Valkyrie's Shadow

Winter's Crown: Act 6, Chapter 31

Winter's Crown: Act 6, Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Far to the west, in a grand yurt sitting amid the windswept Abelion Hills, several figures gathered around a Mirror of Remote Viewing. Projected on its surface was Ludmila Zahradnik, who was concluding her conversation with two men from the Slane Theocracy. Their equipment was unmistakably from Yggdrasil, or at least an approximation of it.

They continued with their quiet observation until the figures in the mirror at last parted ways, and Demiurge rose from his seat.

“And with that,” he said with a smile, “another six objectives have been fulfilled.”

“Oh…”

“Amazing, Lord Demiurge!”

“Ridiculous,” Shalltear sniffed. “Or perhaps it is just like you to accomplish so much. Don’t tell me that you predicted everything back when you started all this.”

“Hmm…rather than predicting any specific long-term outcomes,” Demiurge said, “I identified many possible outcomes and nurtured to fruition those that would bear the sweetest results. We must be efficient with the time and resources so kindly allocated to us by our Master, after all. Still…I must say that you have outstripped me in a sense – this vassal that you have raised is shaping up to be the perfect tool: capable of functioning autonomously without the usual concerns we have for the natives of this world.”

“Isn’t she?” Shalltear raised her head with a note of pride, “Though it might be more that she is in line with us when it comes to her outlook as a noble and her rare ideals of service. You could say that I’ve just been lucky.”

“There’s no need to be so humble,” Demiurge chuckled softly. “Your influence upon her is plain for all to see.”

“Well,” Shalltear pressed the points of her fingers together, “I might have given her a little push here and there…”

“A little push,” Demiurge smirked. “Here, I am most unfortunately forced to flay several dozen daily just to keep them to a bare minimum standard of acceptable behaviour. Having them become willingly productive feels a dream within a dream by comparison.

He held out his hands and shrugged, as if to say it can’t be helped.

“Hmph, you say that as if it’s a bad thing,” Shalltear said. “I would certainly love to have that freedom, arinsu. We cannot harm the subjects or property of the Sorcerous Kingdom without justification appropriate to the degree of our punitive measures – not that I would carelessly destroy any of Ainz-sama’s belongings.”

Demiurge understood well where she was coming from. However, he believed that, rather than being stifled by her constraints, Shalltear’s performance had been immeasurably enhanced. If she decided that it would be to her advantage – and if it suited her tastes – she was able to seamlessly assume an authoritative role in Human society, to a degree which only Pandora’s Actor could match. At first glance, letting her loose amongst the citizens might have seemed like the perfect recipe for disaster, but the results were abundantly clear.

“When I first heard that Pandora’s Actor referred to this Human in similar terms to a Guardian,” he said, “I had my doubts – especially considering the various Humans we had observed in the past. In the past few months, however, I have concluded that his assessment was right on the mark. Though she will never compare to we who have been created by the Supreme Beings, she is something like an Area Guardian in function and spirit. Proof that many layers of defence may be established beyond Nazarick, using these locals to filter out all but those threats that specifically demand our attention.”

“That’s exactly right!” Shalltear nodded, “The more the Sorcerous Kingdom grows, the more distant the chance of outsiders intruding upon the sacred ground of the Supreme Beings becomes. Ah~ Ainz-sama! When the idea of this nation was first brought forward, I could only imagine it as a menagerie for Ainz-sama’s slaves and pets; a place to make Yggdrasil gold coins…I’m such a fool, arinsu! How could I limit our Supreme Master to such simplistic thinking? His plans are truly infinite in their scope.”

Demiurge could only shake his head ruefully in response, wondering if there would ever be a day when he could even approach a tiny fraction of their Master’s intellectual prowess. With but an effortless wave of his hand, Ainz Ooal Gown could set a myriad of perfect plans into motion – plans that Demiurge could not even detect the slightest inkling of until their fruits ripened and presented themselves to be harvested at his leisure. The deft placement of Shalltear in the Sorcerous Kingdom was one such example of this: a single, seemingly straightforward move that continued to both sow and reap ever-increasing benefits for the Sorcerous Kingdom with no end in sight. Such was the unfathomable mind of Ainz Ooal Gown.

