AN: Just in case - an adult content warning from now on. There, for the most part, won't be any graphic descriptions,I just want to warn people who are uncomfortable with the idea itself. Also fixed some mistakes in the first two chapters.
Chapter 3 - Roles set, Villages saved.
Momonga woke up refreshed, he hadn't slept so well since his childhood. He was still in his demon form when he got out of bed, put on just pants, and walked out of the bedroom, and to his surprise, Solution was already standing there. Not being alone even in his own quarters even for a moment started to grow old fast. He greeted her and she responded with a polite good morning. The way she looked at his body made him very uncomfortable right away. Her face was neutral but there was a hungry gaze in her eyes and Momonga with his heightened senses noticed it right away. He quickly put on his usual dark purple robe and walked to the restaurant part of the 9th floor, almost drooling on the way there, imagining delicious food he will be served.
Entering the restaurant he is met with a sight of Pero and Buku arguing over something minor and casually insulting each other, and with a chuckle, in an already elevated mood, Momonga joins them at their table. They casually chatted about the day's plans and both Pero and Buku were planning to visit their children after the main meeting. Momonga had a list of hundreds of things he wanted to test, investigate and plan and was making priority order in his mind as he ate. He could now easily keep an encyclopedia's worth of information in his mind, without forgetting a single thing.
After breakfast, they went to the conference room, and soon after Ulbert and Tabula also arrived. Momonga reverted to his undead overlord form, he found it most convenient for thinking and planning, without the distraction of strong emotions.
Momonga started with, "Good morning everybody. The first thing we discuss is our roles and duties within Nazarick."
Ulbert spoke up, "I think I speak for everybody that we keep Momonga as our leader and extend it to the level that we obey his direct orders, there is no one better to lead us." Everybody but Momonga agreed right away. He started to protest but was shut down with each of them professing that they will follow only his orders and no one else's.
"But the old system, where we hold a vote, worked great I don't think I can just order you all around," Momonga was still trying to protest but it was Tabula who then put the final argument in favor of him ruling.
"Momonga, my friend, when we first arrived in this new predicament, all of us froze in confusion but you took charge almost effortlessly. Even if you don't see it yourself, you already were a great leader before, but now as Overlord your ability to lead will be even greater. Besides we all left. You heard it yourself in what regard Nazarick holds you. They remember how we left and you stayed. They remember you alone taking care of them. In its truest sense, Nazarick is yours, and the rest of us are more like guests. You are Ainz Ooal Gown one true ruler of Nazarick." Tabula stated, uncharacteristically to him, increased passion. Which was followed by cheers of Buku, Ulbert, and Pero.
It was decided that Momong a will hold the title of Supreme Overlord of Nazarick. With that Momonga just gave up and accepted the fate that he will have to a leader in the true sense of the word, not just as an administrator. It was almost the same in the past. Momonga didn't want to be a leader, but when Nine's own Goal, their original group, lead by Touch me, was remade in full on the guild, far too many people simply refused to join if Momonga wasn't made the guild master and same as now he just buckled in that time too.
Buku then adds "Actually it's a great idea, how about we call Momonga - Ainz Ooal Gown from now on. Then even his name sounds impressive." She expected him to protest by Momonga just came back with his own suggestion.
"If I'm to become Ainz Ooal Gown then you will have to take Ooal Gown as your last name, I think of you as my family and want our names to reflect that." After a short silence, they started to announce their new names one by one.
"Bukuma Ooal Gown."
"Peros Ooal Gown."
"Ulbert Ooal Gown," he announced it, beaming with pride at his friend's suggestion.
"Tabula Ooal Gown" announced last and added "A family."
Ainz broke into happy laughter but it was suppressed right away so he made a tactical cough with his nonexistent throat and stated,
"Now we decide what roles you all take and declare clear hierarchy so there is no infighting over petty things in my absence.
"I think I would like to be in charge of Nazaricks intelligence operations with Demiurge as my assistant. Somehow it feels like an occupation I would want to take. I could take the title of Grand Inquisitor of Nazarick." Ulbert stated and let out his trademark mad cackling.
With no one opposing, it was settled and Tabula was next, professing his desire to seek knowledge and aid everyone in getting new skills and abilities, taking the title of Grand Scholar of Nazarick.
Bukuma was a bit at a loss. Seeing her friends so easily taking roles made her a bit anxious but she then decided to fall back on her usual role and announce " I could be in charge of Nazarick's defense, I'm used to that role."
Ainz suggested to her, "Bukuma, how about you take charge of all military operations then, be Nazarick's military leader so to speak."
"I guess I could, but I have no knowledge of tactics I didn't even play strategy games that much."
"There should be many books in the library about this topic, I remember putting in Sun Tzu's Art of War in guild's library myself and I think there were many other books on the topic as well, so learning a bit and taking the role of Grand Marshal wouldn't be impossible for you. There are few Nazaricks denizens, excelling in military operations that you could take as your assistants." Tabula suggested.
It made sense to her if she is to be Nazarick's main defender she might as well just take the role of military leader, "Ok, then I will take the role of Grand Marshal of Nazarick."
Last was Peros and he honestly had no idea what to do, so he started with a joke, "Then I'll take charge of the R&R department!"
"Be serious for once brother, you really plan to slack around when the rest of us take serious duties?"
"Then what should I do? I'm archer by trade now and maybe will branch into close combat to compensate for general weakness indoors."
"Then train stealth as well and go full-on spec-ops and assassin, make strike teams for Nazarick," Ulbert suggested to Peros, adding "We will surely need it if we are to rule over this world."
"Oh that actually sounds awesome, I will be Grand Master of Assasins, not sure how I still feel about killing, but somehow it clicked right away and feels right."
With Roles decided, they, then, determined hierarchy among themselves. Not that anyone besides Ainz could give orders to others but more who will give them in his absence. Ainz, of course, was on top and then with some discussion, Ulbert is assigned to be 2nd in command with Bukuma as third. Both Peros and Tabula didn't really care about their positions but they finally decided that Peros will be 4th as he was less opposed than Tabula about taking charge.
Tabula then rises and gives Ainz scroll saying, "This is the ritual required to make Endless Strive bound to you. You can do it right away and then give us all a boost of potential so so we can start working on acquiring new skills."
