Gate: Thus the Sorcerous Kingdom Fought There Chapter 37: A Godly Meeting, a Gate - Jietai Kare no Chi nite, Kaku Tatakeri + Overlord/オーバーロード Crossover fanfic

Gate: Thus the Sorcerous Kingdom Fought There

by oblivon2991

Thank you for reading my fanfic!

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 don't own Gate: Jieitai Kano Chi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri novel, and anime series, written by Takumi Yanai.

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

Thank you!

Please enjoy the story!

Chapter 37: A Godly Meeting

"Ugh! How dare you!?" Zorzal was thrown on the ground groaning as he got up. In his eyes a murderous light, humiliated after being snatched away so violently.

"Where the hell have you brought me!?" Removing the sack from his head, an unknown place came before his vision.

It was eerily familiar, resembling the inside of a battlefield tent. More specifically, a tent he himself as well used to use and reside in under his campaigns. Yet, from the first sight, it was visible, it was not made from canvas, but some kind of animal leather. Most likely designed to protect from the cold environment and keep the warmth in.

"The environment also implies it is the tent of some highly ranked individual." yes, he recognized right away the lavish furnishing only specific to high ranked officers.

"Ah! Prince Zorzal! It is so good to see you!" turning his head, he immediately came to see a strange being behind the office desk, playing with what looked like three glass balls. "I hope your way here was not too traumatic." the one behind the counter chuckled low and sly. "Please, forgive my rudeness. Anything to eat, drink?" he motioned towards the things above on his desk, trying to be polite.

"A warrior bunny?! So that bitch schemed against me? How pathetic!" Zorzal snarled, looking disgusted towards the person before him. He would not fall for the schemes of his former slave. He would rather die than do so!

"Hmm. Ah! Yes! You must be speaking about the former queen of warrior bunnies, Tyuule."

"Yes! And what of it! Don't worry, after I finish with you, I will send her and every bastard demi-human after you in hell!"

Immediately, the guards pointed their weapons against Zorzal, making him sweat and grit his teeth seeing the direness of his situation.

"Easy there!" the male warrior bunny raised his hand, and every present force backed, returning to their original position. "We don't want our new guest to be nervous. Do we? Let me introduce myself!" the leader stood up, placing his hands on his chest gently. "I am the one people call the "Khan." I lead this "small" coalition of my people. It is an "honour," meeting the heir of the Saderan Empire's throne."

"Naturally!" Zorzal shrugged his shoulder, his tone dripping in pride and venom. "So, what do you want, "Khan"? I assume you did not kidnap me out of your good heart. There must be something you want from us."

"Of course not! That's not my original intention." this warrior bunny with the moustache and white hair... Honestly, if not the lack of chest, and the moustache, Zorzal would have mistaken him with the former warrior bunny queen. His face was just that androgynous.

"Then? What do you want from me?" Zorzal snorted, walking to the drinks, pouring some alcohol for himself, eating some cheese with it.

It seemed he was not concerned about drinking or eating the wares his kidnapper offered. Worse, the man not even considered the food and beverages may be poisoned — or was simply an idiot, and not suspected such ploy.

But, considering things, he might as well alleged he was not kidnapped just to be poisoned and killed here. Indeed, no matter how much a tyrannous half-witted person Zorzal was, he had his moments of clarity.

"We are here to colonize." the man revealed, turning to the vast map painted over the leather, scrutinizing it.

"You are out of your mind!" Zorzal just scoffed at the idea. "We would never allow you! The people will rise for their true Emperor! We will drive you out! As I drove out your pathetic kind from your lands previous. Just like back then, just like now, you half-humans were never truly clever were you? Even now, you speak nonsense!"

"Hmm, really?" the Khan glanced back at him bored. "You really want to compare us to those primitive creatures? Those tribal bigots? Losing their edge and smarts living among you primitives? It is almost offensive." though, in the beginning, the man raised his voice; in the end, he sounded perfectly calm, almost scaring even Zorzal.

"Hmph! You speak like you are different but all I see is the same thing, dirty demi-humans claiming to be civilized! Disgusting!"

"Hmm, that's true. For appearance, we might resemble demi-humans, you know. But let me tell you something, this dirty demi-human keeps you in his palm." walking on Zorzal's side, he placed his hand on his shoulder.

"How did that wine taste? Did you enjoy the fruit and cheese? Oh! It would be so bad if we had poisoned it."

Zorzal's eyes went wide, reaching deep inside his throat, trying to throw up.

"Guahh!"

"Hahahahahaha!" the Khan laughed seeing the man on his four, trying to vomit. "Who's the dirty animal now?" Khan mocked him.

"You bastard! You poisoned me?!" the remains of his vomit still present on the side of Zorzal's mouth, feeling nauseous he fell for such a ploy.

"Tell me, Prince Zorzal. Why would I bother, risking the life of my people, kidnapping you, if I just wanted to kill you? For a simple toy soldier like you? It is hardly worth it if I don't have plans for you."

Zorzal remained silent for a few seconds, only glaring at the demi-human who towered above him.

"So, what do you want?"

"Hmph! As said, we want to colonize this continent. For our people."

"And as I said, it will never work! The people will never accept filthy demi-humans as their leader. They will…!"

"Yeah! Yeah! I heard it. "They will rise for their true Emperor." End quote. You said that before. But let me ask something." the Khan leaned closer.

"Where do the people lead you? The Sorcerous Kingdom still conquered you, forcing their yoke on you quite easily. The men in green still invaded you, both sides easily winning over the hearts of common people by doing the most basic thing, showing them some care. I ask you once again, Prince Zorzal, where were the people you spoke about? Does even one common folk rise and resist the invaders? Do any of them zealously shout the name of your empire and throw away their life? Did any of them show a speck of resistance when the invaders came and offered their sick, starving children medicine and food? Not one, I say to you. Common people care not who rules over them until their bellies are full, and their children prosper. Nobles care not what happens once their status and riches are protected. That's how people work."

Zorzal bit his lip, turning his head away. "It doesn't matter! They are just subjects! And subjects obey their ruler! That's it! They are obliged to throw their lives away if I command. They do so! As I command it!"

"I see, you think that way." The Khan just sighed, shaking his head, disappointed. "So sad, I already pity the people you ruled over until now."

"What did you say!?"

"As said, the people care not who rules over them until it is advantageous for them. It is true for everyone, even for your senators…"

"The traitors!" Zorzal bit his lip, so hard it started to bleed. He would make sure such traitors be purged from the senate and his Empire once he returns to his rightful position! He would make sure of it!

"Most only want a simple life. Until their bellies are filled, until they're left alone, family's safe, wealth, and personal belongings protected… Until they prosper, they don't care who rules. That's the universal truth, and your empire can't provide that. After all, your soldiers even burned down all their crops, ruining the lands of both nobles and peasants along the way. Starving, unprotected, wealth stripped to those who resisted, raping them unregulated. And you ask them to offer their lives? Don't you think too much of yourself?"

Grabbing his collar, the Khan easily raised Zorzal close to his face. "Tell me, that's how a ruler cares about his people?"

"They are simple peasants! Who cares!?"

"Hehehe… who cares, you said?" The Khan grinned almost satisfied, yet, a faint sadness present on his face.

"Hmm, I see…"

He let Zorzal fall after inspecting him one last time. "No matter. Let's get into business." After dusting his gloved hands, the man snapped his finger and two men raised Zorzal, seating him before the desk.

"What do you want!?" If a glare could kill, Zorzal's gaze would have burned a hole in the Khan's head several times over.

"It is simple. Despite your many flaws, Prince Zorzal, you are still the heir of the Saderan throne. And I intend to hand back the Saderan throne to you when I finish my colonization."

"Why would you do that?" Even for Zorzal, it was strange. Why would this man hand him over the power? He just couldn't understand.

"Simply, to prove my point." smiled the Khan, folding his fingers under his chin.

"Point?"

"Hmm, disregard what I said, what I wanted to say. We will need someone who knows how the autocracy of the Empire works once we have finished the conquest. Someone capable like you."

"I ask you again. Why would I help a filthy demi-human!?" Zorzal spat, looking honestly disgusted. "There is no way I will help you!"

"What would you lose, Prince Zorzal? Your lands are under occupation by two foreign forces. Both are having the overwhelming advantage of technology, power, influence and military might. Definitely a gap you can't close in your current situation."

Zorzal pondered on what he heard.

Yes, this demi-human — no matter how unsavory it was to admit — was right. The technology and military might of the two monstrous nations that invaded them was too big, the Empire in its current state definitely couldn't conventionally defeat them and drive them out from their land. They needed a new plan, fast! Or they would lose everything!

"We will find a way. Our people!"

"Most who supported you already see there is no way out, joining hands with the invaders to prosper and gain an advantage. It is sad, but your nation has been taken over by a foreign force, dragged on strings like a puppet, controlled by the Yes-man of a foreign nation. A nation that does not recognize you as the next in the line. Hasn't their king told you? He never recognized you as the Emperor. In the current system, you have no chance to come near the ruling seat, ever."

"How?! You…!?"

"I have my sources," chuckled the Khan mysteriously, leaning back in his seat satisfied. "So, what do you say? Don't you want to prove your worth to Lady Eleanor? Don't you want her to beg for your hand? After all the humiliation she put you through, betraying your trust. Don't you want her, and her dear father to lick your boots like good doggies? Tell me, Prince Zorzal! What's your greatest desire?"

"How do you know about that?!"

"News spread like wildfire, Prince Zorzal. All around the world, people are laughing at you. Don't you want vengeance on them? Don't you want retribution? I offer you the chance!" the Khan offered his hand, making the offer look more enticing.

Zorzal just looked away, considering things.

"I still don't know what I will win from this?"

"As said, I hand back to you the position of the ruler, with a few limitations. You will rule over the populous — your own people. I only ask for cooperation. Naturally, we can discuss further details at a later date — preferably, advantageous for both sides. So, what do you say? Deal?" Once more, the Khan offered his hand.

"Hmph! What do you need me to do?" reluctant, but Zorzal had to agree; this was his only chance and the best deal he could ever get if he wanted to reach his goal. In his current situation as a captive, and an enemy force occupying the lands, he could hardly get a fairer deal.

"Rally the people. Go around, collect your subjects and allies, and attack when they are most vulnerable. March in the capital and take it back when their defences are the weakest. We already made the first steps. The nations around the empire are thirsting for the blood of the Sorcerous Kingdom. We've made sure of it, they do. Slowly, they gather and will make a move. At the same time, the JSDF and the UN will strike. You would not believe how much they are waiting for the chance to strike, carve out a bigger piece from the land! They are starved for it, like ravenous dogs. Starved for endless resources!"

"Divide and conquer then." Zorzal hummed. Exactly, if the people rose against them, even they couldn't last! In the chaos! He would march in the capital, taking it back from the invaders. He would take the throne and establish a line that shall rule for thousands of years!

"And when everything has settled, I'll purge their weakened forces, one by one, all will be subjugated!" Zorzal already saw the great crusade that would purge his domain from the invaders!

"Exactly! So, deal?"

Zorzal watched the offered hand for a few moments. Even despite his previous determination, he was unsure of what to do.

That being, Ainz Ooal Gown possessed monsters beyond imagination, able to defeat a demon god single-handedly, yet, maybe this was his only chance to come out victorious.

Either way, he had been humiliated, thrown on the side. He had nothing else to lose! It was all or nothing!

"Deal!"

"Splendid!" the Khan snapped his fingers after shaking hands. "These gentlemen will escort you to your luxurious place to rest. If you need anything, just tell the guards. We have much work to do, dear Zorzal!"

Zorzal snorted disgusted, grabbing his cloak and making a turn, leaving the Khan with his guards.

"Hmm, you really will hand him back the throne. Just like that?" After the man left, a female, masked demon stepped out from the shadows, glancing at the Khan, who sat down, taking the three balls of glass in his hand.

