Thank you for reading my fanfic and giving me a chance.

My mother language is not English, so please be patient about the grammatical issues.

I don't own the Overlord(オーバーロードŌbārōdo?) novel or anime series created by Kugane Maruyama.

I would like to thank the excellent job what the Skythewood translator team done with the light novel translation.

Without their hard and persistent work, I surely couldn't write this story.

Please review it I know I will make mistakes what I will intend to correct and try to learn from my mistakes and improve myself.

Thank you!

Now let's continue our little story!

Walking down on the corridors of the ninth floor, his majestic black gown fluttered with every step. His skull shone, the determined crimson lights flared intensely in his empty eye sockets. Not even for a mere moment flickered in hesitation. He was determined. Purposeful to fulfil his duty as the master of the guild and a newfound king. Determined to decide the fate of his past friend's creations.

Making every necessary preparation beforehand, the whole ninth floor on full alert.

His World Item prepared, his divine set equipped. Surrounded by three-floor guardians, the trap was set.

Several Hanzo and Eight Edged Assassins guarded the door, hiding in the shadows. The undead king even requested a few higher level NPC's from the eight floor. Just to be sure.

Momonga, or as now he called, Ainz Ooal Gown, did not expect he had to ask the guardian of the eight floor, Victim, to lend a few servants from his territory. Not this early stage of his campaign. Behind him three out of the eight Floor Guardians walked, guarding his wellbeing. He also requested the Iron Butler Sebas and his own creation to accompany him under the dangerous operation.

Momentarily, our beloved Overlord felt himself a little selfish putting his own welfare above his friends' precious children, but being he stumbled in the dark about the capabilities of that two. He had to be cautious.

In fact, the only thing he knew was the race to which his friend's creations belonged. One of them was an Arch Seraphim; the highest ranked amongst the angelic species; the second was an automaton.

Because of this, Ainz loathed the unfortunate circumstances in which he found himself. If he just inquired a little bit more about that two, he would not be in this cocky situation right now. He could control the situation a little bit more.

But it cannot be helped anymore, does it? His friends are most likely gone, although he will never be willing to give up the possibility that one of his comrades transported with him just dropped in a different area.

Around him, brutish looking guardians kept the pace, a few NPC from the eight floor also accompanied him, requested from Victim himself.

Ainz was accompanied by the always beautiful Shalltear, the Iron butler Sebas and the mature but not less sexy Albedo as front fighters.

For this occasion, Ainz equipped Albedo with a quickly equip data crystal. Thus, she can fit her armour at any moment if she deems fit.

By bringing Pandora's Actor as well Aura, he created the perfect support team that can complement his weakness and cover the front fighters in one go.

The Overlord of Death considered the option of replacing either Pandora's Actor or Aura, bringing either Mare or Demiurge as a substitute. But in the end, it was better like this.

Mare has specialised for area of effect attacks. Thus he was not a competent fighter when it comes to fighting in narrow corridors. At least, against specialised opponents.

True, he could block the corridors by summoning vines from the ground or swallowing the passageway with earth. Using his druidic magic to manipulate the battlefield for their own advantage was also satisfactory.

But his attacks just too widespread against two opponents. It was just not sufficient using AOE against mere two enemies.

Against five or more, it was all right, but against two? According to Ainz, it was just waste of resources.

Maybe Mare's physical stats were second to Shalltear, quite balanced between magic and physical abilities. But, using Shalltear as well Mare at once would be just overkill.

The possibility of being attacked by that two was quite low, and he just can't let the floors unguarded because of this little elusory.

Sebas only came because he insisted his presence is neccesary, and because of Albedo's considerable defensive capabilities she was neccesary to cover his escape if his plan fails.

As for why he brought along Aura? She may an open field, guerilla fighter who usually needed a forest like area to utilise her capabilities the best way possible, not speaking about most of her beasts were too big to efficiently fight in the 'narrow' corridors of the ninth floor.

Even when the corridors of Royal Suite was least ten meters wide and the height of the passage reached the same amount. But It was just not enough space for a guerrilla fighter like her to utilise her skills the best.

Even so, her support skills not to be underestimated even under such circumstances, and her ranger skills excelled. She can stall the enemy long enough to help the front fighters and Ainz deal with them.

As for Pandora's Actor. He was perfect for a mission where Ainz dealt with unknown factors. He was like a Swiss Army Knife. He could take up every combat rule and change according to the situation under a moment.

His creator, Ainz, created him to guard the Treasury, after all, he was the last real obstacle between the treasures of the guild and the intruders. Being a high ranked doppelganger who Ainz spared no effort to make and program, he was the perfect tool to deal with that two unknown variables.

Variables those stung a thorn in Ainz's side.

Pandora's Actor can take the form of all forty-one Supreme Beings if it needed and can even conjure up and use eighty percent of the power of the original ones.

For example, he can take up the form of Nubo who specialised for divination magic and can scout the region with ease. By disguising himself as Yamaiko, he can support or even heal his comrades.

Situation chooses.

If there is no other chance, he could transform to either Touch Me or Esdeath to overcome the threat.

Heavily pondering about bringing Demiurge as well, he rejected the idea. If Demiurge would be here, he and Sebas most likely end up in a dispute like Ulbert and Touch Me used to in the past. He rather not play the mediator right now as he did so in the past.

Outside of that, Demiurge was the substitute commander in Albedo's absence; Ainz needed someone to keep tabs while the Guardian Overseer had other duties.

"Ahh… good times…" Ainz sighed inwardly embracing the memories. Remembering Ulbert and Touch me fights back when both of them still actively played.

His plan was almost flawless. However, the word 'almost' present in the sentence.

Ainz contemplated heavily if he might be too paranoid bringing out such big guns, his train of thoughts interrupted by a cheery voice.

He made a mistake; he made a big mistake.

"Mein creator! We will arrive soon!~" sang his creation, embarrassing Ainz once again.

His overacted movements did not help the situation.

The emotion suppression triggered, Ainz subtly covered his face in shame. "Ahhhh…. why me!"

"Mein Bruder, you are so cool!" chirped Schrödinger happily, walking on the side of the doppelganger.

"~Hohoho! Of course, I am! All thanks to Ainz-sama's prescient design!~ He is my creator after all!~"

Making exaggerated motions, Pandora's Actor boasted his own heritage, giving Ainz even more embarrassing moments.

Albedo and Shalltear looked in the direction of Ainz, giving him a funny look behind his back. Sebas remained impassive, only subtly glancing at his king.

"Please don't give me that look… it is embarrassing enough. Please, don't judge me!" Pleaded Ainz, not even suspecting the storm not yet started.

"Indeed… Ainz-sama's creation is so flawless! I am so jealous!" squirmed Albedo, looking in the direction of her love with lust filled eyes, then, turned her head towards Pandora, giving him a jealous look.

Shalltear just nodded, accepting the judgment. "I completely agree… he is majestic."

"That's we can agree…" bowing her head down, Albedo agreed.

Ainz wanted to scream. How can someone thought Pandora's Actor as cool!? True, he still thought his uniform was neat. The outfit that resembled of or at least was very similar to the uniforms used by the Neo-Nazi elite guards during the Euro-Arcology Wars 20 years ago.

But him? Majestic!? Even thinking back the behaviour Pandora's Actor presented in the treasury made him tremble and activate his emotion suppression continually.

Flashback:

Ainz finally entered the treasury. Accompanied by CZ2128 Delta, Yuri Alpha, and Albedo. The ruler of the great tomb, led them through the treasury, showing them around.

The way of the small group led through the Treasure Hall, a gallery that contained a limitless ceiling and is literally filled with mountains of treasure. While the enormous quantities and luxurious items may appear staggering, the items placed here are considered to be of little value compared to what lies more in-depth in the vaults.

Flying is the only way to cross the mountains of gold efficiently towards the gate that leads into the deep recesses of the Treasury. An item, the 'Blood of Jormungandr', produces a poison cloud that renders the surrounding air highly toxic to prevent thieves from trespassing. If one does not possess any abilities or tools capable of countering this toxicity, they would have dropped dead within three steps.

Naturally, all three women awed, gazing at the mountains of flawless, blinding glint of gold and priceless looking items around them.

Yuri even offered her help to organise the treasury alone, being a little irritated the messy state of the area. But being Ainz was in a hurry, he waved her offer off politely, and the little group continued their way.

Although, he barged out about his friend, Genjiro, before proceeding, remembering his friend: Who although preferred to keep things neat and organised, his room was a mess.

As Ainz drafted simply:

"There is no time to spare; what am I doing? Every time I brag about Nazarick, I can't stop myself..."

After scolding himself wasting time, the group proceeded.

Finally reaching the door of the Treasury, Ainz hesitated for a moment.

On the other side of the chamber a recess in the wall, that is in the shape of a door but looks like a bottomless pit. A predetermined password the only thing that could open the door. Though perhaps with high-level magic or a special skill from the rogue class, one could force their way through this door.

As for Ainz, he neither has the required job classes nor did he want to force his way through fearing the defensive mechanism may trigger.

He tried to recall the password.

But as such mechanisms were plentiful in Nazarick, it was possible to remember passwords for the place one visited frequently, but there weren't many opportunities to visit the Treasury, so it was impossible to remember the password for such a place.

Using the master key on the door, the bottomless darkness only made the system display a memento, giving Ainz hard time to decipher the code.

"Ascendit a terra in coelum iterumque descendit in terram et recipit vim superiorum et inferiorum…"

(With great sagacity it doth ascend gently from Earth to Heaven. Again it doth descend to Earth, and uniteth in itself the force from things superior and things inferior. ~Holmyard, Alchemy, p.95)

Other than Tabula Smaragdina, the comrade who was also responsible for designing mechanisms was the creator of the NPC Shizu. Her character settings were set to be familiar with Nazarick's mechanism-unlocking methods. Because of this, Shizu should have easily been able to decipher the earlier password hint.

But despite knowing this, Ainz still did not ask for her assistance, solely for the sake of his stubbornness of wanting to open the door with his own efforts.

Coming to this world gave life to the Great Tomb of Nazarick. That was why he wanted to be the first to leave his footprint on this ground. Just like how a person wished to step on fresh, undisturbed snow, Ainz wanted to open the door himself.

And he did it! He managed to decipher the hint and remember the code.

As if in response to Ainz's wishes, the black shadow was sucked away into a single point, and before long, the original shadow was gone as if it had never been there. Only a fist-sized black sphere floated in the air.

Because the shadow covering the door had disappeared, it was possible to peer inside the opened hole. There lay a well-managed and orderly world, totally different from the places before. If an analogy were desired, the most fitting description would be similar to a museum exhibition.

The dimly lit room was very long, stretching inwards continuously.

The four of them proceeded, strolling through the hundreds and hundreds of weapons neatly arranged on the two side, crystal weapons, arms seemingly constructed from pure energy, weapons that seemed physically unable to fit in their scabbard. Most of them looked absurd, entirely magical in origin.

Almost none of these weapons were made from ordinary metals like iron.

About the corridor, it was a space of about five meters between the floor and ceiling. It was not designed with human height in mind, but to allow entry for non-humans. The width of the room was approximately ten meters.