Ritual itself wasn't too hard, it took some mana but it was negligible compared to Ainz's immense mana pool. So he opened the scroll and bound Endless Strive to his soul. Then the first try of its effect was on himself. He didn't feel much different and the item was still in his hand but he felt it had worked. He then used it on all his friends and Endless strive was left with few more charges with one charge being generated every 3 days.
With that Tabula stood up and continue speaking "Since we have settled on names and roles, I have another thing to suggest. I would like to inform you that many of the old game limitations don't exist anymore, as limitations of weapon use and the number of spells one can use. With that, I would like to suggest we each take an additional title so to speak. As we are leaders of Nazarick and in the occult, which you know I study, there is a deep connection with titles and beliefs to actual power. So with that, we each should take the title of god of a specific thing and study it till we reach godhood in it."
"Call ourselves gods? Don't you think that a bit arrogant and pretentious?" Bukuma interjected.
"Not at all, all of us already feel much smarter stronger, and powerful than our former human selves, I doubt we will be low on the power pool in this new world. So let's embrace it, I can even go in trance and get direct suggestions on what each of us should be the god of.
"If it gets us more power and a bigger chance of setting things how we see fit, we can use it, but I'm not too sure of calling myself a god either." Ainz declared. The idea seemed logical to him. He was apprehensive of calling himself a god, but they were already hailed as Supreme beings by Nazarick's denizens. They might as well just own up to it and declare themselves gods.
"So just by calling myself a god of something specific I get more powerful in that field?" Ulbert asked. It sounded a bit too much even for him.
"Not by itself, you still will have to work on honing abilities but if I perform a ritual and ask directly to grant us titles we will surely know on what to concentrate."
Although they were reluctant as it sounded way too arrogant, even with their new much more powerful forms taken into account. As the room fell in silence Tabula took it as a cue to proceed and simply stated that he will start now and slumped back in his chair. His breath grew slow and deep and soon he started to spoke "Oh universe, grant us our titles, show me what I ask."
Then his almost guttural voice was replaced with a more clear one as someone else spoke through him.
"Ulbert, the demon goat, the walking catastrophe, the evil one with countless schemes, be the Demon God of Trickery," someone spoke Through Tabula as he raised his finger towards Ulber, awaiting his acceptance.
Ulbert then thought for a moment. It fit him, he knew that but he was a bit afraid of what he would become. With resolve that he will never let lose himself and will retain his core self, he accepted. Nothing felt different only a small feeling that he knew his path now.
Tabulas finger then pointed at Bukuma "Bukuma the protector, one who will stop at nothing to keep those in her care safe, one to unleash bloodshed upon her enemies, be the Goddess of War."
To her voice that spoke through Tabula made too much sense, she couldn't deny that she would stop at nothing to protect those she cared for, and seeing that Ulbert accepted his title, she accepted as well.
Next was Peros "Peros, one who seeks power to kill, one who wants to be a weapon put in capable hands, be the God of Murder."
Peros was taken back a bit, he was unnerved how deep this voice could see in him. He desired power, even while still playing Yggdrasil, he concentrated on burst damage and high DPS, and what's more, he never wanted to lead, his best friend Ainz had accepted the role of a leader, so Peros now could be the weapon for his friend to unleash. With that, he accepted his title.
Finally, Tabula pointed at Ainz as the voice spoke "One who rules over them...one who will rule over all of them, be the God of Life and Death."
Ainz was surprised, death was an obvious one, he had specialized in instant death spells and necromancy, but life was the opposite of him, an undead overlord. But the idea itself appealed to him and Ainz resolved to learn healing and holy magic, and how to summon angels.
Finally, Tabula's hand touched his own chest and his voice nominated him the god of Knowledge. Moments later Tabula awoke with a jerk and as rest of them knew his purpose.
They all felt the change, as they accepted what was said one by one, they instinctively knew what to learn and how to grow in the role they just heard. The spiritual mood was soon interrupted by Peros who stated with a laugh "We are full-fledged chuunibyou's now."
Ulbert chuckled as well, Peros' statement was far too much on point. Most of them now had titles of some evil gods but unlike old times when he was the one coming up with evil ideas, it was Tabula, or whoever spoke through him, who gave them overly edgy titles.
With that, they ended up the meeting and agreed to gather up in the throne room to inform all the Nazarick of changes. Ainz promised some surprise there. He was already secretly making plans with Albedo to add additional 4 thrones beside his central one. Albedo was clearly against it, as in her eyes only Lord Momonga was worthy of sitting on the throne but didn't say anything and just agreed to set everything up before evening.
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After the meeting, Bukuma teleported to the 6th floor. Her creations Aura and Mare were guardians of it. Both lived in a house, carved inside a huge tree deep within the jungle that covered most of the floor. Since she used the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown they didn't know she was coming. Bukuma felt guilty for being away so long and for not visiting them right away after she returned. She finally reached the entrance door and knocked. After hearing a noise inside and loud running down the stairs Aura opened the door for her. Aura saw her creator and froze. She was just looking up not saying or doing anything.
Bukuma crouched and hugged Aura, her little girl. Nothing was said Aura was just held in her creator's embrace without words. It was too much for her and she just started to sob in Bukuma's embrace. Mare finally came down to see the commotion and seeing Aura sobbing in Bukuma's embrace, just froze on spot. Bukuma extended her hand to invite Mare to join and moments later he too was in Bukuma's embrace sobbing.
"My children I'm so happy to see you both," Bukuma said through her own tears and the twins responded in unison,
"Lady Bukubukuchagama called us her children!"
"Yes, you are my children, my wonderful children."
Then Aura asked a question that Bukuma was not fully prepared for "Lady Bukukuchaguma, can I..we, can we call you mother."
It stunned her for a bit, 'They want to call me a mother, they want to call me a MOTHER!' She wanted to panic but four big eyes looked at her with awe awaiting an answer and she could say only one thing.
"Yes, you both can call me a mother."
Still, Bukuma felt happy now, she remembered why she made them and their home. They were children she always wanted and now truly had. She took both of them by hands as they happily showed their home to her chatting about their duties and activities. Aura was a young copy of her, loud, energetic, and full of bravado but her brother Mare was meek and submissive to his sister. Bukuma had made Mare in a way she wanted her own brother Peros to behave towards her but now seeing Mare as a living breathing person, her child, regret welled up in her. Bukuma wanted both her children to be happy and knew she will have to work extra hard with Mare.
