Overlord Premise Chapter 13 (Patreon)

Hey friends and fans! Kairomaru is bringing you a new chapter! The Lizardmen Tribes have eight days to prepare before the ‘Great One’ launches his attack. What can they do against an unknown aggressor? One that apparently possesses great power and numbers, especially. While they decide on a course of actions, said ‘Great One’ is discovering the limitations of the Adventurer career when it comes to finances. With how much money Nazarick needs to maintain all of its various functions, even the vast treasury filled with mountains of YGGDRASIL gold will one day run out if nothing is done. When it comes to making a place for Nazarick in the New World, money, resources, and time are going to be paramount, as Momonga quickly discovers.

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So, without further delay, please enjoy.

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Chapter 13 – Tribal Alliances, Financial Difficulties

Night had fallen upon the village of the Green Claw Tribe. Almost all of the adults of the village had gathered in the largest hut near the center of the village to have a meeting about what they should do after the strange Undead Monster had given them a warning from this ‘Great One’.

“We all saw those malevolent clouds.” The Head Priestess of the green Claw Tribe said clearly. She was older, but not elderly, her scales a bit duller with her age. “That was likely Fourth Tier magic, the spell is called [Control Cloud].”

“Fourth Tier magic, huh?” Shasuryu hummed in thought. Having some Magic capability himself, though he was much better at being a melee warrior, he knew how impressive Fourth Tier magic was for a Caster.

The Head Priestess nodded to the Chieftain. “It takes a truly powerful Magic Caster to use spells of that magnitude. Even I can only manage as high as Second Tier. We should evacuate with all due haste.”

The black-scaled Head Warrior of the Green Claw Tribe spoke up in opposition. “Are you really suggesting we run away without even putting up a fight?”

“That thing said we have eight days; we still have time.” The Head Hunter of the tribe said, knowing how the Head Priestess and the Head Warrior often clashed in their viewpoints. “Let’s see what the enemy does until then.” Knowing about there enemy would help them in making the best decision.

Shasuryu nodded at the Head Hunter’s words, seeing them as wise council. “Hm?” He looked over at Zaryusu pointedly, wanting his younger brother to speak up.

Zaryusu looked down for a moment, knowing the rules of the Tribe, but at Shasuryu’s persist look, he eventually spoke. “Well, between running or fighting, I’d choose fighting.”

The Head Warrior clenched his fist in front of him and let out an approving hiss. “Exactly!”

“You’re a traveler, Zaryusu.” One of the Elders of the tribe shot a sharp look at him. “You’re lucky to even be here. The Tribe’s problems are its own; so shut your mouth.”

Thwack

Shasuryu’s tail hit the floor harshly, ending all conversation.

“Quiet.” Shasuryu said firmly. “Anyone with knowledge is welcome to participate in this discussion.”

The Elders all shuffled a little where they were sitting before one of them spoke up.

“Chief Shasuryu, you can’t give him special treatment just because he’s your little brother. The laws of the Tribe are clear.” An elder with green and brown scales reminded.

“There is an unknown threat coming for our village, the likes of which we’ve never seen before.” Shasuryu replied, his tone even and strong, not showing a hint of his frustration with the elders as he laid out the facts. “The opinion of someone that’s seen the wider world is something we need to hear, don’t you think?” Shasuryu looked at his other ‘advisors’. “Head Warrior, Head Priestess, Head Hunter…do you agree that he’s not worth listening to?”

The Head Warrior looked at Frost Pain that was secured on Zaryusu’s hip. “There isn’t a warrior alive that wouldn’t hear the opinion of the one that wields Frost Pain.”

“Failing to heed the words of the educated is the act of the foolish and prideful.” The Head Priestess said, looking directly at the elders with bored eyes.

The Head Hunter nodded once. “I believe Zaryusu’s opinion is worth hearing.”

Shasuryu nodded once and then looked at Zaryusu. “So, why should we fight?”

“Because it’s our only choice.” Zaryusu said flatly, looking down a little as he thought about how he should phrase his argument.

“Can we win?” The Head Priestess asked in the opening that was created by Zaryusu’s pondering.

“Of course we can!” The Head Warrior interjected immediately.

The Head Priestess looked annoyed at his interruption, but didn’t retort.

“No.” Zaryusu said, making everyone look at him in confusion. “Not if things stay the same as they are now.”

The Head Warrior narrowed his eyes as he looked at Zaryusu. “What’re you talking about?”

“I believe this foe is confident because he’s aware of our lack of forces.” Zaryusu explained his reasoning. “If that is the case, then we need to throw his reckoning off.” The tribe hummed and murmured, sharing their agreement or confusion with each other for a moment. “Do you all remember our last war?”

“Of course we do.” The Head Hunter replied. It had only been two years ago, after all.

“There’s no way that we could forget.” The Head Priestess said with a heavy sigh.

