Authors note: I don't own overlord

This is the second to last chapter, as many may have noticed this is because I can't think of what I would possibly put in a 30th chapter without dragging out the story for no reason. This chapter and the last are also the hardest because I want to avoid fighting scenes, and this leaves me with one area of writing, which is the hardest for me. Please let me know if I am doing one of the characters feels OOC.

Chapter 28 When the final mask breaks

-Jester a few minutes after the fight-

She watched her champion and big brother collapse on to the ground as the back to normal elf Carnival was running away. She went over and plucked the two and a half-finished soul gems. Usually, it would take far more, but the dragon emperor's souls raw power had sped up her dreams. There was a high risk of the dragon lords winning the next battle or Nazarick and the dragon lords wiping each other out. She could use this fight to get the last few dragon lord corpses and save them with the world item once she knew it was safe. So close after 679 years of planning.

Glancing down at Aniki, unable to understand, he had the perfect opportunity to kill her and then Carnival keeping Nazarick safe. Turning to leave, stopping two steps away at the pain in her heart, remembering the betrayal of her sister. 'Stop it. He will turn on you like everyone else without a bigger threat.' Yet she couldn't make the pain stop nor the thoughts his actions didn't make sense. He should have turned on her; he couldn't ask for a better way to kill her. 'So why didn't he?'

Her hands shaking, contemplating breaking the deal, then she would be free to be alone again…turning back, she marched up, touching his head she had to know why. Finding the usual thoughts of betrayal or hidden plots for her missing, only trust, love, and a void nightmare jumping back.

Watching in shock as her champion's hair came alive, reaching out at her, his wings crumbling as his bone tail melted into amber slime. Seeing many eyes in the nearby shadows staring at her, annoyed.

"What a predictable reaction. Leave my brood alone until I am done before I eat you whole."

Jester shivered at the otherworldly voice in her mind, expanding her powers. She couldn't find the source. "Then tell me why he saved me. Even after plotting to kill me for so long, I don't understand!"

She heard it deep laughter at her question, annoyed and scared where this voice was coming from. "Ask him when I am done with my test. If he manages to keep his mind, I am sure he will prove amusing to watch further."

The maddening power was gone as quickly as it came making Jester's heart pulsed with green to calm her down. What was that? Gazing at her brother, he had reached that powers' attention, worried filled her kneeling down her hand, tracing the armor gold lines. 'This is a stupid plan way too risky. Why can't I bring myself to leave and watch the battle.' trust was not something she could rely on. Only controlled trust offers any real guarantee she wouldn't be left or hurt again. His last action replaying in her mind; no one had done that before in over 600 years. Not without being commanded to do so, why was he different? Then the only reason they were blood-related was a trick on her part.

'I trust you, Imōto!' Sighing as she created two void avatars, sending them out to gather the others as the portal opened, Ainz and Albedo walked out, ready for battle. She could pick up all the other floor guardians and Simmra nearby. Jester could feel the Despair Aura wash over her. As Ainz eyes stared into hers, cursing Carnival for destroying her mask without it, Ainz could see right through her lies or illusions.

"What happened to him, Admin'? If I don't like the answer, you will regret it."

Muketsu thought about running, but her big brother put so much trust in her. Making her gut twist painfully frown 'Fine, I will help but only for Aniki. But not without making changes.' there was no reason to kill all the dragon lords. She only needed two or three more to completely create the world-class item of Eodlolel.

"He tapped into the source of my power, awakening the mind of it. He will survive, I think…but we have six no five dragon lords left to fight four if we move the next fight away from the sea."

Ainz eyes flashed, glaring at her. "Why would I trust a word you say. He might allow you to have this power. I have no intention of letting you keep the new world item without proof. You won't use it against Nazarick or its allies. I will even become your second champion if you can prove it will be a benefit to Nazarick. Like I said before, you went through Kyuketsuki to get my gem shard."

Muketsu glared at the floor, thinking this was way too dangerous Ainz might try to kill her, and he could see through her fake reality for the next hour till they meet eyes again. "If I can't."

Ainz despair aura flared up, putting heavy pressure on her. Making her look at him, resisting the thick fear effects. Her administration defense kicked in, blocking the fear and madness effects.

"I will kill you here, and now if you revive, I will keep hunting you down till your dead for good regardless of Kyuketsuki's thoughts. He has already allowed someone so dangerous, far too much freedom. This is where it got him; I will not make that mistake."

"Aniki-sam was only defending me and took away Carnivals admin' authority and her immortality. She will live a few Centuries before old age and or sickness takes her."

"That only gives me more reason to kill you being the only high-level threat besides the dragon lords and players."

Jester was tempted to move to defend herself before Peroroncino and Shalltear came into the clearing with the other old friends close behind. "Hey, chill Momonga, she is Kyuketsuki sister, plus she promised me a date after this."

"You don't know the danger she possesses. If she gets two more dragon lord souls, she will have a WCI for this world. I don't want to risk what could happen if she does."

"Muketsu-san is no threat to us."

The other guild members were all lost watching containing their own unease about being here for now.

Muketsu bit her lip, seeing the fight coming, which they couldn't afford. Standing up and pulling peroroncino back. Holding out her hand, this was stupid and foolish. Still, Kyuketsuki had put trust in her, something no one had done since arriving here, not even her own sister. She knew making another deal about Nazarick would be dangerous as the backlash could stack, but it was the only way to prove it.