The floor was strictly paved with slabs emitting black light, appearing like a single enormous piece of stone. It created an atmosphere of solemn tranquillity.

The three guests observed these weapons from the side and silently walked toward the centre of the armoury. After around 100 meters in, approximately passing several thousand weapons on the way, they arrived at their destination—a rectangular-shaped room. A salon, if you may call the place in that name.

Possibly used to receive guests, in this otherwise empty room there were only sofas and tables. Looking to the side, you could see an entryway similar to the one which Ainz and the others had come in from.

There was only one path that could be taken in the place opposite from the entrance direction, and there was a different atmosphere. If up until now it was a museum, from here onward it was a tomb.

As expected, Pandora's Actor was loyal to his name, for a moment managed to fool even Albedo and the maids.

However, what came after the small scene which in his creation impersonated Tabula Smaragdina, Ainz can't do anything, just groan painfully and inwardly express his desire to hide from the world.

Pandora's Actor displayed an expression of shock in an exaggerated manner. This attitude made Ainz furrow his non-existent brows.

The uniform as well, why did he set his reactions to be so exaggerated...? No, Ainz knew the reason why.

Ainz was the creator of Pandora's Actor, which was also to say that his every movement was what Ainz considered 'cool', and he was proud and happy back when he made these settings.

"...Ugh, this is just..."

In the past, he thought that those who wore military uniforms were cool. Since he was an actor, his actions should be more exaggerated. But watching him gain sentience and actually acting it out…

"Wow... so lame…"

A tiny bit, so soft that no one else could overhear him, Ainz could not help but let a whisper of his honest opinion leak out.

It was truly a black history.

A living relic of his dark past, Pandora's Actor.

If the other guild members of the Great Tomb of Nazarick were here right now, where NPCs came alive, this would definitely be the largest topic of laughter. That was how Ainz felt; he was not pointing out anyone specifically.

"...Let it be; I need to pick myself up. The undead me does not have the time to suffer psychological trauma."

Ainz quietly reminded himself, then gave a calm reply.

"I hear and obey."

After the two spoke, Pandora's Actor placed his legs together so forcefully that it was almost audible. His fingers were also so straight that even his fingernail could not have stretched further. This heartfelt salute, if one were to put it in a negative way, was too showy.

Ainz gently shook his head as he watched the egghead.

He wasn't a bad person, in fact, his ability and efficiency were impressive, but the big shame is that…

"Uwah...!"

"Why did he have to be set to have such a personality? The past me certainly thought this was very cool. Well, I still think at least the uniform is a bit cool..."

If Ainz could blush, his face would be as red as a tomato right now.

Such as is how creator and created, father and son faced each other, first time since their existence.

Flashback End:

Even thinking back the last scene gave Ainz chills and unconditionally triggered his suppression.

But it cannot be helped; it is already too late, he already opened the Box of Pandora, he already released the clown from the box. The only thing he could do is to endure.

Walking through the corridor, each step made Ainz remember his precious friends. Being their room, however, seemed to be a line next to each other, in truth, the ninth floor was quite big, there were several empty rooms either left blank for the case a new member joined or made merely to be a trap room against the unwanted invaders.

Like Ainz and the other members of Ainz Ooal Gown, when the group managed to capture or conquer a dungeon, every member enjoyed plundering, looting the unsuspecting victim's rooms.

Taking their dirty hands on as much loot as they can plunder before the group left. Against events mentioned above, there was no perfect defence, you can only slow and weaken the invaders by utilising so-called 'trick rooms'. The said rooms packed fully with either dangerous enemies or traps. Set to activate automatically when an enemy set foot in the area.

The ninth floor designed to confuse the invaders. Every single door and the walls looked precisely the same, without being familiar with the storey, you could lose your way under a mere moment.

Momonga remembers, Esdeath often joked with the phenomenon.

"This floor is like a hospital, why don't we call it Royal Hospital instead of Royal Suites? It is just depressing, every wall and doors look the same. It just makes me remember the institute and the bearish doctors I had to visit week by week. Please guys, just change it!"

Ainz just smiled remembering his friend's antics. But designing the place like this was necessary.

After all, this was the last floor before the big confrontation. From this floor, only Sebas and the battle maids could halt the advancing enemy.

The traps in the rooms never meant to stop the enemy; they only served as the last attempt of trolling before the enemy force managed to raid the private chambers.

Thinking of it;

"I wonder what happened the various rooms those only served as amenities. The large communal baths, a bar, lounge, general store, boutique, nail art shop etc. Those rooms served only as cosmetics to the members, made out of fun. I wonder if they are real now..."

Being Ainz had resided in this world less than seven days, he had no spare time to check them out yet. If everything goes as he planned, he is heading out for one and a half days after Sebas left the Tomb.

Because of his newfound responsibilities weighing him down, Ainz had not a minute to spare to wander around and explore the Tomb.

Looking up from his pondering, Ainz recognised Schrödinger overtook him suddenly. Stopping near one of the doors. The entrance was goldenly lined, made of intricate looking wood. The door which may look precisely like every door in the Royal Suite. But it cannot compare other entries from the outside world.

Radiating the aura of a Royalty, Ainz stopped before the 'messenger boy'. Looking first him, then his friend's supposed door.

Momonga visited Esdeath's room only once. When the 'Ronin' first joined the group. Under the time when he and Touch Me showed him around.

That happened after the original nine, and the joined friends conquered the Tomb. Not long afterwards the little band managed to expand Nazarick beyond the sixth level.

Although, Esdeath was only a drop by in the time of the conquest, a so-called mercenary player who they asked to help them out. Several guild members played together with him previously. Thus, it was only natural calling someone's aid which they were familiar with.

Back then, when the guild Ainz Ooal Gown was founded, the group lacked the members to rout the five parties sized raid alone.

The fact, Momonga, Flatfoot, Takemikazuchi as well Ulbert knew him beforehand also helped the decision to invite him not much later. Knowing him as a reliable person, Momonga extended his invitation that he, reluctantly, but accepted.

"Mein Führer? Everything is all right?" asked Schrödinger. A slight curiosity radiated from his tone. The cathead boy tilted his head playfully. His always perpetual smirk is missing from his face, instead, an expression that resembled of a meddlesome kid visible on his mask. Curious cat ears peeked out from amidst his messy, dirty blond hair, twitched in excitement.

Shalltear, Aura, Albedo, Sebas as well his own creation looked at Ainz worried. He spaced out too long. At least, long enough to be recognised.

"Khm…" Ainz cleared his throat and continued. "I am sorry, it seems, for a moment, I lost amongst my thoughts, please don't be bothered by me."

Waving with his skeletal hand, the concerned expression of the little group turned into cold acceptance. Angling their eyes back at the 'ordinary' looking door.

Turning back to the group, Momonga reconsidered his words, then started to give orders.

"Albedo and Sebas, you will be my shields, if the time comes. Don't hesitate to do your best."

The Guardian Overseer and the Iron Butler bent slightly. "As you wish, Ainz-sama…"

Pulling out an item from his item box, Ainz handed it to Sebas.

"Here, Sebas, take this ring until we finish the mission, use it for your escape if necessary…"

Ainz handed a guild ring the butler, who in trade gave him a wide-eyed expression. Only for a moment of course. Afterwards, his iron discipline returned.

"Thank you, Ainz-sama, I assure you, I will treasure it more than anything. You can count on your faithful servant."

Albedo twitched somewhat; a lust fuelled blush sat on her face.

Momonga suffocated his urge to facepalm and turned to Shalltear.

"Shalltear, you will be the secondary tank, help out whoever needs it."

"Ah! To be used as a shield! I can't wish anything more! Please, use my body as you wish, Ainz-sama!"

After a raising her skirt slightly, Shalltear gave a gentle curtsey, fit for a proper lady. Although, her tone implied a somewhat different usage than it first came to Ainz's mind. Hell, if he would not be aware of her settings, he might confuse her smile with an innocent grin.

A polite girl who shows her loyalty towards her lord. That's how she looked, that's how she fooled the unaware few.

Albedo immediately scoffed, her face twisted and gave away a disgusting picture.

"Shoot yourself, you slut! You are in the presence of Ainz-sama."

Shalltear fluttered her lashes annoyed.

"I could say the same, you Gorilla! Don't you disturb Ainz-sama enough with your improper behaviour?"

The two woman glared at each other, the electricity between the two ladies clearly visible in the air.

"Again? Ahh…"

Ainz groaned for a moment, knocking his golden staff on the marble floor heavily. After his momentary displeasure, he cut the order between the two women.

"That's enough!" His voice boomed through the almost empty corridors. His aura of command made even the guardians sweat.

"Haven't I explained before? Not in my presence!"

""We sorry Ainz-sama."" Both of them bow head in unison, looking at each other dangerous immediately. The two of them speak at an exact moment, making them sound like one person.

Just this small act was enough to flare up the hostility between the two women.

"Ha! You got it stinky!" quipped Aura playfully.

"It also applies to you, Aura." Ainz turned towards the ranger, giving her a full glare.

Immediately stiffening, the dark elf girl bowed her head in shame.

"P-Please forgive me, Ainz-sama."

Seeing the submissive state he managed to push his servants, Ainz felt himself horrible. He never wanted to scold them; he just wanted them to finish the teasing game.

After this charade, he continued the team distribution. "Aura and Pandora's Actor. You two will be the support. Aura, use your beasts and ranger skills to stall the enemy, do your best. Don't let them close to you. Pandora's Actor, use your talent to support whoever in need."

The servants nodded, accepting the distributed command.

"~Ich höre und gehorche!~" (I hear and obey!) Pandora's Actor sang, using his exaggerated motion.

Ainz facepalmed subtly; it seems, no matter he ordered, an Actor remains an actor.

"Everyone else, do your best. First, only I, Schrödinger, Sebas and Albedo will enter the room; we don't want to startle them."

Turning to Albedo and Sebas, the undead king elaborated his further request. "Albedo, Sebas… if the plan fails, use the item I gave you, equip your armour and immediately teleport out the room. Use the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown. I do the same; we have a better chance to fight against them amongst a familiar environment, our chances to contain the threat are bigger. But…"

Looking around once more, Ainz's gaze nailed back to the raven-haired beauty and the Iron Butler. "Do not engage them without my permission. Do not provoke them under any circumstances! We don't want to make them our enemy if it's not necessary."

From Albedo's face, the previous lustful sight completely disappeared, replaced by the façade of a businesswoman.

Sebas subserviently agreed. "As you wish, my Lord."

"Now, hide your presence. As said, there is no need them to know you are here…"

Aura used her ability and covered the traces of her comrades, hiding them as best she could.

Nodding once, Ainz turned back to the still waiting Schrödinger. On the boy's face the traces of his slight amusement visible, folding his hands behind his back, waiting for the order.

"Schrödinger, if you may…"

The creation only gave the nod. Turning towards the door, gently knocked on its surface rhythmically.

'Knock, Knock… Knock, Knock! Knock, Knock…'

Soon, several footsteps reverberated behind the door, and a person opened the entrance.

The appeared person had a medium length pink hair, cut into a bob that covered her left eye. Her eyes large and red, her face mirrored of a young girl's around her seventeen or eighteenth winter. You may say her chest in size average according to Japan norms but perfectly fit for her slender build.

