studiobondurri Before the Storm: Act 5, Chapter 6
Before the Storm: Act 5, Chapter 6
Before the Storm: Act 5, Chapter 6
Chapter 6
With a flag in hand and a tall cup of melon soda in the other, Ainz Ooal Gown, the Supreme Overlord of the Great Tomb of Nazarick and sovereign of the reportedly burgeoning Sorcerous Kingdom, sat in the shade of his VIP booth in the Sixth Floors arena. They were between matches early in the Nazarick Grand Tournament, and denizens from across the tomb had come to spectate the event.
How did it come to this?
His gaze drifted over the buzzing crowd. Not three weeks ago, he suggested combat readiness drills for the NPCs. They seemed confused at first perhaps even worried that he had seen any number of shortfalls in the quality of Nazaricks defenders so he offhandedly added that he wanted to see the results of their training over the past few years. From there, what was meant as a simple exercise for the sake of the NPCs who had next to no real PvP experience transformed into a grand demonstration for the Master of the Great Tomb that spared no expense.
Ainz-sama! How about another hot dog?
Tokitsu called up to him from below the pavilion. To promote the atmosphere surrounding the festivities, Nazaricks Head Chef had gotten the blacksmith to create a hot dog cart, complete with a red and white parasol. It was a piece of cosmetic furniture from a book in the library, but it seemed to function just fine as the real thing. Ainz wasnt sure if it was because Yggdrasils art team was simply that obsessed with detail or whether it was a phenomenon related to Nazaricks translation from the game.
Ainz looked beside him to where Mare was seated.
How about it, Mare? He asked, Would you like another one?
The Dark Elf boy smiled up at him in response with a flush on his cheeks.
I-Ill always want Ainz-samas hot dog, he said shyly.
Bukubukuchagama-san
Ainz glanced furtively at his surroundings, but he couldnt make out anything beyond the cheerful faces of those nearby. Mare was designed that way. That had to be the case. It wasnt as if the way he saw Mare was like that.
Ah, ehm He leaned forward over the railing and held up a bony finger, Well have one more.
One Nazarick Supreme Frankfurter, coming right up! The Boarc boisterously announced.
He sat back down and handed Mare his soda. The boy greedily sucked on the straw with his full, glossy lips. Ainz ripped his gaze away from the sight and cleared his throat.
So, he said, whos in the next match?
Narberal and Lupusregina, Ainz-sama.
Ah, the first big match of the tournament.
It was the first day of the tournament and, thus far, the matches were appetisers that involved the few Mercenary NPCs still active around the base. The display was, quite frankly, disappointing. Each match was about what one would expect from a fight between two Mercenary NPCs in Yggdrasil. They easily overpowered any of the worlds natives that Nazarick had come across so far, but would be laughably simple for a high-level Player to defeat.
Of course, they would be able to overwhelm a single Player through sheer numbers, but he couldnt say that he was getting his moneys worth when he considered the insane volume of materials that had to be put through the exchange box to pay for just one of them. Narberal and Lupusregina, on the other hand, were Guild Base NPCs who had not only demonstrated the ability to learn and adopt new tactics, but also spent plenty of time outside of Nazarick. The both of them had been active since their arrival, so he looked forward to what they had come up with.
A Homunculus Maid arrived with the hot dog on a sparkling silver platter. For the second time, he was tempted to tell her that it wasnt supposed to be presented like that, but he didnt have the heart to in the face of her unspeakably pleased expression.
How do you think the match will play out, Mare?
MmhNarberal will win.
You think so? Why is that?
Because she has a lot of experience. She must have learned so much from Ainz-sama while you were adventuring together!
I-Is that so?
It was an unexpected answer one that he wasnt sure amounted to anything. The only thing he actively tried to improve when it came to Narberal was her sharp tongue.
Wouldnt that mean she has an overwhelming advantage if you factor in their level difference? Ainz asked.
Lupusregina has a better-optimised build, so theyre pretty close in terms of their effective combat power.
Ainz nodded, somewhat pleased with the response. An important part of Mares work with the Adventurer Guild was understanding the Job Class builds and figuring out how to make them work with the Adventurers. That knowledge, of course, could also be applied to Nazaricks denizens.
A set of especially raucous cheers which sounded more like excited screams sounded from the Homunculus Maids as Narberal and Lupusregina took to the field from opposite sides of the arena. Ainz eyed the two contestants, trying to figure out how their fight would play out.
I believe that Narberal is at a major tactical disadvantage, Ainz said. She can take flight to keep Lupusregina from entering melee range, but the fact remains that Narberal is a highly specialised Elementalist. As a Cleric, Lupusregina can handily counter what she can bring to bear.
Narberal was optimised for lighting-type spells. So long as Lupusregina cast the appropriate defensive enchantments, she would run Narberal out of mana with plenty of leeway. From the outset, it felt like it was Lupusreginas fight to lose.
Thats true, Mare frowned slightly, then brightened again. B-But I trust that Narberals experience with Ainz-sama will win the day!
Whyyy
The crowd calmed slightly as Aura hopped down onto the field with a loudspeaker in hand.
