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Chapter 12 - Chapter 11: The Evolution of Ainz's Power

After leaving the task of managing the Demonic Ants to Demiurge, Ainz started to question whether it was truly wise to entrust such a significant responsibility to him. Although Demiurge is one of the smartest in Nazarick, Ainz couldn't help but feel some unease. To distract himself, Ainz decided to focus on improving his own abilities by seeking new skills.

He disguised himself and traveled across several countries, gathering knowledge about various types of skills. During his journey, he learned about different kinds of skills and their origins, discovering the intricate structures that govern them.

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Skill Types Summary

In this world, skills are divided into several categories based on their power and origin:

1. Angel-Type Skills: Created by Veldanava, these are powerful Ultimate skills linked to the figure of Michael. Their users are subject to Michael's absolute control through Domination Circuits. The most powerful of these are the Virtue-type skills, like Uriel (Lord of Vows) and Michael (Lord of Justice).

2. Daemon-Type Skills: A counterpart to the Angelic system, these Ultimate skills are just as potent. The most powerful of these are the Deadly Sin-type Skills, like Lucifer (Lord of Pride) and Beelzebuth (Lord of Gluttony).

3. World-Type Skills: These skills allow the user to create unique worlds, bending reality itself. Examples include Death World and Eternal World, which can reshape the world around their users.

4. Intrinsic Skills: Inherent abilities tied to the physiology of certain races, these are either species-specific, bloodline-specific, or unique to the individual.

5. Common and Extra Skills: These are more basic skills. Common skills tend to be simple and easy to master, while Extra skills are a step above, offering more versatility.

6. Ultimate Skills: The highest level of power, capable of rewriting the laws of the world. Only those with immense willpower and magicules can wield these effectively, and they tend to be born from a user's strong desires.

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With this newfound knowledge, Ainz realized the potential for unlocking even greater powers by exploring both Angelic and Daemonic skill systems. Now, he must decide how to pursue these powers while continuing to build his influence in the world.

After gaining an extensive understanding of the skill systems, Ainz set his sights on developing an Extra Skill for himself. He knew this would be no easy task—Extra Skills are significantly more powerful and versatile than Common Skills, requiring immense willpower, energy, and deep understanding. He thought of Rimuru, who, with the assistance of the Great Sage, had managed to quickly develop powerful skills. Ainz, however, lacked such an internal guide.

Determined not to rely on others, Ainz began experimenting. He tried to build an Extra Skill from scratch, drawing from his growing knowledge and mana reserves. Attempt after attempt, failure after failure, Ainz realized that his current power wasn't enough. No matter how much mana or energy he poured into his attempts, the result was always a Common Skill—a basic, unremarkable ability. Frustration began to seep into his thoughts, and doubt crept into his mind.

"Am I still not strong enough? Even with all I've learned and gained?" Ainz muttered to himself.

He knew Rimuru's strength was bolstered by the wisdom of the Great Sage, but Ainz had no such assistance. However, one thought kept nagging at him: while he might not have the power to create new Extra Skills directly, he could still evolve the skills he already possessed.

That's when it struck him—Ant King. This skill had been vital in creating his Demonic Ant army, but it had its limits. He knew that, if enhanced, it could offer far greater power and control. Ainz decided to focus on upgrading this skill, even if it meant sacrificing some of the creatures that had become essential to his growing influence.

The Dark Ritual: Upgrading Ant King

Determined, Ainz devised a plan to sacrifice souls and bodies to fuel the evolution of the Ant King skill. He needed to gather a significant amount of energy, and this would require countless sacrifices. So, he sent orders to his Demonic Ants to bring him creatures from nearby regions, both human and monster alike, anything they could find to feed into the ritual.

The sight was gruesome. Before him, a pile of bodies—each one drained of life, the souls extracted—became fuel for his ambition. The ritual took time, but with each offering, he could feel the Ant King skill evolving within him. The dark energy swirled around his very core, until, at last, a moment of clarity.

Ainz opened his eyes and checked his skill list. The familiar Ant King was gone, replaced by something far more powerful: Ant Emperor.

"Ant Emperor," he whispered, seeing the name appear before him, radiating with an ominous glow. This was no ordinary skill anymore—it was an Extra Skill, far surpassing the power of its predecessor. The skill allowed Ainz to command not only basic Demonic Ants, but also those that had evolved further, turning into powerful, sentient beings capable of complex strategies. He could now create vast colonies, each stronger and more fearsome than ever before.

Ainz, the Emperor of Undeath

The transformation wasn't just limited to the skill itself. Ainz could feel the change within him. His very presence now exuded an aura of dark royalty. Ant Emperor was not just a title—it was a reflection of the terrifying ruler he had become. His connection to the ants grew deeper, and their loyalty stronger. With this power, he could easily surpass ordinary rulers and even rival the Demon Lords of this world.

Standing before a mirror, Ainz saw the shift in his appearance. His once regal but restrained form now had a more ominous, commanding quality to it. His skeletal features, as an undead overlord, seemed to be emphasized even further by the dark energy that surrounded him. His very being now reflected his mastery over death and the legions of creatures that served him.

"This...this is more like it," Ainz said, an uncharacteristic sense of satisfaction filling his hollow chest. "I finally look like what I truly am: an emperor of undeath, a ruler of legions."

With the Ant Emperor skill now fully developed, Ainz felt a new wave of confidence surge through him. The failures of his earlier attempts to create an Extra Skill seemed like a distant memory now. He knew that he had crossed an important threshold—he had evolved, not just in power, but in his role in this world.

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Reflecting on His Journey After gaining this new power, Ainz took a moment to reflect on the choices that led him here. While Demiurge was off handling the development of the Demonic Ant breeding grounds, Ainz couldn't help but wonder if it was truly wise to leave that responsibility solely in his hands. Demiurge was cunning, calculating, and immensely loyal, but Ainz had learned to never place complete trust in anyone—especially when their ambitions were so high. Still, there was little time to dwell on such thoughts now. He had to focus on his own growth and objectives.

He had come far, but there was still so much to learn. While his Ant Emperor skill granted him extraordinary control over his minions, he knew this was just the beginning. The world was vast, with many powerful beings lurking in the shadows—Rimuru and Guy among them. Ainz had to keep growing if he was to not only survive but dominate this world.

With his next steps clear, Ainz prepared for the long journey ahead. His next goal: to continue unlocking the mysteries of the world's skills and to master powers even beyond the limits of the Extra Skills.