The sounds of the throne room surge, as the Overlord came back once more into his domain. Only to give a exhausted sigh as he trek towards his throne seat, moving to settle down as he drop his axe on the ground and gave a groan. 4 days. 4 days, I’ve been exploring the lands. Going back and forth, town to town, bar to bar, trying to find a weak point, and I ain’t got shit! The only good thing that is coming out of my exhaustion, is the fact I’m making hidden Gates.

The worst part of all this, was that Jerry was far from done, as while he could easily let Odd handle the searching around? He was only one Green, and he hasn’t heard from Mortis on any new Minions to be part of Squad Leaders or Raid Band Commanders. My guess is that Spree is training the current lot. thought Jerry as he barely notice the Minions coming up by him, the Browns carrying his axe away, while the Servants were taking off his helm and bringing out fans to cool their Master down.

Letting out a sigh, with a Servant bringing a tray with a goblet to offer to the Overlord, Jerry gave a nod to the Minion as he took the goblet and gulp it down. Feeling the mixture of water and Blue magic going down his throat, he could already feel rejuvenated from the mixture. Looking to his Servant as he hand the goblet back, Jerry soon asked. “Any paperwork I need to fill out or do?” slightly dreading to do so as he was in need to take time off from all the traveling he done.

Shaking his head, the Servant assured. “No Master, PR Blues are ensuring work is done!”

Oh good. I got a legal team to help pick up the slack. Great.Getting off his throne, Jerry said. “Great. Now I just need to get this armor off and I can enjoy my time off.”

“Master, the purple alicorn been looking for you!” told another Minion as Jerry glance to see it was another Servant as he added. “Said she found ‘important discovery’!”

Important, huh? Might as well see her after I’m done changing. thought Jerry as he said. “Alright, I’ll check up on her wherever she’s at.”

“Down at the Spawning Pits, Sire!” informed the Servant.

Spawning Pits, huh? Been a while since I last been there. thought Jerry as he turned to head down to the Armory, mostly to change into his comfortable robes, maybe after he was done talking with Twilight he could head to his baths and enjoy some R&R? Maybe enjoy some ‘alone time’ with one of his girls, or maybe both if they all weren’t busy. Coming along down the Armory, he asked to Giblet.

“Giblet, how are things here?” moving up to the side to allow his Minions to take off his armor, seeing Giblet having a change of gear, mostly light ornament armor on his body that seem to fit his smith clothing's. As well as a huge hammer that was hanging on the side. The Brown bow his head to say.

“Am great! Am happy that you allow Giblet to fight by your side! Will ensure you will be proud!” Jerry chuckle to this as he said.

“Of course Giblet, you are one of the first Browns to serve me.” recalling back in the first Overlord game where Giblet was around. Feeling the armor being removed as with another Minion passing some robes, to cover Jerry body. Giblet soon however spoke.

“Master, Minions have finish finding materials! Been mining of diamonds, gold, quartz!” Jerry nodded, recalling what Albert mention almost a year back of what he discovered on the island, knowing at this point most of the things he mention would be founded. Even those dark crystals he founded were put to good used, however what caught him by surprise was what Giblet said when he finished.

“We also found pyramid thingy, two Catalysts, and a totem pole!”

Looking to Giblet, Jerry ask. “Wait, what?” getting Giblet to nod as the Minion Smith told.

“Yes, discover the pyramid thingy from miners. Brought it here for it to be examined. Mortis found out what it is through Gnarl Crystal, it’s a Forge Stone, don’t know how it’s used yet, but Mortis will let me know!”

Huh, I...don’t know whether to be shocked, surprised...or dumbfounded that not only there was a Forge Stone here, but a totem pole and two catalyst...Guess I got a increase with my Minions. And there might be more stuff buried...maybe Dark crystals… then soon ordered. “Giblet, inform the miners to increased workload, but be sure to have back up plans. I want to know what else we got hidden here!”

The Minion bow his head, as Jerry turned to walk out of the Armory, mostly to head upwards to the throne room and go down to the path of the Spawning Pits. To be honest it’s been a long while since he last been here, granted at least a few weeks, but for him it was long enough. Feeling the slight cooler air coming in, as he saw the familiarity of Minions moving around, the floating Tower Heart with it’s stones circling around it.

And Twilight making notes while sitting on a stool, and one of his newest lvl 2 minions, Yip doing a lot of talking. Jerry raise a brow as it appears Yip was gloating.

“So.. you would say you took after Jerry’s example…?” Twilight asked in a dragging tone once the man got close enough, and wasn’t sure how to take the response from Yip, the minion having… well, almost ‘overlord-exques like armor. Even a sort of ‘crown’ helmet not too dissimilar to his own.