They were ecstatic at her return and soon enough she was dragged to all sides by them to see what they were up to, how they performed their duties, and what their favorite toys were. House reflected their personalities as well. Aura's side was messy and chaotic, reminding Bukuma of her own living habits, while Mares side was neat and orderly same as Peros kept his surroundings.
Bukuma let both of them take turns sitting in her lap, once both calmed down enough to be kept in one place. Before leaving she promised to play with them when she had time and made Aura promise to be nicer to her brother.
Peros' hands were shaking. Behind the doors was her sanctuary. Shalltear Bloodfallen, his creation lived there. He felt that it would be easier to take a bullet in the gut than knock on the door and speak with her.
"Dammit Peros stop being a coward and go meet her," he told himself and with a deep breath, he knocked and waited. Moments later door was opened by the vampire bride. Her eyes widened and she kneeled right away even stuttering a bit,
"L-Lord Peroroncino i'ts an honor..."
"Is Shalltear in?" he asked trying to sound calm even though his shaking hands betrayed him. Vampire bride either didn't notice or at least pretended not to.
Shalltear heard someone entering and was coming with a shout "Who is interrupting my priva..." and then stoped on her tracks stunned. She stared at Peros for good 3 seconds and then kneeled as well, "Lord Peroroncino."
She was hanging her head low as waiting to be yelled at, or reprimanded. Peros wasn't with Lord Momonga and Lord Ulbert yesterday at the arena. She was convinced her creator was disappointed in her. It must be, she had failed to protect Nazarick more than once, being killed by invading players.
'"Shalltear, please rise, you don't have to do that formal bullshit for me," Peros said with voice cracking.
Shalltear slowly rose but her head was hanging low, she couldn't look in eyes of her creator, she could not take his disappointment.
"Lord Peroroncino I know I don't deserve it but please forgive me for being a failure. I failed my sacred duty to protect Nazarick so many times."
Peros looked at her. She was hanging head low in shame. Not only she wasn't mad at him for leaving, but his creation, his daughter was ashamed that she was killed as floor guardian.
She waited for him to reprimand her, to say she had to work harder but then she felt it. He was hugging her and then she heard words she couldn't believe "I'm sorry I left, I hope you can forgive me."
She looked up at him with tears in her eyes "Lord Peroroncino, you are not disappointed in me?"
"Why would I?"
"I failed, I was too weak to protect Nazarick many times, and despite that Lord Momanga always resurrected me."
"Shalltear, you are Nazaricks first line of defense, I'm so proud of how many time you defended our home, and I'm sorry you had to die, It was not your fault, You alone can't kill all the invaders, sometimes there are too many of them," Peros spoke, as he gently wiped her tears away. He thought it was weird how she remembered things from the game, but Tabula had said something about that.
After Peros finally let her go they both sat for tea as one of the vampire brides brought it over and served, looking very nervous. She knew how mad her mistress could become even from minor mistakes, doing something wrong in front of her creator would lead to a slow and very painful death.
After moments of silence Peros finally asked "Shalltear how do you view me?"
"Lord Peroroncino you are my creator and second most wonderful man in Nazarick."
"Second?"
Shalltear panicked a bit again
"I...I don't mean it as an insult, you are my creator and I adore you, but one day I want to marry and there is just one man who can take my heart."
To her surprise Peros left out a relieved sigh and started chuckling "So you view me as a father, I'm so relieved...but I can guess who you are talking about, it is Momonga right?"
"Father...Yes, you are my father" Shalltear smiled warmly at him and he smiled back although his birdlike face with beak didn't show it "Yes my heart belongs to Lord Momonga."
Peros reached his hand over the table and gently patted her on the head saying "Oh Shalltear, my little daddy's daughter if Momonga ever decides to marry you, I will give my full blessing, I can't imagine a better man to give you than my best friend."
It very soon became a casual chat and Peros found out he had no problem talking casually with Shalltear. She was now proudly telling about her duties and reminiscing, how often Momonga had patted her head and commended her on her good work. As she spoke Peros was eyeing vampire brides from time to time. They all looked very nervous but were stunningly beautiful. Shelter noticed her father looking at them and asked.
"Um, Lo...I mean father do you desire to take some of my vampire brides for yourself?"
Question flustered Peros a bit, not that he minded that kind of question from Shalltear but more her tone implied that vampire brides could be offered like pieces of meat to him without any resistance.
"Oh, well...I mean if any of them are interested you can send one over."
"Oh it will be done father," Shaltear said with glee.
Peros left Shallter's sanctuary soon after and he was casually striding back to his quarters. He couldn't be happier. He had his talk with his daughter and it turned out better than he could ever imagine. Peros also knew there will be a vampire bride awaiting at the night but was a bit unsure how to approach it.
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Ainz was discussing Nazaricks administration with Albedo who was sitting beside him in his office. He was cursing his friends a bit for pushing him into the leader's position, but he knew, or more like, as Overlord, he felt like a natural leader, and making decisions felt easy. Ainz knew the sooner he accepts it and not just act as the leader, but become one, the easier it will be.
Albedo was trying to lean against him as she was explaining the expenditures and making suggestions on how to avoid unnecessary ones. Ainz felt her against his side and asked.
"Albedo do you need to take a rest, you seem tired?"
"No Lord Momonga I'm fine," as Ainz felt her wing brushing against his back. He wasn't sure it was intentional or not, she was a succubus after all and maybe was doing that on instinct.
"Would you like to rest Lord Momonga, maybe relaxing bath together?"
"Um, that won't be necessary Albedo," then decided to just address it.
"I was present when Tabula changed your settings, I wanted to ask how you feel about that change."
"My creator gave a blessing to love the most wonderful man any woman would want, I feel grateful towards Lord Tabula Smaragdina".
"You don't think he took away your choice, to choose for yourself?"
"Lord Momonga I would make the same choice anyway," Albedo replied but got worried and asked, "Does my love bother you, my Lord?"
"No no Albedo of course not, but you must know that Tabula did the same changes to your sisters"
"My sisters...I understand Nigredo but Rubedo, she is a golem...It doesn't matter, I guess if Lord Tabula Smaragdina gave us all to you Lord Momogna I will accept his decision."
