studiobondurri Before the Storm: Act 5, Chapter 8
Before the Storm: Act 5, Chapter 8
Before the Storm: Act 5, Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Alls well that ends wellor something like that?
An odd mixture of worry and embarrassment ebbed from Ainzs bones as he looked down at the fallen form of Baroness Zahradnik. Holenyot cradled her in his tentacles, his single eye fixed into a look of concern. The disaster that Ainz had feared would happen hadnt, but Shalltear had created a disaster of a different kind.
Holenyot, Shalltear whispered to the Roper, this is your chance!
Ainz chopped the overly excited Vampire again.
We should move her to a place where she may rest undisturbed, he said. Holenyot, take her down to the Sixth Floor.
By your command, Ainz-sama.
The Roper secured the young woman and left the cave. Too late, Ainz realised the highly problematic image it created. He took one last look at the cavern before returning to the catacombs outside, but the Roper was long gone. Not far away, Aureole Omega was examining the aftermath of the Baroness escapades across the Second Floor.
Ainz-sama. I saw something quite unsettling just now
I instructed Holenyot to bring Lady Zahradnik to a resting place on the Sixth Floor.
Shes Undead, so does she even need rest? How did she faint, anyway? Shouldnt she be immune to those sorts of effects?
The world was a strange place, and that strangeness wasnt limited to harmless oddities.
Is that so? The poor woman, of all of the Five Worsts, it had to be him
Ah, nothing happened, just so you know.
Unfortunately, Shalltear added.
Ainz bopped Shalltear on the head again, but, this time, she emitted a heated moan.
More importantly, he withdrew his hand and cleared his throat, how goes your analysis of thewell, we cant exactly call it a battle.
The Baroness fight across the Second Floor was an eye-opening affair. He had always felt that the test with the Workers was lacking in many ways and that much had now been made plain.
Why is abjuration so unpopular around here again?
A single counterdivination effect had effectively blinded the defence coordinator and thus her ability to effectively respond to a single, well-equipped threat who opted for a low-impact approach. It wasnt as if the spell in question was out of reach for the natives. It also wasnt impossible for the natives to achieve similar sets of equipment if the rest of the world was advanced as many asserted. Thus, the Baroness probably wasnt unique in her combination of combat and infiltration capabilities.
I mostly understand how events played out, Ainz-sama, Aureole said, but It feels like many of the things that happened should have been impossible.
Yet, this is our reality now, Ainz said. As a Commander, what would you say our most glaring weaknesses are?
Many factors came together to generate this result, Aureole said. First would be the lack of information we had to work with. With divination measures failing and most of the Mercenaries disabled, our surveillance is woefully lacking. Lady Zahradnik could simply hide whenever it suited her, and the longer she hid, the more effort it took to keep track of all of the possible actions she might have undertaken.
Ainz nodded in agreement. To put it simply, Nazaricks defences were designed to face Level 100 players. As such, the anti-stealth measures in their defensive scheme came in the form of Mercenaries on par or better than the Eyeball Corpses he could summon. All of them had Truesight and boasted detection abilities that surpassed Auras, and many of them had a suite of annoying Skills designed to hamper invaders until the combat-oriented Mercenaries could engage them.
With Nazarick in low maintenance mode, however, all of those assets were disabled. The reconnaissance-capable Mercenaries that were still active namely the Eight-Edge Assassins and Hanzos were deployed outside of Nazarick and limited in availability. The free POPs that now served as the guild bases regular security force werent ever meant to be a security force in the first place. They were simply elements that added flavour to the tomb and most could be safely ignored by high-level Players.
I probably have a solution to the surveillance issue, Ainz said. And I believe it is less of an actual issue and more the fact that our previous experiment with native subjects didnt fully explore their potential as we might have in the Sorcerous Kingdom. What other factors do you consider a problem?
