"Can you heal her?" Michael sat in the room with Maria that accompanied by the fox in its spectral form.
"I could, but for what reason would I? Your task is to fight Ainz, nothing more."
"Even after all of this time you're still not entertained?"
"I never said that. You've led quite the adventure over this decade Michael, but healing this woman does not contribute to your battle with Ainz. Enough of this. Ainz has appeared even you can remember he was the one who saved this village, don't you? When will you face him? I have no intention for you to clear his dungeon, I can make the two of you face off on a battlefield or perhaps an arena." Michael was silent even after all of this time this fox didn't care for anything but its own sick entertainment. He wanted to be angry but he left those emotions behind, all he had now was regret and acceptance.
"I will have your answer in a few days."
"So be it." With those final words the fox vanished into thin air, and Michael was left alone with Maria.
"Oh, Maria." Michael turned to her and held her hand tightly in his own. Michael spent that night with Maria never leaving her side.
The next morning Michael left the home and allowed Maria's caretakers to take over. He thanked them on his way out and met with Jiyu outside.
"I'm sorry, Michael."
"It's fine Master."
"It would be good for you to spend her last days with her Michael."
"No, I may know of a way to heal her but."
"But, what?"
"There's no guarantee it will work and even if it did I would most likely not live to see the results." Jiyu knew that in Michael's current situation there was no remedy for the death of a loved one. Recovering from such a tragedy was a long and arduous process, one he knew all too well. But this talk of healing her even after multiple healers failed made Jiyu uneasy.
"We must return to the temple. I need to speak to Rozu before I do this."
"Michael, do you not want to spend more time here?"
"I do but, I need to say my goodbyes. To everyone."
"I. Understand." Jiyu let Michael know he would wait for him on the outskirts of town for them to return to the temple. Michael first visited Tobias, who was shocked that Michael would be leaving so soon but Michael explained himself and how he knew of a way to heal Maria. Tobias reluctantly said his goodbyes. Before he left though he was met by a young boy, Tobias' son Truman. He had grown so much since Michael last saw him, as he was now he was maybe 12 or 13. Michael knew the boy would likely not have any memory of him but still said it was a pleasure to meet him before leaving. Michael made sure to say his goodbyes to everyone in the village before meeting with Jiyu on the outskirts.
"Are you ready, Michael?"
"Yes, Master." The journey back to the temple was quiet Jiyu watched Michael who seemed lost in thought throughout the entire trip. Jiyu tried to start a conversation and pick Michael's brain on multiple occasions to see what he was thinking but Michael only responded with simple answers. 'Yes, Master. No, Master. Just thinking, Master.' Finally, that night when resting at the foot of the mountain Jiyu put all of the cards on the table.
"Michael, what are you planning?"
"It's nothing, Ma-"
"Stop." Michael turned to Jiyu somewhat surprised as Jiyu stared at him.
"Michael, you've been lost in thought all day claiming that you need to say goodbye? What are you planning?" Michael sighed, there was a long silence between the two of them before Michael responded.
"There's a... man I know of, I don't even know if I can even call him that. He can heal her."
"What makes you so sure he would be able to?"
"He is a magic caster with riches larger than any monarch, followers more faithful than the most loyal priest, and strong enough to singlehandedly flatten any society. Dare I say he's the strongest being in the world, and he's the reason I'm here."
"Michael is this man-"
"Yes, he's the demon I was brought here to fight. If anyone could heal her it would be him. Unfortunately, though the creature that brought me here wouldn't allow me to not fight him." Jiyu couldn't believe the level of risk Michael was proposing. To face a demon he himself claims to be the strongest being in the world, and ask for him to heal someone with no guarantee of his request being accepted. He didn't know what to say, the claims alone were mind-boggling. Jiyu was lost in self-thought before being interrupted by Michael.
"I have an idea, but as I said earlier there is no guarantee it will work. Best case scenario Maria will live and I will be gone. Worst case scenario we both die." For Michael to see that and say it unwavering in emotion shocked Jiyu. It was like Michael had no ties to his own self-preservation and then Michael spoke again.