Zaryusu nodded, still able to vividly recall the war himself. “The wetlands and marshes of this lake used to be home to seven tribes. Our tribe, Green Claw, the skilled hunters of Small Fang, the Razor Tail tribe whose defenses are legendary, the war-loving Dragon Tusk, the moderate Yellow Speckle, the great fighters of Sharp Edge, and Red Eye with their priestly abilities. Then the food shortage happened…” Every Lizardman present flinched just slightly. “A prolonged period of bad fishing left all of the tribes starving. As we fought over what was left, it eventually became an all-out war. We allied with Small Fang and Razor Tail against Yellow Speckle and Sharp Edge. Our alliance eventually prevailed and both Sharp Edge and Yellow Speckle were wiped out, their remnants absorbed into Dragon Tusk.” Zaryusu finished reminding everyone of the results of the intertribal war.

“It pained me to fight against our own kind…but we didn’t have a choice.” The Head Warrior said with a drawn out, low hiss. Bad memories were all any warrior had from that time. “What does that have to do with our situation right now?”

“That Undead said that this village would be the second sacrifice. Which means that the enemy intends on wiping out ALL of the Lizardman Tribes around the lake in the order they’ve set.” Zaryusu reminded them all of the Undead’s message.

The Head Hunter nodded in understanding. “You want us to form an alliance again, like we did two years ago.”

“I’m fairly certain that our former allies Small Fang and Razor Tail will agree to an alliance with us again.” One of the elders nodded at the idea of bolstering their strength to fight off this new enemy.

“Let there be no mistake. What I’m suggesting entails ALL of the Tribes.” Zaryusu said before slapping his palm on the wooden floor and looking at Shasuryu. “Brother, we need to form an alliance…with Dragon Tusk and Red Eye.”

“We can’t!” Another elder gasped at the suggestion.

The Head Priestess was of the same belief as the elders this time around. “Dragon Tusk is now home to the remnants of the two tribes that we destroyed in the last war. There can be no alliance between us.” They’d burned those bridges in the fight for survival; the last members of Yellow Speckle and Sharp Edge would be unlikely to ever agree to help any of the three tribes that had defeated them.

“Plus, we have no contact with Red Eye.” The Head Hunter reminded Zaryusu. The priests and druids of the Red Eye Tribe were more reclusive than the other tribes. “This seems impossible.”

“A five tribe union…” Shasuryu hummed in thought, mulling the idea over and considering their current situation. “I’m for it.” He looked over his tribesmen. “Who will be the envoy to these two tribes?”

Zaryusu spoke up strongly. “I volunteer.”

Shasuryu looked at his little brother searchingly. “Even though you’re a Traveler?” It was unlike Zaryusu to try to put himself into the affairs of the Tribe after he’d come back from his travels. His stubbornness in adhering to the laws of the Tribe had been a hassle in Shasuryu’s opinion.

“That’s right.” Zaryusu nodded. “If they refuse to listen because I’m a Traveler, then they’re on their own.”

“Hmm.” Shasuryu considered it for a moment before making his decision. “I insist that you take the Chief’s Seal.”

That got gasps and murmurs from the entire tribe.

The Seal of the Chieftain was the mark that had been passed down for generations and showed that whoever had it was speaking on behalf of the Green Claw Chief. It was not something that was easily handed to anyone; especially not a Traveler.

“I am honored.” Zaryusu bowed his head.

-Night ~ Outskirts of the Green Claw Tribe-

Zaryusu walked towards a single, old hut that had half submerged into the water long ago. Over his shoulder he carried four large fish from his fish farm. As he approached the large hut, the clouds above moved with the wind and revealed the moon, brightening the area in silverly-blue light, and as the shadows disappeared, Zaryusu saw Shasuryu waiting for him.

“Hello, brother.” Zaryusu nodded as he continued walking closer. As he got to the edge of the hut where Shasuryu was, he looked at the large opening that had once been the doorway and surrounding wall. “Rororo!” He tossed one of the four large fish towards the widened doorway.

A large snake’s head snatched the fish out of the air and retreated back into the shadows.

Zaryusu threw the other three fish, one after another, and each time another snake head would catch it in midair before retreating into the darkness.

“I always believed that you should’ve become Chief, instead of me.” Shasuryu said once the feeding was finished.

“If that had happened, then I wouldn’t have been able to travel. Which means that I wouldn’t know how to farm fish for the village. But why do you bring that up now?” Zaryusu questioned his brother.

Shasuryu shook his head once. “You could’ve figured out that farming stuff here if you’d put your mind to it, I’m sure. A bright, young male like yourself should be in charge; to lead and shoulder the weight of a tribe.”

“Brother…” Zaryusu sighed at hearing Shasuryu’s actual thoughts about the position of Chieftain for the first time.

“Tell me… Are tribal alliances really all that you’re after?” Shasuryu questioned with a sharp stare.

“What does that mean? What’re you implying?” Zaryusu questioned, keeping his tone level and even to not give his emotions away.

Shasuryu didn’t look away, continuing to stare at his brother. “It’s hard to overlook the similarities between now and two years ago. Such as diminishing skirmishes between the tribes and our increase in population.”

“That’s enough. You shouldn’t say anything else.” Zaryusu cut his brother off sharply.

