Valkyrie's Shadow

Before the Storm: Act 5, Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Its time to settle the score, once and for all!

Mm.

What score?

From her seat beside Lady Shalltear in the arenas VIP booth, Ludmila watched as Miss Delta and Miss Zeta squared off for the days early match. Much like the Grand Arena in Arwintar, only the big ticket matches in the evenings filled the stands, though it certainly didnt feel that way in the proximity of the Sorcerer King. That only made it feel as if everyone was there for the Sorcerer King rather than the combatants on the field, but no one seemed to think much of it.

She stole a glance at the Sorcerer King. It wasnt as if she couldnt appreciate the sentiment, but it also made her feel sorry for Miss Delta and Miss Zeta. If they had been in Arwintar, the match would have been a main event one that far surpassed all others. Not only were the two Maids individually stronger than Fluder Paradyne, but they both had the appearance of beautiful young women. It was a combination that was guaranteed to drive the bloodthirsty, idol-chasing imperial citizenry wild.

My lady, Ludmila said, would you happen to know what the score theyre referring to is?

Something about whos older, I think? Lady Shalltear replied.

How does fighting prove that?

Strength came with age for certain races of Heteromorphs, so that could potentially apply to Miss Zeta, who was an Arachnoid. But how did that apply to Miss Delta? Much like the Homunculus Maids, she appeared no differently from her apparent form in Ludmilas Truesight and, while her expressions werent exactly animated, she wasnt wearing a mask like Miss Zeta.

This is your last chance, Miss Zeta said. Admit that Im the older sister!

Im the older sister, Miss Delta replied.

No, I am!

Could you two start fighting already?! Lady Aura shouted.

Lady Shalltear yawned and reached over to grope Ludmilas leg. The match had started a good five minutes previous, but all that ensued was an unyielding back and forth between the two Maids.

Ludmila took the time to try and figure out what each combatant would do once the fight started in earnest. She couldnt figure out what Miss Zeta was, but Miss Delta was a scout-type that wielded what she referred to as a magical gun. Regardless of their weaponry, Ludmila immediately identified a problem with the field for ranged combatants.

Isnt this terrain disadvantageous for scout types like Miss Delta? Ludmila asked, There are no obstacles for her to work with. More importantly, room to manoeuvre is minimal.

To her surprise, it wasnt Lady Shalltear, but the Sorcerer King who answered.

That point has been brought up by a few of the participants, but the argument applies in reverse, as well. If, say, we used the entire Sixth Floor as a battleground, ranged scout types would pick apart their opponents at little risk to themselves. Thats why we settled on an exhibition of skills instead of a more realistic scenario. Additionally, a real battlefield would be difficult to spectate.

I see, Ludmila lowered her head.Thank you for the explanation, Your Majesty.

Figuring out how spectators could keep track of league matches in Wardens Vale was a growing problem, as well. She turned her attention back to the field, where the two Maids were now slowly circling one another. Not long after their first circuit, Miss Delta exploded.

Angry orange flames cast long shadows over the sands of the arena. Ludmila half-rose from her seat, trying to figure out what had happened. As the flames subsided, white-hot streaks flashed across the arena, followed by a sharp cacophony that echoed off of the stands. Miss Zeta danced around as a storm of projectiles threw up geysers of sand around her and bounced off of the nearby wall.

The attacks against Miss Zeta ceased just before the smoke from the explosion dissipated. The Arachnoid Maid looked back and forth as she scanned the field, but Miss Delta was nowhere to be seen.

Was that explosion from Miss Delta, or Miss Zeta? Ludmila asked.

It was a Fire Beetle Mine from Entoma, the Sorcerer King said. She must have secretly planted some while they were circling one another just now. Shizu made the best of it, however. She used the smoke from the explosion as cover to go into stealth.

Is Miss Zeta an unfavourable opponent for Miss Delta?

That depends on the tactics that Entoma employs. If I were in Shizus position, I would be just as cautious. It costs her little in this situation, after all.

Ludmila nodded and retook her seat. It seemed that scout types tended to resort to the same basic tactics wherever they were from. They favoured minimising risk and whittling down their opponents until they could finish them off. This usually came with a healthy dose of psychological warfare meant to wear out their targets mentally.