"I don't want to live in a world without her, and I won't allow myself to live knowing I could've saved her. I've already made up my mind master, there is no point in trying to change my course."
"It is not my place to control your life Michael, only guide you to self-betterment. Your conviction is strong and I will not interfere. Come, the sun is rising we should go. The sooner we arrive at the temple the sooner you may face this demon." Michael looked up to see the sun rising over the horizon as the orange glow of the morning shined over the dark landscape
"Thank you, Master."
The two climbed the mountain, Michael, in front and Jiyu slightly behind. Jiyu couldn't help but stare at Michael and saw the man he had become. When he first met him Michael was tired, alone, but still fought for the sake of others even if his methods were questionable. He was almost consumed by rage and nearly killed people he cared for. Even after hearing of the terrible situation his loved one was in. Instead of anger, he was calm determined to save her. It was inspiring, his conviction in her safety was truly inspiring. Evening came when the two arrived at the temple. Greeted by Matthew who was confused the two had returned so soon.
"Welcome back Master Jiyu and. Michael? Why are both you back so soon?"
"It is best if Michael explain. Please inform Bori, and Rozu to meet with us here."
"Of course Master." Matthew left quickly but turned a few times to see the two who stood there. Jiyu and Michael both looking as if they had seen the end of the world. A few minutes had passed and Matthew returned with Bori and Rozu following suit. Bori was just as confused as Matthew. He was going to greet them but had his attention averted when Rozu hid behind him gripping his pant leg.
"I've grabbed them just as you asked Master, but why? What has happened? You both seem so distraught" Matthew asked confused and concerned.
"It would be best for Michael to explain." Jiyu stepped back allowing Michael to explain to them his story and his plan. Michael told them all exactly what he had told his friends and family in Carne Village. How he arrived in The New World, his purpose, what he faced when he returned to Carne Village, and what he planned on doing."
"Michael surely ther-" Bori tried to dissuade Michael but was interrupted by Jiyu
"There is no need Bori. Michael has made up his mind, and will not take no for an answer."
"But Master."
"Bori would you tell Michael to give up on saving the person he cares so much for?" Bori stood silent, he worried for Michael. To think he may be throwing his life away on a hunch. The risk was too great, but he had never heard Jiyu make such a claim as well and reluctantly backed down.
"I'll be leaving tomorrow and I will spend the night preparing so I wanted to spend what may be my last day saying my goodbyes." Matthew took a pause and stared at Matthew.
"Matthew I am forever in your debt for the countless hours we have trained together. Although at the time my goals were nothing more than to destroy those who had wronged me. You stayed calm corrected my mistakes with courtesy and treated me as an equal despite my behavior. I don't know what you had done or experienced before this, but I can say. You were integral to sculpting who I am today. Bori we didn't speak much but the times when we did, you tried to teach me so much. Restraint, caring for others, honor, duty, you and Matthew both motivated me to stay this course despite the challenges and so much more I can't even list. I only wish at the time I had listened before the day I lost myself. Please don't stop being the caring man you are. Both of you." Michael looked at Rozu who flinched at his gaze. Michael sighed and squatted down but did not approach them in any way. Michael turned to face the ground bowing his head.
"Rozu, I- I'm sorry. I won't defend that day I hurt you. I let my anger take control of me and I will always hold that with me. You taught me to not take life so seriously, sometimes it's good to play, it's good to laugh, it's good to have fun. You've brought so much value to my outlook on life, in the time I was at my worst. I know that I can't do anything that can change that day but I just want to say. Even if this is the last time you ever see me. Don't stop loving them, don't stop loving life. Do everything you can to stay positive." Michael got up and turned around to see Jiyu.
"Master, where to start? You've done so much. You took me, a stranger in, and gave me everything. Food, water, a bed, a roof over my head. And most importantly a family who cared for me. Every facet of my character, every bit of enlightenment, every tear of joy came from your benevolence. Even when I disrespected everything you stood for, I nearly destroyed everything you've done and you never gave up on me. All I can say is I'm sorry and thank-" Michael was interrupted when Jiyu tackled Michael with a hug.