"Oh! Of course, I will. He can rule over the wasteland and ashes as much as he wants. The Emperor of the wasteland and dead people. A fitting title, don't you think?"

The Khan glanced back at the short demon girl, wearing a Japanese school uniform, a metallic tail sprouting behind her back.

"Hmm, I see. So you want him to send his people to their death."

"Stupid people follow a stupid leader. Smarter stand on the side or join the other side. That's what my father always said." the Khan sighed remembering his "wise" father. "Too bad he was killed by his own people: Ambition is good. Too much ambition can burn people if they are not carefull."

"I see…" the short demoness glanced at the three glass orbs in the man's hands. "So that's what you sent my servants for? What will you use them for?"

"Hmm, the famed eyes of La and Elangle. Prized toys. Yet, worthless if you consider things…"

"Worthless? Explain!"

"Ever heard the saying? Watching the world through a looking glass can change reality? Yet, without the right perspective, angle, and place, you will see not the marvels such glass can offer. Well, looking through these little things, I still see it the same. The time is not yet here, but soon."

"So you say, they can change reality?"

"These?" the Khan snorted in amusement. "Not likely. These are simple balls of gems. They look pretty, but nothing else. Yet…" he muttered under his nose, smiling as he watched those orbs in adoration.

"Just what game are you playing?"

"The most dangerous one, my dear demon. One mistake, and I fall into the fire, my lady!" grinned the man, offering the orbs for inspection. "Care to inspect them?"

"Hmm…" the demon girl squinted her eyes under her mask, raising one of the "gem eyes" for inspection. After inspecting it, she caught her head towards the man. "Don't try to mislead us. My father, Jaldabaoth, is not as patient as me. We will destroy you and your people if you try anything funny!"

"Evidently." the Khan stood up, smiling fearlessly. "So, my lady. Care for a late-night snack? Care to celebrate our impending victory? Or, papi needs to give permission for that too?" offering his hand, his tone was mocking; nonetheless, the girl took it.

"I can eat… and no, I don't need my father's permission for that."

"Naturally." with that, the Khan signed, and a guard left to call for the chef.

Scene Change: Sometime later: Fortress Gown:

"LINE UP! THE SUPREME BEINGS ARE ON TO ARRIVE!" shouted many officers around fortress Gown, urging the people to move. And just like that, thousands upon thousands of people marched, leaving behind everything and ran.

Trainees left their training routine, patrols ceased, only leaving the summoned units such as Death Knights and Nephalem guards to watch over the great fortress — Such groups continued their usual patrol, receiving such orders from their masters to do so.

Moving, flowing, lining like a perfect machine, one after another, watching the whole thing from above, it was almost an art. The Sorcerous Kingdom unified army trained their soldiers hard and harsh, amongst all the continents, and from the nations that could be found in the new world, the united army of the Sorcerous Kingdom was the best equipped and trained of all.

…

Every vassal nation had its own militia for protection purposes, but all obliged to send a set amount of soldiers into the unified military each year.

It was well known; anyone who went through the rigorous training of the unified army gained enough credit and tactical knowledge to rise high. Once returned home, they gained officer rank quickly.

The training not only concentrated on building the body but on teaching different tactics and fighting techniques, strengthening the mind!

Indeed, many were incapable of bearing with the harsh discipline and sent home; the ones that survived gained excellent skills and knowledge in the art of war. Earned the chance to serve their time in one of the most elite and trained armies of the whole world.

One may say, the ones returning home could have easily turned this training and knowledge against the kingdom, yet, once they considered the monsters of the Sorcerer King — the stories about the nations who tried and were destroyed under a short time — all backed before trying their luck with such endeavor.

It was more out of knowledge and experience than real fear; they had decided that way. The observation many passed down under more than two hundred years brought this result.

Under the short history of the Sorcerer Kingdom, anyone who stood against the wrath of Ainz perished under a short time.

But who fulfilled that few requests and perquisites Ainz set, were able to enjoy the fruits of such connection and relationship, survived and prospered, continuously advanced.

As Ainz always said: "I protect my vassals and citizens. But anyone coming to harm my people deserves no mercy! I spare no pity for such people." and albeit the Sorcerer King tried to be reasonable — most of the time solving the issue peacefully — there were times when even his patience ran thin; in that case, a few nations could disappear.

To find examples for such scenarios, it was enough to look inside the history books, and one could easily find instances when it happened.

Indeed, the Sorcerous Kingdom was the rare few exceptions where being a vassal nation came with more advantages than disadvantages.

One such benefit being, protected from all outside harm by the monstrous war machine and monsters of the Sorcerer King.

The others? Well, it was enough to look around in the new world. Or even look at what became of the Saderan Empire in a short time. Looking at them, asking the common folk, one could easily find an example of such advancement.

…

"STAND ON YOUR GROUND! SALUTE! THE SUPREME BEINGS AND THEIR ENTOURAGE HAVE ARRIVED!"

Slowly, a majestic chariot floated through the darkness of the dome — the same dome that protected the gate from outside attacks and ensured its protection.

Towed by several strange beings, the chariot was majestic, almost divine, as well the mounts that pulled it. In truth, they were more alike elemental energy encased in armor than real horses.

Even their closeness made the people around feel the immense might sealed inside those armored shells, giving the trained soldiers a hard time to stand straight, and not right away collapse from the sheer strain. They were bound greater elementals, beings above level 70.

"…"

All wanted to express their awe seeing those beings, yet, all kept their mouths shut, even a mere word would be disrespectful towards the Supreme Beings who arrived just to welcome them.

"…"

Slowly, the bound elemental horses stopped near a podium, and the people that emerged made the people stiffen and be filled with joy immediately.

"His Majesty, the Sorcerer King, Ainz Ooal Gown! The Supreme General, Lady Esdeath Gorgon! The First Queen and Prime Minister of the nation, Lady Albedo! Lady Auriel Michalis…" and thus, the announcer continued to list the figures who walked on the podium, all lining up on the side of Ainz.

"ALL HAIL TO THE SUPREME BEINGS AND THEIR ENTOURAGE!"

Roared the distinctive shouts from all around the fortress, coming from the heart of the people.

Even in different parts of the Empire, the soldiers watched all of it through a live feed — using projection magic — all standing up, placing their fist on their hearts, and shouting at once.

Naturally, this strange phenomenon earned a few confused stares and raised brows from the natives of this world. But the citizens of the Sorcerer Kingdom gave it no heed, instead, continuing with this small ritual of theirs. Filled with joy, bothered not what others thought.

They would understand once they truly became part of the great Sorcerer Kingdom. They would appreciate their patriotism once they truly joined the cause!

"Hmm…" the Sorcerer King looked around, inspecting his loyal subordinates for a moment. Looking at his side, the girl in black uniform and all face-covering helmet just nodded, encouraging him to continue.

"The soldiers of Fortress Gown are all lined up, your majesty, all to welcome you and your entourage," the current commander of the base bowed deep.

Being a high ranked general, the Lycanthrope commander wore top-notch armor, carrying a weapon a guardian himself handed to him to carry over his duty.

"Thank you, general," Ainz nodded calmly, making the man straighten himself, then, the king turned his gaze back to the lined-up forces.

For long moments, he said nothing, and this small pause was enough to fill the people with anxiety, thinking they did something horrible. Then, in the next moment!

"WONDERFUL! Simply wonderful!" Ainz shouted, spreading his arm. "To think all of you moved at once because of us! Your ceaseless loyalty and work really moves us!"

The soldiers looked at each other surprised, not expecting such openness from their ruler. Then, after realizing they were praised by no other than the great Sorcerer King himself, they all started to smile, a warm feeling filling their heart.

"But let's not waste our precious time." Ainz's tone returned to normal. "You may question why we are here. Why do we take the effort only to come here and inspect your progress."

Ainz looked around for a moment, seeing all the expecting stares, all those hope-filled eyes. If for nothing else, for this, it really worth all the effort and work to create his country.

"And the answer may be strange, but it is coming from our heart. We love seeing you grow and spread. We respect your ceaseless work and effort! You may be a small cog in the machine, but without your hard and persistent work, that machine would not function! Be proud! You are all doing your share in the valiant effort. We are truly proud of you!"

Everyone gasped, some even shed tears hearing their great ruler's words.

"Thanks to you, the threat of the Empire was subdued, and the people that suffered under the yoke of its tyrannical rulership have been regulated. Slaves freed, the lives of people made better. No family needs to suffer anymore by the corrupt officials and nobles abusing their own power! You made this possible! Be proud! You made it all possible to save our people from their captors. You made it possible to liberate the people of the Empire!"

"Owaaa!" Came the cheer in unison, everyone was happy with what they were hearing. Though, in the next moment, Ainz raised his arm and waved, and under a moment, silence once more descended.

"Still, our work is not done yet! Do not let your guard down because of this momentary calm. Silence is the longest before the storm, as my friend once said. The ones that orchestrated the gate incident are still out there, waiting for their moment to strike. With the return of the Demon Emperor, we can't let our guard down! Our work is far from done! No! We just started it!"

This earned a firm nod and an even more resolute expression from all who were around, igniting their fighting spirit once more.

"But do not despair! Ever since this whole ordeal started, my colleague and I have been monitoring the situation. Prepared whenever our enemy resurfaces to deal with them!"

For a moment, Ainz raised his skeletal hand towards Esdeath and the rest of his entourage.

"We will find them, we will capture them, and we will deal with those who come to harm our people! There will be no mercy upon their soul! We will eradicate them! Their suffering will be legendary! I swear this to you! In the name of Ainz Ooal Gown, we will make them pay!" the red lights lit violently in Ainz's eyes, making his people cheer, but also, this momentary flash of killing intent filled anyone not under his protection with some kind of uneasiness and dread.

"Just now, we are heading out to meet with the local gods. We are willing to compromise, making a deal that from both sides can profit. But if they resist and prove to be a threat to you, we will deal with them mercilessly!"

"OWAAA!"

"All hail the Sorcerer King!"

"All hail the Supreme Beings!"

Raising his hand, the people once more became quiet.

"Be vigilant! We have a lot to do! Our work is far from done! Don't forget! You're here not only representing yourself but your home, my kingdom as a whole! Act accordingly! Show these "Saderans" what it means to live under the banner of Ainz Ooal Gown! What it means to live under my great name!"

"OWAAAAAA!" the whole fortress, and even the remote locations echoed with the spirited claps of the people; there were no citizens who did not applaud Ainz's speech.

"It was a splendid speech, Ainz-sama." Albedo commented.

"Indeed. A speech. Befit. Of. A. Leader…" Cocytus commented.

"Very spirited!" Auriel also gave a small smile, clapping elegantly.

"Hmm, thank you, Albedo, Cocytus, Auriel. I appreciate your praise." Albedo and Cocytus made a gentle bow, smiling happy, while Auriel slightly blushed. "Now then, let's head out. Let's not waste any more time. Being a little bit late is due, but too much lateness paints a bad first impression. Commander, I entrust the Fortress to you."

"Thank you, Ainz-sama. I will not disappoint you."

"Umu…" with that, the Supreme Beings retreated their carriage, heading out from the fortress.

Layer after layer, the humongous adamantine gates opened and closed, giving way to the chariot of the Supreme Ones.

With astonishing speed, the carriage headed towards their destination. All along, people stood on the two sides, witnessing the passing of the Supreme Beings.

"You were a little bit melodramatic, don't you think?" Esdeath asked, her face still covered by her strange helmet.

"And as usual, you said nothing." Ainz pointed out. "I still wonder why you are so fond of wearing that helmet all the time. It would be better if people would know your "real" face more widespread." Yeah, whenever she showed her face in the open, people thought she was a high ranked official, or having some special rank — seeing the symbol of the Supreme Being on her uniform.

"I prefer my safe place intact," her tone dripped from sarcasm, just as Ainz divined.

"Mo-Mother is a little bit shy, Ainz-sama. She prefers it that way," Auriel explained with a bitter smile.

