Chapter 4 Delayed

Dear Readers,

       I will be delaying the release of Chapter 4 of Overlord Ascendants this week, my apologies. The reason being the unexpected return of my thesis last week and I have been spending most of my time working on its correction. The progress of the Chapter 4 is only at 50% completion. I hope to post it up in the coming Saturday on 4/6/2016. I will still be helping out on the Overlord webnovel translation, at least you have something to look forward to.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.


Best Regards,
Henet

Overlord Ascendants Arc 1 Second Coming, Chapter 3

Writer: Henet

Proofread by: PervySageChuck

Overlord Ascendants Arc 1 Second Coming

Chapter 3: Rules of Negotiation

Azrael leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. He was occupying his personal study within Level 9 of the Great Tomb of R’lyeth. The design of the room was based on Neo-Victorian architecture. The walls was covered by book cabinets, holding countless tomes. An elegant red sofa set was placed in the middle of the room. While his large oak study table was situated at the end of the room, opposite the main door. Behind his study table was an atlas of the world. It was so large that it took up almost the entire space of the wall.

On his table were several books that contained information about world affairs for the past 200 years during the time when he was absent. The books that he was studying at the moment detailed global food production, plague occurrence, military affairs and national conflicts for the past few years.

Standing beside him were a pair of beastmen dressed as a butler and a maid. Their faces resembled that of a raccoon. But their heads were rounder, with glistening red fur except for the areas around the eyes and cheeks which were white. They had a pair of big beady black eyes, displaying the keen intelligence behind their faces. Both of them stood at a height of 120cm with a fluffy red tail at the back. Yggdrasil players would recognize them as the Ushan, a race of beastmen that resembled the red panda. At a glance, it would be hard to differentiate their gender other than by uniform. But to Azrael, the key to differentiating them was through their eyes. The females had larger eyes with hints of red lashes around them. There were more than 200 Ushan butlers and maids dedicated to the upkeep of Level 9 of the Tomb of R’lyeth.

Since the second day of his return, Azrael had isolated himself in his personal study, attended to only by the Ushan butlers and maids that arrived in shifts. He used every moment pouring over the contents of these books that were kept here by the Scarab Queen. After days spend on reviewing all the information he got, there was only a single conclusion he could make about the current world affairs.

A disaster in the making.

The world is in utter chaos since my disappearance. Now, it is reaching critical levels. If I do not act soon, my mission will be jeopardized. Failure is not an option. Preserving this world would improve the strength and security of Nazarick in the long run.

He massaged his temples with his fingers.

Managing world order behind the scenes was not an easy task. It was like trying to build a pyramid using cards. One wrong move and everything would collapse.

This was one of the reasons why he developed a sense of respect towards his teacher although there were some ideological differences between them. His teacher was a benevolent figure. As for him, let’s just say that he does not share the same sentiment all the time. Before his teacher left on an important task, she bestowed upon him this particularly important mission. Azrael understood that failure was not an option as it will bring about total calamity.

Before his teacher left, she set a few ground rules for this task. Firstly, he must act behind the scenes. Secondly, he must not use brute strength to solve those issues. In other words, he must strictly abide by the rules of engagement, where he cannot respond to any threats with overwhelming brutality and must act with restraint. Thirdly, he was not allowed to massacre any race that lived in this world for the sake of order. Although the rules may seem like a burden to many, he fully understood the crucial reason and the need for it. Hence, he chose to abide by it… for the moment.

Since his disappearance, things are about to get worse. He made the decision to bend a few rules.

He stood up from his chair and walked towards the atlas. On closer inspection, there were small pieces of notes, pinned down by little jeweled tacks. Some of those tacks were connected to each other by colored strings, indicating the intricate link of those notes.

He choose to look at a piece of note on the top part of the atlas and frowned. On the note, he recognized his own handwriting. It was written.

War will breakout in the Northern lands.

In summary, the northern lands were occupied by demi-humans, or humans that possessed animal like characteristic, like animal ears and tails. This gave them superior physical ability in comparison to normal humans. The demi-humans are the opposite of beastmen, who were more beast-like and looked less human. Among the three races, the beastmen were at the top when it came to physical abilities but weakest when it came to intelligence. All three races do not get along well with each other. Particularly the beastmen who viewed the former two as a food or labor source. Nonetheless, there are exceptions among the beastmen like the Ushan, who value intelligence over brute force.