The next issue concerns the POPs, Ainz-sama, Aureole replied. The vast majority are mindless and thus can only carry out simple instructions. Without a proper distribution of Commanders to oversee Nazaricks assets, our responsiveness leaves much to be desired. This, in turn, compounds with our surveillance issues and the variousrealities that come with this new world.
Could Elder Liches not be employed for the role?
Elder Liches are a potential option since they are suited to commanding Undead forces, but they do have a distinct flavour that can be exploited. The natives seem to be well-versed in this in fact, I would almost say that the near-universal antagonistic relationship between the Undead and the living in this world has led to a situation where everyone knows how to fight the Undead and are more than willing to do so. We have been overpowering all opposition thus far, but that is no guarantee it will always be the case.
Once again, Ainz nodded silently in agreement. He wasnt certain whether it was because of her Commander Job Class Levels or her settings in general, but the somewhat reclusive Aureole Omega was one of the most observant, rational, and shrewd NPCs in Nazarick. As the Area Guardian of the Cherry Blossom Sanctuary and the Commander of the Great Tombs ultimate line of defence on the Eighth Floor, she was not only readily critical of what she saw as issues, but also actively endeavoured to come up with solutions for them.
In that case, Ainz asked, what would you recommend?
It isnt as if we cant use Elder Liches, Aureole answered, we simply need to train them out of their template. As Ainz-sama has so abundantly proven, having the Undead act outside of the natives expectations casts all of their preconceptions and thus preparations to the wind. With sufficient experience, the Elder Liches working in the outside world may be employed for the task.
What about until then?
I believe that expanding the Area Guardians responsibilities will assist greatly in our responsiveness to threats. They arent Commanders, but anything is better than our current extreme top-down approach to defence.
Expanding their responsibilitiesdo you mean something like having them not only defend their rooms, but also the corridors in the vicinity?
That would be the most straightforward application, Ainz-sama, but not the only one. For instance, if we spread Kyouhukous family all over the place, they could act as a makeshift alarm system. Their mundane detection ability is poor, but if one of them gets stepped onahplease dont let anyone know that I made such a suggestion.
A quiet smile that was at least three parts mischief traced over Aureoles lips. Ainz could easily imagine the uproar that would occur if he went through with that particular suggestion.
Well probably have to pass on that one, Ainz said, but your point is well taken. Ill have the Area Guardians of each floor get together and well see what they can come up with. Do you have anything else to add?
Beyond that, Ainz-sama, it is difficult to say. A Commander is only as effective as the information that they have and the resources at their disposal. Once our defences are reorganised, they will have to be further assessed.
Umu. In that case, were done here.
Aureole folded her hands in front of her lap and bowed respectfully.
Then I shall be returning to my post, Ainz-sama. Please enjoy the rest of the tournament.
The clacking of Aureoles geta receded down the corridor. Ainz glanced at Shalltear, who had been standing quietly at his side the entire time.
Speaking of the tournament, he said, shouldnt you be preparing for it as well?
Oh, but I have been, Ainz-sama!
Dressed as she was, the words didnt carry much weight. Her apparent preparations didnt in any way resemble what someone facing a major battle would undergo.
Much to Shalltears disappointment, Ainz left the Second Floor to rejoin the event on the Sixth. A festival was being held outside the arena, acting as a battleground of sorts for Nazaricks noncombatants. The aroma of the food stands wafted through the air, tempting passers-by with their offerings.
Yakisoba! Get your super addictive yakisoba here!
Grilled corn and squid! Weve got beer, too!
Cotton candy! Candied apples! Chocolate bananas!
The Homunculus Maids were, of course, the main customers. They walked together in twos and threes, often with one food item or another sticking out of their mouths. Ainz could only sigh whimsically at the sight. Suzuki Satorus memories of food mostly consisted of flavoured nutrient paste and his old world certainly didnt have anything like thisat least not for the common man. He often bemoaned the irony of having an entire fantasy world before him, yet being unable to experience it as he formerly could.
Ainz-sama!!!
Auras voice sounded from somewhere in the crowd. She appeared a moment later, squeezing through the throng with a bright smile on her face.