"Once I have Eodlolel's WCI, wild magic will slowly die out in a few years. Making dragon lords powerless without guild bases, tier magic, or players to help them. I can also locate and track any threat to Nazarick so long as it is within my range. Make me an official member of Nazarick, and I will protect it with Onii-san. If I become a threat to Nazarick, I promise not to fight back if you try to kill me for it."

Ainz stared deep into her eyes for several long minutes before relenting. Shaking the hand and sealing the magic deal. "Aright, you will tell me everything about these dragons as we move everyone and plan. I expect to see you help us fight like Simmra will. Later I want to know everything you know about all players in your range."

-Location Unknown-

He had been falling for so long in the star-filled darkness he lost track of how much time he had spent here. The only thing keeping him from disappearing with the rest of himself was the red light he clutched to his chest, Fearful of what would happen should he let go. The soundless void began to fill with whispers again as someone was calling a name. He didn't know if it was his own, mainly because he couldn't remember any of the nameless masks he had donned. He could only remember the precious memories he held close. The only thing keeping the madness of the void at bay and its silent whispers asking him to let go. It was maddening every time he thought he would hear it only to hear silence in the memories of Nazarick and this strange new world. The nameless darkness had taken it, leaving him with only the light of memories of some vampire without a name. He wasn't even sure if he was still a vampire; was he always one? He didn't know all he could do was have his pure silvery living hair and long slimy amber tail hug him close.

"Please ~~~~~, wake up its time to go back." He drifted closer to the dim light, still hugging the red-light ball of memories near. As it got closer, he could swear a thousand unseen eyes were watching him: his amber slime tail and living hair whipping out around him in defense.

"How interesting few have asked enough to fall into this place before. Even fewer had remained as intact as you. Even the dragon lords who claimed to be unstoppable, who dare try to steal my power could last only days while you have lasted an eternity. Though your requests are always so interesting to see."

He had many questions, unsure which to ask, seeing a group of tiny green lights he thought where stars at first. Hearing a familiar voice. "Only ask the right questions ~~~~~-sama; then you have to wake up the others are waiting for you."

"Jade, is that you?" He didn't get an answer as the tiny green lights drifted away into the sea of stars, somehow getting the feeling she was smiling softly.

"How is Jade here? She should be dead?" Trying not to sound bitter and slightly happy to hear that sweet voice again.

"This dream is a waypoint between many worlds. Spirits of the dead can pass through for a short time. It is why the dragon lords tried to use my domain's power to pull the world items to them. I found their greed boring, and the world items resisted, so I allowed the portal for players to be opened."

"Then why did you offer your power?"

The void of stars rippled, annoyed by the question. "I did not offer it. You and others found a way to draw upon it. I only took notice when you pulled enough to require my permission, and I obliged on a whim. After the snack and show, I decided to make you one of my brood as a gift. Now go before I decide to improve you further."

All at once, he was pushed out of the endless darkness gasping as he awakes. Covered in sweat in the dark room which he took a moment to realize. Taking a minute to find his arms to push himself off the soft bed sheets. His body was a little more sluggish to move than usual. Idly noting he had a heartbeat again, yawning and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. As he walked to his armor closet, opening it, he saw his royal armor and clothes. However, he was in his room in Nazarick, so he felt like wearing something, not for work.

Picking a Casual dark emerald hooded armor coat, dragon scale pants, and shoes. Realizing he had an extra set of arms and limbs. Taking a look in the mirror on the wall to see his 4.602 meter or 15 feet and ten inches tall body with black and silver mass of formless flesh with many slimy amber tentacles and six red eyes.

Sighing, willing his body to shrink down like usual, his hair stayed long raven and silvery tendrils moving to his thoughts. Which would take some getting used to along with one slimy amber tentacle for a tail. The rest of his body looked human if not for these razor-sharp inhuman teeth and black sclera and red eyes.

Not his best battle gear, but it was easy to repair and still some top tier gear. His hand brushed over where he usually kept his sabers and bat fangs…right, they were broken and gone. Mumbling in annoyance those would take some planning to remake.

Moving to the weapon closet, walking in to see the large selection of weapons. Picking a hand and a half sword with a deep blue blade and red cross handle. Then another normal looking arming sword with a pitch-black blade and gray cloth wrapped sheath.

Setting his eyes across the many sets of six side weapons, sadly, he couldn't pick out any that he could wield, even missing the dancing blade spell.

Letting out a long breath, one of his hair tentacles reaches out, making his stats screen appear. Quickly skimming it over, he would need to regain a multi-weapon class. His weakness and resistances were slightly different now. Great, he would actually need to eat and sleep again; for some reason, breathing was still optional and unnecessary.

Unsure what to think of his summons status, Kathrin timer 09:47 till she revived. He had missed the battle, wondering how it went coiling his hand to a fist. He only knew his martial arts and the seven spells of world corruption.

'It was a miracle I am not a level one with nothing. Still, doesn't this make me dead weight till I change my fighting style again? Now I have three classes to master and possibly remaster world corruption.'

The amount of work would take months or years of hard training. An altered version of his old build or a whole new build would be needed. How could he keep them safe being so weak hearing the air shimmer? Turning to meet Jester's red eyes filled with confusion, fear, and a maelstrom of other emotions.

"Why?"

"I don't know what you mean, Imouto. How did the battle go? I hope none of you were hurt?" he smiled weakly, trying to keep positive he might not know when he would be needed, but he had to hope for plenty of time to grow strong again.