“Yes, why yes!” Grinned the red with raised hands, two wrist like blades following with his hands. “Da Master is the best example-- example to show how to REALLY fight!” Then seemed to cackle quite goofilly-- in it’s own menacing way --before going on. “It’s like the Master shows, the enemy can’t kill you, if dey already dead by pile of minions!”

Twilight gave a odd look to that and said, “that sounds… a little too forward, don’t you think?”

Stopping to think, Yip said, “well, there’s always burning and blowing everything up with fireballs and explosives far away!” Then danced in place giddily, “Pyro mentioned bombs! And I plan to show true apex Minion power by strapping them to more reds and flying in with explosives and lighting the fuses in the enemy ranks!”

While Twilight was staring onwards with her pencil unmoving, Yip stopped to think, “but…. Red’s too fraggle… make it brownes and fuses already lit, maybe send them in by small catapults-- we got those, right?” Asking this to a nearby random minion. One that only shrugged and gave a ‘I dunno’ sort of sound.

Walking close enough, Jerry rub his chin in thoughtfulness as he remark. “We do also got cannons...so maybe we could make a sort of minion launching cannon? Sure not great as a catapult, but damaging enough if we used it right.” Then look down to Yip and grin. “So, I see you taken aspire by how I handle things, eh Yip?”

With a salute, Yip said, “Sir, yes Sir! Your ever so destructive-ness, Sir!” Looking all the more pleased-- then said, “but, if I say, Master?” Going on to tell, “cannons will blow up bomb-strapped minions before they get to enemy. No good.” shaking his head. Though he grinned, “oh, wait, wait! Maybe use that tech-thingy Sickly Al uses! One that grabs and shoot things!” And laughed out, “THAT will work!”

Clearing her voice, Twilight stood up and said, “it was nice talking to you, Yip, buuut I have something important to tell Jerry.” giving her best smile, though Jerry was sure she was a bit put off by Yips ideas of ‘fighting’.

“Oh, need to speak to master eh?” Grinning the Red, “Okay~” Turning to seemingly prance off, “I will go and practice burning things!” Then called out, “REDS, line up and ready them Burny Hands!” Making Jerry half blink in surprise at Yip taking…. Well, directive to actually go practice.

That must be the upgrade...wow it certainly improve certain Minions minds. thought Jerry, as he look towards Twilight as he said. “How about we bring this without Minions moving around? I’m certain you had enough, pleasantry in talking with every single Minion around here.”

Signing out, Twilight admitted, “actually, it’s probably better if we did talk somewhere else.” Which had him lifting a brow before she said more quietly in a whisper he almost had to strain to hear with all the chattering minions about, “I don’t want to hurt their feelings.”

Rolling his eyes, he said. “Come on, we can bring this in my Private Quarters.” turning to lead Twilight up the stairs, as he asked. “So how's the whole ‘biography’ been going Twilight?” figuring to go with the basics for now till they had more peace and quiet. “I haven’t really checked in how the progress for that was, and I’m a bit curious on what you and Mortis talked about.”

Smiling, Twilight told, “anything and everything related to Minions. From reproduction, to magical attributes, habits, eating preferences-- pretty much whatever made a Minion a Minion. No matter their Tribe.” Though she seemed to admit, “though I did wonder why they never came up with names for their tribes outside of ‘Red Minions, Blue Minions, Green Minions, Brown minions’. Well… not until recently that is…”

Game logic at it’s finest. thought Jerry as he replied. “To be honest I never really put much thought into it, mostly as there were other things to focus on.” passing up the steps as they travel pass the throne room as he suggest. “How about you start at the beginning of what you learned? The basics for example?” Mostly using this as biding time till they were up to the Private Quarters and he could learn a bit with what Twilight already knows so far.

“That would be a very long discussion.” Admitted the purple mare. “And the reason I wanted to talk to you was because of what I did discover about them while doing this biography.” (end)

Oh, that sound bad….or serious, judging from her tone. thought Jerry as he nodded, the two walking up the steps of the Private Quarters as he said. “Well let's just wait till we’re settle in and enjoy some tea, eh?” seeing her nodding mutely as they were both walking in silence, as Jerry partially wonder on what she discovered. He was admittedly curious, as while he knew enough of the Overlord series?

Its lore on the other hand was lacking for him back then. He couldn’t find much but the basics, so he was curious on what she found out that he didn’t. When they reach to the ends to the Private Quarters steps, the two made a quick path to the balcony to settle in their chairs. Giving a glance to two Minions in guard armor as he motioned them to leave. The two salute as Servant Minions pass up with trays of tea. Setting everything up as the man and alicorn was left alone for now.