"Yes?" opening the door, her soft voice asked. The first one she spotted was the messenger boy.

"Schrödinger-sama, it is good to receive you, please wait a moment for…" bowing slightly, the continuation of the sentence danced at the end of her sharp tongue. But…

Her eyes widened immediately, spotting the ones came in her vision. Sparing no moment, the girl clumsily knelt before the ruler of the Tomb, realising who descended into her humble world.

"Mo-Momonga-sama! How grateful from you to visit this humble servant of yours! Please excuse us for a moment, so we can…"

Her words abruptly cut short by Momonga raising his hand.

"Please, don't bother by it. And please call me Ainz Ooal Gown from now on. Although, Ainz is fine."

Explaining Ainz, waving away the pleasantries.

"Oh! How majestic name! Really fit a great being like you, Ainz-sama!" squirmed the girl obediently, then offered a small curtsey once again.

"I came to inform you about the happenings outside…" poking in the room a little bit, looking around, Ainz next sentence carried a little bit of hesitation.

"May I come in? May I speak with the residents of my friend's room?"

The maid nodded hesitantly, although, her tone mirrored her sudden panic.

"O-Of course, my lord! However, because of your arrival was so sudden, we can't receive you adequately, please forgive us!"

Momonga simply nodded. Right at that moment, he heard a second voice; the voice belonged to a female who resembled in age and appearance to the maid who received them.

"Nee-sama! Nee-sama! What happened? Do we received a visitor?" the voice came from the other side of the room, and belong to the second maid who held a duster brush in her hand, looking as cute as you may expect it from a maid.

Similar to the red-haired maid, the second one as well had a medium length bob cut coiffure. Her hair is sky blue that covered her right eye. Large, light blue eyes settled in her oculars, and similarly to her twin sister, her appearance mirrored of a girl around her seventeenth year. She also had hair clips towards the left side of her hair, flower-shaped ribbon on the same side and a maid hairband supplemented her looks.

The two maids' appearance is nearly identical. Apart from their hair, eyes, ribbon colour and chest size. They are completely indistinguishable.

"Rem! Rem! Don't be so rude! Show some respect and notify Zero and Auriel-sama about Ainz-sama's arrival!"

"Ainz-sama?" the blue maid tilted her head in confusion. She did not know any person called 'Ainz'.

"That's right! Lord Momonga stated his new name, from now on, he is Lord Ainz Ooal Gown! Please notify Zero and Auriel-sama about his arrival!"

"Ainz is fine…" quipped Momonga quietly, however, his voice seemed to be too quiet, despite that, the maids were able to hear it.

"Hay! Please forgive me, Lord Ainz! I will inform the residents, immediately!" The maid hastily nodded and ran. Swaying her hips hastily towards the door leading into the next chamber in the big suite.

The pink maid nodded, turning back the four-person group. Nailing her face towards the ground with a slight bow, still holding the tray, pressing its flat side to her abdomen.

Showing an inviting motion, the maid stepped aside. "Please, come inside, Ainz-sama, Guardian Overseer-sama, Sebas-sama, Schrödinger-sama… my sister will notify Zero and Auriel-sama under a moment."

Nodding, Momonga stepped into the receiving room, which is greatly resembled his own office with several conspicuous differences.

Back in the game, his friend mentioned the maids for him, as well, Albedo mentioned them.

According to Albedo, the two maids bore the title of handmaidens. A few of his friends kept such low-level NPC's in their domain. Only for to satisfy their passion for creating and managing things.

"Note to self, check them later…" mused Ainz.

Being the maids barely reached level five. Anyone could request such low-level servants. In exchange, the requester had to finance the expenses to upkeep them. They also had to fund the data storage expansion from the own pocket of theirs. Thus, it was allowed.

As he said, not many of his friends had the chance, Desperado individuals like Esdeath was one of them.

If Momonga remembers it right, he (Esdeath) modelled the twins after the maids from a light novel he previously read. Once he barged about them with great length, but Momonga was just too tired in that time to pay attention and remember every part of the conversation.

Thus, he can't recall the details.

"What was the novel's name? I don't remember…" Mused Ainz barely audible, straining his gears to recall. Sebas and Albedo looked at him curiously, hearing his faint whisper. Ainz just ignored them, continuing the survey of the room.

As for the room:

Unlike Momonga's office, the floor made from some kind of expensive hardwood light in colouration, covered by a masterfully weaved carpet coloured red and blue. A Jing-Jang symbol entwined into the fabric, surrounded by unknown runes. Both Angelic and Demonic in design.

Momonga, of course, recognised the runes from the game. Thus, he did not bother by them.

In the middle of the Jing-Jang symbol, an enormous desk settled, similar to his own. However, behind it, a floating, rotating chair hovered, almost making him confuse it to a lesser throne. Covered with leather, stretched in size.

The chair resembled the armchair of a movie supervillain. Namely, the chair of Ernst Stavro Blofeld. A villain, who used to seat in a similar seat meanwhile caressed his furry friend. Doing it through three James Bond movies.

Namely; The Thunderball, On Her Majesty's Secret Service; and You Only Live Twice.

On the walls, several pictures hung. Accompanied with bookshelves settled on the ground. Near the walls and doorframes, one-one full body samurai armour with a scabbarded katana stood guard. Coloured red and black. Like guardians, so lifelike. If Momonga did not know the items from the cash shop, he would think they would come in life at any moment just to attack him.

Seeing several more of those armours standing between the bookshelves and near the two sides of the door frame did not even surprised the leader of the guild. After all, this kind of decoration maybe looked cool and somewhat intimidating if placed adequately. It was not a threat, just armour skins set on lifeless marionettes.

Actually, the skin was quite cheap, considering the aura of authority it borrowed the room, it was indeed the right design decision. Also, if you bought something in a big batch through the cash shop, that was actually considerably cheaper than buying the pieces one by one.

'Buy low, sell high'; as Momonga learned in the business school.

Watching the katanas and the equipment on the dummies, Momonga recognised the missing data crystals from the sockets. They neither had any kind of ability nor had any enchantments. Despite their appearance, they were just skins the players could customise with data crystals. Placed on dummies as decoration, they were quite stylish.

In the current situation, this was the exact case.

Naturally, Ainz saw a few players who brought the armour set just to role-play as a samurai, then enchanted and socketed the empty husk for their liking. Their numbers were minimal, but they undoubtedly existed.

Looking back at the table, he also spotted a couch, similarly covered by leather. But instead of black, it covered by a white material.

Before proceeding further, Momonga turned to the escort behind him, ordered them directly. "Wait outside, don't act without my command…"

Nodding, the bodyguards received the order. The door closed, leaving the group behind. Most of the defensive force already hid from the plain sight, only Ainz's usual guard escort were visible.

The cherry maid tilted her head in confusion, staring Momonga for several long moments. Meanwhile, behind the four guests, the door closed automatically.

"Ainz-sama, something happened?"

"Umu… Nothing, I… please, if you may escort us. So I can inform all of you about the happenings."

"Ah! Of course! Please follow me!"

The maid turned around, leading the group towards the next chamber. Under the way, she spoke.

"Please forgive us; we thought our lady finally returned to us. We are in the middle of our daily cleaning duty. We did not expect the arrival such esteemed guests such as you, Sebas-sama and Guardian Overseer Albedo-sama."

"Why they think he is a lady? Maybe because of his avatar? It is just strange!"

Screaming inside, Momonga angled his head down and up. "Is that so…"

"Hey! And what about ich little person? Aren't you missing me?" quipped Schrödinger playfully, jumping near the maid, leaning in her field of vision, eying her speculatively. The maid doesn't even spare a glance.

"Sensibly, Ram and Rem also missed you, Schrödinger-sama. As usual, we expect great destruction is coming from your way. Just a warning, Zero-sama stated, if he sees you again, he will rip you apart…"

"Aren't sie a little too honest? Ram-chi?" asked the cat boy scratching his right ear behind. Despite the passed down open threat from his older brother, his smile never faltered.

The pink maid just huffed her nose and pouted proudly. "I do believe my honesty is my most charming feature."

"Aww!"

Ainz just watched with great amusement as the maid, and the messenger boy chatted with each other. The honesty of the two really made him embrace his old memories.

After a few steps of silence, his voice filled the room once again.

"Please forgive me once again; I would never disturb your duty…"

"No, Ram understands and overjoyed! So compassionate, our ruler taking the toll of his busy schedule to inform us personally! My Lady really lucky she had such a wonderful suitor."

"What!?" for a moment, Momonga's emotion suppression activated, immediately calming him down. Knowing not, if she indeed speaks her heart content or just jesting with him.

"Just what she thinks?! Who is he to me?"

Albedo's eyes twitched, uncontrollably. Straining herself, doing her best to contain her unbearable fury. She was on to summon her Halberd when Momonga slightly glanced in her direction.

True, the movement was only accidental, instinctive. But it was enough to hold the hand of the Guardian Overseer.

After a few moments of walk, the five-person group reached a door. Ainz's attention immediately directed at the text engraved on the tablet. Held by a hooded figure carved on the door.

The text was the next:

"Flowing through all, there is balance

There is no peace without passion for creating

There is no passion without peace to guide

Knowledge stagnates without the strength to act

Power blinds without the serenity to see

There is freedom in life

There is purpose in death

The Force is all things, and I am the Force

I am...!"

Strangely, the last part erased, scratched out by a sharp tool, maybe a knife.

Ainz doesn't really know what the text implied, neither had any idea what was the last word starched out. Thus, he just shrugged and proceeded throughout the door. It must be some kind of weird role-player thing his friend liked so much.

Entering the room, Momonga gasped immediately, wondering just how much in-game, real money or cash items Esdeath spent to finish such humongous project.

And it was only the tip of the berg. The room the small group harboured was only the living room. Ainz was sure there was also a small enchanting workshop, bedroom, a bigger wardrobe similar to his own, and who knows what more in Esdeath's suite.

Momonga was aware, when it comes to cash items and real money spent on the game, Esdeath was with one league with him. But seeing the room firsthand made him reconsider his position as the top cash shop spender with league his own. There might be a chance he outplayed him for a while.

On the upper portion of the wall, all around a vast panoramic painting stretched. Invading, covering even the ceiling, carved into the stone and wood that included the interior.

Similarly to a living temple, it's exceedingly detailed, and some part even moved on its own like a living painting, illustrating some kind of story, or history.

Peace, war, stagnation, chaos, rot, rebirth. All of this came to life scene by scene on the walls. Painted on the ceiling.

First, it looked like a chaotic mess, watching a little more the viewer realised what's going on. The onlookers guided through the whole story from different points of view, where you started, did not matter. The painting planned and designed in such way to give the different viewpoints of each race illustrated. The story dependent where you started and ended differently as you reached the end, giving you different conclusion with each epilogue.

After scanning the room, the pictures led you back in the beginning, or even to an entirely separate section if you was attentive enough.

All kind of creatures and beings fought with each other on the panorama's war section. The most prominent war scene was when the humanoid, demihuman and many kinds of heteromorph creatures clashed with a first unknown looking race.