However, there is one significant development in the human countries that brought about Azrael’s predicament. The human countries have banded together and formed a loose military alliance. Moreover, their military technological advancement was fast. Most likely, it was due to the knowledge introduced by Yggdrasil players, who hailed from an advanced civilization. These Players had brought about a rapid pace in the advancement of militarization within human nations particularly during the last decade. Furthermore, there was a large military buildup at the borders where human nations and the demi-human nations met.  

The humans are preparing to annex the territories of the demi-humans and beastmen. This was what Azrael concluded. The information he received yesterday indicated that the invasion would occur within three months. The aggressive military campaign will invite the ire of the dwarven and the elfish kingdoms, both of whom feared that they will be the next target in the human’s quest for world domination.

One might think that a sense of world order could be achieved by a single dominant human nation, which favored Azrael’s objective. For Azrael, he totally dismissed that idea. Firstly, the creation of a single human dominion country at the expense of the other races will not be allowed by his teacher. Secondly, for the creation of such a nation, all those diverse human nations would need to shed their ideological and cultural differences in order to unite under a single banner. It will be more than likely that a civil war will break out where two or more factions will try to fight for dominion over the others. After all, humans are mostly power hungry lesser beings.

The increasing occurrences of plague and famine are likely to accelerate the occurrence of national conflicts or even war between races, before there could even be talks of forming a single nation. By then, it will be too late and those countries will collapse from internal and external conflicts.

Azrael felt annoyed by the thought of humans and clenched his fist. Humans are more trouble than they are worth.

If it was up to him, he would rather reduce their population to fit within a single nation. But his teacher would not approve of such an act.

In his mind, he had already developed a less brutal alternative to restore order. At a minimum, it would still involve the disappearance of several nations from this world.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

However, there was one particular issue that bothered him after he reviewed all the information gathered so far. Particularly, the chaos index had increased exponentially these past few years, as if an external influence was fanning the flames of anarchy. He had several ideas on that matter. But, he needed more information from Scarab Queen before he would be able to formulate a strategy to counter it.

I hope it was not due to……..

Several sharps knocks on the door interrupted his thoughts.

“Come in.” he beckoned.

“Pardon my intrusion.”

Anael and Araqiel entered the room, with Sigmund and Astrape following at the back. A new pair of Ushan butler and maid was pushing a trolley, carrying the contents for the evening tea. The previous pair bowed respectfully to Azrael before taking their leave.

“Is it tea time already?”

Azrael stretched himself. It was easy for him to lose track of time when he was too focused on his work.   

His sisters, Anael, and Akasha, himself included were considered as undead. Matters like fatigue, hunger and thirst did not apply to them.  Strangely however, he developed the habit of eating as it tended to cheer him up.  

His half-sister, Astrape, was a doppelganger. She did not consume food as she was equipped with a Ring of Sustenance. She was well adept in food preparation due to her job class as a Master Chef. Her skills were vital for the production of cuisines that yielded special buffs to the consumer. And even though an undead like him could not benefit from those buffs, he still consumed the food, but only for pleasure rather than for any actual benefits.

Normally, Sigmund and Serene would standby in this room to serve him at a moment’s notice. However, he had requested them to learn every aspect of this tomb along with Anael, Akasha, Astrape and the Bahamut Battle Sisters, under the advice and tutelage of  Pumpkin Jack. While the Ushan would take over the work of servicing him.

Astrape elegantly placed the contents of the evening tea on the meeting table that was located in the middle of the room. Azrael sat at the head of the table while Anael and Araqiel sat to his left and right respectively. Sigmund and Astrape stood beside him.

“How’s everyone doing in the tomb?” he inquired.

He got the occasional brief updates when either Sigmund, Serene or Astrape brought him his meals. Sometimes, some of the Bahamut Battle Sisters would drop by and help him with his work. However, they, along with Akasha, were now given positions as floor guardians within the tomb and Azrael requested them to familiarize themselves with the overall details of each floor and their respective occupants. In addition, Anael was assigned as his second in command and would be in charge during his absence.  