With a deep breath, Twilight seemed to flip through a pad of notes before sighing and placing it down. “I’m not sure how to put this… but.. Jerry, you’re minions are…” Working her jaw some before admitted, “stupid.” Which had him raising a brow. Well, no, he was giving her an odd look as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Jerry took his tea to sip a bit, then lower it as he said. “Twilight, no offense, but...I pretty much knew that already. They’re idiots compare to most species.”

Shaking her head, Twilight said, “no, I don’t think you do.” then breathed in, “Jerry, your minions are, by definition, retarded. They are mentally handicapped by a extreme measure. Nearly 90 to 95% of all your minions are so stupid-- they quite literally need some form of higher leadership to even survive as a species.”

Staring at her, Jerry tried so hard not to laugh, as he already knew this with his knowledge of game logic. He knew already that Minions by a whole, were stupid enough that they get lost and get killed down. It happen in the first game, and it happened in the second game. They sorta need a Overlord to be lead and commanded, so without a Overlord they just sorta...get misplaced.

Taking another cup of his tea, Jerry frown his brows in thought as he said. “But Twilight, aren’t the older minions a bit smarter than most since they lived longer than the newborns?”

Seeming fast to correct, Twilight said, “the older minions learn and experience more-- that doesn't make them smarter. They simply ‘remember’ and recognize things more easily.” Then shook her head. “The minions actually capable of complex cognitive thoughts-- are a very rare few.” Then amended, “I’ll be honest, the blue minions can be more intelligent, or literate in a few cases. But even most blue minions just as old, or even older than Mortis, still retain an almost ten to twelve year old mindset.”

Sipping again, Jerry actually was taking this a bit more seriously, as while he knew enough that Minions were idiots...this was new information as he soon asked. “How did you came up with this conclusion, Twilight?”

Nodding and seeing that as a good start, Twilight began, “it started with Mortis a few weeks back. After noticing how he was more mature, refined and more capable. So I began to ask him a few questions before realizing that there were very few minions like him. So I began to ask around for anymore that were… unique.”

The way she said it, Jerry was unsure if she was hesitant or not. “Yip was one of the first ones, and he’s… well, he has some odd quirks to be sure. Overly destructive, constantly thinking of ways to blow up or burn things… he’s surprisingly well advance in playing chess.” Which really got Jerry’s attention.

“Playing chess...for some reason I thought Blues were the only ones to play that…” mused Jerry, as he soon asked. “I’m guessing you notice other quirks with the Commanders and Leaders that I’ve slowly assembled?”

“Yes.” Nodded the mare. “Odd was another example-- a Green that hated getting dirty-- even if his biology gives him a near super-imperdible immune system to all possible infections.” A fact Jerry found actually amazing to hear. “Or Zippy, who actually has a higher mental processing speed. I’ve noticed that he is also a little hypersensitive to movement and sounds. I even talked to a brown, Reak, I think?” Twilight worked it over in her head. “He was surprisingly… well… reserved. Very reserved. For a moment I thought he had taken a page out of the Royal Guard’s book on how to stay stoic and serious.”

“Mortis is another very good example-- dreary, morbid, dull… and even Quaver shows these quirks.” Then held up a finger. “This is important, because when I brought it up with Mortis, even he was a little surprised. When I asked if it was alright to do a quick scan between a few minions? He decided to let me. And, well… I’ll be honest, I’m a little shocked by the results.”

“The fact that they are all idiots bare a few with quirks?” asked Jerry as if this was the conclusion she was going to lead up to.

With a shake of her head, Twilight said, “all the smart minions have deformities.” Making Jerry… blink. “I did it a few times, all the smart and intelligent minions? They have a slight deformity in the head that’s causing for greater mental capacities.” Going on in slight thought, “think of it as a rare, but also possibly beneficial, medical condition. I theorized that during the time they are formed within their respective hives, the life force used to make each minion has a certain… quality that can, on very rare occasions or situations, mutate the Minion’s growing process. Causing this abnormality.”

“This...is utterly surprising.” Jerry said, leaning back in thought. “I honestly thought some Minions develop this over time...but deformities? Makes me think that Gnarl might had one himself if he was smart and old enough to be the Minion Master.” then glance to Twilight to ask. “Which brings up a question, you didn’t scan the Minion Hives, did you?”