"You know what I mean, I can read your thoughts. Remember, the last part was not on the plan! I know you have never fully trusted me, even thought about killing me. So why did you use that spell early and not wait till all the dragon lords arrived…. why did you save me? I could have turned on you. They could all be dead now?"

He grins, "You know I wasn't sure if it would work on that many living dragons? Or only half of them if they were all there."

"Stop avoiding the question you still planned to wait for Phase three! That was the best chance of killing all of them and both me and Carnival."

Even though he could not even remember his name right now and most things not in Nazarick or in the new world. He walked up to Jester, shaking as he ruffled her soft, cool hair. 'At least I can feel warmth and cold again. Not the numbed touch like before.'

"You already know the answer to that. You can read my thoughts, remember." He tapped his forehead.

"That doesn't make any sense!"

"What I can't want to protect and cherish my new Imouto."

"You have been looking for a way to kill or control me since we met—the same thing we both have been doing this whole time. The only reason you agreed was to keep me useful yet…

Quickly thinking about what was best to say, Seeing her in this frazzled state so out of character for her. Now seeing for the first time the very deep emotional scars Carnival had left on Jester. He didn't even know where to begin, only that it would take time. He could see she was struggling with something he had missed before now.

"You know I don't remember a lot of my past, only vague feelings of most of it at this point. Anything outside of Nazarick or the new world is lost to me. What I do know is the look in your eyes. I had it for a while after I lost Jade. Thought if I knew everything and controlled everything, I could keep myself from getting hurt again.

In my pain, I almost tried to kill my old friend without realizing; what was right in front of me despite all the clues. I know it's hard to trust again after everything Carnival and all the others did. I'm sure Momonga gave you a hard time as well."

He raised her chin to look into her eyes, being as open as he could. Seeing the silent uncertainty in Jester's eyes wanting to pull back and close off. He wouldn't repeat his mistake with his last younger sibling now that he was immortal.

"We are siblings after your naughty trick. You are just as much a part of my family as all of Nazarick. Yes, I was worried about my home and family at one time; I thought of what I would due should you betray me. You are part of that now, even if the others disagree, and I love you as much as them.'

Jester stared at him in disbelief opening her mouth, trying to find some argument against it. Before looking away, this wouldn't be quick or easy for either of them, but he wouldn't back down from his promise or his family.

"Now let's go watch Kathrin revive. I want to see what that looks like. Then you can fill me in, and I can get something to eat."

Jester took his hand, leading them to the main room where Avada and Clemvet were waiting.

"My lord, I am glad to see you are well, I feared…

Clem-chan smirked at the maid, avoiding touching the maid, settling on crossing her arms. "My master, would you like to see my work? I would have done more, but you were in danger, and I had to help Ainz in your place. Though someone wouldn't let me enjoy the fresh dragon meet." Sending a glare at Jester, who squirmed under the stare.

"Enough Clem-chan; you can order a plate of dragon stake or three before your next mission. Glad to see you both. We can talk about other matters after we greet Kathrin."

He would check on the others later, heading to the spare room, which was only a little dusty like always.

It only took a few minutes for a single portal like the star-filled night sky to slowly open. Out of it rose the magic core with the amulet embedded in it. The magical core shined with golden light draining some gold out of his inventory. Kathrin's metallic body took shape before landing naked on her feet. Quickly regrowing artificial skin.

Avada tossed Kathrin a spare maid outfit, dressing quickly before retrieving her spear and claws out of the weapon closet. Before running up and hugging him in a tight embrace.

"Did we win my love?"

He had to ask, not remembering his name was going to get annoying fast. "What is my name, my moonlight?"

"Kettor minx, why did Jester do something again?" Kathrin narrowed her eyes.

"No." He gave Kathrin a kiss scratching behind her ears before turning to Jester. "Can we see the world item, and how did the battle go."

Jester moving her cloak showing the red glow of a crystal heart in her chest. Acting much more like the regular act, she had up all the time. "Don't worry, we won. Only the Platinum Dragon got away back to the eight greed kings castle. The diamond dragon lord never showed up, and the sea dragon was unable to join; once, we moved the third part away from the sea. I am a greater deity now, and I can help in many more ways our agreement still stands."

"Speaking of, could I get some spells back up to my current level. What does my sister want in return?"

Jester's subtle movements showed she had trouble accepting the truth despite being able to read his mind and intentions. Before opening her arms for a hug. Kettor gave the biggest, warmest platonic hug he could. Mentally noting that he had 56 spells now instead of only seven. It was only up to sixth, but it was better than having to relearn them all.

Jester pulled back with worry looking scanning over his body. "Oh...I just noticed your stat growth and level growth are reconnected? Though so much is different, your data is …is this-

Kettor hushed her with a finger to her lips. "This is the price for protecting my family. I would do it all again, and none of that is your fault."

Jester glared at the floor. "If I could have killed Carnival none –

Kettor beamed slyly at Jester. His eyes told her that it wouldn't have mattered. "Let's not talk about that. We have so many better things to do, and I have to show my sister around Nazarick. and introduce my friends."

Muketsu rubbed the back of her head. "I kind of already met them while you were sleeping, and Peroroncino took me on a date around the tomb."

Kettor controlled the nauseous feeling building up before letting it out in a breath. 'Damn it, Peroroncino, you couldn't wait a day. It is fine, he is your friend, you can trust him.' Forcing a smile saving his aggression for training.

"Great, let's go meet them. Clemvet, did you get to the god kin and the living scriptures yet. Also, let me see the crowns of wisdom."