Ainz-sama, welcome back! Is everything alright?
It was nothing to worry about. How are the festivities coming along?
Great! The first performance starts in an houractually, something weird happened just now.
Weird?
Yeah. People were saying that Holenyot caught a woman. I went to look and the woman turned out to be Baroness Zahradnik!
AhIm not exactly sure how it happened, but she ended up at Holenyots place. I instructed him to bring her over here. Where did they go, by the way?
He disappeared into an empty cabin with her, Auras gaze slid to the side. I dont think anyones willing to find out what theyre doing.
Aura, you shouldnt judge a man by his tentacles.
Theres no rule that says they cant enter the talent portion, Aura replied. Their acts for Nazarick Talent Night are super popular, too! I think people would be disappointed if they didnt make a showing.
Admittedly, Ainz did enjoy the performances of the Evil Lords. Their dramatic productions usually cast villainous masterminds as the protagonists, and the plot of each story had plenty of the deception, scheming, and manipulation that was expected of such characters. Personally, he thought the best part was that the good guys were always built up before it was revealed to them that they were nothing more than puppets dancing in the palm of the protagonists hand.
I suppose so, Ainz said. Oh, I heard that they were producing a series. Is that true?
It is! Aura nodded excitedly, The pilot for Dance of the Blind is today. Fools Conquest is being put on tomorrow. Which series theyll do will depend on the audiences reception.
Light applause filled the air as Chacmool crawled to the conductors stand. The amorphous Heteromorph bowed deeply to Ainz before straightening to turn his eye stalks to the audience.
It looks like a lot of people have too much time on their hands, Chacmool sighed. I suppose I should thank everyone for bothering to come. Our first act features Neuronist Painkill. I wont fault anyone if they vomit during the performance.
With that, Chacmool turned around and raised his baton with a bulbous pseudopod. The ceiling of the Sixth Floor dimmed and the clear skies were replaced by a field of stars as a single woodwind filled the air with a meandering melody. Cold white lighting illuminated Neuronist as she undulated onto the stage.
Wh-What in the world is this?
The rest of the Erich String Orchestra joined its soloist, playing a score that sounded like a chorus of tortured cats. Neuronist wobbled and swayed in rough time with the music, filling Ainz with an indescribable feeling. Then, to his great dismay, she stopped to dance in place directly in front of him.
Neuronist locked her intense gaze upon Ainz, the tentacles on her face whipping wildly as she writhed and jiggled her grey folds suggestively at him. He wished he had a stomach so he could vomit. Then, just when he thought it couldnt get worse, Neuronist hooked a curved black fingernail on the strap of her leather bra
Before she could yank off her top, the Brain Eater flopped onto the stage with a heavy thud.
Foul! Aura scowled as she lowered her bow, Thats totally a foul! This act is cancelled!
The Dark Elf frowned as Neuronist was dragged off of the stage. A pair of Homunculus Maids appeared to mop the stage clean after Neuronist was removed.
Honestly, Aura muttered, why are Nazaricks women all so
Ainz chuckled and patted Aura lightly on the head.
Youre such a responsible girl, he said. That must be why I put you in charge of the others.
A-Ainz-sama, Aura fidgeted under his touch, Im not a little kid! E-Everyones looking at us
The next act was a manzai routine between Sous Chef and Eclair, followed by a skit performed by a group of Homunculus Maids. By the time they reached the Evil Lords act at the end, the venues seating was packed.
Dramatic music rose from the orchestra and fiery lighting filled the stage. Illusion magic created the scene of a forest village set aflame and the first actor dashed into view.
A Gnoll? We dont have anyah, it must be one of our Doppelgangers.
The Gnoll drew a three-metre-tall war bow, sending an arrow the size of a scorpion bolt into the darkness.
Is anyone alive? She shouted, Is
Dyah! A shorter Gnoll ran onto the stage.
Herfor! Where are the others?
Were fighting as best as we can, Herfor said. The Undead are everywhere!
