Chapter 1, Part 3

In Arwintar, the capital of the Baharuth Empire, there were many landmarks. The Palace, the Arena where adventurers and monsters fought, but perhaps the most prominent was the tower of the Ministry of Magic. It rose from the center of the city toward the sky like it was a giant needle. Inside of it was located the Ministry of Magic, as well as the school for the nation’s magic casters, the largest library in the Empire, filled with books about magic, the magic item research and production. Inside this tower was also an entire floor which was in Fluder’s possession.

Technically, he should have lost it after Jircniv discovered his betrayal. But, after the Baharuth Empire became a vassal of the Sorcerer Kingdom, there was no longer any point in trying to punish him. And while Jircniv still felt some bitterness towards the old magic caster, he had returned to Fluder his lands and other property which was confiscated. Despite this peaceful resolution, Fluder refused to come back as the Minister of Magic, citing his duties to the Sorcerer Kingdom as well as his desire for time to research a certain book. However, by then it was no longer important to Jircniv who occupied the position of the Minister of Magic, and so it was a non-issue.

Alone, on the floor which belonged to him, Fluder sat comfortably in a chair. There were three books on the table in front of him. There was a notebook filled with his handwriting, another notebook served as a reference and finally the old, musty, Book of the Dead. Since the subject was so complicated, many places required him to go over them again and again, in order to come up with the right translation. But interpreting the words, and fully understanding the meaning behind them were two different things. Plus, as his understanding of the subject matter improved, he would realize that some of the previous translations were done incorrectly. Having to go back and forth like that took up even more time.

It took him nearly two years to fully translate the book. However, all of that hard work had paid off – the content of the book was beyond his wildest imagination. It mostly dealt with souls and the interaction between souls and magic. One chapter in particular made him salivate – it was dedicated to the theory behind Elder Liches, and contained a ritual one could perform to become an undead magic caster.

Fluder flipped the translated version to this chapter and went over that chapter for an umpteenth time. Hmm, looks like this latest version is correct, I can’t find anything wrong with the word choice, Fluder thought after he finished reading it. How fascinating, the souls are made up of concentrated energy. When someone dies, their soul will leave the dead body and will be pulled into the stream of energy that is all around us. Over time, the memories of the previous life, which are contained in one’s soul will fade, and at that point, the soul can enter another body, beginning the cycle of life again. Also, sometimes things don’t work the way they should, be it due to an especially powerful soul or some other phenomenon and the memories of the previous life don’t get wiped out. Though the book doesn’t give any examples of this, such a being would no doubt shake whatever world they were reincarnated in.

Fluder caressed his beard as he considered this information. I finally understand the concept behind the naturally-occurring undead. The lower tiers are simply dead bodies which were imbued by magic, they are essentially mindless golems. The more powerful undead, however, require a soul. The soulless undead attract the souls that flow in the energy stream that flows all around us. And so, the more undead there are gathered in one place, the higher the chances of some souls straying away from the energy stream and occupying those vessels. Once a soul enters an undead body, it would evolve to reflect the energy contained within that soul.

He wanted to read further, but he couldn’t, due to the tears which were flowing from his eyes. How many decades would it have taken me to come up with such a theory? Would I have ever been able to comprehend such a thing? Teacher is truly generous. He wiped away his tears of joy and tried to calm down. After some time passed he picked up the notebook and continued to read it. This part detailed the theory behind a ritual that could turn one into an undead magic caster. It also provided two types of ways to do so, with corresponding rituals.

The first, superior version was one where the caster would tether their soul to an inanimate object, the caster’s body would be sacrificed during the ritual. Afterward, the caster would need to learn to control their soul. Once such control was achieved, the caster would use their soul to take possession of a suitable dead body, presumably prepared by one’s followers or servants. This was the process used to become a Lich. The object to which the soul was tethered would become that caster’s phylactery, as long as it remained intact the soul was safe. While the possessed body was like clothing for the soul and could be discarded with little problem.

The second, inferior version called for the caster to tether their soul to their actual body, then use large amounts of negative energy to essentially turn the living body into an undead one. This method was obviously inferior since the soul would be tethered to the actual body. Should that body be destroyed, the caster’s life would end as well. However, this version offered an enormous benefit – it was much easier to perform.