It could not be helped; her creator was just like that.

Usually, under public speeches or appearances, Esdeath always wore that strange, futuristic helmet — which had no eye holes — as well, her uniform was a little bit different.

Combining all of this with a little bit of body and face shaping, and she had managed to reach the state where with the exception of a few selected people, no other recognized her "real" appearance even if she walked amongst them.

Like this, she had managed to keep a kind of incognito under the 200 years. Even in the open, she could walk around face revealed without anyone knowing her. Only the people from Nazarick and the selected few knew her real appearance, even the statues and "action figures," depicting her wearing that helmet and a different uniform. The secret services made sure it was that way.

"Well, you did it wrong in the beginning, revealing that scary skeleton face of yours. The joke's on you! Mister!" she pointed at Ainz with a stuck out tongue under her mask.

"I think Ainz-sama's face carries a manly charm," Albedo beamed, her face going red.

"Indeed. His. Strong. Jawline. Implies. A. Strong. Character."

"Ainz-sama's face is unique," Auriel added in the end. And indeed, even amongst thousands of undead, the people of the Sorcerous Kingdom could recognize Ainz's skeletal face.

"Thank you, all of you."

All three nodded, accepting the praise.

"So, you really plan to go alone, visiting that Hardy?" in the next moment, Ainz turned back to his friend.

"Yeah, visiting that many gods at once? I don't know… No way! I don't like it when many people stare at me. I become paranoid and might screw up something! Better if Auriel handles people — I programmed diplomatic functions in her just for that. I am bad with people. I don't want a diplomatic incident under that important meeting."

"I am sure you would handle yourself well, mother."

"You give me too much credit, Auriel. We all know I am a no-good negotiator. Just remember what happened last time."

"Ye-Yes!" the arch seraph turned her beautiful face away, blushing to remember the incident.

"I see…" Ainz hummed, knowing too well his friend to recognize what she meant. "So, it is no bother to mess up with Hardy?"

"Pff! Zero and Demiurge collected the necessary info. The other gods of this world already disowned that Hardy guy. Even if I kill her, they most likely do not care. At most, I put some summons to regulate the flow of souls in this world. Or let it as it is, and the dead turn to the undead. In that case, we can even profit dominating those undead, and use them as infantry in the meatgrinder for the later stages."

"I see." Ainz hummed, somewhat pitying that goddess. According to the reports and what her apostle said, Hardy was the one who opened one of the gates. But the other? She had no idea. This required further investigation.

"It is so sad Ulbert-kun backed from meeting those people."

"Well, he himself said he had a few things he needed to take care in the meantime. Also, he admittedly said he has no interest in the gods of this world, more so the gods on Earth."

"So bad, I wanted to make a few pranks with him. Ahh! Well, maybe next time." Esdeath sighed, reminiscent about the missed opportunity.

"Please, don't do anything that may backfire on us," Ainz warned her, remembering what happened the last time.

"I wouldn't do anything that may damage our reputation, permanently at least. I hate people so stuck mere words can harm them. They are weakness incarnate. I mean, how weak you can be if mere words can hurt you, am I right, Cocytus?"

"Hmm. That's true. Partially. At least. Chanted. Magic. Can. Still. Hurt."

"Ah! Yes! Words of power can be indeed nasty. But mere opinions? People getting offended by such really are the worst."

"According to you." Added Ainz.

"According to me. Free to disagree. Either way, a system that can be destabilized by a mere opinion, and words, is never meant to last long."

"Hmm, indeed."

Slowly, the bound elementals raised the chariot in the air, starting to fly towards their destination.

A few minutes passed, the residents of the carriage continued to chat.

"Well, this is my stop." Esdeath glanced out from the window.

"Hmm, are you sure you will be fine? I can lend you Albedo or Cocytus as an escort. As for Auriel, she is coming with me to represent you."

Ainz wanted to bring Demiurge instead of Cocytus — representing Ulbert.

But the man was too busy with his work. And being Ulbert also said it is okay like this, he decided against it.

"No! No! This will be fine! You are the king of the nation, you should arrive with escorts." the chariot already escorted by high-level flying units, hidden from mortal eyes. Still, if Ainz arrived alone, that would indeed show a poor picture. After all, how would that look if the ruler of an expansive nation came alone?

"Hmm, maybe you are right. But still, you are the Supreme General of the nation, won't it look bad for you too?"

"Don't worry, going for civil, not for business purposes. Only want to inspect this Hardy guy and ask a few questions — force them out if necessary. Zero and Demiurge wrote interesting things about her. I want to check it out myself. Also, it will be funny to see her face under the reveal." she chuckled, making the ones in the car sweat uneasy.

"Hmm, I see…"

"Well then!" she grabbed the opening crank on the door. "Best luck to you all. If you need me, just scream, and I'll come. You know how to reach me. Auriel, be good!"

"Ye-Yes! You can count on me! I will not disgrace you!" the arch seraph replied heartfelt, even giving her best "honest look."

"The same to you. Good luck!" Ainz waved, and with that, the girl in helmet jumped out, seemingly without any kind of means to slow her fall.

"Are you sure it will be fine, Ainz-sama?" Albedo questioned her master uneasy. Sometimes the second Supreme Being was really reckless. Even after more than two hundred years, she didn't know what to think of her actions.

"Don't worry about her," Ainz stated calmly. "She might look like a person who does not know what she is doing, but she always has a plan. Or, most of the time."

"I see…" Albedo was not convinced.

"Hmm. Indeed!" Cocytus breathed out a gust of cold air. "Trust. The. Supreme. Beings. Albedo."

"You are right! Please, forgive my momentary flick." Albedo nodded, blushing slightly she questioned Ainz's judgment. Sighing, their journey continued.

Scene Change: Empire Capital: Royal palace:

"How did it come to this?" Muttered Diabo, crouched against the wall.

Put in an isolated place, he and Piña could at least spend their time as captives in a civilized manner. Their cell — well, let's just call it a small suite for now — was a lot better than they initially hoped.

In the Empire, if you were accused of scheming against the Emperor, threatening his life, the best you could hope for was a quick death. Even if not right away killed, you would be put in a dark cell, tortured and beaten until you confessed — this repeating each day no matter your rank.

Continuing until you either confessed, or the real schemer was revealed and admitted his/her sins — the latter not likely happening after the imprisonment of the accused.

Compared to that, they were given basically a suite, filled with books and a beautiful bed to sleep on. Served luxurious food for each meal! The only change was their lack of freedom.

"Yeah, we come down better than we hoped. But the blade still hangs over our neck."

Even despite this place, they were still captives. Still, the Sorcerous Kingdom respected their rank as the children of the now unconscious Emperor; they yet accused of scheming against their father. Until they have found the real culprit behind this scheme, the only thing awaiting Diabo and Piña was death.

"It doesn't help we are constantly watched…" looking up, on the two sides of the door, two death knights stood. Both inside and outside, this was the case.

They stared steadily, not blinking for a moment. It didn't help Diabo had barely eaten for a few days now, now the unnerving stares of the undead couldn't even let him sleep.

"WOULD YOU STOP STARING!?" he roared, throwing a book against one of them. Yet, they refused to move a finger, not even caring about the book that hit one of them directly in the face. It just continued to stare, unblinking, unmoving, the red dots stared him down relentlessly.

"Why you don't answer?" Diabo crouched back, sobbing weakly.

A few days had passed since their capture, and aside from the maids, and a few people, no one visited them. Yet, he still felt the disgusting, slimy touch of that creature. That "torture master."

The creature's touch was like something searching through his memories, scorching. Yet, no matter how he tried to fight, he was helpless against the unhindered force that washed through him.

One after another, he lived through his memories. The creature searched his very mind, seeking his every secret, probing something that was not there. It was both scary and humiliating.

"So, this is how I end? This will be the end of the glorious royal line of the Empire?"

As he mused on this, chuckling sourly, utterly crushed, the door opened.

"Prince Diabo. Someone is here to see you," a maid notified him.

"Tell them to leave…" the crushed prince answered the female voice harsh.

"It is a sad day for a father to see his children like this."

That voice was familiar, Diabo right away raised his head. "Fa-Father!? But you!? How?!"

"In the flesh." Molt, clothed in his royal garb, nodded, stepping in. His expression, as usual, was cold and collected. He indeed was the calculating man who Diabo remembered.

Behind him, two of those golden armored royal guards followed. "The Sorcerer King was generous enough to stop in the capital, healing me after hearing what happened with the two of you."

Diabo was on to run to him, wanting to welcome the father and Emperor who was away for so long, but the two bodyguards crossed their weapons before him, letting him no closer.

"So, it was him…" Diabo muttered, almost surprised the skeleton had come so far for them.

"Tell me, my child, what made you plan such treason against my defenceless self? Do the two of you wanted the throne for yourselves so badly you even planned this elaborate scheme? From you, I expected this, but from your sister? Hardly. And with one move even getting rid of your own brother who was first in the line? If the circumstances would be different, and the act would be not so treasonous, I would even praise your craftiness." the Emperor looked away, snorting half amused.

"It was not us! I swear! We were framed! Please, father, even you must see, this was an elaborate scheme to frame us!" Diabo was desperate. He had no other choice, no other tool in his arsenal! He needed to convince his father to believe him and bail them out from this situation. That was his only choice!

"Maybe that's true. Maybe not. Either way, the evidence points towards the two of you. Still, if it were you, you should know it was meaningless. After signing that contract, our country became the vassal of the Sorcerous Kingdom. Even if I die, the governing power will be handed over the one that Ainz fellow appoint. All this ploy was meaningless; whoever did it, moved no closer to the throne and ruling power."

"Tell me then! I, as one who read that pact, the one you personally trained and discussed the clause, why would I scheme against you? Knowing it is meaningless and not get me closer to the governing seat! Tell me, what means I would find behind such risk?"

Molt remained silent for long moments, turning his head away.

"I am not yet aware of the twisted ploy behind all of this. Either way, you and your sister are not the only suspects. Multiple senators and high ranked official interrogations are still ongoing! The truth will be revealed, eventually. Until then, even if I want, I can't do anything with the situation!"

"I see…" Diabo slumped on the nearby seat; all the strength left his limbs.

Usually, this meant a lifetime sentence, leaving the accused in a dark prison cell to rot. Often, if not found out in a few months, masterminds disappeared without a trace, leaving poor fools behind, spending his sentence in this room where books surrounded him, aging and dying amongst dusty tomes was not how Diabo imagined his "glorious" future.

"It is hopeless…"

Consuming food and drink befit to his position. If he considered things, it was not that bad compared to what should have happened with him. Yet, it still lacked the freedom and authority he possessed previously. Compared to that, he indeed lacked the necessary things to feel himself whole again.

In the next moment, Molt walked closer, placing his hand gently on his shoulder.

"Son, I hope, it was not you, or your sister who plotted all of this. That we may reunite once more, as a family."

Diabo looked up, slightly confused, hearing such thing from his cold father. From a man who always offered a stoic picture to others. Even under his childhood, even under his growing up, he hardly showed any compassion.

"Father?"

"Notify the guards if you need anything. I'll do my best to clear this thing."

With that, Molt left, leaving Diabo on his devices.

…

"Did it work?"

After the Emperor left the chamber, Beleth, the local governor, already awaited him.

"No change since the last try," answered Molt steady, and his form started to distort and melt, revealing an egg head with three holes, wearing a butler uniform.

"The prince's mind showed no change from the last scanning. Even under emotional pressure, he told the truth. I found no traces of modification or instability which refers to memory removal attempt."

"Hmm, I see." the demon caressed his chin, inspecting the creature before him. "The evidence and the scanning says, it was not them who did it. Yet, the traces point towards them. I need to notify him. We can't handle this case anymore."

"Please forgive me, Beleth-sama. But you mean, "him"?"

"Hmm, yes. The leader of the secret services and Espionage. The creation of the Supreme Being, Zero-sama himself."