Its time for this mornings maiiiiin event! Her voice echoed off of the stands, In the black corner, we have everyones favourite cool beauty, the third sister of the Pleiades, Narberal Gamma!
Narberal nee-sama!
Narberal nee-samaaa!
The Homunculus Maids exploded into excited squealing again. Narberals pristine features didnt shift in the slightest.
I cant say she doesnt live up to the promotion, but how is she going to win?
Ainz Goal Gown did not know defeat. According to Mare, this included by proxy using knowledge he couldnt recall ever sharing.
In the red corner, we have the second sister of the Pleiades, Lupusregina Beta!
Hey! Lupusregina shouted over the cheers, What happened to the rest of my introduction-su?
Im not reading that, Aura told her. There are children present!
Hm? Lupusregina is always so mild-mannered. What could she have possibly written as her introduction?
Will Narberal stomp her opponents face into the dirt? Will Lupusregina be able to maintain her dignity as the older sister? We shall soon see!
Why does that sound so ominous-su? I sense favouritism-su.
Are you accusing the referee of taking sides? Narberal asked.
Lupusreginas golden gaze flickered to Aura for a split second.
No
With the potential complaint settled, Aura leapt back onto the edge of the stands. She sent a pointed look in his direction.
Ahthis is my part.
Ainz set down his flag and picked up a small rubber mallet.
Lupusregina. Narberal. I look forward to your performance. Show us how the might of Nazarick has evolved!
He struck the gong next to his throne, signalling the start of the match. The two battle maids immediately started casting their spells.
Fly.
Protection Energy Electricity.
Protection Energy Fire.
Resistance .
Protection Energy Negative.
Penetrate Up.
Reinforce Armour.
Minor Dexterity .
Shield Wall.
Ainz nodded along as the two battle maids enchanted themselves with the appropriate countermeasures against each others builds. Lupusregina couldnt fly, nor did she have any flight items, so both had correctly discerned that the match would become a magic duel. On the back of Narberals Shield Wall, Lupusregina launched her first attack.
Flame Strike!
A pillar of flame streaked down from the sky or, rather, the ceiling and enveloped the War Wizard. The flames dispersed a moment later, revealing Narberal, who was gritting her teeth in discomfort. Flame Strike was half fire and half divine damage, so Narberals defensive enchantment against fire damage could only absorb half of the spell. Lupusreginas only other spell damage options against the living were purely fire or negative energy, so the Fifth-tier Flame Strike ended up being her most efficient option.
His hand went to his temple.
Aureole. This is rare.
Aureole Omega was at her usual post in the Cherry Blossom Sanctuary on the Eighth Floor, overseeing the defence of Nazarick while the other NPCs were spectating the tournament or preparing for their matches. A sense of unease crept through him, but then he reminded himself that a general alarm hadnt been sounded.
Forgive me for interrupting your enjoyment of the festivities, Ainz-sama, but we have a disturbance on the upper floors.
what sort of disturbance?
An outsider is running amok on the Second Floor.
He froze at the unexpected statement. An outsider? On the Second Floor, no less? Nazaricks defences werent fully activated, but a single intruder who could make it to the Second Floor would be extraordinarily powerful by the standards of the locals.
Is the situation under control?
Yes, Ainz-sama. She shouldnt be able to get through Shalltear-samas domain. Actually, shes been trying to leave after meeting with Shalltear-sama.
Shalltear was an unfathomable terror from the natives perspective, so that much was understandable.
Well, we cant have that, can we? Keep this outsider running around, Ill be right with you.
Mare looked up at him as he turned to leave.
Did something happen, Ainz-sama?
Aureole just contacted me about something, Ainz replied. Ill see you at this evenings match.
He exited the arena through the nearest teleportation gate. A harsh, dry wind greeted him the moment he appeared upon the barren wasteland of the Eighth Floor. He took the single, sandblown path that lay before him, eventually arriving at the entrance of the Cherry Blossom Sanctuary. The Area was fixed in a state of perpetual spring, creating a single vibrant location in the middle of the otherwise desolate landscape.
Ainz passed under a procession of red torii as he ascended the hill, his robes sweeping aside the sakura blossoms carpeting the steps. The Cherry Blossom Sanctuary was fashioned in the style of a Japanese shrine from the previous century before Earths biosphere had collapsed. Coming to the Area always filled him with a sense of wonder and he would wonder why the people of Earth thought such a beautiful thing was worth destroying.
Aureole Omega, the lastborn of the Pleiades, greeted him at the top of the stairs. The black-haired Human was adorned in her red and white Miko outfit and she cradled the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown in her hands. Two of the Uka-no-Mitama, Aureoles Level Eighty-Five Mercenary NPC Lieutenants, stood on either side of her. As one, they bowed respectfully as Ainz ascended the final step to the sanctuary.
Welcome, Ainz-sama.
Umu. Have there been any new developments?
There have been plenty, but none appear to threaten Nazarick. This way, please.
He was guided to the temple at the end of the courtyard. Inside, several Mirrors of Remote Viewing had been set up to monitor different areas of the Guild Base. One of them was focused on the arena on the Sixth Floor. Aureole gestured to a mirror displaying the dark environs of the Second Floor, which one of her other lieutenants was manipulating to keep track of the intruderor at least the aftermath of the intruders passing.