Shalltear’s sigh drew him out of the throes of his veneration.

“I must work harder so I don’t waste Ainz-sama’s efforts,” she muttered, then looked towards him. “If that is all that you needed from me, I should return to my duties, arinsu.”

“Of course,” Demiurge nodded, “do not allow me to keep you from your work any further. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.”

After she vanished into the Gate with her escorts, Demiurge turned his attention to the mountain of data that had been compiled. With the fifth and final suitability trial completed, he had a few months to sort through everything and finish laying out his plans for the upcoming main event.

In the time since Demiurge and his subordinates had started their work in the Abelion Hills, they had set about separating the wheat from the chaff. Which species were worthy of existence? Were there any outstanding materials that could be harvested from them? Which ones could only be used outside of the Sorcerous Kingdom? Could special enclaves be established for specific sets of races to productive ends?

They toiled fervently day and night, learning everything they could while pushing subjects of every species to their mental and physical limits. There were, of course, some races that already existed as subjects of the Sorcerous Kingdom, but gaining this essential data on them was still imperative. After all, they wouldn’t dream of using Ainz-sama’s subjects for that.

Eventually, five experimental groups had been formed in their respective laboratories, to be subjected to a final stress test. They were purposely fashioned and driven to various locales, each suited to their unique traits. Surveillance and collection of data came from multiple avenues; they had even placed doppelgangers amongst them to both observe and influence their movements.

The first group was sent into the ocean. It consisted of aquatic and amphibious Demihumans collected from lakes, caves and rivers. Also included were those that they thought could function with the appropriate modifications to their physiology. Success here presented an interesting avenue for future actions, such as a potential maritime blockade of the Holy Kingdom and moves against the races dwelling in the vast oceans of this world. Unfortunately, those ocean-dwelling races that the group encountered proved far superior, and defeat was swift.

The second group consisted of species more suited to hot climates, who were sent south into the Great Forest of Evansha. They encountered various troubles with overarching social cohesion but managed to make it to their destination. Monsters native to the forest promptly ate them shortly after they arrived.

Next was a collection of mountain-dwelling species, sent through the ranges north of Evansha. They had divided up into a hodgepodge of factions, but it was hoped that they could as a whole be encouraged to raid the Slane Theocracy. Instead, they raided each other. In the end, they became so weakened by their infighting that the local tribes destroyed them.

The remaining two groups were sent east. Both managed to maintain their internal order and thrived through their ordeals. The southern group eventually found itself headed into the Slane Theocracy, but they didn’t quite make it in. The Theocracy intercepted them in the buffer zone that they kept clear of their non-Human neighbours and annihilated them to the last individual. Valuable data was collected on how the Slane Theocracy responded to attacks, how its population behaved when under threat, and the military strength and practices of their security forces. Though there were no survivors, the races represented would have the privilege of being detained in internment camps until they could be integrated under the Sorcerous Kingdom’s hegemony in some way.

The last group consisted of the races considered most promising in his estimation. Indeed, they quickly formed a makeshift council, established a nomadic economy, and found suitable places for every tribe involved and encountered. They even enacted foreign trade – though it was with a vendor familiar to the wilderness tribes. They were doing so well from the start that Demiurge ordered many of them to be retrieved before sending them on their way.

Ultimately, they were used to test the response of both the citizenry and the low-level border defences of the Sorcerous Kingdom. It was understandably difficult for the neighbouring nations and tribes to muster any sort of aggressive response to the Sorcerous Kingdom’s presence, so what amounted to a live exercise had been arranged. The invading forces were roughly as strong as the whole of the Imperial Legions, so it would serve as a good benchmark for the army’s performance against regional threats.