“Nii-san, everyone in our group have adjusted well to our new surroundings. Everyone was absolutely delighted by the rooms you made for us.”

Azrael smiled underneath his mask. He was happy that everyone liked the rooms in Level 9 of the tomb.

But that thought ended abruptly, as his mind went back to his task. Sensing his twin’s intention, Anael change the conversation topic.

“On a separate note, we are about to complete the restoration of the Mansion above us.”

Anael had managed everyone during his absence. Before he locked himself in his room, he gave out several orders. One of them was the restoration of the mansion. The repair work was completed in less than 5 minutes with the use of magic. However, Azrael instructed modifications to be done especially when it came to the defensive measures of the mansion. He left the task to be accomplished under the care of his twin sister.

“Nii-san, we have another problem.”

Azrael had an idea what the problem was. He had not pressed it when he got back as he deemed that its priority was lower than other, more pressing matters at hand. Then again, the matter could also jeopardize his operations in the long run.

“Is it about the issue of manpower?”

“Yes.”

Since the attack by the Yggdrasil players, about half of the combat strength of the tomb had been wiped out. On a brighter note, the destroyed serfs were undead.

Using Undead as his fighting force had several advantages. Firstly, Undead soldiers can fight tirelessly. Secondly, the undead do not require nourishment, hence Azrael does not have to spend a fortune on the maintenance cost of the tomb. Furthermore, he and his sisters could replenish undead soldiers easily through their summoning ability. All he needed were corpses to make the summoning permanent.

Those serfs that remained mainly played a supportive role within the tomb, such as intelligence gathering, assassination, healing, or resource harvesting. It was not like those serfs lacked combat abilities. Azrael needed a dedicated army that had the ability to project military might. Moreover, diverting manpower from the support group would negatively affect the smooth running of his other side projects in the long run.

Plus, he remembered his father’s teaching. Never overwork those that serve you.

Azrael had no intention of abusing his servants. He had always instructed his serfs to work in shifts and to have adequate rest.

The issue now is, where to get those corpses? Digging up cemeteries or stealing bodies from battlefields is bound to raise suspicion. To make matters worse, considering that he needs to put his plans into motion while maintaining a proper security network. He needs to increase the number of his troops by at least ten-fold. In other words, he needs at least 100,000 bodies.

Although the tomb can auto summon minions during an attack, powerful summons required gold. During his absence, Scarab Queen collected a substantial amount of fortune and stored it in the treasury. Nonetheless, he did not intend to squander the money and have to rely on his and his siblings’ summoning ability, to slowly rebuild their strength.

I suppose I can target those areas that were struck by famine and plague. Should I make a few villages and towns disappear too?

He immediately abandoned the second idea as there was no need to go that far…. for now.

Azrael deliberated and made his decision.

“I’ve got a plan for this. Arilde, have your sisters gather tomorrow. I’ve got a job for them.”

“Understood, Azrael-sama. I will notify them after this.” Arilde replied him in her usual cheery demeanor.

Behind her cheery expression, she was unable conceal her worry for Azrael’s well-being.

“Azrael-sama. If I may suggest, why don’t you spend some time off with your sisters? You have been cooped up in this room for almost a week and everyone is worried about your well-being.”

Azrael instinctively scratched his face or rather his mask after listening to Arilde’s opinion. He could not help but agree with her. He had neglected his family for a week. His sisters, Anael and Astrape, agreed with Arilde’s sentiment.

“I suppose it is time for me to stretch my wings a bit. Why don’t we have supper under the moonlight? I know a good spot. The change of scenery might help me to brainstorm some ideas.”

Azrael suggested.

“That’s a good idea, nii-sama. I can bring along the many desserts that I want you to try out.” Astrape suggested happily as she was keen on the idea.  

“I’ll look forward to it. Arilde, can I leave the defence of the tomb to you and your sisters while I’m away? I will make it up to you girls in the future.”

“Of course, you can count on us, Azrael-sama. Plus, you have to promise that only me and my sisters can have you during those moments.”

Arilde teased happily. Her eyes briefly met with Anaels and Astrapes, an imaginary spark seemed to appear at the point where their gazes connect.