Ainz leaned forward, cradling his chin between a thumb and forefinger.
Hohit appears our guest has anti-divination countermeasures.
Yes, Ainz-sama. We can only track her through direct observation in the rare case that security spots her. Otherwise, we can only follow her through the results of her actions.
Would that explain how the intruder got in? Security was more relaxed than usual since almost everyone was at the tournament.
Why didnt the POPs detect her? Ainz asked, Do we have some type of Rogue on our hands?
A Ranger, I believe.
I see.
That made a little bit more sense. Unless one of the patrols around Nazarick got very close to them, a Ranger would have no problems sneaking through the grasslands surrounding the guild base and they would leave no trace of their passing.
The Uka-no-Mitama manipulating the mirror stopped scanning the catacomb tunnels when she came across a patrol of Nazarick Old Guarders. Several looked like they had been knocked down by blocks of stone. One by one, they were destroyed by their unseen assailant.
Rocks fell onto them? How can that be?
The outsider has been setting traps using materials from the Guild Base, Ainz-sama. She ambushes our patrols once they spring them.
Someone is setting their own traps inside Nazarick?
Was that possible? He wasnt sure if it was. As far as he could recall, no intruder in Yggdrasil had ever bothered trying to set traps inside the Guild Base.
Whats the intruders objective? Ainz asked.
Only escape, as far as we know. It looks like shes mapped out most of the teleportation traps on the Second Floor already, but weve physically blocked the way to the First Floor with Death Knights. She wont be able to get by them.
What about Shalltear? You mentioned that shes already run into the intruder. Im surprised she hasnt dealt with her yet.
About thatShalltear-sama didnt have the heart to chase after her, Ainz-sama.
Hah?
Was the intruder so catastrophically ugly that Shalltear was repelled by the sight? Peroronchino had designed her with a strike zone as vast as the Guild Treasury, so Ainz found that difficult to imagine.
Still, he said, an intruder is an intruder. She should have done something about her. I cant imagine Albedo would be very pleased about Shalltears response.
I consulted with both Albedo-sama and Demiurge-sama. They said it was fine to let her do as she pleased. Ive taken the opportunity to have her test our defences.
Ainz settled onto a silken cushion in front of the mirror, his initial sense of alarm long faded away.
An experiment, then?
Yes, Ainz-sama. This one is far more cunning than those gangs of ruffians from the Empire. Shes very good at deciphering our defensive schemes and countering them.
Is that so? Well, thats good. Use her as you see fit.
By your command, Ainz-sama.
He watched as the invisible intruder made her way around the second floor, leaving piles of disintegrating POPs in her wake. It was fortunate that they had someone new to test the upper floors defences after the Workers dismal showing. All they ever seemed to do was resort to brute force, then panic when brute force didnt work.
She has no problem handling the Nazarick Old Guarder patrols, but avoids the Nazarick Master Guarder posts. Assuming its because she cant defeat groups of Master Guarders, that should put her somewhere in the so-called Realms of Heroesbut did someone like that exist in the region? The equipment available around here tends to make people weaker than they should be.
Ainz kept himself up to date on the local threats mostly to see if there were any prospective recruits for the Adventurer Guild. There were some with heirlooms that he suspected were odds and ends from Yggdrasil, but there was no one particularly eye-catching. At best, there were a few private individuals in the Empire that Emperor Jircniv could never manage to entice into his service.
Do we know where this person is from?
Yes, Ainz-sama. Our intelligence on the subject states that her family is from the south.
The south? As in the Theocracy?
That, too, was a possibility. The Theocracy was rumoured to have far more powerful individuals than anyone else in the region. They even claimed to have many Godkin who were descended from what were probably Players from the distant past. That was one advantage that Ainz would never haveand it concerned him that there might be veritable armies of powerful Player descendants just waiting for an excuse to pounce upon hapless newcomers to the world.
No, Aureole said, We believe they hail from farther to the south.
So weve attracted eyes from powerful interests beyond our awareness?
The young woman in the miko outfit gave him a curious look.
I believe that Ainz-sama already knows this, but the subject under observation is a Human Area Guardian ruling one of the southern Areas in the Sorcerous Kingdom.
In a rare moment of recollection, Ainz immediately knew who that was. There could only be one person who matched that description and could also run around the upper floors as they had witnessed.
Shalltear-sama invited her over and she just arrived today, Aureole continued. Something happened while she was in the Adipocere Chamber. Knowing Shalltear-sama
Dammit, Peroroncino-san!
Ainz released a long sigh. Truly the troubles wrought by those two siblings could reach across worlds. He rose from his seat, wondering how he could salvage the situation, then froze as he glanced at the mirror again.
Wait, isnt this place
Yes, its the junction near his room, Ainz-sama.
A sense of dread filled his being as he recalled several incidents that had occurred in the Katze Plains. Things had become dangerous.
Is something the matter, Ainz-sama?
This is bad, he said. We must keep her away from him at all costs!