There were many issues surrounding the first version of becoming an undead. Creating a phylactery was difficult and required expensive materials, as did the potion one had to drink during the sacrificial ritual. The process of tethering one’s soul to a foreign object was also incredibly complicated, and if the spell was cast improperly, the soul would get dragged by the stream of energy, leaving the caster’s body a mindless husk of flesh.

Even if the tethering process of creating a phylactery was successful, it would still leave the caster, essentially, trapped in it. How exactly would one take possession of another body? Could a soul inside phylactery interact with other objects? People? Could it communicate? The book spoke nothing of souls in such circumstances.

The second version, on the other hand, was much simpler. One only needed to reinforce the bonds between one’s body and soul, so that the soul remains tethered to it after death. Then, the caster simply needed a large amount of negative energy to turn their body undead. The book didn’t mention if one could use this version to become a Lich, and then tether one’s soul to a phylactery, to become a complete Lich, at a later date. But even if that was impossible, this method was still very appealing.

Thinking about the second version, Fluder recalled that some twenty years ago, Zuranonon used the Death Spiral – a phenomenon where large numbers of undead would spawn more and more powerful undead, until a small city was destroyed. Since he wasn’t a necromancer, at that time he had no idea what exactly the members’ of Zuranon were trying to accomplish. But now, he was certain that they did it in order to gather a large amount of negative energy. Could it be, they know about this second version of becoming an undead? Fluder wondered.

He waved the thought away. Zuranon was of little interest to him at this moment. What he cared about was what was in front of him – an ability to become an undead. One of his biggest worries was that Teacher had appeared before him too late. Fluder was old, even with the forbidden immortality spell he had used, he was still aging, albeit slowly. The book he received made him realize just how far the abyss of magic stretched. And, he had heard that inside Nazarick there was a library. A library with shelves filled with wondrous books about magic! Just how many lifetimes would it take for him to read and comprehend even a small portion of such a fountain of knowledge?

But now, now I can use this ritual to turn undead. With an unlimited lifespan, and with no need for sleep or rest, I could truly devote myself to the study of magic. His hands shook, nearly dropping the translated notebook to the floor, and tears once again began to flow down his cheeks. This time, it took much longer for him to regain his composure. With his mind cleared, he began to think of the practical aspects of conducting the second ritual.

The process to tether the soul to the body is fairly simple, but gathering the required negative energy is beyond my ability. Hmm, yes, there is no other way. I’ll have to contact Teacher to see if he has a method to help me. Having come to this conclusion, he decided not to waste time and to contact his Teacher right away.

Over a year ago, when he witnessed Ainz and Jaldabaoth perish together, he was told the same story as the rest of the world. However, several months later the truth was revealed to him – Teacher only needed a couple months to revive. The reason for claiming it would take him two and a half years was to embolden and draw out any enemies. Since Fluder continued to serve Nazarick loyally, he was deemed trustworthy enough to be told the truth. As such, while the rest of the world thought that Ainz was dead, Fluder knew better. In fact, not long ago Teacher had asked him about Rigrit of the thirteen heroes.

There was no need to hesitate. He used [Message] to contact Teacher.

“I was born in Belmous Village. My earliest contact with magic was through the spellcaster in my village,” Fluder used the code they agreed on long ago to confirm his identity.

“Then, what is the reason you contacted me? Have you finished translating the book?” Ainz asked the second question after a short pause.

“Yes, Teacher. I believe I have translated it to the best of my ability” Fluder replied.

“Umu,” Ainz sent back in acknowledgment but did not speak.

“In fact, that is the reason for me disturbing you, Teacher. I would like to perform a ritual from the book, but require your help to do so.”

“You want to do a ritual from the book?!” Ainz’s voice contained a hint of surprise. “Which one?”

“I believe I am capable enough to perform the second version of the ritual to become an undead,” Fluder replied proudly – it wasn’t easy to translate and comprehend such a difficult subject, he felt quite proud of all the work he had put into it.

“Oh. Um, yes, that ritual. Does this mean you wish to become undead?”

