Lucy Heartfilia (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
lucy_heartfilia) wrote2022-11-29 07:36 pm
lucy_heartfilia) wrote2022-11-29 07:36 pm
The bard of Nazarick Part 4!
Ainz was a collector, and in his time in Yggdrasil he had acquired many magical items of varying levels of power, but many of these items had never actually seen proper use. The horn of the goblin general was a perfect example of an item that had seemed practically useless in Yggdrasil, but when wielded by someone with class levels in goblin general, it was apparently a relic of tremendous power. The Lyre of Bragi is not nearly as mysterious, because the Norse God of music is literally in its name. It is a god tier item, but the problem is that barely anyone in Yggdrasil ever bothered acquiring the skill set to use it. Most players would either sell it, or perhaps try to construct an NPC to use it, but not Ainz. Selling it would have been too wasteful, but creating an NPC with the limited amount a guild is allowed just for the sake of one item was unthinkable. Perhaps for a low level guild, where this was the guild master's first god tier item, but certainly not Ainz Ooal Gown! He had acquired this item from one of his guild mates inventories in the final days before the game's shut down, which was the other reason he had never had time to experiment with it. Most god tier items had to be crafted using data crystals, but this was one of those few unique items with its own name like the horn of the goblin general, so he was immensely curious to know what it could do.
These reasons had lead to the situation where he handed the lyre to David, to see what he could do with it. He had no concerns about him trying to use it against him, since this was arguably the safest room in the world, with Sebas, Albedo, and the Pleiades all on standby. Even if the dozen death knights he'd asked for were capable of being used against him, he doubted even Touch Me could win against such odds. It wasn't danger that had Ainz on the edge of his seat, it was anticipation and curiosity.
All appraisal item had told him some information, but the limitations of the item often vary from person to person depending on their classes or other hidden factors. The lore behind the lyre suggested that it was an instrument played by Bragi to inspire the warriors of Valhalla. The exact benefits and buffs had never been properly recorded or shared, so he was going to be able to witness it first hand if David really did know what he was doing. In the throne room, he would even be able to use the master source to see what kind of buffs it would grant, so this could be quite interesting no matter what happened! With all that being said, he probably shouldn't get his hopes up too high since David probably was still low level even if he could use it, and undead would be immune to the morale boosting effects.
What Ainz had not expected was the throne room of Nazarick to darken as the first notes began to play, and a hush came over the room. Was the lute able to effect the lighting to set that mood? The only light that shown in the throne room made it seem like David was literally in the spotlight, a badass electric guitar riff filling the room. Ainz wasn't exactly an expert on music, but he was pretty sure that this was either hard rock or perhaps metal music? The melody was completely original but the pace of it made him feel like his heart was racing and he didn't even have one! He was about to pull open the master source to see what effect it might be having, but the words managed to take him by surprise too!
"In the darkest dungeon, in the blackest night,
There dwells the denizens, the enemies of the light,
There is a master who rules over them all,
Oh can't you hear the warriors call!?"
It was clearly a tribute to him and his guild, which was sort of surprising but flattering. He supposed if David hoped to get along with the other members of Nazarick, appeasing their adoration for him was certainly one way to do so. What was truly inspiring was when he heard the Death Knights chant in low guttural tones that seemed to match the song perfectly.
"Ainz Ooal Gown! Ainz Ooal Gown!"
It was chilling, to hear the dark symphony David was weaving before him. It wasn't just some metal or rock anthem, it was a full on battle march! Or ballad? He probably should have expected it would be something like this if he was using the Lyre of Bragi, but hearing it was totally different than anything he'd anticipated!
"Who is their Master?"
"Ainz Ooal Gown!"
"Who is their king?"
"Ainz Ooal Gown!"
"Who is the Overlord that makes the undead sing!"
"Ainz, Ainz, AINZ OOAL GOWN!"
It was at this point that Ainz was starting to feel a bit... embarrassed by the sheer amount of praise this song seemed to be heaping on him. Yet... his emotion inhibitor didn't seem to kick in. Was the embarrassment mild enough that it prevented it? It's possible... but he had a suspicion he felt he needed to check, so he opened the master source, to not only confirm the buffs that were being provided, but also to see if this suspicion he had was correct.