A vast army, consisting numerous hooded creatures, those looked like the mix between an angel and demon, yet, differed entirely. The beings wore cracked, grey looking pristine, layered, plate armour, holding back everyone alone.

The hooded beings had the fiery, black feathered wings specific to the demonic races. Also, from their back, white, transparent wings sprouted, only particular to the Angelic or divine beings of YGGDRASIL.

It was quite confusing seeing both demonic and angelic heritage mixed in one race, yet, they completely balanced each other. If Momonga did not know his friend's race, he would be utterly clueless about the nature of the hooded beings.

Most of them had simple physical wings; only the selected few in the front of the charge bore wings constructed from pure energy in a tentacle design. A black halo outlined with white power floated above the head of the previously mentioned selected few, as well, demonic horns protruded out from the shadows of their hood. Menacing looking, ethereal white eyes are staring back at the onlookers.

Every creature carried powerful looking weapons, resembling the energy based arms from fantasy or sci-fi novels.

For the first look, the battle favoured the hooded creatures. Only later, as the scene proceeded, one of them betrayed its own kind, turning the tide completely.

The numerical superiority overwhelmed the hybrid beings, after a great struggle and numberless deaths, leading to defeat and genocide.

The scene of defeat led to the next act, where the members of the race executed, their grand Empire dusted into nothingness.

This scene carved in the middle of the ceiling, where the last survivors stood, its gender unrecognisable, only a humanoid silhouette is visible, the remains of his or her chains still lingering around the being's ankle and wrists. Still surrounded by hostile races. But looking into the shining light, looking towards the tomorrow.

This picture separated, Momonga only recognised it because he followed a side path on the design that led him here.

Looking at the ceiling, the expensive looking crystal chandelier also came to his attention, as well the several secondary light sources embedded tastefully in the limitations.

On the ground, the furniture looked quite futuristic, arranged nicely, spaceful. Thus, even if the person walked around was a huge heteromorph being, such as Yamaiko, the person could comfortably sit down and initiate conversation with others.

The room's size actually equalled with Momonga's own in the game living room, only arranged differently.

The chamber also contained four doors, one pointed at east, one north, one west, and one south; just the direction wherefrom Momonga stepped into the living room.

On each double door a carved, but different looking figure held a stone tablet with runes. How what they meant, don't ask Momonga, he had not the faintest idea. The runes neither from the game nor from the Norse mythology.

Turning around once more, near the lower section of the walls, all around armours and weapons kept neatly in separate cabinets. Several bookshelves are also visible. Separated by comfortable looking couches.

The east wall also contained a vast screen, resembling of the old Led televisions from the first quarter of a 21st century.

In the west section of the room, several ancient looking arcade machines, a smaller bowling alley with several tracks. A billiard board, a table football and several similar devices settled, forming a small arcade corner in the west section of the chamber.

The room may look overstuffed if not the smart placement of furniture.

Still, the room missed something, like it was half finished. The north section seemed a little bit abandoned, only a few types of furniture's, tables, and armours stationed here.

Even so, the most impressive thing was a small stage on the southwest corner of the room where several instruments stood. From drum to violin, to harp, to a piano throughout an impressive looking fixed instrument that resembled a piano, but having some kind of pipe system attached to its back.

"What it is called…? Ah! It's an Organ! I wonder how much it cost. It is working?"

Momonga questioned himself, gazing at the instrument for several long moments.

Melodic music filled the room, making even Momonga's non-existent heart beat faster momentarily before his emotion suppression activated.

On the stage, a woman played on the harp, singing a strange song. Wearing stylish, non-revealing nun clothes, coloured white and blue. Her face Angelic, rivalling even Albedo herself. Several golden locks peeked out the wimple that covered most of her head and hair.

Her features generous, hourglass, with a slightly bigger chest than Albedo, even with her loose garb, her gown almost failed to contain her figure.

Behind her back, two enormous white feathered divine wings sprouted. Swept the ground underneath her as she sat in her recliner. Above her head, a sacred white halo, outlined with external yellow radiation floated.

On her neck a medallion hung, if Momonga was right, it was the same symbol as Esdeath's crest.

A cross-shaped symbol (resembling the crest of the Umbrella Corporation) with a pentagram hugging it around, inside and around the emblem several demonic and angelic runes mixed.

For a moment, Momonga and Albedo just embraced the angelic music, letting the storm of music notes bury them.

Even Sebas closed his eyes for a moment and let a satisfied hum escape his lips.

Insert Music: The Wolven Storm

These scars long have yearned for your tender caress
To bind our fortunes, damn what the stars own
Rend my heart open, then your love profess
A winding, weaving fate to which we both atone

You flee my dream come the morning
Your scent - berries tart, lilac sweet
To dream of raven locks entwisted, stormy
Of violet eyes, glistening as you weep

The wolf I will follow into the storm
To find your heart, it's passion displaced
By ire ever growing, hardening into stone
Amidst the cold to hold you in a heated embrace…

Albedo looked at Ainz sensually, purring for several moments like a heated cat. It seemed the music increased her drive even more.

"My Schwester (sister) is a genius musician and passionate composer. As well my Obersturmbannführer always liked instruments and their melody. Thus, she (Esdeath) decided to install a small Konzert stage to her. Sie is a very generous master, thinking about us, niedrig beings…" (lowly beings)

Explained Schrödinger, his sadistic, calculating perpetual smirk slowly melt, replaced by a warm, compelling look. The look of what a brother give his beloved Onee-sama.

"Holy shit! And you always complained you never had enough money to buy your medicine and food! That's why you can't have anything nice. Because you always spent all of your money in the game!"

Remembering Esdeath often complained his lack of money, now, Ainz realised what he did with his so to speak generous salary.

Similarly to him, Esdeath was not as wealthy as the upperclassman Touch Me, but definitely had more salary than Momonga had back then. True, only because of their different area of expertise and because a programmer usually earns more than a simple salaryman.

Reaching the end of the melodic composition, the angel released a voluptuous sigh accompanied with light steam. Looking towards the heavens, her eyes opened slowly, revealing her azure blue, glowing eyes.

"My creator… why don't you answer my pleas? Why don't you return to your faithful servant? Why don't you return to your herald? Descending down once again, bringing balance and calamity once again?"

Asking, doubtfully, the maiden looked towards the ground with a sad expression. Several small drops of tears escape from her eyes.

At that exact moment, a gloved hand poked her shoulder somewhat gently, making the girl release a helpless, girlish yelp, falling on the ground.

"Yeaaaahhhh!" thud, the girl called Auriel Michalis fall from her seat. Then slowly turned to Schrödinger with a terrified face.

"Sc-Schrödinger-chan!? Please don't do that again; you scared me!"

"I can't help it Liebe Schwester (dear sister), it is in my nature! By the way, we have visitors…"

A knocking, clapping sound reverberated through the room, like someone thwack together two bony hands. The voice made Auriel immediately angle her head towards the newcomers.

"It was truly beautiful." praised her Ainz, finishing his clapping.

After staring the skeletal being from long moments, Auriel also recognised the demon and the disguised draconoid standing in his side.

Her eyes widened, yelping, her breath panicked. The girl, stumbled once again, holding the medallion hung from her neck high.

"A-An undead! He wants to suck the marrow from my bones! It wants to suck me dry! Sta-Stay away from me, creature! O-Or I will compel you! I swear by the light of the Lady!"

"Suck you dry?" Ainz tilted his head confused, scratching his bald skull in confusion.

"What kind of sick character sheet did you wrote to her…?"

Musing on this, Albedo stepped forward. On her face a twisted fury and her disgust surfaced.

"Know your place! You stand before the leader of the Supreme Beings! The mighty being who led campaigns after campaigns, defeating fearful foes and villains! Ainz Ooal Gow…"

Albedo's words stuck in her throat as trembling, Auriel raised her palm.

"[Gr-Grand Ex-Exorc…]!"

"This is bad! If she cast that spell that might heavily damage me, I need to use the ring and get away as soon as I can!"

Ainz was on to activate his guild ring. Albedo and Sebas of course already prepared. Ready to redirect the attack the Arch Seraph made to release.

Then…

"[Dark Binding]!" A young voice came not far from the north side of the chamber. Binding Auriel's hands completely, forcing her to interrupt her casting.

Before the last activation syllable could leave Auriel's lips, her hands forcefully tied around her waist by a strangling dark ring.

Ainz looked the direction of the sound, seeing the approaching blue haired maid, Rem. Carrying a big tray of drinks and cakes.

Walking on his side a boy, a teenager.

He looked like a young man with handsome looking facial features around his seventeenth year. However, his face always stoic, showing a sarcastic expression that mirrors his boredom and total lack of interest. His hair bob cut, black. He is slender, although, his slightly muscled, worked out body visible under his uniform. It caught Ainz's eyes momentarily. Made him look at Sebas and search similarities.

Wearing a typical butler uniform with white gloves, black pants and a two buttoned butler vest, the teenager looked elegant, similarly to Sebas. His left eye covered with an eye patch the other is cybernetically dimming blue.

Rem and the newcomer stopped, bowing slightly before Ainz, Albedo, giving a nod to Sebas.

"Ainz-sama, Guardian Overseer, Sebas, I welcome you in Creator-sama's humble domain. Please, forgive my foolish sister's unbecoming behaviour, I assure you, her intentions are not noxious. Please, have a seat so that we can speak under more civil circumstances."

"Umu! I completely understand, please don't be bothered by it." Ainz billowed his hand with a simple motion.

Forcing her way out of her binding, with a small crash, the [Dark Binding] disappeared around Auriel. The angel NPC freed herself easily.

"Bro-Brother! But he is an…"

"Foolish girl! Can't you see from your own eyes, you simpleton?! This is Momonga-sama! What do you think what would the Creator do to us if we attacked him! You airhead!"

The man's name was Zero, Zero Rei. Like Shizu, his base race was an automaton.

His face did not even flinch, it was completely motionless, frozen in one exact expression like Shizu's. Although, his tone was bone-chilling, barely raised his voice, speaking with the exact same tonality.

"Bu-But…" looking away, tears started to pour from her eyes. "I-I am sorry…"

Auriel is fallen on her knees, completely broken, completely abandoned.

Schrödinger walked near her and comforted her. "Cheer up sis! I will show you something großartig (great) later! Ja? I am sure Ainz-sama is not upset with you…"

"Really?" looking up clueless, Auriel waited for Ainz's answer. Who in response simply give the nod to her.

Albedo flinched in disgust, although, her perfect mask of cold, calculative, beauty did not broke for a moment.

Auriel stared Ainz for a few more long moments.

"Well, this is just awkward…" Thought Ainz as he walked to her, and offered a handkerchief to the beauty. Gently cleaning the tears away.

"This is certainly a dangerous move." He thought. "But what can better assure loyalty than the picture of a compassionate ruler?"

"Better?" Inquired the overlord with his deep voice.

The angel looked up at him, from her face radiating her divine beauty. "Ye-Yes… please forgive my unbecoming behaviour…"

"No problem…" Ainz patted gently her head accompanied with a gentle chuckle. Albedo was genuinely jealous; she can't contain herself anymore. Using her speed, she casually blinked near Ainz.