“Just as I thought…” Shasuryu let out a low hiss as his thoughts were confirmed. It was no secret that the reason the fishing had gotten so bad to the point of mass starvation was from the Lizardmen’s overpopulation.

Zaryusu held firm. “There’s no other way. Not if we want to avoid a repeat of the last war.”

“What are you planning to do with them if the other Tribes refuse to make an alliance with us?” Shasuryu questioned lowly, his sharp eyes not breaking from his younger brother’s gaze.

“If I can’t persuade them…we’ll attack.” Zaryusu said resolutely.

“You’d actually kill our fellow kinsman?” Shasuryu asked quietly, the question heavy in the air.

“That I would.” Zaryusu’s words were cold, not from a lack of feeling for his kin, but from the logic of survival.

Shasuryu understood, even if he didn’t like it. “I do understand, it’s the survival of the Tribe. But what if the man in charge doesn’t consider that possibility?”

Zaryusu didn’t have to answer that; he knew his brother’s question was rhetorical. “Rororo!” Four snake heads emerged from the half-sunken hut and nuzzled Zaryusu affectionately. “Time to head out.” He said and the heads retreated back into the darkness. “Tell me, brother, what will count be?”

“Ten from warrior class, twelve hunters, three high priests, seventy males, one-hundred females, and the children; I would say.” Shasuryu rattled off with his hand holding his chin as he thought about what the Green Claw Tribe would need to rebuild in another location. It was a small fraction to their total population, currently, but it was enough to survive and establish a new home.

“Good to know. If it comes down to it, I should be able to use those numbers as bargaining tools.” Zaryusu said, even as his eyes showed that he didn’t want it to get to that point.

Splash

Rororo emerged from the deeper water on one side of the half-submerged hut and revealed itself to be a four-headed hydra. As hydras were usually born with eight heads (growing up to twelve as they aged, depending on the species) Rororo was a ‘runt’ and had been abandoned by its parents, leading to Zaryusu finding it and taking it in, raising and caring for Rororo until it had recovered and grown large enough to hunt for itself.

Zaryusu held out his arm and one of Rororo’s four heads gently held the limb in its mouth before lifting the Lizardman into the air and placing him onto the back of the hydra.

“Don’t do anything crazy. Come back safely.” Shasuryu said as Rororo turned and began to walk through the marsh at a good speed.

“Don’t worry. I’ll carry this plan through to perfection and come home. Just sit tight.” Zaryusu said as he tossed a wave over his shoulder. “See you soon.”

-Adventurer’s Guild ~ E-Rantel-

“Hmm…” Momon looked over the various requests on the board, seeing the usual jobs for Monster slaying outside the walls of the city, gathering certain herbs in the forests nearby, and a few for protection and escort details. While there was plenty to choose from, there was a major problem too. ‘All of these Quests are for Platinum or lower ranked Parties! The rewards are low too. It’s not worth wasting time for only a handful of silver coins.’

“Lor… Mr. Momon,” Nabe managed to catch herself on her address this time. “I checked with the clerk at the desk regarding any requests made to Darkness, but there have been none, so far.”

“I see.” Momon said with a sigh. ‘I thought personal requests would come flooding in once we attained Adamantite Rank…but there’s not been a single one yet.’ The news of the third Adamantite Party ‘Darkness’ had certainly circulated around Re-Estize Kingdom already, promoted by the Adventurer’s Guild in every branch within the Kingdom. However, the unknown nature of the two-man Party seemed to make potential clients wary and hesitant to reach out to them right away. “Let’s return to the inn for now, Nabe.”

“As you wish, Mr. Momon.” Nabe nodded and followed along with him as they left the Guild.

On their way back to the Inn of Shining Gold, people would glance or stare at the two of them, noticing the Adamantite Plates around their necks. The murmurs about ‘Raven Black Hero’ Momon and ‘Beautiful Princess’ Nabe filled the crowd on the busy street, but Momon wasn’t paying attention to any of it.

‘Subtracting the five-hundred-million gold that I used to resurrect Shalltear, the treasury still has enough gold to last a long time, even if Nazarick is kept on maximum alert level every single day. However, that’s not feasible and would be a waste of funds when we’re not under direct attack.’ Momonga thought to himself as he walked through the street with Nabe at his side. ‘I’ve already switched off the costly defenses within the lower floors of Nazarick, leaving only the traps and protections that don’t have maintenance and upkeep costs. That’ll keep the daily expenses from draining the treasury much, but certain functions of Nazarick require the use of YGGDRASIL gold to work. I was hoping that being part of one of the highest-ranked Adventurer Parties would see a steady influx of gold that could be used to acquire goods and necessities without using Nazarick to produce them. We’ll need this world’s currency in the future as well since we can’t go around using YGGDRASIL gold to pay for things.’ That was just not something Momonga was willing to do since they could no longer acquire YGGDRASIL gold.

Before Momonga realized it, he and Narberal were back in their large room at the Inn of Shining Gold. With a sigh, Momonga dispersed his black armor and laid back on the nice king-sized bed to think.