What about the villagers?
Theyre being escorted to the hills. The old and infirm insisted on staying behind to buy time.
The fools! Dyah snarled, Every corpse that we leave behind will be raised as an abomination that will hunt our people to the ends of the world!
In the background, an illusory branch crashed into the ground in flames. Ainz leaned forward in his seat in anticipation.
And what would you have them do, Matron? Herfor shouted, Limp away, dragging down our people until death and despair take us all? Better that they die proud in their purpose, giving nothing that the Undead crave!
A low growl rose from Dyahs throat. Her nose turned down as she looked at the blanket of ashes on the forest floor. Herfor placed a paw on her shoulder.
Weve done everything we can, my love, Herfor said. There was barely any warning! I cant even think of where these Undead might have come from; our forest was always full of light and life!
And now it is full of flames and death, Dyah spat. Lets
The Gnoll Matron froze, the rounded ears atop her head raised and alert. She drew an arrow from the quiver at her hip.
Theyre close, Dyah said. We should leave.
It is too late for that.
A sterile voice sounded from above. Its rich dark robes fluttering in the fiery tempest, an Overlord floated down to stand before the two Gnolls. All around them, the figures of various Undead appeared through the smoke.
Oh, its Fulvius. They sure went out of their way to cast a lot of characters.
The local Gnoll Matron, I presume, Fulvius said. You will make a fine addition to my collection.
Herfor stepped in front of Dyah.
Run, Dyah, he said. Our people need you and youre strong enough to break through and escape. Ill hold this bastard off!
Hold me off?Fulvius tone rose by a notch, Wretched mortal, is your mind so minuscule that you fail to comprehend the existence that stands before you?
The only thing I need to comprehend is that youre a walking pile of unliving filth! Herfor snarled, Get out of here, Dyah!
Despite Herfors urgings, Dyah remained frozen in place. Fulvius raised his arm, pointing a bony finger at Herfor.
Die.
Herfor collapsed. Fulvius turned his attention to Dyah, his robes sending up a swirl of cinders with every step.
The ignorant fool, he said. He never noticed you were already paralysed by my powers. Now, what shall you serve me as? A Death Knight? A Dread Ghast? Or perhaps something more spectral would be more to your taste? So many options. Ah, but before any of thatsuffer.
Fulvius pressed his palm to Dyahs abdomen. A strangled gasp rose from the Gnolls throat as she withered under the Overlords touch.
Your people will perish, Fulvius said. All of them. Worry not, however: it is only natural. The goal of all life is death, after all.
The Overlord reached out to inflict another negative energy drain on the helpless Gnoll. Then, a blade descended from on high, shattering Fulvius arm into a thousand fragments.
What! Fulvius recoiled.
Thats as far as you go, abomination!
On wings of darkness, the Evil Lord of Greed descended to land between Fulvius and Dyah. He yanked his scythe out of the ground, brandishing it against the Overlord with a flourish.
Irweth! He called out, Ysvrith!
A storm of black arrows rained from the sky, destroying the Undead army cutting off their escape. The figures of countless Gnolls emerged to replace them. Fulvius looked back and forth, then levelled his burning crimson gaze on the interloper.
Youwho are you?! There was no report of
The Evil Lords scythe separated the Overlords skull from his shoulders. His robe formed a dark puddle on the ground as his body fell.
Obliteration is the only answer to the Undead, the Evil Lord said.
With Fulvius fall, the effect holding Dyah in place was dispelled. The Gnoll fell weakly to the ground, her ragged breaths barely audible over the crackle of the flames. A Gnoll mystic came to administer treatment, and, a few moments later, Dyah pushed herself up on one arm. Despite just having been rescued, she looked up at her saviour with unveiled suspicion.
A Demon?
I have been called that on many occasions, the Evil Lord of Greed turned his blindfolded gaze on Dyah, then smiled, but I would rather be addressed by my name. I am called Samaeland it appears that we share a common enemy.