...
"Huh?" Ainz surprised statement couldn't be heard over David's performance, which was just as well because it didn't do to let Nazarick see him so baffled. It was still surprising to see what the master source was telling him, and he was more concerned that the master source had somehow been tampered with rather than that what he was seeing could actually be true. Every person who was in the throne room had a status he'd never seen before, but their raw stats seemed to all have doubled, including his and the death knights! Did the magic of the Lyre somehow surpass the undead's natural immunity to mind or emotion affecting buffs or debuffs?! No, forget that for a moment, were their stats really doubled?! Just from a freaking song?!
"He is the dark lord, the terror of the night,
He is the supreme one, that no mortal can fight!"
"Ainz, Ainz, Ainz Ooal Gown!"
The death knights seemed to bang on their shields and stomp their feet in time with the beat of the song, and Ainz was once again rather impressed by the sheer coordination and control the Lyre allowed to willing recipients or participants. It was as if it was a perfectly coordinated a choreographed musical number that they'd had weeks of practice to get down perfectly, and he felt so inspired he was starting to doubt the master source much less than he had before. How far reaching was this buff? Did it apply a similar debuff to enemies who heard the music? Could it get more powerful with a more powerful bard? Was it because David knew the source material that would affect those in this room the most? Chanting skeletons would likely be much less inspiring to religious kingdoms like the Theocracy, so perhaps the song would need to be different depending on the audience?
"In the tomb of Nazarick, sitting on his throne,
There is the sorcerer king, known as Ainz Ooal Gown!"
"Ainz Ooal Gown, Ainz Ooal Gown!"
He really needed to pay more attention the next time David chose to perform this song, because he swore he'd missed some pretty witty lines in there, and he might need to ask that he tone down some of the lyrics or he'd feel far too embarrassed to even show his face! No... Looking at the faces of Albedo and the Pleiades this was clearly something they felt passionately about too, and he had taken the name that signified their entire guild, this wasn't about just him. He'd... just have to learn to deal with some of his own feelings of embarrassment. At least the kickass tune and beat did quite a bit to overcome any feelings of anxiety or embarrassment he might have otherwise felt about the words?
"Oh Ainz! AINZ! Ainz Ooal Goooooown~!"
The song came to an end with a squeal of electric guitar, and the throne room erupted in applause, not just from the Pleiades, Albedo, and Sebas, but from Ainz himself as he stood up to give David a standing ovation as the lighting returned to normal. That had certainly been worth the risk and minimal effort involved on his part, and it seemed like he would have a very useful trump card he could try to play at a later date. It would still take quite a bit of experimentation to see just how effective it would really be, but if players in Yggdrasil knew about this he suspected everyone would be sure to have at least one bard to buff their party during every battle. Then again, perhaps it really was just Bragi's Lyre that allowed bards to be so useful, and there was the fact that David had to play the entire time, so he wouldn't likely be of much use fighting with his own strength if he had any. He could see why players even with this information would forgo a bard, but when dealing with entire armies? This could definitely be a game changer... or simply as a very powerful buff that could be useful in a variety of situations.
"Well done! Just as I had hoped, it seems you are compatible with Lyre. I believe that you can indeed offer me some services that will be quite useful, as you have no doubt demonstrated to my subordinates who normally might be much more skeptical." There were nods of approval from many of the maids, and a smug smile on Albedo's face as if she knew all along that this would happen.
"Thank you lord Ainz, it was quite thrilling to be able to play such a beautiful instrument. Just that alone made me feel like this whole troublesome change in my life might have been more worthwhile. I take it that you'll be wanting this back for now?" David had given Ainz another flourishing bow before dashing back towards him at the throne and handing the electric guitar over to him, which changed back into its original shape as he did so.
"Indeed. I will want to do some more testing with it later, but for the time being it is probably safest for me to hold onto it. It could have unforeseen side effects that might be dangerous for you without proper supervision, so I'm glad you're being understanding." Ainz saw David shudder, and was slightly bemused by the fact that he believed that so readily. He assumed if David was from Earth and knew as much as he did about him and Nazarick, he'd know more about the items from Yggdrasil too. That was a tidbit he was going to file away for later just in case he ever needed to bluff David again in some manner.