Clemvet beamed, handing over the jeweled gold threaded crowns. "I also killed off one other scripture that got in the way before I got called back."

Taking the Five crowns, he could experiment with these see if he could improve them with [blight rebirth] as a boon to Nazarick. He wasn't done, not till the Slane Theocracy was no longer a threat. Pulling out a scroll written in infernal with his instructions to demiurge for the fate of the god kin.

"Great work, I assume the remaining members of the black scripture are dead. Since you enjoyed it so much, talk with demiurge and give him this once you capture the god kin for a special breeding program with them. Then your mission will be complete for now."

Clem-chan was grinning, ready to take off before frowning. "What about your defense? You're too weak for me to leave without someone strong to protect my only master."

Kettor's hair slithered in the air, irritated. Before calming down, this was something he would have to get used to for a few years till he was back up to level 90, at least. 'Not that I plan on stopping at level 100. I am sure Momonga might have made some progress on that front.'

"Kathrin will be here, and I…. Gurr...I plan to avoid fighting until I am back to full." That hurt to say as his body and mind rejected the very idea of him backing down from danger. At least he was still a warrior at heart. Finally, Clemvet grinned before teleporting away.

He found Entoma waiting outside his door with Sebas. They both stared at him before Sebas contained himself. Asking if he was alright before telling him that lord Ainz wanted to see him.

Cursing he was still hungry, pulling out a [Ring of Sustenance] as he put the ring on, he growled, staring hatefully overcome by intense rage. 'No tricks, you must find or kill real food. Then rest So we may talk in your dream space again.' Watching as it dissolved off his hand. 'You could have just told me and not wasted a ring.' The nameless darkness wasn't listening already gone to Entoma, questioning clicks, and Sebas raised eyebrows.

Telling them, he would need food and a bath before he met Momonga. It would at least delay the coming speech about his personal safety. He couldn't help the smile on his face. His home was safe, and now he had time to see how they were all doing.

Talking while he walked down the halls in no real rush to get anywhere with the dragon lords were taken care of now. Jester, as the only Admin' with greater deity powers, could pick up everything, even players for miles around. Kathrin was no doubt having a message chat with Rita. Who Jester informed him was taking care of the people of Re-Ulovale with the other four knights. He decided to Enjoy the peaceful downtime for now and the company of the Nazarick family.

-After breakfast-

After another lovely meal with Sebas, Turae, and Ninya, he went to the bath closing the door to the changing room. Sinking into the warm water of the steamy hot spring. Slipping under the water as his mind relaxed, letting his long-living hair scrub off his body. This was different than before, so many things he missed out on being an undead. Now he had to think of how he would explain the change to the mass of his empire—possibly use the greater doppelganger to cover for him while he was recovering again.

The others, the maids and other children of Nazarick, didn't mind the change so much as how weak he was now. If he was honest, gazing up from below the water, it was freeing a little. At the same time, it annoyed him to no end all the work to get back up to max again. It also reminded him about what the nameless darkness showed him in the starry void it lived in.

The power it offered was tremendous and game-breaking. The cost of most of the chaos of information also made Kettor hesitate. Each new rank required more of him needing Eldridge classes to lessen the damage to himself and improve his control. Uncaring if he overspent or didn't have the stamina to cast it at the time only that the price was taken. The deeper he looked into the void, the deeper it looked back.

His musing halted as the surface of the water rippled, rising above the water to see Punitto; it had been so long since their last talk. He tried to think of how to break the ice but found himself unsure what to say.

Sitting there in silence for a few minutes before, finally, a voice different to the one he remembered spoke. "So why did you pick me to summon? You know I left the game? Do you know what it feels like to see yourself somewhere else while stuck in this body?"

At this sour mood, he found his throat dry, sinking back down till only his eyes were above the water. Wishing for the suppression of emotion, only the guilt didn't leave. He knew how they might react but summoned them any way he hoped those he picked would respond better than Touch Me. He already saw the way someone like the world champion would react badly.

Gathering his courage, he raised again enough to speak. "I wouldn't know my human body is dead. I only thought of our friendship and that you always said you would help if I called no matter what."

This was a second time trying to read the Death Vine. Well, the first one was fake, but still, it was somewhat tricky, but the mood seemed to brighten. How was his friend even talking he never really found out?

"I didn't mean literally summon me to another world. Tell me, what are we copies, our avatars with our human memories or some other crazy theory? Ainz didn't seem to know."

Kettor looked up at the star-covered ceiling. "I wouldn't know, and I don't want to go ask a cosmic horror in a star-filled void to find out."

"You have been hanging out with Tabula too long. Though I suppose it is not the craziest theory at this point."

After a little casual talk, He asked his friend what he wanted to do now that they were all stuck here. If he was going to find a way back or not. He was a little surprised by the answer.

"Well, since this is real life now, guess set up a spy network. not really looking to get on the front lines unless you guys or Nazarick is in trouble."

The watch Sebas gave him went off grinning as he silently messaged Kathrin and Entoma. Saying he would see his friend later before getting dressed in the changing room and using his guild ring to teleport close to Shalltear.

-Shalltear-

After the battle, Shalltear carried lord Kyuketsuki to his room. After this, none of the supreme beings had any orders for her. As they quickly reveal in front of all the guardians that despite being here with them. They, like her creator after just arriving, wanted to leave after the battle was over. As if confirming despite all the hard work and sacrifice that her husband had done to bring them back. They were done with Nazarick only forced back and not taken like Kathrin thought. While Kyuketsuki had brilliantly fulfilled her and many others of residents of Nazarick's dreams. The joy was replaced by the bittersweet knowledge that they had only stayed to help fight. They wanted to leave the moment it was over.