The cold settled on the shapeless face of the doppelganger, hearing "things" about that man.

"I don't like it either, bothering the creation of the Supreme Beings with such minor thing. Unsightly, we are forced to do so, yet, we have no other choice!"

With that, the demon left the guards and the shapeshifter alone, preparing mentally to send the message to the ruthless and cold NPC.

Scene Change: Somewhere on the road:

In a dirt road, in the middle of nowhere, a lone, metal chariot rode. For outside, it was out of the norm, no people of this world had ever seen such strange cattle that disturbed the dust of the road.

"Rory, are you sure this is the right way?" Itami before the steering wheel, inspected the map.

"Itami! How rude! You think the great apostle of Emroy lost her way?"

It was like this sizable metal steed had eaten several people, and like children, these people argued. Strangely, not one concerned the slightest by the fact, a humongous beast devoured them as a whole.

"Such a noisy band! I should cast an [All Silence] spell on them! At least they would listen for a minute!" a young lisping, yet grumpy voice could be heard from behind the sturdy book, revealing a beautiful, but nonetheless dissatisfied face.

Indeed, that expression and tone didn't fit at all for such a young she-elf. The ones sitting before her — the youngest Sage of Rondel, and the prodigy apprentice — also nodded in unison. It was evident, they as well found unsatisfying the current situation, and the constant noise coming from the front seats.

"Oh! Don't be so grouchy, little Shirayukihime-chan! Such young ladies should not show such old man behaviour! Come on! Smile!" Toka grabbed her stiff cheeks, pulling them to a smile with her thumbs. "See! Better! Or you want me to sing to you! The children in the camp like it!"

"Fufufufu…" from the front seat, Itami suffocated his chuckle.

"I will turn you into dust if you laugh…"

"S-Sorry!" Itami right away caught his head back to the road, zipping his mouth.

"Haaah! So troublesome…"

Every time her name was mentioned that man chuckled, she couldn't place him! Worse! Whenever she asked what they were laughing at, all the Japanese people around turned away, whistling. Almost like her name meant something funny!

"What's so funny?! This is the name the Supreme One bestowed my new self! Saying it was fitting! How dare such mongrels mock me!?" it was outrageous such simple mortals laughing at her like that! If it were her old self and power, she would have made them disappear a long time ago.

"Ohh! Again that angry face! Smile!"

"I'll make you disappear if you touch my face again!" she lashed out, raising her hand and gathering a fireball.

"How rude!" Tuka backed somewhat offended. "The boys will not like you if you answer such. Young ladies like you should be more grateful as well as gracefull!"

"Haah! Why are the Supreme Beings testing me? Haven't I sacrificed enough?" she muttered, earning a sympathetic nod from the ones before her. Megumin even offered her a lollipop.

"Thanks…" she reluctantly accepted the sweet.

It was a strange thing though, under her approximately 400 years of adult life, he never liked sweets. Yet, once she reincarnated into this body, she somewhat craved for it. At first, she found it strange – even annoying - then realized it must come from her different psychology and age. Yes, according to research, the body of living beings instinctively knew what they need.

It was no different for humans and other conscious beings, only in their case, this instinct dulled to a level to acclimatize for their civilized lifestyle.

"Don't eat that much sweet! It's bad for your teeth!" Tuka snatched away the lollipop from her hand.

It seems this woman found great joy to pester her, even going that far to want to become a motherly figure.

"Haah! Someone end my suffering! Does anyone want to change seats? I am sick of her!" Only her legendary patience she had garnered as Fluder Paradyne and her manners she learned under more than 400 years held her back from making this woman evaporate in a blast of fire.

"How rude!" Tuka puffed her cheek offended. "I don't know what your parents taught you, Missy, but that's not how you speak with adults. Do you understand, young lady?" she even waved her finger scolding.

"Yeah… right. Witch…" Fludder muttered, sighing. Seeing her, most people in the car couldn't help but laugh at her misery.

"Just wait until I get back my full power! All of you will be turned into frogs. Haa! This changed temper is so annoying! In the past, I would just shrug on such things. Now, I am angry!" indeed, the life of the former greatest magic caster, also known as Fluder Paradyne — now "Shirayukihime" — had considerably changed. It became miserable!

If her former colleagues would see her now, they would just laugh what the man — who earned apprenticeship of the great Sorcerer King — became. She became the shadow of her former self. Worse! She became a frail little girl who was constantly being pestered over by a buffoon elf!

"It is so humiliating! Not speaking, I lost my ability to cast higher tier spells! The most this body can maintain in its current state is tier three. Every tier above that is too straining to cast or maintain." According to her research, Snow Elves had a humongous potency in magic. Yet, when one learn magic, they need to consider the body's capacity to cast a spell and magical talents.

A young body like her, no matter the knowledge, talent, or capacity, had its limits to channel mana and project it to the world.

This is why the most she had managed to reach even in her previous adult body was tier seven — maybe tier eight after using shortcuts and tricks. And that was after he asked his master to give back his youth. Her old frail self couldn't bear with the strain after a while — stuck on the realm of tier six as its maximum.

"Physical condition and bodily limitations are strictly connected to how high tier one can maintain the cast." indeed, that's what she realized under her experiments.

"True, magical talents and capacity also play a huge part. Still, after a certain degree, the caster's ability to advance is limited by the body itself. It cannot be helped, humanoid bodies are strictly restricted by their own frail nature."

Even if a caster has the knowledge to cast tier ten spells, if the body is unable to remain alive or intact under the casting process, it was worthless, the mage would be destroyed by their own power, turning to ash, or worse, losing control and their mind burned out — leaving them in a comatose and drooling state.

Trying with this body, the most she had managed to reach was tier-three. Everything above damaged her, burning her hands.

"And that was after utilizing a few tricks to lessen the strain and increase the effectiveness of my magic." Her mana capacity was also lesser than in her adult body. True, a lot higher than it was when he was in the same age. Still, a significant drawback compared to her previous self as Fluder Paradyne.

"Lord Ainz! Why do you test your faithful servant? Have I done something wrong?" she asked herself, sobbing internally, only hoping her Lord would answer once.

"Hmph!" thinking of this, she wanted to hide. Yet, she couldn't just give up; she was never that kind of "man"! She will overcome this challenge too, rising higher than ever before! She will prove her worth to the Supreme Beings again!

"Yes!"

Sighing, she looked around, inspecting her travelling companions.

That Itami was a simple human, but his life was connected with the demi-goddess called Rory Mercury.

"In our world, she is nothing special…" such regenerative beings though not typical, existed in significant numbers in their world.

The blonde elf, just an elf with little magic talent, but she rather wasting it for singing and honing her bow — indeed a waste if you asked Fluder.

Her previous apprentice proceeded well with her studies; maybe one day she could even reach up to the old Fluder Paradyne that lived more than 200 years ago — it would take a while, though.

As for that Lelei girl, although talented, she still relied too much on her blessing, which her worshipped deity provided. Once she'd lose that, she would be hard-pressed to keep up her current learning curve.

"One can't rely on outside sources. Given power is only temporary, fake, can be taken away. Own power and knowledge gained through effort and hard work hardly can be taken away." At least, that's what her master always said. Considering this, she could only laugh on divine magic casters and paladins who prayed for their power, gaining it from outside sources.

Nonenthless, Lelei shows the signs of great talent and learning capacity, Fluder wouldn't mind taking her as a pupil later.

Lastly, she glanced towards the rugged man, Shirayukihime watched him intently.

This man called Constantine was more than he initially looked. Despite his initial dirty, rugged, unshaved looks, she felt some kind of demonic blood in him. Definitely different than the demons she had encountered previously, not from the same place they were summoned in her world.

Still, an interesting subject to investigate!

"Albeit I am not the true expert of demons, I have my fair experience."

"What are you looking at, brat?" Constantine gave her a bored look, puffing the smoke in her face.

"You are not entirely human, are you?" she stated, waving away the cloud of smoke

Suddenly, everyone turned their attention to the warlock, watching him intently.

"Wha-what!?" Itami mutteref somewhat fearful; even the car jumped as he pulled the steering wheel.

"And how should a squirt like you know that?"

"Hmm, you reek of demon blood. You are definitely not a normal human. Made a pact? The result of a failed summoning? Or, one of your parent was not "entirely" human? One can wonder what can produce such hybrids like you."

"Great, another little shit that's trying to dig my past." the rugged man shrugged, rolling his eyes. "Get lost, kid. You don't want to know me."

"True, I don't care about your personality, nor your sobbing story. Nor how miserable your life was, what lead you to be a smoking drunkard, all I care about is magical knowledge and the depths of the arcane."

Fluder was straight and blunt. She didn't want to make friends with these people. What she pursued was knowledge and the endless depths of arcane. Meaningless things like family and friends were a small matter compared to what magic could offer — albeit, that what Fluder though.

"Figures…"

"Shirayukihime-chan! That's so rude!"

Fluder glanced at Tuka disgusted, then back at the exorcist.

"As I heard, you are quite knowledgeable about the mystical arts of your world. Do you want to exchange knowledge? I assure you, it'll be well worth your time. I possess a great amount of expertise connected to magic and arcane arts."

For a moment, Meguminoi watched the little girl intently. Ever since they met, she had a strange feeling. Like she knew her from somewhere, the question was, where? Her pattern of speech, the words she used were eerily familiar.

"Hmph! A brat like you? Fine! Let's say I believe what you said. What's your offer, squirt?" the man raised his brow, he seemed to be interested.

"Oi! Rory! Get out of my lap!"

"But you promised I could drive too!"

"Not now! Don't you see I am driving!?"

"But there is nothing here! Let me just drive!"

"Rory! Please, let me stop the car at leas... ugh!" the car suddenly bumped on something, jumping and landing hard.

"What was that!?"

"We hit something!" Itami quickly stopped the car, leaving to check what it was.

"Great…" Shirayukihime shrugged, seeing this would lead nowhere. "Must be an animal. Whatever…" seeing Constantine and the rest as well left to check what it was, she returned to her book.

She came all the way to investigate the divines and the magic of this world. She should have expected something comes up in the meantime; it always does. Why was she even surprised?

…

Outside, Itami, Constantine, and Rory inspected what they just hit.

"Oh shit!" Itami grabbed his head, seeing the "thing". He messed up big time this time!

"Hmm, she is still alive," commented Rory, feeling her spirit had still not left the girl.

"Just leave her here; it is not our problem."

"Constantine-san! We can't just leave an injured behind!" Tuka berated the man, earning a shrug.

"Whatever, but you take care of her."

"Meguminoi-chan, don't you know any healing spells?"

"Versed in destruction, not healing. Medhirth is our group healer." the emotionless girl answered curtly and cold.

"I see…" Itami sighed. "Then I'll fetch the first aid kit."

"But I have this." she recovered a small vial. "Restoration potion can hasten recovery."

"Mmm. Oh! That's handy! Your world has handy things, Meguminoi-chan."

The potion the girl held had a purple color, almost like a grape juice.

"Hmm, now that you say this, doesn't your world have red potions?" Itami had to ask. In games, potions were almost always red — except mana potions, those were blue. In games, they also restored HP instantly.

"Those are instant recovery potions, also called the "Blood of gods." Only the Supreme Beings and their servants have access to them. Very expensive, only given those who have earned them through extraordinary deeds."

"I-I see…" Itami sweatdropped. In games, those potions that restored health instantly were quite common, but it seemed, things not always went according to his expectations. It was somewhat disappointing.

"Well then, let's administrate it. Oh, man! Just when I thought this mission would be easy! Ah! Man! Why am I so unlucky?" Itami was stressed, not only he had to bear with the girls — and a grumpy old man — now this! What his superiors would think when they'd read his report?

Meguminoi nodded and was on to administer the potion when the eye of the until now unconscious girl popped open, jumping on her feet.

"Whew! That was close!"

"What!?" everyone backed, seeing the sudden recovery of the unknown adventurer. "Yo-You… are all right?"