"I had simply assumed that you'd want it back because it's yours... thank you for looking out for my well being." Ainz couldn't help the laugh that escaped from him, shaking his head in disbelief.
"You really are a funny little fellow David, and I look forward to seeing what you're capable of in the not so distant future. But come! There is much I must discuss with you privately. Beings from Earth are of great interest to me, even if they are human." His words were more for the benefit of the other members of Nazarick in the throne room, but David also seemed to laugh, being a good spirit about it.
"Of course Lord Ainz! I have much I'd like to talk to you about too!"
These reasons had lead to the situation where he handed the lyre to David, to see what he could do with it. He had no concerns about him trying to use it against him, since this was arguably the safest room in the world, with Sebas, Albedo, and the Pleiades all on standby. Even if the dozen death knights he'd asked for were capable of being used against him, he doubted even Touch Me could win against such odds. It wasn't danger that had Ainz on the edge of his seat, it was anticipation and curiosity.
All appraisal item had told him some information, but the limitations of the item often vary from person to person depending on their classes or other hidden factors. The lore behind the lyre suggested that it was an instrument played by Bragi to inspire the warriors of Valhalla. The exact benefits and buffs had never been properly recorded or shared, so he was going to be able to witness it first hand if David really did know what he was doing. In the throne room, he would even be able to use the master source to see what kind of buffs it would grant, so this could be quite interesting no matter what happened! With all that being said, he probably shouldn't get his hopes up too high since David probably was still low level even if he could use it, and undead would be immune to the morale boosting effects.
What Ainz had not expected was the throne room of Nazarick to darken as the first notes began to play, and a hush came over the room. Was the lute able to effect the lighting to set that mood? The only light that shown in the throne room made it seem like David was literally in the spotlight, a badass electric guitar riff filling the room. Ainz wasn't exactly an expert on music, but he was pretty sure that this was either hard rock or perhaps metal music? The melody was completely original but the pace of it made him feel like his heart was racing and he didn't even have one! He was about to pull open the master source to see what effect it might be having, but the words managed to take him by surprise too!
"In the darkest dungeon, in the blackest night,
There dwells the denizens, the enemies of the light,
There is a master who rules over them all,
Oh can't you hear the warriors call!?"
It was clearly a tribute to him and his guild, which was sort of surprising but flattering. He supposed if David hoped to get along with the other members of Nazarick, appeasing their adoration for him was certainly one way to do so. What was truly inspiring was when he heard the Death Knights chant in low guttural tones that seemed to match the song perfectly.
"Ainz Ooal Gown! Ainz Ooal Gown!"
It was chilling, to hear the dark symphony David was weaving before him. It wasn't just some metal or rock anthem, it was a full on battle march! Or ballad? He probably should have expected it would be something like this if he was using the Lyre of Bragi, but hearing it was totally different than anything he'd anticipated!
"Who is their Master?"
"Ainz Ooal Gown!"
"Who is their king?"
"Ainz Ooal Gown!"
"Who is the Overlord that makes the undead sing!"
"Ainz, Ainz, AINZ OOAL GOWN!"
It was at this point that Ainz was starting to feel a bit... embarrassed by the sheer amount of praise this song seemed to be heaping on him. Yet... his emotion inhibitor didn't seem to kick in. Was the embarrassment mild enough that it prevented it? It's possible... but he had a suspicion he felt he needed to check, so he opened the master source, to not only confirm the buffs that were being provided, but also to see if this suspicion he had was correct.
...
"Huh?" Ainz surprised statement couldn't be heard over David's performance, which was just as well because it didn't do to let Nazarick see him so baffled. It was still surprising to see what the master source was telling him, and he was more concerned that the master source had somehow been tampered with rather than that what he was seeing could actually be true. Every person who was in the throne room had a status he'd never seen before, but their raw stats seemed to all have doubled, including his and the death knights! Did the magic of the Lyre somehow surpass the undead's natural immunity to mind or emotion affecting buffs or debuffs?! No, forget that for a moment, were their stats really doubled?! Just from a freaking song?!