"Ainz-sama! Mee too!"

Looking at Albedo surprised, for a long moment, Momonga hesitated. But after a moment of thinking, he decided, the best way is to solve the situation is to give her what she wants. Thus, giving her the well-deserved caress. And like a cat who enjoyed the care, she purred, releasing a heat filled, small yelp.

His patting session however stopped by a throat clearing sound, coming from the direction of his background.

"Khmm… Ainz-sama, I think, behind your arrival, there is a good reason, am I right? Care to elaborate, my Lord?"

Albedo looked in the direction of the young butler; betrayal radiated from her face.

Ainz nodded several times. "You are right, Zero; I will get to the point right away."

"Very well, please take a seat." Zero motioned towards the comfy looking couches with a gentle motion.

In truth, two couches were facing each other in the middle of the room, between them a Japanese styled, low table.

Zero glared to Rem behind his eyepatch covered eye. Ainz and from now on his five-person sized escort (Ram, Auriel, Sebas, Albedo and Schrödinger) approached the furniture. Under this, Zero scolded the blue maid quietly.

"We will speak about you being unable to inform sister about Ainz-sama's arrival. Later…"

Angling herself woefully the maid slightly trembled under pressure. "Rem is very sorry, Zero-sama. But Rem can't make Lady Auriel break her trance. Although, she tried her best."

Knowing his sister's strange melancholic state when she composes her music, the automaton NPC waved away the maid. Scoffing his face managed to twitch slightly.

"It cannot be helped, but next time, notify me immediately. Am I clear? Or there will be consequences…"

Even glancing at the maid, the girl twitched slightly in terror, turning her head obediently downward.

Soon, the two sides took seats, facing each other in the light coloured furniture. The maids caught up with the work, serving tea and cake. Then standing straight, waiting for further requests.

Sebas stopped behind his master's seat, waiting for his orders as he intended to.

Despite Ainz undead nature, the two girls served him cake as well tea. But being unable to digest any kind of food or consume the drink, he just ignored it. Although, he can still smell the freshly made tea and baked strawberry, chocolate and several more fragrance mixing in the air. Making him wish to be able to enjoy such culinary masterpieces.

"Ahhh! This smells so good!"

Staring out of his head for a few moments, Ainz realised his momentary spacing. The situation would turn into awkward if not his ungodly luck. Fast and collected undead set of mind.

"Khmm… please forgive my procrastination, but I had several more things I needed to take care before coming here. I hope I does not cause any inconvenience with my late appearance."

Drinking his coffee, Zero looked up at the Lord of the Tomb, eying him for a few moments.

"No need to ask for forgiveness, as the ruler of the Supreme Beings, we understand your busy schedule Ainz-sama. But…"

Ainz's nonexistent breath stopped, he did not like how that 'but' sounded.

"May my humble being could inquire? Why at this exact time? Did something happen? Never before your majestic being visited Creator-sama's chambers. If you are looking for our master, I must notify you; we did not saw our lady for a long time. Too long time if you ask me. If you may have some kind of information about her, I humbly request you, be so good and share the information with us, my Lord. It would greatly ease the tension burden us these days…"

Ainz watched the maids. Then looked at Auriel and Schrödinger. The servants nodded concerned, showing great care towards the creator of theirs.

"It's all good and clear, the creations worried about their creators… but Zero's cold tone just freaking me out! Aghhh! Why did you make him so cold, Esdeath-san? He is weird! Even more than Pandora's Actor. He at least shows emotions. But from Zero's tone, I can't read. Is he happy? Sad? I have not the faintest idea; it is like conversing with a brick wall." Sobbing inwardly, the ruler of the tomb exclaimed.

Hiding his lower jaw behind his folded hands, Ainz started his session. "Unfortunately, I have no information about him…"

"Him?" Zero looked at him coldly. "It is insulting to refer to a lady of her calibre with male attributive, if you allow me to point at it, Ainz-sama."

Auriel just shyly nodded, Schrödinger happily consumed his cake, requesting more drink from the maids, seemingly caring not about the conversation. Albedo and Sebas simply glanced at Ainz questioning, keeping up the appearances, waiting for their master's explanation.

Ainz immediately noticed the small traces of confusion in the Guardian Overseer's face, and it slightly frightened him.

"Shit! Do I have to refer him as 'her' in their presence? What should I do?"

"Khmm…" Ainz barked slightly and continued. "Please, forgive me, my mistake, I drafted my sentence poorly, I mean her. Under the current circumstances, I have no information about her, neither any clue where she is gone. And being our appeared unusual circumstances, I fear we may need more time to find her."

"Unusual circumstances? What do you mean, Momonga-sama?"

Perked up Auriel, looking around clueless, peeking at her older brother fearfully.

"It's Ainz now, Ainz Ooal Gown, I changed my name…" noted Ainz subtly. The angel NPC just bowed accepting.

She recognised others used the name Ainz to refer to Momonga. But until now, she did not understand why.

Seeing the picture starts to clear, Momonga nodded and continued his explanation.

"In short, the Tomb transported into a different environment. We still investigating what really happened, and even I could only guess the nature of the situation."

"I see…" Zero bowed his head, slightly squinted his eyes concentrating.

"Only one thing is sure. My last conversation with Esdeath-san happened a few days ago, since the event, I lost all kind of connection with her."

"That is… unusual." Looking at the smooth surface of his drink, Zero cold expression remained.

Still, Ainz could feel the concern behind his empty words. Although, his face motionless, betraying not even a slight emotion, his voice somewhat carried the resonance of worry.

Standing up, Zero looked blankly before him.

"Then, we need to go out and find her, that's the only way to assure her safety. Ram, Rem, pack the necessary things, Auriel, you stay here to oversee things. Notify me if she accidentally returns. Schrödinger, don't break anything in my absence or I will annihilate you…"

"So, scary, Großer Bruder (big brother)…" biting his cake once more, the cat-eared boy did not bother with the threat, merely dismissed it with a sarcastic sentence.

"Ainz-sama?" The Guardian Overseer looked at his master worried, waiting for his decision to solve the case.

"Please, wait for a moment…"

Ainz words stopped the mechanic butler, halting his movement immediately. Stopping, Zero turned to Ainz.

"Yes?" He asked somewhat dismissing.

"Unfortunately, we subjected to unknown circumstances, I would advise against a hasty decision. I am sure, she is fine, searching for us. Charging out like a wild boar will most certainly end with our exposure. The exposure that we want to avoid at all cost under our current footing."

"I see…" sitting back down, Zero's automaton brain immediately rearranged the variables, and came to a conclusion. Ainz was partially right. Being his creator programmed him to assassination, infiltration and tactical planning, he can see what Ainz is implying.

Although, his subroutines searched an error in the logic. A blunder that may allow him to sneak out and look for his master. Even a faint hope would be satisfying, just let him look for her.

Looking up at Ainz, Zero said nothing for a few long seconds.

Ainz was partially satisfied, knowing, outside of Auriel's momentary outburst which came from her timid nature, neither NPC showed hostility towards his direction.

Humming, Zero accepted the Overlord's judgement. "Very well… you are right. However…"

"However?" tilting his head, Ainz hesitated, knowing not what Zero meant by the word; 'However'…

"However, I must insist looking for her, I assume, in the near future, you, my Lord, planned an expedition to the outside world. Is that correct?"

"You guessed it right, Sebas and Solution leave in a few hours, Shalltear following them tomorrow."

"In that case, let my humble being be part of the expedition, Lord Ainz. I assure you, my assassination and information gathering skills will be satisfactory. After all, Esdeath-sama created me to do such work."

"I see… even so, you may be my friend's creation; you are not part of Nazarick. I can't guarantee trust without a doubt. I refuse the request."

"Very well…" Zero's words momentarily stopped.

"In that case, please permit us to leave Nazarick and search of our own. I can't stay in such place where trust so short sold…

"Niii-sama…" covering her mouth, Auriel's face curved in horror, picturing her surprise.

Albedo unable to contain herself anymore, with an angry glare, burst out in an indignant scoff.

"Such impudent request! Forcing Ainz-sama to make a decision! I will execute you, right away!"

Standing up, Albedo summoned her Halberd. Zero did the same, invoking his scientific handguns. 'The Jackal' and the 'Old Trusty'.

One, purely coloured black, had a rectangular design and looked like a 'Desert Eagle', the other looked like a .44 Magnum with its distinctive long barrel and six shots, round cartridge.

Sebas took a martial stance, his fist and palm glowing in an eerie green light, his expression like steel.

Schrödinger seemed completely cold despite the boiling circumstances, continued eating his cake with a satisfied expression.

"Hmm! So good!"

Rem, and Ram leaned against each other, folding their palms, looking scared. "Nee-sama, Nee-sama, I am scared, what now?"

"Rem, Rem, we need to find a safe place before hell got lose…"

The tension reached its peak, Zero's trigger finger did not even flinch, but Albedo instinctively knew he is ready to release the bulging, magically strengthened projectiles his sidearm hid.

She as well ready to use her anti-missile abilities, equip her armour, and after Ainz retreated, follow him, finally initiating plan B.

Despite everything, Ainz looked calm, just watched the trembling Auriel on the couch. Looking between the two opposing sides those balanced on the edge of explosion.

It was a risky move, if Momonga fails to calm the tension, there will be causalities. Causalities he wanted to avoid at all cost. Not just because the man pointing his gun at Albedo and Sebas, the precious creations of his friends.

But because if what Zero said is true, he can convert him as well his sister into valuable subjects. Subordinates under his unknown situation he may need to survive this new world.

Being outside of Aura and Nigredo, there was no other NPC who can gather information, scout and spy on the efficiency of a level 100 character; he needed Zero's help.

Momonga had not the faintest idea what Auriel is capable off, the deficiency he needs to make up later. But seeing her, he was sure she is some kind of divine magic caster, paladin or divination specialist.

Unfortunately, he can't say for sure.

Fortunately, his time as a simple salaryman led him to the solution. That crappy soul-killing work finally brought fruit.

Under his work, many managers came and went, some of them did not even last for a week due to the lack of communication and trust between employees and employer.

All of this led to the solution. The improper managers filtered out from the system sooner or later. Many complaining reports submitted towards the management of the company. Reacting to the reports, they merely repositioned or fired the inappropriate managers.

Learning from the example, Ainz was aware, the lack of communication and trust may lead an unbalanced relationship between him and his vassals. First, Ainz needed to show some faith to gain some trust. Give something, and in return, he will earn something.

Breathing deeply, he made his risky step, only hoping his legendary luck will not leave him this time.

"Albedo, Sebas… stand down…"

"A-Ainz-sama…" the woman looked at his master with eyes full of disbelief, unable to comprehend why his master does not order the annihilation of such insolent creatures.

Sebas simply obeyed, lowering his stance, bowed. Although the reflective instinct still lingers in his muscles, he will act when his help needed.

"Albedo, I understand your feelings, but I assure you, I have my own intention doing this. I say again, stand down…"

Looking down, then throwing a killing gaze at Zero, she obliged, hiding her weapon in her inventory, sitting down. The automaton nodding small did the same.