"Will you accept my love Lord Momonga ?" she asked with a hopeful stare.
Momonga was at a loss what to do. Women didn't pay him much attention while he was still on earth and now one was professing her love. He gazed back at her and knew he let Tabula make her love him. He agreed to it and now it was his responsibility. On top of that, he wrote in the backstory of his character that he would hold all 3 sisters in a special place in his heart. Being undead gave him the possibility to think clearly and seeing her hopeful gaze he already knew how to answer.
"Will still need to talk to your sisters, but, yes Albedo, I will accept your love."
"Wonderfull, then will you take me right here on the table, or bedroom, I'm ready to serve you Lord Momonga."
Ainz dropped his jaw without any idea how to react but then his emotional dampening took place and he could answer in a calm voice,
"Not now Albedo, let's take it slow, there is still too much work to be done."
"Of course Lord Momonga," Albedo said in a calm voice but her disappointment was noticeable.
Ainz knew he can't avoid her for long but at the same time, he wasn't ready for her aggressive advances.
After finishing with daily administration duties both Ainz and Albedo arrived on the 5th floor. Their destination was Nigredo's room. Recalling Albedo's aggressive advances he was a bit scared to face another one like her but it had to be done.
They reached Nigredo's room after a few minutes and Albedo was very surprised to see changes in her sister. Nigredo kneeled before saying "Lord Momonga, dear sister, welcome to my dwelling. The room still had the horror aesthetic with decrepit walls and empty cradle but Nigredo herself was kneeling with a warm smile.
Seeing her sister so different Albedo needed to ask.
"Nigredo, you look so different, what happened to you?"
"Lord Tabula, our father, changed me a few days ago giving me skin on my face and instilling a love for Lord Momonga."
"So, sister, will you be my rival for Lord Momogna's love?" Albedo asked, her tone sounding a bit dangerous.
"Do not worry, I care for you and Lord Momonga deeply, but it wasn't a romantic love that Lord Tabula instilled in me towards Lord Momonga."
Albedo returned to smiling warmly and then remarked that it only leaves Rubedo then. It was their next destination as Nigredo was allowed to accompany both of them to the 8th floor, where Rubedo resided.
Her Angelic unmoving form came into view. Ainz, of course, already knew how to activate her. There was a bit of hesitation but then he did it. After few moments Rubedo opens her eyes and spreads her metallic wings. She then proceeds to kneel, and completely ignoring her sister's, address Ainz.
"Lord Momonga, thank you for awakening me, I'm ready to serve and protect you."
"Protect me! Rubedo I'm honored you want to protect me but there is no danger for me inside the Nazarick and I wanted to assign you to guard the entire Nazarick, not just me."
"Only Lord Momonga Important, I will protect Nazarick if it matters to you Lord Momonga."
Ainz understood what she was saying, Rubedo would protect only him even from Nazarick itself so he had to decide how to address it.
"Rubedo, Nazarick is more Important than me even in my own eyes, but I will comply with your wish and make you my personal bodyguard. That said I want for you to consider anyone who is part of Nazarick as important to me and thus protected."
"Understood Lord Momonga, I gladly accept the duty of personal bodyguard," Rubedo said in a rather natural voice, remaining Ainz of Shizu who acted rather similar to her.
"Rise Rubedo, you will need to relocate to the 9th floor, and I hope you will be getting along with denizens there."
"Of course Lord Momonga," Rubedo replied rising and folding her wings.
"Well then I'll leave you 3 to catch up a bit, and Albedo please find room for Rubedo to stay in.
"Yes Lord Momonga."
With that Ainz left 3 sisters to chat among themselves. He noticed with what suspicion Nigredo was looking at Rubedo but decided to not address it. With Rubedo awakened everything was set up for the evening event.
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In the evening Ainz was leading his friends to the throne room. They had agreed that Ulbert will be the one introducing their new names and titles. Ulbert had of course already practiced speech. Ainz would address everyone after that. They approached the throne room at a brisk pace feeling a bit nervous. Almost all of Nazarock's important NPC's awaited them, on top of that Ainz's promised surprise others made extra nervous. After all, Ainz wasn't known for being spontaneous or making surprises for the heck of it.
Ainz was one opening the throne room. Seeing them Everyone kneeled beside the long red carpet leading to the throne. Ainz was blessing this ability to remain calm as undead at this moment while others were almost shaking from stage fright. As they walked forward five thrones instead of one came into view. Ulbert seeing it couldn't hide his smirk. Ainz had prepared a throne for each of them.
Ainz sat in his central larger one and the rest took positions according to their rank. Ulbert sat on the right to Ainz and Tabula took one further away. Bukuma took a seat to Ainz's left and Peros sat next to her.
Albedo spoke "Supreme ones, the Throne room is prepared just as you asked, we hear and obey."
Ulbert paused a bit seeing about 80 kneeling figures with floor guardians, Pandora's actor, and Rubedo being just in front of thrones gave him stage fright quite a bit, so he just embraced his demonic side fully and put up a show, and started to speak.
"We gathered you all here to announce our plans and the new order." Many nervous glances were at him, they worried Momonga would not be their leader anymore because Ulbert was one speaking, but Ulbert just continued.
"I will start with introductions and our new titles. Starting with Lord Tabula Ooal Gown, god of Knowledge who will take the role of Grand Scholar of Nazarick."
Tabula gives a nod as Ulbert moves on.
"Peros Ooal Gown, God of Murder who will take the role of Grand Master of Assasins."
Peros noded, as well. Everyone still seemed nervous so Ulbert starting to ramp up his tone and energy,
"Bukuma Ooal Gown, Goddess of War, who will take the role of Grand Marshal of Nazarick."
Bukuma noded at the crowd with a sly smile, as Ulbert's frantic energy, started to spill into the crowd and faces lit up with excitement one by one.
"I Ulbert Ooal Gown, Demon God of Trickery, will take the role of Grand Inquisitor of Nazarick."
Now Ulbert was shouting words out.
"And finally Ainz Ooal Gown, God of Life and Death, will be our Supreme Overlord of Nazarick," he shouted the title as loud as he could and was met with a loud cheer.