A single sharp crack sounded. Miss Zeta was sent spinning to the ground. Miss Delta appeared for a brief moment before dropping an item on the ground that created a cloud of smoke.

Miss Zeta pushed herself up from the ground, clutching her abdomen. She scanned the field for her opponent, but Miss Delta had already concealed herself again.

Dont give up, Entoma!

You can do it!

Cheers of support rose from the Homunculus Maids nearby. Entoma raised her arms. A low buzzing filled the air as a cloud of flying insects emerged from behind her mask and swept out over the arena.

Lets see if her patience pays off, the Sorcerer King said.

Patience, Your Majesty?

Shizu can only use her Smoke Grenade Skill once every three minutes. Shell be exposed for at least that long if Entoma can force her out of stealth.

The swarm of insects settled over the field. With the vantage of the VIP booth, Ludmila could see a humanoid outline of bugs lying flat on the ground, but would Miss Zeta notice?

Big sister attaaack!

A giant centipede emerged from Miss Zetas sleeve. Miss Delta rolled away as it smashed into the ground that she was just lying on. The centipede was so long that it was still near Miss Zeta as it chased Miss Delta around.

Where does she keep that? Ludmila murmured.

Entoma is an Entomancer, Lord Mares voice came from across the Sorcerer King. An insect user.

She wasnt sure if that answered her question. Was the giant centipede a type of summon?

Repeated flashes illuminated the ground around Miss Delta as she gave up trying to maintain her stealth. Her retaliation bounced off of a shield that appeared on Miss Entomas arm. The Arachnoid Maid charged at her opponent, but the far more nimble scout managed to keep her distance.

Tch! Stay still!

No.

Fine!

The front of Miss Zetas garments shifted and opened slightly, revealing a pair of sharp appendages that worked to scatter slips of paper into the air.

Thats a lot of talismans, Lady Shalltear said.

I suppose that is an option, the Sorcerer King said. By saturating the area, she can restrict Shizus mobility.

What are they? Ludmila asked.

Talismans, Lord Mare answered. Entoma is a Talismancer. We wont know what those talismans do until they activate, though.

I dont think what they do will matter, the Sorcerer King said.

Wh-Why is that, Lord Ainz?

Because Shizus holding a Thermal Detonator.

Miss Delta tossed a spherical object to the ground. An explosion rocked the arena, consuming the countless talismans in a fiery wave. Both Maids were thoroughly signed when they emerged from the blast.

Muu! Miss Zeta stomped her foot petulantly, It took me two weeks to make all those!

You cant win against your big sister.

Im the big sister!

Raising her shield again, Miss Zeta pointed her free arm her free main arm? at Miss Delta. A stream of dark objects shot out from the shadows of Miss Zetas sleeve to pummel her opponent. Miss Delta returned the favour, and a fierce ranged duel ensued.

Is there a limit to those attacks? Ludmila asked, The amount of offence put out seems far in excess of what a single combatant can usually achieve.

She didnt know what Job Classes Miss Zeta had, but Miss Delta had Gunner and Sniper Classes according to Lord Mare. This seemed to be working to her advantage, but Ludmila didnt know how much her weapon contributed to that advantage.

There are limitations, the Sorcerer King said. Magical guns require mana to operate. This presents the option of frontloading damage if the wielder enters combat with a full mana pool.

Shouldnt that also mean that magical gun users fare poorly in prolonged combat, Your Majesty? Mana isnt easily recovered.

Ever the tactician, hm? the Sorcerer King chuckled, You are correct in the notion that slow rates of mana regeneration will affect the performance of magical guns in prolonged combat, but the demands of the gun arent the only factor that plays into this. A layman may see their mana quickly consumed by a magical gun, but those with Gunner Job Classes have passive and active Abilities that modify the mana consumption of their attacks.

She hadnt yet given any serious consideration to the use of magical guns in the Royal Army. To be fair, her hands were already full with everything else and she barely knew anything about magical guns, but, at the same time, she didnt want to overlook any useful options for what she considered her area of responsibility in the Royal Armys development.