"I was nothing more than a guide. These are your achievements, Michael." Michael couldn't control his tears and buried his face into Jiyu's shoulder tightly returning the hug.
"Everything good in me started with you. I am eternally grateful, Master." Michael replied. A moment went by and Matthew joined in on the hug and spoke.
"You've grown so much since we first met Michael. You've become a great man don't forget who you are now." Matthew finished. Bori and even Rozu joined in on the hug.
"Should this be our last interaction, Michael. Know we care for you as more than just family." Bori spoke Michael looked down at Rozu and the other three men let their hugs go. He lowered himself bringing Rozu in for a hug.
"Please don't die, Michael. Please come back." Michael could feel her tears soaking his shirt. He caressed her head and softly replied.
"I will do my best." All four of them stayed there not wanting to miss any second they had left with each other.
Eventually, they dispersed. Michael told them he would begin his preparations before leaving and asked that they all meet at dinner that night. They all agreed.
Michael entered his room and grabbed a bag filling it with items he thought he would need for what may be the end of his life. He spent a good chunk of that evening reliving the memories behind the walls. His skepticism, his joys, his highs, his lows, and ultimately his change. That evening turned into night and he joined everyone else for dinner. Everyone was sad even Michael but he kept up his positivity. He made everyone smile reminiscing on his time telling stories of his time in Carne, time with his friends, and time with Maria. By the end, they were all satisfied. Michael informed them that he would be gone by morning, and urged it would be best not to dwell for the next few hours anticipating his departure. He said his final goodbyes which were returned with smiles, hugs, and tears. He cleaned his body and cared for his hair. He put on a change of clothing then isolated himself in his room with the bag he would take with him.
"Fox, I have my answer." The fox appeared quickly before Michael as if it were excited knowing the battle was to come soon.
"And?"
"Tomorrow morning hopefully sunrise gather Ains and his most trusted servants all together in their main chamber of Nazarick."
"Oh? A final battle witnessed by all of his followers. Truly a fantastic finale to this. Good taste, my friend"
"Try not to wake them if it takes longer for them to be awoken give them that time. Can you do that?"
"I suppose if it is what you truly want."
"When have you ever cared for what I truly wanted?"
"Touché Michael. I assure you I can wait."
"Thank you." Michael sat in the chair in his room, closed his eyes, and began to meditate. Unbeknownst to Michael, this was going to be the longest meditation session he had ever had. Sunrise was 6 hours away, meaning that for at the least for 6 hours Michael would be sitting there with nothing more to pass the time than his thoughts. So he did that Michael thought of everything he had been through during this past decade. The people he met, the sights he saw, the pain he felt, the anguish, the regret, everything. For 6 hours Michael sat in that chair experiencing every imaginable emotion until he felt weightless. As if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders and he felt happy.
You have achieved inner peace. New skills and levels have been added
Calming Grace: Extreme focus through an unbending calm will. Heightened senses and reactions
Mithral Fist: When activated, boosts damage done from unarmed attacks.
Greater Ability Boost: When activated, increases muscle activation leading to boosted speed and boosted effects of all active skills
Passive Recovery III: Extreme Health regeneration both in and out of combat
Higher Withstand: When activated, allows the user to withstand a fatal blow and receive a portion of the damage done as health
Unbreakable Fortress: When activated, hardens the skin, muscles, bones, armor, and weapons of the user allowing them to brush off most physical attacks.
Greater Evasion: When activated, grants the user nearly blinding speed and slight future sight making dodging attacks easier.
Michael Woods
Human Race
"The Face Of Redemption."