"You guys really should watch out where you drive that "magic chariot"! For a moment, I thought I'd die!"

"Are you injured?" it was a stupid question; nonetheless, as the driver, Itami had to ask, according to the laws, he was at fault since he did not watched the road.

"Am I?" she inspected herself, wearing an all body cloak with her thin bodily proportions only be inferred from her thin arm. "I seem to be alright." the girl with blood-red hair and dark skin moved her arm. "Hmm, maybe a few ribs were broken. Nothing serious then." with a loud crack, her ribs pushed back to their place.

"THE HELL THAT'S NOT SERIOUS!"

"Either way, my mount seems dead enough." looking at the side, they spotted a massive wolf-like animal, splattered on the bottom of the road. The wheel marks of the Humvee were clearly visible on its black fur, as well, several meat pieces still hung from the bumper of the Humvee.

"When did that thing get there!?" Itami could only scratch his head; the amount of jumping the car did didn't imply he hit such a big thing.

"Rest in peace, Wolftaro…" the unknown girl walked to her companion, murmuring a small prayer after closing his eyelids, removing her gear from the backpack.

"What kind of name is that!?"

Everyone watched Itami, so suddenly freaking out. They understood not what his problem was.

"Father! Don't be so rude! She lost her friend!"

"Sorry…" now, even Tuka scolded him, Itami felt miserable.

"Sniff! Poor Wolftaro! You were my longtime friend! Aaaand! He is gone! Let's proceed forward!" the girl's change of mood was so sudden, everyone could only blink.

"She's just discarding it as if nothing happened!?" Itami was more and more confused.

"Strange…" Lelei muttered.

"Well, she is right, somewhat. We need to let the dead on their way, or they can't rest in peace." finishing her prayer for the dead, Rory as well spoke up.

"You owe me, mister! Not only had I almost died! You even killed my mount and long time companion! What can you give in return?" the unknown girl moved her palm expectantly, unfortunately for her, they brought barely any money.

"Ehh…!?" the people looked around.

"Sorry, as the apostle of Emroy, I don't really have much money."

"Don't look at me; my artifacts are not for sale." Constantine right away refused.

"Have some money, for food and sweets, as well the way home," Meguminoi stated clearly, Lelei also nodded.

"Umm, usually father carries the currency, I only have this much." Tuka raised her small pouch of money. It was not much, only enough for her expenses.

"S-Sorry! We don't really have enough to compensate you." in the end, Itami sighed defeated.

Indeed, they only come to explore, also, to escort Rory in her journey to Belnago.

Who thought they would find such trouble? Looking at the corpse of the ridable wolf, it seemed quite exotic; there was no way they could compensate this girl in any way even if they sold all their wares!

"Haah! As I expected! The only people who come around in these dusty roads, and they all are broke! What kind of world is this!? Agghhh! How will I proceed without Wolftaro!? I am so unlucky! Why can't I simply remain home. At least in the Sorcerous Kingdom, I have my cozy home. Oh! Not! That too burned down…" she slumped on the ground, sighing. "Haah! My unluck even pursues me in this realm…" it was almost like her soul was on to leave her limping body. "God is dead…" she muttered, almost exaggerated.

"Wha!? You are from another world!?" everyone blinked, watching the muttering girl surprised. Albeit, seeing her dead mount, it was somehow expected.

"Hmm, yeah! Is it that obvious?"

"Well… yeah." they offered a deadpanned expression.

"Hmm, yeah, I am one of the Sorcerous Kingdom's explorers. An adventurer named…" it was like she forgot her name, leaving a small pause as she searched a proper name. "Chunchumaru!" filled with energy once more, she announced proudly!

"What?"

"Chunchumaru. My mighty name is Chunchumaru!" the cat ears on top of her head moved slightly, signing her happiness.

"What an absurd name! Both Wolftaro and Chunchumaru!" Itami wanted to say; these names were actually quite absurd in Japanese, yet, he remained silent. He could barely withhold his laughter. First snow white, then these names, these people really had a lousy naming sense. Or, from his point of view, it was that way.

"I am an adventurer from the Sorcerous Kingdom. Sent to explore the unknown!" she smiled. "But as my mount is dead now, it is your duty to help me out! Pay for my services! The law of adventurer dictates to help me and hire me in exchange of trouble!"

"Mmmm… Sure. How can we help? I am sure in the base, they can pay you." there was no other choice, it was Itami's fault — well, if we see things, it was Rory's fault in truth, but don't elaborate it further — all in all, they couldn't just leave an injured adventurer on the side of the road. His superiors would also scold him if he did so. It would also worsen their faling relationship with the Sorcerous Kingdom.

"Hazama will be not happy!" Itami already saw his face in his mind, it was not a nice picture. "FIRST LIEUTEANT!" It was an especially harsh picture!

"Where are you heading to?"

"Belnago! We will meet Hardy!" Rory announced, immediately, Itami started to whisper in her ear.

"Isn't that a secret?"

"Why should it be? I, as the apostle of Emroy, am always honest!" Rory offered her opinion almost offended.

"Yeah… and a cheater in card games." Itami muttered to Lelei, who could only nod silently.

"Hmph! Either way, it is no secret. I, as the apostle of Emroy, am heading in the domain of Hardy for an important mission! That's it!"

"Owaa! A mission! Finally! Can I join?" Chunchumaru inquired with shining eyes, jumping giddily.

"Hmm, I don't know. Are you worthy?" Rory inspected the demi-human girl, walking around her.

"Umu! Umu! In that case! My mighty self will join ya! Meow! I sure can subdue anything that stand's in my way!" she made a few boxing motions, earning a grin from Rory.

"That's the spirit! Itami! She will come with us!" without asking anyone, Rory announced.

"Ri-Right…"

"Hmph! Great! Another brat is joining the fray. Just what we needed." Constantine groaned and was on to enter the car.

"Gush! Why is he so grouchy!? We are going on an adventure! Just smile! Why are you so serious?" she pulled her cheeks to a smile, and when Constantine glanced at her, a realization dawned on him.

"The… Joker!? That bastard Nergal!" he gritted his teeth. That bastard had seen everything clear! How could he miss such an important clue!?

"Do what you want. Bring her, or not, not my problem." it was definetly bad! Divinations given by demons are always bad omens!

"Thank you, mister!" Chunchumaru gave a thumbs up. "I really appreciate your understanding! In exchange, I will tell you a good joke I heard under my travels!"

"Whatever…"

With that, everyone returned to the car, their journey continuing onwards.

Scene Change:

In the place where the forest, mountains, plains, and rivers met, somewhere far, a great city stood.

Filled with life, thriving since it was established, in the ancient times it was a place many people visited each year, taking their route of pilgrimage through this city.

Albeit, in this great settlement, every deity had its own hallow site, shrine, and even district — which was dedicated entirely to them — this place was still unique.

This place served as the gathering point of all gods. Each chief deity had at least one shrine or temple here; each had their priests and disciplines stationed here. Even smaller, almost unknown divine beings owned a small land here.

And of course, to crown the whole thing, a unified temple symbolizing the gods were standing together even in times like these stood in the middle of evrything.

For a few days, the traffic in this town had increased drastically. Almost like the leadership of the place — the gods — were preparing something great! Indeed, even ordinary folks recognized this change in the air — something was up to happen.

Be it joyous, or it would bring catastrophe, no one knew yet. Maybe even the gods themselves couldn't see the outcome of this event.

As we proceeded deeper from the tall outside walls, in the middle of a sizable square, a magnificent temple stood, freshly built, standing in the middle of the city, carrying the symbols of eleven chief gods, advertising their influence over the world, and mere mortals.

Indeed, all gods should make their presence here known. But strangely, the logo of a chief deity was still missing from the great building, the emblem of Hardy was nowhere to be seen.

It was like this all around the town, surprisingly, out of some way, the worshippers, shrines and even the priests of the goddess of the underworld were banned from the whole city for some time.

For the people of this world, it was a strange sight, seeing the deities working together so closely — yet, neglecting one particular goddess — all of it was unheard under the course of history.

This was due to the fact, most divine beings, not openly, but still disliked each other. Something had happened in the heavens that made them act this way; everyone felt that.

The suddenly gathered ten from eleven apostles were the sign of this.

Yes! The world was on to change! Since the demon emperor — only known as Jaldabaoth — made his presence known, and sent his declaration of war to the whole world. Since foreign gods invaded this world, answering the Empire's threat. Everyone was stiffer than usual — not only mortals but gods as well felt the winds of change.

Seeing the terrifying, apocalyptic powers clashing above the capital, and with the rapid spreading of the new religion, only one choice remained for the gods of Falmart. Band together, survive. Or stay a loner, and die alone.

Since the emergence of Jaldabaoth, his agents were practically hunting the isolated shrines, converting them into demonic sacrifice sites, taking away all the priests and worshippers they could get their hands on. The ones found either died a horrible death — mostly skinned alive, hung above the gates of cities — or found broken, as a muttering mess.

Indeed, in times like this, the only choice was to band together and protect each other from the enemy.

Albeit, it was the lesser one of their concerns now.

With the ever-spreading new religion of the Forty One — worshipped the forty-one Supreme Beings — amongst them — the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown. The gods were rapidly losing worshippers day by day.

As usual, most wouldn't care about the people worshipping them. But recently, the number of faith renouncers had started to increase, in a margin the gods couldn't ignore anymore.

The new religion offered too much, the deities it worshipped walked amongst people, their servants bestowing miracles without anything in return, their dogmas stating worship is not necessary — yet, common people still did it, as they know no other way to express their gratitude.

Compared to that, the gods of Falmart can offer very little, thus, their reputation and number followers started to fall.

Under such circumstances, their only choice was to stand together and push back against these invaders. Offer miracles, and more blessings than usual to be able to keep themselves in the "religion race" as much as they could.

And albeit many faithful worshippers considered starting a holy war, a holy crusade against the invaders — and their invading "gods" — the conclave of gods still voted against such steps.

Several gods, of course, would support the idea of an all-out war, yet after considering the horrors, and the risks it implied, the divine beings forbid their followers from such act.

Under the command of the Empire, many worshippers witnessed first hand what it would mean an all-out war with these beings.

Compared to the Falmartian gods, these beings can use their power without restriction in the corporal realm — The very thing the gods of Falmart can only do indirectly after their ascension.

When considering the demonic presence that had invaded their world and a few cultist groups failed attempt to make an example of the Sorcerous Kingdom — attacking villages and towns willingly sided with the Sorcerer King.

It all seemed a terrible idea. Each time it happened, the cultists were mercilessly slaughtered and captured, their nests tracked back and destroyed by the monsters of "that" undead — or those dubious armored angels of the other "sky" deity.

It was more like a slaughter than a real fight. They had no chance. After a few failed attempts, these groups remained far from the cities under the protection of the SK, consolidating their falling power around the bases of their chief gods.

Hoping the best, praying their gods would take steps against these invaders, and directly intervene — eradicating them from the holy ground of Falmart. All for naught, as they were unable to make such steps.

For the worshippers, it seemed, even their own gods dared not to step against the invaders. Rather than that, they sent their chosen messenger, Granham, to carry their invite.

For most, it looked like a cowardly step, painting the gods of this world in a bad light. This accelerated the falling of their worshippers even more.

Just now, gathering on the steps of the newly hallowed central temple, ten apostles gathered, standing here for a few hours. The passing people just stared at them for some time, wondering what ten of such highly esteemed individuals were doing here? What all the priests and high ranked religious figures were here for?

It was all a mystery, no one had notified them on what would happen. The only visible signs for the ordinary people was the increased traffic and the arrival of the high ranked church figures.

"Aren't that folk think too much about himself?" asked one of them, certainly frustrated she had to stand here for a few hours.

