Chapter 43: The Seeds of Future Power

Ainz floated in the dimly lit corridors of Impel Down, his mind racing through a multitude of possibilities. Controlling these prisoners with magic had been simple enough in this world, but he wasn't foolish enough to believe that things would always be this easy. The idea gnawed at him: what if, when he returned to the previous world, someone managed to develop an anti-control skill or technology that could detect and negate his influence? He couldn't rely purely on magical domination forever.

He paused in front of the great iron doors that led to the lowest levels of Impel Down. Beyond those doors were the bodies of those who had fallen, some from his direct actions, others from years of brutal imprisonment. It was a treasure trove of souls and physical vessels waiting to be repurposed. But he knew he had to be careful.

"I can't afford to have variables out of my control. A rogue element could ruin everything," he muttered to himself.

Turning to Demiurge, who had followed silently by his side, Ainz spoke thoughtfully, "Collect the souls of the prisoners, especially the ones that showed even a glimmer of resistance. Their bodies… We'll keep them preserved for now. I have plans that will stretch far beyond simple necromancy."

Demiurge, ever eager to please, smiled as he bowed deeply. "As you wish, my lord. It seems you are already anticipating a future beyond what we see now. Your insight is as boundless as ever."

Ainz gave a slight nod. "Indeed. There's always a chance someone will develop a method to block my control spells or resist them outright. If I rely only on magic, I'll leave myself vulnerable. I need something more permanent, something that can't be undone or detected. Souls are far more useful than I originally imagined."

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Ainz's Strategic Reflection

As Ainz left the prison, his mind continued to churn with ideas. Bodies, souls, and magic were powerful tools, but he lacked something essential: a scientific group, a force capable of manipulating biology and technology in ways that magic alone couldn't. There was no equivalent to biotechnology or cloning in his world, but here… here there were possibilities.

His thoughts wandered to the Vinsmoke family, particularly Vinsmoke Judge. A ruthless and brilliant man, Judge had access to machines that could manufacture clones, perfect replicas that obeyed without question. These clones, while devoid of emotion or memory, could be the perfect vessels for souls Ainz collected. He would have to move carefully, but the opportunity was too tempting to ignore.

"Cloning… and soul transference," Ainz mused. "If I could combine these two, I wouldn't need to worry about resistance or rebellion. The bodies could be recreated, and the souls would be bound to my will from the moment they entered their new forms. No memories, no rebellion, just pure obedience."

He had seen Judge's technology during his time in this world. The Germa 66 clones were powerful, efficient, and, most importantly, loyal to their creator. Ainz could see the possibilities stretching out before him—an army of bodies, each containing a soul plucked from the defeated. Each one capable of fighting and serving without question.

It was a vision that brought a rare spark of excitement to his undead form.

"I need to get to Judge," Ainz thought. "His knowledge, combined with my magic, would make the perfect force. Not even the gods themselves could stand in my way if I had such a creation at my disposal."

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Ainz's Plan Takes Shape

Arriving at the grand hall of Impel Down, Ainz activated a spell, creating a barrier to preserve the bodies of the fallen prisoners. He needed them intact for his future endeavors, and they would serve as the first batch of his experiments. As he raised his staff, casting preservation magic over the area, he felt a strange satisfaction. These lifeless forms, once rebels, now lay silently in the halls, waiting for their next use.

Demiurge, ever perceptive, could see the gears turning in his master's mind. "Master, I assume you plan to collect all the bodies of the deceased from now on?"

Ainz nodded. "Correct. They may serve a higher purpose in the future. Bodies like these… they are far too valuable to simply discard. With enough preparation, they will be the perfect soldiers. Clones without memory, controlled by the souls I place inside. But I will need Judge for this. His machines, his methods—they will be crucial."

Ainz turned to Demiurge, his glowing eyes fixating on him. "Prepare to track down Vinsmoke Judge. We'll need him to… cooperate. If necessary, offer him power. He's a man who values control, and if we present this alliance as an opportunity for him to further his ambitions, I'm sure he'll accept."

Demiurge's eyes sparkled with understanding. "Of course, my lord. I'll ensure that we find him swiftly."

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Meeting with Vinsmoke Judge

Weeks passed, and soon enough, Ainz's influence began to spread into the far corners of the world. Through Demiurge's cunning manipulation, the Beast Pirates were brought under his control, and with their assistance, Ainz made contact with Judge.

Judge was not easily intimidated. Ainz had expected as much. The man who led Germa 66 was stubborn, prideful, and willing to resist any form of control. But Ainz didn't approach him as an enemy. Instead, he came as a potential ally, offering something Judge could never refuse: the ability to create perfect soldiers, ones that went beyond even his wildest scientific dreams.

The meeting took place in the cold, sterile laboratories of the Germa 66 headquarters. Judge, flanked by his genetically engineered children, stood at attention as Ainz made his proposition.

"You're offering me the ability to infuse souls into my clones," Judge repeated, eyes narrowed as he tried to calculate the implications.

"More than that," Ainz said smoothly, his voice calm but laced with authority. "I am offering you a chance to create beings that surpass anything you've ever dreamed of. I will provide the souls, the magic to bind them. In return, you will provide the bodies."

Judge stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "And what do you get out of this?"

Ainz's expression was unreadable beneath his skull mask, but his tone held a deep certainty. "I will gain an army of loyal, perfect soldiers—beings whose strength will rival anything this world has ever seen. And with these soldiers, I will extend my influence far beyond what is currently imaginable."

Judge grinned, finally seeing the appeal. "An interesting proposition, Ainz Ooal Gown. Very well. I accept."

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The Future of Ainz's Ambition

As the two shook hands, Ainz couldn't help but feel a deep satisfaction. The process had begun. Soon, he would have everything he needed: an army of bodies, filled with souls loyal only to him. No rebellion, no dissent. His control over this world—and the next—would be absolute.

As Ainz prepared to leave Judge's laboratory, his mind drifted once again to his plans for the future. The clones, the souls, the Beast Pirates—all of it was falling into place.

"Soon," Ainz thought, "I will have a force that even the gods cannot stand against."

And as he walked out into the night, the shadows of Impel Down and Germa 66 behind him, Ainz smiled inwardly. Everything was proceeding exactly as planned.