Cough

Sigmund’s cough seemed to break the stare down. The girls pretended like nothing happened. A cold sweat broke out on the forehead of Azrael.

I need to work on how to improve their working relations.

*******

It was a cloudless night with a full moon. A cool breeze was blowing over a group of six on top of a knoll.

“Nii-sama, what is this place?”

A timid Akasha, was holding onto the sleeve of Azrael’s robe.

“This, my dear little imouto, is one of my favorite scenic spots. It has its little secret.”

Azrael gesture over the knoll. All around them was a tranquil grassland. On a closer look, numerous flower buds dotted the hill. The flower buds sway with the gentle night breeze. Other than that, there was nothing remarkable here.

“Since it is not yet time, let us prepare.”

Azrael cast a series of spells and summons.

<< Shroud Barrier>>, << Barrier of Chrono Protection >>, <<Foe Barrier>>, <<Dimensional Lock>>, <<Floating Eye Alarm>>, << Summon High-Tier Undead: Shadow Spectre >>.

The ‘Barrier of Chrono Protection’ was an AOE spell that prevents anyone from disrupting the time flow around them. The spell ‘Dimensional Lock’ stops anyone from directly teleporting into their midst. Foe Barrier stops any non-ally targets from approaching. While ‘Floating Eye Alarm’ kept Azrael vigilant against his surroundings, it would also notify him if there are intruders with high concealment abilities approaching the party.

A total of eight Level 75 Shadow Specters were summoned. They were a type of undead assassin with similar abilities to the Shadow Demons, who were able to hide themselves in the shadows. Unlike the weaker Shadow Demons, Shadow Specters had the ability to apply poison and backstab damage to any unknowing opponents, the perfect pawn for ambushes. Plus, they had the ability to steal items up to Relic-Level. The worst thing is that only magical damage can hurt them. Due to their ethereal nature, they are completely immune to physical damage.

Beside him, Anael did her own summoning too.

<<Summon Mid-Tier Demon: Night Stalkers>>

To complement the Shadow Specters were ten Level-40 Night Stalkers. They were bat-like humanoid demons that exceled in the dark. Instead of ambushing their enemies, the Night Stalkers will distract the targets head on with their high agility and endurance factor. While, the Shadow Specters would move in from the enemy’s rear. Plus, their Life Steal ability gave them an edge during prolonged engagements.

“Patrol the area, notify us if there are any intruders. Do not engage them till I give permission. Now, go!”

The Shadow Specters and the Night Stalkers melted into the night to form a 5km security radius around them.

While Azrael and Anael were in charge of security, Sigmund and Serene readied the spot. Both of them pulled out a beautiful set of white lawn table and chairs from their personal item pocket and arranged it nicely on top of the hill.

When they were done, Astrape elegantly brought out the food that she had prepared for the night. As she served the items, she gave out a brief introduction for each item.

“Tonight, we’ll be having nii-sama’s favorite Emerald Leaf Green Tea as drinks, complemented by a Mammoth ham slice and Phenick Egg sandwich. For desserts, I have prepared Scones with Frostberry jam.”

Azrael was excited. He enjoyed moments like this, sitting at his favorite spot surrounded by family and good food. Nothing in the world could have spoilt this perfect moment.

“Azrael-sama.”

“……Yes, Specter Six?”

“A group of humans are heading towards you. Should I engage them?”

“No, continue to monitor them. Find out their intentions.”

“Affirmative.”

Everyone on the table was following Azrael’s conversation.

“Nii-sama, why don’t we just kill them off?” Akasha suggested happily.

“I hold no love for humans, except for a few. Plus, I do not like senseless massacre. Remember what oto-san taught us, we cannot make use of dead men.” Azrael replied while ruffling Akasha’s head gently.

“Okay, if nii-chan says so. If you change your mind, can I have first-blood, please?”

“I will agree if you behave yourself.” Azrael nodded.

“Okie-dokie.” Akasha’s face brightened up with a happy smile.

“Now let us enjoy Astrape-chan’s marvelous cooking and enjoy the spectacle that is to come.”

Azrael announced before taking a sip of the Emerald Green Tea. By his estimation, it would be another 20 minutes before the moment arrives.

Moments passed before another communication arrived.