"Don't be so grouchy, Mabel. I've met Lord Ainz; he is certainly a person who wields the domain of death and magic. Offending him with your bluntness certainly won't not do. His servants can destroy you with just a gaze!" Granham scolded the youngest apostle. Indeed, remembering the harsh lesson Albedo offered to Giselle, she was still filled with dread.

"Hmph! Some outsiders you met only once, and you are already calling them gods. You certainly feel low, sister."

"If you were there, you wouldn't say such things, Mabel Forn." Granham wanted to look sharp, yet, her form still trembled. No way she wanted to offend people who can put her down for good despite her demi-god status.

"Hmph!" the carrier of the Blood Sword Diva just frowned on the accusation, turning her head away.

One more hour passed, and seemingly, the apostles, priests, and paladins behind them moved not. Yet, suddenly, something changed! The sky! The very world seemed to move differently.

It was like, the sun blotted out by an eclipse, darkness descended to the world. Reality bent and fractured as something unnatural closed on the city.

'Crack!'

Cracks appeared on the sky; the ground trembled, something menacing was to approach!

"Wha-What is this!?"

"Is this the apocalypse? Is this the end of the world?"

The citizens questioned. All scared, knowing not just what happened — praying to their chief deities.

The fighters and apostles prepared around the temple. Chaos ensured everywhere they gazed.

"Granham?! Do you know anything about this?"

"This is new! I have no idea what it is!" the apostle of Flare answered, almost panicking. Albeit, she had a glimpse of what, or rather who had caused all of this disorder.

"Niahhhhh!" a set of terrifying neighs washed over the city, and what descended was certainly above their expectations.

A floating chariot of unknown, divine design, towed by armored creatures emitting primordial, godly power.

"Wha-what is this!?"

"It is him!" Granham, right away, suspected who would make such entrance. "Quickly! Posture yourself!"

"Are you out of your mind!?"

"Do as I say!"

Mabel Forn could only frown. She, bowing before an unknown figure? The apostle of Zufmuut would rather die than do that.

"Niahhhhh!" the chariot gently landed; it was majestic, radiating divine presence. Each cubic centimetre of the car made from exquisite material befit to the ones inhabiting it.

The six armored horses looked fierce, radiating godly, primordial powers. Even the apostles nearby shuddered to be near them. Moreover, some felt them threatening, raising their weapons.

"Granham, just what the hell you brought here?" the whole town was in a panic, thinking the terrifying demon god was on to descend.

The ones awaiting before the central temple though moved not; they were all afraid. Even a glance from those terrifying beasts filled them with some ancient fear originating from the creation of the world, not speaking the hooded, armored figure holding the reins.

That creature, whatever it was, reeked from death! Completely unnatural, even its presence twisted the very world around itself. It was like the god of death directly stared down on them.

Mere ants that were the welcoming party before the lights in its sockets, the apostles representing good-aligned deities felt nauseous and immediately collapsed, feeling its immense presence. Darkness and pure evil radiated from that thing!

The two small chain scythes and the twisted sword it carried on its back gave away pure malice and unlife. Even its presence stained everything good and bright.

It was a fleshless skull that sat under its hood, surrounded by purple flames, nothing else.

For a moment, the "Reaper" measured the present apostles and their gathered welcome party, the two red lights intensifying in its empty sockets. And it was like the assembled parties heard a cracking sound, almost like two bones rattling against each other. Almost like someone was laughing, mocking their fear quietly.

"…" all happened under a moment, the monster measured them tip to toe.

Then, finishing with its mocking gaze stepped near the door, and opened it, and with but a motion, the godly being did the unthinkable and fell on all four, offering himself as a simple step.

First, a beautiful woman in white stepped out from the Grimm darkness of the chariot. Following her, another beauty stepped out, wearing what others might think a clerical garb, a nun custom.

Third stepped out, a towering being, almost like a hybrid between an ant and a mantis, towering over two meters, standing on two legs, carrying a halberd and a nodachi in his four hands. Both weapons were mastercrafted, divinity just oozing from them.

And lastly, the blood froze in everyone's vein as the last person emerged from the darkness.

Wearing an academical robe, a black halo was present behind his head, his skull fleshless with a sharp chin. He also carrief a strange golden staff, crowned with jewels of divine origin.

The being scanned the gathered people with the red orbs that inhabited its orbit, staying silent for long moments.

"Fufufufufufu…" Ainz chuckled, almost like finding the expression of the gathered amusing.

"His Majesty, the Supreme Being Ainz Ooal Gown, and his escorts have arrived. Prostrate yourselves!" the chariot driver Reaper stood up, and a dark, echoing voice — befit to his appearance — left its throat.

For long moments, the apostles glanced at each other, waiting the first one to step, and just like that, the dark creature raised his arm.

"So be it!" Granham moved too late, the dark aura around the being intensified, and right away, everyone around fell on their knees, a humongous presence descended on the whole town. Everyone gasped for air, not only the simple people, but even the apostles couldn't bear it. It was like death itself placed their hands on their shoulders, ordering them to kneel.

"St-Stop! Please!" Granham muttered, grabbing her throat in agony.

"It is enough, Thanatos. I think they learned their lesson."

"As you wish, Supreme One."

Lowering its arm, the dark aura disappeared, and the people around could breathe once more.

"Please, forgive my herald. He tends to be rash sometimes."

"Ye-Yeah, we recognized that Your Majesty, please, forgive our disrespect."

"Hmm, don't think about it." Ainz waved away the case like it would be nothing.

"We are here to meet your chief deities, after all, not for pleasantries."

"Ye-Yes." Granham gulped, experiencing first hand how much might this being could exert. No way she wanted to rise his ire.

"Please, lead on."

Wordlessly, the apostle of Flare nodded, leading Ainz and his aides, the apostles following close behind them.

It took a few minutes, but soon, they reached a long hallway.

"Hmm, you built this quite hastily, am I right? Scanning this area a few months back, this building wasn't standing here."

"Yes, Your Majesty. Our chief deities decided to make a pact, stand together against the invaders — please forgive me for saying this, but your arrival in this world was not well received."

Ainz nodded, urging Granham to continue.

"Also, they considered the place of their alliance a fitting place to receive you."

"Hmm, I see. As for the intruder part, don't worry about it. I as well dislike when someone intrudes on my territory. But it cannot be helped, invasion answered with invasion. One cannot ignore the threats lurking in his backyard. Nor can they receive threats unanserved. It is only natural to take such a course of action. It is expected they've acted in such a way."

"Yo-You know!?" Granham stopped, watching the man wide-eyed. No! That was impossible! The gods may have nade measurements, but never announced openly their alliance! He shouldn't have known about this before she said so!

"Of course, I divined their course of action. I have seen it a few times already. Also, sending one apostle despite each chief deity having at least one was quite a sign of their alliance. Considering there are ones with domains contradicting each other, it was not that hard to figure out."

"Ri-Right…" Granham was somewhat insecure, better said, shaking, completely pale.

Be or not be a god, Ainz spoke too casually about invading whole worlds and pushing the gods who reside there for measurements like allying with each other. Moreover, predicting all of this was beyond her comprehension! "He" was indeed a monster!

"Almost like he has done it before. Worse, it is almost like he considers our world his backyard! Predicting our gods' every move!" Almost like a summer residence each year someone visited it if not used, taking care of the weeds and the cleaning. It was a terrifying concept!

"Thi-This way!"

…

Continuing their way, soon, they arrived in a grand hall.

"Ah, we have arrived!" Granham was somewhat relieved.

This Ainz figure was polite, but she didn't want to spend more time in his presence than it was necessary. She had goosebumps from him, like something was always staring her back. A cold hand was grabbing and squeezing her heart. If she made a wrong move, it'd simply burst!

Just now, the group entered a sizable hall, decorated with eleven symbols and flags.

In the middle, a round table. The room was inhabited by priests and priestess, prostrating themselves ceaseless behind each seat.

Only one figure sitting, a plant-like little humanoid constructed from wood and different plants, glancing at Ainz and the group, waving nonchalantly. Ainz just nodded, returning the gesture.

"Most likely, Wareharun. According to the reports, she is a demi-goddess, but also many consider her a full-fledged goddess. Ruling over the trees and forests." he recalled the detailed reports his subordinates wrote about this world, its religion, and the gods inhabiting it, writing a considerable amount about this little sprite. He should have expected this.

"I should have brought Nephiroth. She knows how to connect with these forest things." remembering the little dryad who was born from his friend's blood and became the god queen of fairies, nymphs, and the vast forest; he had considered bringing her along.

Yet, when it came to making a choice, he'd rather bring Cocytus — thanks to the comment his friend made in the last moment:

"If you go there like that, they will think you as the god of harems instead of the deity of death and magic. You don't want that, do you? Papa bones?"

Even the sultry, suggesting way she said this was embarrassing.

"Damn you, Esdeath!"

But considering things, he could have also brought Mare along. Being a druid, he as well qualified for the job.

"Except, he is busy now keeping order around the world." he couldn't bring every vassal of his through that [Gate] thing, else, no one capable would remain to keep an eye on Nazarick and his kingdom.

"Please, wait a moment, our masters will descend." Ainz nodded, accepting Granham's explanation. Slowly, the apostles lined behind their respective deities' seats.

"Now, this is interesting."

Honestly, what came next was an exciting scene.

Ten ethereal beings appeared, descending from the walls — males and females, constructed from divine astral energy.

Looking around, they inspected the servants on the ground; a few had chosen right away, possessing the individual of their choice, then took a seat. Others, pondered on the decision hard before making it.

In a few cases, the ones possessed started to hyperventilate and convolute, even scream, before their body began to bleed and break apart on a cellular level. From their eyes, skin — even butthole — blood sprouted before dying a gruesome death — some also exploded in a gory mess.

Some of the gathered "sacrifices" couldn't bear the transfer, and simply died from the strain coming with getting possessed by a god.

In such cases, the astral entities left the dead body, sighed, then tried another body — the servants around cleaning the remains rapidly.

This went on until eleven people sat around the table, only waiting for Ainz to take a seat.

After possession, the body of the owner slightly reshaped itself, taking resemblance of the astral deity who possessed them.

"Interesting, purely astral lifeforms. Most likely unable to take corporeal form once more after they've ascended. Still, to throw away their own servants so recklessly?" Ainz was surprised they did so… so intently. According to the reports, the number of their worshippers was rapidly declining, to throw away resources so recklessly was just pure waste.

"How primitive!"

"Truly. Dishonourable. A. Waste."

"S-So gruesome!" the servants that had come with him one after the other told their opinion; they all seemed slightly disgusted by this method. Albeit, it was surprising that even Albedo agreed with the others.

"Considering her massively negative Karma, and lack of care towards humans. It is indeed, surprising."

"Hmm, much better." the one taking the seat facing directly Ainz stood up, adjusting his clothes. "Please forgive this gruesome display, Lord Ainz, and the committee that has come with him. As you see, this is the only way for us to take corporeal form and communicate with the ones in this realm properly."

"Hmm, I see." Although all of this bloodshed could have been avoided if they simply met in their divine realm and negotiated face to face, Ainz suspected why they hadn't done so.

"Who would let others in their home? Especially if they can prove to be a threat to them?" under his existence as an Overlord, he had met divine beings.

Usually, such astral lifeforms that called themselves gods resided in their own demi-plane — heavenly realm — connected to the corporeal world closely.

There, the souls of their petitioners gathered after death. This was also a place where the energy of worship fueled them, flowed through and refined, feeding them regularly. It was evident they'd allow no outside force that place, or even near it.

"In the case of most planetary governor type deities, the only thing fueling them was this power of worship filtered and regulated by their divine realm. If it gets destroyed or badly damaged, they will simply disappear, or fall back to a mortal state."

In that case, they couldn't let anyone enter or even get near it, or they could easily lose their influence and power. Even degrade back to be a demi-god or a simple mortal — a state usually they could never ascend from anymore.

"Even if Demiurge has already precisely located their astral coordinates. Let them just think we don't know about it." he mused on this, waiting for the man to invite him deeper.