The outcomes were more orderly than expected, though he supposed this was due to the nature of the particular noble involved. Still, the key point was that confidence in the Sorcerous Kingdom’s ability to maintain security would be inspired in its subjects, and trust garnered in the administration. In the future, when the carefully selected refugees from Jaldabaoth’s activities arrived, they would learn that the army was sufficient to turn what amounted to severe threats away. This would free their Master of the indignity of constantly having to personally reassure them. Ainz-sama surely had better things to do with his precious time – more places to go and unfathomable plots and schemes to hatch to the awe and delight of all.

The nascent army of the Sorcerous Kingdom was also put through its paces, so to speak. Various weaknesses long identified were showcased in practice, and would offer a convincing case for the nation to broaden the capabilities of its low-level deployments. The ongoing creation of Death Knights had produced a glut in supply, and it would be reported that other types of Death-series servitors were in demand by the army. The submission of this report would ultimately fall on Cocytus to deliver, who was currently leading the army in the Azerlisia Mountains.

Lack of reconnaissance forces for broad, low-level deployment was underscored, and could not be adequately addressed by Nazarick’s available resources. Shalltear had mentioned a proposal by her new vassal that might answer the needs for domestic security, but they also lacked suitable individuals for espionage. He would have to look into the available options at some point.

Strategies and tactics employed had been recorded and catalogued for study, with the bonus of comprehensive personal reports penned by the force commander. Demiurge felt that her methods lacked a certain shock, awe, and terror value to them, but her cold efficiency had an undeniable appeal of its own. Her performance highlighted the possibility that locals might be trained to provide Commander-class effects and coordination that was more flexible at the local level than the army’s current structure.

In addition to the six objectives related to the encounter with the Slane Theocracy’s agents, there were several more that were likely to manifest within the next few years…

“Lord Demiurge,” the Evil Lord of Envy said to his side, “have you finalized your verdict on the races in the last group?”

“I believe that I have,” Demiurge replied. “The Goblinoids did well, as far as regional standards are concerned. However, we do not need their propensity to form armies. Perhaps some commanders might be raised, but we should use our civilian data to weigh the value of allowing additional immigrants of their kind into the Sorcerous Kingdom. Goblins in particular breed prodigiously, but their benefits are lacking compared to the potential strain on resources that their explosive population growth entails.”

“Yes, my lord,” the Evil Lord of Envy said. “I will assign focus groups to continue their studies in the direction indicated. What of the Gnolls?”

“The Gnolls intrigue me,” Demiurge tapped his chin. “They showed themselves capable of integration, but their chaotic and free-roaming nature gives rise to questions over their long term behaviours. We will groom them for our personal use in operations outside of the Sorcerous Kingdom…they will have to be suitably broken in, of course.”

“Of course, Lord Demiurge,” the Evil Lord of Envy nodded. “And the Orcs?”

“They took first place, did they not?” Demiurge said, “Their productive integration is nearly assured. It’s a good thing we detained most of them before they were sent off to the east.”

“They will remain in the internment camps, then?”

“For now,” Demiurge nodded. “Though it feels a bit lacking for our top performers…how about we set them up as the first to be rescued by Ainz-sama?”

“That makes me quite envious of them,” she replied. “I’m sure they’ll be overwhelmed. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll head out and deliver your orders–”

“Wait, aren’t we forgetting something?”

The Evil Lord of Envy froze in her turn.

“Forgetting something…? Ah, the Armat.”

“Yes, the Armat. What happened to them, exactly?”

“I-I don’t know, my lord. Maybe Wrath can tell us when he gets–”

As if on cue, the Evil Lord of Wrath entered the yurt.

“I have returned, Lord Demiurge,” he said with a certain relish. “How did I…what?”

“The Armat,” the Evil Lord of Envy said.

“The…the Armat?”

“Yes – what happened to them?”

“I uh…they were probably there? The final push was made to be overwhelming, so they might have perished.”

Demiurge sighed.

“We can add their people to the ‘Demihuman Alliance’ for now,” Demiurge said. “The Quagoa are proving that the feeding habits of Lithovores are difficult to cater to outside of their home ranges, anyways.”