“Azrael-sama.”

“What is it, Spectre Six?”

“The humans are moving closer towards your position.”

“I see, have you ascertained their intentions?”

“It appears that there are two distinct groups of humans. The first group consists of a small band of five. The second group consists 25 riders, including a mage. The latter seemed to be pursuing the former. Several riders were killed during the chase.”

“I see. Nightstalkers, secure the bodies”

“Acknowledged, Azrael-sama.”

“Specter Six, continue to shadow them. Specter Two and Seven will support Specter Six.”

“Acknowledged, Azrael-sama.” responded both Specter Two and Seven crisply via ‘telepathy’.

Azrael began to frown. He does not like his family time to be disrupted, especially when nearing the critical moments.

“Everyone, the magic will soon begin.” Azrael told the others.

Azrael looked at the moon. It is almost time, just a few more minutes left.  Then, he sensed rather than saw them, five figures dashed out from the nearby forest at full speed, heading towards him. They are ruining the moment…….

The others directed their attention towards the newcomers. Azrael noticed an elf was leading the front. As the she-elf was within 50m of Azrael, she ran head-first into the ‘Foe Barrier’ and was knocked back. She rolled over a few times before coming to a stop.

Azrael expected the girl following from behind to bounce back as well. But instead, something unexpected happened, the blond girl passed through the barrier. The other people were surrounding the fainted she-elf. The blond girl made a quick turn towards the fainted she-elf.

Curious.

Azrael quietly dispelled the ‘Foe Barrier’. He sensed the remaining Shadow Specters and Nightstalkers were converging on the party of five, intending to stop them from proceeding further.

Stop, leave them for now. Azrael ordered the summoned monsters.

Only moments passed before a large group of riders burst through the forest. The group of five seemed intent on making their stand there. Azrael was observing them quietly now. The others noticed where Azrael’s attention was directed at and observed silently.

The small band of five was then surrounded by the horse riders. The mage conjured a spell and bound the five with brightly lit chains.

At such a distance, Azrael had no problems listening to their conversation, he began to get a grasp of the intruders’ situation and he smiled.

This could work to my advantage.

As Azrael fine-tuned his new plan, he heard an unfamiliar voice.

Please help us……somebody, anybody…..

Azrael heard those words clearly. It was not a voice that was carried by the air like sound waves. But rather a voice that resonated in his mind, telepathy.

How did she…..?

At the moment the realization hit him, the flowers in the field blossom, releasing their pollen into the air, enveloping the area in bright snowy like particles. The humans were momentarily stunned by the beauty of it.

If one stands in the midst of the field during night, it would look like as if one was standing in the midst of stars. The sight was a wonder to behold. Azrael named his secret spot as the Sea of Stars. Azrael sighed, the human’s presence spoiled this rather private moment. Thankfully, he was more driven by his curiosity rather than his rage.

Anael sensed his anger. The others too were displeased by the humans’ disruption.

Azrael dispelled ‘Shroud Barrier’, making his presence known to the ignorant humans.

“Let me handle this, I have a plan in mind. Before that, let’s put our game faces on.” Azrael told the others.

Each one of them took out a Tanuki-like mask and put it on. Once everyone readied themselves, they proceeded towards the humans with Azrael leading them.

As he walked, Azrael’s attention was directed at that young girl earlier. She appeared to be 13-14 years old with blond hair that reached her neck and large sapphire blue eyes. There were traces of mud caked around her hair and face. Yet it did not diminish her beauty. To Azrael, her beauty rivaled that of the Bahamut Battle Sisters.

I believe her name was Hanna from what I heard.

Her face was displaying a look of utmost desperation. Azrael noticed her hands were clenched in prayer. He narrowed his eyes.

Azrael’s shifted his attention to the one known as Percy. It was easy to find him. He was wearing an especially regal set of golden griffin armor. Azrael studied the owner’s facial features. He had blond hair and blue eyes that resembled Hanna’s. Regardless of his status, his facial features would be sure to attract the attention of many girls. His handsome looks were not diminished one bit when he gave the impression of one who had just witnessed a particularly dirty slug. As for Azrael, he easily saw through the façade, due to the unmistakable beads of sweat forming around Percy’s face.