"I am Flare, Lord of Sun. I am the head of this conclave of gods you see before you. You and your fellow deities honour us with your presence."

"Hmm, indeed." Ainz stepped forward, his escort following him behind. "As you know, I am Ainz Ooal Gown. These are Albedo, Cocytus, and finally, Auriel. They are here representing the other members of my group."

"I see, please take a seat." Ainz took a seat, yet, the other three remained standing behind him.

"Aren't they gonna…?" one of the deities asked near Flare, looking around confused as Albedo and the rest didn't take a seat.

"Lord. Ainz. Is. The. Leader. Of. The. Supreme. Beings. We. Are. Simple. Servants. In. His. Presence. We. Sit. Not." Cocytus answered coldly, resting his halberd on the ground.

"Servants?" the Falmartian deities looked at each other surprised. "Surely, you are joking, Lord Cocytus? Right? Your presence implies you are gods too. Please, Lord Cocytus, don't make such a tasteless joke."

Indeed, all had felt the sheer might of the three behind Ainz. They were no less than divine beings than any one of them around. No one could deny that their very presence was suffocating, even the gods inhabiting mortal bodies felt that from this close.

"There is no reason for Lord Ainz to lie to the likes of you," Albedo announced completely cold. The gods around felt they were spat on the face.

"What did you just say!?"

"Hmm, Albedo. Don't you think that was a little rude?" Ainz glanced at his right hand.

"My apologies, Lord Ainz. But the truth cannot be denied. These inferiors messed up the floor just before you. A feeble display in the first meeting." Cocytus and Auriel also nodded in agreement. It seemed, they as well were unnerved by the disrespect these deities showed before Ainz.

"Hmm, I see, maybe you are right. But maybe it was my fault. I should have provided them strong enough dummy bodies to possess. Nonetheless, we are the guests here. Please show some restraint despite your displeasure. We don't want to make a poor first impression."

"You are right, Lord Ainz, please forgive my rudeness." Albedo bowed towards the gathered gods.

"Apology accepted, Lady Albedo. Indeed, our way to possess bodies is not perfect. Please forgive our poor display."

"Oi! Can't we start? I am bored here!" not far from Flare, a rough voice came.

"Emroy, please, get a hold on yourself!"

"Tch! Who cares! Instead, tell us, bone face, where is that goddess who first came through your gate? I wanted to meet her too! Soo much chaos she emitted! It was orgasmic! I want to experience it again!" the priest inhabited by the god of war, chaos, death — and many more things — almost drooled, anticipating the meeting with these new gods.

"…" Albedo and Cocytus glared at the being; their hate couldn't be more profound.

"Erm… mother couldn't come, unfortunately." spoke up Auriel timidly, looking around uneasily.

"Mother?" the deities blinked, looking at each other.

"Yes, well, she is her mother in a sense. Auriel was made by my friend, who is currently absent due to her… hmm, how should I say? Other duties. Yes, that's right. Auriel is here in her stead."

"So you say… she created her?!"

"Well, not only her."

"We are the creations of the Supreme Beings."

"Handcrafted. To. Serve. Their. Needs. And. To. Guard. Their. Domain." after Albedo, Cocytus answered proudly, pushing his chest forward in pride.

"S-So, you say…" Duncan, the god of Blacksmiths, shuttered, slowly getting up and inspecting the three behind Ainz.

Then, when he spotted the weapons of Cocytus!

"Am-Amazing! Even their weapons are above anything else I ever saw!" he sniffed Cocytus' god slaying blade, touched the halberd. The dwarf woman Duncan possessed offered a downright orgasmic expression.

"This blade! A divine weapon!? No! It is better made anything I ever forged!" the "man" almost drooled. "Can I take a look?! Please! Just a little peek. I'll give anything to inspect such masterful craftsmanship! Please!" Duncan even bowed deeply; it seemed "he" really wanted to get a look at those weapons.

"I. Was. Made. By. Warrior Takemikazuchi-sama. My. Weapons. Are. Also. His. Work. If. You. Want. To Inspect. My. Weapons. You. Need. A. Permission. From. Ainz-sama."

Duncan looked at Ainz, pleading, trying to look cute. Yet, "she" failed miserably, that dwarf lady despite the godly reshaping was not the cutest amongst the priests.

"Well…"

"Duncan! Get a hold of yourself!" Zufmuut scolded his fellow god. "We are here to discuss how to proceed. Not to satisfy your childish hobbies. It is bad enough we have to deal with such vile beings."

"Spoilsport! Don't you understand their artistic value!?" Duncan snarled, turning back to Cocytus. "I think I am in love!"

"Get a hold of yourself! Creepy Old man! You really want to side with the invaders!? Be on the same page like those vile evil beings!?"

"Vile evil beings…?" Albedo squinted her eyes dangerously, watching the exchange with disapproval.

"Bu-But those weapons… Guhhhh! You just don't understand the art of metal and might! Have you ever felt passionate about anything!? And who do you call creepy old man!?" Zufmuut and Duncan basically glared at each other, their eyes fighting over dominance.

"Ummm…" Ainz was honestly confused about their behaviour; they acted like children.

"Hmm, I am sure we can arrange some inspection hour for you, Lord Duncan." Ainz interrupted the mental fight, making Duncan's eyes lit up in joy. Like happy children, "she" even jumped up and down.

"Yeah! Oh! Thank you! Thank you!" the man was right away near Ainz, shaking his hand happy and tearful. "I feel, this is the start of a beautiful friendship." the old man in a woman's body eyed hungrily and drooling Cocytus, giving the insectoid a hard time.

"Ainz-sama…" even Cocytus felt slightly afraid seeing her like that. "I. Feel. Uncomfortable."

"We have many such items in our collection. In exchange for fair trade, we can show them to you, even make a trade if you wish. Of course, everything equivalent to exchange."

"Of course!" the god of smiths grinned, offering a toothy thumbs up. "Exactly what I thought."

"As for you… Lord…?"

"Zufmuut! God of Light and Order!" stated the other god huffish, basically glaring a hole on Ainz's head. "Don't waste my time, my patience is running thin. Even tolerating a vile being like you is pushing ourselves to our limit!"

"Well then, Lord Zufmuut. You can always leave if you don't like our presence or our alignment. I presume, no one forced you to be here."

Glancing at Flare, he sighed, shaking his head.

"We came here for your request. Your group invited us. But well, if our presence is not liked, we can always leave. Continue our advancement and leave you on your devices."

"Please don't!" Duncan shouted, scared, almost desperate to keep their new guests here.

"But let me warn you." the fires in Ainz's eyes ignited once again as he leaned forward, his tone was ice cold all along. This made him even more menacing in the eyes of every present god, apostle, and simple person.

"Any harm aimed against my citizens, the ones under my protection, or my vassals, direct or indirect, is a personal offence against me and my kingdom. Remember that well. If any of you are threatening even an ant under my protection, my minions will raze to the ground your shrines, and feed on the souls of your worshippers. That's my statement. I would like to see how you will manage without any worshippers." Ainz leaned back, waiting for the proper answer.

"Yo-You madman!" Zufmuut was somewhat taken aback, his tone shaking, filled with both rage and fear. Considering the power he displayed under the apocalyptic incident in the capital, and his army of monsters, this Ainz fellow might very well could display such feat. "You wouldn't dare!"

"Wouldn't I? Lord Zufmuut?" Ainz remained silent for a moment, increasing the pressure. "You will not be the first divine being to be subdued. And certainly will not be the last if you continue to test our patience. I warn you one last time. If you rise against us, that will be your last act. The ones allying with me, are usually prospering. But my enemies do not live long. Remember that."

Ainz's words filled everyone with a cold feeling of dread. He didn't look like a person who would be bluffing. Unfortunately, they couldn't say for sure if he lied or not, his poker face was too good. Yet, deep inside he pleaded for his bluff to work.

"Please, work!" he mentally already strained.

Watching the three behind him earned no confirmation, Albedo and Cocytus offered a completely emotionless face. Auriel played with her finger unsteady.

"Umm, I think mother as well would agree with Lord Ainz. She doesn't really like those who threaten our friends. Yes, she especially dislikes them."

It was confirmed, they were willing to kill everyone not standing with them. Or, rather saying, who would rise against them?

"Lord Ainz, we…" before Flare could continue, Ainz raised his skeletal hand.

"Hmm, but let's leave behind this little battle of words. Shall we? After all, we came here in hopes we can make an agreement, not to forge enmity. Let's start again with a clean slate. I wish to restore the peace in my kingdom. Starting another meaningless war is not my intention. Not if I can help it. To prove my good intentions, I even brought gifts." Ainz nodded towards Thanatos, who walked around, pulling out different items from his inventory, placing them before the present deities.

"Please accept them. Considering the domains you represent, I think, the gifts we handpicked for you are fitting."

Each god received a present befit to their realm. Duncan a set of weapons and armor. Flare a miniature sun in a box, Wareharun, a plant creature Mare himself raised. Lunaryur a legendary instrument. La and Elangle tomes of lost knowledge and magic. Etc. Every one of them inspected their gift intrigued.

"Hmm, not bad. So! When can I try this beauty?" Emroy grinned, inspecting his Warhammer, which was equipped with chaos and darkness enchantment, emitting the aura of insanity.

"Hmm, I am sure you will find a way, Lord Emroy. They were all made to be able to function and exist in the astral realm so that you can take it with yourself." Ainz added, earning a hasty nod.

"Good!" the man grinned. "I wonder what my little Rory will say about it! Oh! I can't wait to see her face!"

Every other person around simply disregarded Emroy's perverted expression. It could not be helped; he was the god of war, insanity, darkness, and many similar things. It was in his nature to act as such.

"Well then, in that case. Let us also exchange our gifts." snapping his finger, Granham and a few more apostles also brought forward several gifts, and after bowing, handing them over to Ainz.

"These are artifacts from our personal collection. Hopefully, you will find some use for them."

"Hmm, thank you." Ainz nodded, first inspecting a golden scroll, handing the gifts over to Thanatos to store.

"In that case, we can finally start this discussion."

"Right."

"First thing first, we would like to apologize and state, opening the gate to your world was not our doing. But our fellow god, Hardy."

"That, we already knew." Ainz nodded cold. This much he had already concluded; however, according to Giselle, only the gate of Arnus was opened by her, the other was a mystery. "Better not to mention it yet."

"You knew?" Flare blinked, surprised.

"Indeed, both Apostle Graham and Giselle told us about it."

Flare sighed, remembering the report of his right hand. "Yes, we heard the report from Granham." Behind him, Granham stood, gulping nervously. "She told us quite incredible things about your kingdom. Such as a flying castle, god-like beings ordered around by you like mere toys. Incredible things. Too incredible for even gods to believe, almost like her memories had been manipulated."

"I assure you, such thing did not happened."

"We also found no trace of mind modification." two people spoke at once, a male and a female, only raising their head once from the received tomes, then once again returning to their new reading material.

"Hmm, I see. If Ra and Elangle state it, it must be true. Having such kingdom then…" Flare looked up at Ainz. "You truly are something, Lord Ainz."

"Well, thank you, we take pride in our nation, and what our people have accomplished — but returning to the topic. What do you intend to do with the goddess named Hardy? She belongs to your pantheon, no? I hope you intend to make an example of her, or I will be forced to do so. In truth, it would be best if you hand her over willingly, so we can make a judgment over her."

"We have already disowned her. Since the accident, we don't even answer her calls or communication attempts. Even now, her priests and worshippers have been banned from this city."

"I see…"

"As for handing her over. I am sorry, but that's impossible. Even if we would be willing to do that. She is a goddess that belongs to our pantheon. One of our oldest core members. Even if we could force her to come along, it'd require a great sacrifice. She is the goddess of the underworld; not only her followers would start to rebel and act unpredictably once she disappears, but she also regulates the flow of souls in the realm of mortals. Unfortunately, her role is crucial in the workings of this world."