Shaking her head in denial, Twilight told, “Mortis asked I didn’t, so I refrained from trying. I partially wanted to, maybe figure out what’s causing the deformity-- but he made a good point that if my theory is correct, then it has nothing to do with the Hives, but the lifeforce. And I had to agree, whatever life force was brought in must of been.. Different in some way-- magically or even spiritually… however that works. Since only Minions seem to be able to see it…”

“It's something even I’m not well versed in.” admit Jerry as he took his cup. “Mostly as there aren’t any, references of how a Overlord works, or much history to be honest.” Making a truth statement, as he literally had nothing of how the past Overlords were like, or much of their history beside what he knew of from Gnarl. Or from the Crystal that form of Gnarl memories.

Seeming to give an absent nod, the alicorn told, “well, the reason I wanted to bring this up was because of your new Squads and Commanders.” Which got is interest for sure. “Because if only a very select few are able to have advanced cognitive thoughts? Then they’re probably the only few that can reliably go out on their own with a group under them-- and have a survivability rate of them and their team over 98%.”

Note to self, get Odd on the move to use his new taskforce to gather info for me and see if I can find more Greens with these quirks. thought Jerry, but he knew the latter portion would be a tall order, as like Twilight mention, it’s a rare thing to notice in a Minion. Even more if its a deformity. Taking another sip of his tea, he did ask. “Did you found out about anything else while learning of this, Twilight?”

Taking a moment to flip through her notes, Twilight admitted, “well, besides the odd quirks? I think it should be kept in mind that without these occasional quirks popping up? The minions would probably die out on their own because of their own stupidity.” Which almost had Jerry laughing again. “They’re competent to carry out basic orders-- but I’ve noticed that if they don’t have some form of work or order given? They become directionless and… well…”

Twilight hesitated before grimacing, “well, I think the sight of minions slapping each other with shovels because it’s ‘fun’, only to sometimes accidentally kill the other-- shows what sort of self-destructive damage they can do to themselves.” stopping Jerry from wanting to laugh. Because that was an issue.

“Yeeeeah, that actually can happen.” slightly agreed Jerry, as he recalled throughout the games that their ‘nature’ to cause damage in various ways was part of this. And if they didn’t had anything to smash? They smash the other and get amusement from that, or cause the other to die and not think of the loss of another Minion.

It actually made him consider for a moment, that if he wasn’t around? These minions could probably kill off their entire hives without even knowing about it, or do anything that could’ve been done a ‘safer’ way of dealing or having fun. With a low breath puffing out, Jerry couldn’t help but remark dryly. “I started to wonder why Minions keep disappearing without a Overlord...now I know why.”

Seeming to give a firm nod that Jerry now understood, Twilight spoke on. “Which is why I had to bring it up. Because if it weren't for minions like Mortis, Yip, Quaver-- or even Odd! They might of started to brain each other and tearing the castle apart out of boredom!” Which… was not a pretty image.

Twilight breathed in and sighed out. “Yip mentioned once about leading a small group under him. One he figured out he could lead if he lead Squad Leaders.” Which made Jerry blink. “The other’s like him caught on after he gloated about figuring it out. Though I think Yip and Mortis agreed that if they had more minions to command others? Only the ‘common’ minion should be in Squads. The smarter one’s have to have a rank over-- and I agree. I don’t want to imagine what sort of chaos could happen if a Commander minion that was stupid went out with a group of some 200 minions.”

But Jerry thought about it. He knew the utter havoc his minions could wreak-- while under his command. But under a blundering, stupid and overly destructive minion with no tact or sense? As destructive and chaotic as it would be… those 200 would also die off quickly under the assault of a competent fighting force. Even the Caribous would be able to do so with little issue unless he was at the helm.

After all, the most ‘complex’ thing a Minion could creatively think about on the fly was ‘kill it’.

And Jerry hated to waste numbers if it meant there was a reason for it. Thinking it over, Jerry consider on getting the third upgrade. Mostly to ensure that he could have the competent Minions over the rest. He also consider on getting Quaver and Mortis to go through the ranks to make sure they got a leg up on the other's as well. But he knew that he couldn’t get the needed upgrades without Dark crystals.

With a low irritated sigh, Jerry couldn’t help but say out loud. “While I would have the competent Minions that are complex to be in charge of the other's? There’s only so much I can do, especially since I don’t got enough Dark Crystals…” figuring that it was going to take him months to even find a few to get him the numbers he need, maybe a year or two if things were that bad in finding them.

Sometimes I hate how rare those crystals are, I really do. thought Jerry in annoyance.

“Dark… Crystals?” Asked a somewhat worried and concerned Twilight.

Coming out of thought, Jerry glance up and said. “Huh, oh, right you don’t know.” then clear his throat to give a brief example. “Dark Crystals are basically concentrated Evil that forms-,” but was interrupted by Twilight.

