As Ainz sat in quiet contemplation, he pondered the nature of his Demonic Ants. They were powerful creatures, but there was a limit to how many he could control, and their current numbers weren't enough for the grand plans he had in mind. He needed more—more ants, more soldiers, and more power. But no matter how much he searched through his spells, abilities, and the newfound mechanics of this world, he could not find a way to increase their numbers without diluting their strength or sacrificing their loyalty.
"I need a reliable assistant," Ainz thought aloud. Someone with intelligence, loyalty, and enough power to help him manage his growing army of ants—and potentially even more creatures in the future. He had thought of relying solely on the ants, but they lacked the necessary intelligence for complex tasks.
In this new world, where his mana pool was both vast and slow to regenerate, Ainz was cautious about summoning his most powerful servants. Summoning a Level 100 guardian was not a small feat; it would drain nearly all his mana, leaving him vulnerable for days. But he knew he had to take the risk. He calculated his options carefully. His mana reserves were sufficient to summon two of his most powerful servants, but that would leave him dangerously depleted. Instead, he decided to summon only one.
"Who should I summon?" Ainz pondered, mentally sifting through the various servants in his guild.
He quickly discarded a few options. The Penguin, who held a misplaced superiority complex and believed he would one day take over Nazarick, was more of a joke than a genuine threat or help. His antics were amusing, but this was not the time for such distractions. Clavu, the mushroom barkeep, was loyal and hardworking, but he wasn't suited for a situation that required sharp intelligence and combat prowess. And as much as Ainz appreciated the dedication of Shihoutu Tokitu, the head chef of Nazarick, he knew the orc would be of no use in a situation that required tactical thinking.
"No, the choice is clear," Ainz thought, a faint smile creeping across his skeletal face.
The one to summon would be Demiurge, one of the most brilliant minds in Nazarick, known for his keen intellect and strategic genius. His loyalty to Ainz was unquestionable, and his ability to think several steps ahead of any opponent made him the ideal candidate to aid in this new world.
Demiurge, the demon of ultimate calculation, would help Ainz not just grow his army of ants, but expand his influence over this world. He was meticulous, intelligent, and utterly loyal—everything Ainz needed right now.
With the decision made, Ainz prepared himself for the summoning. He stood in a large clearing in the forest, ensuring that the area was free from distractions. His mana surged as he raised his skeletal hand, preparing the summoning spell. He began to chant in a low, ancient tongue that echoed through the clearing. A dark portal began to form in the air before him, swirling with dark energy and crackling with power.
The strain on his mana was immense. Ainz could feel his reserves rapidly depleting as the portal grew wider. Summoning a Level 100 servant was no small feat, especially in this world, where the rules of mana and magic differed from Yggdrasil. He gritted his teeth, pushing through the exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm him.
Finally, the portal stabilized, and a tall, imposing figure stepped through.
Demiurge, in all his demonic glory, emerged from the portal, his crimson suit immaculate as ever, his eyes glowing with intelligence and cunning. He knelt before Ainz, his voice smooth and respectful as he greeted his master.
"Lord Ainz, it is an honor to be summoned into your presence once more."
Ainz, feeling the drain of his mana but satisfied with the result, nodded. "Demiurge, rise. I have a task for you."
Demiurge stood, his sharp eyes already assessing the situation. "What is it that you require, my lord?"
"I need your assistance in growing my army, and more importantly, in understanding this world's magic and skill system. My Demonic Ants are powerful, but I need to increase their numbers without compromising their strength or loyalty. I also need a deeper understanding of this world's magic to further my goals." Ainz explained, his tone firm.
Demiurge smiled, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "A fascinating challenge, Lord Ainz. I will, of course, devote all my efforts to ensuring that your desires are fulfilled. There are many ways we could approach this… I believe we could harness the natural energies of this world to create a breeding ground for your ants, or perhaps we could manipulate their evolution through magical means."
Ainz was pleased. "Excellent. Begin by researching the creatures of this world and their mana reserves. We will need to experiment with different methods of enhancing their abilities."
Demiurge bowed once more. "As you wish, my lord. I shall begin immediately."
As Demiurge disappeared into the shadows to begin his work, Ainz felt a sense of relief. With Demiurge by his side, his plans for domination were beginning to take shape. He could already envision the massive, powerful army of ants at his command, swarming across the land, and with Demiurge's help, they would only become stronger.
However, Ainz knew he had to be careful. Though his mana had almost fully depleted from summoning Demiurge, he was confident that the investment would pay off. In time, his power would grow, and with his loyal servants at his side, he would be unstoppable.
Still, Ainz couldn't shake the thought that the key to unlocking even more power lay not just in creatures, but in the souls of humans. The idea intrigued him, and he would need to explore it further. For now, though, his immediate concern was recovering his mana and preparing for the next phase of his plan.
As the night settled in, Ainz retreated back into the safety of his temporary camp, his mind racing with possibilities. The game had only just begun, and he was already positioning himself for victory.
But as always, Ainz Ooal Gown remained cautious, his every move calculated. In this new world, there were still many unknowns—rival powers, hidden threats, and potential allies. And with Demiurge now by his side, Ainz knew he had the perfect strategist to help him navigate the dangers that lay ahead.
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