Even after leaving the event, which should have been glorious, some of the supreme beings had come back. They were upset to be here, angry even with Shalltear's husband. Her hands traced over the ring of Nazarick on her finger, the one lord Ainz gave her. Then the [mind flayer ring] lord Kyuketsuki gave her for protection in case she ran into more magic, which might affect her mind. The few hours of reflection made her think it might have been a mistake to try bringing them back. Even with her creator around, his energy wasn't the same. She could see the way his eyes shined ever so slightly, seeing that human body in the mirror of remote viewing.

It hurt to think lord Peroroncino might only be playing along to make her feel better. Leaving her mind to Kyuketsuki, the games over the gem throughout all of that. He gave her a choice to give lord Ainz the win and pick. Even giving Shalltear bragging rights over the overseer since Albedo lost unable to help Ainz win. Smiling fondly at the memory of being used as a shield as he apologized and rewarded her with a full day of pleasure every way she wanted to try out later on.

Her undead heart bloomed with such a bubbly rush, which she use too only get thinking of seeing her creator again or at pleasuring the supreme beings. It was so confusing and dissatisfying. Even after trying to take her frustration out on her toys, the answer didn't come to her. So Shalltear went to the one person who might know what to do to help her figure out what to do. Messaging lord Peroroncino and teleporting to his room door, seeing the maid quietly leave around the corner.

"Hay Shalltear, you sound unsure about something. Is it about how everyone reacted to showing up here? Or, if it the difference you noticed in me after coming here?"

"All of it, my creator. I am so grateful that Kyuketsuki brought you and the others back…But it doesn't feel like how I thought it would. Do I displease you? Is that why you and the others left have I, we all done something wrong?"

Her creator invited her inside the room, giving her an understanding but conflicted smile.

"No, it's nothing like that me and the others just kind of moved on. Don't get me wrong it was fun to get to do this, but…. I never thought I would be having this conversation with you. Don't cry. It was complicated, but I couldn't stay, and I thought you were gone. Here only in my heart, so I had to move on with life."

Shalltear suppressed a sniffle at those words tears at the edge of her eyes. As her creator hugged her, his touch didn't bring the same rush lord Kyuketsuki's did. It was different in a way that hurt because it only confirmed that it would only be a fading dream she was chasing.

"So, what made you leave? Why couldn't you bring me with you? I know Kyuketsuki would have never given up even if it killed him. He would claw his way through everything which stood in his way. Crush everything which keeps us apart and lay his heart out before me to prove how much he cares to get me back. Why couldn't you say the same?" Blushing at the thought as her panties felt wetter at the daydream. Pouting at Peroroncino with disappointment.

Peroroncino grins sadly, tilting her head up to look him in the eyes. Wondering what her creator would say, hoping he would help her understand why things were not the way she always dreamed they would go when he came back.

"Kyuketsuki already gave you the memory of the day I left where I …Sigh I can't do this, Ainz. Look, Shalltear, I will be straight with you. I had a job that wasn't covering the bills at the time. The new job required a lot of my time, and I accepted I wouldn't see you again. I suppose I could make something up, but as my daughter, in a way, I think you deserve the truth. Besides, it seems my vampire friend as stolen your heart while I was away like he said he would."

Shalltear listened as he told her about the other worlds he went to and the fun he had before and after, bringing a bittersweet smile to her face. As he admitted, he thought about leaving even now before asking Shalltear about her time with Kyuketsuki. She told him about her conflicted heart, which had grown to love Kyuketsuki more then Ainz or Peroroncino even as her creator. The onetime event between then show her that it was different then she envisioned no matter how much she pretended it wasn't.

The long talk helps Shalltear realize She wants to keep the relationship the way it was before her creator was brought back. To lord Peroroncino's wisdom, he beamed at her with a proud smile, not mad at all.

"I understand then call me father from now on, and if you ever feel like you need to talk to me, I am ready. You don't mind helping me smooth over things when I have another date with Muketsu. He is a little overprotective of siblings. I need to get working on a harem of my own if I am really stuck here mind helping us both get laid?"

-Outside Peroroncino's room-

Ketter was tossed between being annoyed Shalltear was here and hesitating to knock. Peroroncino was the person he was the closest to in the guild, which is why it hurt so much when he left and the first person he thought to bring back. Complicating matters of what to do with Shalltear would she even still want to be his fourth wife with her creator here.

"No, wait…I-

"Just knock already. It's not like they are asleep." Jester spoke before knocking for him. Right he had forgotten she could stay close to him and slip her focus on a lot of other tasks now.

Hearing a come in, he was greeted to Shalltear with her creator, both of them dressed. It was a little odd, to be honest; he expected so many other things. Not both of them clothed, sitting on his bed talking.

"Hello, lord Kettor, my creator and I talked, and we came to an agreement."

"You did what is that?" Kettor shifted on his feet a little as much as he wasn't one to share. He respected each of them enough to decide if this is what they wanted. The last thing he would do is force them to stay with him.

"I mean, I am open to a lot of things. I know how you must feel with Peroroncino here, and if You want to change the rules of our marriage a little for him being your creator and all, I can make this one exception."

"I don't know how you did it, my friend, but congrats, treat her right or be ready for the hard prank wars."