“I-I know what they are.” Told the purple alcorn. “I’m… I’m just wondering why you would want them?” Then blinked before saying, “wait, you’re using them to empower things here?” Seeming to understand and slowly nod. “Right… the Tower Heart… it feeds off magical energies, and you thrive off of evil magic or energy…” Letting that seemingly sink in. “and… you need more?” Saying it half cautiously.

“Well, yeah. See the Dark Crystals I got? Are about 5, and if I want to make the Minions to reach their full potential-- or at least the smart ones that you named off? I need five per Minion. And let's not get started with making reach the third level as Mess Commanders that’ll give me just two remainders.” rolling his eyes as Jerry went on. “It also doesn’t help that they’re utterly rare for me to grab, since there’s not a lot of concentrated Evil to form into Dark Crystals.”

Wanting to bite her lip to that, Twilight said, “you… actually would be wrong on that.” And it was there Jerry had all his attention on Twilight. “There is a way to get more.” Then breathed in, “far back, when Equestria was just done forming and the kingdom was in it’s growth, a few mages that practiced the dark arts began to find ways to utilize intent. King Sombra, was one of those mages that found a way to wield negative intents and make some of the first dark Crystals. Very dark, very potent and powerful.”

“While most of the knowledge of how they are made is… a bit lost, there are still dark art’s that have pieces and knowledge to make it happen. Though, never to the same extent as Sombra himself.” Twilight took a moment to relax and admitted, “Magic might know a way. He not only knows a lot about Sombra, but he also knows things that lead up to the usage and creation of Dark Crystals. Him and I’m sure even Zealous, his wife. She’s a geo-expert in her own right. If anyone would know about how to make more? It’s them.”

“Before I get too excited over this? I need to make a confirmation.” started Jerry as he shouted out. “Get me one of the crystals!” waiting for a moment as a Servant came in as the Brown Minion was carrying a glowing red crystal, as it seem to have a ‘tune’ to it as gave off a sound and energy as Jerry asked. “Just to clarify, do you think Magic could replicate this?” seeing Twilight in surprise as she was scooting back in her chair.

Her ears were pinned back as she was looking at the crystal as if it was some form of ticking time-bomb. The mare was gripping her seat in minor distress. Jerry motioned the Minion to bring it back as the Servant carried the crystal away as Jerry asked Twilight in a more gentle tone. “Twilight? Could Magic replicate that to a degree?”

Taking a long and shaky breath, Twilight heaved out a just as shaky breath. “M-maybe. I don’t know if he can ma-make them…” Then shivered. “I’m not as… skilled in passively sensing things like Celestia or Luna-- but… that thing just radiate… so much…” She breathed in and spoke, “I haven’t felt something that… corrupted or dark since Sombra’s own Crystals. But less… focused.” It had made her skin crawl just from it getting close.

“Really?” asked a curious Jerry, glancing to where the Minion left the crystal as he honestly didn’t notice a thing… then again, he guess it was due to his own ‘immunity’ of evil.

Twilight responded, seeming to answer his question in a way he didn’t expect. “Sombra’s was more focused and tuned because he gave it shape and intent.” Gaining Jerry’s attention. “That crystal… it had power, but… it was just a… a mess of evil, I guess. Like an… unrefined liquid full of different oils. It…” The mare pressed her lips together to admit, “Sombra’s I could somewhat bear. Only because they were so focused and stable-- that felt… well, if feels all sorts of wrong and unstable.”

“Huh...I honestly thought it was a refined Evil...guess I was wrong.” mused Jerry as he consider on sending a message to Magic, maybe ask if he had time to see if he could replicate such a thing. Granted he could try to track Sombra...but that was a long way. Plus he wanted to see if Magic could even try.

Might as well try and find out.

---

Magic could only raise a brow, as he look to Jerry and the ‘Dark Crystal’ with him as Jerry explained his intent, and wanted to see if Magic could do it. The stallion look to Jerry as he soon put down his book and soon respond in a stoic tone. “Could I replicate it?” giving a look to the Crystal as he could feel a unrefined energy from it as it gave its tune. Looking back to Jerry, he soon continue. “Yes, but I never done it for various of reasons. The first is naturally explained, Jerry. As I need a unique crystal to even hold the evil intents, which is a rarity itself, even with my Zealous aid.”

“And even if I somehow took a crystal and corrupt it? I need to draw it in, mostly in this case? Being of evil and negative intent as to build up that energy. The problem with that, is the instability of such crystals that it could lead to drawbacks for those around me. Granted I could easily go to the Equestrian Island and help ‘assist’ the ponies to take away their negativity.” then stop Jerry with a raise hand. “But I won’t. Because the Dark Crystals can easily corrupt those near it unless they have experience and proper usage of the dark arts to even handle it in a safe means. I can’t directly make it because I lack the same levels of evil intent to make a pure and refined crystal.”