Narberal, seeing the expression on her Lord’s face, removed her shoes and put her cloak and sword to the side. She crawled into the bed and lay next to Momonga, silently offering her support and comfort if he wanted it. It was only a few seconds later that Momonga’s arm gently wrapped around her and pulled her into his side.

“Thank you, Narberal.” Momonga squeezed her a little closer for a moment.

“Of course, Lord Momonga.” Narberal said, her normal stoic expression in place, even as her cheeks turned a light pink color. ‘Bliss.’ She thought to herself as she draped her arm over Momonga’s chest and laid her head on his shoulder, her body flush against her beloved’s side.

‘Perhaps we can try growing food on the sixth floor? There’s plenty of space and with Mare able to provide optimal conditions as a Druid, the yield should be impressive if we pull it off.’ Momonga mused on potential ways to get what the members of Nazarick needed without spending gold to have the Great Tomb produce it automatically. ‘Undead are tireless, if I turned enough bodies into skeletons and had them farm around the clock, that would probably produce a lot of food. The land around Nazarick is grassland, so it might be good for agriculture too.’ Momonga knew that necessities like food were a first priority issue that needed to be taken care of soon. There was also the fact that a robust and plentiful agriculture system could be used to make vegetables, grains, and fruits to sell in other places. ‘If we could get our production to the level of doing large-scale trading, a lot of money could be made that way.’ Momonga then recalled that he could ask Seimei about such things as his old YGGDRASIL friend had a thriving territory of his own and had likely gone through a lot of trial and error to get the farming and food production to a sustainable level for his people. ‘How much worse off would I be if I didn’t have a friend to be able to converse with and ask questions without ruining the image that everyone in Nazarick has of me?’

Momonga only briefly thought about it before suppressing a shudder at how blind, cautious, fearful, and lost he would be in this New World if Seimei hadn’t been here first.

“Mmm…” Narberal let out a happy little hum as Momonga softly pulled her on top of him and wrapped both of his arms around her waist. Her ponytail was gently undone, leaving her long black hair to cascade down her back. “Lord Momonga…” She breathed out as her beloved’s fingers gently combed through her hair as he held her close.

“Narberal…” Momonga got the maid’s attention and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

Narberal returned the kiss, briefly losing her normal stoic expression as she enjoyed the tender affection. All to soon, in her opinion, their lips separated and she was left looking into the ever-changing colors of her beloved’s eyes. “More?” She asked without thinking, only for her entire face to turn red a couple of seconds later as she realized what she’d said.

Momonga gave her what she wanted, kissing her softly once more.

“Mmm~” Narberal eagerly returned the kiss as she basked in the love and affection given to her by Momonga.

The two would end up spending longer than they thought in each other’s embrace before returning to Nazarick to continue the various plans that were in motion.

-Red Eye Tribe Village-

Zaryusu slowed Rororo down as they arrived at the Red Eye Tribe’s village. He jumped down from the hydra’s back and slowly approached the wooden gate, very aware of the eyes on him and the many weapons that were being wielded by those closest to the gate. “I am Zaryusu Shasha of the Green Claw Tribe! I come to speak with the Chieftain of the Red Eye Tribe!” He announced himself properly.

It was a few minutes before he received a response in the form of the gate opening. A Druid stood before Zaryusu with an escort of six warriors, all of them looking at him with suspicion.

“I won’t welcome you…but the one that holds the Tribe together says that they’ll meet you.” The Druid said as he motioned for Zaryusu to follow him.

‘The one who holds the tribe together? Not the Chief?’ Zaryusu wondered about the term used by the Druid as he followed while surrounded by the six warriors of the Red Eye Tribe.

The group traveled close to the center of the village before stopping before a single hut. It was round with a thatched roof and some red markings painted onto the outer walls, but other than that it seemed no different than any of the other huts that they’d passed on the way here.

“In here.” The Druid motioned for Zaryusu to step forward. “The one that holds the Tribe together has requested to speak with you one-on-one.”

Zaryusu stepped forward, right in front go the thick cloth hanging across the doorway that bore the mark of the Red Eye Tribe. “I am Zaryusu Shasha of Green Claw! I bring an urgent request! Please permit me to come in.”

“Come in.” A female voice called out from inside.

As Zaryusu moved the thick cloth aside and entered, the first thing he noticed was how dark it was inside the hut. There wasn’t a single window anywhere at all to let in light. The second thing was the light smoke in the air from incense being burned, most likely as part of a druidic practice of some kind. Then Zaryusu saw her.

A pure white body, lithe and yet strong, soft-looking scales unlike most Lizardmen, and rings of small glyphs were marked upon her body like tattoos in various places, two around her long neck, one around her midsection, one on each of her upper arms, a ring around each thigh, and a final ring of glyphs around the middle of her long tail. Over her shoulders she wore an orange cloth with yellow designs on it, held together by a string in the front. A bead necklace of alternating red and blue beads was around her neck and she had a simple beige bracelet around her left wrist.

“Even the bearer of Frost Pain, one of the Four Great Treasures, seems to find my body bizarre looking.” The female Lizardman said with a soft tone, her red eyes gleaming in the light being let in through the doorway.