Job: None
Residence: None
Alignment: 350 - Great Good
Job Level
Monk: Level 10
Striker: Level 4
Grappler: Level 5
Ki User Level 3
Farmer: Level 5
Ranger (Hunter): Level 2
Abilities
Unarmed Strike
Cutting Edge
Greater Ability Boost
Mithral Fist
Unbreakable Fortress
Greater Evasion
Passive Recovery III
Higher Withstand
Piercing Shot
Calming Grace
Stats
HP: 35
MP: 0
PHY ATK: 40
PHY DEF: 30
AGI: 25
MAG ATK: 0
MAG DEF: 30
RESIST: 0
SPECIAL (KI): 10
Talents
Martial Affinity
Way Of The Long Death
'This must be the strength Jiyu was talking about. Perhaps I am certainly stronger than any human but nowhere near enough to even damage Ainz. Let alone his followers. Oh well.' Michael thought to himself coming to terms with what he had accomplished.
"The time has come Michael." The fox spoke and a vortex appeared before Matthew. It swirled like a vortex and was white at the edges phasing into a dark blue at the center.
"Well Fox, I guess this is goodbye. If you'll hear me out though would you grant me one request?"
"I suppose I can. Name it."
"Sympathy and Compassion are better suited for someone of your immense power. Do try to embody that." There was no response from the fox for a moment before it responded.
"I-I suppose I could take your words into consideration." The fox went silent for a moment more and Michael stood smiling at the portal. He took a deep breath and sighed.
"E- Enough of this talk! Go and face your greatest challenge, Michael."
"As you wish." Michael picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder before walking through the portal.
Michael appeared on the other side of the portal. His eyes needed a moment to adjust to the brightness before he saw the large room he was in. Flags lined the walls illuminated by the torches, weapons, stained glass, and crystals decorated the room. Chandeliers lit up the room brightly and there was a rug of remarkable quality leading up the stairs to the very man he was here to meet. On his throne there he sat flanked on both sides by his most loyal servants was the strongest being in the world. The Undead King Ains Ooal Gown. Michael's ears were immediately invaded by the words of sheer disgust and disdain at his existence.
"A worm like you dares appear here?" Albedo the succubus in white was the first.
"Scum like you have no place in our presence. You will suffer dearly for this disrespect." Shalltear the young-looking vampire continued. Michael wasn't phased by their words taking in the sights he stood in place smiling. Then Ainz stood and silenced the room. His voice was booming and reverberated through the room multiple times. The denizens of the great hall apologized and stood silent glaring at Michael.
"How did you summon such a portal, human?" Ainz spoke calmly. Michael could feel the deep voice in his bones shaking him from inside.
"I didn't summon this portal. No, I was brought here by a powerful being as its champion."
"And what is it that this being wants you to accomplish?"
"Well, it wants me to fight you."
"Insolent human!" Demiurge the demon's voice boomed and Michael felt a great force weigh down on him. His legs felt weak as he was forced not his hands and knees.
"You dare come here under these pretenses. Lie to our great Lord's face and threaten him after he so graciously allowed you to live! Your disrespectful nature will not be tolerated, human!"
"Oh, but it is no lie. Demiurge." Michael struggled to get each word out but right as he spoke Demiurge's name he lifted his head to stare directly at him. The denizens were taken back that he knew of Demiurge's name. So much so Ainz himself dispelled Demiurge's magical effect releasing Michael from the immense pressure.
Michael slowly stood up his legs were wobbly and when he looked up he could see Ainz's eyes glowing red in rage.
"How do you know that name, human!"
"It's as I said Lord Ainz or perhaps you'd prefer Momonga? I was sent here to fight you." Ainz was shocked that Michael knew of the name Momonga it was impossible that this human would know either. His shock quickly turned into anger and a shout so fierce Michael covered his ears, then Ainz's calming spell kicked in calming him down.
"I mean no disrespect Lord Ainz. I have no intention of lying to-"
"Silence! Who else knows of this place!"
"I have told some of you. Although, I am the only one who knows of you, your followers, or of Nazarick."
"You know human I have no desire to allow you to leave this place alive!"
"I knew of that from the start. I had no hopes in defeating you or any of your followers for that matter." Michael sat on the floor and placed his bag in front of him before continuing.
"In a way, you could say I came here knowing I would die a painful death or maybe even eternal suffering." Michael finished.
"Sebas. On my command, you will have authority to deal with this human."
"As you wish, Lord Ainz."
"What is your name, human, and what being brought you here?"