Looking to the crystal he went on to explain to Jerry. “They use a form of a negative aspect, like the seven sins for example. Lust, wrath, envy, a few that could be used. But they are just as dangerous as your unrefined dark crystals, as they can easily influence and corrupt anypony to have such attributes. Even with the current negativity around? While in theory we can make a handful of dark crystals from those that suffer? We could also unintentionally cause more harm than anything. Maybe even bringing out more negativity itself from the populous. It need to be properly gathered and contained.”

“While we can gather it, it depends on how much there is to make it even a Dark Crystal. The more evil it is, the more darker the crystal can be. Yours is a ‘natural occurring’ crystal, which is why it’s raw and unrefined. All it was touched by a form of dark magic and sucked in the evil, but its more or less a pile up of toxins, nothing that impressive. A properly focused and refined crystal? Is like oil Albert use. Still toxic, but more ‘safer’. Even effective and stable as it won’t lash out with it’s conflicting energy.”

“So you’re saying that I got these by chance?” asked Jerry as Magic nodded.

“Basically. Only reason you gotten the ‘natural’ ones, is because the world always try to harmonized. So it would collect and dispose the Dark Crystals. Normally they are tossed into Tartarus as it’s natural ‘waste bin’ to let it dissipate on it’s own. Or in other cases, properly dispersed and purified with a more expert hand that knows how to handle and neutralize the darkness and evil.”

“I tend to do the later, but I do need assistance now and then to properly disperse a crystal, something like yours for example as it’s extremely volatile and it’s magical pressure would possibly cause a bit of harm. Granted not enough, but would hurt in a few cases.” Shaking his head as Magic added. “But the only thing that can be defined as ‘worst’? Is if it doesn’t get disbursed and corrupt anything by chance to turn them into a mad-power hungry mage to turn everything into undead thralls.”

“You are probably safe due to your….’natural’ immunity to such things. As are your Minions.” continued to tell Magic, as he couldn’t help but remark. “You remind me of a magical creatures that I know of, almost like the Wendigos. While most see them as a evil? They’re more of ‘nature clean up crew’, as they would feast on the dark crystal full of hate and burn through that intent. Other spirits tend to do the same, search such things and disperse it through simple burning out the energy and magic.”

“You're no doubt similar, being a ‘evil refinery’, turning dark and evil intent into decompressed and depleted magic which becomes safe ambient magic…” going off in thoughtfulness as he added. “I partially wonder if this is part of being a Overlord.”

“So...there's no way?” asked Jerry as if to confirmed it.

Magic corrected. “I can easily head to the Island and properly and safely collect the dark and evil intent. But we’ll be lucky to even make a unrefined crystal in a couple of weeks, maybe a month or two for a pure crystal. One needs to be acid, toxic, or downright evil to make a powerful Dark Crystal. Like the same with Twilight experienced with Sombra. So unless you got the Princess’s get you to Tartarus, or you facing Sombra and somehow getting his crystals? You are better off finding them and hoping you get some untouched.”

“Well...at least I tried.” sigh out Jerry.

Magic shook his head as Jerry motioned a Minion to take the crystal back as Jerry asked. “So I got no chance of gaining more beside random luck?”

“Unless you ask the Princess’s to take you to Tartarus?” asked Magic in a bland manner, “Yes.”

Jerry internally sigh to this, as the man said. “Hopefully I’ll figure something out, see you later, Magic.” turning to walk off as while he could ask Celestia and Luna on the whole ‘Tartarus’ thing? He rather not press his luck. As he didn’t feel keen to go to this place version of hell, even less if he was accidentally trapped in it either. But Jerry figure he could take the time to relax, maybe add that upgrade real quick to get his Minions, or the smarter ones up a level.

Maybe I can try to get both Mortis and Quaver into those ranks for easier means? Yeah I can do that. thought Jerry as he walk out of the building to make a quick trip with a Waypoint Gate to back in the Dark Castle. but in the meantime? Time to relax. Maybe a day or so before heading back? Maybe visit Jasmine, or spend time with the girls. Yeah, they might need time with their Overlord. thought Jerry as he figure it would be nice to just relax with his mares.

---

During the progress of having his Minions getting their level up? He saw a huge change in quite a few. While he had to sacrifice most of Dark Crystals? The results were admitedly worth it. He had Giblet, Quaver, Mortis filled out the slots within level 3 of Mess Commander, each of them gaining unique armaments and weaponry for them. Even more a unique spell for them to use. The rest however, were split in Squad Leaders or Raid Band Commanders.

Granted his Minions who were put in those ranks were utterly happy to serve their Master and being able to command Minions for their Overlord to fight all the more.