“Ah…uh…” Zaryusu was speechless as he stepped into the hut with a few jerky steps, the thick cloth covering the doorway once more and dimming the interior to just above total darkness.

“Are you alright?” The white Lizardman woman asked worriedly.

Zaryusu’s answer was to sink to his knees in front of her, bringing them almost even in eye-level, raise his tail straight upwards, and then let out a trill from within his throat.

“Eh? EH?!” The female gasped and then gaped at Zaryusu’s mating call. Her own tail shot upwards as well as she instinctively reacted to the call, putting her in the same ‘stance’ as Zaryusu.

Seeing how flustered the female was, Zaryusu managed to shake himself out of his sudden and intense bout of love and desire. “Ah! I’m sorry! That was…” His tail lowered almost to the ground as he collected himself.

“Think nothing of it.” The pure white female shook her head, her eyes expressive and showing the closest thing that Lizardmen could get to physically smiling. “I’m the acting Chief of the Red Eye Tribe; it’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Crusch Lulu.” He tail relaxed in response to Zaryusu’s tail lowering. “Now, may I ask what brought a member of the Green Claw Tribe over to our village?”

Zaryusu’s fists clenched as he leaned forward. “Please, marry me!”

“Uh…um…” Crusch blinked at the sudden proposal as her mind took a moment to process it. “WHAT?!” Her tail started swaying back and forth in short, jerky motions. “M-Marry you…?”

“That isn’t the reason I came here, mind you…” Zaryusu held up his hands as he tried to explain, his own tail mimicking Crush’s as it swayed behind him. “I realize that it’s probably confusing that I didn’t settle that matter first, before offering up such a proposal, but I cannot ignore such strong feelings of love!”

Crusch was at a loss for words. Her looks had always been seen as odd and strange, even among the members of her own tribe. Despite the fact that she’d long been of adult age, she’d never had a single suitor before. “L-Love? But we…just…”

Zaryusu cleared his throat as he tried to calm the situation down and explain himself. “Please…excuse my rudeness. Feel free to give me an answer once we’ve gotten to know each other better.”

“Know…each other…?” Crusch’s eyes were practically swirling as she tried to calm down. A sharp slap of her tail on the floor seemed to help, making Zaryusu flinch back slightly. With a deep breath and a slow exhale, Crusch managed to speak normally again. “It comes as quite a surprise to me that you’re not afraid of my white body like the others.” She ran her right hand over her left arm briefly. “You see, every now and then, an albino such as myself is born into the Red Eye Tribe. They always exhibit an aptitude for some Talent; and in my case that turned out to be priestly powers. That’s why we always end up as second-in-command under the Chief.”

“As white as the snow blanketing yonder mountains.” Zaryusu complimented Crusch, his gaze serious and genuine.

“Huh?” Crusch gasped at the emotions that she could see in his eyes.

“Beautiful color.” Zaryusu said sincerely.

“Wh-What did you say?!” Crusch was NOT used to compliments like this!

Zaryusu instinctively reached out slowly, softly placing his hand against Crusch’s white scales along her neck.

“HISSSS!!!” Crusch reacted just as instinctively.

Zaryusu jerked back at the threat display so quickly that he fell, only to swiftly get back onto his knees.

Both of their tails were smacking the ground rapidly now.

“Why would you touch me without asking first?!” Crusch demanded, her emotions heightened by this unexpected turn of events.

Zaryusu cooled his head, his tail slowly sinking back to the ground as he calmed down. “I’ve fallen in love with you. Odds are that we could both get ourselves killed in this upcoming battle. I don’t want any regrets.”

Crusch felt her heart calm down as she looked at Zaryusu seriously. “I’m at a loss. The bearer of Frost Pain is actually prepared to die?”

“Did you see the Monster that delivered the message?” Zaryusu asked.

“I did.” Crusch nodded, she recalled it very vividly.

“That horrible thing emitted screams that rattled the mind and neutralized any attack by non-enchanted weapons. Terrifying, indeed. The last time I encountered it, I had no choice but to flee.” He hadn’t even been able to consider attacking it when it had delivered its message to the Green Claw Tribe and that still burned his warrior pride.

“We Druids can help with that. We possess the ability to temporarily imbue weapons with magic.” Crusch assured him.

Zaryusu took the information in and asked another question. “Are you able to ward against mental attacks as well?”

Crusch nodded once. “Most Priests can, in fact, bolster one’s resistance. However, protecting the mind from confusion is different. I’m the only one that can do so.”

“Ah…” Zaryusu inhaled, even more taken with Crusch than before. But he pushed those feeling down for now to stay on track with their talk. “What number did it say your tribe was?”

“It said that we were the fourth sacrifice.” Crusch said with a solemn look.

“I see.” Zaryusu still wondered how the enemy had determined the order of attacks. “Tell me, what are you planning to do about it?”

“Mm.” Crusch only had one answer, but she knew it wasn’t what Zaryusu would want to hear.

Zaryusu seemed to already know what she might say. “I’m going to be honest with you. If the Red Eye Tribe evacuates, will you be able to carry on your lifestyle in a new location?”

“It would be difficult.” Crusch admitted.

