Chapter 82: Plans for Future! (Patreon)

In the heart of the 10th floor of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick—the Throne Hall.

Lined up in the hall were the NPCs created by the hands of the Supreme Beings, led by the Guardians of each floor, along with the servants under their direct command. 

Everyone there bowed deeply toward the throne to show their unwavering loyalty.

The number easily surpassed 200, with the average level of those gathered surpassing 80—a sight not seen since Nazarick's transfer to this world.

Aurelius Nova Lucifer, their master and lord, sat atop the throne as the center of everyone's attention, with nearly 200 pairs of eyes fixed on his majestic figure.

He surveyed the gathered members and spoke.

"Come before me, you two."

The two individuals he addressed stepped forward, moving in perfect unison as they ascended the stairs toward the throne and kneeled before him.

"Raise your heads. I will reward you for your exemplary service."

Aurelius's gaze first fell on Solution Epsilon.

"Solution, you performed splendidly this time. Not only did you help expose the traitor within Nazarick, but the information you gathered has proven invaluable. Now, tell me the reward you wish. And don’t count the time we spent together earlier—that’s not part of your reward."

Solution’s lips curled into a sly smile as she responded.

"What I want, Aurelius-sama, is for you not to hold back with me next time and break me more."

"Huh?"

Caught off guard by Solution’s boldness, Aurelius blinked in surprise. The room fell into silence, broken only by the sound of teeth grinding from several women nearby.

Albedo, standing next to the throne, shot a terrifying glare at Solution, but before she could speak, Aurelius shook his head.

"That’s not feasible. If I were to truly let go, you would be torn apart. Even if I resurrected you, the mental trauma could be irreversible. No matter how much you enjoy the pleasure, I don’t want you to become a broken toy. So, choose another reward."

Aurelius’s voice was firm. "Speak."

"Then, I’d like some humans. Living, innocent ones."

This time, Aurelius nodded slowly. "Humans... fine. I’ll grant you some. You can pick whoever you want later."

Solution bowed deeply. "Thank you, Aurelius-sama."

"Now, step back. Entoma, come forward."

As Solution stepped aside, Entoma advanced, kneeling before Aurelius.

"Entoma."

"Yes, yes."

Aurelius smiled wryly at the sound of her raspy voice.

"It seems your voice still hasn’t returned. Anyway, I assume you’ve learned and improved from last time. Your efforts warrant a reward. Do you have a wish?"

Entoma hesitated before answering.

“Aurelius-sama... I want a chance to kill that bitch, Evileye. I want to steal her voice."

The object of Entoma’s hatred, Evileye—or rather, Keno—was well known. Her rage was understandable considering that Keno had defeated her, but Keno was also a future asset to Nazarick and would eventually give birth to Aurelius's child after he had finished enjoying her.

"Your wish is understandable. I will allow you to fight her and kill her once you are strong enough, but remember, Evileye will be resurrected afterward since I have my own plans for her. As for your voice, you don’t need to take someone else’s. You are unique, and I appreciate that."

"T-thank you, Aurelius-Sama. This is more than enough."

Entoma spoke with delight, and Aurelius also smiled slightly.

"Alright, step back, Entoma."

As Entoma retreated, Aurelius cast his gaze over everyone below once more.

"Now, let's move on to the next matter."

No one dared object.

Every word from Aurelius was absolute law within Nazarick.

"It's time to determine Nazarick's future policies. Demiurge, come to my side."

Demiurge ascended the stairs and took his place opposite Albedo.

"Albedo, Overseer of the Guardians, and Demiurge, the greatest strategist of Nazarick—I command both of you. Although the original plan has been completed, I want you to present the strategy for Nazarick moving forward. If anyone has other ideas, raise your hand. You are permitted to speak."

"Demiurge, speak clearly so that everyone here can understand. The people present are the elites, carefully selected by each Guardian. It is important that they understand Nazarick’s future course with their own ears."

Having given the order, Aurelius leaned back on the throne, closing his eyes.

“Understood.”

Demiurge replied smoothly, scanning the gathered NPCs below.

“I will explain the current situation in simple terms—starting with what Nazarick has accomplished in the Kingdom. First and foremost, the Re-Estize Kingdom’s underworld is now completely under our control. By dominating the underworld, we have laid the foundation for our ultimate goal: World Domination.”

“However, Aurelius-sama has decreed that while Nazarick possesses the strength to conquer this world by force, he desires that Nazarick, as a family, rise to power—not simply one individual. I trust no one here is foolish enough to misunderstand this."

As Demiurge finished, Aurelius observed the crowd's reactions—all of them in awe and gratitude—before turning back to Demiurge.

“Good explanation, Demiurge. The kingdom is already ruined, but what comes next? What do you propose as Nazarick’s future policy?"

Demiurge’s eyes gleamed as he responded: "The future policy is to reveal Nazarick’s existence to the outside world. Operating in the shadows has served us well, but in the long term, we must unveil the majesty of Aurelius-sama and Nazarick itself to confront future threats."

"I agree completely, Aurelius-sama," Albedo added. "If Nazarick becomes recognized as an organization, it would eliminate the need to send small forces to work in secret. Instead, we could act openly with our full power."

