Chapter 47 : The Third Servant Discussion
"Then, what about the Taratect race? Is it the same as in our previous world?" Exypno asked with curiosity.
"Still the same," Aether replied to Exypno's question.
"Alright, let's discuss something more serious now," said Exypno.
Exypno then clapped her hands a few times, and three chairs made of special metal emerged from the ground. The chairs were surprisingly comfortable. Behind Exypno were two individuals, her guards, as well as Aether and Aurelle, each accompanied by their attendants.
After the appearance of the three chairs, they all sat down while holding a report. It seemed like they were having a meeting in an open area.
"Hahaha... Rare for you to be this attentive, Exypno," Aether chuckled.
"This world is different; we need to enhance cooperation for the sake of Alice-sama," Exypno stated.
"Ara ~ I agree...."
"In that case, let's discuss the progress of Operation: Azaroth Awakening."
One of Exypno's subordinates then handed a file to Exypno, Aether, and Aurelle. The file contained the developments of Operation: Azaroth Awakening, aimed at conquering the entire Abyssal Forest.
Exypno began speaking with a very serious expression.
"As you can see in the file, these are the races we knew before the discovery of the new race reported by Aether.
"The races are Orc, Ogre, Ghost, Lizardman, Bunny, and Purple Demon, and they are all conquest targets. The newly discovered race will be conquered after the primary targets are subdued.
"The leadership structure of this operation is me, Exypno, as the leader. The first deputy is Aether, and the second deputy is Aurelle, following Alice-sama's orders.
"Secretary one is Saphielle, and secretary two is Kirion."
Exypno glanced at Aether's two guards, and they nodded once their names were mentioned.
"The treasurer is Mezvia."
"This operation has three main divisions as we've arranged. These divisions are led by high-level demons: Leviathan commands division one, Belial commands division two, and Asmodeus commands division three."
Aether and Aurelle nodded while focusing on the contents of the file.
"Since Alice-sama has shown us a non-violent way to conquer races, we'll follow suit. Unfortunately, many of our main targets have low intelligence and rely more on instincts. Therefore, we'll conquer them differently."
"We'll give them ultimatums or eliminate them. Of course, it's just a bluff because Alice-sama doesn't want to destroy a race; she prefers gaining followers. In other words, the more who worship Alice-sama, the better."
"Division One will conquer the Orc race, Division Two the Ogre race and Division Three is negotiating with the Ghost race, although Divisions One and Two have to resort to ultimatums since subtle methods and negotiations didn't work. Division three is currently negotiating with the Ghost race."
"How do you all see it?"
"Everything is going smoothly."
"Ara ~ of course, because this operation is crucial for Alice-sama."
Exypno nodded after Aether and Aurelle gave their opinions.
"The target completion for this operation is next summer, in other words, one year."
"We might conquer them all faster, but stabilizing the situation will take longer."
"Seems so ~"
"Right, stability is crucial to avoid conflicts, stability in their leadership, basic needs like food, and others."
[Group Telepath]
"Glory to the Vasilissa."
"State your name, division, and purpose."
"Apologies for the interruption, Exypno-sama, Aether-sama, and Aurelle-sama. I'm Leviathan, Division One Leader, and my purpose is to request permission to start the conquest of the orc race tonight, as per the ultimatum I gave them a few days ago."
"I permit."
"I permit."
Aether and Aurelle granted permission, while Exypno remained silent, appearing to think for a moment.
"I permit, but don't forget what I said."
"Alright, then I take my leave."
[Group Telepath End]
Before initiating the operation, each leader would receive a code before using [Telepath] to prevent information leaks. And before communicating, they had to mention this code.
"Let's continue our discussion; it seems Division One is about to launch the conquest."
"Well, let's hope they succeed with minimal casualties."
"Ara ~ I hope so."
"We'll rearrange conquest targets due to the discovery of new races. Since we're still in the early stages of the operation with no significant developments so far, we'll continue the discussion next time."
"I agree."
"Exactly, as expected from my clever sibling ~"
Exypno, Aether, and Aurelle then turned to the next pages of the provided documents.
"According to Flurx's report, all six goblin tribe leaders resigned, and the goblin village is now led by Flurx, making him the sole leader and strengthening our position in the goblin village."
"Well, that person has quite the loyalty; I can't deny that."