“So, what would happen if all five tribes tried to evacuate at once? What if we couldn’t find enough food? What if the fish we depend on grew scarce?” Zaryusu looked at Crusch seriously. “Would we end up killing each other off this time?”

Crusch nearly gaped at Zaryusu. “You don’t mean that fighting a battle that we may not win would be a better…”

Zaryusu nodded sharply. “I do. I’m taking into account depopulation, including the other tribes.” He leaned forward slightly, looking straight into Crusch’s red eyes. “Crusch Lulu, Green Claw requests an alliance with the Red Eye Tribe.”

Crusch’s gaze sharpened noticeably, nearly glaring at Zaryusu.

“Please, think this through. If you were to refuse us, then we’d have to challenge your Tribe to battle first.” Zaryusu said, even if he didn’t want to attack the tribe of the female that he’d instantly fallen in love with.

“To prevent one tribe from running away and establishing numerical superiority in a new land, correct?” Crusch proved that she was intelligent and quick on the uptake.

Zaryusu barely nodded. “My hope is that if we form an alliance, and are then defeated, that once we settle in a new land the chances of intertribal warfare are decreased.”

Crusch’s gaze softened a bit as she started to see what Zaryusu was going for.

“We won’t be separate tribes. Instead we’ll be allies that bravely fought alongside each other.” Zaryusu explained his hope for their future, should the worst come to pass.

“That makes sense.” Crusch agreed that it would be better than fighting to the death over a new land between the tribes.

Zaryusu took a moment to decide how to broach the next topic. “I have to know… Red Eye abstained from fighting in the war two years ago. How did your people manage to not starve?”

Crusch looked angry, a sudden and rapid shift from her previous understanding look. “Do I really have to answer that question?”

“I need to know. Was it priestly power? Or by some other means that you’ve kept hidden from us? It may prove to be our salvation!” Zaryusu pressed for an answer.

“Definitely not.” Crusch said with disgust. “It won’t be our salvation. What we engaged in back then was cannibalism. We fed on the meat of our fallen friends!”

Zaryusu sat up straight, his mouth open, but the apology he wanted to give wouldn’t come out.

“Back then, our tribe found itself in a dire situation, due to the lack of food and our unwillingness to fight for it.” Crusch explained as her red eyes clouded over with pain and sadness. “But then, one day, our Chief came to the village with food. Bright red fresh meat.” She looked down at the floor. “I’m not going to lie to you. We were vaguely aware of where it came from. Because whenever the Chief brought us meat, it was always right after he’d expelled families from the village for breaking our laws. We all simply closed our eyes and ate the only food that we had…in order to survive.”

Zaryusu saw the pain that Crusch was in and it tore at his heart that he’d been the cause of her reliving it.

“It wasn’t a way for us to survive indefinitely though. Eventually dissent formed and exploded into mutiny.” Crusch closed her eyes as the memories continued. “As the second most powerful person in the tribe I became the banner they rallied to and we rose in revolt against the Chief. The fighting divided the village in two, but we managed to secure victory with our greater numbers. The Chief refused to back down, even at the very end. As he lay dying from numerous wounds, just as I struck the fatal blow, he looked into my eyes and smiled. It was a genuine, sweet smile without a trace of anger. With the death of the Chief, our tribe was brought back together, and with out decrease in numbers came the great gift of recovery from our dwindling food situation.”

Crusch looked up and into Zaryusu’s eyes, tears about to fall. “But our rebellion was in the wrong, wasn’t it? The Chief faced reality and found the only logical way through our grave circumstance. I can’t ever shake those thoughts.” She covered her eyes and her shoulders shook as she tried not to cry over the horrible memories of what her tribe had been through.

Zaryusu moved and kneeled next to Crusch, gently placing his hand on her shoulder. When Crusch looked up at him, she saw no hint of disgust or scorn in his eyes. “We are neither omniscient nor omnipotent. Who knows, I might have done the same thing you did. Crusch, you don’t need my solace, there are no right answers. We all live with regrets, and now the only thing left to do is keep walking. Even as we inflict woe unto our feet, you too must keep walking. At least, that’s what I think.”

Crusch slowly calmed down and wiped her eyes as Zaryusu moved back to where he’d been sitting. “I apologize for my disgrace.”

“I see no disgrace in you.” Zaryusu denied. “What’s more…do I look like someone that’s foolish enough to judge others? When they’re doing their best to move on from their past and being tormented by old actions?” Zaryusu looked deeply into Crusch’s red eyes. “Your soul is beautiful.”

Crusch’s white scales turned a reddish color as she gasped, her tail smacking the ground sharply over and over again. “Y-You have a way with words…”

Zaryusu accepted the compliment and after a brief moment continued the conversation. “Let me ask you again. What policy will the Red Eye Tribe adopt this time?”

“We had a tribal meeting and decided to evacuate.” Crusch revealed to him.

“Really? Are your feelings the same, Crusch Lulu? After talking with me today.” Zaryusu wanted her to reconsider, but he couldn’t force her. “It is your decision to make. The previous Chief smiled at you upon his death, meaning that he was leaving the Tribe’s future in your hands. If true, it is time to fulfill that calling.”

