PROLOGUE: FALSE LEADS

Suzuki Satoru

There are only so few moments for Suzuki Satoru to express his anxieties. His time alone practicing his lines is one of them. Though his undead body regulates his emotions, there had always been a lingering feeling of stupidity as he watches himself practice his lines as he reads it in front of the mirror. With the guardians' constant admiration and praise, he couldn't receive the type of feedback he needed. Looking back to the times when he spied on Jircniv, the emperor doesn't seem to have any problems with this.

If I could have even a portion of that natural charisma I wouldn't have to practice like this. I wonder how my friends would react to this if they see me acting this way. This would be embarrassing.

Ainz sighs. Despite not being physically tired, he feels drained. After that stunt in the Holy Kingdom, he really has no clue what Demiurge has been planning for him. He couldn't possibly use the same excuse he gave as last time.

As Ainz contemplates his life. An unexpected knock came from the door.

"May I enter, Ainz-sama?" It was Albedo, the Guardian Overseer of Nazarick and Prime Minister of the Sorcerous Kingdom of Ainz Ooal Gown.

With a quick motion, he hides his practice cards in his inventory and tells her to come in. A beautiful woman in white dress enters the room, her face serious but her pace elegant. She bows to Ainz in solemn silence.

"Raise your head, Albedo. And tell me what you came for."

"Yes, Ainz-sama. Forgive me for intruding in the middle of the night. I bear news that must be made known to you at once. It may be related to the people who had brainwashed Shalltear."

Hearing the last sentence, the glow in Ainz' eyes flared up, a deep seated anger had started to awaken in Ainz. He urges Albedo to continue.

"I received this report from Pandora's Actor recently. He noticed a group of three suspicious individuals and made an investigation as Momon, he has been able to attach a shadow demon to one of them. All of them are wearing an anti-divination ring similar to that of Nazarick's. He believes that they all came from Yggdrasil. As soon as I was notified I sent eight eight-edge assassins to shadow them and went here to you, Ainz-sama."

If it was possible, Ainz' eyes would've widened. This is the first physical sign of other players from Yggdrasil. A sense of urgency flows toward every fiber of his being. Thoughts both reasonable and unreasonable flow through his mind.

If they are the ones who brainwashed Shalltear, this could get very dangerous. Why now of all times? What are they doing here and what are they plotting? If they are in hiding, why are they out in the open in E-Rantel of all places? Do they wish to confront me? To question me? We know too little… But it shouldn't hurt to be prepared for anything… but first things first.

"Where is Pandora's Actor now?"

"I had him carry on the task of assuming the role of Momon as soon as the Eight-Edge Assassins arrive."

"As expected of you, Albedo. You made a sound decision. It would only bring more suspicion if Momon were to be caught sneaking around. And seven should be enough to ensure at least one escape should they decide to attack."

"Thank you, Ainz-sama. What would be your orders?"

He looks back to his days in Yggdrasil.

When it comes to Player Killing, it is always necessary to catch your opponent off-guard with a decisive first strike. The best response to that is hiding countermeasures that your attackers should not be able to foresee. At least that would be the case when you know it's your enemy. We have yet to confirm that they are. If we were to suddenly pounce on them and they were to be innocent, then that might give me a bad reputation.

"Albedo, notify all the guardians of this news and tell them to be on high alert. We never know if there is more of them or not. Have the eight-edge assassin report their movements on the fly. Have Nigredo scout them out, but tell her to be cautious of anti-divination spells and look for accomplices who may be hiding nearby. And lastly, tell Shalltear and Aura to be on standby. We might need them soon."

"As you command, Ainz-sama."

[Edited as of 12-01-18]

Warning: This fanfiction is heresy.

This story is a heavy reinterpretation and extension of Overlord canon lore and will develop beloved characters created by Maruyama-sama in obviously unintended ways. There will be plenty of Original Characters, both important and insignificant.

If this does not appeal or interest you in the slightest, then this is not the fic for you.

Glory be to his majesty Ainz Ooal Gown.

Only heresy awaits.