The Ashen Dominion, vast as it was, was but one realm amidst a realm teeming with ambition, with power and machinations behind the scenes. This one fact was better known by Regis Vortigern, the Eternal Sovereign than any other man. His keep, set in the sky so far above clouds, was the beacon of his preeminence, but even this was not unassailable. His eyes, no longer satisfied with conquest alone, set their sights on more: the unraveling of Nazarick's mysteries and the acquisition of knowledge and power that would cement his role as the world's actual ruler—an unparalleled emperor.
However, despite the Dominion's overwhelming power and his own, Regis had come to learn a harsh reality: a direct fight against Ainz Ooal Gown was an exercise in futility. The mythic powers of the undead overlord, the unparalleled brute force of his guardians, and the infamous World Items made him an opponent not to be beaten by brute strength alone. In order for Regis to claim dominion in this new world, he must employ other tactics—tactics that required subtlety, restraint, and a web of deception so intricate that even Ainz's hyper-detailed mind would be stretched to its limit.
Regis sat on his throne, a golden onyx throne that seemed to radiate power. Before him stood his most trusted lieutenants in a half-circle. His generals, once mighty NPCs of the guild who fought for the Eclipse Imperium, were more than just soldiers—his closest advisors, each a different facet of his empire. To them, he now addressed himself with an air of deliberate calmness and a voice laden with authority and authority.
"Gather intelligence on Nazarick. Tell me its flaws, its routines, its secrets," Regis commanded with a firm and unyielding voice. "Ainz may think he is impenetrable, but every empire has cracks in its foundations. Our job is to find them."
The air in the room filled with the weight of his words. His master strategist, Lord Thalras, a being of ancient and forbidden legend, nodded and stepped forward. Thalras was a being of dark magic, a warlock who specialized in the retrieving of secrets from even the most secure of places.
"My lord," began Thalras, "Ainz has been careful in keeping his movements under wraps. We know that he rules over the Re-Estize Kingdom, but beyond that, very little is known about his coming plans. But if we are to get one-up on him, first we must learn his resources—magical and political."
Regis leaned forward, hand supporting chin, a suggestion of a smirk at the corner of his lips. "Yes. Ainz is a king of death, but even death sleeps sometimes. I want you to send agents to gather information on his territories. Get them into the courts, the guilds, the cities—wherever there is information to be gleaned. Use the Re-Estize Kingdom as a beginning point and radiate outward."
The order was clear, and Thalras bowed and went into the shadows of the grand hall. Regis focused his attention on his second counselor: Lady Seraphine, a war commander whose diplomatic skill was as deadly as her skill on the battlefield.
"Lady Seraphine, you will see to the alliances we need. We cannot be by ourselves in this game. Our enemies are numerous, and while Ainz's power is not to be underestimated, his influence is not boundless. Find those who might be his rivals—other kingdoms, guilds, or even rogue adventurers who have their own interests to protect."
Seraphine's eyes glinted with purpose. "As you desire, my lord. We have made initial contact with some of the lesser guilds. It would be a matter of convincing them to pledge loyalty to the Dominion, or, at least, to render them neutral forces. They will prove useful in the coming days."
Regis's thoughts were already racing, planning the next steps. Nazarick was an unchallenged force, but the Ashen Dominion was equally powerful. With the right coalitions of politics, his power could be extended far beyond the airborne citadel. But diplomacy also had its dangers. Any coalition that was formed was a likely betrayal in the making. He would have to walk carefully, setting traps for those who would try to use him as a stepping stone to greater things.
As his advisors went off to carry out his orders, Regis sat by himself, pondering what to do next. He had a massive army at his disposal, faithful and unbreakable, but it was not enough to fight Ainz directly. His might, immense as it was, would not provide him with domination through brute force of arms. Regis's brain was a sophisticated machine of strategy, each step thought out for the highest yield.
But even as he targeted, Regis knew he was racing against time. The world was changing, and new threats were emerging. He has to move quickly before his enemies.
Around the globe, Ainz Ooal Gown continued to dominate the Re-Estize Kingdom and remained ignorant of the evolving currents. His Guardians stood guard over Nazarick without exception, and his reign was unconquerable. But as Regis put his plans into action, the world's powers—working behind the scenes—would be irresistibly drawn into a game of politics, power, and intrigue. And at the center of it all, the Eternal Sovereign would wait patiently, the master game player in a world where only the skillful could survive. So go ahead, spin your fantasies.