Before he could ask what this was about or understand what was going on, she walked up to him, taking his hand. Waving to her creator and telling Peroroncino, they would talk again when she had time.

They left the room with Muketsu, saying she needs to talk to his friend.

Kettor exe. has crashed.

He was unable to begin to understand the impossible event that happened. Only that he had missed something big which transpired in front of him.

Coming around, noticing Shalltear was leading him down the halls of Nazarick. Staring intensely at the silver hair of his wife, trying to understand. He respected Shalltear enough to let her pick what to do with this situation. Why was she leading him into the second floor of Nazarick into her room?

The vampire brides bringing them both seats, he locked eyes with Shalltear's beaming face. Hoping for some explanation as to what they both agreed on.

"I have been thinking a lot about my feelings about You and Lord Ainz. While at first, I thought of sharing myself between you and Ainz. Then everything happened, which got us here while you're here asleep. I got to thinking about something which has been bugging me. I finally talked to my creator to understand why the orgy I had with him didn't feel the same when it's you and me. Lord peroroncino was very supportive and even help me understand that while I will always respect him as my creator. I want to keep the relationship we have."

….

Kettner's mind became a mess of thoughts opening his mouth, unable to speak. What is he supposed to say to that had he really gone crazy, and he was still in the void?

"So, lord Peroroncino agreed it was only fair that he show Muketsu a good time and see if she is right for his own harem. While I show my emperor why I don't want to see you pull something like that again."

Kettor had little time to bring his thoughts together before Shalltear was making out with him, tasting those lovely lips. Swearing he would prank Peroroncino later for this. Lost for the next few hours in Shalltear's show of love. Messaging Kathrin and telling her he would be delayed an hour or two.

- Three hours later, 6-floor of Nazarick-

Kettor enjoyed the phantom taste of Shalltear on his lips and the walk through the 6th floor, sure Momonga was going to be mad, well as angry as an undead could be at him. But as they say better to ask forgiveness than permission. Besides, he wants to check on all his friends, first was Punitto and Peroroncino. With Shalltear following him through the forest around him.

Out of all the Friends to visit next, Bukubukuchagama seemed like the best choice. He decided to nickname her Bukubuku-chan because if he had to say her full mouthful of a name, that would get annoying quick. She was the most worrying about them and the least likely to be too angry with him.

He hoped to find her quickly as he checked the Amphitheater and the Gigantic tree the twins called home. With no luck passing the Green Hole village asking around finding, she passed through to the lake where he saw the pink slime. This was Punitto all over again. Could he even reconnect to them? They had all moved on, and he had selfishly pulled them back to a world they couldn't leave.

He was sure Ainz had already asked the residents of Nazarick to help delay any plans of leaving. Kettor would do the same. Jester had already confirmed none of them aside for Ainz, himself, and those he summoned were transferred to Eodlolel. He didn't even know how to explain it Punitto had already confirmed Ainz had shown them the trick with the mirror of remote viewing.

After seeing his grave, a second time on the original world, and his human brother moving through life, Kettor did feel a little odd, but how was he supposed to make sense of this. He sure as heck wasn't going to risk asking the darkness in the stars it would explain, but he already had a mess of new knowledge in his mind to go through. Apparently, it didn't understand the concept of summarizing or didn't care to try.

Observing Bukubukuchagama, he felt like he was seeing a stranger that was a friend. He could see she was taking it hard. From the way, she was sitting there.

Forcing himself to walk over and sit next to his friend looking up at the stars.

Letting the uncomfortable, awkward silence settle between them.

"Sorry, I can't send you back if you were wondering. So, what are you going to do now?"

…

He didn't dare look over, gulping, unsure what would be the right thing to say.

…

…

"You know I was furious at first when Ainz told me. Then the clown brought me over to your weakened body. I thought you were dead for a while. I heard them arguing, and all I could think was that you risked dying to bring me here to protect Nazarick. Thank you for ruining my great career and fairly normal life, by the way. with only a mirror to look through to see how the other me is living."

"I am sorry-

"Not Done Yet! You even have my dear Mare and Aura off somewhere on a mission, leaving me alone on this floor, wondering what I am going to do for my life now! You couldn't just send me back to whatever I was before no, you had to run off and do your own thing without thinking of anyone else!"

Kettor didn't block at the punch at his head falling over ouch that hurt. He rubbed his face as Bukubukuchagama wiggled in place with agitation before settling down again. And pulling him back up to a sitting position with a warm hug.

"That was for doing that without asking, and this is for giving me back my legs in a strange way. Along with letting me see Mare and Aura so happy."

The emperor hugged his friend back before they sat there, enjoying the artificial night sky.

"So, you ok now, or are you up for some training. Please hold back some. I'm only level 36 right now. That was like a hit from the whip dragon again."

….

"No, but I feel a little better."

"How are you two so unaffected by this strangeness. I learned how to do my stuff thanks to Ainz's and Mare's help, but this body feels so alien than before."

"Can't speak for Momonga. I can say that this was better than my human life."

"What was that like?"

He grins sadly at her. "Felt like I was dying slowly each day, and I am still alive while my other self is dead so better than he was."

…

Neither of them spoke for a few minutes, but the distance between then felt shorter. Before Kettor left, he told her she could just ask the twins to visit on the low spots in their mission. Or even travel with them, he was sure the twins would love it. She declined, not wanting to leave the sixth floor for some reason or interfere with their mission.

When it seemed like she might say what had her so scared to leave the sixth floor, let alone Nazarick Bukubukuchagama, thanked him for the talk and went back to the Green hole.