Out on the field, it looked like Miss Zeta recognised her disadvantage in the ranged skirmish. She advanced steadily under the cover of her shield, trying to pin Miss Delta on one side of the arena. The dark objects were still shooting out of her free sleeve, creating greenish-yellow splatters against the wall. A few of them survived the impact, leaving what looked like beetles lying stunned on the ground.

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Shes throwing bugs at her? Ludmila frowned.

Theyre Bullet Bugs, Lord Mare said. Shes summoning them as an Entomancer.

Out of curiosity, Ludmila gave Miss Zetas shield another look, does she exclusively use insects in combat?

Umher armour is permanent. I guess its easiest to say that she summons the insect equipment that works with her Weapon Master specialisation.

Shes a Weapon Master?

Confusion filled Ludmila as she watched Miss Zeta close with her opponent. Entomancer; Talismancerher other Job Classes implied that she was a magic caster. Now, she was presenting herself as a dangerous physical combatant. Splitting ones build in such a way was supposed to be suboptimal, yet Miss Zeta had done so. Assuming that Miss Delta had a pure build, Miss Zeta should have been at a distinct disadvantage.

Ludmila sighed: she thought that she had just started to get a good grasp of the Job Class System, but that apparently wasnt the case.

As Miss Zeta came within a few metres of Miss Delta, Miss Delta unequipped her magical gun. In its place appeared a peculiar-looking dagger. At the same time, a new insect this time with the appearance of a wide blade appeared from Miss Zetas free sleeve. The clink of metal against metal accompanied the duelists dance over the sand. Time and again, the Gunner tried to disengage from her assailant, but the arena was too small for her to gain any real ground.

Yah!

With a cute little shout, Miss Zeta took off Miss Deltas right hand at the wrist. The severed appendage fell to the ground, still gripping its dagger. A familiar cylindrical object dropped down beside it. The two combatants were obscured by a cloud of smoke.

Big sister attack, Miss Deltas voice called out. Full Burst.

GYAHHHH!!!

The sound of Miss Deltas magical gun filled the air, accompanied by rapid flashes that cast silhouettes in the smoke. All around the arena, the spectators hushed and stood as they tried to catch a glimpse of what was going on. When the smoke cleared, both combatants were facing each other from no more than three metres.

Miss Deltas magical gun was couched against her left arm, its barrel still smoking. Miss Zeta was wavering on her feet, her form shot full of holes.

Im the big sis

Before Miss Delta could declare her big sister status, the Giant Centipede from earlier in the fight reared up behind her and bit her head off. The two Maids flopped to the ground in unison a moment later. Lady Aura hopped down from the judges platform to assess the aftermath. She raised her right hand high into the air.

Draw!

Polite applause rose from the stands. Three Death Knights came onto the field and carried away Miss Zeta on a stretcher. Another Death Knight came out with a cart and collected all of Miss Deltas pieces before leaving again. Ludmila looked over at the Sorcerer King with a worried expression.

Are they going to be alright, Your Majesty? She asked, Miss Delta lost her head.

It shouldnt be too difficult to reattach it, the Sorcerer King answered. Im more concerned that this battle has worsened the relationship between Entoma and Shizu. Ive underestimated the depth of their rivalry.

I-Ill never challenge big sis for her spot, Lord Mare said fearfully.

The Sorcerer King patted Lord Mare on the head. After a subdued address, the crowd dispersed, leaving His Majestys entourage standing around the VIP booth. Ludmila took her place behind Lady Shalltear, feeling more than a bit out of place between her well-endowed handmaidens.

Now then, the Sorcerer King said, we should go and see how Shizu and Entoma are doi

Lord Aiiiiinz!

The tapping of running feet rapidly approached them as Miss Zeta came up to the VIP booth. The Maid looked completely unscathed; not a speck of dirt could be found on her uniform. Miss Delta appeared a few moments later with her head attached.

Entoma; Shizu, good work out there, the Sorcerer King said. Thoughdont you think that was a bit too much?

Miss Zeta tilted her head, bringing a sleeve up to her chin.

What do you mean, Lord Ainz? We just did what big sis Yuri does.