"I'm curious what kind of person he is ~"
"Every June 25, they commemorate the descent of the goddess and defeating monsters. They also often give offerings. Their food conditions are stable, thanks to Aether and others, who created a pond containing fish."
"Aether, how did you quickly restore the entire forest? It looks like there's no damage at all."
"I used my Origin Skill, my S+ tier magic, and some items provided by Alice-sama. I restored the forest remotely."
"You're quite impressive, Aether." Aurelle praised Aether.
"So it seems... Alright." Exypno nodded in understanding after hearing Aether's explanation.
"They've also started learning farming and animal husbandry, which is excellent for preventing future hunger," Aether continued to explain.
"Good, the temple has also become a sacred place for the goblins; they visit it every day to pray."
"They seem to be loyal followers to Alice-sama, fufu ~"
"Then, the construction of Azaroth is complete, and now Azaroth has taken the form of a castle. Following Alice-sama's orders, the upgrade to the Great Castle is currently underway, with tens of thousands of workers tirelessly working 24 hours a day."
Aether and Aurelle nodded.
"Exypno, I have a question."
"Yes, Aether?"
"How is the fate of the anomaly race I gave to you?"
"He's in my private laboratory, and thanks for providing me with such an interesting subject. I'm conducting some experiments on him," Exypno said with a wide smile.
"Oh, I see..."
"Oh, Aurelle, I have a question too."
"Ara ~ it's very rare for Exypno to ask me."
"Have you ever seen Alice-sama's Corrupted form?"
"Yes, I have seen it, and Alice-sama's power increases drastically when activating that form. She even has very high lifesteal in that form."
"So, have any other Servants seen Alice-sama's Corrupted form?"
"I'm curious too."
"It should be me, Arina, Alicia, and... I forgot the last one."
"So that's it... Huh, too bad I haven't seen that form yet."
"Me neither."
"Ara ~ be patient; someday, we'll see that form again."
"Let's move on to the next discussion, which is about the cult. This information was directly provided by Arina," Exypno said with a very serious expression.
"A cult? I've just heard about it ~"
"Me too."
"You can see the details in that file. I'll explain the information Arina provided. The cult is an organization recently discovered by Alice-sama in a human city called Arclens."
"So, what's their goal?"
"So far, it's unknown, but according to the information given by Arina, they want to resurrect a demon named Poxiranha."
"So, you mean..."
"Exactly... I will form an intelligence division to investigate whether there is a cult in this forest or not."
"Ara ~ who will lead that division?"
"Aether, you will lead this division; your authority is still equivalent to a deputy even though you lead the intelligence division, especially since the forest area suits you."
"Ah, okay."
"I'll create the list of members after our discussion is finished, and if you have any suggestions, let me know."
"Aurelle, you will be the first deputy and my partner in this operation."
"Alright!"
"We don't know the actual strength information of the cult; we only have information that some cult members defeated by Alice-sama or Arina ranged from level 60 to 110."
"So there's a possibility they have someone at level 150?"
"Wait... So that's why Alice-sama chose Alicia to guard Azaroth."
Instantly, Exypno's expression turned extremely surprised.
"So that's it. Alice-sama had anticipated such a threat from the beginning, which is why she immediately instructed Alicia to guard Azaroth when both we and Alice-sama were absent."
"Whoa ~ I didn't expect Alice-sama to think that far ~"
"Well, I didn't realize Alice-sama's purpose in summoning Alicia over other Servants."
"That's right, Aether, Aurelle, and Alice-sama anticipated a direct attack on Azaroth."
"In that case, while Alice-sama conquers the Igrasian Empire, we must focus on conquering the Abyssal Forest."
"I agree ~"
"Alright, this discussion is concluded. Any questions, Aurelle, Aether?" Exypno asked, slightly tilting her head.
"None."
"None ~"
"In that case, I have to go. I need to oversee Division One, which is conquering the orc race."
===========================
In a very large underground room, precisely beneath the city of Arclens.
"You have arrived?"
"I have, Master."
"Quickly get ready; we will soon begin the capture of that false Goddess. I will mobilize all cult members in this city for this operation."
"Yes, the idiot claiming to be a goddess must be captured immediately, and I suggest Master be cautious."
"Of course, I will bring the ace card given by one of the cult leaders. I'm not foolish enough to face that false goddess without sufficient information."
"I trust you, Master. You are one of the strongest individuals in the Igrasian Empire."