Now was Ainz's turn to put up a show, he raised his hand and the entire room fell silent.
"I want to thank you all for taking great care of our home, The Great Tomb of Nazarick, and my deepest wish is for us all to continue doing so. As of today, we five will be known as Lords of Ooal Gown, my friends, and I will watch over you to ensure Glory of Nazarick," he waved his hand over the crowd.
While Ainz took the breath out of habit to continue, a quiet squeal is heard from the crowd "Lord Ainz is so cool!" followed by a sound of a hard smack.
"My friends and I have decided that our ultimate goal is to take over this world and remake it in our image."
Albedo taking the cue stands up, "We, all of us will make our life's goal to deliver this world to you Lords of Ooal Gown and to our supreme leader Ainz Ooal Gown!"
The entire crowd in unison then says "This we swear."
"We are pleased with your determination, floor guardians step forward one by one, you each will be entrusted with a ring of Ainz Ooal Gown as a reward for your loyalty."
They shoot nervous glances at each other. To accept gifts meant only for supreme ones was too much for them, but Ainz had set up a perfect trap. None of them dared to protest or decline in front of not only all the supreme ones remaining but also most of Nazarick's important NPC's.
Each of the floor guardians then walks forward up to Ainz's throne and takes a ring from his outstretched hand, Pandora's actor did the same and as he put it on his finger Ainz spoke,
"Let me introduce my creation, my own son, Pandora's Actor. Until now his only duty was to guard treasury, but now I ask you to take you in your mist and work together for Glory of Nazarick."
Pandora's actor bowed and thanked Ainz before returning to his spot. The last one to come up was Rubedo and take the ring at Ainz invitation.
"Since most of you don't know her, let me introduce Rubedo, she will serve as my personal bodyguard from now on, so please welcome her to our ranks."
She then proceeds to bow towards Ainz and says, "Thank you Lord Ainz Ooal Gown for entrusting me with this most honorable of duty."
The crowd is noticeably nervous at her presence, almost no one has seen her in person but only heard rumors about her. Albedo's younger sister, Nazaricks strongest NPC.
"This is all for today, you may return to your duties."
Soon throne room is almost empty save for five of them and Albedo who remained standing.
Ainz addressed her "Albedo did you need anything else?"
"No Lord Ainz, I stay in the throne room when I do not need to be elsewhere, should I leave?"
"Albedo why are you staying in the throne room, is something wrong with your room?" Ainz asked her.
"I don't have room, my Lord."
"You don't have a room! But where do you keep your belongings and sleep?"
"My belongings are in a bag on that small balcony and I have a ring of sustenance so I don't sleep." Albedo pointed at a small balcony close to the ceiling behind the thrones.
"Tabula, you didn't make room for her, what the hell is wrong with you?" Bukuma shouted at Tabula in anger.
"It slipped my mind," Tabula mumbled while looking away from her, quite clearly embarrassed.
Ainz resisted facepalming. Tabula was known for his absentmindedness but forget to give room to his daughter was a low point even for him. Ainz of course wanted to fix it right away and said. "Albedo you may take on of unused main quarters on the 9th floor."
"Lord Ainz I can't, that is reserved only for Supreme ones, the mere servant as myself is beneath using them."
"Albedo you are taking one of them and that's final, and I will help move your things!" Bukuma addressed Albedo in a stern tone making clear there is no room for arguing on the matter.
Albedo just quietly nodded and flew up to retrieve her bag and then followed Bukuma out of the throne room.
"Wow this was intense, who is up for a drink," Peros asked in a chipper tone.
After sharing a drink in the bar with Ainz who was the only one to take his offer, Peros returned to his quarters only to find a very nervous vampire bride waiting for him.
She kneeled right away, saying "Lord Peros Ooal Gown, Lady Shalltear has gifted me to you."
"Oh, you sound so tense, please rise and relax."
Vampire bride stands up still visibly nervous and asks "Of course my lord, how should I please you?"
"When we are in private just Peros, ok!" he then walked up to a bar, he found in his quarters and asked, "Would you like a drink?"
Vampire bride was so used to Shalltears abuse and constant shouting that she has no idea how to react to Peros' polite and pleasant attitude towards her so she just nodded shyly.
"What kind of drinks you like?"
"Anything will be fine Lo.."
"Peros will be just fine, come let us pick something."
She walks up to the bar as Peros puts glass in her hands. He already had a general idea of how Shalltear treated her subordinates. The girl was terrified to do anything wrong. Peros wasn't the most tactful man but he wanted the girl to feel comfortable around him so he started to look at what was in his small private bar. He didn't want to lose face in front of her and just picked one of the wine bottles at random trying to give of impression that he knows what he is doing.
Peros poured some wine in vampire bride's glass and took one for himself too. He was curious how the wine tasted since he couldn't afford it on earth. The girl took a small sip and he did the same. Peros liked it but not as much as he expected, vampire bride seemed to enjoy it as she finally was calming down and a seductive smile appeared on her face.
Peros, to his shame, realized he hadn't even asked her name yet, so he corrected the mistake right away.
"Hey, I'm sorry I didn't ask you right away, but what is your name?"
"I don't have one, my Lord, we vampire brides are low-tier summons and mistress Shalltear doesn't bother naming us."
The statement felt weird to Peros, she didn't even have a name because no one had bothered to give her one. Peros recalled a cute vampire character from one of his favorite porn games and decided to just use it.
"How about I call you Eztli, would you like that?"
Vampire bride blushed with a wide smile and replied "I would be delighted to be named by you, Lord Peros."
After that tension between them was pretty much gone and soon enough Etzli was sitting in Peros' lap, giggling at his bad jokes and sliding hands all over his body.
'This is the life,' he thought to himself as he carried her to bed.
Peros woke up in the morning as Etzli slept next to him. He glanced over her pale gorgeous body. Even though Peros preferred flatter girls, someone like her would have been way out of his league on earth. With a smirk, he took out a notebook, crossed out, a hot vampire from the long list, and put the book back in his storage. He had no intentions to stop at just one.
He then sent a message to Shalltear thanking her and noting that he would love to keep Eztli as his concubine, and Shalltear asked if he needed's more of them. Peros thought for a moment and decided against a harem of vampire brides alone as he had already decided to make a diverse list of concubines.