Aurelius listened intently, nodding at their explanations.

Suddenly, a voice addressed Demiurge directly.

"So, you want to build a nation of our own?"

All eyes turned toward the opposite side of the throne. There stood a figure carrying a spear with a cross-shaped blade on her back, and her hair was divided into two striking halves, silvery white on the right and jet black on the left.

Her eyes, too, were mismatched—silver on the left, black on the right.

Aurelius turned toward her.

"Why are you late, Luna?"

"I'm sorry, master," Luna replied, placing a hand on her stomach. "I was on my way, but I suddenly had a sharp pain because of the baby."

Luna Noctis, formerly Zesshi Zetsumei, was also pregnant with Aurelius's child. She had been spending her days in Nazarick, working as Albedo’s direct subordinate. Her duty was to assist Albedo with various tasks.

Nodding in understanding, Aurelius gestured for her to come forward and proceed with what she was saying earlier. Receiving his permission, she turned to Demiurge.

"What Demiurge-san is proposing is to establish a nation under the name of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick. Isn’t that right, Demiurge-san?"

"Indeed," Demiurge confirmed with a nod. "Working with Albedo has certainly sharpened your skills."

"Thank you. I always strive to be useful to my master."

Luna nestled closer to Aurelius's throne, while Aurelius cleared his throat and turned to Demiurge.

"Demiurge, continue your explanation."

"At once, Aurelius-sama!"

…..

Arwintar, the Imperial Capital, lay in the western region of the Baharuth Empire. At its heart stood the Imperial Palace, home to the man known as the "Bloody Emperor"—Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix.

Surrounding it were universities, the Imperial Magical Academy, and government buildings, forming the very core of the Empire.

Though the capital's population was smaller than that of the Royal Capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom, it was more expansive. Years of reform had led to an unprecedented boom, with nonstop innovation, a steady stream of resources, and human talent flowing in. The city was tearing down the old to make way for a prosperous future, and the faces of its residents reflected this hope.

Aurelius and Narberal walked through the lively streets of Arwintar, disguised as adventurers—Lucifer and Nabe. The differences from the Kingdom were immediately clear. While the Kingdom was dark and bleak, the Empire was alive with energy and optimism. Aurelius noticed the curious gazes of passersby drawn to the Adamantite plates hanging from their necks.

Upon realizing they were in the presence of Adamantite-class adventurers, the crowd’s whispers grew louder. Still, Aurelius and Narberal continued toward their destination, unbothered by the attention.

"This place?"

"Yes, they say it’s the finest inn in the Empire."

Aurelius recalled the inn from the original story—introduced to Momonga by Fluder. Its size and luxury far exceeded anything in E-Rantel.

"Let’s go inside," Aurelius said.

"Yes, my lord."

They approached the inn’s entrance, where guards in leather armor stood watch. As they walked through the arched doors, the guards exchanged puzzled glances. However, their expressions quickly changed upon noticing the adamantite plates.

"Adamantite-class adventurers?" one guard whispered.

The guards straightened up, their tension obvious. One guard, trembling slightly, stepped forward to address Aurelius.

"Welcome, Adamantite-class adventurers. I’m very sorry, but may I see your proof of identification?"

Aurelius removed the plate from his neck and handed it over.

"Quite the careful screening process. Do you often turn away first-time guests?"

"Yes," the guard replied, still tense. "To maintain the dignity of this establishment, we regretfully refuse entry to those without a formal introduction. However, adamantite-class adventurers are, of course, an exception."

The guard, his hands now visibly shaking, gingerly took the plate and inspected it.

"Platinum… Are you Lucifer?"

"I am."

"Confirmed! Thank you for showing your adamantite-class badge."

The guard returned the plate with utmost care, bowing deeply.

"Please follow me. I will guide you to the reception desk."

"Lead the way," Aurelius said.

Aurelius and Narberal spent the night at the luxurious inn. After concluding their business, they stepped out into the streets once more.

"Nabe, would you like to explore the town some more?" Aurelius asked casually.

"If Lucifer-sama wishes to, then I would be honored," Narberal replied, her face flushing.

"No, I’m asking what you want. Tell me what you’d like to do."

Narberal hesitated, lowering her head in embarrassment.

"I… well… um…"

Struggling to form her words, Narberal stammered nervously. Her discomfort made Aurelius raise an eyebrow, and he gently grabbed her wrist.

"Hee! Au-Lucifer-sama!"

"Stay still. Let’s go to the central market first. I suppose we can call this a date."

"D-Date?!"

Narberal’s face turned beet red. Steam practically rose from her head as the word "date" spun her thoughts. Her hair seemed to glow white as she processed the situation.

A date alone with her master… It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment she had never dared to dream of.

"Do you dislike the idea?"

"N-No! Not at all!" Narberal stammered, her heart racing.

"I see. Then let’s head to the central market."

"Y-Yes!"

Without hesitation, Aurelius took Narberal’s hand. Her face flushed even redder, but she followed, melting into the moment of her "date" with Aurelius, unable to lift her head from her embarrassment.