"My name is Michael Woods, I was brought here by a god of sorts. I'm afraid I'm nothing more than an actor in his entertainment. Watching a young human struggle for years to fight the most powerful being in the world." Michael monologues and chuckled a bit at the end.
"Well, Woods. Your actions are in vain. Do you have any final words before I allow Sebas here to end your life?"
"A simple request. May I make myself one final cup of tea before I pass?" Michael's request was met by anger from the other followers of Ainz. Disgusted that Woods would make such a selfish request before him. To their surprise, Ainz allowed Michael time to prepare his last drink.
"Thank you Lord Ainz." Michael sat silent emptying the contents of his bag. A teapot, a stand, a bag of herbs, a cup, a bladder of water, and kindling for fire. Michael began to prepare the tea setting the water to boil. There was a moment of silence broken by Michael.
"I am from Carne Village by the way. I am eternally grateful you saved my friends and family from the invaders, Lord Ainz. I returned home to see my people rebuilding after the devastation."
"If you claim to have returned after the attack how did you even know I was there?"
"I know a lot about you Lord Ainz, and of your followers. Rest assured I am the only one who knows of this place or any of your names, so when I die you have no reason to worry."
"Lord Ainz would have no reason to worry even if the strongest human kingdom came to this place!" Shalltear spoke up annoyed at Michael's statement.
"On that, we do not disagree. Although even the most powerful warrior is annoyed by pests in his home. I assume this is a similar situation." Steam rose from the teapot as the water boiled. Michael stopped the fire and put the kindling and ashes back in his bag. He poured his cup of tea and breathed in the sweet smell before taking a sip.
"Oh, how rude of me. Would any of you care for a cup?"
"Don't stall your death, human!" Cocytus spoke. Michael wasn't surprised by it, Cocytus' warrior personality probably made him think Michael was scared and stalling for time.
"I apologize Cocytus but I am not stalling. I'm nothing more than a man who is about to die. The least I can do is die with honor, hospitality has strong ties to honor. At least I think they do." Michael took another sip of his tea and was a quarter of the way finished.
"How have you prepared this tea, Woods?" Ainz spoke breaking the tension with conversation.
"It is by far my favorite. It's made with a flower called the Angel's Heart. The brew is golden in coloration tastes sweet with a tone of Vanilla. Oh my, I didn't even think about how it would taste or affect someone who isn't human. Forgive my disrespect."
"You enjoy tea yourself, Sebas. You can partake in it if you wish." Ainz replied which surprised his followers. Michael only smiled and made the cup and stood with it in his hands. Sebas approached Michael who only smiled at the dragon before him. He stopped in front of Michael and Michael extended the cup out to him.
"Thank you for the tea, Woods."
"Tea with a fascinating stranger is one of life's greatest delights. Do be careful I don't know if a dragon would enjoy tea made for humans even if you are in your human form, and it is quite hot." Michael backed away and returned to his own cup but stayed standing.
"So you can deduce my Race on top of my name?"
"It's as I said I know much, but I will be dead soon and my knowledge will go with me to the grave." Michael continued to sip his tea he was now down to just under half. Sebas took a sip himself and his eyes widened.
"Oh, does it taste bad? I am terribly sorry." Michael had a look of regret on his face, but Sebas instead continued to sip the tea before replying.
"No, it is quite delicious. You said Angel's Heart was the flower that made this tea?"
"Oh, that's wonderful to hear. Yes, I did. Just a moment." Michael went through his bag and pulled out the journal he used to log all of the herbs he had made tea with and their tastes.
"I don't know exactly where Angel's Heart is found but an herbalist in E-Rantel seems to always have some in stock. This Journal also has other herbs I have used for teas, I won't be needing it soon, but I'd hate to see it go to waste." Michael handed the journal to Sebas who took it and thanked Michael. Michael finished his cup and put his items back in his bag.
"Well, I guess we better get started. Would you like the rest of the tea? Surprisingly this brew stands well and can be reheated without losing its quality." Michael asked Sebas who in turn took the teapot and placed it down just a few paces behind him.