Crusch thought for a quiet moment. “I have one question: How many will you let escape as refugees?”

“Well, ten from the warrior class, twelve hunters, three high priests, seventy males, one-hundred females, and the children.” Zaryusu gave Crusch the numbers that his brother had come up with.

“And what about the rest?” Crusch asked with hard eyes.

“If we fail, they will die.” Zaryusu answered, no matter how grim it was.

Crusch looked up towards the ceiling. “I see how it is.”

“Let me make one thing clear.” Zaryusu’s tone was firm and strong. “We’re not fighting this battle just to die. We’re fighting to claim victory!”

“I was hoping to hear you say such things.” Crusch looked at Zaryusu with soft eyes filled with belief. “The Red Eye will fight beside Green Claw. I’ll make sure that our Chief’s last smile was not meaningless.” She bowed to Zaryusu raising her tail high behind her to show the strength and sincerity of her pledge. “This alliance will ensure that the Red Eye Tribe have enough survivors to carry on.”

Zaryusu bowed to Crusch, his own tail pointing straight up to show his matching sincerity and resolve. “I am grateful.”

-Next Morning-

Zaryusu yawned as he waited outside the gate of the Red Eye village. He hadn’t gotten much sleep after staying up late into the night to explain the plan of the alliance and the evacuation of the ones that would be refugees.

The gate opened and a bush with familiar legs and tail stood before Zaryusu.

“Good morning.” Crusch greeted Zaryusu from within the foliage.

“Good morning.” Zaryusu returned the greeting as he eyed the plant covering.

“I’m grateful that you stayed up so late to explain everything.” Crusch said with a short bow.

Zaryusu nodded and looked at the various members of the Red Eye Tribe already working quickly to prepare for the battle. “It looks like they’ve all come around to the plan.”

“Our warriors should be equipped and ready to depart within the day, and the refugees will soon be evacuated as well.” Crusch confirmed that everything was going according to plan. “Zaryusu, what are you planning to do next?”

“I’ll be heading over to the Dragon Tusk Tribe next.” Zaryusu answered easily before his curiosity got the best of him. “So, question, what’s with the getup?” He motioned towards the leaves a covering Crusch’s body.

Crusch lifted part of the foliage away from her face. “Does it look bad on me?”

“Would you like me to say it looks good? Because I will.” Zaryusu said immediately.

“You’re so silly. This is how I protect my fair skin from sunlight.” Crusch’s tone was light and soft, the Lizardman equivalent of a bright smile.

“Are you planning on coming with me?” Zaryusu asked, part of him wanting her to remain safe even more than he wanted to spend more time with her.

Crusch nodded once. “If I’m not mistaken, the Dragon Tusk have the greatest force of arms within the Tribes. Strength means everything to them.”

Zaryusu agreed. “Right. But we haven’t dealt with them in years, so things could’ve changed.”

“Then I think it’s best if I accompany you there.” Crusch said simply.

“It’s dangerous.” Zaryusu pointed out.

Crusch almost laughed. “Is there anywhere around here that isn’t?”

Zaryusu didn’t have counter to that simple logic. “You’re right, of course, sorry. Crusch Lulu, I’ll gladly accept your help, thank you.”

“Sounds good to me, Zaryusu. I’ll do what I can.” Crusch had a smile in her voice that made Zaryusu’s heart beat a little faster.

-Nazarick ~ Throne Room-

“Entoma, raise your head.” Momonga bade the Pleiades Maid to look up at him as he sat on the Throne of Kings.

Entoma looked up, not moving an inch from her kneeled position. “What can I do for you, Lord Momonga?”

“You are aware that we are attempting to capture the Lizardmen within the wetlands and march of the large lake within the Forest of Tob?” Momonga asked, wanting to make sure that Entoma was up to speed.

“Yes. Lord Cocytus is the one in charge of that operation, isn’t he?” Entoma requested for clarification.

Momonga nodded to Entoma once. “Your orders are to observe Cocytus.”

Entoma just barley tilted her head to the right. “Okay…” It was clear that she was confused by the order. “Does that mean I should watch over to him to make sure that he doesn’t rebel?”

“That isn’t entirely impossible, but I highly doubt a warrior as loyal as Cocytus would ever do so without outside intervention, like what happened to Shalltear.” Momonga said as his eyes shifted to a stormy mix of black, indigo, and navy blue for a moment as he recalled the incident again. “However, as I’ve struck the Slane Theocracy with retribution already, I doubt that they’ll be able to attempt anything like that again for the time being.”

“Entoma, we want you to report on every aspect of the war situation. Specifically from a neutral position.” Albedo clarified the role that Entoma was to play.

“Understood.” Entoma said after a second.

Momonga, noticing the brief hesitation, looked at Entoma. “You look as if you have something to say.”

Entoma shook her head once. “N-No, my Lord, it’s nothing…”

“If you have doubts, let’s hear them.” Momonga gave her permission to speak her mind.