"I assume, you have a proposition, Ainz-sama, I am all ears…" Zero drafted simply.

The flames in Ainz's oculars fired up, giving more weight his next sentences.

"Yes, you are right. Despite your actions, I am happy to see your unwavering loyalty towards my friend and your creator. This is why I ask you, as well your sister, work with me. In time, we may be able to find her. And even if not, I will make sure we will commemorating her memory the best way possible, I swear on my name. Until that, you, as well your sister, as my friend's precious children have my unconditional trust. I only ask you to behave and follow, don't break the rules I set."

Zero watched Schrödinger for confirmation. Naturally, he nodded. Confirming what Ainz said is true. Then, giving a worried, cold gaze at his sister who gulped intensely, turning to her brother.

"Ni-Nii-sama… I think we can trust Ainz-sama. After all, he is the comrade of mother and the ruler of the Supreme Beings. He would never lie to us."

Zero turned back to his still steaming drink, because of the enchanted cups those kept the warm, the liquid in the cup was still pleasantly hot.

Long moments of cogitation followed the last words of Auriel, considering every possible variable, eliminating every possible faulty line. Zero prepared to answer the ruler of the Tomb.

He made a decision, a decision that may inevitably change the timeline of Nazarick, the conclusion that may change the whole schedule.

"Very well, we will cooperate."

"Ahhh! Success!" Ainz eyes flared up in victory; his risky strategy worked as he hoped. Although, the need for monitoring still present. Albeit that will be only a small nuisance.

"Magnificent!" Ainz's satisfied voice boomed in the room. "In that case, you can leave the room, familiarise yourselves with the Tomb. I assume you never before left your master's room."

First Zero, then Auriel, after them, Rem, and Ram nodded hesitantly.

"Thought, I have a request, if you may allow me, Ainz-sama."

"Spoiled victory…" rolling his eyes, Momonga rattled his mind teeth.

"I assume it is about your request going with Sebas and Solution."

Ainz guessed, and his guess hit the nail on end, as an answer receiving a definite nod. "Yes…"

"Hmmm, it would be indeed useful sending someone with Sebas. Someone who at least had some expertise when it comes to tracking and information gathering. Not speaking about the scouting skills he possesses. Assassins like him usually had at least one or two similar skills, and he admittedly said he specialised in information gathering and scouting. If it is true, this makes him even more useful when it comes to similar missions Sebas is preparing right now. True, Solution as well an assassin, a hunter slime to be exact. But even so, Zero most likely has a wider area of a toolkit than her. Shalltear not really suited for infiltrator missions."

Glancing slightly at Albedo, Ainz continued his musing.

"I only choose Shalltear due to the process of elimination. But if I undo her assignment now that will surely break her mood, it is possible it may even risk her stability and faith in me. I already gave the order, and she was so happy to be able to serve this way. A Manager who release the order and later hesitantly withdrawn from it usually short lived. Ahhh! What to do? If I withdraw from my earlier decision I may look like an incompetent leader, there is no other way…"

Bowing his head a few times, Ainz made a decision. "Umu… I authorise the mission, you will head out with Shalltear tomorrow, albeit, I have a condition."

"State and I will obey…" stated Zero reluctantly.

"You will be under Shalltear and Sebas' direct command, if they give you an order, you will follow without question. Although considering your expertise, you can recommend alterations freely; but it's up to them to decide to take your advice or not. In Nazarick, you follow my orders; in my absence, Albedo is your and your sister's appointed superior. You report everything to her or me. Am I clear?"

Pointing at the automaton dangerously, Momonga stated his premise. The crimson light flared in his eyes strengthened his statement.

"Yes, that's sensible, I obey…"

"Niii-sama?" asked the angel hesitantly, looking around clumsily, clueless.

"Auriel, accept the offer…"

"Still…" looking down with a sad face, Auriel can't decide. She still can't digest the disappearance of her creator and mother.

Gulping down her nervousness, the girl bent her head reluctantly. "As you wish, I am at your command, Ainz-sama."

"Splendid! I have big expectation towards both of you; please familiarise yourselves with the Tomb, Zero-san, you will depart with Shalltear tomorrow."

Receiving the order, Zero only stared Ainz for a long moment, then nodded several times. "Yes,"

"Wha-What about me Ainz-sama? What will be my task?"

"I will decide it later, don't worry about It." brushed away her concern Ainz with a simple hand motion, then proceeded.

"Until that, please rest and prepare for your new duties, get acquainted the denizens of the Tomb."

"Hay!" she perked up eagerly for a moment. Then, after her momentarily enthusiasm looked down, circling her index fingers around each other, pushing them together a few times shyly. "Although I don't know how to handle unknown people, I do my best to make my mother proud…"

"I would not expect less…" Ainz patted her head chuckling.

"It is so weird! She calls him her mother..."

"As for Ram and Rem, the two maids," Ainz called for them, making the two maids straighten, a little, still awkwardly leaning against each other.

"Nee-sama, Nee-sama, Ainz-sama will give us an important task."

"Rem, Rem, we will gladly accept it."

"Uwaaa! They are so cute!" He whispered so softly and gently not even Albedo who sat in his side was able to hear it.

Ainz's brain momentarily overloaded by the cutesiness of the two maids unified picture, making him bliss and blush. Radiate an invisible, light of green radiation.

Shaking his head, the Overlord regained his composure thanks to his long-term immunity such massive emotional effects.

"Khm… yes, report to Sebas before he leaves, he will coordinate you to your immediate superior."

Glancing slightly at Sebas, the head butler bowed obediently. "Don't worry Ainz-sama; I will take care of them."

"Rem understand, Ainz-sama."

"Ram understands, Ainz-sama. Please, take care of Rem and Ram, Sebas-sama…" the two maids replied after each other, pushing Ainz into a desperate loop of suppression.

"Uwaa! I need to get away, or I stuck like this…"

Standing up, the Overlord turned around, knocking the crystal end of his staff on the ground. "Albedo, we are leaving, I leave Auriel's coordination to you, give her task adequate her talent."

"As you wish, Ainz-sama." the succubus slightly angled herself. Giving a small, but respectful bow.

"I will escort you out, my Lord. Ram, Rem, clear the crockery."

For a moment, Zero turned to his sister, whispered something in her ears. The girl received it with a confused nod. Then, the combat butler turned to Ainz. Taking the lead, escorted him, Sebas and Albedo out from the room.

Scene Change: E-Rantel: Approximately One day after Esdeath and her companions left the no man's land:

The Kingdom's city of E-Rantel was situated at the border between the Baharuth Empire and the Slane Theocracy. Since three layers of city walls protected it, it was known as the Fortress City due to its appearance. The zones between each layer had their own unique characteristics.

The outermost walls were used by the Kingdom's military and had all the necessary military armaments.

The innermost wall housed the administrative zone. This zone had its own warehouses for food and was heavily protected by soldiers.

The zone in between these two areas was the residential area for civilians. When you heard the word city, this was the zone that matched it.

Of the several plazas within this zone, the biggest one was called the central plaza. Lots of people set up shop there, laying out all sorts of vegetables, spices and other sorts of merchandise.

In the lively crowd, a shop owner shouted loudly in an attempt to attract customers. Elderly housewives and merchants haggled over the price of fresh ingredients; youths were being enticed by the fragrance of juicy, barbecued meat kebabs.

This plaza was incredibly lively in the day; the noisy and crowded atmosphere would carry on until sunset.

Several figures left a five-story building put an end to the rowdy atmosphere.

The water pooled in the tracks of carriages reflected the sun. The road itself was made from sand and mud, showing that it was not as good as those paved with stone and was hard to walk on. It was easy to slip and fall.

Even so, several people walked down the streets, escorting a well-stuffed carriage. The pair of horses seemed exhausted, overwrought from the long journey and the more than one day's worth trip.

Behind the reins, a fat, short, balding man held the horses. The right side of his face scarred, burnt horribly in the past, his ear also melted.

He was accompanied by several people wearing leather, chainmail and plate. Armed mostly with swords and bows. The mercenary band escorted the trader was indeed well equipped.

Only around ten or fewer people escorted the merchant. In the dense crowd, it was hard to distinguish the mercenaries from the passing adventurers. Only the crest emblazoned by a two-headed manticore signed their affiliation.

Seeing the emblem, most of the people stepped aside, knowing the famous mercenary band.

Amongst the sellswords, one excelled. His high-grade full plate silver armour, his impressive stature, and because galloped on his brown, armoured horse. These three things really made him stick out of the crowd.

The man's face was handsome, his head adorned with a messy brown cut hair. His yellow eyes scanned the crowd. Then sighed in relief, seeing, there is no danger in the immediate vicinity, just the usual cutpurses. He gave away a light chuckle.

"Ah! E-Rantel, the town of horse dung and filthy bastards! This city is like home, just a little bit more advanced, albeit less civilised…"

"That's our captain! You are right, although, I might say, the city of cheap whores and booze!" shouted after him one of his men, earning a few reproachful gazes from the residents.

Turning to his two masked, cloaked companions, Tyron smiled. "I must apologise, Raidyn-san. Unfortunately, the horse we brought you exhausted after a few miles carrying your sword. Because of this, you had to come from the borders to E-Rantel on foot. Please forgive us, that horse must be a shoddy animal."

Raidyn simply rolled her eyes under her mask.

"Or… My sword is just too heavy for the poor creature. Strange, for me, it's light like a feather, I can use and throw it without any hardship, using only a single hand. Or it is because of my considerably high physical stat and body with limitless stamina that allows me such manoeuvres?"

Thinking of this, Raidyn just can't decide.

"I don't know, Tyron could barely raise the sword from the ground. Even swinging once by using Martial Arts took him a considerable effort. Is that means, I am too strong for my own good? Ahhh! What a nuisance. But at least, I don't have to worry about lifting heavy things. Although my arms and my complexion still look like a stick with two fleshy globes. I may say, sexy stick with globes; I made sure of that. Hmmm! Boobies! They are gifts from God to men! Not as I really care about such being exist or not, I simply don't care… still, boobies!"

Drooling under her mask, Esdeath enjoyed her slight perverted nature and fantasies, giggled in a girlish way. But after realising what kind of dirty speculations ran through her mind, what kind of nasty things she may try out, she flustered in embarrassment, painting her caramel skin into a more defined hue, releasing a small, girlish yelp. Barely audible, only her companion could overhear it.

"I hate this! This whole itching, warm feeling. It just drives me crazy!"

Turning towards Tyron, the mask covered pseudo-Dark Elf nodded.

"Umu… It's not a problem; I get used to using my legs to reach through long distances. So, I am not tired at all."

"I see…" Tyron bowed his head understanding.

Wade used his horse kept pace with them silently. Although insisted his master to use his horse, she shooed him away and ordered through the mental link to keep up the appearances.

It felt as if the air had been dyed with colour, as Raidyn sniffed a few times like a dog, her nose flinched sourly.

Unfortunately, her keener, sharper senses also intensified nasty things. Such as sudden blinding light, smell, touch and most of all, pain. Her existence was not as joyful as a normal mortal being may imagine.

Being she already spent several days near horses, strolling through the filthy streets of the town of Stilpree. The Supreme Being already accustomised herself to the intensified smell of urine, dung and several more unsightly odours.