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It was the third day since they arrived in the new world. Poros was starting to get restless. He wanted to go out exploring the world, do something. Training for 10 hours a day, was fun and fine but it started to grow old on its own quite fast.
After daily spar with the Pleiades' maid's, he went to see what Ainz was doing. Ainz was getting increasingly busy and they hadn't had a chance to just hanging out.
Peros walked to Ainz's office to see what he was up to and found him trying out a remote viewing mirror, with Sebas behind him.
"Hey, Ainz, what are you up to?"
"I'm scanning the nearby area, still need to figure out how to use this thing," Ainz tried various hand gestures slowly figuring it out. Peros started to watch Ainz's attempts with amusement, not that he had any idea how to use that mirror himself. Ainz started to understand how to operate it but for the most part, just saw either grassy plains or forest. Then he stumbled upon a small village. About 25 - 30 houses big. From distance, it was very busy with activity.
"Hm, some kind of festival perhaps," Ainz remarked.
"I don't think so my Lord, it looks like they are attacked," Sebas said.
"Mmm...some soldiers killing civilians, not really our business since we don't know circumstances," Ainz said in a casual voice being weirded out how little he cared about human life now. Just a week ago he would have vomited at the sight of human stabbed or gutted, but now it felt no different than watching ants getting squashed.
Peros was going through similar emotions, as he also didn't have a reaction he would expect when you see humans casually killed. Some part of him wanted to run in and try to save someone but on other hand Ainz's statement made sense. It wasn't their problem. Still, Peros was craving some action and suggested.
"Hey Ainz, maybe we should go help them out, they look like a nice first test for our abilities."
"Yes, that sounds like a good idea, testing out how strong we are compared to others, and on top of that, we might get some allies or at least useful information. "
In front of the mirror was a scene with a man dragged out of the house and stabbed in the back repeatedly. With his dying breath, he looked straight at the mirror, and on his lips could be read, "Please save my daughters."
Ainz was a bit spooked, but he recalled that players could get an indication when someone watched them, by either using magic or items, so this farmer probably just felt he was being watched and asked to save his daughters with his dying breath. Ainz quickly located two girls running from knights. Although he didn't feel compassion for them, some part of humanity remained in Ainz and wanted to help the desperately running girls.
"Peros get your sister and gear up, we are going to save that village if we can, Sebas inform Albedo to gear up as well, and come ASAP, I will use a gate to go there right away."
They both nodded as Ainz cast the gate and stepped through it.
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Enri was running, pulling her little sister Nemu along with her. She didn't know how this had happened. Her small and unassuming village was usually only visited by tax collectors, there wasn't almost anything there. And then soldiers showed up. Started butchering her neighbors, her friends, family. Mother and father sacrificed themselves to give her and her little sister a chance to run.
Even if she lives, things she saw in those brief moments while running out of the village will haunt her for life, she tried to shield her sister from seeing it too but to no avail. People she knew being killed, blood, gore, and then her friend Mili brutally raped, the way she screamed...
But at this moment it didn't matter, she had to run as she had to drag her sister along with her fast enough. Enri was just 16, but hard labor had hardened her body, so she alone could have run away, but her little sister Nemu was only 10. Nemu couldn't keep up, and no matter how hard Enri tried to drag her along, soldiers chasing them were closing in.
Then they were almost in striking distance and Enri resolved herself to give her sister at least some time and with a shout "Nemu run!" Enri turns around and slams her first in the nearest soldier's plate-clad midsection. He gave out a surprised yelp as Enri feels her fingers shattering against the hard metal. She turned around to run again hoping that it will give her at least some seconds.
She caught up with Nemu soon enough and moments later felt a sharp pain in her back and fell. She clutched her sister tight to shield her from the next blow that soon will come. She didn't feel her legs anymore. It was the end. One of the soldiers was laughing about taking turns on her while she is still alive, while another who she surprised with the hit, was fuming in anger of embarrassment she caused him and was yelling that he will fuck her up so bad.
There was only one thought in her mind, how to help her sister escape. Then she heard them mutter.
"What the hell is that!"
Enri looked up as a dark rippling void appeared in front of her. And then death stepped through it. That was the only way to describe what she saw. It had no face only a clean white skull with red flames in its eye sockets. Dressed in a dark robe that exposes its ribs and holding a golden staff that looked like snakes were wrapped around it with heads on top each holding a gem. It gazed at them for a mere moment.
Enri felt fear. Not like she felt before, when it was fear to die or that she would not save her sister but something much deeper. The skeletal monster radiated fear unlike she had ever felt. Then smell hit her, Nemu had soiled herself. She didn't even felt it but she had done the same.
The skeletal monster then holds out his hand, says in a deep powerful voice, "Grasp heart" and crushed what looked like a heart in its hand full with rings. Enri hears one of the soldiers falling behind her with a thud and the other running away screaming hysterically.
Then skeletal being said something about dragon lightning and other soldier fell not far away from them and smell of burned flesh filled the air, making her want to vomit. The only thing Enri could hope was that her's and her sister's deaths would be as swift as the soldiers that chased them moments ago.
She watched unblinking as the figure walked past her and done something to the soldier's corpse. A tall monstrosity rise in its place and a skeletal being sent it to kill the rest of the soldiers.
Then it came back to her. It leaned in and took out a potion with red liquid and offered it to her. Monster said something but she wasn't processing anything anymore. Enri just begged not to hurt her sister and reached for the potion but something prevented her from taking it. Nemu was holding her hand and shouting something...
Then other beings appeared from the rippling void. A tall woman dressed in jet black armor from head to toe. A bird-like demi-human dressed in golden armor. And a beautiful elven woman dressed in red and black armor. The woman in black armor shouted at her and raised her ax to strike Enri down. People around her started to argue and then the elven woman crouched in front of her and with a reassuring smile said that it was a healing potion. Enri took it and drank. She hadn't felt any pain being in shock all this time. But now it flashed for a moment and she started to feel her legs again and fingers on her hand were back to normal.
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Ainz stepped through the gate and was met with two girls on the ground and two soldiers right behind them. The oldest girl had a nasty gash on her back and was rapidly bleeding out. Both girls looked up at him and in rapid succession soiled themselves one after another. Ainz pretended not to notice and turned their attention on soldiers. He was unsure how strong they are so decided to go for grasp heart. It was a 9th tier spell that instantly killed weak opponents and stunned strong ones. If the spell doesn't kill the soldier he will be stunned and Ainz could grab the girls and retreat to Nazarick.