But Jerry had to leave to start moving in the Storm King’s land, moving around to make multiple phony gates and actual Main Gates hidden away, getting a good scope of the landscape as he had his Greens set out with Odd in charge to be his spies. Jerry admitedly had to keep away and around towns or cities as he wanted to just set up gates to run to later when he make his raiding trips.

He managed to get a good number of Main Gates set up, but it took him over a week just to get them set up, and plant phony gates. The Overlord consider on starting to make ‘small raids’, mostly to get a good idea on a town defense and how security was.

He learn the hard way, that despite how small a town was? It had a good defense, and he could get a handful of things before he had to retreat. The Storm King forces were admitedly a lot more stronger, and more discipline than he thought, even more with their gear of handling magic. So it became a constant hit and run tactics within the second week of hitting towns or a few cities with raiding supplies and causing trouble, before Jerry had to retreat by his gates.

So far things were going well… However his luck had to run out someday.

---

Okay, so I think word has been spread about me by now. thought Jerry as he was currently running within his Arcanium armor, trying to evade crossbow bolts from the hulking guards that were after him. Already he was noticing a trend as when his Minions started to cause mayhem and raiding a town? The guards were already on point and were chasing after him.

He consider they have a really good communication or means to spread news, because this was starting to feel familiar of how news spread of back home. He made a harsh turn as Jerry heard someone shouting. “Get the Lieutenant over here!”

Oh that doesn’t sound good, even if I don’t know who this ‘Lieutenant’ is, maybe a guard or something. The man about to make another turn as he thought. How did I got stuck in this situation? Oh right, I’ve been trying to raid into Storm King turf, and I’m not doing a good job on it. Sure I got the Gates all set up, and have Odd and other Greens getting intel, but so far I’ve just been getting any good raiding as of late.

Which is hard to do in my current occupation. Right now I’m suppose to be helping the ponies in getting supplies and cause trouble for the Storm King. Can’t exactly do that if I’m being chased around and haven’t gotten much of supplies, now can I? He gave a quick glance over, seeing what destruction his Minions caused so far. Which was just a burning building, some broken in buildings, and a few guards fighting and killing his Browns.

He would also admit that these lot make the Caribous seem easy in fighting. Which he wasn’t sure how he felt on that to be fully honest. Jerry honestly expected he would have difficulty, but not enough to be running for his life right now with guards on him! He had to wince of a bolt hitting into his armor, being thankful he was wearing his Arcanium set, but the armor itself could only stop the bolts for so long.

Making a turn, he felt a strange itch on his arm, as he glance to his left arm, wondering on why it felt like it was being itched, then glance to see the sign of the street marked as ‘Julian Lane’. He had to move a bit as to dodged another bolt as he thought. Wait, this is Julian Lane? he had to glance above and ahead, to see those ten barrels the Eyes of Fate mention, and being held by the rope as he thought.

Oh...those were the barrels he meant… and on auto-drive he began rushing as fast as he could as he gave a mental command to a Minion to cut the rope. A Green quickly move and began cutting the rope that held all ten barrels up. When Jerry and his Minions passed completely, did the ten barrels drop and began rolling down. He had to turn to see the guards rushing to get at Jerry-- then halted and took their full attention to the runaway barrels as Jerry thought in surprised.

Huh, they’re after the barrels, not going to complain on that! Rather happy that this turned in his favor. As he fled away, with the guards focusing on the barrels alone? He didn’t really realize the importance of those rolling away kegs.

By some unfathomable amount of luck? Those barrels tumbled and landed into a fire crackling that was started by his Reds from earlier. The guards that had given chase from before stopped and backed, right as a sudden and large explosion burst from them. Jerry almost came to a stop to find out what happened, but was reminded of his plight by a flying iron bolt, forcing him to run for his life.

In turn, he was unaware of the destruction those ten large kegs of gunpowder did, causing the moderate fire to spread to the entire town from that once single massive explosion alone. Debree and wooden embers flying about and catching more homes and buildings aflame.

Okay, my end finished up, no more creepy eyes screwing me over! thought Jerry in self-confidence, as he was near the exit out of the town and towards the destination of one of his hidden Gates. I should probably retreat, sure I didn’t grab much from the raid, but I think this would work till I move to another town. If anything, I think things are looking pretty good for me.

This internal thinking, like many time before, only played into his oblivious state of what was going on behind or around him. Making him wholly unaware of the misfortune he was bringing upon himself.

The earlier explosion that caused the flames to spread, continued to crackle further. The town’s now rampant fire reached further and to nearby watch towers. The intense heat eating away at more than one wooden tower, causing them to collapse and into other wooden ‘not so safe around fire’ buildings. One such building was a warehouse, stock full of gunpowder.