But this new, intense grass like fragrance just irritated her nose; she even needed to sneeze a few times.

She wasn't mistaken about the air having a faint smell of greenery. This fragrance was caused by the grinding of unknown medicines and herbs.

This smell also told O'Boyle he had reached his first destination.

Continuing to move ahead towards the area where the smell originated from. After cautiously looking around, the trader and his escort arrived in front of the biggest building.

"Oi! Unload the crates with the distinct grass scent, and with the writing; Bareare!"

Pointing out the crates needed to be unloaded, Tyron and his men set to work. Wade also helped them. However, the senior man waved Raidyn to keep footing with him.

"Raidyn-san, you said you have a few questions about potions and herbs. Fortunately, I know the best alchemist and pharmacist you may find in the wide world. Even more fortunate, she is my great, old friend. Come! I will introduce you!"

Esdeath nodded and followed O'Boyle.

True, last night, she inquired about the potions and herbs of this world. And she was anxious to find out more about them. She never hoped O'Boyle might come such great lengths to satisfy her curiosity.

Hesitating, she was the midst of doubts.

She was torn between two options. O'Boyle just generous because she and Rorschach saved his life not once but twice, or he wanted something in exchange?

She doesn't know, and in the current scene, she can't do anything just play along, hoping the best.

Before continuing, she slightly turned to Wade and called for him. "Wade, after you finished unloading the necessary cargo, please say your goodbyes and proceed as we discussed last night…"

The changeling bows his head a few times understanding. "As you wish, Raidyn-san…"

"What she is speaking about?" inquired one of the surviving Iron Manticore. Tyron also raised his brow and looked at Wade.

After this, the girl turned back and followed O'Boyle.

The building's design before them was different from the others, which had a store at the front and a workplace in the back. The entire structure was designed to serve as a workshop, without having a storefront like the other buildings.

According to the words on the wooden plate which hung above the door and the signs outside, this was the place.

'Bareare Pharmacy and Alchemist workshop.'

Thanks to Tyron's fast lecture back in the Theocracy, Raidyn managed to scribe down the basic glyphs and their rough translation's Japanese equivalent, as well a few necessary words and sentences that may help her learn the written language faster.

She planned to practice it when time allows; maybe the night will be adequate time for that. She will also order Rorschach to do the same; they can't rely on translator items forever. And back then she did not bother to learn skills that helped her with the translation. It was a useless ability for her at that time.

Using the said items in her possession cost a great deal of mana for her, compared to Momonga or Ulbert, her magical prowess was like of an infant. She can't throw spells around careless because she will be drained.

Reaching the entrance, the bell hanging on the door chimed frighteningly loud. Reacting the chubby man's attempt to open the door open.

Entering the hall which seemed to be meant for receiving guests, with two benches facing each other in the middle. Bookcases were placed on the walls, and decorative plants were placed in the corners.

The two-persons' group were greeted by someone the moment they entered the hall:

"Welcome!"

It was a male voice, but it sounded too young for a man.

Raidyn looked around and found a youth dressed in ragged work clothes those were stained with plant sap, which also spread a strong smell.

His face was half-covered by his long, blond hair, making it hard to judge his age. But judging by his height and voice, he should still be growing.

He might've been just youth, but O'Boyle could still guess his name. It was since a long time he saw him; the boy barely reached his first summer when he last saw him after all.

Apart from his grandmother, he was also one of the few famous people of E-Rantel because of his talents. O'Boyle heard about him and was proud to know the family for a long time.

"Nfirea! Boy! You grow so much! How are you?" O'Boyle showed a smile, but because of his piggish, burnt face, it was more like a forced grimace.

Leaning his head to the side, Nfiria showed a funny expression under his eye covering locks, scratching his head confused. "Do we know each other?"

"So, you don't remember me, what a pity, but it cannot be helped." the grin that O'Boyle showed was mildly concerning. Because of his brutish, scarred look, Nfirea thought he might want to rob the pharmacy.

It would be a foolish step, everyone in the city knows about his talent as well his grandmother's ability to cast even tier tree spell. The two of them was not only famous alchemists but magic casters as well.

Even so, he needs to reconsider his next step; his timid nature most likely causes him to fail when it comes to combat. He was trained with magic, but have no real experience when it comes to real battle.

Not speaking about that menacing, hooded individual who stood on the side of the robber like man. That bandaged weapon handle peeked out behind his/her back was mildly concerning. If Nfiriea guessed it right, it is either ended in a brutish sword or some kind of strange stave.

Be it he or she under that mask, he can't decide, the cloak he wore was too thick to make a final judgement. Whoever that person was, it scared him. That person must be some kind of mercenary, a high tiered one; he was sure of that.

Only one thing is sure; he never saw such mask. Those glowing red, slit markings, and that wolf-like design. It was just creepy.

True, he heard the news about that all female Adamantine Adventure group, the Blue Rose. They also had a member who wore such mask. If he remembered it right, the said person's name was Evileye.

There was also the possibility the person before him was a magic caster, and that bandaged handle is the end of some kind of staff as mentioned above. Nfirea had no idea which one of the two, and it mildly scared him. If that's the case, he had to reconsider his next move even more carefully.

The little conversation and decision making in the young boy's head took place under mere seconds, just the time as long the piggish man grin stayed.

"After all, it was since sixteen summers I last saw you, let me then introduce. My name is Thin O'Boyle an old friend of your grandmother. Lizzie Bareare."

Nfirea's tense nerves eased immediately, blinking a few times. Trying to remember the man before him, something blurry started to surface. Still, he can't remember it.

Fondling his chin, a sharp voice of an elderly female reverberated from the backroom.

"Nfirea! Something wrong? What is this commotion?"

From the door behind Nfirea a wrinkled senior women stepped out, wearing similarly ragged clothes as her grandson. She had shoulder-length, white hair blocked from the view by a scarf draped over her head.

Her eyes blue, just like her grandson's. In the numerous pockets of her work clothes, several potions and suspicious looking herb placed.

"Yo, Lizzie-chan! Long-time no see!" raising his hand O'Boyle sheepishly greeted his old friend and drinking buddy.

Lizzie measured him for a moment, then her eyes widened. "You!"

O'Boyle know that look, it was not a pleasant one, defensively incrementing his hand into a higher orbit. The old man trembled in fear. "Li-Lizzie! I can explain I swear!"

Marching to him, she slammed her fist into his face, knocking the veteran man out of the cold.

After a moment, O'Boyle raised himself, massaging the aching, purple patch in his jaw. "I deserved that, I definitely deserved that…"

"That's for leaving without a word! You bastard! Do you know how worried I was? No letter, not a fucking message! Nothing, not even a 'Hi! I am fine don't worry!' Where were you been?"

Dusting himself, the sizable man sighed tiredly. "Unfortunately, because of certain circumstances and shady deals I needed to get off from the radar. Because of security reasons, I can't let them get you and my connections. Sorry about that."

For long moments, Lizzie looked through her old friend. "You became a lot fatter… and older."

"And you are the same sharp-tongued young girl as you ever were!" grinned the man, showing his slightly incomplete dentures.

Long moments of silence take place. Nfiriea and Raidyn just watched the two old friends sharing a terribly long mind battle. Even looking at Lizzie's sharp, intense gaze made her shiver to her bones.

Feeling the long uncomfortable silence in the air, Nfirea walked near Raidyn, crossed his arm over his chest, and leaned closer to her slightly, whispering.

"What happened?" he inquired from the unknown person.

"I have no idea. But that woman creeps me out…" whispered back Raidyn. Her sweet voice slightly surprised Nfirea; the young man nodded accepting.

The long silence abruptly ended by the two old friends bursting out in laughter and hugging each other.

"You ugly bastard! It is good to see you once again!"

"You as well, princess!" the burnt man smirked, showing his tooth's to the elder woman.

"What are you doing in the city? Come drink with me! Let's chat like old times!"

"I would like to, really. But I came to the city out of strict business, and of course, to meet my old friend. In a few days, I proceed to the capital. I have some unfinished business there."

"Oh… I see…" Lizzie nailed her vision down sadly, showing a regretful expression.

"Oi, don't be sad! I will remain a few days! Ah! I almost forgot, brought some rare herbs for you. You were always weird like that. What kind of girl like smelly grasses instead of beautiful flowers?" smirking, the man slightly pointed at the woman.

"I could say the same, what kind of boy needed to be protected by a girl?" retorted the mischievous little lady.

Scratching the back of his balding head, the piggish man showed an embarrassed expression.

"Well, yeah, I was a little frail back then… but I was handsome as the devil itself!"

Both Raidyn and Nfiriea tried to imagine both O'Boyle as a frail, shy, handsome, young man, and Lizzie who beat the bullies molested O'Boyle.

And the sight was confusing in the most prominent margin. "Duh…" Both younglings released a strange sigh unable to conceptualise the picture. Overloading their brain in the process, forcing them to reboot.

Several more sentences exchanged owner, but Raidyn and Nfirea's mind was utterly blank. Their brain is still unable to reset. When they finally came back, O'Boyle slowly finished his monologue.

"But that's enough for me; I have brought someone who has a few questions about herbs and potions. I would appreciate if you could answer her questions. She and her companion saved my life two times under our short acquaintance."

"Really?" angling herself to the cloaked Raidyn, Lizzie's face pictured first an apprehensive, then curled into a grateful expression.

"Please accept my thanks; the world would be less with a handsome bastard and a good man if you not saved my friend."

"Oh, it was nothing, we just happened to pass through the woods when the undead appeared."

"Undead you say?" Raising her brow interested, Lizzie turned to the bulky man.

"Well, you will need to tell me everything after I answered this young fellow's questions. By the way, where is the companion you spoke about? I would like to thank him too."

"He…"

O'Boyle words abruptly cut at the half when Raidyn answered in his stead. "He left not long ago; he still has unfinished business in the city."

"I see… Well, it cannot be helped. If you meet him again, tell him both of you will get a huge discount whatever you buy in my shop! As well I will give you the best deals when it comes to custom orders, such as potions, weapon oils or balms. A Bareare never forgets, I never forget." tapped her forehead Lizzie, closing her eyes wisely.

"Thank you… we may live with the discount in the future."

"Sure thing…" turning to her grandson, Lizzie ordered him.

"Nfirea, be so good and finish the preparation of Moknach-san's potion. He will come for it in a few hours. Just be sure to give the catalyst ingredients enough time to reach the best effect before adding the next ingredient."

"Sure grandma." Nfirea obliged, heading to the workshop area to finish the potion. Being the bell clearly audible even from the workshop. If a customer enters, Nfirea will know it.

Following this, Lizzie waved and led O'Boyle and Raidyn in the guest room. The room although separated still stinks from the same grass fragrance present in the receiving hall.

Taking seats, O'Boyle and Raidyn faced Lizzie. The old woman folded her hand showing an honest, inquiring expression. "So, young lady, tell me your questions, and I will answer you the best of my ability."

Raidyn nodded a few times. "Thank you, by the way; my name is Raidyn. Please forgive my rudeness not removing my mask. I have a personal reason not to do so."