“It’s just… Is it going to be such a hard battle that detailed reports will be necessary?” Entoma questioned curiously. “Won’t Lord Cocytus be able to crush those Lizardmen like they’re nothing?”

Momonga rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he looked at Entoma. “You think so? I’m not so sure.” He looked at Entoma carefully. “If it goes as I suspect, then Cocytus will lose.”

Entoma perked up in surprise, even though her face didn’t twitch in the slightest.

“Take these scrolls to Cocytus, Entoma. They are the first made from the parchment that Demiurge has produced on his Dahu farm. We need to check their viability and make sure they’re as good as the scrolls that we already possess.” Momonga pulled a simple bag out of his inventory and handed it to Albedo to take to the Pleiades Maid. “Make sure that he understands that you are not there to act as extra forces or support. You are only acting under my orders to assist him as he takes command.”

“Yes, Lord Momonga. I will fulfill this duty that you’ve bestowed upon me to the best of my abilities.” Entoma accepted the bag of scrolls from Albedo and bowed to Momonga as deeply as she could while on one knee.

Momonga and Albedo watched Entoma leave the Throne Room until the large doors closed behind her.

“Hm… Heh… Hahahahaha!” Momonga burst into laughter.

Albedo smiled softly at seeing her beloved in such a good mood. “You seem very pleased by Entoma’s questions, my Lord.”

Momonga smiled back at Albedo. “Of course, it shows that she’s already starting to grow and learn. She didn’t just blindly obey; she spoke her concerns and asked questions about her assignment. Once they were answered, she then began her new assignment immediately. I couldn’t be happier to see such development.”

“I’ll endeavor to learn and grow as well, Lord Momonga~” Albedo smiled while her cheeks turned pink and her left hand gently rubbed her lower stomach.

Momonga had to quickly grab onto the immovable core of his Primordial Deity being to prevent himself from freaking out at the sudden and unexpected showing of desire. It wouldn’t do to make a fool out of himself in front of any of his subordinates, after all.

-Fake Nazarick ~ Great Forest of Tob-

Aura was smiling at the nearly complete dummy Nazarick. Even as an all wooden construction, it stood tall and proud within the cleared out area of the forest. A bit more work on the interior and she’d be able to show it to Lord Momonga without shame!

“Nice work on the stronghold.” Cocytus spoke as he approached the wooden building.

“Oh!” Aura turned and smiled at Cocytus. “Been waiting for you, commander!”

Now that Cocytus was here, along with his direct subordinates, most of them various types of intelligent insectoid Monsters, Aura was instructed to return to Nazarick. This was entirely so that Cocytus would be the only Floor Guardian around and be the sole commander of the forces that Lord Momonga had given to him.

“There’s not much, but I’ll show you around before I head out!” Aura offered with a grin.

“Thank you.” Cocytus said before a burst of frosted mist escaped his large mandibles.

A short time after Aura left, Entoma arrived via a [Gate] and placed the scrolls that she was ordered to deliver on the long table in front of Cocytus.

“These are the new Magic Scrolls that I was asked to deliver by Lord Momonga.” Entoma explained as she pointed to a few of them. “Teleportation Scrolls.” She pointed to another scroll. “Message Scrolls.” The rest were various spells meant to obscure and conceal the location of Cocytus and the fake Nazarick from anyone trying to use Scrying or Divination type Magics. “Lord Momonga informed me that they were constructed from the parchment that we obtained through the grand efforts of Lord Demiurge. He said that we should report back to him if we have any problems using them correctly.”

Cocytus picked up one of the goatskin scrolls to look at it more closely. “I see. Understood. So, once again, Demiurge has overshadowed me.”

“There’s more.” Entoma spoke and looked up at Cocytus from her place at his right. “Lord Momonga wanted to make sure that everyone understood that we are only to command from this location. We are not to join the battle in anyway.”

“I understand.” Cocytus said as he picked up a scroll in each of his four hands. “I will familiarize myself with the scrolls as we wait for the day of battle.”

The Lizardmen Tribes only had six days left.

-End Chapter-

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Red Eye Tribe has agreed to the alliance! One down, one more to go.

Will Zaryusu be able to convince Dragon Tusk to join the rest of the Tribes in fighting against the ‘Great One’?

Momonga has run across a bit of an issue with finances…mainly that the Quests at the Adventurer’s Guild don’t pay enough!

Sure, for normal Adventurers they’re plenty as long as they work often. But when you’ve got a large group like Nazarick to take care of and only a finite (even if ridiculous) amount of YGGDRASIL gold left to run various Guild Base functions, you NEED money coming in, and a lot of it!

Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of Adamantite Rank Quests just being posted on the board at the Guild. A Party needs connections to be hired directly for those in most cases! Darkness is still so new that they haven’t attracted any job offers yet!

Other ways to earn money and get necessities must be explored!

Good thing Momonga has a friend that’s gone through ALL of this before, huh? Kek!

Also, Narberal gets more cuddles and snuggles! Yay! Our adorable Kuudere Pleiades Maid deserves them!

How will the first battle against the Lizardmen Tribes play out?

Keep reading to find out!

Until I get your reviews, later!