“Yes, Teacher. Doing so would allow me to focus on studying magic, without wasting time on sleep and rest. I would also have an unlimited lifespan,” Fluder wasn’t concerned about losing his humanity at all.

“Hm, I see. Then, um, ah yes, let’s see how well you understand the ritual. Tell me everything you understand about it, and how exactly it needs to be performed. Be sure to tell me every little detail – you don’t want any accidents to happen,” Ainz commanded.

“Of course, Teacher,” Fluder replied. To think Teacher is so magnanimous as to even care about the well-being of someone like me. He wishes to confirm that I understood everything properly, so I can perform the ritual without any issues, Fluder felt touched at this thought.

He began to explain the process of tethering the soul to the body, as well as the following ritual, which required the negative energy. It was a pretty lengthy explanation, since he also mentioned the first version of the ritual, and spoke of the reasons for choosing the second version instead. There was a long silence after he finished.

“So, that’s how it is?” Ainz finally spoke in a somewhat disturbed tone. “Then, what do you need my help with?”

For a moment Fluder wondered if he said something wrong. Could I have misunderstood something in the translation? Still, Teacher has not seen it fit to correct me, which should mean that my misunderstanding is something minor and would not result in a fatal outcome.

“The ritual calls for a large amount of negative energy. From my speculation, Zuranon used Death Spiral to wipe out a small town in order to perform this ritual,” Fluder said.

“Zuranon, huh? Wiping out a town is out of the question though. Hmm, the negative energy… it doesn’t need to be produced during the ritual, you just need to have access to it, right?” Ainz asked.

“That is correct. But, where else would one get such a large amount of it if not from the death and suffering of many people?”

“Mm, I happen to be in possession of a certain item. Have you heard of an Orb of Death?”

“My sincerest apologies, Teacher. Your unworthy student is not well versed in necromantic items,” Fluder replied.

“It’s an item that stores negative energy. It should work for your purpose,” Ainz said.

“Thank you, Teacher. But, what if the stored negative energy is not enough?”

“I have several of these orbs. Of course, I will be present during your ritual,” Ainz assured him, “to make sure that everything works as it should,” he added.

“Then, when should I perform the ritual?” Fluder asked eagerly.

“Hm, let us hold off on it for a little while. Right now, we are focused on dealing with Jaldabaoth’s revival. Besides, how would Jircniv-dono react if you became undead?”

“I don’t believe Jir would object. But, I… I understand your priorities,” Fluder agreed reluctantly.

“It’s good that you understand. In the meantime, since you are done with that book, can you write down the process the Baharuth Empire uses to train magic casters? How do you teach spell casting? Who determines which specialization of spells will be taught? As much detail as you can think of,” Ainz made a request as he suddenly thought of something.

“Yes, of course, Teacher. But, may I ask why you want to know such information? Certainly, one who stands at the very top of magical knowledge would have no need for the lowly ways in which we were taught,” Fluder said.

“You are correct, but also wrong. While my control over magic is absolute, I have learned it in a very different way compared to how you have. Because of this, I am uncertain if you’ll be able to understand my teachings. Think of it as a bird, who knows how to fly by its very nature, trying to explain how to fly to a fish,” Ainz said.

“Oh, I understand. This must be the reason you have chosen to give me this book, rather than teaching me directly,” Fluder nodded his head energetically.

“Um, yes,” Ainz said, but before he could continue, Fluder’s enthusiastic voice interrupted him.

“So that I would use the rituals from the book to become an undead. This way I would be closer to your species, and might be able to better comprehend your teaching methods.”

“Eh?! Um, I mean, yes, certainly if you were a Lich… Ahem. Now that you understand, be sure to complete the task I have given you. When the time is right, I will call on you to perform the ritual and become undead,” Ainz said, concluding their conversation.

Ah, Teacher is most generous. Not only will he help me with the ritual, but he’s even concerned that his teaching methods won’t be effective, and is taking steps to remedy such a situation. I am so happy! Fluder decided he had enough emotional spikes for the day and that he should go to sleep and let his emotions settle, before starting on the project Ainz gave him.