"You stare certain death in the face and keep such a positive outlook. I respect your bravery human. Do you have any other requests?" Ainz spoke as Michael and Sebas stood on opposing sides of the rug.
"Well, I have one but I fear I may be pushing my boundaries of your grace."
"Being offered such benevolence and not taking advantage of it is a form of disrespect I acknowledge. What do you wish?"
"Well, there is a woman I love. Maria Ross in Carne Village. She grew sick following the attack on Carne Village, she's in pain and I can't bear it. If there was any way you could lift her ails her I would be most grateful." Everything was on the table now. Michael pleaded in his head for Ainz to agree to help her.
"I will look into it. If there is nothing else you may combat Sebas." Michael was overjoyed a tear rolled down his face.
"Thank you Lord Ainz. Words cannot express my gratitude. Lord Sebas, My name is Michael Woods let good graces be to the winner, and mercy in the afterlife for the loser." Michael bowed before Sebas. Who simply stood there waiting for Michael to attack. Michael took a basic stance and approached.
The battle damage Michael sustained moments into the fight was devastating. He was bleeding from nearly every inch of his body and his left arm was broken. Despite this, he was still standing. Even though he knew he was going to die Michael had no intention of dying without putting up a fight. Sebas slowly walked up to the weakened Michael unfazed by any attack. Michael threw a right straight right at Sebas that only caused the dragon's body to flex ever so slightly. Sebas raised his foot ready to drop it onto Michael's head. Michael activated his higher withstand ability just as the strike hit him. He fell to the ground appearing to be dead. Sebas began to walk away, but Michael began getting up.
"I-I ain't d- dead yet." Michael's voice was weak his arm was healed but he was still severely weakened. Sebas was surprised and slightly impressed Michael managed to survive.
"I commend your power Woods, But now I will end this." Sebas entered a combat stance, and Michael put everything he had into his final stand.
"Calming Grace. Greater Ability Boost. Mithral Fist. Unbreakable Fortress. Greater Evasion." Sebas rushed Michael, despite activating every buff he had Sebas was still incredibly fast. Michael was only barely able to block or dodge any attack by Sebas. His increased defenses allowed him to sustain more damage but it didn't matter. For every one attack, he negated in some way three would land where it failed. Michael barely lasted more than a few seconds before falling before Sebas. Michael was bloodied battered and beaten unable to move on the floor as his consciousness faded in and out. Sebas stood over him, he said something but Michael couldn't make out what it was in any capacity.
"N-not bad f-for a worm, eh?" Michael weakly chuckled and coughed. Sebas finished his sentence and raised his fist.
'Oh lord please make sure Mari-' Michael's thoughts were cut off by a finishing blow striking his chest exactly where his heart was.
'ma...ri...a' Michael took his last breath and finally died.
WAIT! WAIT! WAIT! I know I said this was gonna be the last chapter and in a sense it is. This is the canonical end of my story. I want to leave it open-ended so you can interpret what happens via your own imagination BUT! I will release two endings tomorrow that I personally enjoyed and couldn't decide between either one. At the end of the day Thank all of you for joining me on this adventure. I stated in earlier chapters that I understand that OC stories are not enjoyable for a multitude of reasons. And I will not argue against people who feel that way. I can understand how jaded a lot of readers especially in this fandom where there are so few stories without OC's feel. You already feel attached to the characters that already exist so why add some shitty OC? I get it and I understand. So to those people who somehow made it this far. I hope you find a story on this platform you enjoy. To those of you who enjoyed my story I can't thank you enough for the support I received even after I vanished without a word. So thank you. For everyone who read this story if even for a few words please tell me how I can improve my storytelling, my word choice, my grammar. PLEASE RIP INTO MY STORY! I want to continue writing but I don't want to be on this site writing nothing but garbage. I have a secondary story I am currently thinking of and WILL need the feedback from this one to write that one the best I can. Spoilers it has another OC. (I sorry please no yell at me) With that said technically speaking this story is complete but do return tomorrow for my two unofficial official endings.
WU TANG!