Let the show begin.

“Good evening. May I enquire as to the nature of your business on such a beautiful night?” Azrael asked in a cheerful manner.

As if regaining his temporary loss of composure, Percy answered haughtily, “My business here does not concern little children. But then again, you are a suspicious group operating under a peculiar environment. Perhaps my men should apprehend you under the suspicion of being traitors.”

Azrael was unfazed by that weak intimidation and false bravado.

“Perhaps, little boy, you can help me in my endeavor to make my friend here talk. Milady, have you seen children begging for their lives before? Those scenes never fail to thrill me especially fathers and mothers screaming all their secrets out under the terrified screams from their own children.”

“They have nothing to do with us!” Hanna shouted at Percy.

Azrael tilted his head, feigning surprise. Sensing a killing intent, he then turned towards Sigmund and discreetly asked him to stand down. Azrael did not reprimand Sigmund for almost ruining his plan. He understood Sigmund’s strong sense of justice, inherited from his father. Sigmund’s sister, Serene seemed more composed, but Azrael sensed her simmering anger that was directed towards Percy’s intention to bring harm to Azrael and his sisters.

“Tut-tut, it is too late to run away. Hilda, if you please.”

[Divine Chain]

The glowing heavy chains snaked out from the ground as if trying to envelop Azrael and his companions. None of them reacted to the magic cast on them. At the very minimum, everyone in the group had absolute resistance against Tier-8 magic. Any magic below Tier-8 would have no effect against them.

“They can resist my Tier-5 restraining magic?” The female magic caster in the purple robe exclaimed in shock.

“Auntie, what are you trying to do here?”

Azrael provoked her cheerfully.

“Auntie……..you…dare to call me that!?” Hilda repeated those words. An angry vein popped out from her head.

“Are you people trying to create trouble within my domain?” Azrael asked cheerfully as if the whole scenario playing here was a comedy.

“What do you mean by your domain? This is the territory of the Empire!” Percy shouted.  

“Eh, really?! The lands around here have been claimed under the name of Ainz Ooal Gown. I do not recall that the Empire has a claim on it. Anael, let’s capture them.” Azrael turned his attention to Anael.

Before Percy can even protest, Anael cast a spell.

[Song of the Siren]-Level 1

‘Song of the Siren’ was a Tier-8 spell that generated a melody that induced sleep towards the target. The higher the activation Level, the larger the area of effect of the spell. The spell was particularly useful during an escape or to capture their enemies.

Everyone apart from Azrael’s company dropped like flies as they succumbed to the urge to sleep. The blond girl tried to resist, but she eventually succumbed to it. Azrael instinctively caught her before she fell to the ground, and eased her down gently.

Although she was asleep, Azrael noticed her right hand was still clutching onto something.

“Nii-sama, do you know this girl?” Anael asked him.

“No, not really. She is just someone useful in my plans for the future.” Azrael replied lightly.

<<Portal>>

Azrael created a portal between here and the mansion.

“Shadow Specters, Nightstalkers, bring everyone here back to the mansion. Instruct the servants in the mansion that they are to be treated as guests unless I say otherwise.” Azrael ordered.

The Shadow Specters and Nightstalkers began to carry the ‘guests’ under their arms like sacks of potatoes before stepping through the portal.

“Akasha-chan.” Azrael beckoned his young sister forward.

“I am here, niisan.”

“I need you to do something for me…”

Azrael proceeded to whisper his instructions to Akasha. Her face brightened up as she listened to her brother.

“Got it! You can count on me, Nii-sama.” Akasha replied cheerfully before stepping through the portal.

After Akasha left, Azrael turned towards the ones remaining.

Anael saw the unmistakable yellow and red glint coming from the eyes of her brother. Her succubus blood was boiling with excitement. Astrape, Sigmund and Serene were expressing their utmost attention.

“Now then everyone, let me tell you all about my plans for our guests………” Azrael announced calmly.

 

Next Chapter ETA- 28th May 2015

Author’s Note: Dear readers, my apologies for the long gap for the next chapter. I will be expecting some heavy workload in the coming week which will prevent me from doing much writing. I will post up the next chapter early if I am able to complete it before the 28th.  Once again, thanks for reading.