"How do you plan to do it then?" Having calmed down from his inner shock with the help of his emotional suppression, Ainz asked Hyortr, even though he should have "read" about it in the report.
"I plan to spread an incurable Virus, that will lay dormant until a large amount of individuals are infected, then I will 'activate' the virus which will lead to chaos. After the faith in the Authority and their Gods reach a bottom line, I will introduce your divine grace and slowly cure them." Hyortr patiently explained.
His plans seemed feasible at first sight but Ainz noticed a slight problem.
"How sure are you that they wouldn't connect the Virus to Us?"
"For this, the way the Virus is spread will solve it. In theory, the virus came from the Katze plains that is said to have Countless undead and maisma filled spots, a few unlucky adventurers getting infected won't raise much suspicions." Hyortr added.
"Hmn..." Hearing Hyortr's explanation, Ainz began thinking of the possibilities of any risks that involves Nazarick but he couldn't find anything. So he soon agreed, while he didn't notice how he had disregarded the fact that countless lives would have to persish before Hyortr's plans could be completed.
His Undead body and his thoughts for the benifits of Nazarick slowly blinded and suppressed his human morality. Making him indifferent to human lives outside of Nazarick's interest.
------
Hyortr Pov.
'Well I didn't expect him to agree so soon...'
Hearing Ainz's aggreement so soon surprised me, I thought that his human morals was still there so I'd have to do some more persuading to make him agree.
'Well it's for his own good.'
Slane Theocracy was a thorn to the sovereignity of Nazarick, although Nazarick could simple crush it easily, Nazarick or rather Ainz wanted people to rule over, and while he could theoretically rule with fear, such a rule will be 'short lived'.
In a way that although most of Nazarick are immortal, rebellions and uprisings are not so uncommon in a nation ruled with fear and oppression.
'If Ainz has a Following of Zealous Religious Worshipers then ruling a nation will be easier than doing it with fear.'
Although I know he achieved it in the original unintentionally in the Holy Kingdom arc and sowed seeds of admiration and respect, I plan to cultivate this crop early on so that Nazarick can harvest it sooner.
"How long will this take Hyortr?" Albedo asked, all this time she had been listening to our conversation, trying to calculate the cost of personal and resources.
"It will depend on how strong their faith is, at most it should take a year, but that's being very liberal, I'd say in a Few months." I said, this aspect of the plan, even I haven't calculated.
The faith of the people, how the Cardinals will react and if the Virus gets detected or not will depend how long this plan will take. While I am sure that the Virus won't be detected because it is a creation of both mine and Demiurge's efforts, mixing demonic and abyssal nature to create a highly deadly virus.
It is so deadly that it almost touches the threshold for a curse, something which is common for an ailment coming from undead related areas, and Katze is famous for it.
"Very well, act as you see fit Hyortr. " Ainz said.
"Yes my Lord." I bowed as I left the room, before leaving I gave Albedo a slight glance which she immediately picked up, to which she gave a subtle nod.
We had discussed to meet sometime later to discuss something related to procreating, which she was interested to learn.
'*Sigh* Oh Ainz, if only you weren't so dense...no you know you're at fault but too guilt ridden to act on it.'
If it were me who had a crazy loving succubus obsessed with me, I'd have already made her unable to walk.
"Hahaha...what am I even thinking, I need to rest."
-------
While Nazarick planned it's future actions, the world was not so calm.
It has only been two days since the Incident in E-rantel, something which have already reached the ears of every denizens of the world, even the Platinum Dragon Lord heard it.
"The Blood Eclipse Order?....a Millennia Old Kingdom....did such a nation even existed back then?" PDL murmured as he tried to recall anything that could give him a clue.
His platinum scales shone under the sparkling lights of the treasures on which his giant dragon body laid.
As a dragon Lord, his life span was almost infinite, making him older than most nations of the world, witnessing the downfall of twice the amounts that rose.
But even as an ancient being, time still effected him, his memories of such a long past was foggy forgetting most but the ones that were worth remembering.
And during those times, there were many kingdoms that would dominate this age's nations, even the mighty Baharuth Empire was nothing to some of the 'Kingdoms' let alone the Empires of that Era.
"Forget it, if it doesn't threaten the world order, I will not interfere." He gave up on remembering any further and went back to his slumber.
Returning the chamber to its tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
------
A few days later..
The world now seemed to have calmed down after the recent news that caused a buzz. No new demon attacks happend and almost everything related to that night became a memory by now.
Meanwhile, near the border of Katze plains and the Theocracy. A long line of large wall streched across the horizon. Several guards, archers as well as mages with their angels patrolled the wall.
Katze plains was infamous for its undead. Years ago countless wars on this former lush and fertile plains had covered the lands with death and blood, plaguing the whole plains with undead creatures.
The surrounding nations, especially Baharuth and Slane sent periodic batches of mages and warriors to purge and limit the growth of the undead numbers.
Today was the day one of those groups were returning back from the plains.
The gates opened to let the humans in as some soldiers and priests escorted them in.
Off the initial thirty individuals only twenty were alive. But this was considered one of the better outcomes. Normally a third of the group returning was considered normal.
From those who returned seven of them were gravely injured and were carried by their comrades, excluding them, more had minor injuries like bite marks, slashes or even amputated limps.
The priests casted holy magic which dispelled any undead diseases, dark curse or maisma they might have contracted. And they also healed the minor injuries while the others were sent to the infirmary for further treatment or surgery.
After a few days, those capable of independent reliance were allowed to take a few weeks off for their work while those who unfortunately became disabled or died during the stay were sent back to their homes with a proper send off.
One of the soldiers, returned to his city as he met his family. The family made a reunion party inviting their neighbours and relatives, him coming back from his job was very rare so the family spent quality time with him.
What they, rather anyone didn't know was that on the microscopic level, countless demonic viruses were being rapidly spread through contact, air, and food. This virus seemed to enter the human's body and become dormant, seemingly harmless.
Meanwhile life went on normally for the people, occasional batches of mages and warriors were dispatched and retrieved as the same procedures were taken.
None seemed to be aware of a hidden calamity that will soon plague them. A disaster that will shake the entire Slane Theocracy to the core, toppling the faith and religion of the nation.
★★★★★★