As soon as the first on fire watch tower crashed into the building, the embers and flames caused every keg from inside to explode even more violently than the first initial explosion, causing rubble, bricks, stone, and whatnot to rain over. Jerry had to cover his head with an armored arm when some debris began to pelt him. Even glance and dodge some bits of on fire sood. Some of his Minions were not so fortunate, some even getting caught on fire when the cloth armor on a few caught aflame. A few managed to get revived upon death, but not all.

Crap, I think I need to get moving more. thought Jerry as his attention and the attention of his Minions soon were directed up to a wall, where a cannon overhead fell over, pointing upwards as its fuse was lit by a piece of burning wood by inconceivable chances. Right as the fuse was used up, another explosion from nearby caused the rubble it was on to shift just enough to fire directly at an overhead airship.

A few watched the cannonball it was loaded with earlier, fly off in an arc and strike the small airship. Causing the entire thing to slowly tilt and drop and eventually go down. The thing bursting into flames not a moment later as something from within apparently caught fire. Jerry had to quickly stop and run away from the falling ship itself that was now heading for him.

Shit, shit, shit, shit! thought Jerry as he called out. “Can I get a Waypoint Gate over here!?”

“Run Master, run!” he heard a Blue call out, he didn’t recall which Blue it was, but he was currently running for his life as his Minions were running as fast as their legs could as the to-be-crashing ship was coming closer behind them. It thankfully crashed and landed short of them, not landing on any of his Minions or him. Jerry had to stop running, puffing a bit of air as he looked to the crashed ship, and to the sight around of him of a burning town as he could see the destruction he inadvertently caused.

“...Huh… I never knew I could cause this much damage by accident.” He then ordered. “Pits and Gate, now.” Seeing the spawning pits forming up as he mentally ordered his Minions to jump in their respective pits. Jerry let out a low breath and started walking as all of his minions were gone. Ugh, I should probably ask one of my Greens on what Odd managed to-,

He didn’t get the chance to finish his thought, as the airship behind him exploded in a pillar of pyre, sending a large brick slam into the back of his head, or rather his helmeted head as he cursed as he was knocked to the ground from the explosion. “Oh...” Groaning out Jerry in utter confusion. Slowly moving a hand to his head as he was trying to figure out what just hit him, even more on how he got onto the ground. His vision was skewed, in fact everything was disoriented in his mind as it took him who knows how long for him to recover out from his daze.

Seeing his vision slowly coming back to normal, as his eyes blinked a bit as he thought. Okay I think...I think I’m better now. moving his hand away from his head as he slowly tried to get up from his place. I should leave...before things get worse. slowly standing and feeling a little woozy.

“THERE HE IS!” shouted one of the hulking guards, as Jerry turn and to his shock saw not just the guards, but a familiar mare with a broken horn with a glare that could kill. And if he thought she was angry looking before? Then she must have been livid now with how deeply those aqua eyes sparked with hate.

Jerry tried to move faster, stumbling onto his feet and rushing to the Waypoint Gate. But a crackle of chaotic and jagged magic stop him in his tracks, nearly striking him. The ground beat with the multiple sounds of feet, as troops were coming close to his position. HIs attention turn around as he gave a single order. “Remove the gate now!” there was hesitation within the sound of his helmet, but Jerry ordered. “NOW!” seeing one of the guards jumping at him as the mini-gate and its pits dug back underneath as Jerry was dog-piled by the guard...or rather multiple guards as Jerry could hear two more voices added in.

“All right, we caught him! Nice work boys!” it sounded youngish, although it made him reminded of a annoying younger sibling. And from under the pile of bodies, he caught sight of a short stubby fellow waddling along with the mare in dark armor.

With a tight gaze in the guards, she ordered sharply, “Secure him and ensure he can’t use his magic…” And soon pinned her gaze upon Jerry himself. “then deliver him to the airship. The Storm King will want to see him.” Jerry let out a low breath, as he figure things couldn’t be that bad for him. But didn’t consider more as he felt a punch to his face, causing him a pain shout in disorientation more than anything from behind his helm.

“That hurts!” was Jerry’s exclamation, although he was ignored as the Overlord was soon being dragged off. A couple of the guards moved in on Jerry and clamped a pair of handcuffs once his hands were forced onto his back. Runic chains being later used to tie and bound Jerry from his arms to his legs, and eventually being dragged away. Jerry couldn’t help but wonder how he was going to get out of this as he was currently being dragged in the ground like some trophy being caught.

Next Chapter: Operation: Panic! Estimated time remaining: 7 Hours, 48 Minutes