Theyre probably talking about a different Yuri

His Majestys gaze crossed over his vassals, who were all looking up at him with shining eyes. Ludmila waited expectantly with them, wondering what wisdom he had to share this time.

Thatsahem, Ive expressed my dislike for acts of extreme violence between everyone in the past, but, well, since this was supposed to be a combat drillumu. Never mind.

Understood, Lord Ainz!

A chorus of affirmatives rose in the wake of the Sorcerer Kings words. Miss Delta came up to stand beside Miss Zeta.

Lord Ainz, she said in her quiet monotone. The winnerwas supposed to go to the festival with you.

Is that so? The Sorcerer King replied gravely, Its a shame I never heard anything about that. So, what would you two like to see today?

Everything! Miss Zeta said.

C-Can I come too, Lord Ainz? Lord Mare shifted timidly, I didnt get to go yesterday

In the end, a great gaggle of attendants followed the Sorcerer King out of the arena and onto the festival grounds. Ludmila felt slightly relieved that she could recede into the background of the entourage and simply observe the hubbub of activity around her. The festival stalls formed a semicircle around the southern side of the arena and the now-open stands presented a dizzying array of unknown goods. She suddenly realised something as her hand went to the pack of her hip.

Lady Shalltear.

Hm?

Im not familiar with the coinage used in Nazarick, Ludmila said. Is there an exchange booth?

No.

In that case, do they accept coins from Re-Estize or the Merchant Guild?

No.

Ludmila glanced at the people around her. They were all focused on attending to the Sorcerer King, so she was stuck wondering what she could do about money.

Their first stop was a pavilion with a variety of woodcrafts on display, manned by several Demon-like creatures. The largest amongst them, a huge reptilian being with black scales, broad wings, and wicked horns held out its clawed hands in welcome as the Sorcerer King approached its unsettling kiosk.

Welcome, Lord Ainz! It flashed a fang-filled grin, It is our greatest honour to receive you at our humble exhibit!

What do you have on display here? The Sorcerer King asked.

Lord Demiurges finest works! He had us set up this gallery to help liven up the festival. Please, allow your humble servant to act as a guide.

As expected of a Devil, I suppose?

She was reasonably certain that the sort of livening up that the exhibition offered wouldnt contribute to a festive atmosphere. Human festivals had no shortage of macabre offerings, but what was presented before them in this exhibit went well beyond memento mori. As they entered the shadows of the pavilion, Ludmila felt as if she were stepping into the lair of a storied villain. Figures of such fine craftsmanship that they looked like flesh transmuted to wood were arranged in scenes of nightmarish torment.

The Sorcerer King stopped in front of one such scene, where a set of tilted metal tables were arranged in a semicircle. Strapped to each of them was a naked Human. The one in the middle was in the process of being flayed alive. From her neck down, layers of skin, fat, and muscle had been peeled back to form the grotesque petals of a flower framing the glistening organs that they once concealed. Contrary to her grim condition, the womans face bore a rapturous expression.

Lord Demiurge calls this one The First Blossom of Winter, the Devil adjusted his folded wings as he spoke. Its one of his earliest works, but its still unsurpassed as a favourite on the Seventh Floor.

Hungry

A string of drool leaked out from behind Miss Zetas mask. Ludmila reconsidered the grotesque scene. It would undoubtedly be horrific to witness for Humans, but maybe it acted as an appetiser for carnivorous races. She couldnt claim that Humans didnt create attractive displays for their food.

They strolled deeper into the pavilion, going by several more scenes before the Sorcerer King stopped at one that didnt involve someone being mutilated. A mix of Humans and Demihumans dined together at a long table, which had a sumptuous feast laid upon it.

A harmonious scene, the Sorcerer King said with a nod.

Lord Demiurge calls this one Family Dinner, the Devil said. Its not as popular with our patrons as the other scenes, but it holds a great deal of sentimental value.

Ludmila hoped that she would be able to create similar scenes in Wardens Vale. According to Clara, creating an identity that superseded race was one of the keys to achieving the harmonious society that the Sorcerer King desired. Unfortunately, it wasnt as easy as saying so. Even before things like education and culture, it wasnt safe to put two races in the same space sometimes. This was especially the case when the very young were involved. Florines adopted Beastman cub often used her Quagoa caretaker as a combination chew toy, scratching post, and hunting target.