***

Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix was in a great mood, though that had been a constant for more than a year now. He never realized it, but as the Crown Prince and later as the young monarch, he was always under pressure. Even after he quelled the opposition among nobles, he still had to remain on guard. Always careful, not to fall victim to some complex intrigue, to make sure he had more allies than enemies, to predict his enemies’ moves and outsmart them. All his life, there was constant, invisible pressure on him. In time, he got so used to it he stopped noticing it.

It made the contrast all the more stark. On that fateful day, seeing that monster openly mock his childish attempt at conspiring against him with the temples and the Theocracy’s agents. It was then that Jircniv decided to give up, and what an amazing decision that was. He no longer needed to be concerned about internal intrigues, about enemies seeking revenge, about appearing strong. Now, he was free. No one would oppose his decisions, and if someone did, he would simply refer them to the Sorcerer King. He finally understood what real power meant. It wasn’t something as flimsy as superior military power or having allies that would quell opposition. No. True power was like a law of nature – it was impossible to oppose it, most people wouldn’t even think of trying, only the fools and the naive, the ones who had yet to face it, would do so.

Jircniv got up and stretched his body. He still had a lot to do as the emperor of the Baharuth Empire. He looked at the two scribes who were rifling through their folders.

“It this all for today?” He asked the two.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Confirmed one of the scribes.

“Good. Then, can you tell one of the guards to get Leinas? I want to talk to her,” Jircniv said.

The two scribes bowed and left the room, leaving Jircniv alone. He walked to a nearby window and stared outside, his thoughts slowly drifting through his mind. He knew that the Baharuth Empire would likely get absorbed into the Sorcerer Kingdom, becoming just one of its territories. Surprisingly, he didn’t care. After all, the Sorcerer King appeared not to have enough people to manage his new additions, or maybe he didn’t care about who’d manage them, since all of the previous rulers remained in power.

Besides, what’s the point of fighting for power? We are like ants squabbling over a mound of dirt compared to Ainz. Rather than waste my life on something so pointless, I’d rather spend time with my friend. His thoughts were interrupted by Leinas Rockbruise, one of the Four Imperial Knights.

“You wanted to see me, Your Majesty?” she asked him.

“Yes. There is something I wanted to talk to you about. When you first joined me, all those years ago, why did you do it?” It was a rhetorical question.

“I believe Your Majesty knows the answer to that,” she said.

“I do. It was because you saw it as your best chance to get revenge and to find a cure. And it did get you the revenge you sought,” he looked at the knight, but she remained silent, waiting for him to continue. “But now there is a new player on the map, one whose ability to help you find a cure is likely much higher than mine. Yet, you haven’t changed your allegiance, why is that?”

Leinas shifted uneasily but didn’t say anything. But Jircniv didn’t mind, he had expected this.

“You are worried you don’t have enough to offer the undead king. Beautiful women, powerful warriors, wealth, he already has it all. And so you chose to cling to me, in hopes of finding something that would make you valuable. Unfortunately for you, there is nothing to find. I am not planning a rebellion, nor am I conspiring with other nations,” he spread his hands while his face sculpted into an apologetic smile.

She tried to say something, but he interrupted her with a wave of his hand. There was no need for her to speak, everything that was said was correct.

“Leinas Rockbruise, I have decided to terminate our contract,” he told her.

“You are throwing me out, now that I am no longer useful,” he could detect the bitterness in her words.

“You are wrong. I want to do for you what that mo.. what Ainz Ooal Gown did for me. I want to set you free. Free to pursue the things you really want. What’s the point of serving me, hoping to one day stumble on a cure, when you can simply go to the Sorcerer Kingdom and ask for it?”

“And they will give it to me, just like that?” She asked, with a half-smile on her face.

“Maybe not. But at least you’ll know where things stand. Trust me, when it comes to dealing with the Sorcerer King, the direct approach is the best. I wish you luck,” he said, before dismissing her.

After she left, he stared out of the window once more. Was that the right move? She could continue to work for me, though there was little point to it now. Still, she served me faithfully, so I want to help her in return. Haha, putting your faith into an undead monster really does sound strange. Still, I do believe he’ll make this world a better place. At least for those who submit.

 

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