"Sure thing, now come on! Don't be shy! My friend's saviour is my friend! Storm me with those questions!" lighting her pipe, she huffed out a few clouds.

"Very well then, first…" the pseudo-Dark Elf leaned forward, folding her hands together.

"First, please can you tell me the nature of the potions on this side of the world? I came from a very far away land. Maybe an entirely different continent. Thus, I don't know we use the same system categorising the alchemical formulas as you…"

"Another continent? Why do you say that?" asked Lizzie with a raised brow.

"I only say; I hate portals…"

Chuckling, Lizzie bowed her head and started her long, exhausting explanation. Questions came after questions; the sessions stretched a few long hours. Under the session, Raidyn bombed Lizzie with the most strange questions the old woman ever heard.

Most of them were entirely sensible. However, there was a few that Lizzie couldn't really place anywhere, hesitated to answer, or simply furrowed her brow after hearing the weird inquiry.

Amongst the questions even ones, those were self-explanatory even for a complete amateur. But as Raidyn said, she and her mysterious companion came from a faraway land. Arrived thanks to a teleportation mishap. Thus, she did not strike the subject further.

Her friend will most likely give her a stink eye if she is accidentally suspecting the behaviour of his saviour. Thus, Lizzie suffocated such paranoid speculations and answered the questions of the girl, as honest as she can.

After satisfied, Raidyn said her goodbyes and left, leaving the two past lovebirds alone. Saying her final goodbyes to Tyron and his men, she left them behind. After a day, Tyron and his company continued their way towards the Holy Kingdom. Their contract ended with O'Boyle at the moment they have been finished with the packing.

A little while later…

Walking through the crowded, muddy streets, Raidyn groaned reluctantly.

"Ahh… My head hurts! So much new information and it's not even noon, I still need to register to be an adventurer. Why do you need register to be an adventurer? This is just stupid!"

She complained now, but in truth, she had a few very good reasons to become an adventurer.

One, as she had heard, the Adventurer's Guild was a politically neutral organisation inside the borders of the Kingdom. And you can also find it scattered around the continent in many more countries. Being her priority to keep her political neutrality as long as she can, it was a good solution reach that goal.

No one wants to bother with those pesky politicians, Esdeath was not interested in them. Not in her old world, not there. Thank you very much.

Although, after a certain point it is inevitable. She wanted to stretch the time as much as she can. Learn as much as she can before immersing herself with the unavoidable.

Joining the Iron Manticores would also be a proper solution. But hearing the Holy Kingdom's policy from Tyron and his men. Raidyn would rather not do that.

The policy that stated; in time of emergency, every individual, be it a simple peasant, adventurer or mercenary can be conscripted with force if necessary. She rather not started her career there.

Another reason, anyone who joins the Iron Manticores receives immediate citizenship inside the Roble Holy Kingdom and a few prerogatives. According to Tyron, around one hundred years ago, the king of the country donated this as a gift to the Manticores because of their heroic deeds and contribution in time of emergency.

He told her the story about his great-grandfather and in that time still modest company. According to the tale, Tyron's relative repelled the demi-humans, lethally scarring the beast king. The demi-human ruler who unified the tribes and threatened the kingdom with collapse around one hundred years ago.

Showing his gratitude, the former king of Roble Holy Kingdom gave every Manticore citizenship and gifted them with a great fortress as the base of their operations. Binding the formerly small sellsword group to the Holy Kingdom.

Conferring the information Esdeath gathered, the Kingdom of Re-Estize seemed the best option to start her adventure, and longing search after her lost comrades.

The Kingdom much more stable, not as militaristically zealous as the Slaine Theocracy, don't keep records from every single passing by like the Baharuth Empire and does not threaten with a collapse like the Dragon kingdom because of the demihuman uprising in the recent years. Although, she found the name of the Dragon Country cool.

According to O'Boyle, the queen of the country called Draudilion Oricolus. She is some kind of descendant of a dragon. Oh, if O'Boyle and Tyron know how many dragons she and her friends killed back then. Let's just say; they would never believe her.

Albeit, being not knowing the true capabilities of a dragon of this world, she rather not goes against them toe to toe until collecting more information. This is why she is not going near the Argland Council State where if she heard it right from the merchant, five dragon councillors reigned.

She neither wants to trip back through the Theocracy to reach the Elf Kingdom. She was curious about the nation of course. Curious how the elf society works in this world. But she rather not risks the second trip throughout those zealots, thank you.

Maybe later, when she is more familiar with her surroundings.

There were other reasons of course.

For example, the second reason why she wants to be an adventurer was the fact; she can gather more intel as an adventurer than a simple sellsword. Sellswords usually shunned because of their nature. Thus, making her harder to gain data.

In contrary, as an adventurer she could go around and gain knowledge, connections without tying herself down, protected from the political mess by an already established organisation. Also, higher level adventures maybe not always looked upon as national heroes, but the people respected them well enough to have some subtle authority, even connections with high nobles.

Since the neutral political standing of the Adventurer's Guild was an existential threat to rulers, the cold treatment was understandable from their part. Not as she cared about fame, she just wanted to adventure.

She already sent Rorschach to carry out her orders and start the next phase of her plan. It may take some time, and she will may be forced to adventure alone for a while, maybe even resign partially from her income, but something for something.

Aside from that, she needed some break from her lively companion; he was just too attached to her, too noisy to her retreating personality.

About the third reason:

She always wanted to be an adventurer. Not adventurer like in the game back then. But true adventurer who explore the ruins, fighting monsters and conquer dungeons, looting the big treasure chest behind the obstacles.

Not like in the game, but for real!

"Ahhh…. I hope I will be not disappointed. I will be despondent if this turns out to be bogus. It would certainly ruin my mood…"

Sensing her suddenly dropped mod triggered some of her passives. Gritting her teeth, she tried to soothe her mod. Still, a few items started to float in the surrounding; a few calm whispers echoed in the street, and window shutters billowed violently for a few seconds.

"Annoying thing…"

Murmuring under her mask, then looked at the skies. The sun already high, it must be around eleventh o'clock according to Earth time.

"I need to measure the length of the day… why I can't think that before? This whole thing is just confusing…"

Walking a few more minutes, she reached the local Adventurer's Guild. It was a spacious building, with white walls and brownish tiled roof.

As the Bareare apothecary, the building was conspicuous with a great engraving above its entrance.

'Adventurer's Guild.'

Being her reading skills still lacked, Esdeath translated the label as 'Adventurous Federation'. But it was just a minor annoyance, in time she will correct this small mistake.

A few days ago she can't even read a single glyph. Now, she can read simple words, and could also put together simple sentences. True, in the level of setting words after words, sometimes ending the phrase as a grammatical freak.

But she proceeded nicely, and that was something compared to her state a few days ago. In that time, she can't even read one single letter.

Although, her head slightly ached after practising the letters, the words and thinking about all the information she gathered, all night long. Even under the escort mission, sometimes spacing out not remembering what Tyron or O'Boyle asked.

But it's worth it! Now, she hopefully will not get lost. Not without mistranslating something really bad.

Although the surrounding countries written language slightly differed, she needs to concentrate one thing at once. At least, they have some kind of universal form in the written language most of the people practised and understood.

Entering through the door, she awed, it was like she imagined.

After entering the building, Raidyn spotted the counter where three ladies received adventurers with smiles. There were warriors in full body armour, agile-looking people with bows and dressed in light armour, people in priestly attire accessorised with religious symbols and Magic Casters with long robes and staves.

There was a significant door to the left, next to it an almost empty notice board to the right. Several parchments pasted on the board and groups of adventurers were talking in front of it, walking away the adventurers left the notice board almost empty.

Recognizing several gazes locked on her hooded form, Raidyn proceeded, feeling herself uneasily.

Unfortunately, all three attendants were busy. Thus she waited, it took several moments until she received the papers she needed to fill.

She felt a little annoyed being most of the words were unknown to her. But she already turned away from the counter; it was too late asking for help. She was also too haughty to do so.

Those gazes directed at her really irked her.

Thus, Raidyn proceeded. Walking up and down for a moment trying to read the agreement. With less and more success. After a few moments, sitting down one of the seats.

A few moments later only a handful of individual stared her curiously, but most of all, two individual ogled her relentless.

The two of them nailed their vision at her. Maybe they tried to hide it, subtly looking away when she sometimes gave them a profound look. But it was still recognisable, the two of them was not too good hiding their gazes.

One of them was a man or woman; the person features unrecognisable due to the full jet-black body armour with purple and golden markings on it. Along with it, he also wore a red cape and two large swords on his back while carrying it behind him.

His/her equipment definitely a lot better made than the ones the surrounding adventurers wore. And for a moment it was like two fiery light dimmed behind his close faced helmet. Raidyn only glimpsed it for a moment.

His companion, if the beauty who is sitting on his side indeed his partner, gave her, and everyone around a killer gaze, scaring away everyone who approached her or even came the immediate area of the black-clad person.

Her skin snow white, a black-pony tailed, exotic beauty. Yes, these words describe her best.

Wearing a thin cloak covering her white blouse and simple pants. The two adventurers really stand out from the crowd, holding most likely the same paper as her.

"That Jet Black plated guy with Spawn like cape…" Looking in the direction of the dark warrior and his companion, Esdeath stared back at them subtly, then turned away and proceeded.

"Be it man or a woman, that 'Dark Knight' staring me since minutes, and that girl… Strange. She is staring me like she wants to murder me with those onyx eyes of hers. Creepy…"

Crying inwardly, Esdeath continued looking at her paper, trying to crack the impossible code before her.

"Although, she seems so familiar. Do I meet her before? Her face is vibrating, now watching her a few moments, yes, my Truesight seems working as intended, she is a shapeshifter, a doppelganger, low level I may say."

Looking at her, the woman scoffed, make a face.

"Nah! Not your problem! Does not matter! Just my imagination. Don't look at them! Concentrate on the questions!"

Looking back at her paper once more, the new girl released a short sigh.

"Now let's see the questions… first question: name. Shit! How do I possibly know how to write 'Raidyn' with these bizarre glyphs?! Ugghhh! I just write letter by letter, fuck it! I don't care!"

Proceeding the second blank space on the form, her brow raised in a silly way.

"Sex… right, at least the sheet don't ask me. 'Are you a boy or a girl?' Although, Professor Oak would be overjoyed if the case would happen. Ughhhh! Stupid brain! Concentrate!"

She proceeded to fill her paper, in the end, it seemed she and that black warrior moved at the same time, reaching the counter at once. Although, he appeared kept the distance, let her first approach the free attendant.

"I am finished…" Esdeath announced proudly, placing the paper, handing back the magical pen to the girl.

The girl looked at the paper, tilted her head confused.

"Is something wrong?" Esdeath asked. The flabbergasted looking girl behind the counter tilted her head confused.

A/N:

Ohohohohoho! Merry Santa!

Santa Claus brought every naughty and less naughty boy, girl and every other nonspecified gendered reader a buck of my strange, insanity inducted daydreaming!

Enjoy while it warm!:)

RnR!

Reviews are my life essence! Leave a few Old Mc Author-san! Oh! And cookies and milk! Give me milk and cookies!

Revised: 2018.03.24