Maybe this is a hint

She memorised the races assembled in the scene. If they were proven to be able to gather at the table peaceably, then it stood to reason that the feat could be replicated.

Lord Ainz, one of the Homunculus Maids attending to the Sorcerer King said, the afternoon talent production will be beginning shortly.

Thats right, isnt it? The Sorcerer King said, Shall we visit the food stalls before we head over?

Thank you for honouring us with your presence, Lord Ainz, the horned Devil said.

Ludmila looked over her shoulder as they filed out of the pavilion. The more she thought about it, the more the exhibit seemed strategically placed to stimulate the appetites of the carnivorous patrons. Right after it was a stall selling meat skewers, so it almost felt like something Liane would do.

She hung back as the entourage dispersed to line up at the various food stands. Like the books in the Great Library of Ashurbanipal, their signs used the same confusing text that she couldnt make heads or tails out of.

Not getting anything for yourself?

Ludmila started at the sound of the Sorcerer Kings voice.

There are so many food items that Ive never seen before, Your Majesty, she replied. I wouldnt know where to start. That aside, Lady Shalltear informed me that they dont accept outside currency here.

Ah, about that, I could lend you some

She turned in horror to find the Sorcerer King rummaging around in his inventory. Before she could raise any protests, he produced a handful of golden coins.

This should be enough to purchase a broad sampling

Your Majesty, Ludmila lowered her head, theres no need for

It wouldnt be much of a festival without food, would it? The Sorcerer King told her, Please enjoy what Nazarick has to offer to your hearts content.

In that case, Ludmila said, would Your Majesty know what the exchange rate for these coins is? Its not as if I came to visit empty-handed

Exchange rate? Ah, if I recall correctly, its two Re-Estize gold coins for one of ours.

With a sigh of relief, Ludmila produced her coin purse.

So theyre the same as trade coins? She asked.

I wouldnt say that theyre the exact same, the Sorcerer King replied, but they may as well be here.

She exchanged ten gold trade coins for the local currency. It was far too much for food, but she figured that she would need them if she found some interesting goods to bring home. It would be a mere pittance to pay if she discovered something that would help with the development of industries in Wardens Vale.

However, after glancing over the coins she seriously wondered if she should spend them at all. Each one looked freshly minted, and their fine detailing made them seem like works of art.

I dont recognise anything that these coins depict. If theyre the coinage used in Nazarick, shouldnt they bear His Majestys likeness?

That was the norm everywhere, as far as she knew. Ludmila stared at them for several moments longer before realising something else. She turned around and glanced about to see if anyone was paying any attention to her before sniffing the coins in her palm.

Do they smell like Ainz-samas pocket? Lady Shalltear asked.

Ludmila stuffed the coins into her purse and drew the string shut.

I beg your pardon, my lady?

Youre ten thousand years too early to fool me, a smile crept onto Lady Shalltears lips. After having to deal with that gorilla all this time, Ive developed a very sharp sense for these things. Shes always sniffing this and marking that honestly, if theres a behaviour of the living that you should shed, its that one.

She kept glancing at the Sorcerer King to see if he had noticed Lady Shalltears ongoing lecture. Fortunately, he was too busy paying attention to a few others who had come back with their food or was considerate enough to pretend he couldnt hear Lady Shalltear. Lady Aura, however, came right up and kicked her cousin in the ankle.

Ow! What do you think youre doing, you little

No, what do you think youre doing? Lady Aura scowled, Dont you have any delicacy? Your vassals are going to resent you if you keep doing stuff like that.

I-I was just teasing herwait, dont tell me youre defending her because you want to sniff them too? You Rangers are so wild

Retribution came in the form of Lady Auras fist atop her cousins head. She really was like a reliable older sister.

Lets grab something to eat, she told Ludmila. The shows going to start soon.

Everyone seems to be looking forward to this performance, my lady, Ludmila said. Might I know what its about?

Its a show put on by the Seventh Floor gang. I dont know what its about, but the one they put on yesterday was pretty good. Now theyre doing the second one theyve been working on: Fools Conquest.

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