He could only assume something had affected her in the battle with the dragons. Wishing her well before leaving to meet up with Kathrin and Entoma.

-Amphitheatrum arena-

Kettor cursed his luck seeing Sebas, Entoma, Kathrin, and Ainz waiting for him. Strangely Albedo was missing though he could guess Tabula had something to do with that can of worms. Feeling Ainz stare through his soul, he put up a nervous smile, trying to calm his racing heart.

"Hay Ainz, see Kathrin. I told you I thought he might be here."

Ainz rubbed his skull in annoyance. Before opening up with a very long speech about not risking his life like back in YGGDRASIL. Along with another for avoiding him after agreeing to talk things out more. He winced but let his friend get it out of his system before asking the question on his mind. He did kind of have this coming after overestimating the cost of [Muketsu eternal curse: heart of the kingdom]. The only reason he was still sane was his strong will and memories of his friends. Unlike every other corruption spell, he could only cast this spell once, and it drains half of his mana if not more.

Being in total agony made it hard to think, let alone track the mana usage, and his memory of casting it was fuzzy.

Kettor didn't dare tell his friend the undefinable horrors in the Nameless Darkness' star-filled void. Or how close he was to not coming back at all. Shuttering at what it might have done if it got bored or he gave up.

-Now I trust, I don't need to give you another talk like this again, do I?"

…

"So, have you breached level 100? I have not had time to ask before the whole trap battle?"

Ainz's flames flickered with his hidden emotions. "Not yet, but I have been getting closer. You would be too if you stopped being so reckless."

Unwilling to admit that miffed him a little, he switched topics. "So, where is Albedo? I have never seen her leave your side before?"

Both of them stared down the other unblinking Ainz, unwilling to change to the new topic. Knowing they both knew the answer to why the only question was where were Tabula and Albedo. Also was Tabula dead, Albedo being fiercely loyal to Ainz whatever change he made gave her some instability. Which is why he avoided getting on her wrong side. He wasn't sure how far the succubus would go to stay with Ainz if pushed.

"Away holding my place in the Roble Holy kingdom. I don't know where Tabula is?" Ainz flames didn't meet his eyes as he said that.

Kettor smirked. "Would you like me to [message] spell him? I am sure he would like to-

"NO! Hummm, I mean, there is no need. How about we talk about how your own training has been going."

"How about I message him any way I have been meaning to see how he is doing. I already met Punitto, peroroncino, and Bukubuku-chan. We could all research the changes together."

"Got,to,go,plans,to,finish,places,to,be,remember,what,I,said!"

Ainz rapidly said in an impressive regale voice for teleporting away and out of Nazarick so quick. 'Guess Tabula is going to be on bad terms with Ainz for a while.' Might as well follow his guild leaders' example and let his friend chill before popping in.

"Shalltear, do you mind being my sparring partner. Entoma, please get out some training dummies. Kathrin keep watch and take notes in case I miss anything. Sebas, if you don't have anything to do. Keep an eye on Bukubukuchagama, I think she needs someone to cheer her up while the twins are away."

Sebas left as he got to his training while thinking about how to approach the others. He could wait a few days while he at least raised a few levels.

-Seven days later-

Kettor looked over the now mostly empty room that was his lab with a scowl. 'Sadly, it will be impossible for me to regain [unholy alchemist] and the three super tier potions of [harmonizing condition].' It wouldn't work well with world corruption or the Eldridge classes, and Nazarick didn't need him pumping out potions for now. Not helped that he missed several requirements to regain the class all over again. The only upside was the loss of the cursed weapon class dispelled every curse it created, including the really nasty ones.

Turning to Avada pouting at the mostly empty room and the four true blood paladins near the stack of disassembled lab gear. He was glad he could still feel his connection with all the existing undead he created. Kathrin was busy keeping his undead and the empire running while he builds back up. Kettor would fix this once he visited Nazarick's library to find a class that could work with the new build he had in mind.

"Avada, I know you hate leaving Nazarick, but please take my four high tier undead and Shalltear to help you deliver this stuff to Nfirea. I hear he already made significant progress in a mix of new and old-world alchemy."

Avada lips quivered as she shifted a little. "My lord, I beg your forgiveness for asking but is that really necessary. I have been making progress in that class."

He halted, turning back to the maid, gently smiling know he wouldn't be able to help her in this front. "What class and level?"

"Alchemist level 4 and Pharmacist level 3."

He messaged Ainz and asked him if there where spare rooms after a few minutes of tossing around ideas. They both agreed on two things: they had no idea what to do with the extra rooms for the other members. Two Ainz decided to let him temporarily use Touch Me's room until he returned. Ainz either refusing to believe he was gone forever or a false hope that he would return.

Taking Avada hand softly squeezing it. "After you finish with this task. Message Sebas and have him lead you to Touch Me's room. Then tell him both me and Momonga agreed to let you use it for downtime hobbies till his creator returns."

Kettor loving the joy and excitement in the maid's eyes as she got to work. Unwilling to say that this would never happen, and even if it did, his friend might turn out like HK. Then again, all his summoned friends were different; something he forgot to take into account was that they moved on with life.

He could think of the best way to use this room later in a few minutes; he planned to visit Bukubuku-chan for today. Like he had every day for the past week. Stopping as Entoma came into his room with Herohero and Bellriver. "Hay guys heard you were out of Nazarick for a while. How was it?"