Ainz extends his hand and casts "Grasp Heart" on the closest soldier. He crushes his heart without a problem and the man just falls, while the other soldier starts running away screaming hysterically.
So soldiers weren't overly strong. That was a relief. Now he decided to test the weakest attack spell he still had - 5th tier spell Dragon Lightning.
"Let's test something much weaker, Dragon lightning" to Ainz's surprise soldier died instantly and the smell of burnt flesh filled the air.
"Instant death from mere 5th tier spell, how pathetic," Ainz noted and then decides to create undead as cannon fooder just in case.
Two corpses in front of him gave him the perfect opportunity. When he was testing undead creation beforehand he had realized it took about 20 times more mana to create one. When discussing it with Ulbert and Tabula, Tabula had suggested using medium to provide mass for the summon.
He casts create undead - death knight. Soldiers corpse turns into black liquid and reshapes into a two-meter tall undead with a large shield. Now it took the usual amount of mana to create it. Ainz took a mental note to gather corpses wherever it was possible for summoning purposes. Death knights were a level 30 summons but thanks to Ainz specialization it was bumped up to level 35. It was a very weak undead compared to a level 100 player but they were useful as a two-hit shield, no matter how strong the hit was death-knight would stay at 1hp after the first hit.
Ainz points at the remaining corpse and commands the death knight "Kill ones in same armor."
Death knight runs off in direction of the village with deep killing intent and Ainz remembering that summons now take orders literally, mutters to himself,
"Looks like I will have to think about orders more carefully from now on, after all, it's not a game anymore."
Ainz then turns attention back on both girls shivering in fear covered in their own piss. He cursed his increased senses a bit, but puts on his best salesman impression and walks up to girls giving the older one a minor healing potion and saying,
"You are hurt, here drink this, it will help." The girl was bleeding from the gash on her back and it would take only minutes for her to bleed out and die, defeating the purpose of why Ainz even came.
The older blonde girl says in a panic, "Blood, I will drink it please don't hurt my sister."
The Smaller one grabs her hand crying, "don't do it Enri!"
What was going on, Ainz was confused for a bit but then realized that he as undead might be terrifying to them. At that moment Albedo, Peros and Bukuma arrive through the gate he left open for them.
Seeing what is happening Alberto growls "You lower life forms turn down the gift my Lord is giving you out of kindness, you deserve a thousand deaths," she then lifts her bardiche to strike them down.
"Albedo, stop this and calm down," Bukuma shouts at her. Albedo stops in her tracks but still holds bardiche over her head ready to strike, seeing that Ainz chips in.
"Albedo put the weapon away these girls are not our enemy and are no threat to us." This finally convinces Albedo who relaxes and says,
"Of course Lord Mo...Lord Ainz."
Buruma realizes right away that both girls are terrified of Ainz because he is undead and hopes her elven form will scare them less, so she takes the potion out of Ainz's hand crouches down to both girls, and says in a gentle voice,
"It's a healing potion, please drink it." giving them reassuring smile.
Enri takes the potion and drinks it. The gash on her back heals right away and the smiling elf woman calms her down a bit.
Bukuma adreses Ainz once more.
"Ainz I think you will need to use the different form when outside, looks like this place is not fond of heteromorph's as well, brother, you also should take more human form just in case."
"Good idea," Ainz replies activating the ring and turning into a human, an average western-looking man with brown hair and grey eyes, he chose the look because both girls he saved, look European. Ainz then tosses the ring to Peros, who puts it on and turns into an elf, looking similar to his sister. Ainz then starts explaining what has already happened.
"These soldiers are really weak, I killed one with just a dragon lightning and sent death knight to clear the rest of them from the village over there."
"Just 5th tier? Are we in the starting zone or something?" Peros asked still thinking in gaming terms.
"In any case, let's go finish this up," Ainz replies and cast some protective shields around the girls, then tosses two horn-shaped items at girls and says
"I put some defensive barriers to protect you, and if you are attacked just blow the horns. A bunch of goblins will come and help you out."
After a moment of thinking, he extends his hand and casts, "Alter memory."
Bukuma asks "Ainz what are you doing?"
"I changed their memories so they remember us only in these forms."
Bukuma nodded in approval and Ainz lead them in direction of town while closing down his robe so his bare chest doesn't stick out of it, making him look weird.
Enri finally snaps out of her shock. She is confused a bit about why she was so terrified of her saviors, their leader looks human and was nothing but nice to her, and they even gave her a healing potion and some items for protection. She puts the confusion aside as she wants to thank them before they leave.
'Thank you for saving me and my sister, can I ask names of our saviors?"
"I am Ainz Ooal Gown, and these are Bukuma Ooal Gown, Peros Ooal Gown, and this is Albedo," as he pointed to Bukuma, Peros, and Albedo respectively.
They then start walking towards the town at a brisk pace. As they get out of hearing distance from girls Peros asks.
"So what are we telling when they ask who are we and where we came from?"
"Oh I haven't thought of that, we can't exactly tell that we are from another world and are our game avatars now, but if everyone is a weak as those soldiers, no one will buy the idea of us being simple travelers either.
"What if we roll with the Tabula's idea and just call ourselves gods or some ancient awakened beings?" Peros suggests.
"Brother that may be a bit too much for a start even if they are weak compared to us, I think we need some middle ground that is believable enough!"
"Then we will tell we are a guild that lived deep within this forest and honed our skills isolated from the outside world. When I scouted the area with a mirror it seemed that forest covers a very large area and it would be easy to convince people that our home is hard to find." Ainz proposes. With both Peros and Bukuma agreeing and Albedo just listening silently Ainz decides to go with it.
It was about a 5-minute walk when they finally reached town. The remaining farmers were gathered in the town center and a small group of soldiers remained, shaking in fear and kneeling as the carnage death knight caused was evident. Corpses of soldiers were laying everywhere. Some cut in half, some crushed, one was even hanging from the roof of a house.
As they observed damage Peros noted, "A single death knight was enough to do this, good thing you didn't go with high tier summon."
