declared with a wicked smile.
"Yes, Demiurge. That it will."
Amidst the sprawling garden of the Valencia Palace, nestled in the heart of the Re-Estize Kingdom, two figures strolled leisurely. Given its size, one might aptly describe it as a park. Yet the figures seemed little interested in its content and more about their conversation.
"So, any news of the Sorcerer King? It has been rather quiet since the happenings." Remarked King Zanac, his inquiry hanging in the air as he awaited a response from his dear sister.
"Truthfully, it seems that he has no interest in further confrontation now, dear brother. You should possibly focus on other matters." Renner replied, her answer carrying a subtle, cryptic undertone. Her brother understood the implied message immediately.
"You mean my brother. He has become an increased danger. His influence has grown over the months rather fast, faster than my own. One defeat, and nobody trusts your judgment anymore." Zanac acknowledged, well aware of his brother's ceaseless scheming. Barbro's ambition to wear the crown had been his lifelong purpose, and having it seemingly snatched away by his younger sibling only fueled his simmering resentment.
"Still, the nobles are furious at the Sorcerer King and want the land back that he claimed. Barbro promised exactly that. Yet none of these nobles was there and saw what happened. None. I did, but they won't listen. It is only a matter of time until I awake with a knife at my throat." Zanac confessed candidly. Even Raeven, known for his pragmatic views, had decided it was right to challenge Ainz Ooal Gown's rule.
"I suppose I can little to help you, brother. But what I can do is give you some other advice." Renner said in a hushed tone, aware of prying ears. She drew closer to her brother, whispering her counsel into his ear.
Zanac's expression shifted in response to her words, his eyes widening with astonishment.
"No, I cannot do that, Renner. Barbro is still my brother." Zanac replied, grappling with the moral dilemma before him.
"And my brother too. But you must see the reality behind it all. You have to choose now, or you will not be able to choose at all." Renner urged, her smile possessing an otherworldly charm that could make even the darkest words seem beguiling.
"Leave me now, sister. I must contemplate what to do next." Zanac requested, and Renner complied with a slight bow before turning away.
Alone, Zanac remained, his gaze fixed upon the grand fountain at the garden's center. His face betrayed no signs of anxiety, but his mind churned with apprehension.
'Anybody could come to me at any given moment, assassinate me just for a pouch of gold. Yet it seems Brother is saving up for something grander. Whatever it is, it won't be from his mind. Someone is pulling the strings.'
In a dimly lit inn, five individuals gathered around a wooden table, the ambiance heavy with tension. Among them were two shadowy figures in ninja attire, a stalwart paladin, a mysterious magic caster, and a battle-hardened warrior.
"So, did you find something out about the Sorcerer King?" Inquired Lakyus, her gaze fixed on Evileye.
"Not much, I'm afraid. Only that he's an immensely powerful magic caster, possibly rivaling Fluder Paradine, if not surpassing him. According to the Warrior Captain's words and the ability to control multiple legendary undead." Evileye replied, causing both Gagaran and Lakyus to raise skeptical eyebrows.
"Are you suggesting that a sorcerer we knew nothing about suddenly emerges, conquers a city, and possesses power comparable to the Imperial Court Wizard? It's hard to fathom, you know." Lakyus remarked, her doubts about the tales of Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown evident.
"I wasn't there to see him, and even then, there is not much about him. Only that he has a small army of professional soldiers at his call." Evileye admitted.
"We are well aware of that much. I just pray there won't be another conflict between the Re-Estize Kingdom and the Sorcerer Kingdom of Nazarick." Lakyus stated, her voice fraught with concern, given the nobility's simmering thirst for vengeance.
"Well, it's not like it has any effect on us. We're adventurers. We don't have to go to war. Expect it's because of Evileye's shining knight Momon! Haha!" Her words seemed to irk Evileye, who responded with a visible hint of annoyance.
"Stop it! You know I should worry about him, as should we! He stayed in E-Rantel to protect the citizens from any danger! He's a true hero!" Evileye retorted, emphasizing Momon's noble dedication.
"But now he is bound to the Sorcerer King. If we see him again, it's only gonna be if we visit him there." Lakyus noted. "Still, a new kingdom borders Re-Estize, one which seems more open to conflict with other nations, not something that makes me feel good." Most understood her leader's worry, some more than others.
"If the Sorcerer Kingdom decides to do something shady, we'll step in! Don't worry, leader." Gagaran offered reassurance.
"Thank you, Gagaran." Lakyus offered a grateful smile and replied.
Then a silence descended upon the room.
"So, no more jobs at the moment?" Gagaran inquired.
"No, unfortunately, no current quests suit our rank. We'll have to wait." Lakyus responded, at which Gagaran let out a sigh.