"Well, that's unfortunate."

"Without her, the restless souls will once again walk on the world. Calling back to life the deceased, and when that happens, creatures such as yourself will appear. Please forgive me for saying this. But in our world, the undead infestation is not well received."

"How dare you!" Albedo stepped forward, her heart filled with anger. "Ainz-sama is more than a mere undead! Know your place primitive astral being!"

"Ugh!" Flare and the rest felt Albedo's demonic presence lashing out, making them pressure. Some of their human bodies even started to cough blood and crumble.

"Albedo, that's enough. Auriel, please, heal them."

"R-Right! [Seraphs' Prayer]!" as Auriel clasped her hands in prayer, the room was filled with holy light, healing everyone in the place, invigorating them, and also elongating their life considerably. Typically, this ability would instantly destroy mid-ranked undead, and even damage higher ranked ones. But Ainz had already left behind the realm where such conventional spells could harm him, also casting protection buffs to Thanatos to be resistant, so it was no problem.

"Wha-What was this!?"

"Such power!"

"She is really a goddess!"

Every god's eyes widened, making poor arch seraph blush confused.

"Umm, Ainz-sama. I don't like the way they look at me."

"Don't worry about them, Auriel. You did well." Ainz patted her head; this immediately earned a silent blush, also, a jealous glare from Albedo.

"Kyuuu!"

"Ainz-sama! I am so jealous! Mee too!" Albedo and Cocytus also lined up. To be clear, the Falmartian gods around were absolutely confused seeing god-like beings lined up for head pats like this.

"This is serious?"

"I think so…"

After finishing with the small patting session, Ainz returned his attention to the gods.

"Please forgive them. Sometimes they tend to be emotional. It cannot be helped, they are the children of my friends."

"What a display…!" Zufmuut and Flare still inspected their hands flabbergasted, Ra and Elangle pondered just what happened, trying to analyze the situation silently.

"Unexpected…"

The light not only healed their falling mortar shells but increased their divine reserves. It was unthinkable.

The amount they had earned until now was only possible through the increase of worshippers.

If they could manage to get that girl, it would be possible to expand their divine reserves continuously; in a point, they could finally reach a higher level! A thing they struggled to maintain — even gave up a long time ago!

"What a disgusting light," Emroy muttered sourly. "Nonetheless!" he smirked. "I've never felt so lively! Eh! Bone face! You and your people are not so bad after all! Hahahahahahahahahaha!"

"I am glad we can be of service. Well then, continuing the line we cut. I know well undead are not well-liked amongst the living. But I can say the same about the unliving. They also dislike living. It cannot be helped; this is in their nature. The two sides usually like not each other."

"In your nature too?" Deldort, the god of covenants, raised her brow, all gods glancing at her.

"What? From his appearance, he as well seems to be an undead being."

"Deldort! You can't just call a god a simple undead being. Apologize in an instant!"

"It is not necessary." Ainz waved away, even the chance.

"But…"

"It is true; I am undead."

Everyone around paled, watching Ainz in horror. They only suspected this; now, it was confirmed.

"But... that godly presence!" Palapon gasped, watching Ainz strangely. It was like the endless abyss stood before them. Death and magic incarnate!

"I never stated I am a god, just an immensely strong undead magic caster. People think I am one despite clearly stating otherwise; it's up to their misconception."

"It is weird; I'm still wearing a ring that hides most of my power. Yet, they still think I am a god? They must be really weak thinking as such." or, he was too strong, that was also an option.

"Then that religion of the forty-one?"

"Our people set it up after we took control of that world two hundred years ago. Well, we said to them we are not gods and asked them not to do so. But, well… You know how people work. They tend to exaggerate things they don't understand or are way above their head."

"Then, if you are a simple undead, that means…" Lunaryur already pitied the people living under the "tyrannical" rule of Ainz, looking slightly sad.

"I don't dislike the living if you are referring to that."

"Still, that undead of yours. Undead are the bane of living beings, you can't suggest they can live with the living in peace." it was proven in Falmart.

When the gods neglected their work — referring mostly to Hardy — undead tended to appear, keeping the living in terror. In such cases, heroes of legendary tales usually appeared, taking care of the bane of life. Alternatively, the gods sent their heralds to get rid of the nuisance and restore the order.

"Ohh! But that's the actual truth in my kingdom. Humanoids, demi-human, even heteromorph beings can live in peace. This also consists of the living and unliving citizens of mine. My undead are absolutely under my control, only attacking if threatened or receiving my order."

"This must be a joke, right?" Emroy asked sceptically.

"I assure you, Lord Emroy, this is the actual truth. Also, my friend is quite fond of the living; if I would hurt them without reason, she would certainly give me a stink eye. She likes the food and drinks they produce. Killing them would take away this small piece of joy she finds in life."

"I-I am sure; if you have the right reason, mother would forgive you, Ainz-sama." Auriel shuttered, remembering a few times when Ainz did destroy the living. Of course, a lot fewer times than he would do so without Esdeath around, but nonetheless did so when the need called for it.

"Naturally."

"Haaa!" All the gods offered different expressions. They didn't want to believe what Ainz said. But what they had seen in Granham's memories, and what the people had experienced in the territory attached to his protectorate, implied otherwise.

Their spies clearly stated those undead monstrosities didn't hurt simple people, only protecting them from bandits and harmful elements. Moreover, helping with their everyday life.

For example, those monstrous, hulking undead carrying tower shields — death knights — were often seen on the fields helping with the heavy physical labour, serving as a tireless workforce.

The magic of those robed skeletons helps with everyday life. Monsters were walking around to help people. Dragons were serving as simple parcel service. Things their spies and their divine sight had seen all seemed too absurd to be true. Yet, they had all witnessed it first-hand; it could not be denied.

"Their world is just WEIRD!" Indeed, for the deities of this world, the concept of monsters, demi-humans, humanoids — moreover! — Living and undead working together was absurd. Even the idea of humans treating demi-humans as equals was unheard of in most nations.

"Tell us then, Lord Ainz. What did you plan with this world? What's your intentions?" Flare sweated, trying hard to find the reason behind Ainz's direction, yet, failed to understand his means and goals. From their perception, what Ainz was trying to do with their people was simply absurd.

Spreading knowledge? Helping people out with almost nothing in return? What did he think?! He would ruin the world if he did that! If people gained too much knowledge, they would not need gods! Worse, they would possibly destroy themselves without the careful guidance of their deities!

Just what was this undead being planning?!

It all made no sense.

"Hmm, I fear, I fail to understand the question. Please, can you elaborate?"

"Fine." Flare sighed, folding his fingers before his mouth. "According to the reports, what you and your people do is the spreading of knowledge — bettering the lives of people whenever you take over a city, village, or any area. Your soldiers start to establish administrative institutes, not speaking to offer free education to the people. Making their lives easier without enforcing any worship or faith."

"I don't see any problem with that."

"Then let me specify more. What happens if people get too knowledgeable?"

"Are you referring that people gaining knowledge endanger your power, and the number of worshippers?"

"That's a way to put it. You see, since you appeared and took over most of the empire, under a short time, the number of worshippers started to fall. Endangering the stability of this world and the flow of the souls."

"I don't see how that's my problem." Ainz's statement was clear as the day; he didn't really care about who worshipped whom as long as they behaved according to his kingdom's laws and actually not caused harm to his citizens.

"Then let me specify it more." Flare leaned forward, standing up. "If you give them too much knowledge. If you make their life too easy, they will turn on you; they will go on a stray path, they will not need you! And when they look up to the sky with want instead of fear and worship, then they will try to find a means to take your power and destroy you! That's how they work! It is in their very nature to rebel and take! We've experienced it a few times already. I'll ask you again, don't feed them with knowledge, or another Babel incident will come!"

"Hmm, I see your point."

"Finally!" Flare sat down, grinning. "In that case, you can start with…"

"But I digress. The problem is with your system, your management. Your method to incite fear and regression, instead of shepherding their hope and progress. It is quite an outdated and inefficient concept. Harvesting mental energies of your… "organic batteries". you'll allow me to say this. This system of yours is only meant to provide divine power for the short term; it is simply counter-productive in the long term. In only a few worlds we've encountered it, only the most primitive ones are using it nowadays."

"WHAT!?" all gods watched Ainz wide-eyed, who folded his fingers before his face, completely neutral to what the gods would think of him.

"Albedo, explain it to them."

"Gladly!" Albedo stepped forward, graciously starting her explanation.

"Our people, Ainz-sama's subjects graciously gained the chance to live under my master's absolute rule. A utopist nation planned to span and flower over more than ten thousand years undisturbed..."

"Well, that's a major exaggeration Demiurge came up with…" Ainz thought uneasy, remembering what Demiurge told him once.

"They provide us with the means to grow and prosper. Ainz-sama is allowing anyone under his law to live, spread, and learn, taking those under his wings who show promise and offer their faithful service willingly. He needs not the use of primitive, violent methods to reduce their numbers, or forcing dependency on them like favour inducted worship, because they are nowhere near to be considered a threat. Ainz-sama needs not "organic batteries" to thrive. In the realm of Ainz-sama, service is its own reward, and they believe it as such without anyone ordering, or threatening them with natural disasters, or early death."

"H-How, is that possible!?"

"Impossible! Carelessly spreading knowledge is…!"

"How dare you!?" the room was filled with loud shouts, with the exception of few, all gods considered this idea outrageous, allowing people to learn and grow uncontrolled? Absurd! It was too dangerous to be acknowledged!

"He raised them from the dust, saved them from famine and tyrannical rulers. One immortal king rules over all of them, allowing them to learn and grow. Yet, technology and knowledge is still distributed by us, controlled by us. Their advancement is just as fast as we allow it, as much as they can handle. All information runs through our fingers; the Supreme Beings profit from it. They grow as people grow! Feeding their power endlessly. And in the case any threat arises…" Albedo remained silent for a moment, a murderous expression moving on her face in the next. "The servants will take care of it!"

A deadly silence fell on the room, freezing the blood of servants and gods in an instant.

"That's…" Flare bit his lip. "A lot to take, please forgive us. If you would allow us, we would like to hold a small break, discuss the things we heard."

"Naturally…" Ainz accepted the proposal.

"Granham, please escort Lord Ainz and his entourage to the guest room we've prepared."

"Ye-Yes! Right!" the elf was stiff, but obliged, leading Ainz and the rest away.

Meanwhile, outside, two mysterious figures floated, spreading their demonic wings, watching the people down below.

Many still tried to regain their bearing, fearing the wrath of the gods could descend on them at any moment.

Little did they know, something much worse watched them.

"Hmm, are you ready, my dear daughter? Prepared to show the Supreme Beings how much you've progressed?" the masked demon Emperor asked mysteriously, eagerly waiting to see his daughter's progress.

"Ye-Yes! I will not disappoint them!"

"Good!" the man under the mask grinned proudly.

"Use this…" handing her a sizable scroll, she gasped.

"R-Really!? I can use it!?"

"Of course! Now then! Wreak havoc! Let the plan conclude! Make me proud!" Jaldabaoth chuckled sinistrous, folding his long arms behind his back.

"Yes!"

Thus, the demon daughter opened the scroll, pushing everything in despair.

What's their plan? How will the gods react? What will Ainz do? You will know it from the next chapter!

A/N:

Well, that's for now.

I know! I know! It's been a while. And stopping just before the real action? You may say: "Fuck you!" or "Damn you!" or similar nice things! :P

Well, the next chapter comes when it is ready. (so, better prepare to wait, again XD)

Prepare! In the next chapter, the demon Emperor and his daughter take things in their hands.

Does the evil master appear when everything seems to fall apart?

And of course, will Itami and the band finally reach Belnago?

How will Hardy react to the unsuspected visitor?

"Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"

"Oh! Just shut up!"

In the next chapter, the invasion of the evil starts!

Good day! Good night! Good morning! Stay safe! Sail safe! Until next time!

RnR!

Read and Review!