“Very well, my lord,” the Evil Lord of Envy bowed. “Please excuse me.”

After she left, the Evil Lord of Wrath sent a nervous glance in Demiurge’s direction.

“Did…did I do something wrong?” He asked.

“On the contrary,” Demiurge smiled, “you carried out your orders spectacularly.”

“Thank you, my lord!” the Evil Lord of Wrath grinned, “It was quite the stage, so I really got into it. Maybe I could come up with an entry for Nazarick Talent Night at this rate.”

“That might certainly be entertaining to watch,” Demiurge said. “Do you believe that a performance of this calibre can be repeated in the future?”

“Ah, hmm…in regards to Runecraft™? Will it be necessary? It is Ainz-sama’s project after all – I can’t imagine it failing.”

“As his loyal vassals,” Demiurge told him, “we must prepare for every eventuality. Ainz-sama may call for a publicity stunt, and Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth seems the prime candidate, don’t you agree?”

“In that case, I am infinitely grateful for the opportunity to rehearse, my lord! The bow made it especially easy – the people around here are so fragile that I was afraid I would sneeze and accidentally obliterate her. Hopefully, a bow will be used again: we can undoubtedly make it a success if that is the case!”

“Excellent,” Demiurge said. “I eagerly anticipate the results.”

“Still, that line of hers was really something,” the Evil Lord of Wrath struck a pose. “By the Will of His Majesty, Ainz Ooal Gown, you shall not pass! Woo~ It sends shivers up my spine every time I recall it. If only we could have chances like that…”

“Indeed,” Demiurge said. “It would be delightful if all of the citizens could be inspired to carry such conviction. Perhaps more of us will be afforded the opportunity to play a heroic role in the future, but, personally, I find it quite enjoyable to be the villain.”

Their shadows danced on the walls as low chuckles filled the air. There was a rustle as the flap of the yurt was raised, and a Torturer entered.

“Lord Demiurge,” it bobbed its head. “The prisoner you ordered delivered has arrived.”

“By all means, please do let him in.”

At his request, a figure with a sack over their head was led inside. The Torturer forced the prisoner to his knees before pulling off the sack. The prisoner’s eyes widened in shock, and his eyes went from Demiurge to the Evil Lord of Wrath and back again. An anguished whimper welled up from his throat – an exquisite cry that seemed to rise from the depths of his soul.

“How good of you to return to us,” Demiurge greeted him with a smile, “our dear volunteer.”

Demihuman Lords

Though not always known as such, Demihuman Lords are individuals who find themselves in positions of leadership over tribe and clan. Whether in ritualistic combat, bold raids, or open warfare, they stand at the forefront of their kin: great captains who lead from the front and bring victory to their people. Adventurers and military forces are especially keen to the threat of their presence.

Outwardly, a Lord-class Demihuman is commonly recognized by a marked increase in stature over regular members of their respective races, and possess increased power to match. This is not all that they bring to the battlefield, however. While specific abilities will vary from species to species, those related to the leadership of their people in battle are common, and these abilities will often either enhance the natural strengths of their race or make up for natural shortfalls. Tribes under the rule of a high-level Lord tend to stabilize and thrive in all aspects.

As a whole, more primitive Demihuman societies are organized around their Lords, with these individuals acting as champions of their respective tribes. Uncommonly, tribal nations may form under a particularly powerful Lord who will rally them to a collective banner. This type of organization has certain shortcomings in these primitive societies, as they lack the concept of more advanced leadership classes that fall in line with their societal needs and end up with levels in common, civilian leadership classes. These primitive nations are often short-lived as well, as the fall of the great Lord that binds them causes the power structure of that nation to shatter without a clear successor.

In more advanced Demihuman societies, Demihuman Lords may become even more outstanding individuals as their civilization has led to the conceptualization of advanced prestige classes unique to their race. These figures stand at the forefront of the arena of nations: great sovereigns who reign over the superpowers of the world.