"Stand down death knight," Ainz says in his deep voice, and death knight stops short in his tracks.
Bukuma was first to approach soldiers asking,
"Why are you killing these farmers?"
"As we would talk to a stinking elf," one snorted back despite shaking in fear.
Bukuma got angry and kicked him in the chest with full force. A deafening shockwave is heard, and he shoots away like a bullet with only his plate armor keeping the remains in one piece. Bukuma was surprised for a moment, she felt strong but seeing that kick from her shoot corpse of a full-grown man like a bullet was unexpected.
"Damm sis, that guy will land in another country!" Peros exclaims as the remaining soldiers stare at her dizzy from the shockwave she caused.
Bukuma got out of her surprise still fuming with anger, she turns to the rest of the soldiers asking "Anybody else?"
They frantically shake their heads and let out murmurs that they were just following orders. The elven woman was much stronger than the dark undead monstrosity that killed most of their comrades. Angering her, even more, was clear suicide, and in face of death better to keep mouths shut than to express political views.
Momonga, seeing it, sends a message to all his comrades present,
{ We seem to be much stronger here than I could have imagined, for now, try to control the amount of force you use. }
He gets silent nods of agreement and then tells the remaining soldiers to run back to their owners. As they run off, Ainz sends a message to eight-legged Assasins, that Albedo had deployed around the perimeter of the village, to gather soldiers up and take them back to Nazarick once they are out of view of peasants, informing Bukuma and Peros about if as well.
Then they turn attention to farmers silently watching them and they are watching them suspiciously as an older man steps forward and asks in a shaky voice.
"Who are you?"
"We saw that this village was in trouble and decided to help." Ainz answers and sees that it made people even more worried. His guess is they are not used to free help so says,
"We however didn't do it for free," Ainz adds right away and seeing that it makes the more relaxed he goes on.
"It is clear for me that, you will not be able to pay us a reasonable amount of money, so we will ask for information for our help as we do not know much about the current age and or surrounding areas."
Seeing people finally calming down as just eyeing them curiously, he sends Peros and Bukuma to pick up two girls they saved in the forest and goes with the village elder to his house as Albedo and death knight stay outside guarding the area.
Enri was sitting inside the green glowing sphere. It was only now setting in what had happened, her parents were dead, she was saved by some strange, very strong people. She will have to take care of Nemu from now on. Her little sister was sitting in her lap shaking. Enri was recalling all the horrors she saw and was more worried about how much it has traumatized her sister than her own state of mind.
She then saw two elves coming back as the woman stepped forward saying,
"Come girls village is safe now, Lord Ainz took care of it."
Enri took Nemu by hand as they followed their saviors. Both elves were chatting about how fresh the air was and how nice the forest smelled. Enri followed close behind. As grateful she was to them she couldn't shake off the feeling of how dangerous they were. Something deep inside her was telling her that something was off, unbeknown to her, memory magic used, only removed memories from her mind, scars left on soul reminded.
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Gazef Stronoff the Royal guard captain of the Re-Estize kingdom, a powerfully built man in his late 30's, led a band of soldiers riding towards the next village. He was pushing his horse to its limits. They were late 4 times already. King had sent him to investigate recent attacks on villages. There was an annual war with the Baharuth empire but until now it was all both countries did. Now a senseless attack on peasants was added to the mix near the border both countries shared. Opposing nobles used the situation to undermine the king's authority as usual, so the king had sent his best warrior Gazef to resolve the situation fast.
As a hardened soldier Gazef was used to death but still seeing innocent people even small children butchered was unnerving. The last town was still warm with fires burning so they were getting close. Gazef was praying they make it on time to their next destination, the Carne village.
Then something hit a roadside tree almost taking it down. The group made a sudden halt to investigate. What they found defiled all sense and reason. What looked like remains of a man had hit the tree with incredible force splattering blood and plate parts around it.
" Captain, what could have happened?" asked vice-captain shocked and confused as he had no idea what could throw a full-grown man in armor with such force.
"I don't know, but it is an ill omen," noted Gazef and then addressed everyone "Let's move on, we can't waste any more time, Carne village is not far away and we still haven't caught up with empire scum that is killing our people."
As they pushed forward, Gazef tried to figure out what to await. A giant, dragon, what kind of creature was ahead of them. What could The Baharuth empire possibly have to do such a thing?
Bonus Story 1 - Daily watch.
Relzanu or more known as Thousand Leagues Astrologer was preparing for her daily reconnaissance. She was one of Slane Theocracy's most valuable assets. Not only did she hold the 7th seat in black scripture but also she had a special ability - remote viewing. Her daily tasks included gathering relevant intelligence.
One of the clerics, that was assigned to serve directly to her, had brought her dinner and tea. After eating she puts tea on the table next to a bowl of cookies and prepares her report sheets.
First, she watched Holocaust Scripture's activities in the elven kingdom. War was still raging on and nothing out of order showed up. She took a sip of tea and started to write a report as she watched. When she first discovered her skill Relzanu had to close her eyes to use it, but now she was so used to double vision that she could observe and write a report at the same time.
Next was the Dragon kingdom. Beast men attacks on the kingdom were ramping up and she saw things that unnerved even her. She was used to seeing atrocities but some still got to her. A human child age about 5 was being eaten by a bear-type beastmen who didn't even bother to kill him before eating.
'It will be a fine day when all those sub-human bastards will be eliminated.' she thought as she wrote a report about Dragon kingdom.
It will probably be the next destination of sunlight Scripture.
Finally came Sunlight Scripture activities. She started to watch and saw decoy soldiers killing peasants and Nigun with his troop waiting to ambush Re-Estize warrior captain if he finally shows up. Relzanu didn't like seeing her nation's soldiers killing simple peasants but she trusted the wisdom of Cardinal's who often reminded her that sacrifices must be made for the greater good.
There was strange interference as everything was a bit blurry. She started to write the report and took a sip of tea and then one soldier was attacked by something and sent flying. Relzanu almost spat out her tea in surprise. Some black blur moved fast and started to kill soldiers one by one. She concentrated and gasped,
'A death knight in Re-Estize! Nigun will have a hard time taking it down.' Fights with a legendary monster like that were reserved for black scripture after all. Things have gotten much more interesting and Relzanu started to watch with interest for the first time today.