"He is the dark lord, the terror of the night,
He is the supreme one, that no mortal can fight!"
"Ainz, Ainz, Ainz Ooal Gown!"
The death knights seemed to bang on their shields and stomp their feet in time with the beat of the song, and Ainz was once again rather impressed by the sheer coordination and control the Lyre allowed to willing recipients or participants. It was as if it was a perfectly coordinated a choreographed musical number that they'd had weeks of practice to get down perfectly, and he felt so inspired he was starting to doubt the master source much less than he had before. How far reaching was this buff? Did it apply a similar debuff to enemies who heard the music? Could it get more powerful with a more powerful bard? Was it because David knew the source material that would affect those in this room the most? Chanting skeletons would likely be much less inspiring to religious kingdoms like the Theocracy, so perhaps the song would need to be different depending on the audience?
"In the tomb of Nazarick, sitting on his throne,
There is the sorcerer king, known as Ainz Ooal Gown!"
"Ainz Ooal Gown, Ainz Ooal Gown!"
He really needed to pay more attention the next time David chose to perform this song, because he swore he'd missed some pretty witty lines in there, and he might need to ask that he tone down some of the lyrics or he'd feel far too embarrassed to even show his face! No... Looking at the faces of Albedo and the Pleiades this was clearly something they felt passionately about too, and he had taken the name that signified their entire guild, this wasn't about just him. He'd... just have to learn to deal with some of his own feelings of embarrassment. At least the kickass tune and beat did quite a bit to overcome any feelings of anxiety or embarrassment he might have otherwise felt about the words?
"Oh Ainz! AINZ! Ainz Ooal Goooooown~!"
The song came to an end with a squeal of electric guitar, and the throne room erupted in applause, not just from the Pleiades, Albedo, and Sebas, but from Ainz himself as he stood up to give David a standing ovation as the lighting returned to normal. That had certainly been worth the risk and minimal effort involved on his part, and it seemed like he would have a very useful trump card he could try to play at a later date. It would still take quite a bit of experimentation to see just how effective it would really be, but if players in Yggdrasil knew about this he suspected everyone would be sure to have at least one bard to buff their party during every battle. Then again, perhaps it really was just Bragi's Lyre that allowed bards to be so useful, and there was the fact that David had to play the entire time, so he wouldn't likely be of much use fighting with his own strength if he had any. He could see why players even with this information would forgo a bard, but when dealing with entire armies? This could definitely be a game changer... or simply as a very powerful buff that could be useful in a variety of situations.
"Well done! Just as I had hoped, it seems you are compatible with Lyre. I believe that you can indeed offer me some services that will be quite useful, as you have no doubt demonstrated to my subordinates who normally might be much more skeptical." There were nods of approval from many of the maids, and a smug smile on Albedo's face as if she knew all along that this would happen.
"Thank you lord Ainz, it was quite thrilling to be able to play such a beautiful instrument. Just that alone made me feel like this whole troublesome change in my life might have been more worthwhile. I take it that you'll be wanting this back for now?" David had given Ainz another flourishing bow before dashing back towards him at the throne and handing the electric guitar over to him, which changed back into its original shape as he did so.
"Indeed. I will want to do some more testing with it later, but for the time being it is probably safest for me to hold onto it. It could have unforeseen side effects that might be dangerous for you without proper supervision, so I'm glad you're being understanding." Ainz saw David shudder, and was slightly bemused by the fact that he believed that so readily. He assumed if David was from Earth and knew as much as he did about him and Nazarick, he'd know more about the items from Yggdrasil too. That was a tidbit he was going to file away for later just in case he ever needed to bluff David again in some manner.
"I had simply assumed that you'd want it back because it's yours... thank you for looking out for my well being." Ainz couldn't help the laugh that escaped from him, shaking his head in disbelief.
"You really are a funny little fellow David, and I look forward to seeing what you're capable of in the not so distant future. But come! There is much I must discuss with you privately. Beings from Earth are of great interest to me, even if they are human." His words were more for the benefit of the other members of Nazarick in the throne room, but David also seemed to laugh, being a good spirit about it.
"Of course Lord Ainz! I have much I'd like to talk to you about too!"