"Oh, man. I thought I could finally kick some ass again! It has been three days since the last ass-kicking!" Gagaran's disappointment was palpable. Her frustration caused the table to shake, nearly creating a dent.
"Look, we got some spare time. You can train at the training grounds if you wish to keep yourself in shape." Lakyus suggested. Gagaran, however, dismissed the idea.
"That's not the same! Can't we just kick some Eight Fingers ass?" She posed the question to their leader, who shook her head in response.
"No, at the moment, we can't do that."
Gagaran felt a mix of betrayal, disappointment, and profound boredom.
"You take all the fun away…" She murmured, idly tracing circles on the tabletop with her index finger.
"That aside, I hope the Princess is well. There has been some disturbing news from the palace." Lakyus voiced her concerns, shifting the conversation.
"What rumors?" Intrigued, Evileye inquired.
"The First Prince has returned for a while now, but he's not happy with his brother sitting on 'his' throne. Tensions are high there. We can only hope that the Princess isn't getting dragged into this." Lakyus quickly shared. Lakyus had known Renner since childhood, both hailing from noble backgrounds. One a royal, the other a daughter of a high noble.
"No good if you have enemies inside the country and outside. I say both should fight a duel for the right to the throne!" Gagaran suggested, leaving her companions baffled.
"Unfortunately, that's not how it works. But your musclehead wouldn't get that." Evileye quipped, causing Gagaran's left eye to twitch in irritation.
"Listen, shorty, do you really want me to come over there and see what I can do if I'm angry!" Gagaran raised her voice, but Lakyus gestured for her to calm down.
"If the time comes, I want you all to support me in defending the Princess. I hope I can count on you." Lakyus asked, receiving nods all around.
"Of course! Just tell me who to fight!" Gagaran said cheerfully.
"I'll stand by your side, Lakyus." Evileye reassured.
Only the twins remained silent, prompting Tina to speak on their behalf.
"We're in."
"Any news from the spies in the Sorcerer Kingdom?" The Cardinal of Light inquired, prompting Raymond to clear his throat before responding.
"Not much, but it appears the Sorcerer King has implemented numerous reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of life in his city. He has made substantial investments in infrastructure and forged a partnership with the leader of the adventurer guild in E-Rantel. It seems the Sorcerer King has a genuine interest in redefining the role of the adventurer guild, aligning it more closely with its intended purpose." The Cardinal of Earth reported. The others listened intently, their reactions varying from mild surprise to stoic indifference.
"He appears to be a more capable ruler than any Re-Estize has ever produced. However, his association with... unconventional individuals raises questions. There are reports of a woman resembling a demon in his service." Berenice, the Cardinal of Fire, added.
"If he employs beings of such nature, what does it say about him? He was the one who destroyed our Sunlight Scripture, so we also may not have the best relation with him. And little is known about his race, appearance, or origins. A faceless king, or perhaps a demon in disguise?" Mused the Cardinal of Wind, drawing the attention of the Cardinal of Darkness.
"I, too, view the Sorcerer King as a potential threat, one with whom we should exercise caution. He has not even claimed to have a religion to the six gods. It is prudent to wait for him to reveal more, as no king can indefinitely conceal themselves from their subjects." Dominic cautioned.
"Let us not overlook the formidable militia at his disposal. Whoever they may be, they are strong, trained, and well disciplined." Raymond emphasized, with nods of agreement from the rest of the Cardinals.
"So, in the event of a war, where should our allegiance lie? With Re-Estize or the Sorcerer Kingdom? King Zanac demonstrates the potential to lead the kingdom toward a brighter future. We could invest in his success or bide our time until the kingdom's nobles decide to wage another war against the Sorcerer Kingdom, at which point we could support the Sorcerer King's conquest of Re-Estize." Proposed the Cardinal of Water, Zinedine, garnering keen interest from those present.
"Re-Estize may possess numerical superiority, but the Sorcerer Kingdom boasts intellectual prowess and an alliance with the Baharut Empire. I suggest that the empire will come to the Sorcerer Kingdom's aid when the next conflict with Re-Estize ignites, eventually claiming both realms, whether as its dominion or a vassal state." Argued the Cardinal of Light, an idea met with mixed reactions among the Cardinals.
"While such an approach might unite humanity, it could also sow the seeds of civil war. The empire is even more reviled by the Re-Estize kingdom than the Sorcerer Kingdom is. I propose a middle ground: supporting the empire and the Sorcerer Kingdom but refraining from endorsing Baharut's claim to the Sorcerer Kingdom or the lands of Re-Estize." Suggested the Cardinal of Fire. Initially met with skepticism, most Cardinals seemed convinced by the proposition once thought through.
"Those in favor of the second proposal, please raise your hand." Raymond requested, and four out of the six Cardinals raised their hands.
"Excellent. That settles it then. The meeting is officially adjourned. Praise the Six."
"Praise the Six."