The elder ooze kept shifting, but he could tell like Bellriver he was checking out the room. "Crain village was a friendly place Solution, and Beta wouldn't stop following us with Enri. It was a little annoying with them hovering over us."

"So changing up the room, I remember when you put this place in. You were so enthusiastic about it, despite Tabula seeing it as a waste."

Kettor shifted, turning his back to them mostly Bellriver while he didn't remember why he knew by what Kathrin and Clem-chan told him. He was part of it. The emperor wasn't even sure how to deal with it out of all of the friends he wanted to reconnect with. The others remembered what the lives they had up to the moment of being brought here. So what did his dead friend come from? What did he see while everyone was out of the room when he used the mirror of remote viewing a fact he noticed that none of the others asked.

It was why he was avoiding Bellriver the most no book in Nazarick, or any amount of experience prepared him for asking that. Quickly playing off the long silence as thinking about saying he might turn it into a workshop.

He pulled out a book Guide to automation's and metal golems. "With the last three dragon lords hiding and all the players in Jester range under our watch, I have been thinking of giving Kathrin a child. I've been looking at clockwork the most they can change their body as they age, giving Kathrin the same illusion of growing up like a normal child would."

Herohero commented first. "Why not try for an organic one now that you're different? Seems like unneeded work."

"I don't know sounds nice, better than having to deal with childbirth."

Kettor wasn't sure the best way to explain it without the long and otherworldly concepts the nameless darkness worked with. "I don't think that would be a good idea, given that what I am now. Besides, I have worked with automation's before clockwork ones are just slightly more complicated versions, and they have a better range of emotion and personality than most automation types." Looking at the first page on the clockwork race class.

After a few minutes talking with them, it was nice to see they were dealing with it better than Bukubukuchagama. Somehow, they met Simmra, and she was adjusting well. Before Herohero teleported off to his own business. Leaving Bellriver alone with him, he had no idea how long he was standing there, not turning around to meet his friend's gaze.

…

Then he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Since we are alone, I want to say it wasn't your fault, and nothing you could have done would have saved me. Also, I saw ~~~~, and she misses you greatly and wishes you well." Hearing another name, which became an inaudible whisper to his ears.

Snapping back his head to lock eyes with his friend giving a bitter frown. Not sure what felt worse, not knowing the context of those heartfelt words. Or the way his heartache being unable to reciprocate any of the kindness his friend was showing. Maybe it was the lack of any response but the knowledge that he once would have loved to hear this. Now it only made him feel hollow.

He listlessly changed the topic, unwilling to ruin his friends, expecting gaze. "Hey, want to visit Bukubukuchagama with me."

Bellriver's eyes had some great understanding he couldn't grasp before agreeing. Kindly let the matter drop as if he knew more than he was letting on.

-Two weeks later-

He fell into his routine of training, looking for the right classes for his build, mastering the new job classes, and visiting Bukubukuchagama to cheer her up. While most of the other guild members were out of the tomb. He tried messaging Yamaiko, but she never picked up either still being upset with him or trying to find a place in the world. He subconsciously kept fearing she might still be trying to find a way back, one of the hardest parts about picking which guild members to bring back. He knew many of them left it, and then he dragged them back into this strange reality powered by rules similar to YGGDRASIL.

Simmra was more open to him at this point than Yamaiko was not something he blamed her for like Jester told him everyone reacted differently. She could curve the adverse reactions, but her deal with Ainz and himself restricted how much she could help him. Without breaking the contracts, as she explained, it would be excruciating for her and weaken her with the backlash of three deals involved in protecting Nazarick for a while.

So the only friend left to try and find common ground while stuck at his home was Tabula. A person Ainz feared turning on him for a reason he needed reminding. Tabula created Rubedo, the most dangerous and powerful NPC of Nazarick, who could prove challenging even against all 41 guild members working together.

Nazarick hadn't been turned into a warzone ruin, and his friends have not died, so it stays one of his worst nightmares for now. 'This is why it's easier to create slightly altered replicates instead than bring them back to life. Even the uncontrolled Clemvet is less scary then this outcome.' Jester reminded him for the hundredth time.

While not optimal, delicate situations were something he was growing used to dealing with as Kathrin went over every significant issue in the moonlight empire with him before they made a ruling together on it. 'It might not be too common yet, but the name is catching on. The reveal of my new-self will cement the name in the people's minds.' Right now, he had catching up to do with his old friend.

Finding Tabula in the library reading on his new books on the world corruption class. The odd rune he had the spontaneous need to make on the front must have attracted his friend's thirst for occult knowledge. Talking to one of the liches working nearby about the books.

"Hey, enjoying my book."

Which led to a long discussion about the matter. It was funny that back before arriving in Eodlolel, he still wasn't sure where the name came from. Most people didn't even have the same understanding of the planet or the stars. After this, he felt like he was really starting to fit in. Even if Kettor felt useless right now in a few years, he would be strong enough to return to his empire.

-End of Chapter-

...

(The last character sheet of the story)

Name: Kettor Minx

Age:?

Aliment -600 world corrupter

Race:?

Racial classes

Eldridge abomination lv 10

Job classes

Blood drinker lv3

Blood dancer lv 2

Eldritch knight lv6

Eldritch paladin lv5

World corruption lv 10

Total level 36

Racial level 10

Job level 26

HP 41

MP 51

Physical Attack 25

Physical Defense 22

Agility 30

Magic Attack 25

Magic Defense 22

Resistance 36

Special ability 36

Total 288